Although best remembered for their chart-topping 1976 single "Dazz," Brick nevertheless carved a nice niche for themselves in the annals of jazzy funk and the release of their final album, Summer Heat, saw them exit the stage in a blaze of glory. Under the nimble fingers of producer Ray Parker, Jr., they hashed together a solid set. And while Parker may now be better-known for penning the hit theme song to 1984's Ghostbusters soundtrack, he is better known in funk circles for his earlier unions with Barry White, Rufus, Bobby Womack, and Herbie Hancock among others. It is this rich musical portfolio that helped Brick reach back to their own halcyon days to create such a superb sound. The urgent "Sweat (Til You Get Wet)" is pure early era Brick, packed with solid horn breaks, sexy guitars, and jamming bridge. As a single, the song deservedly returned the band back in the Top Ten. "Wide Open" also reins in the beat enough to create an instant party. But, although we know that Brick can stand alone with energetic funk fests, the band also proves themselves equally proficient and comfortable with a mellower mood. Both "Sea Side Vibes" and the Ray Parker, Jr.-penned "Babe" are effective soul ballads. And, even though Brick disbanded not long after Summer Heat, they managed to cap a musical canon with panache. Not many bands can claim that feat. ~ Amy Hanson