I-Level

I-Level were a short-lived English R&B outfit who became an underground sensation in the UK club circuit and scored an unexpected hit across the Atlantic in the early 80s. Formed through a classified ad in Melody Maker, the group was composed of musicians Duncan Bridgeman, Jo Dworniak, and Sam Jones, a former member of the reggae band Brimstone. Shortly after its inception, I-Level were signed to Virgin Records and released “Give Me,” their debut single in 1982. The track became an instant hit, reaching an impressive Number 5 on the American R&B chart and prompting the release of an eponymous full-length the following year. Further single “Minefield” also made its way across the pond, peaking at Number 5 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. The album spawned two more singles, “Teacher” and “Stone Heart (Stone Woman),” which enjoyed minor success in their home country. Sophomore effort Shake arrived in 1985 and only produced two charting singles: “In the River” and “In the Sand,” a track that eventually became a staple of the UK rare groove scene. The poor commercial performance of their sophomore effort precipitated I-Level’s dissolution, with all three of its members becoming highly sought-after session musicians after the band's demise.

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