The Rhythm Makers
were comprised of
Emanuel Rahiem
(lead vocals/rhythm guitar),
Sabu Crier
(vocals/bass),
Kenneth Banks
(vocals/drums) and
Herb Lane
(vocals/keyboards). (The group would later score as
GQ
on
Arista Records
with
"Disco Nights (Rock Freak)"
and captivating renditions of
Billy Stewart
's
"I Do You Love"
and
"Sitting in the Park."
This first
Rhythm Makers
release finds the self-contained funksters performing a series of pumping instrumentals and mid-tempo songs, along with a slow jam, all led by
Rahiem
.
"Soul on Your Side,"
the title track, is identical to future hit
"Disco Nights"
; they merely changed the words and intensified the beat on
"Disco."
Crier
's bass establishes a floating bottom for the pulsating
"Zone,"
a scintillating instrumental that also features
Lane
's imaginative keyboard work. Harmony skills are displayed on
"Street Dreamin',"
where former NBA star
Earl "the Pearl" Monroe
is mentioned as someone to aspire to be, along with other goals and dreams.
"You're My Last Girl"
is an airy ballad with two leads. There are nine songs in all -- no master jams, but no dogs either. [The 2007
Castle
reissue includes one bonus track.] ~ Andrew Hamilton