Brick: The Funk and Disco Fusion Pioneers

Brick is an American band that masterfully blended funk, disco, and jazz into a potent sound known as "dazz." The group achieved major commercial success in the late 1970s, most notably with their platinum-selling single "Dazz," which became a dance floor anthem.

Early career

Brick was formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1972, originally under the name "Brick Wall." The founding core consisted of Jimmy Brown, Regi Hargis, and Ray Ransom. They honed their live act extensively on the Southern club circuit, developing a reputation for energetic performances that fused hard funk rhythms with sophisticated jazz instrumentation.

This groundwork led to their first recording contract with the independent Bang Records label. Their self-titled debut album, "Brick," was released in 1976, introducing their hybrid "dazz" style to a growing audience.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1977 with the release of their second album, "Good High." The lead single, "Dazz," became a runaway hit, climbing to No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart and reaching No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The infectious instrumental track was certified platinum by the RIAA, signifying sales of over two million copies.

Propelled by this success, the "Good High" album itself reached No. 13 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and No. 49 on the Pop chart. This period marked Brick's peak in terms of widespread national recognition and chart impact.

Key tracks

Dazz — This platinum-certified instrumental is the band's signature song and a definitive track of the late 70s funk-disco era.

Dusic — Another major hit single that followed "Dazz," showcasing the band's tight grooves and solidified their chart presence.

Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody — A smooth, vocal-driven track from the "Good High" album that demonstrated the band's versatility beyond instrumentals.

Good High — The title track from their breakthrough album encapsulates their jazz-funk roots with a sophisticated arrangement.

Later career and legacy

Brick capitalized on their momentum with the 1978 album "Stoneheart," which produced the R&B hit "Sweat (Til You Get Wet)." They continued recording through the early 1980s, releasing albums like "Waiting on You" (1980) and "Too Tuff" (1981), though with diminishing commercial returns as musical trends shifted.

The band's influence, however, endured. Their "dazz" sound—a seamless mix of funk basslines, disco rhythms, and jazz-inflected horns—has been sampled by numerous hip-hop and R&B producers. Brick's music remains a staple on classic funk and disco playlists, celebrated for its musicianship and danceable energy.

For fans of the funky rhythms and horn-driven melodies of Brick, the music of similar acts like Kool And The Gang shares a similar party-starting energy. The Ohio Players also deliver that potent blend of gritty funk and slick production. The jazz-funk fusion of The Crusaders explores related instrumental territory. Meanwhile, Earth Wind And Fire achieved massive success with a similarly ambitious blend of funk, disco, and complex arrangements.

Brick's catalog maintains a strong presence on radio rotations, particularly on classic R&B and funk stations, throwback disco programs, and specialty shows dedicated to 1970s dance music. Their tracks are frequently featured on online radio streams that celebrate the golden era of soul and funk, ensuring their music reaches both nostalgic listeners and new audiences.

You can hear the dynamic sound of Brick on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or enjoy the band's funk and disco hits through the various radio stations available on onairium.com.