Biography
Axiom Funk is not a traditional band or solo artist, but rather a collaborative project spearheaded by renowned bassist and producer Bill Laswell in the mid-1990s. Conceived as a studio 'supergroup,' Axiom Funk brought together an eclectic roster of musicians primarily associated with the Parliament-Funkadelic collective, as well as other luminaries from the worlds of funk, rock, and experimental music. The project’s only full-length album, 'Funkcronomicon' (1995), stands as a testament to Laswell’s vision of fusing deep funk grooves with avant-garde production and genre-blurring collaborations.
The roots of Axiom Funk lie in Laswell’s long-standing fascination with funk, jazz, and world music, as well as his history of working with members of the P-Funk family. By the early 1990s, Laswell had already established himself as a prolific producer and the founder of Axiom Records, a label dedicated to boundary-pushing releases. For 'Funkcronomicon,' Laswell assembled a lineup that included George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Eddie Hazel, Maceo Parker, and Sly Dunbar, among others. The album features both new material and reworked tracks, some of which were among the final recordings of legendary guitarist Eddie Hazel.
Musically, Axiom Funk is characterized by its dense, psychedelic funk sound, layered with experimental production techniques and contributions from a diverse array of musicians. The project is notable for its reverence for the P-Funk tradition while simultaneously pushing the genre into new sonic territories. Though Axiom Funk released only one album, 'Funkcronomicon' has achieved cult status and is regarded as a significant entry in the evolution of modern funk, bridging the classic era of Parliament-Funkadelic with contemporary experimental music.
Fun Facts
- The 'Funkcronomicon' album title is a play on H.P. Lovecraft’s fictional grimoire, the Necronomicon, reflecting the album’s mystical and experimental vibe.
- Several tracks on 'Funkcronomicon' feature some of the last studio recordings made by Eddie Hazel before his death in 1992.
- Axiom Funk was not a touring band; it existed solely as a studio project curated by Bill Laswell.
- The project brought together musicians from funk, jazz, reggae, and experimental backgrounds, many of whom had never previously recorded together.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- George Clinton - P-Funk architect and major inspiration for the Axiom Funk project; Laswell was heavily influenced by Clinton's approach to funk and collective music-making. (Funkcronomicon) [1970s-1990s]
- Ornette Coleman - Laswell cited Coleman’s free jazz innovations as a formative influence on his approach to improvisation and genre fusion. (Laswell's broader career, not specific to Axiom Funk) [1970s-1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Eddie Hazel - Legendary Funkadelic guitarist; contributed posthumous guitar tracks to Funkcronomicon, including 'If 6 Was 9' and 'Pray My Soul.' (Funkcronomicon) [1990s (recorded earlier, released posthumously)]
- Bootsy Collins - P-Funk bassist and vocalist; provided bass and vocals on several tracks. (Funkcronomicon) [1990s]
- Bernie Worrell - P-Funk keyboardist; contributed signature synthesizer and keyboard parts. (Funkcronomicon) [1990s]
- Maceo Parker - Famed saxophonist (James Brown, P-Funk); played saxophone on select tracks. (Funkcronomicon) [1990s]
- Sly Dunbar - Reggae drummer; contributed drums and percussion. (Funkcronomicon) [1990s]
- George Clinton - Primary P-Funk leader; provided vocals, songwriting, and production input. (Funkcronomicon) [1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Praxis - Another Bill Laswell project; drew on the collaborative, genre-blending approach pioneered in Axiom Funk. (Transmutation (Mutatis Mutandis), Sacrifist) [1990s]
- Modern funk and electronic producers - Axiom Funk’s experimental production and collaborative ethos influenced later generations of funk, hip-hop, and electronic artists. (Various, indirect influence) [2000s-present]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Funkcronomicon | 1995-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- If 6 Was 9 (Funkcronomicon)
- Pray My Soul (Funkcronomicon)
- Under The Influence (Jes Grew) (Funkcronomicon)
- Cosmic Slop (Funkcronomicon)
- Order Within The Universe (Funkcronomicon)
- Orbitron Attack (Funkcronomicon)
- Hideous Mutant Freaks (Funkcronomicon)
- Sax Machine (Funkcronomicon)
- Free-Bass (Godzillartron Cush) (Funkcronomicon)
- Tell The World (Funkcronomicon)
External Links
Tags: #funk, #soul
References
Heard on WWOZ
Axiom Funk has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2025 | 20:28 | pray my soul | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold |