By Richard Felstead (128.40.91.183) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 04:07 am:

What are some of your favourite Philly tracks ?.

Over the years of course, there have been many, and perhaps this thread has been done many times in the past, but for the benefit of someone who has only been with you about a month, please list your favourites below.

The Philly sound played such an important part in my upbringing, that I'm sure you were equally affected.

Mine would have to be, in no particular order.

THE SWEETEST PAIN - DEXTER WANSEL / TERRI WELLS

DARLIN' DARLIN' BABY / I LOVE MUSIC / MESSAGE IN OUR MUSIC / BACKSTABBERS - THE O'JAYS

BRING THE FAMILY BACK / ME & MRS JONES - BILLY PAUL

ARMED & EXTREMELY DANGEROUS - FIRST CHOICE

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF - THE 3 DEGREES

SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE / LET ME BE GOOD TO YOU / LADY LOVE - LOU RAWLS

WAKE UP EVERYBODY - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUENOTES

DON'T LET LOVE GET YOU DOWN / WHERE WILL YOU GO WHEN THE PARTY'S OVER / STRATEGY - ARCHIE BELL & THE DRELLS

MYSTERIES OF THE WORLD - M.F.S.B.

NIGHTS OVER EGYPT / YOU'RE GONNA MAKE ME LOVE SOMEBODY ELSE - THE JONES GIRLS

Would it be possible for Bobby Eli to shed any background information on any of these recordings, that may not be found on the sleeve notes to these gems.

Thanks in advance.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 04:14 am:

Richard,
Right now its 3:15 am, Phiily time and Im just a wee bit knackered, but I promise that early tomorrow(actually today) I'll be more than obliged to give some recollections and anecdotes(or should that be antidotes) of my rememberances(while I still have them)and just as soon as I take my morning dose of Ginko Biloba!!
In the meantime, feel free to think of a few more.

By Richard Felstead (128.40.91.183) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 04:19 am:

Ok thanks Bobby,

Sleep tight, and I'll hit ya back with some more.

:-))

By Philly-Dell (64.12.113.19) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 11:02 am:

Please shed some of your memories when you wake up and take your meds...

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 12:00 pm:

Here is a brief synopsis/ anecdotal rememberance of several of the afforementioned sessions.

1. Backstabbers

The day the song was recorded, Kenny was a bit indecisive about the propper grove for the song.
We worked on that one song for most of the day and everyone including Kenny was "burned out" for lack of another word.
So he then said "you know what, lets just come in tomorrow with a fresh head and have another go at it and see what happens".
We tried it with a "harder rockier" edge but it did not have that magic dust on it, so they wound up using one of the earlier ones from the day before with Larry W doing that side of the timbale thing and that was that.

2. Me and Mrs Jones

The thing that stands out about that session is that the very day of the session, as I was walking up 12th street toward the studio, I thought that I was hallucinating when I saw a horses ass protruding from the front door of Sigma with a policeman on top of him with his head bent down to try and enter!
The copper backed up only for me to discover a bloke on the ffloor with the grip of an alsatian
around his arm, and blod everywhere.

Why, you ask?
Apparantly there was an altercation between two
homeless drunks when one accused the other for stealing his transistor radio which, by the way was also covered with blood , and bum #2 took refuge in the lobby of the studiobecause at the time there was no buzzr so one could just walk right in.
That area in Chinatown, was once a "skid row" type section over run with derelicts.

There was blod everywhere, down the hall, on the drapes, in the shower stall, you name it, all just before the Me and Mrs Jones session.
The look on Gambles face when he arrived was priceless!!

3. Darlin' Darlin' Baby

The O'jays for the most part liked to hang out at the rhythm dates if they werent on the road so on that day, I can plainly visualize them sitting on three high back stools going over the song and Eddie quiping about Walter's hairpiece trying to look like Huff!
Sammy was his usual jovial self and sharing some Imperials stories on the break.

All the musicians loved that song especially hearing the guys rehearse it.

4. Get up get funky get loose-Teddy

Although its not on your list, Il mention it anyway.

That song stands out because Teddy especialy like the song and because of that he grooved hard to it with us in the studio and that is one of the reasons for its energy.
He didnt record it at the same time but he was right there in front of us in the rom just smiling and diggin it.

Thats it for now, Ill continue a little later.

By Philly-Dell (64.12.113.146) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 01:01 pm:

What about Take Good Care of Yourself and "Dirty Ol Man" by The Three Degrees as well as Hope We Can Be Together with Harold Melvin and Sharon Paige....And also the Jones Girls

By Richard Felstead (128.40.91.183) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 02:03 pm:

Thanks for taking the time out to post those memories Bobby. Just great. :-))

This is probably a question you must have been asked a million times but, did any of you realise back then, that what you were recording would be regarded as timeless classics, that 25 yrs on, are still being played on certain radio stations today ?.

Some of my other favourites are :

DON'T LET IT GO TO YOUR HEAD / WAS THAT ALL IT WAS- JEAN CARNE

LET EM IN' - BILLY PAUL

I could go on but I think it's time others jumped in here.

I'd just like to add that it's the superb arrangements with those beautiful strings that do it for me, along with the classy lyrics :-))))

Never fails to move me in some form or another.

I'ts always been the record label I cherrish more than any other.

Perhaps Salsoul would come after that, with acts like Bunny Sigler, Candido, Instank Funk, Ten Percent, Aurra,etc.

Many thanks for the time you are giving to this thread.

This information just can't be gleamed from even re-issued albums now available on cd's.

By the way, I read that you helped a uk Dj called Ralph Tee compile the sleeve notes for a compilation cd called "The Spirit Of Phillidelphia" issued a couple of years back now, in the UK.

What a cd. One of the best comps that deserves to be in everyone's collection.

All the best,

Rich.

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 02:50 pm:

Hello again, soulful brothers and sisters.

I should to say, first of all, today is a very sad day in Spain because a very tragic terrorist act. I'm feel sorry and some "cold" talkin' about music after that... But music is so important, and also the friendship i have established with all of you is so important to me... And this thread is about my favorite music!

Back to the music theme,
Hey, Richard,
I'm feel very identificate with your love for the Philly Sound. I started a thread titled "Your P.I.R. Top Ten items" and i recomend it to you because have many interesting posts by Bobby Eli, and many SDF'ers.

