Snarky Puppy - Take It! (feat. Bernard Wright) (Empire Central)

Snarky Puppy - Take It! (feat. Bernard Wright)
From Snarky Puppy's new album, Empire Central (September 2022, GroundUP Music)
Stream/Buy: orcd.co/empirecentral
Written by Bobby Sparks
Arranged by Bobby Sparks, Michael League and Snarky Puppy
Bob Lanzetti - Electric guitar
Mark Lettieri - Electric guitar
Chris McQueen - Electric guitar
Bernard Wright - Wurlitzer and Prophet 10 (solo)
Justin Stanton - Yamaha CP70 electric piano
Bobby Sparks - Hammond B3 organ, Hohner D6 Clavinet, ARP String Ensemble, and Minimoog Model D
Bill Laurance - Fender Rhodes Mark 8
Shaun Martin - Talkbox, Moog Little Phatty, and Korg Kronos
Zach Brock - Violin
Mike “Maz” Maher - Trumpet
Jay Jennings - Flugelhorn & Trumpet (Solo)
Chris Bullock - Tenor sax and flute
Bob Reynolds - Tenor sax
Michael League - Electric bass
Nate Werth - Percussion
Keita Ogawa - Percussion
Marcelo Woloski - Percussion
Jason “JT” Thomas - Drum set (Solo)
Larnell Lewis - Drum set (Solo)
Jamison Ross - Drum set (Solo)
Jep Jorba - Director / camera operator
David Bretones - Director of Photography / camera operator
Brad Holt - Line producer / camera operator
Andrew Redd - Gaffer / camera operator
Chris Brian - Camera operator
Ranjani Groth - Camera operator
Jun Kang - Camera operator
Emily Holt - Camera operator
Reid Walker - Dolly operator
Joseph Fisher - Dolly Operator
Produced by Michael League and Snarky Puppy
Engineered by Nic Hard, Matt Recchia, and Michael Harrison
Engineering assisted by Skyler Childress, Michael League, and Shakthi Prasad KT
Mixed by Nic Hard
Mastered by Dave McNair
Recorded and filmed March 3-10, 2022, at Deep Ellum Art Company in Dallas, Texas, USA
Mixed March 15 - April 7, 2022, at Estudi Vint in Els Prats de Rei, Catalonia, Spain
Photography by Brian Friedman and Jep Jorba
Video edited by Michael League and Jep Jorba
Film consulting by Andy LaViolette
Production managed by Rosanna Freedman
Project managed by Jamie Margulies
Stage assembled by Mason Davis, Matt Recchia, Rosanna Freedman, and Michael Harrison
Graphic design by Claire Morales
Managed by Mike Chadwick Management
Follow Snarky Puppy
Facebook: / snarkypuppy
Twitter: / realsnarkypuppy
Instagram: / snarkypuppy
Website: snarkypuppy.com
Follow GroundUP Music
Facebook: / groundupmusicworld
Twitter: / groundupmusicny
Instagram: / groundupmusicny
Website: groundupmusic.net

[@mrswright1984]

In my 38+ years with Bernard I have never seen or felt anything like this. Nard was so happy it was as if he was in heaven on earth. Thank you Mike and Snarky Puppy❣️

[@tonireutter2468]

we love you Anita!

[@mrswright1984]

@@tonireutter2468 Thank you Toni! Sending love to you all too❣️

[@FunkCitynet]

So sorry he left us, so glad to have met him and been there to witness this! All love to you!

[@davidmurphy5647]

what a parting gift this is. that solo is clearly miles davis on keys. as a key player, i wish i had that kind of restraint. amazing...

[@davidmurphy5647]

@anitawright thankyou for sharing...

[@mgamgam]

Larnell hitting the drums behind his back is such a flex.

[@deanwalker9605]

What do you mean?

[@Rhyth_Mike]

😂😂

[@setermd]

@@deanwalker9605 5:37

[@Joe-zk7ps]

Didn't even catch it the first 3-4 watches. Lovely.

