Platypus

Not to be confused with the late-'90s rock outfit Platypus -- which was a side project for Kings X guitarist Ty Tabor -- the Platypus examined here was a little known, short-lived funk-disco band that was active in the late '70s. Formed in Cincinnati, OH, in 1978, this Platypus combined its appreciation of the Ohio Players and Parliament/Funkadelic with a lot of disco gloss and sometimes added rock elements. But unlike the Players or Parliament/Funkadelic, Platypus didn't use any horns. In 1978, the five member band signed with Casablanca, which released its self-titled debut LP the following year. But Platypus didn't sell, and the outfit broke up without ever recording a second album. Playtpus consisted of Arthur Stokes (lead vocals, percussion), Kerry Rutledge (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Lloyd Jones (bass), Curtis Sanford (drums, keyboards), and the late Larry "Irfaan" Hines (lead guitar). ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide