Gary Toms Empire – 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Blow Your Whistle captures the New York group at the point where hard-driving funk was opening into the dance-floor sound of the mid-1970s. Released in the US in 1975, the album is built around the horn-led title track, a punchy funk/disco crossover that reached No. 5 on the US R&B chart.
Gary Toms leads from keyboards and vocals, joined by lead singer Helen “Chi Chi” Jacob and a full ensemble of guitars, rhythm section, horns and strings. The arrangements balance tight funk grooves with brighter disco textures, while the group’s version of The Beatles’ “Drive My Car” turns the familiar song into an energetic club-oriented workout.
This is the original 1975 US P.I.P. Records gatefold edition, catalogue number PIP 6814. The record was made during the group’s breakthrough period and the gatefold presentation, period artwork and original album sequencing make it an appealing document of the transition from early-1970s funk to disco.
The vinyl is conservatively graded Very Good Plus and presents close to Near Mint, with only light signs of previous handling. The gatefold sleeve is graded Very Good, with visible wear along the top edge.
Edition details
Artist / title: Gary Toms Empire – 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Blow Your Whistle
Label: P.I.P. Records
Catalogue number: PIP 6814 / PIP-6814
Country / year: US / 1975
Format: Vinyl LP, album, gatefold
Genre / style: Funk / Soul, Funk, Disco
Media condition: VG+ (close to NM)
Sleeve condition: VG – visible wear along the top edge
Every item at Mr. Hansen Records is conservatively graded according to the Goldmine Standard. Vinyl records are professionally cleaned before dispatch, and all orders are securely packed with collector-grade care.