Ramsey Lewis - Don't It Feel Good - 1975 - Columbia

This is my favourite 1970s album from the keyboard legend, Ramsey Lewis. Such a funky album it totally contrasts the slicker, smoother and totally 80s album that I already champion with vigour, 1984's "The Two Of Us". I would say that you are already intimately familiar with his seminal 1974 "Sun Goddess", and if you dig the vibe of that track then you will want to grab a hold of this album immediately. I'm glad to say that Wounded Bird came to our rescue and reissued it on CD back in 2008 and it sounds FANTASTIC. I cannot go a sentence further without talking about the late, great Charles Stepney. I loved his unique, trademarked style and it's obvious that he rubbed off on the likes of Maurice White and Earth, Wind and Fire. The man was a creative genius. His musical arrangements and signature vocal arrangements were second to none. I totally understand why the latest effort by Liquid Spirits included a fitting tribute to the man simply called "Stepney". They totally understand and dug the man and they encapsulate his essence of that essential, if all too brief song.

All bar one song floors me. The seriously FUNKY title track begins the album. Check that killer bassline and those funky guitars, backing vocals and, of course, Ramsey's mastery of the Fender Rhodes piano. For me the absolute deal-clincher is "Juaacklyn". Stepney weaves absolute magic on this laid-back, dreamy and heavenly song. Please check it out below. The song builds up pace and totally captivates you. Ramsey really does the business here and backing vocalists Morris Stewart, Brenda Mitchell and Derf Reklaw Raheem sound PERFECT as they reach a crescendo with the groove. A song I would gladly want to be buried with. A dreamy interlude leads into a dreamier must-have track called "Something About You". I wish Ramsey would record stuff like this now. He doffs his cap to Earth, Wind and Fire with a competent and different version of "That's the Way Of The World" and very much makes it his own. Sublime stuff, especially when the vocals appear. "I Dig You" is equally superb in an Earth, Wind and Fire fashion, and the set closes on a funky, tripped out note a la George Duke with "Can't Function". The funky electronic keys are so similar to the freestyling used on Fred Wesley's "Blow Your Head" it is amazing. Funk with a capital F. I cannot recommend this album enough so please ensure it has a home in your collection.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Dee Dee Sharp - Happy Bout The Whole Thing - 1975 - Philadelphia International

More Philadelphia magic from 1975. I was overjoyed when this was released on CD back in the 90s, and to see it deleted so soon and become rare was so sad. thankfully Amazon have the album available as an MP3 download. It's weird and wonderful what crops up these days isn't it?!The album is my favourite of Dee Dee's and the sheer beauty, finesse and timelessness of the arrangements, instrumentation, production everything in fact, will not be lost on you. The man to mainly thank here is the legendary Bobby Martin (please also check out his NEW album and in particular the Tom Moulton mix of "Funky Train"!!!) along with Gamble and Huff. This set is a real must and the change to click and download is a real boon. If you don't get swayed by the Billy Paul-ish groove of "Love Buddies" then I suggest a lie down, a few mouthfuls of soul food and some serious counselling from Mille Jackson!

A mighty fine midtempo groove with strings, organ and a brilliant rhythm section will greet you on "Touch My Life" - a blinder of a track, and I think you will also be amazed at the brilliant version of 10 CC's "I'm Not In Love". A very strong version and although it cannot better the original, it certainly compliments it. Her version of "Ooh Child" is magnificent and paves the way for the AWESOME Philly stomper "Happy Bout The Whole Thing". This really is Philly, PA at it's swirling '70s best. Norman Harris, Don Renaldo and the Sweethearts at the top of their game. The brassy "Share My Love" really is prototype Disco - but much better - and the classy "The Best Thing You Did For Me" draws down the curtain on this wonderful 1975 album. It's a pity that apart from hunting down the LP on MusicStack that you can only get this as a Download. However, this is the future so...get used to it, folks! Quality Soul is quality soul, whatever format it's on.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Jon Lucien - Song For My Lady - 1975 - Columbia

"Song For My Lady" carried on the tradition of strong, unique and quintessentially Jon Lucien albums. I was fortunate enough to have been in regular contact with Jon and his lovely wife in the years prior to his passing, and if one could ever wish for a more genuine soul whose every fibre of being went into his Art, then you really need not look any further than this gentleman. For Jon Lucien was a gentleman and one of life's truly enlightened, spiritual souls. His wonderful character shone through all of his compositions and this 1975 album certainly allowed us a peek into that genius mind and most deep of souls. His upbringing on the British Virgin Islands lent him a tropical twist to his thinking and when Jon committed a song to wax you are automatically invited into his warm, tropical Island Paradise.

We cannot argue with any one track on this LP. From the racy, bass guitar tropical outing, "Soul Mate" enticing us with dreamy keys and intense percussion through to a perfect interpretation of Jobim's "Dindi" and the hushed ambiance of "Motherland" with a slinky yet understated funk undertone is perfect for the following final band on side one, a track of MAGNIFICENCE called "You Are My Love". Perfect for a summer's day, this gently flowing number provides a silky cushion for Jon to shine. Superb. The cover of Herbie Hancock's seminal "Maiden Voyage" starts Side two and even though I love this, it does not manage to beat the following three songs, "Creole Lady" and "Follow Your Heart" in particular. "Creole Lady" rates as one of my all-time favourite Jon Lucien cuts - the persistent ticking rhythm, stoic bass line and heavenly Rodes Piano does not give notice to the sublime vocal harmonies, A Capella chant that finally drown out the rhythm. I saw Jon perform this at the Jazz Café back in 1995 and the result was spectacular. The crowd went crazy. "Song For My Lady" is tender, with strings and the sound of nature - beautifully poetic and floating lyrics too, complemented by angelic harp flourishes. The final cut is a real doozy, though - fans of "Listen Love" from 1974's "Mind's Eye" set will love this. Sadly, this is NOT available on CD, so a trip to MusicStack or a good record fair is in order!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Blue Magic - Thirteen Blue Magic Lane - 1975 - Atlantic

This is an album I really, really wanted to own on CD. Thanks to Collecatbles stateside this is now possible, and also thanks to iTunes where you can also download a digital copy! In my humble opinion "Thirteen Blue Magic Lane" is the best album Blue Magic released, and boy have they released some wonderful stuff over the years! I am a sucker for Philly Soul, as you've already deduced, and it is inconceivable to think that this album is anything short of an essential purchase. The late, great Norman Harris and Ron “Have Mercy” Kersey are joined by Ron Tyson, Al Felder and Richie Rome on a solid 9-tracker of classic soul. You have probably noticed from the song titles that this album (what was side one at any rate) has a definite theme. Yes, all things spooky are on order, and the cover sports an amazingly clever piece of artwork. After all these years had I noticed that the trees had faces in the branches. I was never truly an observant person, as you’ve probably gathered! The group start of in a very impressive way with their gorgeous take on the Little Anthony & The Imperials 70s number, “The Loneliest House On The Block” – they indeed make it their own with more brass than the luscious strings of Thom bell, but still retaining that wonderful Philly flavour. This is an equal to the original, and if you are not familiar with the earlier version please check out the “On A New Street” album (another that begs for CD reissue and will be reviewed here on Soulchoonz.)

