Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter was a highly sought-after North Carolina soul-funk group from the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for their powerful grooves, tight harmonies, and elusive sound that made their albums instant collector's items, with members including the Bailey brothers (Gary, Montie) and Maurice Whittington, evolving from The Sounds of Soul to release cult classics like Introducing - The Brief Encounter before disbanding in the 80s, only to see their music re-emerge and gain international acclaim through reissues.
Formed in the early 1970s in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the group initially called themselves The Sounds of Soul, featuring the Bailey brothers (Gary, Montie) and Rufus Wilborn. They played local clubs and even recorded on their own S.O.S. label before changing their name and signing with Nashville's Seventy-Seven Records.
Their debut album, Introducing - The Brief Encounter, released in 1977 on Seventy-Seven Records, became legendary for its deep funk, beautiful ballads, and high-quality musicianship, drawing comparisons to Parliament and Kool & the Gang. Tracks like "I'm So Satisfied," "What About Love," and "Time Is Moving" showcased their blend of funky basslines, wah-wah guitar, and soulful vocals.
Despite only achieving modest national chart success with "What About Love," their scarcity made original vinyl copies incredibly valuable to rare groove collectors.
Key Members: Maurice Whittington; Gary Bailey (brother); Montie Bailey (brother); Velmar Bailey; Charles Graham; Fredrick Alexander; Michael Carter; Rufus Wilborn (also with The Sounds of Soul).
The band disbanded around 1983, but their music lived on, leading to multiple reissues by international labels. They reunited in the late 2010s to release new material and raise funds for charity, proving their enduring connection with fans.
In essence, Brief Encounter was a powerhouse of Southern soul and funk, a hidden gem whose brilliance was discovered by dedicated fans long after their initial run, solidifying their place as soul music legends.
The Brief Encounter
A2 Visions 4:46
A3 Smile 3:42
A4 Just One Moment 3:36
A5 Loving And Caring 4:05
B1 In A Special Kind Of Way 3:52
B2 Good Thing, Bad Thing 4:10
B3 Time Is Moving 4:42
B4 Get A Good Feeling 4:49
B5 We're Gonna Have A Good Time 3:41
(Written By Brief Encounter, Larry Bailey)
Label: Seventy Seven Records – 77-102
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The self-titled album by North Carolina funk and soul band The Brief Encounter, released in 1977 on Seventy Seven Records, is a highly sought-after and critically acclaimed "rare groove" masterpiece in the soul and funk community. The album is celebrated for its blend of infectious funk workouts and sublime soul ballads, all self-written by the band.
Original copies of the album are extremely rare and command high prices (often over $2000) on the second-hand market, contributing to its legendary status among collectors.
The album is a showcase of versatile 1970s R&B, drawing comparisons to acts like the Isley Brothers, Kool & the Gang, and the O'Jays. It is considered an "under-appreciated masterpiece" that has earned cult status. Critics and fans praise the album's warm, vintage 70s feel, the balance of sophisticated arrangements and raw funk elements, and the quality of both the upbeat tracks and the slower ballads.
The album effectively balances dynamic, up-tempo tracks with heartfelt, slower tunes. Due to its immense popularity and scarcity, the album has been reissued multiple times by labels such as P-Vine, Guerssen, and Athens of the North, allowing a wider audience to experience this "elusive soul classic".