Dayton
Dayton was a notable post-disco funk band that emerged from Dayton, Ohio, in the late 1970s. The band was formed by Chris Jones, a talented musician previously associated with the band Sun, who played trumpet, keyboards, and provided vocals. Shawn Sandridge, also a vocalist and guitarist, was another key member of the group. Their sound was characterized by a full band format that included multiple horn sections and vocalists, capturing the essence of '70s party music with a lively, dance-oriented flair.
During the early 1980s, Dayton stood out as one of the prominent funk bands of the era, contributing significantly to the genre's evolution. Their unique approach involved not just musical prowess but also a captivating visual stage presence, reminiscent of Las Vegas combined with science fiction aesthetic elements. This theatrical style set them apart from many of their contemporaries.
In addition to their innovative performances, Dayton played a role in the broader funk music legacy originating from their hometown. This legacy includes other influential acts like the Ohio Players, Lakeside, Faze-O, Heatwave, and Zapp, all of which helped to establish Dayton as a notable center for funk music.
Significantly, Dayton achieved commercial success by becoming the first American band from their region to have a gold album, which is an indicator of substantial sales exceeding $1 million, and they later reached platinum status. This accomplishment underscored their importance in the music scene and further solidified Dayton's reputation in funk music history.
Overall, Dayton's contributions to the funk genre and their dynamic performances have left a lasting impact, influencing many artists and continuing to resonate with fans of the genre.
Feel The Music
Lead Vocals, Written-By – Shawn Sandridge
Written-By – Rahni P. Harris, II
5:38
A2 It Must Be Love
Written-By – Debbie Sandridge, Rahni P. Harris, II
4:04
A3 Out Tonight
Lead Vocals – Chris Jones
Rhythm Guitar – Rahni Harris
Written-By – Shawn Sandridge, Debbie Sandridge, Rahni P. Harris, II
4:56
A4 So What
Guitar – Doug Simon
Written-By – Rahni P. Harris, II
4:57
B1 Love You Anyway
Producer, Written-By – Roger Troutman
Written-By – Larry Troutman
4:25
B2 Caught In The Middle
Written-By – Debbie Sandridge, Rahni P. Harris, II
4:40
B3 Eyes
Written-By – Rahni P. Harris, II
4:11
B4 Promise Me
Drums – Zachery Harris
Lead Vocals, Written-By – Karen Harris Chappell
Written-By – Cecil Powell, Rachel Beavers, Rahni P. Harris, II
4:02
B5 Lookin' Up
Lead Vocals, Written-By – Karen Harris Chappell
Written-By – Rahni P. Harris, II
3:54
Label: Capitol Records – ST-12297
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Boogie
Dayton's Feel the Music (1983) is widely praised as a gem of 80s R&B/Funk, featuring polished soul, catchy hooks, and impeccable vocals, with highlights including the iconic vocoder-driven "The Sound of Music" and smooth grooves like "Out Tonite," blending 70s disco vibes with contemporary sounds for a standout album for funk and boogie fans. Reviewers call it a masterpiece, noting strong tracks and production, though some original pressings missed an instrumental outro on the final song.
A blend of Post-Disco, Funk, Contemporary R&B, and Quiet Storm - Polished, soulful, structured tracks with strong melodies, catchy hooks, and impeccable vocals, featuring fat drums, huge synths, and effective vocoders.A smooth, grown-and-sexy boogie feel, considered a masterpiece by many fans.
Standout Tracks: "The Sound of Music" (a standout fusion of disco & R&B with synth/vocoder), "Out Tonite," and "Promise Me".
Some original releases of the album were reportedly missing the delayed instrumental ending on the last track, "Lookin UP".
While excellent, the album was part of Ohio's rich funk scene but offered a slightly softer, more polished sound than some contemporaries.
Fans consider it a classic and a masterpiece, a must-have for 80s R&B/boogie lovers, delivering strong jams from start to finish.