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Brothers On The Slide is a seminal funk track by the British band Cymande, released in 1974 on their Promised Heights. The song showcases the band's innovative fusion of funk, soul, and Nyabinghi rhythms - a distinctive Rastafarian drumming style that heavily influenced their sound. The track's infectious groove is built around Steve Scipio's hypnotic bassline and Sam Kelly's precise drumming, while Patrick Patterson's guitar work adds layers of rhythmic complexity.
Cymande, whose name derives from a Calypso word meaning "dove" or "peace," was formed in London in 1971 by musicians from Guyana, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent. Their unique sound emerged from the cultural melting pot of 1970s London, incorporating elements of West Indian, American funk, and British progressive rock. The band's innovative approach to rhythm and arrangement made them pioneers of British funk, though they achieved greater recognition in the United States initially.
Throughout their career, Cymande has performed Brothers On The Slide in various notable venues and sessions. Their 2016 KCRW performance in Santa Monica demonstrated how the song's arrangement has evolved while maintaining its core groove. At the 2024 We Out Here Festival, they delivered a particularly memorable rendition that featured extended instrumental solos and crowd participation, proving the song's enduring appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences.
The song's influence extends far beyond its original release, becoming a cornerstone of hip-hop sampling. Notable samples include:
- Metal Fingers (MF DOOM) - Cedar (2004)
Used the song's signature guitar riff to create a melancholic instrumental backdrop - John Robinson - The Replenish (2008)
Incorporated the track's distinctive bassline and drum break - 8Ball & MJG - Get It Crunk
Sampled the song's horn section and rhythm guitar parts
Musically, Brothers On The Slide exemplifies Cymande's sophisticated approach to arrangement. The track opens with a syncopated guitar pattern before introducing a complex polyrhythmic structure that combines traditional funk elements with Caribbean-influenced percussion. The horn section, featuring Ray King and Peter Serreo, provides both melodic hooks and rhythmic punctuation, while Pablo Gonsales's conga playing adds crucial Nyabinghi elements to the groove. This masterful fusion of styles has influenced generations of musicians and producers, cementing the song's place in the canon of funk music.
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