9th Creation
9th Creation was a prolific soul, funk, and disco band formed in Stockton, California, in 1970. Originally known as the Soul Struts and briefly as 3rd Creation, the group was founded by bassist A.D. Burrise and fronted by his brother, J.D. Burrise.
At their peak, the group consisted of 10 to 12 members and was known for a "religious fan following" due to their blend of West Coast raw soul and heavy funk. The group famously appeared on Soul Train in 1975. They toured North America and Japan, sharing the stage with legends such as James Brown, The Whispers, and Con Funk Shun.
Their charting singles included "Still Your Friend" (Billboard top 25) and "Falling in Love" (Billboard R&B top 10). The band’s music has been sampled by over 150 artists, including Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Quasimoto, and Basement Ja.xx
The band released three primary albums during the 1970s and a "lost" album decades later:- Bubble Gum (1975): Their debut album on Ritetrack, which reportedly earned a gold record; Reaching for the Top (1977): Released on the Prelude label; Superheroes (1979): A self-produced effort released on Hilltak; A Step Ahead (2019): Recorded in 1980 but shelved for decades. The original master tapes were confiscated during a DEA raid on the studio; the 2019 release was reconstructed from cassette dubs saved by trombonist Mike Micenheimer.
The group faced a series of setbacks in the early 1980s. In 1982, the band's drummer murdered saxophone player Larry Proctor during a dispute over money, a tragedy from which the group never fully recovered. Lead vocalist J.D. Burrise passed away in 2016. Founder A.D. Burrise continues to lead the group today.
A new album titled Full Circle was released in early 2024, dedicated to J.D. Burrise. It features re-recorded classics and new material. The 2025 lineup includes original members A.D. Burrise, Steve Rubio (sax), Mike Micenheimer (trombone), and Steve Mason (keys), with A.D.'s son, Taylor Burrise, on drums.
Bubble Gum
A2 Learn To Live (Bill Eriksen 3:33)
A3 Sexy Girl (Dennis Grant, J.D. Burrise 3:23)
A4 Quit It (A.D. Burrise, Bill Eriksen, J.D. Burrise, Mike Micenheimer 2:26)
A5 Falling In Love (Henry Anaden, J.D. Burrise 6:43)
B1 Truth, Trust, Love & Happiness (J.D. Burrise, Robert E. Clark 3:31)
B2 Rule Of Mind (Henry Anadon, J.D. Burrise 5:06)
B3 Suburban Blue (Bill Eriksen 3:45)
B4 We Need Love (A.D. Burrise, J. D. Burrise 3:49)
Label: Ritetrack Record Co. – RKA-01M
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Bubble Gum is the first album by the funk and soul band The 9th Creation, known for its jazzed-up funk and being a treasure trove of sampled beats and breaks.
Released on the PYE label in Europe and Ritetrack in the US after the initial plan with Bill Withers' Sussex label fell through, the album is often compared to groups like Tower of Power and Earth, Wind & Fire. It is considered a "lost treasure" of 1970s soul music and features high-quality soul and funk tracks.
Despite its high quality and a dedicated fan following., the band and album did not achieve mainstream commercial success.