Your thread is refered to the Philly sound in a more great sense (not only as P.I.R. realises). There are some of my favorites:

-«Don't Call Me Brother» - O'Jays.
(from the album «Ship Ahoy», PIR, 1974)
The jazzy and bluesy flavour, the voices, the vibes, the dramatic, bitter-sweet feeling,...

-«Opus-de-Funk» - People's Choice.
(from the album «Movin' In All Directions», TSOP, 1976)
As the title suggest, is a very opera piece, the excelent synthesizer and the solo sax by Sam Peak are very mellow

-«Virgin Girl» - Soul Survivors.
(from the single side A «What It Takes» / side B «Virgin Girl», TSOP, 1974)

-«When It's Your Time To Go» - Billy Paul.
Perhaps the most jazz-funk title in the PIR catalogue.
(from the album «Got My Head On Stright», PIR, 1975)

-«No Greater Love» - Leon Huff.
(from the album «Here To Create music», PIR, 1980)
The strings in this track is really classical music. And the harmonica by Stevie Wonder it's delicious.

-«Regina» - Bunny Sigler.
(from the Sony-Epic / Legacy Cd «Sweeter Than The Berry. The Best Of Bunny Sigler», 1996)
Bunny Sigler (as vocalist) is simply a fusion of Marvin Gaye and José Carreras!

-«Is It Over» - The Futures.
(from the album «Past Present & The Futures», PIR, 1978).
Also the Philly strings at his best! And the unique harmonies by the Futures.

-«Cold Cold World» - Teddy Pendergrass.
(from the album «Life Is A Song Worth Singing», PIR, 1978)
Perhaps, IMHO, the most mellow soul tune of all! The talk by Teddy in the intro is very dramatic.

-«I'm Searching For A Love» - Sharon Paige.
(from the Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes album «Wake Up Everybody», PIR, 1976).
Good tune and fine voice by this undervalored great lady of soul

-«Wake Up Everybody» - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes.
(from the same titled album, before mentioned).
Perhaps, jointly with «Put Your Hands Together» and «A Prayer» by O'Jays the most gospel flavoured tracks in the PIR catalogue.

-«It Takes Two» - Phyllis Hyman.
(I have it in the «Phylladelphia. The G & H Years» by UK Westside).
I only can says what a female voice!

-«A Million Miles Of The Ground» - Dexter Wansel
(from the album «Life On Mars», PIR, 1976)
Symphonic jazz-funk at their best!

-«Thank You Ms. Scott» - MFSB
(from the album «Myteries Of The World», PIR, 1979)
Again, classical music with a very good flute solo by Jack Faith

-«Gonna Be Strong» - Intruders
(from the album «The Intruders Super Hits», PIR, 1974)
Doowoop mellow tune where the "crying" style by Little Sony is paradigmatic.

-«Drowing In A Sea Of Love» - Joe Simon
Fine gospel-country!

-«Sunin' & Funin'» - MFSB.
(from the album «Summertime», PIR, 1977)
The strings in the intro are, IMHO, of the best by MFSB.

-«Alpha Centaury» - Salsoul Orchestra.
(from the album «Magic Journey», Salsoul, 1980)
Is some kitch - easy listening - jazzy and classical at the same time.

-«Help The Needy» - Wilson Pickett
(from the album «In Philadelphia», Atlantic, 1970).
IMHO, the best (or the most mellow) in this good album.

-«What Color Is Love» - Dee Dee Sharp.
(from the same titled album, PIR, 1977)
Without comments, i'm falling in love with this song and Dee Dee's voice!

-«Looking For A Friend» - Blue Magic.
(from the album «Magic Of The Blue
Fine falsetto by the "Wizard" and dramatic feel.

-«Sitting In The Top Of The World» - Spinners.
(from The album «New & Improved», Atlantic, 1976).
IMHO, the best side of Spinners in his Bell years.

-«Hold Back The Night» - Trammps.
(from the "Legendary Zing" album, ? that i have had. Today i only have it in a Buddah compilation by various artists).
Very good bass voice by Earl Young!

Tha's all by now, friends!
Peace & Soul Food

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 03:33 pm:

Hi again, soulful friends!

Hey, Mr. "Electronic",
I have read in diverse encyclopedies and articles that Bill Powell was in the O'jays line-up when was recorded "Message In our Music". Also i believe the falsetto voice in "Paradise" is by Bill (not 100% sure, ?). After this Lp was when, sadly, Bill passed away. I have read that Sammy Strain at this time replaced Bill in the live performances but not in studio until he died, in the "Travelin' At The Speed Of Tought" Lp. This is true? These articles are all some unexactly?

Thanks, Peace & Soul Food

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 05:44 pm:

Manny,
The lead singer on Hold back the night is Jimmy Ellis

Wow, Manny, how do know about Help the Needy,
I wrote that song with Carl Fisher of the Vibrations especially for Picket who was recording with us at the time.


Drowning in a sea of love-
Gamble had to hold up the lyrics for Joe written large on those bigque cards that used to be used in the TV studios.

Ten Percent--
By the time my guitar solo came around, we were al feeling our oats due to various "items" which were being passed around the studio compliments of Kan Cayre(Salsoul) and his friend "Sunshine"

Picture a "round robin" of sorts of various ingestible items going around the room as the track was being recorded , and when my solo came up, I was standing on top of my amp!!
Lot energy, from many sources, that day.
After the session, everyone came over to my home in New Jersey to have a listening party from the days work.
We also did My Love Is Free and one more that day!

Hope that we can get together soon-

Harold Melvin called me and said that he wanted to cut some stuff on his own, so on that song, the musicians were his drummer, bassist , and keyboardist, plus me, Larry W and Vince.
I plaaayed both parts the "Norman type octaves and the echoplex-wah wah thing as well.

Essentially, Harold produced the track and later showed it to gamble via Joe tarsia caling Gamble to come down to the studio, etc., and the rest is history.
Sharon was there that night but not Teddy. as that was later on.

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 06:08 pm:

Hello, again!

