js Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign was/is (they recently attempted a comeback) a great RnB band that slipped under the radar and never received the national attention they deserved. Unfortunately there is a very antiquated music system in the US based on tired old racial notions that tends to split pop music into two groups, rock and RnB, and bands are expected to fit one group or the other and woe to the band that might fall in between either genre. This was Ebony’s problem, too raw and rockin for the slick pop RnB charts, and too funky and rhythmic for the bland homogenous pop rock charts. It’s a shame because Ebony is not way different from some other crossover bands who managed the tricky feat of appealing to both rock and RnB sensibilities. Some of the bands that might come to mind when you listen to this album include, Sly and the Family Stone, Tower of Power, Chicago, Buddy Miles and early Rufus. Ebony has it all, jazzy horn charts, excellent ensemble vocals, screaming lead guitar solos and catchy soulful songwriting. There is an added treat on here for fans of classic hip-hop samples, if you ever liked the catchy horn riff to 3rd Bass’ “Product of the Environment”, its all here on the cut, “Get on off Me”. Since 3rd Bass were not the greatest rappers, its nice to hear the original tune intact with its chugging rhythm and signature horn part and no added vocals in the way, no doubt why 3rd Bass chose this one to sample, it is pure gold.

If you like your 70s jazzy RnB with lots of raw soulful rockin energy and not a trace of mundane disco conformity, this one is for you, like the band says, “Reach for It”.