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0 MFSB Summertime Classic Soul Fun
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- by Kingsley H. Smith
- 07/10/2008
The Gamble & Huff hit machine was riding high during the Summer of 1976. Their house musicians: MFSB, mother - father - sister - brother, the instrumental magic behind the Philly sound, released a spirited album that year just in time for the lazy hazy days of Summer. Best known for "Love is the Message," and "TSOP," (the sound of Philadelphia), MFSB's Summertime included a cool collection of toe tapping treats topped with lots of breezy, airy, vocals. Producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Gene McFadden, John Whitehead, and several other Philly faithful whipped up these bouncy songs keyed perfectly together for the hot weather season. Gamble & Huff wrote 4 of the 8 songs... "Picnic In The Park" "Summertime" (George Gershwin) "Plenty Good Lovin'" "Sunnin' and Funnin'" (McFadden & Whitehead) "Summertime and I'm Feelin' Mellow" (McFadden, Whitehead, Carstarphen) "I'm on Your Side" "Hot Summer Nights" "We Got The Time" (McFadden, Whitehead, Carstarphen) Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 57 seconds of George Gershwin's "Summertime," performed Philly style, by MFSB from this great classic soul album. Previous Post | Next Post
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0 Irene Cara with Hot Caramel is a Cool Smoothie
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- by Kingsley H. Smith
- 06/10/2008
Remember "Flashdance," "Fame," and one of my favorites, "Anyone Can See." Irene Cara was the vocal talent behind those memorable songs. The Oscar and Grammy Award winning composer, actress, and vocalist has been grooming an all-girl band called Hot Caramel. They are due to release a new song in June, 2008. Hot Caramel members include; Errica Poindexter - bass, Yvonne Poindexter - vocals, Audrey Martell - vocals, Donna Hairston - bass guitar, Lafrae Olivia Sci - drums, Sheryl Bailey - guitar, and Irene Cara - lead vocals, acoustic piano, synths, and keyboards. While listening to their material and auditioning a few tracks, I picked up on Hot Carmel's distinctive blend of R&B, rock, jazz, Latin dance, pop, and soul. Not too many artists embrace this kind of eclectic mix. Your browser does not support the audio element. Watch for their new album, and listen to about a minute of the ballad "How Can I Make You Love Me." Previous Post | Next Post
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2 Donna Summer Lights New Fire with Hotter Stuff
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- by Kingsley H. Smith
- 04/15/2008
After a 17 year absence, Donna Summer is back in the game with a new release due on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Her studio album is called Crayons. Listen to (and rate) 30 seconds of "I'm A Fire," a track from the new collection (below). The full 7 minute album version of "I'm A Fire" contains world music elements. It's a danceable track with a shifting arrangement that keeps things interesting including a short Latin influenced segment sung in Spanish. Donna Summer joins Thelma Houston, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, and a few other "mature" classic soul divas to release new material within the past couple of years. Listen to 30 seconds of the excellent "I'm A Fire." Your browser does not support the audio element. For a snapshot of her great career, read my review of Donna Summer's autobiography, Ordinary Girl, written in June, 2004. What can we expect on the new album? Donna says the record will contain "a menagerie of colors and styles, with hints of different ethnic traditions and sounds." She continues, "My dream is that when people hear the music it will remind them of their youth, their childhood and the joy and wonderment they felt exploring their first pack of Crayons." Huh? OK. I haven't played with crayons in ages, but I get the metaphor. Donna Summer always carried the excess baggage of "The Queen of Disco" label, despite her versatility. Many missed the fact that she's a very talented singer. Just listen to the Quincy Jones' produced song "State of Independence" for an example of Donna's distinctive depth of style. She gets the last laugh as a survivor with the power of Sony BMG & Burgundy Records behind this new release. Here are my 5 Donna Summer Favorites. What are yours? "Bad Girls" "Love To Love You Baby" "No More Tears" (duet with Barbra Streisand) "Hot Stuff" "Could This Be Magic" Get reacquainted with an old friend. Previous Post | Next Post
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0 DeBarge Family Motown Melodies
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- by Kingsley H. Smith
- 03/18/2008
1985. El, Bunny, Mark, James, and Randy DeBarge, cast in the media image of the Jackson 5, continue to crank out a string of classic soul hits for Motown. The DeBarge family released their first album in 1981, finding most of their success in the mid 1980's. Some of their well publicized mis-steps along with personal problems of particular group members probably contributed to a compressed period for their 15 mintues of fame. Happily, the DeBarge clan are survivors. Second generation additions, along with founders Bunny, Randy, Mark, Anita, Alice, El, James, Chico, Chantal, Young, Peaches, Mama D., and Switch's Bobby and Tommy continue to receive attention. Mama, El, and Chico all have individual web sites. Several fan web sites also keep track of the entire family. Here are the lyrics to their hit "Who's Holding Donna Now," written by David Foster, Jay Graydon, and Randy Goodrum featuring El DeBarge on the lead vocal: Sometimes a love won't let go Hard as I try I know it shows Everybody's telling me You'll be over her eventually But how am I supposed to feel so secure. When I keep wonderin'Who's holding Donna nowAnd I keep wonderin'Who's heart she's knocking aroundThere's nothing I wouldn't doTo be in his shoes somehowAnd I keep wonderin'Who's holding Donna nowAnd I keep wonderin'What magic can be foundTo turn me back to the worldWho's holding Donna now. The letter started with goodbyeI've read it half a million timesTell me this is just a dreamWhen I wake up she'll be here next to meTell me it will be just the way it was, oh When I keep wonderin'Who's holding Donna nowAnd I keep wonderin'Who's heart she's knocking aroundThere's nothing I wouldn't doTo be in his shoes right nowAnd I keep wonderin'Who's holding Donna nowAnd I Keep wonderin'What magic can be foundTo turn me back to the worldWho's holding Donna now Those Temptations vs. Four Tops tours were always fun. Is there any chance of a future Jacksons vs. DeBarge tour? Anything is possible! Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 30 seconds of "Who's Holding Donna Now" by DeBarge. Previous Post | Next Post
