Stuff

Gordon Edwards, serving as bassist, assembled a collection of top-tier session musicians into a premier rhythm unit that occasionally performed independently as a standalone act. Originating in 1967 as the Encyclopedia of Soul under Edwards’ direction, this ensemble transitioned into Stuff over the following ten years, convening only sporadically for performances. Various talents including drummer Billy Cobham, Jimmy Johnson, and alto saxophonist David Sanborn moved through its ranks during that period. The core membership solidified by 1975 for their debut release, featuring Richard Tee handling organ, electric piano, and acoustic piano duties, guitarists Eric Gale and Cornell Dupree, Edwards on bass, and Steve Gadd at the drums, with Christopher Parker joining at times for additional percussion and a second drum set. Despite comprising expert backing musicians who frequently evoked the feel of a “music minus one” backing track—as though anticipating the arrival of a lead performer—Stuff achieved notable success over several years through four Warner Bros. releases and sporadic get-togethers throughout the 1980s.