The band’s self-titled debut album spent three weeks atop the R&B album charts and peaked at #10 on the pop album charts. It ultimately went platinum. The album also had a strong showing across the pond, climbing to #9 on the official UK album chart. Additionally, it garnered high praise from music critics and was nominated for Best R&B Instrumental Performance at the 19th Annual Grammy Awards in 1977. The landmark collection redefined dance music and was highly influential to the funk genre. It also had a huge impact on the Britfunk movement (Light Of The World, Incognito, Hi-Tension, Level 42) of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. London-based Soul Brother Records re-released the album in 2010.
Brass Construction was formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1968 under the name Dynamic Soul. It was originally a rock/R&B quartet led by Randy Muller. By 1972, the band had expanded into a nine-piece ensemble with jazz and Latin influences. Around this time, Muller changed the band’s name to Brass Construction. The band continued to add more colors to its musical palette, including funk, African, Caribbean and disco. Brass Construction was signed to United Artists Records in 1975 and released their self-titled debut album that same year. The collection was produced by Jeff Lane.
The lineup for Brass Construction at the time they dropped their debut album was Randy Muller (flute, vocals, percussion, timbales, keyboards, arranger), Wade Williamston (bass), Larry Payton (drums, vocals), Joseph Arthur Wong (lead guitar), Jesse Ward Jr. (saxophone, vocals), Wayne Parris (trumpet, vocals), Sandy Billups (vocals, congas), Morris Price (trumpet, vocals, percussion), Michael Grudge (saxophone, vocals) and Irving Spice (strings).
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