Brooklyn People - Brooklyn Express

Buried for decades in basements, back rooms, and dollar bins, lost but not forgotten, Cheri Records historically has survived only in the hands of dedicated collectors and private shelves. Revived here, in 2025, given a well-deserved second spin, Cheri Records is proud to present the first in its digital reissue series: Brooklyn People’s 'Brooklyn Express'. Originally released in 1974, this 7-inch captures a lean, unpolished funk band delivering their sound with a fearless flair, and conviction. Written by Warren Daniels and Henry Ellerbee, The A-side, 'Brooklyn Express', is all tight rhythm and forward motion—no flash, no filler, just a killer groove laden with blaring horns and the chaotic noise of the Brooklyn streets of its time. The B-side features a low-slung, emotionally bare version of 'Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely'. Written by Bobby Eli, John C. Freeman Jr. and Vinnie Barrett, this version, unlike the smoother, radio-ready takes of the era, holds back—letting the spaces between the notes do as much talking as the repeated titular phrases as soothing vocal harmonies weave in and out with the bass covering the track in a slow, measured sheen. Not much is known about Brooklyn People, and that’s part of the story. A few singles on Cheri, a few scattered appearances, then silence. But when the music is this good, it can't help but demand a return to speakers and ears alike. It’s raw, immediate, and still hits with the same quiet force it always did. 'Brooklyn Express' marks the relaunch of Cheri Records in the digital era, with a release that captures the essence of the label’s sound. An uncut gem, polished just enough to let its edges shine, but still carrying the raw spirit of its time. This is the kind of track that made labels like Cheri so important, and why they can never truly stay buried for long.