[@jayskywalker5049]

YESSSSSS

[@Ripstickers13]

The fact that there are 3 drummers on full kits and it sounds THIS tight is insane.

[@ondolite3789]

Plus 3 percussionists!

[@Diego.drummer]

All the notes and beat are together. I can't hear any 'flam' on snares. Great musicians!! Larnel, Jamison and JT on drums.

[@2earache]

And the ‘purpose’ of 3 drummers is what? I’d damn well expect them to be ‘tight’ but aside from their solo performances thrown in, this is a simple exercise in ‘gilding the lily’ and superfluous to the needs of already great music from Snarky Puppy. A redundant sham!!

[@ondolite3789]

@@2earache If you look for a 'purpose' in art then you will always be left pondering.

[@2earache]

@@ondolite3789……if ever there was an ambiguous response to the extreme, you’ve done an excellent job! You never simply expect everything to be ‘art enhanced’, cross your fingers and hope nobody will notice. Your contribution here is accepting what has been placed in front of you upon a plate, not questioning any aspect of it and then broadly celebrating everything you see as ‘art’, whatever the consequences!

[@hanlyu5634]

This is a pure gift. Bernard giving way too less notes than what usual puppies give us but that results in so much groove, while 30 or so musicians grooving in unison, and three top notch drummers trading in solos to finish up. What a champ.

[@NateGH36O]

Great point. It's gonna take me a couple listens to really appreciate his solo but I do love how different it is

[@ole_limberlegs]

I think an album of chill songs would be something I would listen to. if it's anything like this that is.

[@maziarnoei4191]

Yes, because the groove has nothing to do with his solo. Actually, his solo is very repetitive and basic.

[@SuperHell99]

@@maziarnoei4191 just because it may not be a complex solo on a technical level, does not mean the solo is worse off. Not every solo has to be like the Lingus one to be great

[@hanlyu5634]

​@@maziarnoei4191 That's only one side of the coin. Bernard's solo leaves lots of pocket to the point it's hard to see what's foreground and background. But every once in a while he stabs with unusual timing and notes to claim he's at the foreground, but barely. I can't stop frowning my face every time he does that. It's such a fine balancing between who's grooving and who's soloing. Perhaps it's partly his personality, seeing him leaving the stage right away while everyone is applauding.

[@iangordon8078]

How do you just drop this on me at 10PM not say a word and walk off like im not gonna be up all night now.

[@tordana]

Bernard's solo is an absolute masterclass. Every note has a purpose.

[@rachidvanheyningen]

FR

[@AlejandroLopez-dx2hh]

Ong

[@samcooke343]

And so much space, too. Literally whole bars of it. Every note he doesn't play has a purpose.

[@steve441962]

just like miles

[@CalebDiT]

You're misunderstanding this kind of improv. Jazz improv generally includes many mistakes and impulsive transitions. Onlookers say, "Masterful!" but it's really not. Bernard's solo wasn't very musical and not even close to being called skillful.

[@markprater1]

One of the things I love the most about Michael League's leadership is that when he gives you room to solo, it seems like he gives you all the bars and backing support that you need to fully express your thoughts...no 8 bar solos with the 'Pups.

[@markmark9639]

they may have given Bernard the best song on the album to play a solo to...and Jay Jennings [rare] trumpet solo moment was absolutely awesome

[@cora1545]

and he sits there and plays…but is he playing or is he mostly just listening and showing his appreciation for you? i swear half the joy in these videos is michael’s own radiating through the screen.

[@firephoenixmusic2]

@@markmark9639 I thought Jay played the flugelhorn, I could be wrong though.

[@markmark9639]

@@firephoenixmusic2 you are correct, Jay begins the song on Flueglehorn but switches instruments for his solo. I don't see that he goes back to the Flueglehorn for the remainder of the song.

[@firephoenixmusic2]

@@markmark9639 true, just noticed.

[@rafaelsantti714]

Nard showing us why the notes you dont play are so important, such an amazing solo...

[@meissonr10]

R.I.P Bernard, thank you for this last gift!

