Brass Construction
Brass Construction was an influential American funk and soul band that emerged from Brooklyn, New York, in 1968. The group, initially known as Dynamic Soul, was founded by Randy Muller, a talented keyboardist, singer, and producer who played a pivotal role in the band's creative direction.
The band gained significant recognition in the 1970s for their upbeat and infectious sound, which blended elements of funk, disco, and soul. Their breakthrough came with the release of the hit single "Movin'" in 1976, which topped multiple Billboard charts and earned the band gold and platinum sales certifications. This track showcased their signature style characterized by tight grooves, powerful brass instrumentation, and catchy melodies.
Over the years, Brass Construction released several successful albums, with their music often celebrated for its vibrant energy and danceability. They were active in the music scene until 1985, during which time they helped to shape the sonic landscape of funk and disco. Their work has also been recognized for influencing the Britfunk movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The band's lineup featured various talented musicians, but it was Muller’s vision that drove their artistic output. After a brief hiatus, Brass Construction attempted a comeback in 1988, although they did not achieve the same level of success as in their earlier years.
In summary, Brass Construction stands out as a seminal funk band, notable for their contributions to the genre and their enduring influence on subsequent musical movements.
Brass Construction
Written-By – R. Muller, W. Williamston 8:39
A2 Peekin'
Written-By – L. Alexander 3:55
A3 Changin'
Written-By – R. Muller 8:12
B1 Love
Written-By – R. Muller 6:35
B2 Talkin'
Written-By – R. Muller 4:02
B3 Dance
Written-By – R. Muller 9:36
Label: United Artists Records – UA-LA545-G
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album,
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Funk, Disco
Brass Construction's 1975 self-titled debut is a genre-defining, horn-heavy funk/soul album known for its high-energy, uptempo grooves, blending Caribbean/African rhythms with classic American funk and jazz, featuring iconic tracks "Movin'" and "Changin'", and marked by simple, socially conscious, single-verb song titles, making it a landmark in dance music and an influence on Britfunk.
A fusion of funk, soul, disco, jazz, and Caribbean influences, with prominent brass and complex rhythm, offered a fresh, energetic alternative to mid-tempo funk prevalent at the time, becoming huge in clubs.
All tracks are named with single verbs (e.g., "Movin'", "Changin'"), encouraging listener interpretation and reflecting social themes.
Spearheaded by Randy Muller, a Guyanese-born flutist and keyboardist, the album features iconic horn arrangements that have been sampled in hip-hop.
The album was a surprise hit, reaching #1 on the US Soul chart and Top 10 on the US/UK albums charts, with platinum sales. It features "Movin'" (a pop/R&B crossover hit) and "Changin'" (a #1 dance single).
An essential album in funk and soul collections, still sounding fresh decades later. It influenced the later Britfunk movement in the UK.
Brass Construction's debut is a must-listen for funk and soul fans, celebrated as a pivotal record that delivered exhilarating, groove-focused music with depth, establishing Randy Muller's vision and leaving a lasting legacy on dance music.
Brass Construction 6
Written-By – Morris Price
6:17
A2 We Can Do It
Written-By – J. Wong, M. Grudge
5:07
A3 I'm Not Gonna Stop
Written-By – A. Fields, E. Weathersby, F. Fuchs
4:35
B1 How Do You Do (What You Do To Me)
Written-By – J. Wong, M. Grudge
6:38
B2 Working Harder Every Day
Written-By – L. Payton
4:41
B3 We Are Brass
Written-By – Phill Barr
4:07
B4 Don't Try To Change Me
Written-By – A. Fields, C. Houston, F. Fuchs
4:22
Label: United Artists Records – LT-1060
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco
Brass Construction 6 (1978) marks a shift for the legendary funk/disco band, retaining their signature horn-driven funk but moving towards the burgeoning electro-funk sound, with some listeners loving its dancefloor drive for tracks like "We Can Do It" and "We Are Brass," while others find the sound quality or production lacking compared to their earlier work, though it remains a classic for fans of their evolving style.
While known for their early disco-funk, this album showcases Brass Construction embracing newer electronic elements, foreshadowing the electro-funk movement.
The classic BC sound, characterized by powerful brass and funky rhythms, remains central, with tracks like "We Can Do It" and "We Are Brass" being standout funk workouts.
Some listeners on forums like Discogs noted potential issues with sound quality on certain vinyl pressings, suggesting a desire for remastered releases, though the core music is praised.
Dedicated fans appreciate it as their "last classic horn driven funk album" before a full pivot to electro-funk, finding it solid and worth seeking out, especially in bargain bins.
In essence: It's a pivotal album that captures Brass Construction's transition, offering powerful funk grooves while signaling their future direction, making it a must-listen for fans of their entire catalog, despite some production critiques.