Pleasure

Pleasure represents the pinnacle of late-70s West Coast funk, where the technical precision of jazz fusion met the undeniable grit of the street. Their sound is defined by a relentless, elastic low-end and a horn section that hits with surgical accuracy. It is music that feels both expensive and raw, capturing a moment in time when funk was evolving into something more electronic and polished without losing its soul.

What truly sets them apart is the 'Glide' factor: a specific, mid-tempo syncopation that allows for both deep listening and effortless movement. While many of their contemporaries leaned into disco's four-on-the-floor simplicity, Pleasure maintained a complex, interlocking rhythmic structure that kept the jazz-heads interested while the club-goers stayed on the floor. The interplay between Marlon McClain's scratchy guitar and Nathaniel Phillips' iconic bass lines creates a dense, vibrating energy.

Start with the 1979 classic 'Glide' to understand their rhythmic DNA, then dive into 'Joyous' for a masterclass in uptempo jazz-funk. If you want to hear their more soulful, atmospheric side, 'Ghettos of the Mind' showcases their ability to blend social consciousness with sophisticated arrangements.