In the grand history of soul music, there are the household names that filled arenas, and then there are the musicians whose reputations are built on the hushed reverence of vinyl collectors. Sheree Brown belongs firmly to the latter category. While her name appears in the credits of numerous celebrated records, it is one particular track that has granted her a permanent place in the hearts of British soul aficionados. That track is "It’s A Pleasure."
A Musician of High Standing
To understand the enduring nature of "It’s A Pleasure," (1981) one must first acknowledge the immense talent of the artist herself. Born in Los Angeles, Sheree Brown was far more than a mere vocalist. She is a self-taught musician and a formidable songwriter who collaborated with the likes of Patrice Rushen and Stevie Wonder. Her early albums, Straight Ahead and The Music, were masterpieces of West Coast sophistication. They blended jazz fusion with R&B in a manner that was both intricate and accessible.
The Anatomy of "It’s A Pleasure"
"It’s A Pleasure" is often described as a masterclass in atmospheric soul. It stands apart from the typical high gloss productions of the mid nineteen eighties by favouring a more ethereal and spacious sound. This quality has allowed the track to age with remarkable grace.
Several features contribute to its longevity:
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Vocal Restraint: Brown delivers a performance that is hypnotic and understated. She does not resort to unnecessary vocal gymnastics. Instead, she relies on a conversational intimacy that draws the listener in.
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The Groove: The track is anchored by a lean and melodic bassline. It possesses a steady pulse that makes it an essential tool for disc jockeys who specialise in the "rare groove" sound.
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Impeccable Songwriting: As a writer who contributed to hits like "Haven’t You Heard," Brown’s sense of melody is flawless. "It’s A Pleasure" manages to be both memorable and elegantly abstract.
The British Soul Connection
The status of this track as a major collector's item is inextricably linked to the United Kingdom's soul scene. During the eighties and nineties, tracks that were perhaps overlooked in the United States found a devoted audience in British clubs.
The scarcity of "It’s A Pleasure" added to its allure. Released during a transitional period in the music industry, it did not receive an extensive promotional campaign. For many years, the only way to experience the track was to track down original twelve inch pressings. It became a "secret weapon" for disc jockeys, a record so distinctive that rivals would often hide the label to prevent others from discovering the source of the magic.
A Legacy of Substance
Sheree Brown’s career has been defined by a commitment to quality over commercial trends. In later years, she has dedicated herself to education and activism, while still releasing music that resonates with her core audience. Her work with the House of Blues and her Emmy nominated contributions to youth empowerment speak to a woman of great character.
"It’s A Pleasure" stands the test of time because it never attempted to chase a fleeting fashion. It is the sound of a genuine artist expressing her truth with the support of world class musicians. For those who still search for those rare original pressings, the record represents a moment where sophistication and heart met in perfect harmony. It is no longer a secret, but a cornerstone of the global soul canon.
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The infectious, sun-drenched groove of "It's A Pleasure" has made it a goldmine for Hip-Hop and R&B producers looking to capture that specific "feel-good" West Coast energy.
The track’s DNA—specifically its bubbly bassline and Sheree’s rhythmic acoustic guitar—has been woven into several major hits. Here are the most notable tracks that sampled it:
The Heavy Hitters
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Zhané – "Groove Thang" (1994): This is the most famous use of the sample. Produced by Naughty by Nature’s Kay Gee, the song lifts the primary instrumental hook of "It's A Pleasure" to create one of the definitive anthems of the 90s New Jack Swing/R&B era.
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Ahmad – "Back in the Day" (Remix) (1994): While the original version of this nostalgia classic uses a different sample, the popular remix leans heavily into the Sheree Brown groove to heighten that "summertime in Cali" vibe.
Other Notable Uses
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Sasha – "It's A Pleasure" (1998): A direct interpolation and cover that brought the track into a late-90s R&B context.
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Masta Ace – "The Phat Kat Ride" (1993): A deep-cut example of how the track’s bassline was used in the early 90s to add a "smooth" layer to East Coast lyricism.
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Kirk Franklin – "Sunshine": Though Brown is often credited in the broader circle of these samples due to her frequent collaborations with Patrice Rushen, her influence on "sunny" gospel-soul arrangements (like those found in Kirk Franklin's work) is immense.
Why Producers Love It
DJs and producers refer to "It's A Pleasure" as a "one-loop wonder." Because the original recording is so "clean" (well-separated instruments and minimal hiss), it is incredibly easy to loop the first few bars without needing to filter out heavy drums or vocals.
Fun Fact: Sheree Brown actually received an ASCAP Award for her songwriting on "Groove Thang" due to the prominence of the "It's A Pleasure" sample!