Show Time

Released in 1981, Show Time was the last album that Steve Arrington recorded with Slave. The singer/drummer had been a valuable part of the Dayton funk combo, providing lead vocals on such hits as "Watching You" and "Just a Touch of Love." So you can say that Show Time (which was produced by Jimmy Douglass) was the end of an era for Slave. Creatively, the band was on quite a roll during its Arrington era, and those who had savored 1979s Just a Touch of Love and 1980s Stone Jam found this LP to be equally strong. From "Smokin" and "Funken Town" to the single "Snap Shot," Show Time proved to be a consistently rewarding addition to Slaves catalog. All of the tracks are immediately recognizable as Slave offerings; during its Arrington period, Slave favored a very distinctive style of funk that was sleek and gritty at the same time. And even though Arrington wasnt an original member -- he didnt start recording with the band until its third album, The Concept -- he was a main ingredient of the Slave sound from 1978 to 1981. Show Time is recommended to funk addicts without hesitation. [In 2022, Iconoclassic Records remastered and reissued Show Time on CD. The albums long-overdue first individual release on the format -- only the two-for-one set Show Time/Visions of the Lite filled the void before then -- this features the 7" version of "Wait for Me," the 12" version of "Snap Shot," and extensive liner notes with participation from bandmembers and collaborators.] ~ Alex Henderson