Infinite thanks, "amigo" Bobby for your as allways interesting lessons of music history.
I also likes a lot all the "Ten Per Cent Album", especially "Everyman"'s guitar in the last part (is also played by you?).

About the "In Philly" album by W. Pickett i lost the Lp and only have a domestic tape where i only have writing the titles of the tunes. Also "International Playboy" is a fave of mine. I remember have read your name in the credits and also some compossers and musicians as Ugene Dozier and others (called "the Staff" in the credits, ?) that i never see again until the 1992 "I Salute You" PIR album by the Dells.

Ep, Bobby I don't have says that the lead voice in "Hold Back The Night" are Earl Young, i says the BASS voice (is not by Earl, ?).

About "Hope That We Can Together Soon", i think it's from the best (as of the most jazzy) in the PIR catalogue, and that the voices by Harold and Sharon should haved had more "explotated" (in the good sense) in the PIR years, without undervalored the good but different voice by Teddy. The intro in "To Be True" by Harold, IMHO, demostrated the big singer Harold was.

Peace & Soul Food!

P.D.: Bobby, you remember if in the O'Jays album "Message In Our Music" collaborated both, Sammy Strain and Bill Powell?

By Richard Felstead (195.92.168.177) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 07:57 pm:

Thanks Bobby once agian for your insight into the grooves that move us all.

Dare I ask, what do you think was Philly's finest moment ?.

And what was Motown's equivalent ?

There's one for ya. :-)))))

Best,

Rich.

By Richard Felstead (195.92.194.17) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 08:36 pm:

Let me just add at this moment in time, that I feel Philly was about message songs, Ie; Wake up everybody,Message in our music, Let's clean up the ghetto etc.
Motown's music mystro was Marvin with "What's going on".

What do youi guys feel ?.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 12:29 pm:

Manny,
I believe that Message in the music was just Sammy Strain.

The Everyman solo was done by me.
The bass part was done by Earl on the Trammps song.

Richard,

As far as Philly's fines moment is concerned, I find it impossible to list just one, so I will list three.

Love Train
For the love of money
TSOP
Also imo Be thankful was a god example of a message song.

FYI, a lot of folks arent aware that Bustin Loose by Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers was recorded at Sigma in'79.

Motown's IMO were:

My Girl
I cant help myself
What's goin on

By stephanie (69.138.239.31) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 12:38 pm:

Bobby
Did you know a guy named Robert Ward did Help the Needy and Wilson Pickett on his live in Philly album did it too..
Stephanie PS Good song!

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 12:45 pm:

Steph,
Do you have those versions?

By uk philly fan (62.254.0.32) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 04:04 pm:

To B Eli a time back i spoke to Valeri of 3 degrees and she said she did remeber you, i always thought she had the best soul voice out of the group like on Here I am Baby of their 2nd philly album,do you kowe how they chose which of the degrees sang what.

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 04:27 pm:

Hi again, "Phillybusters"!

Thanks again for your precious info, Bobby. I think "Everyman" can be aplicable to you as a chamaleonic and mutifaceted personality!

Hi Richard,
In Spain also the music books and articles generally says that the Philly Sound "invented" the "black music with message". (Also have other authors that writes "Philly Sound was the birth of Disco Sound"!!??; IMHO, the Philly Sound was the birth of many things and the continuation of many others, tradition and innovation). I loves the musical quality and social conciousnes lyrics in the tunes you refered and also in "Rich Get Richer", "Give The People What They Want" and Jackson's "Man Of The War".

My Motown particular fine moments are:
-All the album "Love's On The Menu" (especially "This Is Your Life") by Jerry Butler
-"My Cherie Amour" by Stevie
-"What's Goin' On" by Marvin
-"Papa Was A Rollin Stone" by Temptations
-"Heavy Love Affair" by Marvin
-All the album "Skylarkin'" by Grover Whashington, Jr.
-"Gemini" by Miracles
-"Being With You" by Smokey Robinson
-All the album "Suite For The Single Girl" (especially "Music In My Dreams"), also by Jerry Butler
-Eddie Kendrick's "The Newness Is Gone" (that really, is a "Philly affair")
-"Get Ready" by Rare Earth

Peace & Soul Food

By marv (152.163.253.70) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 05:52 pm:

"Love Train" by the Ojays. This song was amazing and still holds up quite well today. You can't help but sing along or pat your foot when it comes on.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 06:25 pm:

Another thing I'd like to mention about the Me and Mre Jones session is that Billy sang the vocal live in the booth at the rear of Sigma studio 1 and Kenny was directing us and loking in the window at Billy as he was singing to make sure the downbeats were spot on after the "meee aaand mrs Jones, mrs Jones" parts came in.
BTW..we mos def knew that one was a smash!!!

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 06:53 pm:

Hi again, soulful friends!

Today is "the day after" of we all knows what... Thousands of people in silence at the streets... And i more than never need to talk abot MUSIC
(it's not a frivolity, music make human sense against the absurdity!)

One more question that intrigued me, Mr. "Electronic",
who plays the spanish-styled guitar in many PIR tracks as "Message in Our Music", "Paradise", "How Good Is Your Game" or also, MFSB cover of War's "Smile Happy"? Sometimes was you, other times Norman Harris? Also, sometimes was really a spanish guitar like in the formidable intro of "Old San Juan"?

Thanks, Peace & Soul Food!

By Destruction (199.173.225.21) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 06:56 pm:

Stephanie,

Are you referring to the Robert Ward who once played guitar on "I Found A Love?"

By dvdmike (68.72.162.185) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 09:19 pm:

This wasn't a Philly moment, but I was at P.S. Recording Studios here in Chicago when Peabo Bryson was cutting his "Reaching For The Sky" LP. I wasn't really that hip to Peabo, I had only heard "Do It With Feeling." "Reaching For The Sky" was his breakout album.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:14 am:

Manny,
The Spanish acoustic guitar stuff was usually the late Roland Chambers, as he was the master at that instrument.
I used to call him the "Soul Segovia"!

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:12 pm:

O.K., thanks again amigo Bobby,

I supouse you refered to Andrés Segovia, the big spanish "Maestro" of guitar.
Charo was a very good disciple, one of the best in his opinion!

