Artist Biography: Brass Construction

Introduction

Brass Construction is a now-defunct Brooklyn-based funk group formed in 1968. During the mid-70s music era they achieved a Top 20 hit with “Movin,” the biggest hit of their career and now one of the oldies music classic funk tunes. Much of their releases became minor hits including “Changin” (1976), “Ha Cha Cha” (1976), and “Walkin’ the Line,” to name a few. Before being known as Brass Construction, they began their career as the group Dynamic Soul.

Brass Construction’s start and early career

American funk group Brass Construction was formed in 1968 in Brooklyn New, York. Starting as the Dynamic Soul, it consisted of Morris Price (trumpeter), Michael “Micky” Grudge (saxophonist), Jesse Ward Jr. (saxophonist), Alvin Haskin (trombone player), Duane Cahill (trombone), Wade Williamston (bassist), Joseph Arthur-Wong (guitarist), Lee Evans (keyboardist), Larry Payton (drummer) and Randy Muller (lead vocalist).

Brass Construction’s biggest hit with “Movin”

In 1975, Brass Construction was signed to Epic Records with the he help of Sid Maurer and the label’s A&R man Fred Frank. The enjoyed their biggest hit with their first single “Movin,” which peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. It also made to the dance and R&B charts both at #1. Throughout the next decade, Brass Construction  continued issue singles, entering the dance charts but never achieved the success of “Movin” The second release”Changin'” was a minor hit in 1976 at #3 on the dance charts. They had their last two pop chart entries with “Ha Cha Cha” (#2, 1976), and “L-O-V-E-U (#104, 1978). Another minor dance hit came in 1983 with “Walkin’ the Line,” reaching #17 on the dance chart.

Recent activity and legacy

As of 2008, the Brass Construction staged their one-off reunion concert in Paris, France.

The Brass Construction has had a considerable legacy as later artists used or sampled their songs. These artists who have been influenced or inspired by their work including Gang Starr, Jill Scott, the Bucketheads, N.W.A., DJ Quik, King Tee, and many others.

Brass Construction’s discography (may be partial)

Docc Records

(1970)

Brass Construction

  • A: Two Timin’ Lady
  • B: Take It Easy

(1970)

Brass Construction

  • A: Two Timin’ Lady
  • B: Two Timin’ Lady

United Artists Records

(1976)

Brass Construction

  • A: Movin’
  • B: Talkin’

(1976)

Brass Construction

  • A: Movin’ [Mono]
  • B: Movin’ [Stereo]

(1976)

Brass Construction

  • A: Changin’
  • B: Love

(1976)

Brass Construction

  • A: Ha Cha Cha (Funktion)
  • B: Sambo (Conditions)

(1977)

Brass Construction

  • A: What’s On Your Mind (Expression)
  • B: The Message (Inspiration)

(1978)

Brass Construction

  • A: Help Yourself
  • B: Pick Yourself Up

(1978)

Brass Construction

  • A: Get Up
  • B: Perceptions (What’s The Right Direction)

(1979)

Brass Construction

  • A: Right Place
  • B: It’s Alright

Liberty Records

(1980)

Brass Construction

  • A: How Do You Do (What You Do To Me)
  • B: Don’t Try To Change Me

(1982)

Brass Construction

  • A: Can You See The Light
  • B: E.T.C.

Capitol Records

(1983)

Brass Construction

  • A: Walkin’ The Line
  • B: Forever Love

(Aug 1984)

Brass Construction

  • A: Partyline
  • B: We Can Bring It Back

(Aug 1985)

Brass Construction

  • A: Give And Take
  • B: My Place

Collectables Records

(1993)

Brass Construction

  • A: Movin’
  • B: Ha Cha Cha (Funktown)
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