Phyrework

Phyrework emerged in 1978 as a little-known seven-piece soul and funk ensemble signed to Mercury Records. The label issued the group’s debut album that same year, a self-titled collection helmed by Michael Cooper, the guitarist from Con-Funk-Shun. Although Con-Funk-Shun enjoyed considerable popularity then, Phyrework slipped through the cracks and attracted minimal notice. Its track list mixed several examples of aggressive, hard-charging funk reminiscent of the Bar-Kays with a predominant focus on polished, refined soul-pop and quiet storm material. After the album failed to gain traction commercially, Mercury terminated its relationship with the band, which subsequently disbanded without issuing another recording. The lineup featured lead singer Clarence Pitts, guitarist Willie Smith, bassist Gerald Calhoun, keyboardist Frank Hames, trumpeter Jim Foster, saxophonist Bill Eden, and drummer John Bryant.