I've never disliked the song, "Ease On Down The Road," from "The Wiz," but I don't ordinarily seek it out. For many listeners, the Diana Ross & Michael Jackson rendition is most familiar. After listening to a Carolbeth True Trio CD today, however, I realized how well the song also works as an instrumental. True keeps the rhythm chugging strongly on the piano for five minutes, with ample room for a bass solo and solid support from the bass and drums.
Regardless of which version you hear, there's considerable funk in the melody. I'm not surprised, then, that such a capable rhythm section pulled off a tune originally meant for singers.