Some other finest Philly momments of mine are some of the most Philly jazzy moments as:

-Soncere / Michael Pedicin
-Getaway / Salsoul Orchestra
-Reality I Monk Montgomery
-Theme From The Planets / Dexter Wansel
-Bitter Sweet / MFSB
-Malorie / Billy Paul
-Some Day You Be Old / Lou Rawls
-Ritzy Mambo / Salsoul Orchestra

Peace & Soul Food

By Philly-Dell (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:33 pm:

Eli....What was it like during the session of TSOP and Love is The Message as well as other Three Degrees sessions, Delfonics sessions, Stylistics sessions....PLease recall songs like When Will I See You Again
Dirty Ol Man
Take Good Care Of Yourself
You Make Me Feel Brand New
Your Right As Rain
Hey Love

Being that the Delfonics and Stylistics did not do there backgrounds were they present at the sessions? Did Airrion Love record "Brand New" flat?

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:06 pm:

Philly- Dell,

The Delfonics did sing on their own stuff, along with Thom Bell's vocal help.

The Stylistics did not, and yes Arion was flat from the get go.

Sometimes the Stylistics attended and they were aware that Thom looked for perfection and that "time was money"

There were no pitch correction devices back then, and Im also surprised that Thom accepted it that way, but the feel was right, so I suppose that he accepted it because of that.

TSOP--
Don Cornelius approached G&H for them to come up with a new ST theme.

Some of us, BHY, Roland and myself came up with some stuff too but ultimately, the one that we all know was chosen.

Don was present at the sessions as well.
Now if I can only find those pics!

You make me feel brand new-

That song to me, always felt like a smash from day one,and as soon as I saw those notes on the chart and executed them, well the rest is history.
I could see Linda Creed's pretty face beaming through the glass giving us the thumbs up sign.
After the playback she and I were discussing the Mercedes 450 SL which she recently bought and that made me go out and purchase one shortly thereafter.

Ah, those were the good old days!!!

Typical day at the office for a Thom Bell session..pure magic!

Here is a photo of Linda Creed and I at Sigma.




To be continued.........

By Robb_K (66.81.183.78) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 02:36 am:

It's Unbelievable-Larks
So Much In Love-Tymes
I'm Gonna Make You Love Me-Dee Dee Warwick
Girls Need Love-Dee Dee Warwick
Who Do You Love-Sapphires
I Really Love You-Dee Dee Sharp
My Best Friend's Man-Dee Dee Sharp
It's A Funny Situation-Dee Dee Sharp
Because Of My Heart-Frank Beverly & Butlers
I'M Doin' Fine Now-New York City
When love Slips Away-Dee Dee Warwick
Evil One-Sapphires
Why Didn't I Think of That-Brenda & Tabulations
Mr. Dream Merchant-Jerry Butler
Brand New Me-Jerry Butler
Are You Happy-Jerry Butler
There Ain't Nothin' That I Wouldn't Do For You-Dee Dee Sharp
No Mail On Monday-Kenny Gamble
You're Not My Kind-Paula Durante
Laugh, Laugh-Butlers
At The Top Of The Stairs-Formations
Pretty little Girl-Dreamlovers
Cold Gray Dawn-Lee Andrews & Hearts
He Don't really love You-Delfonics
Get Out-Harold Melvin & Blue Notes
Half A Man-Howard Tate
Help Me Find A Way-Little Anthony & Imperials
I'm Not Strong Enough-Four Perfections
Hey Girl-Perfections
You Gave Me Somebody To Love-Dreamlovers
Doing Things Together With You-Dreamlovers
Foolish One-Vareeations
Keep Your Hands Off My Baby-Celestrals
Storm Warning-Volcanos
Good Love Gone Bad-Ambassadors
I Love You Baby-Cindy Scott
Give Up (All I've Got)-Dream Merchants
Baby Show It-Festivals
Groovy Baby-Billy Abbott & Jewels
Eddie's My Name-Eddie Holman
School Prom-Fortune Tellers
The Girl Across The Street-Moses Smith
Somewhere-Tymes
Here She Comes-Tymes
Right On The Tip Of My Tongue-Brenda & Tabulations
I'm Coming Home-Philadelphians
(Whoa! Whoa!)I Love Him So-Nikki Blu
One Night Affair-O'Jays
(We'll Be)United-Intruders
A Love That's Real-Intruders
I'll Be Around-Spinners
What Am I Gonna Do-Dee Dee Sharp
Never Gonna Give You Up-Jerry Butler
Together-Intruders
Together(different song)-Dreamlovers
Have You Heard-Herb Johnson & Cruisers
Ebony Eyes-Stylistics
The 81-Candy & Kisses
There Is A Girl-Larks
(Heart & Soul)Baby I Love You-Dee Dee Sharp
He's No Ordinary Guy-Dee Dee Sharp
Gee, I'm Sorry Baby-Sapphires
I Am Your Man-Brooks O'Dell
You Better Be A Good Girl Now-Swans
Come Back Baby-Nella Dodds
Say Hey There-Jovialettes
Where There's A Will (There's A Way)-Brenda & Tabulations
Lost-Jerry Butler
This Can't Be True-Eddie Holman
Heartaches Away My Boy-Christine Cooper
It's Been Raining In My Heart-International GTO's
I've Had It-Lee Andrews & Hearts
Bye Bye Baby-Dee Dee Sharp
Could It Be I'm Falling In Love-Spinners
Wonderful! Wonderful!-Tymes
I Just Gotta Have You-Nella Dodds
South Street-Orlons
Sippin' A Cup Of Coffee-Ordells
I've Got Mine, You Better Get Yours-Sapphires
Country Living-Stylistics
(That's What)My Mama Said-Dee Dee Sharp
A Love You Can Depend On-Brenda & Tabulations
When You're Gone-Brenda & Tabulations
For The First Time-Twilights
He's My Kind Of Fellow-Sandy & Pebbles
Crossfire-Orlons
Dry Your Eyes-Brenda & Tabulations
Point Of No Return-Stylistics
One Of A Knd Love Affair-Spinners
I Was There-Delfonics
La,La Means I Love You-Delfonics
I Need You So-Cruisers
Searching-Ethics
When A Boy And A Girl Falls In Love-Joe Graves
I Just Gotta Have You-Nella Dodds
Ain't got The Love Of One Girl-Ambassadors
Don't Hang Up-Orlons
I'll Be There-Honey & Bees
I'm Not Gonna Give Up-Eddie Holman
I Need Your Love-Masters
We Were Meant To Be-Sensations
Sad,Sad Story-Ethics
Break Your Promise-Delfonics
Hard To Find The Right Girl-Kenny Gamble & Romeos
The Bad Times Make The Good Times Better-Dreamlovers
Don't Ever Want To Lose Your Love-Barbara Mason
Yes I'm Ready-Barbara Mason
Sad, Sad Girl-Barbara Mason
Follow Your Heart-Bunny Sigler
I'm Sorry-Delfonics
It's The Loving Season-Vareeations
The Love That You're lookin' For (Ain't Gonna Find It Here)-Tymes
Never Let Me Go-Eddie Holman
Nevertheless-Lee Andrews & Hearts
Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers-Nella Dodds
Gotta Be More Than Friends-Sapphires
I Found Out Too Late-Sapphires
You Want To Change Me-Bobby Hebb
Gonna Be A Big Thing-Sapphires
Deeper In Love With You-O'Jays
Just Because-Dreamlovers
Magic Melody-Formations
What Can A Man Do-Kenny Gamble & Romeos
Looky Looky (look At Me)-O'Jays
You're My Baby-Paula Durante
When Are We Getting Married-Alaine Williams
When We Get Married-Dreamlovers
Rock & Roll Baby-Stylistics
Oh How It Hurts-Barbara Mason
Strange Change-Herb Ward
Can't do Without You-Lee Andrews & Hearts
When You Get Right Down To It-Delfonics
Don't Stop Loving Me- Kenny Gamble & Romeos
Let's Drink A Toast-Larks

