T-Connection - Magic (2019)

In the late 1970s, T-Connection was one of those bands that had one foot in funk and the other in disco. The Miami residents weren't nearly as gritty as Parliament/Funkadelic or Cameo, but they had more grit and toughness than glossy Euro-disco acts like Silver Convention, Love & Kisses, and the Munich Machine. T-Connection's albums were uneven, but the band could be exciting when it came up with the right groove. Released in 1977, their first American album, Magic, isn't perfect but has more plusses than minuses. The vinyl LP gets off to an impressive start with "Do What Ya Wanna Do," the infectious disco-funk anthem that T-Connection is best remembered for. And the band keeps side one's creative momentum going with the glossy instrumental "Disco Magic" (a favorite in dance clubs) and the exuberant, Caribbean-flavored "Go Back Home" (which reflects leader T. Coakley's Bahamian background). Side two, meanwhile, isn't quite as consistent but has some noteworthy tracks, including "Got to See My Lady" (another club hit) and the sociopolitical "Crazy Mixed Up World," which was a departure from the escapist get-down-and-party vibe that T-Connection was known for. All things considered, Magic is among the band's more memorable releases. -- Alex Henderson