0 The Blues & Soul UK - USA Connection

• Photo
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/04/2007

We've been featuring interesting magazine covers from my personal magazine archive on recent consecutive Wednesdays. Today is the 3rd of a 5 part series with a June 1970 cover in the spotlight. Blues & Soul, still going strong, was first published in 1966. The magazine is based in London, U.K. This is issue number 35, dated June 5 - June 18, 1970, featuring the Jackson 5. My copy of the magazine is an original I purchased in 1970 on a trip to London. It's also a rare edition you can find on eBay, if you are willing to pay the price collectors are asking. This J5 edition featured excellent transatlantic chart coverage with... The top 50 U.K. singles The top 30 U.K. albums The top 100 USA singles The top 40 USA albums There's a 'page two' editorial, amusing by today's standards, noting that music consumers will stop buying albums if the number of tracks keep going down, and the album prices keep going up! A 25 minute Wilson Pickett album is used as an example. It's been a long way from issue 35 to the current Blues & Soul issue 992. B&S will celebrate issue 1,000 during the Summer of 2007. The quality of Blues & Soul continues to be top notch. Blues & Soul (also called B&S) includes all the latest U.K. and U.S.A. "urban music" info, including news, charts, reviews, events and clubs, as well as in-depth interviews and editorials on influential artists past and present. This is Magazine Flashback part 3 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 1 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 2 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 4 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 5 of 5 ----- Previous Post | Next Post

0 Gamble and Huff Songs Dive into Pride at 45

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/02/2007

Kenny Gamble (right) and Leon Huff (left) are marking their 45th anniversary as musical producers with a fresh Hollywood showcase for their vintage hits. Pride is a new movie about troubled 70's teens who find redemption through their swimming team. Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac star. Five songs from the Philadelphia International Records catalog dominate the soundtrack. Here's are the songs from Pride: "Back Stabbers" written by Leon Huff, Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, performed by The O'Jays "Let's Clean Up the Ghetto" written by Gilbert Cary, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, performed by The Philadelphia All-Stars "Little Child Runnin' Wild" written by Curtis Mayfield, performed by Curtis Mayfield "Express Yourself" written by Charles Wright, performed by Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band "I'll Take You There" written by Alvertis Isbell, performed by The Staples Singers "It's Your Thing" written by Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley and O'Kelly Isley, performed by The Isley Brothers "Expansions" written by Lonnie Liston Smith, performed by Lonnie Liston Smith "Blow Me Away" written by Brenton Brown, Performed by Dreamseed "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" written by Marvin P. Gaye and James Nyx, performed by Grover Washington, Jr. "Slow Motion" written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, Performed by Johnny Williams "I Love Music" written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, performed by The O'Jays "I Can't Wait Much Longer" written by Francis Miller and Robin Trower, performed by Robin Trower "The Fool and Me" written by James Dewar and Robin Trower, performed by Robin Trower "Oh Happy Day" written by Edwin Hawkins, performed by The Edwin Hawkins Singers "Love Train" written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, performed by The O'Jays "Strawberry Letter 23" written by Shuggie Otis, performed by The Brothers Johnson "The Payback" written by James Brown, Fred Wesley and John Starks, performed by James Brown "Dare To Dream" written by John Legend, Aaron Zigman, Sunu Gonera and Jerry Hey, performed by John Legend This is an unusual mix. "Expansions" by Lonnie Liston Smith, "Slow Motion" by Johnny Williams, and the two songs from Robin Trower (of Procol Harum "Whiter Shade of Pale" fame) are surprises. "Expansions" is a superb fusion of R&B and jazz. It's nice to see the song recycled in this flick. "Slow Motion" was a hit for Williams, but not as big as the other Philly International tracks on this soundtrack. Pride is based on a true Philadelphia story, hence the dominance of Gamble & Huff classic soul productions. Previous Post | Next Post

0 The Blues Hall of Fame

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/29/2007

What's your best source for information about the blues? Don't have one? Try the Blues Hall of Fame. It's an excellent resource. Dave Bartholomew, Dr. John, Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe are the 2007 Blues Hall of Fame inductees. The curator of the hall is The Blues Foundation, located in Memphis, Tennessee. The foundation has selected a new group of inductees every year since 1980. Members are inducted in five categories: Performers Non-Performers Classics of Blues Literature Classics of Blues Recordings (songs...single or album track) Classics of Blues Recordings (albums) Everything you may ever need to know about individuals, recordings and blues literature can be searched at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Rebirth of the Blues Flashback

• Photo
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/28/2007

We've been featuring interesting magazine covers from my personal magazine archive on recent consecutive Wednesdays. Today is the 2nd of a 5 part series with another 1969 cover in the spotlight. The blues has never gone away, but according to Peter Barnes and Paul D. Zimmerman of Newsweek in this May 26th edition, the art form was experiencing a surprising rebirth during the year of Woodstock. You were more likely to hear the blues revival on progressive rock radio, rather than on the soul stations of the day, as R&B radio was delivering the slick contemporary sounds of Motown and Philly. A similar parallel exists today, as R&B maintains a diminished foothold next to the advancing forces of hip-hop. B.B. King, Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters, and Albert King are mentioned as a few of the authentic purveyors carrying the blues flag forward. The authors acknowledge Canned Heat, Johnny Winter, Jimi Hendrix, and even Blood Sweat & Tears for plugging in new audiences to the expanding blues universe. The cover darling of this article was Janis Joplin. She would live only 16 more months after this feature was published. I can tell you from the one Janis Joplin concert I attended at the Singer Bowl in New York City, she sang hard, drank hard, and put her all into her performance. Yes, she did have a bottle with her on stage, and I don't mean water. In the context of the times, the Port Arthur, Texas native offered her concept of the blues through a rock edged lens. You can debate the authenticity of this approach, but her emotion leaped out from deep inside, projected by a memorable voice oozing peppered passion, in convincing fashion from the soul. So, two years shy of the 40th anniversary of ?The Rebirth of the Blues,? we salute the bluesmen and women past and present, who sing the reality stories of sadness, joy, and everyday experiences. This is Magazine Flashback part 2 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 1 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 3 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 4 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 5 of 5 ----- Previous Post | Next Post

0 TLC Cops CrazySexyCool Crown

• Flashback
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/27/2007

When Atlanta, Georgia based TLC first hit the music scene in 1992 with their spirited "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg," the track sampled Kool & the Gang, James Brown, Bob James, AWB, and Silver Convention. Despite the generous "borrowing" on their debut, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas went on to become the dominant female R&B/hip-hop trio in the 1990s. 1995's "Waterfalls" topped the pop charts at #1 for seven weeks. Even though the album Waterfalls sold over nine million copies, TLC still ended up filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy because of legal and financial problems. In 2002, at the age of 30, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez was killed in an automobile accident. Salt-N-Pepa passed the baton to TLC, (who handed it off to Destiny's Child). Each trio in the timeline redefined new benchmarks for success, eventually surpassing their predecessor. Forty years after the Supremes, strong, powerful, sexy, and independent women continue to capture the imagination of music fans. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Maze fans Joyful with Happy Feelings for Frankie Beverly

• Concerts
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/22/2007

After more than a quarter of a century, fans just can't get enough of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Since 1996, the online Maze Community Guestbook has been connecting enthusiastic fans to one another as well as to the members of the band. Back in 1976, Philadelphia's Frankie Beverly combined classic soul "street corner harmony" with his posse of exceptional musicians to introduce Maze to the world. Here is a group that delivers an exciting live show that's 2nd to none. Even though they've released some satisfying studio albums, I've always thought that the early releases could have been amped up a notch. 1981's Live in New Orleans, one of the best Maze featuring Frankie Beverly albums ever, truly captured the missing dynamic absent from some of their early studio sets. Feeding off of live fans always brings out the best in performers. Here are some upcoming concert dates for Maze featuring Frankie Beverly: Saturday, April 7, 2007 - Jacksonville, Florida Saturday, April 14, 2007 - Buffalo, New York Sunday, April 15, 2007 - Syracuse, New York Sunday, June 24, 2007 - Hampton, Virginia Saturday, July 7, 2007 - New Orleans, Louisiana Saturday, July 28, 2007 - Cincinnati, Ohio Previous Post | Next Post

0 Black Music Review Flashback

• Commentary
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/21/2007

For the next 5 Wednesdays we'll be featuring five interesting magazine covers from my personal magazine archive. The last cover will be the focus of a contest you can participate in. We kick it off with a real collector's item from 1969. Issue Vol. 1, No.1, of Black Music Review. Editor Richard Robinson brought this project to life, along with feature writers Lillian Barlow, Margaret Robin, and Lisa Mehlman. Issue Vol. 1 contained great articles on Joe Simon, The Impressions, Eddie Floyd, Sly & the Family Stone, Albert King, and Booker T. & the MG's members Donald "Duck" Dunn, Steve Cropper, and Al Jackson Jr. Lillian Barlow wrote a great piece, "Soul Women of America," featuring spotlights on Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Maxine Brown, and The Sweet Inspirations. Broad in it's survey of diverse "black music," you won't find this kind of magazine (or approach) around today. Black Music Review is long gone, but fondly remembered. Vol. 1 No. 1 critiqued the amazing influence of Jimi Hendrix in a series of headline articles and features. Sam & Dave and Johnnie (as Johnny) Taylor are both mentioned on the cover, but are no where to be found in the premier issue! This is Magazine Flashback part 1 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 2 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 3 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 4 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 5 of 5 ----- Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stax 50 delivers Classic Soul Grand Slam Hits