By RD (65.150.229.227) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 07:22 am:

Manny the falsetto voice you hear in "Paradise" is Walter Williams.

By Philly-Dell (64.12.96.238) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:10 am:

Eli....The Stylistics stuff was magical...Thom Bell and Linday Creed out did themselves on those songs.."Your Right As Rain" was really beautiful to me...What about recording the Three Degrees? I know in their thread you spoke on how hard it was with there manager but do you have any memories of the sessions with the girls themselves?

By yoyoshep (198.81.26.103) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 04:37 pm:

Eli can you give any insight on the great sessions the Manhattans did at Sigma Sound? The brillant "Kiss And Say Goodbye", "There's No Me Without You" and "It Feels So Good To Be Loved Bad" are class defined. Bobby Martin"s arrangements are superb. What were these sessions like? A once in a lifetime group. Thanks. Yoyoshep.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 11:30 pm:

Kiss and say goodbye--
First of all I'd like to say that the Manhattans sessions were some of my favorite Philly moments.

We all loved Bobby Martin.

I believe that our sessions were the first to feature the great Gerald Alston.

Here several Manhattan session anecdotes, both on the Kiss and say goodbye sessions.

The rhythm track was recorded in studio 2 at Sigma which was on the first floor.

When Bobby Martin first counted off the song he did so holding a drumstick and the pointy end accidentally poked him in the eye.

He counted it again and I absentmindedly and semi-jokingly played a "country-esque figure in the intro of the song because it kinda conjoured up that emotion to me.
No one said not to play it so I just continued while Blue Lovett was over in the corner reciting that spoken word thing to himself for the timing of the intro.
After the track was finished recording, and we were on our way into the control room to listen to the playback, the ever funny Ronnie Baker(RIP) took out a napkin and pretended to wipe his butt and said "who in the f*k is gonna buy this country and western bulls**t"!!

Needless to say , everyone in the control rom LOVED it.
I was gonna do it again but they said"dont you touch it Eli, its cool just the way it is, its a smash"!!

And it sure was , going on the be the second platinum single, the first being Disco Lady.
Columbia had quite a year in '76!!

By MEL&THEN SOM (217.43.32.118) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 01:55 am:

Bobby
did you work with the Rotations?
also did you work on 'auction of love' in any way by James Bounty?
cheers mate
mel-o-delphia

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 01:59 am:

Hi stranger!!
I vaguely remember the Rotations.
What label were they on?
I played on Auction, thats about it.
Id LOVE to track down James Bounty right about now.

By Robb_K (66.81.16.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 02:10 am:

I remember The Rotations on one of those Bell-distributed labels, maybe even Mala or Amy? But,I also remember them on a Philadelphia indie label in the mid '60s. Can't remember the name now.

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:11 am:

Bobby,
You really will have to set down all your magical memories in book form !!!

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:13 am:

Bobby,
What can you recall about working on recording sessions with..........
Jean Carne
The Corner Boys (Formations etc. -- Buddy Turner et al)
Intruders
Dee Dee Sharpe
Jerry Butler
Jones Girls

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:24 am:

I can call my bok "Jew-Dini"

Buddy Turner,caught in a pensive moment just last week.

By Richard Felstead (128.40.91.183) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 04:32 am:

Where There Is Love & Will You Be Mine are two very fine Philly moments from The Whispers.

By yoyoshep (198.81.26.103) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 04:40 am:

Thanks for the info Eli! Yoyoshep.

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 08:12 am:

My dad had an upholstery shop in the Chatham area on the South Side of Chicago in the '60s & '70s. There was a record shop on the next block and I remember one late morning walking past it and seeing MFSB's newly released "Philadelphia Freedom" LP in the window. I walked in and bought it, sound unheard. "Universal Love" was such a smash, I knew this one had to be as well. After I heard their version of "K-Jee", I went out the next day and bought the album. Then, about a week later I was at Ramsey Lewis's house and he had the album out in his music room. I was a PIR fanatic in those days. I used to have phone conversations with Becky Butler, who worked at the label back then. She sent me a press package, which I cannot find for the life of me. Somebody told me she passed away years ago. When I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago years ago, Roy Ayers performed there and Terri Welles singing with him. She was surprised that I remembered her group, City Limits. Edwin Birdsong, who was with PIR at the time was at the concert and I got to meet him. I met First Choice at a Loop record store back in '77 when "Doctor Love" was hot. Sometimes, I miss those days.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:31 am:

Hi Mike,
I had no idea that you were such a P.I.R. fanatic!

