Aurra
Aurra was an American funk and soul duo/group active primarily in the late 1970s and 1980s, best known for their electro-funk and boogie hits on Salsoul Records. They emerged as a spin-off from the Ohio funk band Slave, blending deep grooves with soulful vocals.
Formed in 1979 by Steve Washington (bass/guitar/drums, often called the "Fearless Leader"), Aurra initially featured ex-Slave members Curt Jones (guitar/vocals), Starleana Young (vocals/percussion), and Thomas Lockett (saxophone/percussion). The debut lineup also included Charles Carter (keyboards/flute) and Buddy Hankerson. They signed first with Dream Records before moving to Salsoul.
At their peak, the core was Curt Jones and Starleana Young, with Philip Field (keyboards/synthesizers) joining later from Mtume. Other contributors included Steve Arrington. The group expanded to up to a dozen members at times, drawing from Slave's touring crew.
Aurra released several albums, including their 1982 self-titled debut with hits like "Make Up Your Mind." Tracks such as "Checking You Out" and "Baby Love" (later) became club favorites. They faded by the mid-1980s but influenced electro-boogie scenes.
Inducted into the Funk Music Hall of Fame, Aurra's sound bridged funk to early house/electronic styles. Jones and Young remained central to their identity.
Send Your Love
Written-By – J. Ivory, P. Fields, S. Young
5:55
A2 Send Your Love
Written-By – J. Ivory, P. Fields, S. Young
4:35
A3 Kingston Lady
Written-By – J. Ivory
4:31
A4 Forever
Written-By – J. Ivory, S. Young
4:58
B1 Are You Single
Written-By – J. Ivory, P. Fields, S. Young
6:30
B2 Keep Doin' It
Written-By – J. Ivory, P. Fields, S. Young
4:57
B3 Living Too Fast
Written-By – P. Fields, S. Young
4:55
B4 Party Time
Written-By – P. Fields, S. Young
3:44
Label: Salsoul Records – SA 8538
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco, Funk
Aurra's 1981 album Send Your Love is widely regarded as a classic of the early '80s funk and R&B era, earning an average rating of 4.4/5 across Discogs and Amazon reviews.
Fans of the band Slave will recognize the heavy basslines and "fine wine groove" characteristic of the Dayton funk scene.
The most praised songs include the party anthem "Send Your Love," the hit "Are You Single," and the heavy-bass favorite "Nasty Disposition".
Reviewers highlight the album's strong funk rhythms, melodic vocal harmonies, and sophisticated bass guitar work that "got the parties jumping back in the day".
Unlike many single-heavy albums of the era, listeners often note that this record can be played "straight through" without skips.
While most reviews are glowing, some "old school" junkies note that while the title track and "Are You Single" are undisputed bangers, a few middle tracks may feel more like "likable" filler compared to their strongest hits.
The album is often cited as the group's best LP, showcasing a more mature sound than their debut.