“Get Off” by Foxy

Latin dance/disco outfit Foxy was formed in Hialeah, Florida, in 1976. They were the house band for the Miami-based disco label T.K. Records. The founding members were Ismael Angel Ledesma (lead vocals, guitar), Arnold Paseiro (bass), Charlie Murciano (keyboards), Richie Puente (percussion), and Joe Galdo (drums). Most of Foxy's members hailed from Cuba, with one from New York City. In addition to their house-band duties at T.K., the talented crew performed at various clubs to supplement their income. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1976. They released three subsequent studio albums and one live album before breaking up in 1980.

Foxy are best known for their 1978 disco smash “Get Off." The rousing, shamelessly libidinous party jam filled countless dancefloors back in the day. Paseiro's deliciously funky bass line drives this high-powered dance track. And Galdo’s dynamic drumming keeps the groove factor high. Ledesma serves up a killer talkbox guitar solo and also ably handles lead vocals. Female vocal trio Wildflower’s spirited backing vocals significantly elevate the track’s excitement level and party vibe. The song also boasts an electrifying chorus.

“Get Off” was co-written by Ledesma and Carl Driggs, a vocalist and percussionist with Foxy. It was the title track from the band’s second album, Get Off (1978), released on Dash Records, a subsidiary of T.K. Productions, Inc. It topped Billboard's R&B singles chart, peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached #18 on Billboard’s dance chart.

“Get Off” has been sampled on 24 songs, including Beastie Boys' “Shake Your Rump,” 2 Live Crew’s “Take It Off,” and Stacey Q’s “Two of Hearts (Dance Mix).” It was featured on the soundtracks for the films Roll Bounce (2005), Set It Off (1996), and Celtic Pride (1996). It was also featured in the TV series Scandal (season 5, episode 15, 2016) and Shasta McNasty (season 1, episode 1, 1999).

In 1979, Foxy scored another hit with the bumpin’ track “Hot Number.” The song peaked at #4 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart, and reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #26 on Billboard’s dance chart.

After Foxy disbanded in 1980, Ledesma returned to doing session work and producing tracks. He formed the dance-rock band OXO in 1983. He recruited guitarist Orlando Nuñez, bassist Frank Garcia, and drummer Freddy Alwag for the band. They had a top-30 hit with the pop-rock song "Whirly Girl," written and co-produced by Ledesma. It was released in February 1983 on Geffen Records. It peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100. OXO broke up shortly after the song's release due to internal conflicts within the band and disputes between Geffen and management.

In 1986, Ledesma formed the Latin freestyle trio Company B. The group consisted of Lori L (Ledesma's wife), Charlotte McKinnon, and Susan Gonzalez Johnson. Ledesma wrote and produced their biggest hit, "Fascinated," which topped Billboard's dance chart and spent eight weeks in the Billboard Hot 100's Top 40, peaking at #21. The song also performed well on the charts in the Netherlands, reaching #2 on the Dutch Single Top 100. It's now regarded as a freestyle classic. Company B scored a few more hits on the dance charts. Ledesma produced and arranged all five of their albums. The trio has undergone a few personnel changes over the years. They released the club track "Let's Just Dance" in 2022. 

Ledesma also released two solo albums. He dropped his self-titled debut solo album on T.K. Records in 1979. The collection featured the seductive dance track "Don't Stop." The 12" release of the single charted at #39 on Billboard's dance chart. Ledesma released his second solo album, On This Corner, in 1986 on Geffen/Warner Bros. Records. Additionally, he played guitar on ABBA's 1979 song "Voulez-Vous," and he's credited on Miami Sound Machine's international hit "Bad Boy." Ledesma was also involved in several other music collaborations with notable artists such as Latimore and Fred Schneider. He's known professionally as Ish Ledesma.