Sadly, Becky Butler did pass away.
It was quite a shock to all of us.
She was as real as real could be, a down to earth sista, indeed.
She was the heart and soul of that office in its heyday.
Several other PIR ladies have left us as well. Jean Scott, who was the comptroller and took care of our session bookings and made sure we got paid, sadly had a heart attack while swimming.

She used to go with Marcus of the Whispers.

Diane(forgot her last name) died of a gunshot wound to the head.

The PIR office was mos def the place to be during its heyday.

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.43.74.69) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:33 am:

Cheers Booby
the Rotations were on
Law-Ton
Frantic
Debrossaru
Mala
I am sure you are on the Frantic 45's of '(put a dime on)D-9.

MEL-O-DELPHIA

By E (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:38 am:

Thanks Mel-o -King!!

yep , Im on D9(and then some)

By Philly-Dell (152.163.253.70) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 11:15 am:

E...What was it like recording Jean Carne?

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 11:25 am:

Philly -Dell,
Jean carne is one of the most giving people, both as an artiste and a human being.

She is a real troper in the studio.
Once when I was producing her for Omni, she was hanging out with me while I was mixing one of the songs and she popped out to the lounge to have a nap, as it was around 6:30 am.

Through her "nap" and through the walls she heard a couple lines that she felt she could improve on so she walked in with her coat on and went out in to the studio fo fix her lines.

She had a beautiful eel skin briefcase that I admired and I complimented her for it, and guess what, she gave it to me!!
I still have it.

By Philly-Dell (152.163.253.70) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 11:39 am:

Eli...What memories do you recall of your THree Degrees sessions of the individual girls and during their 2 PIR releases? What were your favorite songs that they recorded during the PIR years? Also were you on Phyllis Hyman sessions in the 80's?

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 01:27 pm:

Yeah, Bobby, anything Philly, I gobbled it up. I was a big fan of your music 20-odd years before I knew you.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 02:31 pm:

Mike,

You ARE quite an amazing dude, my friend.
Your knowledge amazes and facinates me.

BTW, the very first artist on PIR was a guy named Gideon Smith who was a white dude quite far removed from soul music and I couldnt figure out that one for the life of me.
The Ebonys, Your the reason why, for al intents and o purposes was the first "hit" on the label and then came Backstabbers, and well you know the rest.

That was some heady time for all of us involved, and if you could have been there you wouldnt want to leave!
Awesome experience for this chubby Jew Boy!!

By Nosey (66.153.113.238) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 02:57 pm:

Eli: Tell buddy hello from a fellow SDer. He wouldn't remember me by name but we know each other by sight and always speak when we see each other. I know him from the club days, the Wreak a Pum Pum on 22nd Street. He was tryin to rap a taste to my sister once.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 07:22 pm:

Wow, those were the days!!

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 09:23 pm:

Hello All!

Hey, RD, thanks for your info about "Paradise". I don't have read until now.

Some other fine moments, hearding Philly sides:

-Never Repay Your Love / Anthony White
-When I Find Your Love / Jean carn
-Oh Wah Hey / Trammps (featuring wah-wah guitar by Bobby Eli!)
-Where I Belong / Billy Paul
-To Be Free Is To Be Who We Are / Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
-You Made A Promise To Me / Spinners
-Payback Is A Dog / Stylistics
-The Big Hurt / People's Choice
-It's Come Over Me / Blue Magic featuring Margie Joseph
-When Your Dreams Got Flags And Flying / Four Tops
-Aiming At Your Heart / Temptations
-Early Morning Love / Lou Rawls
-Backstabbers / MFSB
-Good Things Don't Last Forever / Ecstasy Passion & Pain
-A Mother For My Children / Whispers
-Standing Right Here / Melba Moore

(To Be Continued)
Peace & Soul Food!

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 12:59 am:

Manny,
I hereby name you an Honorary Philly Guy, of the Highest Order!

By johneflat (64.12.112.37) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 02:34 am:

Mr.Eli; I'm wondering about your feelings as far as other artists doing classic Philly material
such as "Backstabbers" by the Rippingtons,"Stop,Look and Listen" by New Birth etc....likes/dislikes/favorites?

By lostinmusic (205.188.209.48) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 02:36 am:

WOW...reading these lists really remind me of how much crap is out there today...Hey ELI, is it true that Sister Sledge were session singers for Gamble/Huff. You recall any songs that they lent their vocals to.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 12:17 pm:

lostinmusic,

No, Sister Sledge were not session singers at all.
I did however, produce four songs on them for Atlantic including Cream of the crop.

johneflat,

As far a Philly covers go,I like:

Break up to make up--Will Downing
Sideshow-- Silk
Now that we found love-
Betcha by golly wow--Phyllis Hyman
Backstabers(sample)Angie Stone

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 01:23 pm:

Hey "E"-astern Union Man (Send A Telegram)

Many thanks for your nice words. As many times i'm feel flattered!

About Sister Sledge I read many time ago was discovered by Tony Bell (Tom Bell's brother) (is this true?). BTW I have a Atlantic compilation with a song "Mama Never Told Me" write by Anthony Bell and Phil Hurtt.
Also in spanish TV was retransmited live a very fool and freaky party from Canary Islands where made the election of the «Queen of Drag Queens». The show was the performing by Sister Sledge with the Drags candidates dancing (with platafform shoes by more than 50 cm - high!!) "We're A Family" in a jammin'-extra long version... A very fool party!

Peace & Soul Food

By E (68.236.53.71) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 01:35 pm:

Manny,
Tony Bell and Phil Hurtt were the girls first producer's when Kathy was barely thirteen.

Their first record was called Lonely Weatherman.
The next one was Mama never told me.
Steve Gadd was the drummer on that one!

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 01:52 pm:

I have their greatest hits compilation on Rhino. My old friend Bill Inglot sent it to me.

By Dinelle (66.210.229.137) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 02:38 pm:

I like anything by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes and The Spinners, but especially the Spinners. I'm crazy about them.

