Artist Biography: Brass Construction

Brass Construction was a Brooklyn-based funk band that helped define the sound of 1970s dance music. Blending horns, bass-driven grooves, and rhythmic chants, the group became known for their energetic style and tightly arranged compositions. Their 1976 hit “Movin’” remains a funk classic, but the band’s influence goes much deeper. Over the years, their work has been sampled by hip-hop artists and admired by funk enthusiasts worldwide.

Though their mainstream chart presence was brief, Brass Construction’s legacy has continued through sampling, DJ culture, and rare groove revivalism.

Band Name	Brass Construction
Origin	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Genres	Funk, Soul, Disco
Years Active	1968–1985 (Reunion in 2008)
Labels	Epic, United Artists, Capitol, Liberty, Collectables
Key Members	Randy Muller (lead vocals, flute, keyboards), Morris Price (trumpet), Joseph Arthur-Wong (guitar), Larry Payton (drums), Jesse Ward Jr. (saxophone)
Previous Name	Dynamic Soul
Biggest Hit	“Movin'” (1976) – #14 Billboard Hot 100, #1 Dance, #1 R&B
Known For	Horn-driven funk, dance floor anthems, early disco influence

Formation and Early Days

Brass Construction formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1968. The group initially performed under the name Dynamic Soul, playing in local clubs and refining their blend of jazz, R&B, and funk. The original lineup featured:

• Randy Muller (vocals, flute, keyboards)

• Morris Price (trumpet)

• Jesse Ward Jr. (saxophone)

• Michael “Micky” Grudge (saxophone)

• Alvin Haskin and Duane Cahill (trombones)

• Wade Williamston (bass)

• Joseph Arthur-Wong (guitar)

• Lee Evans (keyboards)

• Larry Payton (drums)

They became known for their large, horn-heavy sound and complex arrangements—traits that would soon earn them a record deal.

Breakthrough with “Movin’”

 

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In 1975, Brass Construction signed with Epic Records, thanks to support from Sid Maurer and A&R executive Fred Frank. They released their self-titled debut album in 1976.

The album’s lead single, “Movin’,” became an unexpected success. The track climbed to:

• #14 on the Billboard Hot 100

• #1 on the Billboard R&B chart

• #1 on the Dance chart

With its tight rhythm section, layered horns, and repetitive chants, “Movin’” captured the energy of the disco era while maintaining funk integrity. The song has since become a staple of funk playlists and is often sampled in electronic and hip-hop music.

Continued Releases and Minor Hits

Following the success of “Movin’,” Brass Construction released several other tracks that found moderate success on the R&B and dance charts. Highlights include:

• “Changin’” (1976) – #3 Dance chart

• “Ha Cha Cha (Funktion)” (1976) – #2 R&B

• “L-O-V-E-U” (1978) – #104 Billboard Hot 100

• “Walkin’ the Line” (1983) – #17 Dance chart

Their second and third albums, Brass Construction II and Brass Construction III, continued the band’s signature style, though they didn’t reach the heights of their debut.

Through the late 1970s and early 1980s, the band remained active, releasing albums on Liberty and Capitol Records. Their music reflected a changing funk scene, incorporating more electronic instruments and disco influences.

Albums and Musical Evolution

Brass Construction released a total of nine studio albums between 1975 and 1985. Each record showcased their evolving sound—from deep funk grooves to polished, synth-laced arrangements:

1. Brass Construction (1975)

2. Brass Construction II (1976)

3. Brass Construction III (1977)

4. Brass Construction IV (1978)

5. Brass Construction V (1979)

6. Brass Construction VI (1980)

7. Attitudes (1982)

8. Renegades (1983)

9. Conversations (1985)

The later albums saw a shift toward dance and boogie styles, reflecting the changing tastes of the time. Tracks like “Partyline” and “Give and Take” found success in clubs, even if they didn’t chart high.

Influence and Sampling Legacy

Brass Construction’s music has been widely sampled by hip-hop, house, and electronic artists. Their grooves and horn sections have been re-used and reimagined by:

• N.W.A.

• DJ Quik

• King Tee

• Jill Scott

• Gang Starr

• The Bucketheads

Their songs, particularly “Movin’” and “Changin’,” became goldmines for breakbeats and loops during the golden age of hip-hop. Producers found their instrumentation ideal for remixing and reinterpretation.

In 2008, the group reunited for a one-off performance in Paris, France, reigniting interest among fans of rare groove and classic funk.

Randy Muller: The Driving Force

Much of Brass Construction’s sound was shaped by Randy Muller, the group’s lead vocalist, songwriter, and arranger. Muller also worked as a producer for other funk acts like Skyy and BT Express, helping craft hits like “Skyyzoo” and “Do It (’Til You’re Satisfied).”

Muller’s influence extended beyond Brass Construction. His mastery of horn arrangements and funk hooks helped define the late ’70s New York funk scene.

Select Discography: Singles