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Slave - Slave [1977]


In 1977 Black America was wearing Afro's, Bell-Bottoms, Platform shoes and jamming the # 1 song "Slide" by a group from Dayton Ohio called Slave. No doubt that the song "Slide" could be considered one of the funkiest song of all-time but to say that their debut album is an all-time classic would be far from the truth.In 1977 Slave was a group of guys straight out of high School (a few were still in high school) Steve Washington (The leader of the group) is the nephew of the Ohio Players trumpeter Ralph "Peewee" Middlebrooks. These guys were young and just straight up gutter when they played. They were so raw and funky but far from being a mature and polished group as you will hear on their debut album. Sound to me like they were going through a transition trying to find a style that fit. Several of their songs like "Screw Your Wig on Tite", "Seperated", and "The Happiest Days" reminds me of The Ohio Players. "You And Me" reminds me of Brass Construction. Now..."Slide" was Slave's signature sound and they stuck with that but it wasn't until 3 albums later that Slave's sound started to get mature and polished. "Just A touch of Love" album was the beginning and the next album "Stone Jam" was a Classic and the album after that "Showtime" was indeed a Masterpiece. All I can say is Slave's debut album is a Cool straight up in your face I'll slap ya Mama kind of Funk but the strongest foundation of the album is "Slide" and "Son of Slide".















Slave - The Hardness of the World [1977]

As funky as they were, Slave had a distinctive smoothness to their music. Here on their second album, the self-contained ten-member band assembled an engaging mix of songs. This collection featured two releases. The first was "The Party Song." Arranged around a swinging funk track and chanting vocals in unison, group leader Steve Washington invokes a jazzy trumpet interlude. The single peaked on the Billboard R&B charts at number 22 after an unjust ten weeks. The second release was "Baby Sinister," also spiced with that '70s funk sound. While it has a similar arrangement to "The Party Song," it retains more use of the synthesizer. It peaked at #74 after a mere four weeks. While their vocals are not as sharp on most selections, the group compensates with their musical ability and impressive arrangements. "We Can Make Love" is the only ballad on the album, and an outstanding ballad it is. It would be a great addition to any quiet storm format.















Slave - The Concept [1978]

The amazing aspect about bands from Dayton is originality, there's no defining thread or sound to speak of, each group is unique. A short list of Dayton bands include The Ohio Players, Zapp, Lakeside, Sun, and Heatwave. Where's the trademark Dayton sound? Slave may be the most underrated of all, their brand of electronic, funk/soul, techno sound made for great albums. "Stellar Fungk" the title track (yes they spelled funk that way) is stimulating head music, enhanced by brain probing lead guitarist Marc "Drac" Hicks, powerful basslines from Mark Adams, and some ear popping synthesizer work by Carter Bradley. The title The Concept is misleading, the only concept to this fine collection of grooves and funky sounds is getting your boogie on.















Slave - Visions Of The Lite [1982]

Non-stop grooving from Slave -- a record that has them losing the lead talents of Steve Arrington, but not missing a beat! As with Showtime, the sound here is a nicely smoothed-out approach to the bassy funk the group helped forge at the end of the 70s -- a more soul-based sound that still keeps things funky, yet which also stays away from the tricks, gimmicks, and too over the top sort of styles that were hurting some groups at the time. There's plenty of great bass parts and snapping drums, all next to filtered harmonies on the vocals that sweeten the album in just the right way. Titles include "Do You Like It Girl", "I'll Be Gone", "Friday Nites", "Sweet Thang", and "Be My Babe".















Slave - Bad Enuff [1983]


This Jimmy Douglass-produced LP found the band unveiling a new lineup; original members Mark Adams (bass), Danny Webster (lead vocals, lead guitar), and Floyd Miller (lead vocals) were joined by several newcomers, including lead singers Eugene Jackson and Wayne Foote, keyboardist Kenny Hairston, saxman Albrey Rivers, and trumpeter Kenny Anderson. Despite all the personnel changes, Slave is instantly recognizable as Slave on lively, infectious offerings like "Bad Girl," "Rendezvous," and the single "Shake It Up."The Dayton funksters' album, Bad Enuff, turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

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