Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Randy Muller was at the helm of two pivotal East Coast funk and disco aggregations in the ’70s and ’80s. One was Brass Construction the other Skyy. Their music epitomised an era where big bands with equally large horns sections played live, recorded edgy funk tunes and wore lavish costumes that would be better placed on marching bands then dance hipsters. Now lovingly restored to its digital glory by another Master At Work the classics are mixed, segwayed and chopped together taking in not only the Brooklyn-based Brass Construction (‘Movin’, ‘Changin’, ‘Ha Cha Cha’) and the virtual embodiment of the sound of New York City, Skyy (‘Here’s To You’, ‘Call Me’, ‘Let’s Celebrate’), but also the mighty BT Express, Raphael Cameron and Funk Deluxe. Muller’s influence on shaping the sound of young New York during the funk and disco era goes way beyond this collection (a shame Tamiko Jones’ ‘Can’t Live Without Your Love’ is an absentee) making this collection is an essential to connoisseurs of the good groove.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: LEWIS DENE
