Modern Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY is now home to throngs of vapid Midwestern poseurs who like to “think” all the cool bands are in Brooklyn now. All the cool bands have always been in Brooklyn, ask The Tokens, the Jive-Five, Mandrill, Full Force or B.T Express. Or this particular bunch of Suit and Tie wearing Brooklyn bad-asses: The Crown Heights Affair. For all the vaunted musicianship of Earth, Wind & Fire and their core musicians interplay with the EWF horns, C.H.A horns had them beat. The C.H.A rhythm section was tight and those horns hit you like a fist rammed in your chest, bold brassy and LOUD.
So listen to how Brooklyn ruled the airwaves back in 1976 with a very popular song you might be hard-pressed to hear on your radio nowadays. To the memory of the Reid Brothers (Raymond and Bert) who anchored that KILLER horn section we miss you and will never let any of your jams become Lost Gems. Enjoy “Dancin‘” by the Crown Heights Affair and when you sit down and stop sweating, tell us what you think!
By Donald Cleveland
Crown Heights Affair – “Dancin”
