Brick
Brick is an American funk and jazz-fusion band formed in Atlanta, Georgia. They are best known for creating a unique musical style they termed "Dazz," a portmanteau of "disco" and "jazz".
The group formed in 1972 when members of two local Atlanta bands—one focused on jazz-funk and the other on soul-funk—merged into a single unit. In 1976, after releasing their first single "Music Matic" on the small Main Street label, they signed with Bang Records. Their debut single for Bang, "Dazz" (1976), became a massive crossover hit, topping the Billboard R&B chart and reaching #3 on the Hot 100.
The classic lineup consisted of: Jimmy "Lord" Brown: Lead vocals, saxophone, flute, and trumpet; Regi Hargis: Guitar, bass, and vocals (Founder; died Oct 15, 2021); Ray Ransom: Bass, keyboards, percussion, and vocals; Eddie Irons: Drums, keyboards, and lead vocals; Donald Nevins: Keyboards and vocals (Died Aug 7, 2011).
Brick's sound was characterized by lighthearted pop-jazz refrains and propulsive funk beats. Their notable chart-topping tracks include:- "Dazz" (1976): Their signature song, later heavily sampled in hip-hop; "Dusic" (1977): Another "Dazz" style hit that reached #18 on the Pop charts; "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody" (1978): A Top 10 R&B hit famously sampled by the rap duo Kid 'N Play; "Sweat (Til You Get Wet)" (1981): Their final Top 10 R&B hit.
Though they later split, Brick's innovative fusion of genres and catchy hits remain celebrated staples of the funk era, influencing countless artists and defining the disco-jazz sound.
The band released six studio albums on Bang Records between 1976 and 1982. While the original lineup fractured in the late 1980s, variations of the group have continued to tour into the 21st century.
Too Tuff
Arranged By [Arr] – Brick
Lyrics By [Lyrics] – Eddie Irons, Jimmy Brown, Ray Ransom, Regi Hargis Hickman
Mixed By – Winston Johnson
Music By [Music] – Eddie Irons, Ray Ransom
Written By – J. Brown, R. Hickman, R. Ransom & E. Irons
Written-By – E. Irons, J. Brown, R. Ransom, R. Hickman 4:25
A2 Bring Your Love Back (To Me)
Lyrics By [Lyrics] – Mark Philpot
Music By [Music], Arranged By [Arr] – Ray Ransom
Written By – Ray Ransom & Mark Philpart
Written-By – Mark Philpart, Ray Ransom 5:00
A3 Got To Be Where You Are
Arranged By [Arr] – Regi Hargis Hickman
Lyrics By [Lyrics] – Brick
Music By [Music] – Eddie Irons, Jimmy Brown, Ray Ransom
Written By – J. Brown, R. Hickman, R. Ransom & E. Irons
Written-By – E. Irons, J. Brown, R. Ransom, R. Hickman 4:20
A4 Slide
Arranged By [Arr] – Regi Hargis Hickman
Lyrics By [Lyrics] – Brick
Mixed By – Winston Johnson
Music By [Music] – Eddie Irons, Jimmy Brown, Ray Ransom
Written By – J. Brown, R. Hickman, R. Ransom & E. Irons
Written-By – E. Irons, J. Brown, R. Ransom, R. Hickman 4:10
B1 Too Tuff
Arranged By [Arr] – Eddie Irons, Ray Ransom
Lyrics By [Lyrics] – Brick
Music By [Music] – Eddie Irons, Ray Ransom
Written By – J. Brown, R. Hickman, R. Ransom & E. Irons
Written-By – E. Irons, J. Brown, R. Ransom, R. Hickman 5:00
B2 Say The Word
Music By [Music], Lyrics By [Lyrics], Arranged By [Arranger] – Ray Ransom
Written By – J. Brown, R. Hickman, R. Ransom & E. Irons
Written-By – E. Irons, J. Brown, R. Ransom, R. Hickman 3:57
B3 Do Me Right
Lyrics By [Lyrics] – Ray Ransom
Music By [Music], Arranged By [Arr] – Jimmy Brown
Written By – J. Brown, R. Hickman, R. Ransom & E. Irons
Written-By – E. Irons, J. Brown, R. Ransom, R. Hickman 3:45
B4 A Part Of Me
Arranged By [Arr] – Jimmy Brown
Music By [Music] – Eddie Irons, Jimmy Brown, Regi Hargis Hickman
Written By – J. Brown, R. Hickman, R. Ransom & E. Irons
Written-By – E. Irons, J. Brown, R. Ransom, R. Hickman 3:38
B5 Dazz
Arranged By [Arr] – Eddie Irons, Ray Ransom, Regi Hargis Hickman
Lyrics By [Lyrics] – Eddie Irons, Ray Ransom
Mixed By – The Latin Rascals
Music By [Music] – Regi Hargis Hickman
Written By – J. Brown, R. Hickman, R. Ransom & E. Irons
Written-By – E. Irons, J. Brown, R. Ransom, R. Hickman 4:18
Label: Magic City Records – MCR-1001-LP
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Boogie, Disco, Funk
Brick's Too Tuff (1988) is a strong late-era Funk/R&B album praised for its smooth grooves, sophisticated musicianship (especially those jazz chops), catchy hooks, and standout tracks like the fun-infused "Dusic," showcasing the band's enduring appeal with danceable rhythms, creamy soul, and eclectic flair, making it a solid, forgotten gem in 70s Funk/R&B.
The album blends classic Funk with Jazz sensibilities, a signature of Brick's style, allowing for musical exploration beyond typical disco.
Expect deep, chugging dance tracks and feel-good vibes, with a focus on rhythm and infectious grooves. Tracks are full of hooks, often featuring memorable melodies and engaging lyrics, fitting for radio play and dance floors.
Highlights: "Dusic": A massive dance hit combining Disco and Music, continuing their chart success after "Dazz"; "Happy": Showcases the band's eccentric side with a quirky, unique groove; "We Don't Wanna Sit Down, We Wanna Get Down": A perfect mission statement for their energetic, party-starting music; "Good Morning Sunshine": A standout creamy soul ballad, proving their versatility.
Often viewed as a strong, underrated Funk album from the era, demonstrating Brick's skill and evolution. It maintained their R&B/Funk foundation while incorporating diverse sounds like light Reggae skanking and soulful ballads.
Overall, Too Tuff is a testament to Brick's staying power, delivering a polished, enjoyable funk experience that's both nostalgic and fresh, solidifying its place as a beloved album in the genre.