Foxy performing "Get Off" at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile, 1980

Valerio Lazarov-directed music video of Foxy performing "Get Off" on the Spanish TV program Sumarísimo in 1978

"Get Off" at Amazon

Related blog entry:

"Hot Number" by Foxy

“Happy Music” by The Blackbyrds

Acclaimed R&B/ jazz-funk outfit the Blackbyrds had one of their biggest hits with the exuberant “Happy Music.” The 1975 release lit up the airwaves and blessed the ears of music lovers across the U.S. The track boasts a dope rolling bass line, a funky beat, tight horn charts, and sweet keyboards. Legendary jazz man Donald Byrd contributes a wicked trumpet solo, and Orville Saunders’s exquisite guitar work significantly enhances the track’s breezy feel-good vibe. The band delivers smooth unison vocals, and they receive strong vocal support from renowned singer Merry Clayton, whose powerhouse pipes are brought to the forefront as the song closes out. 

“Happy Music” was written by Donald Byrd. It was a single from the Blackbyrds’ third studio album City Life (1975), produced by Byrd and released on the independent label Fantasy Records. The song peaked at #3 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart, #6 on Billboard’s dance chart, and #19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

City Life was the Blackbyrds’ most commercially successful album. It topped Billboard’s jazz album chart and peaked at #3 on Billboard’s R&B album chart and reached #16 on the Billboard 200. The RIAA has certified the album Gold in the U.S. with 500,000 copies sold. The collection also received high marks from music critics.

“Happy Music” has been sampled on 25 songs, including Grand Master Flash’s “Tear The Roof Off” and Jaz’s “Sign of the Crimes.”

The full personnel on “Happy Music” was Joe Hall (bass), Kevin Toney (keyboards), Orville Saunders (guitar), Stephen Johnson (saxophone), Keith Killgo (drums), Donald Byrd (trumpet), Ernie Watts (saxophone), George Bohannon (trombone), and Merry Clayton (vocals).

Happy Music at Amazon

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"Do It, Fluid" by The Blackbyrds

"Unfinished Business" by The Blackbyrds

Prince Performs Blackstreet's "No Diggity" in Concert

Candy Dulfer, Chance Howard, and Prince gettin' funky with it

Prince and the New Power Generation burned up the stage with a sleazy, gutbucket rendition of Blackstreet’s classic “No Diggity” during a stop on the Musicology Live 2004ever tour. The Purple One and his groove squadron were in top form, serving up that good, raw, uncut funk. This badass performance showcased the considerable talents of the NPG members. Keyboardist/vocalist Chance Howard delivered a smooth, soulful lead vocal performance complemented by saxophonist Candy Dulfer's sultry backing vocals. 

Rhonda Smith anchored the groove with a savage bass line, and John Blackwell raised the funk level to the stratosphere with his powerful drumming. The highlight of the performance was Mike Scott’s blistering, show-stopping guitar solo. And Prince looked like he was having a blast as he invited audience members onstage to work their backsides. The artist never scrimped on the funk, always bringing it in ample doses, both onstage and in the studio. The performance occurred on August 13, 2004, at Washington D.C.’s MCI Center.

The Musicology Live 2004ever tour was Prince’s most commercially successful tour. It drew 1.47 million people and earned $87.4 million. It consisted of 77 shows across 52 cities in the U.S. The Musicology album was also quite successful. It sold over two million copies and charted in the top ten in many countries. Additionally, the collection earned Prince two Grammy awards: Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance (“Musicology”) and Best R&B Vocal Performance–Male (“Call My Name”).

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“Funk Insurance (Bootification)” by RonKat Spearman

San Francisco-based music artist RonKat Spearman dropped the sublime groove “Funk Insurance (Bootification)” back in January. The track has a smooth, jazzy flow and is played with style and funky finesse. It features cold guitar licks, a sizzling beat, and some sick bass. Luke Sailor enhances the groove with his stellar keyboard work, and RonKat delivers a soulful lead vocal performance. Funk veteran and trombonist Greg Boyer is responsible for the killer horn arrangement. The horn players on the track are Boyer (trombone), Bennie Cowan (trumpet), and Eric Rohner (saxophone). RonKat wrote and produced the song and played bass, guitar, and drums. And guitarist John Cotto also contributes some nasty licks.

