We Gettin' Down

Recorded in 1975 at RCA Studio D in New York City for Weldon Irvine's fifth album, Spirit Man. Irvine composed, arranged, conducted and produced the recording, playing keyboards alongside bassist Cleveland Freeman, drummer Wesley 'Gator' Watson, guitarist Henry Grate Jr., percussionists Bud Johnson Jr. and Napoleon Revels-Bey, with backing vocals by Floyd Butler and Harry Elston; Jim Crotty engineered and mixed the sessions. Released on RCA Records in 1975 as the opening track of Spirit Man, 'We Gettin' Down' showcased Irvine's distinctive keyboard arrangements, layered percussion and tightly coordinated ensemble playing. The recording helped establish Spirit Man as one of Irvine's most accomplished albums, demonstrating his ability to combine intricate instrumental writing with an immediately accessible rhythmic groove. The recording gained renewed prominence when A Tribe Called Quest sampled its melodic hook for their 1993 single 'Award Tour' from Midnight Marauders. Its subsequent popularity among hip-hop producers, DJs and record collectors helped establish Spirit Man as a highly regarded album and introduced Irvine's work to new generations.