Deep Groove Encyclopedia

Pleasure

Click below for a Pleasure sample:

Originating from Oregon, Pleasure had the distinction of being one of the first bands taken under the wing of Wayne Henderson following his departure from the Crusaders. Under his tutelage, they picked up where the Blackbyrds left off to become of the best-selling acts on the Fantasy label in the late 70s, scoring with "Ghettoes of the Mind," "Joyous" (also a popular breakbeat cut), and "Glide," a top ten hit in 1979. Like many rare groove acts, they are now more respected than during their active career and their records will go for a pretty penny when you find them.

Drummer Bruce Carter died August 12, 2006. The other members were Nathaniel Phillips (bass), Sheroman Davis (vox), Dennis Springer (sax), Marlon McClain (guitar), percussionist Bruce Smith and the keyboard- playing brothers Michael and Donald Hepburn.

Pleasure's Deepest Grooves

Dust Yourself Off (Fantasy, 1975)

Accept No Substitutes (Fantasy, 1976)

Joyous (Fantasy, 1977)
Their most popular LP largely due to the title cut, which is as slamming a piece of jazz-funk as you will ever hear.

Future Now (Fantasy, 1979)
The most successful album. With "Glide" as the featured cut, but there is much more goodness where that came from. Check "Nothin' To It" and "Future Now" for essential smooth funkiness.

Special Things (Fantasy, 1980)

The Greatest of Pleasure (Fantasy, 1993)
The only collection I am aware of on the band. Has nearly everything you need and is a budget-saver, to boot!