Track Listing:
Go Away From Here
{Jerome Brailey, Lenny Holmes, Raymond Carter, Robert Mittleman} 4:11
What More Can I Say {J Brailey, Skitch Lovett} 4:38
Lump {J Brailey, R Carter} 4:36
Funk 'N' Bop {J Brailey, L Holmes} 4:19
Burning Up {J Brailey, L Holmes, R Carter, R Mittleman} 4:08
Voyage To The Bottom of the "P" {J Brailey, L Holmes, R Carter} 4:02
Everytime You Come Around {J Brailey, L Holmes, R Carter} 3:57
Romeo (Hope You're Feeling Better) {J Brailey} 5:08
Personnel:
Producer, Arranger: Jerome Brailey
Executive Producer: Robert Mittleman
Vocals: Jerome Brailey, Lenny Holmes, Skitch Lovett, Raymond "Bro" Carter
Drums, Percussion, Syndrums: Jerome "Him Bad" Brailey
Lead Guitar: Lenny Holmes
Guitar: Skitch Lovett
Bass Guitar, Smiles: Raymond "Bro" Carter
All Keyboards, Semi-Vocals: Nat Lee
Horns: "Major" Darryl Dixon, Marvin Daniels, Melvin El
Rating: RC: ****
Comment:RC: This was the first album from the Jerome Brailey-led group. The name of the band was a reaction how Brailey perceived the George Clinton-run P.Funk camp, and he slams him throughout the album. He had hoped to recruit more members from P.Funk for this album (especially Bernie Worrell, who had less and less input at that time), but the only former player he got was sax man Darryl Dixon. Despite that, Jerome and Co. produced three excellent funk albums. His rock influence is apparent here, with the album having a heavy sound. But he also understands the use of the 'one', with the dance songs being super funky in the mold of Bootsy. The album's only weakness is lyrical, but there are enough interesting concepts to hold up the album. But the lyrics aren't the focus here, the excellent music is. Any fan of Jerome (who was onboard the P.Funk train from 1975-77, producing many classics, including his signature "Give Up The Funk") or super heavy funk in general should seek out these albums. The most remarkable thing about this album is how good Jerome Brailey's vocals are and how funky his arrangements. Despite the barrage of insults, Clinton said in later years that he would have been happy to have this album on his own Uncle Jam label!
"Go Away From Here" is a mid-tempo song that is immediately noticable for its funky bass and distorted vocals. There's a nice dramatic buildup with the addition of a clever horn arrangement and a muted but wailing guitar. The song talks about faking the funk and such. "What More Can I Say" is another mid-tempo song in much the same mold, with the same muted guitar, great singing and another excellent horn arrangement. "Lump" is a hot dance-funk song. Jerome uses his funny, higher-pitched voice to dis Clinton ('Lump, lump can you cut the funk?' and 'Thinking you did something, realizing you ain't done a lot') and the Brides in a humorous fashion. The great slap bass keeps things moving. "Funk N Bop" is another fast funker, also amusing in the same vein. This one has a lot of great lyrical hooks, like 'The longer the stroke, the deeper the fill' and 'Sworn to fun, loyal to none'. The band absolutely locks in on this one, it's just a rock-hard funker. "Burning Up" is a mid-tempo funk ballad with more good vocal arrangements. "Voyage To..." is a more guitar-oriented song with whispered lyrics and crisp drumming. "Everytime You..." is a straightforward ballad with a strong guitar presence that highlights Jerome's singing. "Romeo" is a weird mid-tempo song with a funny chant and a more subdued lead vocal. The synth is the focus here, creating a strange tension. The beat is steady and holds the whole thing together.
This album is out of print and somewhat rare, but it's available as an import from P-Vine. The cover shows Jerome on a beach, dressed as a pirate, recovering a treasure chest. An inside sleeve illustration has Jerome making Clinton (whom he calls 'Lump') walk the plank. The whole thing is pretty funny. Ace Records also apparently plans to reissue this album soon as well.