By Juicefree20 (68.161.21.84) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 09:54 pm:

Hey Bobby E, HELLLP!!! Anybody, HELLLLP!!!
Back in the 70s, there was a public service commercial featuring a song sung by Wilson Pickett. It was a long, long time ago, but the lyrics went something like this:

Take a look at your children, born innocent, every boy & every girl. Denying themselves a chance to build themselves a better world.

The final line went:
Take a look at your children before it's too late. Tell them nobody wins in the end when the prize is hate. (The word hate echoed til the fade).

Do you remember this commercial? I haven't seen it since the early to mid 70s. Was it an actual song & where can I find it? I'm quite sure that it was the Wicked Mr. Pickett that sang it.
They used to play this commercial like crazy back then. I wish that I had a copy of it. Thanks much, Peace to all!!!

Juice

By Soul Sister (65.43.144.46) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 10:06 pm:

Juice;
Its one of my most favorite all-time songs done by Areatha (the best version), in the 60's, the song's title is "Take A Look". It was written by Johnny Otis.
S.S.

By Soul Sister (65.43.144.46) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 10:09 pm:

Juice "Born into sin", Also "When the price is hate" for lyrics.
S.S.

By Soul Sister (65.43.144.46) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 10:13 pm:

Your correct on those lyrics Juice, boy do you have a good memory...but just wait till you get my age!
S.S.

By zebop (152.163.253.70) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 10:46 pm:

Hey Board, I've been here less than month. Had to stop lurking and drop a line. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Whispers-What More Can A Girl Ask For
MFSB-Something For Nothing
Blue Magic-You Won't Have To Tell Me Goodbye
Three Degrees-Lonelier Are Fools
The Delfonics-Think It Over/I'm A Man/Somebody Loves You
Eddie Holman-My Mind Keeps Telling Me/A Night To Remember
The Intruders-Save The Children
Bunny Sigler-That's How Long I'll Be Loving You
The O'jays-I Just Want To Satisfy/The Year 2000
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes-To Be True/Tell The World How I Feel About Cha
Billy Paul-Let Em' In/How Good Is Your Game
Archie Bell and the Drells-Let's Go Disco/Show Me How To Dance
The Jones Girls-Get As Much Love As You Can/Life Goes On

By mike s (195.93.34.12) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 09:56 am:

Bobby E

Did you know that Ray Goodman and Brown have done versions of Sideshow and 3Ring Circus on an album on their own label with Geo Kerr?
it's only available on their website and features 14 soft soul hits from groups like Main Ingredient, Stylistics,Delfonics etc.
Very good listening...
good to see the group still very active along with George and Walter Morris.

By DyvaNaye (152.163.253.70) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 10:25 am:

Youre All I Need In Life - Spinners

Listen To The Clock On the Wall - OJays
992 Arguements - Ojays
Darlin Darlin Baby - Ojays
I Want You Here With Me - Ojays
Hurry Up, COme Back - Ojays
...infact everything by the OJAYS

Wake Up Everybody - H.M/Bluenotes
Tell The World How I Feel About You - Bluenotes

What A Way To Love - Billy Paul
...in fact everything by BILLY PAUL too...

Nights Over Egypt - Jones Girls

Not The Stayin' Kind - Lou Rawls
You'll Never Find - L.R.
Dollar Green -L.R.
Tradewinds - L.R.

more later...

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 01:28 pm:

Hey, Phillybusters!

Some more Philly finest moments, from this weekend (i have make a very Philly "jam session-listening").

-Whole Town's Talkin' / Billy Paul
-Next To Nature / Billy Paul
-Runnaway / Salsoul Orchestra feat. Loleatta Holloway
-Ain't No Reagge But Got Funky (?) / Instant Funk
-Teaser / Trammps
-Ninety Nine & Half / Trammps
-Your Love Stay In My Mind / People's Choice
-Changing My Life / People's Choice
-Country Life / Ebonys
-California Woman / Espiritual Concept
-Mighty Love / Spinners
-Let me Be The One / Blue Magic
-Easy Money / Dee Dee Sharp
-Yellow Sunshine / Yellow Sunshine
-Sweet Tenderoni / Eddie Kendricks
-From Now On / Lou Rawls
-Sad Eyes / Jerry Butler
(I have played many more and not only Philly, these are only i remember)

Hey, DyvaNaye,
the wisthle intro in "No Stayin Kind" is very nice, my favorite of the "When You Heard Lou..." Lp! :-) :-) :-)

Hey, Mike s,
very interesting that you says about Goodman & Brown. This remember me one album i have searched unfructuously in the past: O'Jays & Moments. One album wich i only knows "that exist" (no information if are in PIR or All-Platinum, also if are in the same style of Dells & Dramatics with songs with both the groups singing together,...). Somebody have it and have the track list? Thanks.

Peace & Soul Food

By roger (217.35.87.17) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 01:48 pm:

Hello Everyone.

Manny ... that INSTANT FUNK track is called "It Ain't Reggae (But it's Funky)". I still have my U.K. Philadelphia International 45 of it.

The funny thing is that the title exactly describes the sound of the recording .. it doesn't sound anything like Reggae, it is Funky!!

How about "Free Man" by SOUTH SHORE COMMISSION .. that was a fine Philly moment for me .. this was the first record I bought that had the name INSTANT FUNK on it .. I believe that they were BUNNY SIGLER's backing band at the time and that he produced the track. Can anyone confirm this? Mr Eli?

Roger

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 01:51 pm:

There were a number of PIR albums recorded somewhere other than Philly. Cleveland Eaton, Ramsey Lewis's bassist released an album on Gamble in either 1973 or 1974, but I believe the LP was recorded in Chicago. Frantique recorded their 1979 LP in Paris. Force Of Nature recorded their PIR album at Criteria in Miami if I'm not mistaken and The Force and Edwin Birdsong recorded their sessions at Sigma in NYC. Ashford & Simpson produced Teddy Pendergrass at Sigma in NYC as well. McKinley Jackson produced The Jones Girls' "Get As Much Love As You Can" sessions at Kendun in Burbank, CA. And part of Jean Carn's "Sweet And Wonderful" album was cut in L.A. McKinley produced that one as well. Phyllis Hyman recorded in NYC, L.A. and Miami. I know there are others that you guys can come up with.

