“Express” by B.T. Express

“Express” was the third single from Brooklyn groove outfit B.T. Express’s gold-certified debut album Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied). Released in late 1974, the smokin’ instrumental was quickly embraced by funk lovers and clubgoers. The tight groove pulsates with energy, excitement, and funk. It features a magnificent horn arrangement, soaring strings, and a powerful bass line. And it showcases the flawless musicianship of the talented B.T. Express players. The track sonically takes the listener on a funky train ride, with the cool train whistle sounds enhancing the groove. And the smooth flute part is the finishing touch to this amazing track. 

“Express” was written collectively by the B.T. Express members, and it was produced by Jeff Lane and Doc Productions. It topped both Billboard’s R&B singles chart and Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. It remained atop the Dance Club Songs chart for five consecutive weeks. The track peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached #3 on the Canadian charts and rose to #34 in the UK and Germany. It sold a million copies in the U.S. and was certified Gold by the RIAA. And it sold 75,000 copies in Canada. Also, it earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Instrumental Performance at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards in 1975. 

“Express” has been sampled on 17 songs and was featured on an episode of the critically acclaimed psychological crime thriller TV series Mindhunter (season 1, episode 10, 2017).  

Here’s the full B.T. Express personnel on the Do It (Til You’re Satisfied) album: Richard Thompson (guitar, vocals), Carlos Ward (alto sax, flute, piccolo, woodwind), Terrell Wood (drums), Barbara Joyce Lomas (vocals), Dennis Rowe (percussion), Bill Risbrook (tenor saxophone, flute, vocals), Jamal Rasool (bass) and Kashif, born Michael Jones, (keyboads, vocals). Producer/songwriter/arranger/keyboardist Randy Muller was responsible for all of the album’s string arrangements.

B.T. Express performing "Express" on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert in 1975

Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied) album is available at Amazon

Related blog entries:

B.T. Express Kept Dance Floors Packed With Smash "Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)"

"Give Up The Funk (Let's Dance)" By B.T. Express