RonKat is a talented songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He’s co-written hits for noted music acts such as Jade and Klymaxx. He earned a Grammy nomination for co-writing Toni Braxton’s hit “I Belong To You.” The song also garnered him and co-writer Vassal Benford the BMI “Songwriter of the Year” Award. RonKat toured with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic for 10 years before focusing all his talents and creativity on his band KATDELIC. The band has been thrilling audiences across the Bay Area with its exhilarating amalgam of funk, rock, soul, hip-hop, and EDM. They were voted the two-time winner of “Best of the Bay” band in 2017 and 2019. The members of KATDELIC are Kirk Peterson (bass), Lisa Lynn-Preston (vocals, sax, dancer), John D. Cotto (guitar), Luke Sailor (keyboards), Jadyn Petterson-Rae (vocals, tambourine), Charles Spikes (guitar), and RonKat (guitar, keyboards, drums, bass, harmonica, percussion, lead, and backing vocals).

Ronkat released his fantastic new track “Believer” on March 21. It features an intoxicating groove and a positive message of standing up for what you believe in and living your truth. Visit RonKat’s website to learn more about him and KATDELIC as well as tour dates. 

KATDELIC's performance at UC Berkeley's radio station KALX on March 1. The set included "Funk Insurance (Bootfication)" and "Believer."

Official video for "Believer"

 

 "Funk Insurance (Bootification)" and "Believer" are available at Amazon

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“Stay On Track” by Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes

Blues-rock outfit Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes released the inspirational anthem “Stay On Track” in November last year. The track features a gritty soul-drenched vocal performance from Mississippi-bred guitarist/singer Shelby Kemp (Royal Horses), winner of the 2024 Telluride Blues Challenge. Kemp brings equal shares of Chris Robinson and Joe Cocker swagger to his powerful Southern rock-flavored vocals. The Tamba Bay-based Galbraith sisters–Ashley (bass) and Taylor (drums)–provide a strong rhythm bedrock for this gutbucket gospel-laced track. Guest artist Chris Spies (Honey Island Swamp Band) serves up some fantastic keyboard work, while Kemp lets loose with his electrifying fretboard magic. Eddie Roberts (the New Mastersounds) keeps things raw and funky with some tight rhythm guitar licks.

“Stay on Track” is about pushing forward through tough times, remaining focused on your goals, and overcoming obstacles to finally get your due and achieve your dreams. The song was co-written by Shelby Kemp and Ceredig Benjamin Roberts. It was produced by Eddie Roberts and released on the Denver-based label Color Red Music, which he founded in 2018.

Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes was formed in 2023. The talented quartet first played together during a performance at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom’s 20th Anniversary party on January 20, 2023. They shared such tremendous chemistry that they decided to make playing together a regular thing. The band released their self-titled debut album on October 13, 2023. Their sound fuses the rich lyricism of acclaimed country greats such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and George Jones, with James Brown's dynamic, rhythm-powered thrust and topped off with some good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. 

The band has some tour dates coming up soon. Visit their website for upcoming tour info and updates on new music releases.

"Stay On Track" at Amazon

“When Will You Be Mine” by Average White Band

Average White Band was still releasing great uncut funk as the ‘70s were coming to a close. The acclaimed Scottish groove outfit never half-stepped when it came to funk, always serving it up straight with no chaser. The band released the funk gem “When Will You Be Mine” in 1979. It’s one of their most underappreciated tracks. The irresistible groove features percolating keyboards, sick guitar licks, and some nasty bass. Alan Gorrie delivers a marvelous lead vocal performance that’s complemented by Hamish Stuart's smooth backing vocals. Steve Ferrone’s super-tight drumming keeps the groove humming. The track is finely arranged and boasts a terrific chorus.

“When Will You Be Mine” was written by Gorrie and AWB. It was a single from the band’s seventh studio album Feel No Fret, released in 1979. The song peaked at #49 on the UK charts. The album also enjoyed some solid chart action, peaking at #32 on the Billboard 200 and #30 on Billboard’s R&B album chart. And the collection had an impressive showing on the UK album charts, peaking at #15. The album was produced by Average White Band.

“When Will You Be Mine” was sampled on Mark Ronson’s 2003 song “She’s Got Me,” featuring Daniel Merriwether.

