Osiris (Washington, D.C. band)

Osiris
Origin	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Genres	Funk, soul, R&B, jazz fusion
Years active	1970s–1980s
Labels	Warner Bros., Capitol, Tom Dog Records
Past members	Reginald "Osiris" Marsh – lead vocals Tyrone Brunson – bass guitar Tony Jones – bass guitar Maceo Bond – keyboards Brent Mingle – guitar Jimmy "Sha-Sha" Stapleton – percussion Ron Holloway – tenor and soprano saxophones Kenny Jones – drums

Osiris was a funk and soul ensemble that originated in Washington, D.C., in 1977. Led by vocalist, songwriter, and producer Osiris Marsh, the group developed a sound that combined elements of funk with socially conscious lyrics. Marsh, who was influenced by D.C.’s gospel and doo-wop traditions, guided the band through its development during the late 1970s. Osiris became known locally for its live performances and its blend of rhythm-focused music and reflective themes.

History

Osiris began as a Washington, D.C.-based seven-piece funk band formed in the late 1970s by singer, songwriter, and producer Reginald "Osiris" Marsh. Marsh, Maceo Bond, and Tyrone Brunson began their musical careers in a predecessor group, Destiny, which released a single titled "So Much Love" in 1975 on RCA Victor featuring soul singer-songwriter Veronica Martin. After Destiny disbanded, the trio formed Osiris, developing a funk sound influenced by Marsh’s earlier exposure to doo-wop, gospel, and soul music. The group emerged during a flourishing period for Washington, D.C.'s music scene, which was also known for the development of go-go, jazz-funk, and soul. Marsh, Bond, and Brunson also participated in the local funk outfit The Family, which released the album Music - Let It Thru in 1977 on Little City Records.

Osiris released its debut album, Since Before Our Time, in 1978 on Marsh’s independent label, Tomdog. In a September 16, 1978 issue of Billboard, the album was featured in their "Top Album Picks" section, with the publication noting that it "borrow[s] from such acts as the Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire... nevertheless the combo has talent, and writes promising material in the vein of these supergroups. Sax and keyboard contributions shine through especially. Osiris should be watched." The album was reissued in 1979 by Warner Bros. Records and received coverage from niche funk and soul outlets, with comparisons drawn to artists such as Sly Stone and Funkadelic. Tracks such as "Consistency" and "Almost Never Gets There" included lyrics with philosophical and social themes, reflecting Marsh's writing style. The single "Consistency" reached #77 on the Billboard R&B chart in March 1979.

The group’s lineup included Marsh on lead vocals, Tyrone "Ty" Brunson (bass), Maceo Bond (keyboards), Tony Jones (bass), Kenny Jones (drums), Jimmy "Sha-Sha" Stapleton (percussion), Ron Holloway (saxophone), and Brent Mingle (guitar). The inclusion of two bassists contributed to the band’s layered rhythm section.

In 1979, Osiris released their second album, O-Zone, on Marlin Records, a subsidiary of T.K. Records. The album retained the group’s core funk style and featured guest musicians including Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Rick Gardner, Richard "Kush" Griffith, and Jerome "Bigfoot" Brailey. However, distribution and financial difficulties at T.K. Records limited the album’s commercial reach.

Their third album, Osiris The Band, was released in 1981 through Tomdog, marking a return to independent production. Marsh continued as the group’s primary songwriter and producer. Although the band did not achieve widespread commercial success, it maintained a presence within the funk and soul scene throughout the early 1980s.

In subsequent decades, interest in Osiris resurfaced among funk collectors and music historians, particularly in Japan. In 2008, the compilation album The Best of Osiris was released, introducing the band’s catalog to new audiences.

Although the group did not attain mainstream recognition, Osiris Marsh and his collaborators are noted for their contributions to the late 20th-century American funk landscape.

Musical style

Osiris Marsh’s musical style blends funk and soul, with vocals that incorporate a range of emotional tones and rhythmic patterns. In addition to funk, his work draws influence from genres such as psychedelic soul, rhythm and blues, and rock.

Marsh has cited artists including Sly and the Family Stone, Funkadelic, and George Clinton as key influences. Elements such as bass-heavy arrangements, syncopated drumming, and the use of horn sections reflect this stylistic lineage. His compositions include both uptempo tracks and slower, more contemplative pieces.

Lyrically, Marsh's songs explore themes such as personal relationships, social commentary, and self-reflection. This thematic diversity recurs throughout his body of work.

Albums like Since Before Our Time and Osiris The Band! demonstrate a willingness to experiment with production techniques and musical arrangement. Marsh’s work is often situated within the broader context of late 20th-century American funk and soul.

Fantality (1979)

Fantality is a dual-single by Osiris Marsh, released in 1979. The project features Marsh’s vocal and songwriting contributions within funk-based arrangements and lyrics that address social themes. It was produced during a period of increased musical activity in Washington, D.C.’s funk scene and is recognized as part of Marsh’s recorded output.

Reception in the D.C. Area

Following its 1979 release, Fantality attracted local attention in the Washington, D.C. area, where it resonated with regional funk styles. The release coincided with a broader musical movement that included artists such as Chuck Brown, who were known for combining rhythmic grooves with socially conscious lyrics.

Musical Characteristics

Fantality incorporates elements of funk, soul, and early go-go influences. Its tracks address social themes and personal experiences. The arrangements reflect stylistic features typical of late 1970s funk, including prominent rhythm sections, bass-driven lines, and ensemble instrumentation.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Since Before Our Time (1978)
• O-Zone (1979)
• Osiris The Band (1981)
• War On The Bullshit (1986)
• Osiris Forever (1997)

Compilation Albums

• The Best of Osiris (2008)

Singles

• "Consistency" (1978)
• "Fantality" (1979)
• "Gritt On It" (1980)
• "Say You Will" (1980)
• "Fun / Slippin In The Back Door" (1982)
• "War (On The Bull Shit)" (1982)
• "Total Devastation" (1986)
• "Prelude: Is It Clear" (2020)

"Consistency"

"Consistency"
Single by Osiris
Released	1979
Genre	Funk, Soul
Label	Tom Dog Records
Songwriter(s)	Reginald "Osiris" Marsh
Producer(s)	Reginald "Osiris" Marsh

"Consistency" reached number 77 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart in March 1979. The track appears on the album Since Before Our Time, released by Osiris in 1979.

Chart performance

Billboard (United States)

Chart (1979)	Peak
Hot Soul Singles	77

Associated acts

Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker, famed horn players from the James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic lineages, worked with Marsh on select recordings. Their involvement brought additional credibility and depth to Marsh’s funk arrangements, aligning his sound with the broader P-Funk movement.

Jerome Brailey, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer known for his work with Parliament-Funkadelic, Brailey collaborated with Marsh in live performances and studio sessions, further cementing Marsh’s place within the funk tradition.

Legacy

• In 2014, photographer Eli Meir Kaplan included Marsh in a Slate photo series on Washington, D.C.’s soul and funk musicians.

• In 2018, Marsh was featured on the music interview series TRUTH IN RHYTHM, where he discussed his career, influences, and contributions to the funk genre.

• A 2019 New York Times article explored the cultural impact of go-go and funk music in Washington, D.C., and featured Marsh among the region’s influential musicians.