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0 Gamble & Huff Earn their Philly-Soul Hall of Fame Ticket
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- by Kingsley H. Smith
- 03/10/2008
Philadelphia International Records label founders Kenny Gamble (left), and Leon Huff (right), will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2008. The two songwriter-producers will be honored by receiving the first Ahmet Ertegun award for non-performers, Monday evening, March 10, in New York City. "Love Train," "If You Don't Know Me By Now," "When Will I See You Again," and scores of hits have driven the Philadelphia International express to global fame. Gamble and Huff piloted the last of the great classic soul record labels, building on the legacy of Motown, Stax, and Atlantic. The Philly International catalogue has been mined to death with CD song reissues over the years. Surprise, two new ones are hitting the marketplace now. The Sound of Philadelphia: Gamble & Huff's Greatest Hits is a new release featuring all of those memorable smashes: "Me & Mrs. Jones, "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," and many more. Very few producers could get away with this ego strokin' title, but Gamble & Huff can. Then we have Conquer the World: The Lost Soul of Philadelphia International Records, the 2nd new release. A treasure chest of obscure tracks are featured, from the talented Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, producer-artist Bunny Sigler, Johnny Williams, and many other performers. Here are some of the original Philadelphia International Records vinyl album covers... Your browser does not support the audio element. Johnny Williams had one minor hit back in 1973 on Philadelphia International called "Slow Motion." Listen to 39 seconds of "Slow Motion" (from the original 45 RPM record). Congratulations to Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff on their well deserved honor. Previous Post | Next Post
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0 Valentine Love from Henderson & Vaughan
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- by Kingsley H. Smith
- 02/14/2008
Bassist Michael Henderson wrote "Valentine Love" in 1976 right before a recording session with drummer Norman Connors. "Valentine Love" is still one of the best songs you'll hear on Valentine's Day. The ballad remains a classic soul masterpiece. "Sassy" Sarah Vaughan, (1924 - 1990), made her name during the golden era of jazz. Her reading of "My Funny Valentine" from the Rodgers & Hart songbook is timeless. She recorded the song in 1954 and kept it in her active repertoire for years. Vaughan, shown here, admits that she panicked when performing the tune in 1979 for a television special. Apparently composer Richard Rodgers was in the audience. Yes, Rodgers loved her version during the performance. "My Funny Valentine" was first introduced in 1937 by vocalist Mitzi Green as composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The song became such a sentimental favorite through the years that it lost it's cool factor. Sarah Vaughan's version however still stands the test of time. Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 25 seconds each of Michael Henderson's "Valentine Love," and Sarah Vaughan's "My Funny Valentine." Previous Post | Next Post
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0 Remixes Drive Thriller 25 for Michael Jackson
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- by Kingsley H. Smith
- 02/13/2008
Can Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas put some pop into Thriller 25 with a resuscitated remix of "The Girl Is Mine?" Will Kanye West find love with his "Billie Jean" remix for M.J.? Michael Jackson's Thriller 25 CD is here with videos, remixes, and zombie artwork galore. Your browser does not support the audio element. You be the judge. Listen to 25 seconds each of the new "Billie Jean" and "The Girl Is Mine" remixes. Previous Post | Next Post
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3 Motown Hits & Misses: High Inergy, Dynamic Superiors, & Willie Hutch
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- by Kingsley H. Smith
- 01/28/2008
In the late 1970's, after Motown headed to Hollywood, motor city magic just wasn't the same in the city of Angels. Rick James and Smokey Robinson were still cashing in with hits, but for another group of artists, times were tough. Motown has signed plenty of groups through the years who have had only marginal success, if any. Pasadena California's High Inergy, is one girl group who never quite broke through. From their 1977 album Turnin' On, "You Can't Turn Me Off (In the Middle of Turning Me On)," showed much promise. A Sister Sledge type act, High Inergy just didn't receive the high profile producers, or the right promotion. Personnel changes also hindered their growth. Washington D.C.'s Dynamic Superiors are another Motown group who ended up on the "B" list. Motown tried hard to showcase this act. Dynamic Superiors recorded 5 albums for the label between 1975 - 1978. 1976's Give & Take, produced by Brian Holland for Holland-Dozier-Holland Productions, included spirited material along with covers of "Nowhere To Run" and Stevie wonder's "All In Love Is Fair." Much of the Dynamic Superior's uptempo music was awash in a sea of generic disco rhythm. This didn't help differentiate them from similar sounding acts. Willie Hutch excelled as a producer and writer of many hits for a variety of artists including the 5th Dimension. He produced early Motown releases by Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson. One song Hutch is best remembered for as a solo artist comes from the soundtrack of the 1973 movie The Mack. "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" is a classic soul marvel, in the best tradition of "Shaft," "Superfly," and Bobby Womack's "Across 110th Street" (recently featured in American Gangster). Hutch's Havin' A House Party was released by Motown in 1977. He was an average talent as a performer, and an exceptional talent as a producer. Bonus: Listen to a 1 minute and 45 second montage of High Inergy, the Dynamic Superiors, and Willie Hutch. I also add some audio details to the tracks! Your browser does not support the audio element. Previous Post | Next Post