[@VeenoBoomin]

The audience facial expressions aren't stanky enough!!! How they staying this calm while hearing this heat?!?!

[@David-A-yyc]

everyone without the stank, out the back please.

[@meser9473]

@@David-A-yyc lol

[@creamusjones1568]

Absolutely

[@stcmattb]

It could also be a 2nd or 3rd take, so the initial stank might have worn off 🤣

[@jeffreystringer]

I was an attendee. They asked us not to groove TOO much and steal the show from the performers. They were tough instructions to follow.

[@Levi-ci7yo]

After waiting what seems like 10 years, Snarky Puppy did not disappoint

[@kurtstracener8243]

What a legend...What a way to take a solo. So honest. I actually went to this recording in Dallas and was able to catch Bernard playing at a bar with some of The Funky Knuckles. It was so cool to hear him talk to young musicians, you could tell he was filled with wisdom and it was so amazing to get to hear him in person. If you haven't listen to his music you have to! RIP Bernard Wright

[@MasterStratocaster9]

Yo Kurt! I'm the phone guy! What a treat to see Nard with the knucks and the pups in the same night. Take it easy, brotha!

[@kurtstracener8243]

@@MasterStratocaster9 oh shit bro what a legendary/ stressful night lol

[@doublejay29]

When the whole band applauded at the end that really got me. Wow wow wow. what a beautiful moment - a final curtain call for such an epic musician. also that synth solo tone!! and space!! and feel!! felt like he was already ascended to that big jam in the sky. 🙏🏼

[@cooldebt]

😭

[@raimundoarce7014]

Quite a band up there!!

[@andrewglick6279]

Knowing how the album recording was postponed due to COVID, I am glad it worked out that we could get this song with the legendary Mr. Wright before he passed away. May he rest in peace, and his legacy live on.

[@gregmuscovalley3791]

That dirty, crazy wack funky ruthless groove synth driven jazz funk, only the Bernie's. Bernie Worrell and Bernard Wright. I miss them both

[@eldani8095]

Bernard so relaxed on the keys, so smooth man

[@evan_ack]

If you guys haven't heard Hoboglobotribin by Bernard, it's one of the funkiest things you'll ever hear. This just takes it to the next level

[@edennard1]

4 sho

[@blbass4487]

That entire album is 🔥

[@TMthe33rd]

With young Marcus Miller playing the bass? Now that's funky

[@christopherwashington7668]

@@TMthe33rd Yeah, how'd you like to have him and Dennis Chambers on your first album?!

[@penguinista]

Thank you!

[@WhoIsAlexElliott]

Love how the older guys solo was so mature. Everyone else dance fast jazz hands lol. But this guy was slow precise and smooth ❤

[@MrSpeedygrooves]

That older guy is Bernard wright.. listen to Jamaica funk .. he's been on the scene. Crack messed him up

[@benjousan8470]

Bernard was very special. There’s some great video on KZbin of him playing with Roy Hargrove. The two of them were probably the biggest influences on Snarky Puppy, which is why they had Nard record on this Dallas-themed album.

[@playinhard]

The delicious spaces Nard left in his monumental solo became music in themselves. The utter joy and admiration in Michael's face and those of the other musicians speak volumes! Just brilliant!

[@buk3091]

The funk. The groove. The jazz. That’s the magic of Snarky. The ability to serenade the audience in a soundscape mixed to perfection whilst maintaining the unique groove and magic, everyone having fun. Absolutely cannot wait to hear the album. Edit: the album is actually out and it does not disappoint!

[@David-A-yyc]

true story

[@Levi-ci7yo]

Album is out

[@saturnative]

My only problem with Snarky puppy is that that all the musicians are "to perfect". There is no Jimi Hendrix element in it. Yea it's jazz but two drummers and no out of the box rythm section... Vain. Empty. Too perfect! I can listen to Snarky Puppy and admire the musicianship but their lacking the dept. Too good musicians to make the "grooove"! I admire the musicianship, the proficiency of the musicians, their skillz! But their music is "to perfect". If Snarky Puppers would like to get an extra notch, they'd have to hire Charles Berthoud to spice up their rythm section. kzbin.info/www/bejne/roTRkJmLgNV2ftU Man I love Snarky Puppy but they sound so dull and boring... So overproduced and just lame. Too much overstudied musicians in a gang of boredom.

