Graham Central Station
Graham Central Station is an American funk band founded in 1973 in Oakland, California, by bassist, vocalist, and bandleader Larry Graham. He previously gained fame as a member of Sly and the Family Stone, and his departure led him to create this new ensemble. The band's name is a clever play on words, combining both the iconic Grand Central Station in New York City and Graham's own name, thus establishing a unique identity for the group.
Larry Graham, born on August 14, 1946, in Beaumont, Texas, was raised in Oakland, California. He started his musical journey at the age of 11 when his father gifted him a personal guitar, showcasing the early influence of music in his life . His innovative bass playing, including the development of slap bass techniques, marked a significant evolution in funk music.
Graham Central Station quickly gained a reputation for its energetic performances and innovative sound, characterized by a fusion of funk, rock, and soul. The band released several albums throughout the 1970s, achieving significant commercial success with tracks like "Earthquake" and "Your Love." Their unique style not only showcased Graham's virtuosic bass skills but also incorporated various musical influences, making them stand out in the funk genre.
After experiencing several lineup changes and shifts in the music industry, Graham Central Station continued to evolve. In 2010, Larry Graham reformed the band with a new lineup, which included Wilton "Fab" Rabb on guitar and featured a blend of classic hits and new material, aiming to keep the spirit of funk alive.
The band's contribution to music has left a lasting impact on the funk genre, influencing numerous artists and bands that followed. Their innovative sound and Larry Graham's signature techniques have solidified Graham Central Station's place in music history as a pivotal funk ensemble.
Overall, the journey of Graham Central Station reflects the creative evolution of Larry Graham and the dynamic nature of funk music.
Ain’t No ’Bout-A-Doubt It
Clavinet, Vocals – Hershall Kennedy
Guitar, Vocals – Dave Vega
Organ, Vocals – Robert Sam
Vocals, Drum Machine [Electric Funk Box] – Patryce Banks
Written-By, Bass, Vocals – Larry Graham
8:12
A2 Your Love
Clavinet, Synthesizer, Backing Vocals – Hershall Happiness
Drums – The Deacon
Guitar – David Dynamite
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Chocolate
Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals – Butch
Written-By, Lead Vocals, Bass, Backing Vocals – Larry Graham
3:18
A3 It's Alright
Clavinet, Backing Vocals – Hershall Happiness
Drum Machine [Electric Funk Box], Backing Vocals – Chocolate
Drums – The Deacon
Guitar – David Dynamite
Organ, Backing Vocals – Butch
Written-By, Lead Vocals, Bass, Synthesizer, Backing Vocals – Larry Graham
3:46
A4 I Can't Stand The Rain
Bass, Backing Vocals, Drums – Larry
Clavinet, Backing Vocals – Hershall Happiness
Guitar – David Dynamite
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Chocolate
Organ, Backing Vocals – Butch
Written-By – A. Peebles, B. Miller, D. Bryant
6:09
B1 It Ain't Nothing But A Warner Bros. Party
Clavinet, Vocals – Hershall Happiness
Drums – The Deacon
Guitar – David Dynamite
Vocals – Chocolate
Vocals, Organ, Piano – Butch
Written-By, Vocals, Bass – Larry Graham
6:03
B2 Ole Smokey
Acoustic Guitar – David Dynamite
Drum Machine [Electric Funk Box], Backing Vocals – Chocolate
Drums – The Deacon
Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals – Butch
Soloist, Trumpet, Clavinet, Backing Vocals – Hershall Happiness
Written-By, Lead Vocals, Bass – Larry Graham
3:15
B3 Easy Rider
Clavinet, Backing Vocals – Hershall Happiness
Drum Machine [Funk Box], Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Chocolate
Drums – The Deacon
Guitar – David Dynamite
Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals – Butch
Written-By, Lead Vocals, Bass, Backing Vocals – Larry Graham
2:56
B4 Water
Acoustic Guitar – David Dynamite
Clavinet, Vocals – Hershall Happiness
Drums – The Deacon
Organ, Backing Vocals – Butch
Vocals – Chocolate
Written-By, Vocals, Bass – Larry Graham
4:26
B5 Luckiest People
Guitar – David Dynamite
Vocals – Chocolate, Hershall Happiness
Vocals, Piano – Butch
Written-By, Lead Vocals, Bass, Drums, Backing Vocals, Organ, Clavinet, Timpani – Larry Graham
3:45
Label: Warner Bros. Records – BS 2876
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Ain't No 'Bout-A-Doubt It (1975) is widely considered one of the high points of Larry Graham's career, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and featuring the No. 1 R&B single "Your Love".
Key Tracks and Highlights:
"The Jam": Frequently cited as the album's finest moment, this 8-minute track features a classic funk arrangement where band members are introduced one by one to take brief solos over a heavy groove.
"Your Love": A memorable R&B hit noted for its "doo-wop-esque" style and Larry Graham's showcase of his falsetto range.
"I Can't Stand the Rain": A "robust" and "soulful" cover of the Ann Peebles classic that replaces the original's spare framework with a stomping, vocal-heavy arrangement led by Patryce "Chocolate" Banks.
"Water": Praised for its "ruthless funk groove" and experimental production touches like backward tape loops, despite its heavy-handed religious lyrics.
"It Ain’t Nothing But a Warner Bros. Party": A bizarre homage to the band's record label that name-checks labelmates like The Doobie Brothers; critics often view it as a "gimmick" or contractually mandated filler.
The album was recorded at Wally Heider's San Francisco studio and is noted for its smooth, polished production that emphasizes rhythm and harmony. Modern listeners and collectors particularly prize the 180-gram vinyl reissues for their rich audio quality. Despite minor critiques of Side Two, it remains a definitive funk album that successfully captured the "communal spirit" of the mid-70s Bay Area scene.
Critics generally regard the album as a funk masterpiece, though reviews often highlight a notable disparity in quality between the two sides of the original LP.
While Side One is often called "blazing" or "essential," Side Two has been criticized by some for containing "showbiz-y schmaltz" and "filler" tracks.
Reviews consistently praise the "virtuosity" of the record, specifically Larry Graham’s archetypal slap-bass technique, which influenced generations of fusion and R&B players.
The album remains a staple for funk enthusiasts and has been reissued several times on CD and 180-gram vinyl.