Faze-O
Faze-O was a funk band from Dayton, Ohio, active in the late 1970s, known for their smooth grooves and ties to the Ohio Players. They released three albums and achieved R&B chart success with their debut single. The group evolved from an earlier trio and later reunited sporadically for performances.
Faze-O originated from the Dayton funk scene as the trio Faze 3, featuring bassist Tyrone "Flye" Crum. The lineup expanded with musicians like guitarist Ralph "Love" Aikens, drummer Roger "Dodger" Parker, vocalist/percussionist Robert "Bip" Neal Jr., and keyboardist/vocalist Keith "Chop Chop" Harrison. They served as the front band for Ohio Players live shows and received production help from Clarence Satchell.
Their 1977 debut album Riding High on She Records, produced by the Ohio Players' Tight Corporation, yielded the hit title track that reached the R&B top 10. The song showcased Harrison's tenor vocals alongside Neal's bass parts, blending mid-tempo funk with layered instrumentation. It later became a hip-hop sampling staple.
Follow-up releases included Good Thang (1978) and Breakin' the Funk (1979), both with title-track singles, produced by Satchell. These expanded their sound with atmospheric keyboards and tight rhythms but failed to sustain commercial momentum. The band dissolved by the early 1980s.
Members pursued other projects: Harrison joined Heatwave then the Dazz Band, contributing to hits like "Let It Whip"; Parker played with Slave and Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame. Original members reunited for events, including a 2011 Dayton show and a 2015 interview at the Funk Music Hall of Fame.<div hidden> Faze O</div>
Good Thang
A2 Who Loves You 12:20
B1 Space People 4:31
B2 Party Time 5:10
B3 Love Me Girl 5:05
B4 Funky Lady 5:55
Written by Frederick Tyrone Crum, Keith Harrison, Ralph Aikens, Jr. Robert Neal, Jr., Roger Parker.
Label: She Records SH 741
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Faze-O's Good Thang, released in 1978, is a classic funk/soul album known for its infectious grooves, smooth harmonies, and tight musicianship, following up their hit Riding High, offering danceable jams like the title track and "Who Loves You," showcasing Ohio Players' production influence with precise horns and driving rhythms, creating a funky yet heavenly mood.
Key Characteristics:-
Sound: Groovy, soulful, dance-oriented, with strong horn arrangements and prominent keyboards.
Production: Heavily influenced by The Ohio Players (producer Clarence Satchell was involved), featuring precise rhythm sections and layered instrumentation.
Vibe: Aims for a "funky but heavenly mood," balancing upbeat tracks with smoother, mellower moments.
Notable Tracks:- "Good Thang": The muscular title track with an infectious groove; "Who Loves You": A standout track featuring sharp horns and a pulsating rhythm; "Party Time": A slower, impressive jam.
It's the sophomore album from the Cleveland-based group, following their breakthrough debut Riding High. While a solid effort, it didn't replicate the massive success of Riding High, though it solidified their sound.
Faze-O's music, especially "Riding High," became heavily sampled by later artists, introducing them to new generations. Good Thang remains a beloved record for fans of late '70s funk and soul.
While Good Thang did not achieve the same massive commercial success as the band's debut album and its hit single "Riding High," it is considered a quality, danceable record that is a must-listen for fans of classic funk and soul.
It showcases the band's invention and quality within the funk genre. The album has been included in several modern compilations alongside Riding High and their third album, Breakin' the Funk, bringing Faze-O's complete work to new audiences.