Artist: Olympic Runners
Title: Putting’ It On Ya
File: Funk/Soul
Available from digital platforms August 23rd 2024 via this link
Formed in 1974, British funk act Olympic Runners was formed by legendary producer Mike Vernon (Fleetwood Mac, Focus, Dr Feelgood), initially to back American bluesman Jimmy Dawkins for a session scheduled at Olympic Studios in London, thus inspiring the group’s name.
A line-up of seasoned session musicians included vocalist George Chandler, drummer Glen LeFleur, Chicagoan guitarist Joe Jammer, bassist DeLisle Harper and vocalist Pete Wingfield (who the following year was to enjoy a solo hit single in “Eighteen with a Bullet“).
From the off, the band’s output was well-received on dancefloors in Europe, and notably in the US, and through the decade they gradually evolved from funk to a broader-based sound suited to the disco scene.
Their fifth release, 1978’s ‘Putting It On Ya’ found Simon Phillips joining the line-up on drums.
The band showed no sign of letting up its legendary pace and the album sported dancefloor sensations “Get It While You Can” and “Sir Dancealot”, both to be Top 40 hits at the end of the year in the UK, which had now become their principal market.
TRACKS
- Sir Dancealot
- Wooden Head
- When You’re Dancing
- God Bless You
- Energy Beam
- Get It While You Can
- Breakout
- On Ya
Despite its successes, Olympic Runners disbanded during 1979 with most of its players returning to previous careers as highly prolific session musicians.