Dan Reed Network
Towards the end of the '80s a funk metal phenomenon was beginning to rise to prominence, building upon the foundations laid down by Mother's Finest, Parliament, and Funkadelic in the '70s, with bands such as Living Colour, Faith No More, the Electra Boys, and Dan Reed Network leading the way. Hailing from Oregon, USA, the Network featured Dan Reed (vocals), Melvin Brannon II (bass), Brion James (lead guitar), Daniel Pred (drums), and Blake Sakamoto (keyboards). The band was signed to Mercury Records and released their first, self-titled album in 1988 which combined the commercial rock element of artists such as Bon Jovi with the funk edge of Prince. The album was enthusiastically received by those people craving rock music with a difference. Tracks such as Get To You and Ritual soon became dance floor hits at rock clubs. The debut was followed by SLAM produced by Nile Rodgers of Chicfame, who gave the album a slightly rockier feel while still retaining the funk element of its predecessor. The single Rainbow Child provided the band with its first minor UK hit single, briefly entering the Top 40 in 1989. Prestigious support slots were gained in 1990 in Europe with Bon Jovi and the The Rolling Stones, which helped to raise their profile and bring their music to much larger audiences. In 1991 THE HEAT was released which saw them reunited with Bruce Fairburn—the producer of their first album. This included a unique version of Pink Floyd's Money as well as the singles Mix It Up and Baby Now I, both of which failed to make an impression in the charts. Despite critical acclaim, support slots on major tours and a fair degree of radio exposure, Dan Reed Network have yet to achieve their big commercial break and have had to watch their contemporaries such as Living Colour and Faith No More achieve platinum status. Even though major success has eluded them, Dan Reed Network are still regarded as one of the main instigators of the funk metal scene.