They arrived in London, England from Guyana and Jamaica and developed a subtle, deep funk style heavily influenced by Calypso rhythms, Jazz, African music, and American Soul.
Cymande can now be seen as one of the most sophisticated of the heavy funk acts that evolved in the early 1970s.
By the mid-seventies the band members were going their separate ways. It wasn't until 20 years later that they reaped any financial rewards, as their music became a popular source for samplers.
Cymande's original albums are still widely sought-after by DJ's and funk afficionados.
Perhaps the band's best known recording is the soulful dancefloor groove "Bra", later sampled by the American hip-hop group De La Soul.
Cymande was accidentally discovered by English producer John Schroeder in a Soho, London club where they were rehearsing. He was there to see a rock band. But the gig had been cancelled and he stumbled upon this unique collection of West Indian musicians. He soon signed the band and recorded their intial single "The Message." The single was released by Janus Records, a division of Chess Records. The track reached number 20 on the US R&B and Pop charts. This set the stage for Cymande's self titled release in 1972.
Cymande traveled to New York after the success of the first LP, and began a tour of the US with Al Green. They also shared a few bills with the latin funk ensemble Mandrill. They played a few important venues, including The Apollo, and played a gig on Soul Train.
The band released three LPs for Janus. However, their final album, "Promised Heights" which shows Cymande developing their distinctive chilled funk/jazz sound was not released in the USA where Cymande had achieved their initial success. Promised Heights included one of their most cherished tracks, "Brothers on the Slide," along with "The Recluse," the downtempo jazz/funk of "Changes," and the slow funk churner "Promised Heights." The tracks "Brothers on the Slide," and "Bra," also were staples of the new Rare Groove/ Deep House scene which developed in London and New York night clubs during the eighties.
Members
* Ray King - Vocals/Percussion
* Steve Scipio - Bass
* Derek Gibbs - Soprano/Alto
* Pablo Gonsales - Congas
* Joey Dee - Vocals/Percussion
* Peter Serreo - Tenor
* Sam Kelly - Drums
* Mike Rose - Alto/Flute/Bongos
* Patrick Patterson - Guitar
* Jimmy Lindsey - Vocals/ Percussion (Promised Heights LP)
Discography
* 1972 - Cymande
* 1973 - Second Time Around
* 1974 - Promised Heights
* 2004 - Renegades of Funk "Best Of Anthology"
* 2007 - Promised Heights "reissue compilation"
In popular culture
* "Bra" is featured on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's 1993 film Crooklyn. "Bra", "Dove", & "The Message" can be heard in his 2002 film 25th Hour.
* "Bra" is sampled by De La Soul in the song "Change in Speak," from 3 Feet High and Rising.
* The instrumental mid-portion of "Bra" was used at both the beginning and ending of John Leguizamo's stage production Sexaholix.
* The Fugees sampled Cymande's "Dove" for the title track of their 1996 second album The Score.
* The Message was resampled for Masta Ace's "Me & The Biz," notably featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and in 1991 on MC Solaar's "Bouge de là."
* Solo.X sampled "Dove" for the first track on 2007s Limited Edition promotional EP Black September on the song Glass House Theory
* The track "Brothers on the Slide" was featured in the background of the movie Dallas 362.
* British reggae band Aswad covered "The Message" on their 1988 album "Distant Thunder".
* "The Message" was sampled by Ruthless Rap Assassins on their 1990 single "And It Wasn't A Dream"
Listen
Cymande Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And my sisters, it also does concern you too.
You waste you time hanging around,
with all those freaks out there in town.
Not knowing, all the time.
Ther laughing at you like a clown.
Laughing at you like a clown.
No time to waste, my friend,
you've got to act, now act now.
Come around one day you'll see,
people will treat it as their destiny.
Its nothing so strange my friend,
only folks who wanna be just men,
only folks who wanna be just men.
Ooo listen brothers, and my sisters.
Listen brothers, eaw yea, and my sisters.
Listen Brothers,
dont you think im trying to put you down.
And my sisters,
dont want to see you treated like a bum.
get your minds, two can love.
Doing what you know is right.
You must make a stand one day,
for its time you stop but think in flight,
for its time you stop but think in flight.
Can you see now,
that time is right now, right now.
No time to waste, my friend,
you've got to act now, act now.
Come around one day you'll see,
people will treat it as their destiny.
It's nothing to waste my friend,
only folks who wanna be just men,
only folks who wanna be just men.
