How to go
What: Dayton Jazz & Soul Festival featuring Brick, The System, The Stone City Band Revue playing the songs of Rick James, and special guests
Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1043 S. Main St., Dayton
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $20 in advance general admission, $30 day of show; $30 VIP in advance, $40 day of show
More info: www.eventbrite.com
The Dayton Jazz & Soul Festival, a new event at Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton on Saturday, has a decidedly funky feel. The bill features headliners Brick plus The System, the Stone City Band Revue playing the songs of Rick James and special guests.
Brick
Brick formed in Atlanta in 1972 as a standard issue horn-heavy R&B act, but began to merge elements of club music with be-bop, fusion and other styles. “Dazz,” as the group called its mix of disco and jazz, was also the title of the group’s biggest hit. It was a number one soul single in 1976 and reached number three on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Other hits followed, including “Dusic” and “Sweat (Til You Get Wet).” The group released seven albums before disbanding in 1988. Due to the enduring popularity of Brick’s catalog, a revived version has been making the rounds the last several years.
The System
Taking a cue from Prince and Dayton’s own Zapp, The System began combining R&B with synth pop and new wave in New York in the early 1980s to create its own unique style of electronic funk. The approach generated hits such as “You Are in My System,” “Don’t Disturb the Groove” and “Midnight Special.” In 1986, The System appeared on the hit television series “Miami Vice” performing the single “The Pleasure Seekers.” Mic Murphy and David Frank continued to work as solo artists and producers after the group broke up in 1989. The old friends still get back together on occasions such as this festival to perform songs from their earlier group.
Stone City Band Revue
The Stone City Band Revue is comprised of former Rick James sidemen. The players appeared on some of the late singer’s best known albums and were also regular members of his touring band. Although James died in 2004, there is still an audience hungry for that class material, which prompted the Stone City Band to reform several years ago. The group is currently touring with a live revue that focuses on the best loved songs from James’ vast career such as “Super Freak,” “Mary Jane” and “Cold Blooded.”
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