Could Heaven Ever Be Like This

"Could Heaven Ever Be Like This" was recorded between December 1976 and February 1977 at Mediasound and Electric Lady Studios in New York. David Matthews produced and arranged the session, with Idris Muhammad on drums, Frank Floyd on lead vocals and musicians including Wilbur Bascomb, Hiram Bullock, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker and Clifford Carter. Opening the 1977 album Turn This Mutha Out, the track became Muhammad's principal crossover single, reaching number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 42 in the UK. Its expansive arrangement helped connect his jazz background with the contemporary dancefloor audience. The recording became a lasting club and rare-groove favourite and a frequent source for later producers. Jamiroquai sampled it prominently on the 1997 single "Alright," helping introduce Muhammad's recording to another generation.