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/20/2007

Here is Rufus Thomas, catching a nap, after "Walking the Dog" during a show stopping performance. The Thomas classic, and 49 others songs from the Stax stable, are featured on the new Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration. This is a magnificent two disc set, profiling the best of the Memphis sound. Congratulations to the Concord Music Group for bringing the Stax label back into the public spotlight. Each track deserves to be a part of this collection. Some of the artists are not household names, however classic soul fans will remember these troubadours for their contributions to the Stax legacy. My title, "Stax 50 delivers Classic Soul Grand Slam Hits," may be taking artistic license, as some of the songs were more commercially successfully than others. As an example, "So I Can Love You," the 1969 seminal hit by the Emotions, (pictured here), though not a monster smash, adds depth to this compilation. Sheila, Wanda, and Jeanette Hutchinson, (the Emotions), would later obtain their biggest success with Columbia Records under the tutelage of Earth Wind & Fire's Maurice White. Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, and Johnnie Taylor get several tracks, as do Isaac Hayes and Sam & Dave. Sam Moore, on the right in this photo, with his partner Dave Prater, are represented with "Soul Man," "You Don't Know Like I Know," and "Hold on I'm Comin'." We are also treated to some gems by Shirley Brown, the Soul Children, Mel & Tim, Jean Knight, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, the Mad Lads, the Astors, and the Temprees. The 51 page CD booklet has a wonderful history of Stax, along with some great photos, including the three you see here. Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration is an outstanding double CD capturing the essence of the best of Memphis soul: "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" - Carla Thomas "Last Night" - The Mar-Keys "You Don't Miss Your Water" - William Bell "Green Onions" - Booker T. & The MGs "Walking the Dog" - Rufus Thomas "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)" - Otis Redding "Candy" - The Astors "Respect" - Otis Redding "You Don't Know Like I Know" - Sam & Dave "I Want Someone" - The Mad Lads " Hold On I'm Comin'" - Sam & Dave "Let Me Be Good To You" - Carla Thomas "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)" - Mable John "Knock on Wood" - Eddie Floyd "B-A-B-Y" - Carla Thomas "Tramp" - Otis Redding & Carla Thomas "Soul Finder" - The Bar-Kays "Born Under a Bad Sign" - Albert King "Soul Man" - Sam & Dave "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding "I Got a Sure Thing" - Ollie & The Nightingales "Soul Limbo" - Booker T. & The MGs "I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)" - Eddie Floyd "What A Man" - Linda Lyndell "Private Number" - William Bell & Judy Clay "Who's Making Love" - Johnnie Taylor "I Forgot to Be Your Lover" - William Bell "I Like What You're Doing (To Me)" - Carla Thomas "Time is Tight" - Booker T. & The MGs "So I Can Love You" - The Emotions "Walk on By" - Isaac Hayes "Do the Funky Chicken" - Rufus Thomas "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone" - Johnnie Taylor "Mr. Big Stuff" - Jean Knight "Never Can Say Goodbye" - Isaac Hayes "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" - The Dramatics "Respect Yourself" - The Staple Singers "Theme From Shaft" - Isaac Hayes "Son of Shaft" - The Bar-Kays "That's What Love Will Make You Do" - Little Milton "I've Been Lonely For So Long" - Frederick Knight "Hearsay" - Soul Children "In The Rain" - Dramatics "I'll Take You There" - The Staple Singers "Starting All Over Again" - Mel & Tim "Dedicated to The One I Love" - The Temprees "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)" - The Staple Singers "Cheaper to Keep Her" - Johnnie Taylor "I'll Be The Other Woman" - Soul Children "Woman to Woman" - Shirley Brown Previous Post | Next Post

0 Phil Spector Faces the Music

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/19/2007

What do several pioneering hit songs from the Crystals, Ronettes, Darlene Love, Righteous Brothers, and Ike & Tina Turner have in common? If you guessed the mark of Phil Spector, the musical mastermind behind the famous "wall of sound" production technique, you would be right. From "River Deep Mountain High" by Ike & Tina, to "You've Lost That Lovin" Feelin'" by the Righteous Brothers, Spector created a live, dramatic, layered, sonic studio sound in an era way before multi-track dubbing that was innovative and unique. Others have copied the "wall of sound" concept, including Phil Collins in the late 1980's. Spector is currently receiving attention as a defendant in his criminal trial in Los Angeles. Here is Phil Spector as "Bad Santa," with "back to mono" buttons and all, from the cover of the vinyl version of his spectacular classic, Phil Spector's Christmas Album. My copy of the album is a reissue on Apple Records from 1972. Don't look for this disguise in court. Update: Phil Spector passed away January 16, 2021. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Big Time for Macy Gray

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/17/2007

Can collaboration partners Natalie Cole, Justin Timberlake, Fergie, Nas, and will.i.am (of Black Eyed Peas) fame help reinvent the Macy Gray groove? Only time will tell, when Macy's Big drops on Tuesday, March 27 (scheduled release date). Big is the first Macy Gray album in four years. She's remained active with film soundtracks, (Spiderman), and other projects. Macy's unique voice hasn't captured strong commercial success since her 1999 breakthrough, On How Life Is. It's her appealing graceful growl that made "I Try," a hit from On How Life Is. Versatility is a double-edged sword. Macy Gray has it. Unfortunately, the music industry has difficulty promoting artists who don't fall into neat categories. Macy's fans will ultimately decide whether Big gets over. Previous Post | Next Post