Slick
Slick was a short-lived disco-funk supergroup from Philadelphia, active in the late 1970s, blending soulful vocals with dance grooves. They are best known for their 1979 self-titled debut album featuring hits like "Space Bass" and "Sexy Cream."
Slick formed as a collaboration between the legendary Philly backing vocalists The Sweethearts of Sigma and musicians from Fat Larry's Band and Ingram. This all-star lineup included experienced players who had success in funk and disco prior to the project. They released their debut Slick on Fantasy's WMOT Records, recorded at Alpha International Studios in Philly.
Key Members:-
Vocals: The Sweethearts of Sigma (Doris James and others), with contributions from Len Barry and Billy Ingram.
Rhythm Section: Drummer John Ingram, bassists Jimmy Williams and Jimmy LaBes, percussionist Larry James, congas/timbales/trumpet/sax from Timmy Ingram.
Horns and Keys: Guitarists Tony Middleton and Ronnie James, keyboards/synths/flute by Jimmy Ingram, trombone by John Mimms, trumpet by Sylvester Middleton.
Slick released two albums: Slick (1979) and Go For It (1980). Standout tracks from the debut include "Space Bass" (penned by Larry and Doris James with Len Barry), "Feelin' Good," "Put Your Pants On," "The Whole World's Dancin'," and "Sexy Cream." Their sound fused disco beats with Philly soul, earning dancefloor success despite limited mainstream radio play.
Go For It
Arranged By [Horns] – Pete De Angelis
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Bill Neale
Producer – Alan Rubens, Bill Neale, Steve Bernstein
Soloist, Guitar – Billy Ingram
Written-By – B. Neale, L. Barry
4:06
A2 Sunrise
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Bill Neale
Arranged By [Strings] – Pete De Angelis
Producer – Bill Neale, Len Barry
Written-By – B. Neale, D. Bernstein, L. Barry
3:43
A3 I Can Understand It
Arranged By – Pete De Angelis
Producer – Alan Rubens, Len Barry, Steve Bernstein
Written-By – Bobby Womack
5:06
A4 Harmony
Producer, Arranged By – James (Budd) Ellison
Written-By – Phyliss Nelson
6:00
B1 Betcha Bottom Dollar
Arranged By [Horns] – Jimmy Ingram
Producer, Arranged By [Rhythm] – Larry James
Soloist, Synthesizer – John Barry
Written-By – D. Watson, D. James, L. James
4:40
B2 Baby Doll
Arranged By [Strings] – Pete De Angelis
Producer, Arranged By [Rhythm] – Larry James
Soloist, Synthesizer – John Barry
Written-By – D. Watson, D. James, L. James
4:31
B3 Tramp
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Bill Neale
Arranged By [Strings] – Pete De Angelis
Producer – Alan Rubens, Len Barry, Steve Bernstein
Soloist, Flugelhorn – Butch Ingram
Written-By – B. Neale, D. Bernstein, L. Barry
3:47
B4 Forget You (It's Too Late)
Arranged By [Strings] – Pete De Angelis
Producer, Arranged By [Rhythm] – Larry James
Soloist, Synthesizer – John Barry
Written-By – D. James, L. James
5:21
Label: Fantasy – F-9596
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco
Released in 1980 on Fantasy Records, Go For It by Slick is a disco/soul album that offers a more laid-back sound compared to their previous work, featuring highlights like "Baby Doll" and "Betcha Bottom Dollar". It is noted for featuring uncredited lead vocals by Brandi Wells on three tracks.
The album moves away from the more intense energy of their earlier material towards a smoother, laid-back disco/funk sound.
Key Tracks: "I Can Understand It": A disco-style cover of the Bobby Womack classic; "Betcha Bottom Dollar": Highlighted for its funky "chopper" bassline, handclaps, and horn arrangements; "Baby Doll": Frequently cited by listeners as a fun, standout track; "Tramp": Described as a refreshing, urban-mellow groove.
A point of contention among listeners is the lack of explicit credit for Brandi Wells, who sings lead on three tracks, despite other members being mentioned.
While sometimes compared to their debut, this 1980 release is seen as a distinct, smoother follow-up in the late-disco era. The album maintains a solid community standing, with an average rating of 4.04 / 5 on Discogs.
The album generally holds a positive, albeit niche, reputation among disco funk collectors for its 1980 sound. The group's association with Fat Larry James provided a high level of polished musicianship, typical of the late 70s/early 80s Philly soul and disco scene.