Explore “The Lost Sessions,” a new release from one of Naptown's most historic funk bands: Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign. We’ll be joined by the group’s co-founder and bassist, Lester Johnson.
“The Lost Sessions” presents newly recovered recordings made in Indianapolis in 1975, capturing the group at a creative and commercial peak. By the mid-1970s, Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign had earned a place among the city's most prominent acts, with a charting Billboard single and a reputation for sharing stages with some of soul and funk's biggest names.
The group’s roots stretch back to 1969, when they launched as the Ebony Rhythm Band - recording for Indianapolis' Lamp Records and serving as the label's house band. Their most notable session work came on the Vanguards' 1970 hit "It's Too Late for Love." In the early 1970s, the group relocated to Los Angeles, where they recorded their self-titled debut album in 1973, produced by Wayne Henderson of the Crusaders. By 1975, they had returned home to Naptown and began preparing what would become their second album, “Watchin' You, Watchin' Me.”
“The Lost Sessions” captures the band at that pivotal moment and documents a sound in transition, as the group added a jazzier edge to its trademark funk style. New members were reshaping the group's identity, including powerhouse drummer Dewayne "Funky Buzzard" Garvin, a Naptown legend known for his work with Marvin Gaye and the Highlighters, and guitarist T.J. Jones of Bloomington, who had recorded with Caroline Peyton and the Vondells.
Join host Rodney Stepp for words and music from Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign.
