Kay-Gee's

by Steve HueyA funk outfit formed in Jersey City, NJ, Kay-Gees had some valuable mentors in Kool & the Gang — specifically Ronald Bell, who was happy to serve as producer, arranger, and sometimes songwriter for his younger brother Kevins band. In addition to Kevin Bell on guitar and several other instruments, Kay-Gees featured saxophonist Peter Duarte, brass player Ray Wright, woodwind player Dennis White, keyboardist Kevin Lassiter, bassist Michael Cheek, drummer Callie Cheek, and percussionist Wilson Beckett. Signed to Kool & the Gangs own Gang imprint, Kay-Gees issued their debut album Keep on Bumpin & Masterplan in 1974. With Ronald Bell penning the majority of the material, Kay-Gees sound was highly similar to the hard, tight grooves of early Kool & the Gang; singles like Youve Got to Keep on Bumpin, Whos the Man? (With the Master Plan) (yes, the source of that ubiquitous hip-hop sample), and Get Down gave them an enduring reputation among hardcore funk connoisseurs. Burn Me Up followed in 1975, producing the single Hustle Wit Every Muscle, which became the theme song for the TV series Party. By the time of 1976s Find a Friend, Ronald Bells involvement with the group had begun to decrease, resulting in a flirtation with disco on cuts like Find a Friend and Waiting at the Bus Stop. Their final album, 1978s Kilowatt, was a full-fledged disco-funk extravaganza released on New Yorks De-Lite label, and featured several popular club singles, including Cheek to Cheek and Tango Hustle. However, they disbanded not long afterward.