Brick carved out a unique niche in the 1970s music scene by blending jazz and disco into their own style, which they called “Dazz.” Their innovative sound produced several hits, with “Dazz” and “Dusic” leading the way. Though their mainstream chart presence faded by the early 1980s, their music still resonates on oldies and funk playlists today.
| Group Name | Brick |
|---|---|
| Origin | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Genres | Funk, R&B, Disco, Jazz |
| Notable Members | Jimmy Brown, Regi Hargis Hickman, Ray Ransom, Eddie Irons |
| Labels | Main Street Records, Bang Records |
| Signature Songs | “Dazz,” “Dusic,” “Ain’t Gonna Hurt Nobody” |
Formation and Early Years
Brick formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972 when members from two different local bands merged. One band played jazz, the other disco. This fusion led them to create a new sound and a new word: “Dazz,” short for disco-jazz.
The original lineup included:
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Jimmy Brown – vocals, bass, guitar
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Regi Hargis Hickman – vocals, guitar, bass
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Ray Ransom – bass, keyboards, percussion
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Eddie Irons – drums, keyboards, vocals
They began performing at local clubs and events, quickly building a following in the Southeast. Their sound stood out for its tight horn sections, jazz improvisations, funky basslines, and upbeat dance rhythms.
The Breakthrough with “Dazz”
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In 1976, Brick released their first single, “Music Matic,” through Main Street Records, a regional label. Shortly after, they signed with Bang Records, an independent label based in New York City.
Their debut on Bang was “Dazz,” and it became an instant success. The song:
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Reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Topped the Billboard R&B chart at #1
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Hit #7 on the Dance chart
“Dazz” combined a jazzy horn-driven intro with a deep funk groove and disco energy. It was unique, catchy, and radio-friendly. The band’s originality earned them praise and gave them national exposure.
Follow-Up Hits and Albums
After the success of “Dazz,” Brick released their debut album, Good High (1976), which included the hit single and helped establish their style. Their second album, Brick (1977), followed with another big track: “Dusic.”
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“Dusic” reached #18 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the R&B chart
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It featured a strong bassline, rhythmic guitar licks, and the same jazzy flair
The late ’70s and early ’80s brought more singles, including:
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“Ain’t Gonna Hurt Nobody” (1978) – A modest R&B hit with a playful, danceable sound
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“All the Way” (1980) – Reached #106 on the pop chart
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“Sweat (Til You Get Wet)” (1981) – Produced with Ray Parker Jr., charted modestly on the R&B charts
While none of these songs matched the massive popularity of “Dazz,” they kept the group relevant through the disco era.
Albums and Musical Style
Brick released several albums during their peak years:
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Good High (1976)
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Brick (1977)
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Stoneheart (1979)
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Waiting on You (1980)
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Summer Heat (1981)
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After 5 (1982)
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Too Tuff (1988)
Their style evolved but remained grounded in their original jazz-funk concept. They used real instruments, unlike many disco acts that favored synthetic production. Their arrangements often included saxophone solos, electric piano, layered percussion, and clean vocals.
Collaborations and Live Performances
During their heyday, Brick shared the stage with some of the biggest names in R&B and funk, including:
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Lionel Richie
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Marvin Gaye
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The Gap Band
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The Bar-Kays
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Frankie Beverly & Maze
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Cameo
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The Isley Brothers
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Al Green
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Quincy Jones
Their live shows were known for high energy, tight instrumentation, and smooth vocal harmonies. They played both large arenas and smaller soul festivals, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Decline and Later Years
By the early 1980s, musical tastes had shifted. Funk and disco were giving way to electro, hip-hop, and synth-pop. Brick’s chart performance declined, and they eventually left Bang Records.
Their last pop chart appearance came in 1980 with “All the Way.” A year later, “Sweat (Til You Get Wet)” became their final R&B hit. Still, they continued recording, with their final album Too Tuff released in 1988.
Brick in the 21st Century
Despite the changing music landscape, Brick never fully disappeared. The group went through lineup changes over the decades, but founding member Jimmy Brown remained involved until his death in 2017.
Today, the group performs under the Brick name with a mix of original and new members. They appear at nostalgia tours, funk festivals, and old-school R&B concerts, bringing back the sound of 1970s dance floors.
Their influence can also be heard in artists who blend live instruments with electronic beats, especially in the acid jazz and neo-funk movements.
Selected Discography
Albums:
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Good High (1976)
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Brick (1977)
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Stoneheart (1979)
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Waiting on You (1980)
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Summer Heat (1981)
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After 5 (1982)
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Too Tuff (1988)
Key Singles:
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“Music Matic” (1976)
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“Dazz” (1976)
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“Dusic” (1977)
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“Ain’t Gonna Hurt Nobody” (1978)
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“All the Way” (1980)
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“Sweat (Til You Get Wet)” (1981)
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“Wide Open,” “Raise Your Hands,” “Free Dancer”
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“Old Prisoner,” “Wild & Crazy,” “Push Push,” “Kum Danz” (promos & B-sides)
Legacy
Brick’s legacy is tied to innovation. Their blend of jazz and disco stood out during a time when many bands were chasing trends. “Dazz” remains a classic that appears in playlists, DJ sets, and retro radio shows.
They helped bridge genres and showed that funk could be both musically complex and danceable. While their chart presence faded, their impact on funk, disco, and dance music remains.