Brothers Johnson

Although they were nearly a decade on from their '70s heyday, the Brothers Johnson, with Leon Sylvers at the production helm, still managed to set a few grooves on fire among the heavy, heady crop of synthesized R&B that flooded the adult contemporary market. There's an interesting interplay between the strong bass and vocals, supported by a smattering of guitar and a markedly slow tempo, which ensured that the single "You Keep Me Coming Back" would power into the R&B Top 20.

On Memorial Day 2003,an Oakland CA audience was treated to a very spacial,truly transcendent live performance by two legendary figures of '70s psychedelic funk, The Brothers Johnson!Nearly three decades after they formed as a band, The Brothers appeared as energetic as ever, a little less 'fro but a lot more soul, and rocked a set of their very best songs, including the smash hit singles "Stomp!","I'll Be Good To You","Strawberry Letter 23" and a supercharged cover of Cameo's "Word Up".

Blam!!, demonstrates that funk can be sleek and gritty at the same time. This 1978 classic is full of definitive examples of sophisti-funk; if you're a lover of that style, tracks like "Ain't We Funkin' Now" (a major hit), "Mista' Cool," "Ride-O-Rocket," and the title song are required listening.As a result, Blam!! is excellent from start to finish.

8 tracks, 32 minutes and no filler in sight. This funk/soul/ gem was released at the height of the disco era but doesn't sound dated, trite or embarrassing as so many LP's from that period do. Quincy Jones' pristine production along with top-notch studio players ensure consistent quality and some of the deepest, funkiest grooves on record.