The lyrics of Cymande's "Listen" speak to the importance of taking action and making decisions for oneself rather than falling into societal expectations and pressures. The song addresses both men and women, urging them to stop wasting time with people who don't respect them and to instead focus on becoming "just men" (i.e. good, honest, and self-aware people). Throughout the song, the singer stresses the urgency of taking action, reminding the listener that "time is right now" and "no time to waste."
The repeated refrain of "listen brothers, and my sisters" creates a sense of unity and solidarity among listeners, calling on them to support each other in making positive changes. The lyrics also touch on the idea of personal responsibility and agency, with lines like "get your mind, two can love / doing what you know is right."
Overall, "Listen" is a powerful call to action that encourages listeners to prioritize their own well-being and growth, and to take active steps towards becoming their best selves.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen brothers, this has got a lot to do with you.
Pay attention, brothers, what is about to be said will directly affect you.
And my sisters, it also does concern you too.
Sisters, do not feel left out, this applies to you as well.
You waste you time hanging around, with all those freaks out there in town.
You are wasting time and energy with people who are not worth your efforts.
Not knowing, all the time. Ther laughing at you like a clown. Laughing at you like a clown.
You are unaware that people are mocking you and laughing at your expense.
Can you see now, that time is right now, right now. No time to waste, my friend, you've got to act, now act now.
Realize that the present moment demands immediate action, and there is no time to procrastinate.
Come around one day you'll see, people will treat it as their destiny.
One day, people will realize the importance of this and make it their ultimate goal.
Its nothing so strange my friend, only folks who wanna be just men, only folks who wanna be just men.
This is not a strange notion, only those who desire to be righteous individuals will understand and appreciate it.
Listen Brothers, dont you think im trying to put you down. And my sisters, dont want to see you treated like a bum.
Dear brothers and sisters, do not misunderstand my intentions, I only hope for the best for you and do not want to see you mistreated.
get your minds, two can love.
Open your minds to the possibility of love.
Doing what you know is right. You must make a stand one day, for its time you stop but think in flight, for its time you stop but think in flight.
Do what is right and take a stand, do not let indecision control you.
It's nothing to waste my friend, only folks who wanna be just men, only folks who wanna be just men.
This is a crucial opportunity, do not waste it, only those who desire righteousness will understand its significance.
Writer(s): Patrick Patterson, Steve Scipio
Contributed by Christopher G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Gonçalves
Listen brothers, this has got a lot to do with you And my sisters, it also does concern you too You waste you time hanging around With all those freaks out there in town Not knowing, all the time Ther laughing at you like a clown Laughing at you like a clown Can you see now, that time is right now, right now No time to waste, my friend You've got to act, now act now Come around one day you'll see People will treat it as their destiny Its nothing so strange my friend Only folks who wanna be just men Only folks who wanna be just men Ooo listen brothers, and my sisters Listen brothers, eaw yea, and my sisters Listen Brothers Dont you think im trying to put you down And my sisters Dont want to see you treated like a bum Get your minds, two can love Doing what you know is right You must make a stand one day For its time you stop but think in flight For its time you stop but think in fligh
Can you see now
That time is right now, right now
No time to waste, my friend
You've got to act now, act now
Come around one day you'll see
People will treat it as their destiny
It's nothing to waste my friend
Only folks who wanna be just men
Only folks who wanna be just men
The King of Mojacar
Soul, Blues, Jazz, Funk & Rock - the pure essence....
HARDWIRED to SELF-DESTRUCTION
Black Power
dirty delva
Amazing song great band
David Gonçalves
Listen brothers, this has got a lot to do with you And my sisters, it also does concern you too You waste you time hanging around With all those freaks out there in town Not knowing, all the time Ther laughing at you like a clown Laughing at you like a clown Can you see now, that time is right now, right now No time to waste, my friend You've got to act, now act now Come around one day you'll see People will treat it as their destiny Its nothing so strange my friend Only folks who wanna be just men Only folks who wanna be just men Ooo listen brothers, and my sisters Listen brothers, eaw yea, and my sisters Listen Brothers Dont you think im trying to put you down And my sisters Dont want to see you treated like a bum Get your minds, two can love Doing what you know is right You must make a stand one day For its time you stop but think in flight For its time you stop but think in fligh
Can you see now
That time is right now, right now
No time to waste, my friend
You've got to act now, act now
Come around one day you'll see
People will treat it as their destiny
It's nothing to waste my friend
Only folks who wanna be just men
Only folks who wanna be just men
Hayden hunt
Brilliant tune
matzomaniac
Yay!!! New album announced!! Totally excited about this!
Johannes van der Stuyvebode
I'm a sucker for good music
Kea R
I love this, beautiful...
d22
Very good!
MrReillac
true words listen brothers to words of cymande wisdom