[@markvenuto9383]

why did you copy and rephrase the top comment on the "Belmont" music video lol

[@sockpoppy]

It’s true but came here to say this comment sounds familiar

[@Ramonikki]

REST IN PEACE TO SUCH A PIONNER DAAAAAMNNNNN HE WALKED WITH THE STANK ON HIM......HE didnt have to over play or play ridiculously fast but that vibe alone changed everything....BERNARD WRIGHT MR FUNK

[@singsinghai1505]

RIP Bernald Wright :( His soul spreads the whole Texas

[@fheering]

Guess what? I've just downloaded the full Empire Central album and I'm having a blissful and joyful Friday, right now.

[@hermanaraujo8023]

Bernard's solo is just mind blowing... I can't stop listening to this and feeling every note he's playing. Absolute music master. Wowx1000000

[@rongreen1103]

I've said it elsewhere and I'm going to say it again..."Bernard left y'all a gift". ❤👏👏👏❤️ RIP brother.🙏

[@vivalibertasergovivitelibe4111]

I only really listened to bernard's left hand on the second listen. The more I listen to it the more I appreciate his solo. It just keeps unfolding. The way he brings it in is so perfect.

[@joshjamesuk]

Bobby always writes THE funkiest shit. Bernard, you were one special, special musician. Rest in Musical Peace ❤

[@waynewright5023]

Larnell Lewis nailed one of his drums *BEHIND HIS BACK!!!* BEHIND~HIS~BACK!!! OMG!!!

[@aweso100]

5:38 This dude Larnell over here with the behind-the-back move, come ON!

[@garbagewitch666]

Larnell's fist-pump at 2:44 brought me so much joy

[@markvenuto9383]

ikr, i love how you can still see it in the background at 2:46

[@rajivlewis5895]

Bernard's solo had notes on 10, soul on 1000! Such a perfect soulo.... Damn!! ❤

[@TheoPembo.]

What an absolute masterpiece of a song and an album! RIP Bernard

[@markprater1]

Bobby Sparks and 'Nard...what a dangerous pair! Lost my money in that pocket

[@stanvans3214]

NARD!!!!! Funky in the sounds, funky in the silence. Funky in life, funky in death.

[@SeanFenlon]

Bernard Wright's solo begins long before Bernard Wright's solo IMHO 😎

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

My album was pre-ordered from Amazon and hopefully will be delivered later today or tomorrow. I. CAN. NOT. WAIT!!! R.I.P. 'Nard....

[@JackKad]

It's like arcadey funk, I love it. R.I.P. Bernard

[@paihobbes8680]

Massively deep pocket, Nard showing us how's its done proper, massive drum flex at the end and so much funk my funk face and bop is about to fall off.!! Love the Puppy more than ever!! 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@brenttauromusic]

Never in a million years would I have thought of THAT solo to have the least notes AND be the most perfect solo to grace this tune. RIP sir. Thank you for the music.

[@Owenvip1997]

I'm so freaking glad I stayed up for this

[@lmh_1858]

RIP Bernard!! What a legend.

[@TheAxiom101]

Now if this isn't secret agent music, I don't know what is

[@user-et4do4jm1q]

Bro my face is sore after listening to Bernard’s solo. I can’t handle the filthiness

[@David-A-yyc]

so much filth

[@JMGilberto]

Outright stank.

[@David-A-yyc]

@@JMGilberto ohhhh shiiit. right in the corner pocket cuz.

[@kithkani]

That breakdown at the end was 🔥!

[@thegroove2000]

Orgasmic. Amazing.

[@antonkoch6979]

With this solo, rest in peace Nard!

[@darrylredwood7544]

I loved the Micheal, and the other guitars were listening to Bernard with big Grins on their faces. I was grooving to everything being played.