Ted Mills’ vocals were always moresome, and this is the same for the light and breezy “Chasing Rainbows”. This is classic 70s group soul at its very, very best. The showstopper for me has to be the essential “Born On Halloween” – a classic in every sense of the word with sumptuous strings and rhythm guitar – complete with cackling witch! – married to the catchiest hook that your ears are likely to encounter. I dug this album out on vinyl last summer and my 3 year old daughter latched onto this song and merrily sung the chorus to herself for days on end. Yes, definitely Daddy’s little girl!!! “Haunted (By Your Love)” keeps the cauldron smouldering and continues with the cheerful and melodic “I Like You”. Fans of First Choice’s “Got To Get Away From You” and “Armed And Dangerous” will lap up the racier numbers such as “Magic Of The Blue” and –albeit clichéd – “We’re On The Right Track”. I smile when I hear these as we can see where the original Charlies’ Angels TV show got some of their incidental music ideas from! LOL. “Stop And Get A Hold Of Yourself” has an introduction that reminds me of “If You Can’t Think Of Anybody Else“ by the gorgeous Dianne Steinberg (oh, another screaming candidate for CD release, please). The rest of the song is brilliant, too. Margie Joseph is another fantastic talent who we now have more reissues from, and her work here on the lovely ballad “What’s Come Over Me” still sound as fresh as a daisy. Please seek out her Johnny Bristol-produced Atlantic set “Feeling My Way” as that really is a great album too. I hope that between Collectables, Warners and iTunes here in the UK that Blue Magic’s entire Atlantic / Atco catalogue gets another curtain call. They sure do deserve it. And while we’re at it, why not have us have a new CD from the guys too? In the meantime though, this certainly will suffice.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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The Originals - California Sunset - 1975 - Motown

The Originals are one of Motown's most overlooked male vocal groups of both the 60s and 70s. Pity, as I think that Freddie Gorman was a phenomenal talent. In fact, I have always said all along that Freddie is one of my all-time favourite male vocalists. A true singer with real clout and authority. Rough, tough and equally passionate in good measure, the rest of the group work together so closely, so close in fact that Marvin Gaye thought they were related! Praise indeed. A shame that we recently lost Freddie, but what a legacy he left behind on albums such as this! If you read my review of Ben E. King's "Let Me Live In Your Life" album, then I constantly return to this album as many of the cuts on there can be found in their original form here on this sublime Motown album from 1975. I am a HUGE lover of Motown, and you'll find on here my all-time favourite Motown song!

Every track comes out trumps to be fair, some more than others though! "Why'd You Lie" with it's Wise, possibly cynical, monologue is just a perfect LP opener and the greatness of "Don't Turn The Lights Off" cannot be ignored. Lamont Dozier is on top of his game here in 1975, and proof positive can be found on the third track - and my all-time favourite - "I Could Never Happen". I can't put into words how this track makes me feel. Needless to say that Dozier has worked wonders, as usual, but surpasses himself on every level. This tale of the tables being turned on a Playa is simply excellent and the clever twist is that the song is sung from the perspective of the wounded playa. The sheer emotion intertwined in this song is simply awesome. The strings and woodwind are a killer, and as the lyrics go "it doesn't take to fool with love, not a force that strong, the suffering, the glory n' all, think twice before you do wrong". Top of the class. Dozier is a MASTER. A popular track is "Good Lovin' Is Just A Dime Away", reminiscent of Dozier's work on the Barrino Brothers in the early part of the decade. "Sweet Rhapsody", "Fifty Years" and "Let Me Live In Your Life" are blinding - as are Ben E. King's later versions. I prey that Motown or Universal Japan release this album on CD as it sure is deserving. A few of these songs are available of various "Originals" Best Of compilations and these also contain some great songs from the 60s too.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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The Modulations - It's Rough Out Here - 1975 - Buddah

This group had been in the business a fair few years prior to this seminal release on Buddah Records. Lovers of the Philly groove will already be acquainted with this album and should, like me, love it to bits. You would be forgiven in thinking that this album was released on Philadelphia International. On hearing it that would not be at all surprising. The strings and horns are arranged by the late, great Don Renaldo and Philly stalwarts Norman Harris and Ronald Baker step in on arranging skills. Amazingly, the album is self produced and with the backing of the Philly greats MFSB, the album cannot fail to win. Vocally we're in familiar, warm Philly territory, and some cuts could easily have been executed by the likes of Blue magic or the Stylistics. Simply superb. The album grew in popularity in the late 80s during the rare groove explosion for the killer title track "Rough Out Here". The pounding drums, strings and urgent social messages make this an evergreen classic. Dancefloor heaven if ever I heard it. How sad it is that this message is as pertinant in 2009 as it was back in 1975.

