Backlash was formed in Washington, DC in 1979 under the simple premise of a group performing original compositions/songs by the band itself That in itself was contrarian thinking as most groups in DC were formed as either Dance or/Cover bands playing popular radio songs of the day. Initially, the concept was met with great skepticism, but eventually the recruited members bought in and joined the band. They were Ronald Beverly, Ernie Reese, Fredrick Ford, Sloan Davis, and their Producer Edward Ennis.

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"I was looking for a group or individuals who saw this as an adventure as I took the risk. All they had to do was play," recalls Ennis. "I encouraged them to join ASCAP or BMI and think about writing songs and things began to happen.  I submitted 'Soft And Easy' which was a very simple melody, but I thought it was very catchy. The band played it beautifully."

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As the band began to gel, more songs were created like "Rapids, Interlude" among others.

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With the band more prepared, it was time to put it on wax. The recording sessions were booked at Track Recorders in June 1980, but the unexpected happened. Right before the sessions began, Drummer Sloan Davis exited, but was quickly replaced by Phil Reid who fit the bands personality perfectly.

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SOFT AND EASY AND THE QUIET STORM

The recording sessions Track Records were challenging, as well as rewarding. The band recorded 3 tracks: Soft And Easy, Rapids and another track shrouded in mystery. 

"We don't talk about that track because the person who presented it had nothing but bad intentions," recalls Ennis. "We thought it could have been a surefire hit, we recorded it and was ready to release it but they started tripping so we scrapped it.  After that, we got a deal with Strata Sphere records. They liked what we were doing and more importantly our attitude so that was a great marriage."

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Soft And Easy b/w Rapids was released in September 1980 as a 45 single with little fanfare. As the record began getting light airplay on some radio stations, the single came to the attention of WHUR's Quiet Storm weekend host, Alvin Jones who was heard the single and used it as a music bed for his Quiet Storm Special Feature segment. 

Sales of the single began to pick up and then explode thereafter. The label, sensing a hit gave the band the go-ahead back to the studio to release an either LP or EP. 

The band went on to record Hang With The Gang, Somebody, Party, and Interlude.

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The band went on to record Hang With The Gang, Somebody, Party, and Interlude to finish the EP. In 1985, the single, "Easy Does It b/w Soft and Easy" was released to continue their body of work.

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Currently, the band is in the studio working on Backlash II, featuring songs Sunday Drive, Translations and others. Bookmark this site and check back for more updates.