Chuck Brown, known by his stage name "Mr. Magic," was an American musician and bandleader. He is considered one of the pioneers of go-go music, a subgenre of funk that originated in Washington, D.C. during the 1970s. Brown was born on August 22, 1936, in Gaston, North Carolina.
Funk Express (1980)
For some reason - perhaps producer Wayne Henderson - a step backwards into formulaic, disco-fied lite R&B ("Come On And Boogie") and dreadful ballads ("Time Has No Ending"). "Sticks And Stones" is in the same vein as the previous release, and there is one terrific, funky love song ("Slow Down (You Keep Telling Me)"), but virtually nothing go-go about the disc, and more importantly, almost nothing worth hearing. Brown did put the rest of the classic Soul Searchers lineup together at this point, and their live shows were already transfixing the DMV area though there's no recorded evidence I know of. (DBW)
Drop the Bomb was released in 1981 as part of the live double album Straight Up Funk Go-Go Style , which some including Fat Tony consider to be the genre s official debut on record. s quasi-novelty hit Da Butt but Brown stuck around long enough to receive at least some of the respect due him; after decades of leading the Soul Searchers, he died as a result of heart disease in May 2012.
Brown was born on August 22, 1936, in Gaston, North Carolina. He started his music career in the 1960s, playing the guitar in various bands. However, it was in the 1970s that he found his true calling when he formed his own band, "The Soul Searchers.
From ‘Bustin’ Loose’ to ‘Da Butt’: The Story of D.C. Go-Go in 16 Essential Tracks
Go-go music is the soundtrack of Washington, D.C. Despite a four-decade history and a few national hits like “Da Butt,” by Experience Unlimited (E.U.), and “Shake Your Thang,” by Salt-N-Pepa with E.U., the funk offshoot, often referred to as a cousin of hip-hop, is a proudly regional music — born in the nation’s capital and embraced and supported by fans in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. A trip to the city will reveal the music blasting from automobiles and businesses as new bands carry on the tradition of a style that was birthed by the late Chuck Brown before their members were even born. This coming weekend, Pharrell Williams’ D.C. fest Something in the Water will host Rare Essence and the Backyard Band — two of the city’s greatest go-go acts — a testament to the music’s enduring relevance in the area.
Because most classic records from go-go’s Eighties heyday documented live concerts and performances, they didn’t usually contain a well-defined hook or fit easily into a radio-friendly format. Instead, the focus is on monster grooves livened up with a barrage of syncopated percussion played on cowbells, congas, bongos, and more. “The only way to record go-go is live,” Big Tony, singer-bassist and founder of Trouble Funk, one of go-go’s first and most successful bands, told this writer in a 2005 interview for The Foundation. “That’s what go-go is about. … Even if you record in the studio, you have to have a crowd.”
Ahead of Something in the Water, here are 16 tracks that provide an introduction to a homegrown, body-moving style.
" With his band, Mr. Magic popularized the go-go sound, characterized by a steady beat and call-and-response vocals. The music was influenced by various genres such as funk, soul, R&B, and Latin music. It became a prominent part of the cultural identity of Washington, D.C. and gained a loyal fan base. Mr. Magic released several albums throughout his career, with some of his most notable songs including "Bustin' Loose" and "We Need Some Money." His energetic performances and infectious grooves made him a beloved figure in the local music scene and beyond. In addition to his musical contributions, Mr. Magic also played a significant role in giving back to his community. He frequently organized and participated in charity events and fundraisers to support local causes and help those in need. Sadly, Chuck Brown passed away on May 16, 2012, at the age of 75. His legacy, however, continues to live on. His music has inspired countless artists and his contribution to the go-go genre cannot be overstated. The impact of his innovative sound and his commitment to his community will forever be remembered and celebrated..
Reviews for "Chuck Brown's Mr. Magic: The Birth of a Musical Legend"
1) John Doe - 1 star
This album was a total disappointment. I've been a fan of Chuck Brown for years and was really looking forward to this release, but it fell short in every way. The songs lack energy and creativity, and the production feels lazy and uninspired. It's clear that Brown was just going through the motions with this album, and it's a shame because he's capable of so much more. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on "Chuck Brown Mr Magic".
2) Jane Smith - 2 stars
I wanted to like this album, I really did. But unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The songs on "Chuck Brown Mr Magic" just didn't grab me, and I found myself losing interest after the first few tracks. The instrumentals felt repetitive and the vocals lacked passion. Overall, it was a forgettable and average listening experience. I'll be sticking to Brown's earlier work, which has much more soul and charisma.
3) Andrew Johnson - 2 stars
I'm usually a big fan of Chuck Brown, but this album left me feeling underwhelmed. The tracks on "Chuck Brown Mr Magic" all started to blend together and nothing really stood out to me. It's a shame because Brown has such a unique voice and style, but it just didn't shine through on this release. I definitely preferred his older material, which had more energy and substance. I would recommend giving this album a pass and revisiting some of Brown's classic hits instead.