Cut the Cake

Released in June 1975, Cut the Cake is the third studio album by Average White Band and served as the follow-up to their massive self-titled 'White Album.' Recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York and produced by the legendary Arif Mardin, the album was a pivotal moment for the band as they navigated the tragic loss of founding drummer Robbie McIntosh. His replacement, Steve Ferrone, integrated seamlessly, helping to maintain the band's reputation for having one of the tightest rhythm sections in music history. The album features a mix of original compositions and a standout cover of Leon Ware's 'If I Ever Lose This Heaven.' Critically and commercially successful, it solidified AWB's status as leaders of the funk genre, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200. The title track became a signature hit, characterized by its iconic horn line and syncopated 'scratch' guitar work, which has since been extensively sampled in hip-hop production.