Here's Average White Band’s lineup for “When Will You Be Mine”: Alan Gorrie (guitar, lead vocals), Hamish Stuart (bass, backing vocals), Onnie McIntyre (guitar), Steve Ferrone (drums), Roger Ball (keyboards) and Malcolm Duncan (saxophone).

Average White Band are still going strong. They still record and tour, of course, with a few personnel changes from the original lineup.

AWB performing "When Will You Be Mine" on British television music show The Old Grey Whistle Test in October 1978.

"When Will You Be Mine" at Amazon

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Average White Band: Scotland's Funkiest Export

"Your Love Is a Miracle" by Average White Band

"I'm The One" by Average White Band

"School Boy Crush": Average White Band's Much-Sampled Classic That Forever Made Sleigh Bells Funky

Top Five Roy Ayers Songs

Influential vibraphonist, composer and jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers died on Tuesday, March 5, after a long illness. He was 84. “The Godfather of Neo-Soul” brought a wealth of great music and wonderful performances to the world. In honor of this multitalented artist, I made up a list of my top five Roy Ayers songs. Here’s the list in no particular order.

Freaky Deaky (1978)

Kenny Turman’s funky slap bass line drives this dynamic dance groove. The song features singers Sylvia Cox and Merry Clayton, who famously lit up the Rolling Stones’ classic “Gimme Shelter” with a soul-wrenching vocal performance. “Freaky Deaky” was a single from Ayers’ album Let’s Do It (1978). It peaked at #29 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart. 

Freaky Deaky at Amazon

Everybody Loves The Sunshine (1976)

Roy Ayers caressed the airwaves with this majestic track back in 1976. The song is immaculately produced and arranged. It features luminous synths and an exquisite vocal performance from Debbie Darby (aka Chicas). Music magazine Pitchfork placed it at #72 on its “200 Greatest Songs of the 1970s” list. It’s the title track from his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity's seventh studio album, released on May 12, 1976. The collection performed well on the charts, peaking at #10 on Billboard’s R&B album chart and #51 on the Billboard 200. “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” has been sampled on 188 songs, including tracks by prominent artists such as Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Tupac Shakur, OutKast and Common. 

Everybody Loves The Sunshine at Amazon

Love Will Bring Us Back Together (1979)

There is so much groove goodness on this irresistible cut. Ayers serves up some marvelous keyboard work, particularly the funky clavinet parts. And he infuses his lead vocals with tons of smooth soul, nicely complemented by Carla Vaughn's strong backing vocals. William Allen anchors the track with a tasty bass line. “Love Will Bring Us Back Together” was the lead single from Ayers’ album Fever (1979). It peaked at #41 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart. 

Love Will Bring Us Back Together at Amazon

Hot (1985)

Roy Ayers brings truckloads of funk to this dope groove. The track features cold guitar riffs, a wicked beat, and electrifying synth lines. And Ayers delivers a smokin’ vibraphone solo, which augments the funk level considerably. “Hot” was the second single from Ayers’ album You Might Be Surprised (1985). The song had a pretty strong showing on the charts, peaking at #20 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and #12 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. It was famously played at the intro of Michael Jackson’s iconic “The Way You Make Me Feel” video, which first aired on October 31, 1987.

Hot at Amazon

Running Away (1977)

This smooth indelible groove had music lovers everywhere bobbin’ their heads and tapping their feet. It’s one of Roy Ayers’ best-known tracks, and it still gets a lot of play on classic R&B, jazz and soul stations. William Allen’s fantastic bass line is the funky nexus of this memorable groove, flawlessly linking all of the elements together. The track features a creative vocal arrangement, with vocals provided by Edwin Birdsong, Silvia Cox, Roy Ayers, and Marguerite Arthurton. Steve Cobb keeps the groove tight and deep in the pocket with his stellar drumming. And Chano O'Ferral's percussion work is topflight. “Running Away” is a single from Ayers’ 1977 album Lifeline. The song peaked at #19 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and #14 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. It has been sampled on 34 songs, including tracks by noted music acts such as A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Big Daddy Kane, and Slick Rick.

Running Away at Amazon