Down on the Avenue

Recorded in 1976 at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia for Fat Larry's Band's debut album, Feel It. Vincent Montana Jr. produced the session, with Larry James on drums and vocals, Larry LaBes on bass and Erskine Williams on keyboards. The track showcased the Philadelphia group's tightly arranged ensemble sound and featured a prominent opening drum break. Although not released as a charting single, it became one of the most enduring recordings from the band's debut album. Its opening drum break became a widely sampled source in hip-hop and electronic music and was included on the influential Ultimate Breaks and Beats series. Later users included Run-D.M.C., Kool Moe Dee, 3rd Bass and Mobb Deep.