Average White Band "Pick Up the Pieces"

"Pick Up the Pieces" is a 1974 instrumental funk classic by the Scottish group Average White Band (AWB), featured on their second album, AWB. The song stands out for its infectious groove, tight musicianship, and the fact that it became a massive international hit—reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, No. 4 in Canada, and No. 6 in the UK12. It is considered a benchmark of 1970s funk and a defining track for both the band and the genre.

Composition and Structure

• The song is essentially an instrumental, with the only lyrics being the title phrase, "Pick up the pieces," shouted at key moments32.
• The guitar line was created by Hamish Stuart, while Roger Ball composed the main horn melody. The iconic saxophone solo on the original recording is by founding member Malcolm "Molly" Duncan32.
• The track was produced by Arif Mardin and is known for its tight, danceable rhythm section, jazzy horn riffs, and a memorable groove that locks in from the very first moments45.

Musical Style and Impact

• "Pick Up the Pieces" brilliantly assimilates the style of American jazz fusion bands like The Crusaders, the economy of modern jazz, and the attitude of James Brown’s JB Horns5.
• The song’s structure is unusual for a pop hit: it features extended instrumental vamps, a wild saxophone solo, and several shifts in texture and rhythm, culminating in a final, more established chant of the title5.
• Despite being played by a group of Scottish musicians, the song became an international funk anthem, redefining European funk and disco for the dance music era5.

Background and Legacy

• The band members were all Scottish session musicians who came together in London, initially scraping by before breaking through with this track4.
• The song’s title and its occasional shout were meant to signify resilience and perseverance, reflecting the band’s own struggles before their breakthrough3.
• "Pick Up the Pieces" became AWB’s signature song and remains a staple of funk, R&B, and dance playlists worldwide. The song has been covered and sampled extensively, and its groove is instantly recognizable342.

Key Facts Table

Summary
"Pick Up the Pieces" is a masterclass in groove and musicianship—an instrumental funk anthem that propelled a group of Scottish musicians to the top of the American charts. Its irresistible rhythm, iconic horn lines, and celebratory energy have made it a timeless classic and a defining moment in 1970s dance music34152.