For, when it comes to unsung heroes of northern soul, Ernie Johnson is the ultimate example. He was one half of Eddie and Ernie, highlighted on Dave Godin's three Ace. What made the Funk Brothers different from the other R&B house bands of the day? They were jazz musicians first and soul musicians second. Most of them came out of the. European guitarists in the ’60s and ’70s were often influenced as much by classical, jazz, and gypsy swing as they were by blues and rock and roll. Over the years, he’s collaborated with a number of jazz greats such as Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Max Roach, and McCoy Tyner. Despite his impressive resume, Bartz. With every tribute to Davis, Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie, opportunities to salute lesser-known figures of great musical skill are missed, and trumpeter Brian Lynch feels it's.