[@barbaracale1015]

It's amazing that there are all these cats playing and they're never ever stepping on one another sonically. As always, just killer. Hehehe when I play a gig with this many friends, I start laughing and saying how we're all gonna get paid about a dollar-fifty each, but oh well. 😆 we ain't on their level.

[@GoranZec]

Only Snarky Puppy can do such a groove so huge and so tight

[@edennard1]

I remember seeing Nard down in the village playing with Lenny White when we both were like 15 years old..RIP Nard … 🙏🏾

[@christophercortes9152]

we love you NARD!!

[@mabuie]

Wow! Another classic by Snarky. RIP to the master Bernard Wright!

[@skipmessier765]

Just received my copy today. This track is beyond belief ! Bernard showing everyone how it’s done and then winding up with a drummer trio onslaught that doesn’t miss a beat. Too bad the videos weren’t included in the release. Would’ve preferred that to streaming.

[@s2szn]

I can't get over 4:26, HE'S JUST TOO GOOD [edit: WAIT LARNELL BEHIND THE BACK??? AYE YOOOO]

[@musician445]

I don't know Bernard's music, but its just fantastic and heart warming that folks like Snarky Puppy gave him one last ride and introduced me and likely others to his awesomeness.

[@christopherwashington7668]

I grew up with him. Listen to 'Haboglabotribin' and the stuff from his first album, "Nard." A lot of samples came from there that you'd recognize. Give it a listen. And Dennis Chambers on drums. Special!

[@rongreen1103]

This will never get old for me...❤😂😊❤

[@xxphactor]

Man, it feels good to see Nard get his roses before he passed. And those drummers at the end.....curse words!...lol

[@michaelnotes8707]

The legendary master Bernard.. RIP Daddy.. Those Guitar Chords + keyboards and the Drums outro solos were out of this world.

[@stephenstrussvideo]

Real will always recognize real. And fuck, Bernard was a real one.

[@thescatman5029]

Three drummers, three guits, a seven-piece horn section sounding like Seawind on steroids, a '57-looking P Bass groove and an exit solo from a Hall of Fame keyboard man!

[@jce34me]

Nard! My mom used to play his music all the time when I was younger. This brought me to tears, man. I also heard the trumpeter slip in "Jean Pierre." Anyway, the use of space on Wright's solo. The purpose…the patience. These young, busy dudes need to take notes. Space matters. Journey well, bruh.

[@bennybrooke]

Dude I recognised that trumpet reference, I had a jazz pianist friend who taught me how to play that tune on piano years ago at uni (well he showed me how to play a basic version of the melody and it's always stuck with me) and I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was called! Scoured the comments in the hope that someone else caught it...thank you man! Jean Pierre! Peace and love!

[@jce34me]

@@bennybrooke of course, man! The internet wins again.

[@seven8time]

Thank you for this gift. All your gifts. Thank you.

[@digableskillz]

This truly makes my soul happy to see such an incredible performance by the greatest band that featured one of the greatest innovators/keyboardists/ of r&b & funk for the last 50+ years. I bought Bernard's first solo album back in '81 and I followed him until the end. Peaceful rest to you, sir and thank you for all that you taught us!

[@vjthehandsome5659]

I loved seeing Jay Jennings' solo because he almost always looks so serious when he plays. It was nice to see him jam out a little.

[@Dredakyst]

So dope! The band is masterfully tight!!! RIP Nard… thank you for your gift to this planet

[@TheloniusJ]

Seriously the baddest cats walking the earth right now. Such a phenomenal collective.

[@hope2play]

Who dat say Snarky Puppy can't get funky? Dear God in Heaven! What a soul rippin song!

[@felipedecastrodesouza3611]

I literally cried

[@shodapad07]

Rest on brother Bernard Wright! Thank you for all you were ❤!

[@skyehcarranza]

Love this tune and love Bernard’s solo! Flashy runs are great and all (and they have their time and place, like in Lingus, one of if not the most well-known SP tune), but it’s nice to have a cool and deadly, chill improvisation with great note choices and rhythmic placements. RIP Bernard.

