Definitive Groove

Product Description:

Average White Band: Hamish Stuart, Alan Gorrie (vocals, guitar, bass guitar); Onnie McIntyre (guitar, background vocals); Malcolm Duncan (flute, saxophone); Roger Ball (saxophone, keyboards, synthesizer); Robbie McIntosh, Steve Ferrone (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Ben E. King (vocals).

Recording information: 1974 - 1980.

The Average White Band installment in Rhino's DEFINITIVE GROOVE series demonstrates the same care in song selection, sound, and packaging that make the discs the last word in 1970s funk compilations. With 30 tracks spread across two discs, the set features all the band's major hits, including seminal funk staples like "Cut the Cake" and "Pick Up the Pieces."

The set also ranges into the group's material from the '80s, an era that found the Average White Band exploring a slicker, more disco-inflected sound. While this work isn't quite on par with the fierce, sweaty workouts from the band's prime, it gives a complete picture of the Scottish ensemble's artistic trajectory (another valuable asset of the DEFINITIVE GROOVE series). Nevertheless, listeners seeking a round-up of AWB's still-fresh, compelling essentials will find them here.