“Bra”

“But it’s alright / We can still go on”: 50 years of a global funk classic

The first time I heard “Bra” (1973) by the south London combo by the name of Cymande, I couldn’t get enough of the horns. The 10-note sax chorus was, and remains for me, a call to consciousness, that is, uplift characterized as a danceable hook. The slow ascending and descending of the notes is a code to imagine weaved into the groove.

Radio being what it is, a few years passed before I would know either the title or the artist. I no longer remember where I first heard it, but I would stop everything to listen whenever it was on Felix Hernández’ “Rhythm Revue,” which was frequent enough to enjoy as I searched to learn more about this energizing song with the captivating “But it’s alright” lyric.

🎶

When I did, it was a fully-realized sonic opening. I could hear the total instrumentation: the bass, both understated and strong, along with drum kit and congas propelling the melody higher. Also vibrant and constant in the rhythm section was the inimitable güiro (a gourd instrument scraped with a stick or metal brush that is key in Latin percussion). The sax solo and later the bass/percussion breakdown kick it even higher to place the track among the immortalized hip hop samples.

Raising the listening further were the lyrics channeled through high harmony. The words are reminders that the struggle continues.

Time has been lost in trying
We have been left outside
Looking at passions dying
Emotions grow strong all the time
[Get ready those horns after “alright” - A.L.M.]
But it's alright, we can still go on
But it's alright, we can still go on
But it's alright, we can still go on
But it's alright, we can still go on

Even the band name expresses globe-spanning consciousness, “cymande” being a calypso word for “dove.” Frankly, all this Earth can wish for more cymande now.

In addition to being at the pinnacle of funk in the UK, “Bra” is also a bridge. Consider the progression from the Caribbean rock-soul of “Build Me Up Buttercup” (1968) by The Foundations to the Britfunk of “Intuition” (1981) by Linx, just a year before Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue.”

If you’re dancing by now, or just contemplating it, I did what I was meant to do! Also, consider the moral of this funky story: even as the struggle is hard and you and/or your comrades are feeling down, always remind each other

But it’s alright

We can still go on