[@kalungatbaby4013]

RIP Legend!!

[@samuelc5908]

BEST DAY EVER!!! Snarky puppy released empire central, and Jacob Collier recently released his piano ballads album!

[@bobisolano3161]

First time I don't feel afraid of getting tired of hearing a tune I love. I listened 10+ times a day for days and still get tearful every time. RIP Nard and thank you for such parting gift. Funk up that heaven before I come. 💙

[@HungarianGuitarist]

gooooosh that Bernard's solo was out of this world, looooved it, and the "Jean Pierre" melody in the trumpet solo :)

[@issiewizzie]

Treasure moments like these people .... having a full house of musicians playing in harmony .

[@harryh5620]

that is flat out fonky. Well done, lads

[@yasha1928]

I can't believe this was in Dallas.. I wish I would've looked it up because I would've went! It's only 4 hours from me!

[@zarenm11]

Bernard's solo gets better and better the more you listen it. Try to do it you'll hear what I mean

[@D.dot.]

💯

[@magnoalbertoaraujo6591]

Wow

[@OdhranWAR]

Thank you for everything Nard, without you, the pups wouldn’t groove half as hard! Legend!

[@thmsrttg]

RIP Bernard 😭🙏

[@emorycarroll]

This whole album is incredible, but there's something about this song. The pocket's 5 miles deep!

[@dvx216]

I'm 61 yrs old and a tenor player cut my teeth on Jaco ,Miles, Billy Cobham thank you for keep it all alive and staying in the Grove.

[@bootsified]

I seriously can't imagine a more comfy bed for Bernard to lay in. Geez...

[@johnwestbaymusic]

Oh man I was lucky enough to be in this session! What a night!!!

[@donyoung5091]

I hate you and want to be you at the same time! How is this possible? What an incredible experience that must have been.

[@jamesgugle7789]

Snarky Puppy have such an elevated mastery of writing and playing that anything they create, from my perspective, sits on level with everything that came before it. There's no peak to these people because they just live at the top! I can't get over the feelings they create in me every time I listen to their music. Sublime is the closest thing I can use to describe it.

[@_BirdOfGoodOmen]

2:47 Those synth stabs ohhhhh man

[@BenDavidTriggSongs]

Everybody within three blocks was boppin' their heads at 84bpm

[@gonzola3k214]

Those little two bar drum solos at the end! Mwah!

[@JMGilberto]

Funk is all about the space you leave, and where you leave it. Nard's solo is an absolute f*cking masterclass in this.

[@lawrencecreed9610]

Watched this several times and the best is focusing on left and/or right side of screen to see the reaction of the guests and other musicians. So groovin'!!! Magical!!!! RIP Bernard Wright. ❤

[@thadima1996]

that go-go feel during the solo❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@BongoBaggins]

You love to see Jay back on the Flugel. He is majestic on that thing

[@BongoBaggins]

And then to prove me wrong, he picks up the trumpet 😩 (I'm live-replying on first listen)

[@johnnicholas7420]

@@BongoBaggins I liked the "Jean Pierre" quote.

[@jeffreyjohnson4365]

RIP to the LEGEND that is Bernard Wright 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@HardlineSoul]

RIP - Bernard Wright

[@KuttyJoe]

They are exquisitely professional.

[@Jamaicafunk]

'Nard lives. Jamaica Queens represent!

[@Cov3nKing]

What a massive groooooove ! HUUUUUUGE !!! 💪🤌

[@steveiuliano1672]

Rest In Peace Bernard you champion.

[@point2822]

🔥🇺🇸🖼🖊🎼🎶🙏stunning aggregation NYC Jamaica Queens gracing this live Bellezza Bernard Wright 🇺🇸🖼🎹Icon May you Rest In Peace my friend. .28 from 👂🌎Just like you

[@staggersmusic]

TOOOOO MUCH FIRE FOR THE INTERNET!!!! WOW!!!