This is by no means the headliner, though. I can heartily recommend the entire album, no holes barred. "Head On Collision With Heartbreak" is a track that Bunny Sigler could have penned, yet it's down to the guys again - a cracking affair with a great "Keep On Truckin'" melody to it. Superb, and so is the Norman Harris guitar led "Love At Last". Check out those strings! This is why the 70s were so fantastic! If you love the Ebonys then this will be up your street. Strings, again, sweeten the Stylistics styled "I'll Always Love You" and the brassier "I'm Hopelessly In Love" is a track that should get some feet moving on more discerning dancefloors. This is simply a delicious slice of 70s Philly Soul and deserves a slot on The Spirit Of Philadelphia 3 - should that ever arise! Please check out "I Can't Fight Your Love" as that also deserves a revival on radio or in the clubs! And so it goes. I pick out the awesome instrumental cut "Share What You Got, Keep What You Need" to finish my overview of this set. Simply a beautiful set and one that easily holds it's own 34 years after release.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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The Three Pieces - Vibes Of Truth - 1975 - Fantasy

If ever there was a standard-bearing album of the 1970s then “Vibes Of Truth” is a strong candidate. Released on the mighty fantasy label in 1975, this set was produced by none other than Donald Byrd, still very much in the artistic alliance with the superb Mizell Brothers, and was co-produced by Wade Marcus. The album was reissued on vinyl by BGP a few years ago, but was sensibly also reissued for a short time properly and legally on good old CD from master tapes by Victor in Japan a few years ago. The Three Pieces are made up of André Richardson, Lincoln Ross and Jerry Wilder and together they created a MASTERPIECE of soulful jazz-fusion. With The likes of Donald Byrd on board what else should we expect? Every track is worthy of investigation, both vocals and instrumentals, and is an album that really must be in your collection. Take a listen to the first song for example; the summery spangly guitar, the darting strings and sweet 70s soul harmonies are simply delicious; add the horns and keys and we’re in seventh soulful heaven! Yes, “I Need You Girl”, works from any angle you wish to cover it. The following killer is “Backed Up Against The wall”, a funky little number and no messing with the hi hat beats and funky keys. The lonely clarinet in the background adds a lonesome wistful feeling and the lead vocals are perfectly matched to the jogging beat and bubbling bassline.

The album initially drew me for 2 reasons, the first being the dreamy and unrepentantly righteous “Vibes Of Truth”. The strings are as sweet as you like and are working on two levels betwixt warm keys and unhurried, laid back, comfortable vocals. This is the mark of a classy singer, a classy song and they do not stop there. “Self Dealin’” really hits us with a Mizell-like production style at the start, and the righteous socially conscious lyrics are enough even to make james Brown proud! This has a feel of Gil Scott-Heron as well, so if you like these styles then this song is definitely your cup of tea! “Concrete Jungle” is also superb, the strings and sax and allows the trombone to let rip a la Fred Wesley stle! My favourite of favourites, and the second draw for me, is the SUPERB “If Only I Could Prove To You”. Possibly, this summery ballad is my top song from the 1970s, and its so easy to see where many UK groups got their cue from. But who needs imitations when we can have the real thing? This gets no more real than this, and should you need any more convincing, then “Cool It” and righteous “Virtue” should not fail to impress, both being rather much in the Leroy Hutson / Curtom bag of the time. Ok, this may be an expensive purchase on CD or vinyl BUT I have to say that it is worth every penny. You don't get albums like this everyday.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

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