Overnight Male: 80s Akron funk
Back in the late 80s I had the pleasure of working with some vocalists from the Akron area who were putting together some demos. They went by the name Overnight Male and consisted of vocalist Loren Qualls and vocalist, bassist Chuck Moorer. I played guitar on one of their tracks (I’ve Been Watchin’ You) and in the process was able to get a hold of some of the other cuts they’d recorded. I don’t know who’s on the rest of the instrumentation but they’re smokin’. Which might explain why I’d held on to these tracks on cassette all these years. Well I finally digitized them and they’re only slightly worse for the wear.
I never heard these cuts on the radio and lost touch with the fellas (if you’re out there holla’ at your boy!). They’re worth hearing, A prime example of mid-80s funk served up Northeast Ohio style. Reminds me a bit of Cameo with some exceptional keyboard and bass work. Wish I knew what happened to these cats. They may have been too funky to make a buck1
1 Too funky to make a buck: An individual or group so talented or original that the corporate suits have trouble putting them in a convenient niche. When given an opportunity the audience many times hasn’t the proper funkentelechy to appreciate what they’re listening to.
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March 8th, 2012 11:23
NICE! I remember hearing that name around town when I was a young buck but never got to check them out.
There was a good funk/soul band out of NEO in the 90′s, unsigned, that some friends of mine managed to book to play a show at my house in college around 92. They had originals and were selling a tape but did some covers too. I’m blanking on the name, something like Mister Wiggles or something. I remember the singer was playing keys and singing his azz off. Totally random memory but this slice of Ohio funk got me thinking…
thx, raz
March 8th, 2012 16:35
Glad you liked it. There is/was so much talent in our area it’s a shame that more of it never got out. I’d love to post any more ol’ school local funk that I can get my hands on.
July 3rd, 2012 12:31
Man, I haven’t heard those sounds in years. Thanks for brining it back!
July 3rd, 2012 14:22
Loren Qualls in da house! What you been up to? Hope you’re doing well. This funk deserved to be heard so I put it in the wind. I’m glad you got a kick out of it.
July 11th, 2012 23:29
Man!!! We were wayyyy ahead of our time!!!
July 12th, 2012 07:08
We had some original ideas and our licks were pretty good. We should do a reunion album..?!?!?!
February 4th, 2013 05:24
This version, a looser rendition of one of Squeeze’s most memorable songs, brings to mind the spontaneous jam sessions that spring forth near the end of the night, when everyone’s feeling a little cheeky, but not ready for the night to be over. This is lead vocalist Mike Pompa’s singing debut with the band which borrows as much from older folk influences like the Old Crow Medicine Show, as new ones like Lucinda Williams and the Jayhawks.