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 01:53 pm:

Dee Dee Sharp recorded portions of her 1980 "Dee Dee" album at Universal Recording and Chicago Recording Company (CRC)in Chicago. Jerry Butler, Paul Wilson and Homer Talbert were the producers.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 01:55 pm:

Mike,
Thanks for the info.

Im gonna go to their site and check it out now.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 02:00 pm:

Roger,

Yes, Bunny's backing band, essentially a combo of Instant Funk and TNJ's did a lot of the B.S. produced stuff, with the occasional addition of Larry W. and myself.

By DyvaNaye (64.12.96.102) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 02:33 pm:

Hi Manny!
Too many to name for Billy Paul...

but listen: "I heard the news today..I heard o the grapevine...the whole towns talkin'...'

and 'When were new, new and next to nature...baby me and you in the morning dew...'

It seems to me they too their sweet - behind time arranging the music for Billy Paul. Just superb!!!!!!!

honorable mention: 'I Trust You'.- Billy Paul
'Go where you wanna go, do what you wanna do, say what you wanna say, cause darlin' I,...I trust you...'
...just fabulous. Bobby Eli. man....!

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 03:22 pm:

Hello again, Phillybusters & Mot(own)ards!!

Hello, Roger,
Thanks for correct me, friend. I haave this Instant Funk tune in a 14 x Lp's box and is hard to take it for see the title! This tune, i don't knows the reason why, remember me the "Bimbo" and "Lambada" (smile!) with these latin-flavoured organ. I have the "Let It Snow" Lp by Bunny Sigler (Salsoul, 1980) where is also backing by Instant Funk and "The Bundino 1980 Funk Band"!!!
Also the only album by Dexter Wansel i have ("Life On Mars") features Bobby Malach and Instant Funk.

Hi, Dvd Mike, good info all you tolds! I have search the Cleveland eaton album from many years ago unfructuously by now. I have adversiting in a interior carpet where appears the sleeve (he should be Taurus zodiac sign, as he appears with the body of a bull and the title is "Half & Half"). I got "Solar Wind" album by Ramsey Lewis with Cleveland Eaton and Cleveland's solo Lp "Bama Boogie Woogie" (Miracle, 1979). Very Funky, especially "Wami Omi"!

Hello again DyvaNaye!

I loves also practically all by Billy Paul. Also two albums i have after he left PIR: "Lately" (Total Experience) and "Wide Open" (Ichiban). Also some ballads as "The Moments Of Our Lives" (very mellow!) or "Billy's Back Home". In fact, "The Whole Town's Talking" and "You're My Sweetness" have a latin flavour as the "bolero" styled "Where I Belong"... But, the most i likes by Billy Paul is when he sings in scat style as in "Billy Boy"... It's UNIQUE!

I'm emmotioned with this trhead, friends!
Peace & Soul Food

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 04:31 pm:

Manny,
Where did you find that 14 album PIR box and is it on cd.

I used to know Morgan Khan, the guy who ran Streetsounds/Streetwave in the UK, but I cant seem to find him.

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 05:14 pm:

Hello again, soulful friends.

Hey, Mr. "Electronic".
Yes, this box is by UK Streetsounds. I find this 14 Lp's box in 1992 in Barcelona, at Nou de Rambla street in "Discos Castelló" store. (I don't knows if are also edited in CD, the edition of this box is from 1986 and in the sleeve says "limited edition" and the exact title is «Streetsounds Presents: The Philadelphia Story. 15 Years Of Philly Classics. 1971-1986». In the credits says: Streetsounds. 1, Heaven Green, Ealing. London, W5 2 UU.
Contains a good intro linner notes by Greg Edwards (in the credits says he is from PIR, ?) and a opuscle with resumed discography and most important PIR artists.

Hope this have some utilitie to you.

Peace & Soul Food,

By dvdmike (68.72.169.102) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 08:26 pm:

I have that box set on Street Sounds as well, I bought it at Doctor Wax here in Chicago years ago. It has two Instant Funk cuts, "It Ain't Reggae, But It's Funky" and "Philly Jump." The whole set sounds like it was mastered from vinyl.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 09:26 pm:

Hi Manny and Mike,
Something about it smells "bootleg"
Kenny Gamble would have never licensed his stuff there.
I could be wrong, but I dont think so.

There was no Greg Edwards at PIR either.

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 10:02 pm:

Hey, Mr. "Electronic",
some more credits details:
«(P) 1986 StreetSound Compilation.
PIR logo ®, Trademark of Philadelphia Intl. Records. Used by permission.
Thanks to Philadelphia International, CBS and EMI.
Special Thanks to:
Mick Carpenter (CBS) and Mike Heatley (EMI).
Ralph Tee / Martin Collins / Jon Williams / Mike Allin.
Greg Edwards / Allen Richardson / Constance Heigler (PIR) .
Margie Dixon (Sigma Sound Studios) / Benny Robinson.
Track listing coordination and booklet writng by: Ralph Tee»
In the labels of the vynils says «Licensed from CBS Records. Original recording made by PIR».

Perhaps the person who "belongs" to PIR is only Constance Heigler. The way is write, i believe are refered at the three names in the same line (??)

Peace!

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 10:13 pm:

Judging by the credits, it seems a s though it was licensed legitemately.

By dvdmike (68.23.172.155) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 10:25 pm:

Why couldn't they have gotten masters instead of using vinyl?

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 03:07 am:

Bobby,
Can you remember who the members of Four Perfections (who cut on Party Time) were ??
......ALSO....
what was the story behind the Showstoppers big UK pop chart hit, "Ain't Nothing But A House Party" being put out on 4 different US labels (Party Time, Showtime, Heritage, Guyden) and still not even making the US national R&B chart.
Were all the record labels just trying to get the cut to repeat it's UK success (was the track even a chart or radio hit in Philly ?).

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 03:26 pm:

JS,

I'm not certain who the Perfections were.

Showtime and Partytime were one and the same.
Jerry Ross(Heritage) picked up the master and then leased it to Jamie/Guyden for national distribution.

The song was writen by guitarist Joe Thomas and Carl Fisher of the Vibrations.

It got play here but not on a grand scale.

By Robb_K (204.108.65.10) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 03:31 pm:

Maybe The Four Perfections were a later version of the Philly group, The Perfections, who recorded "Hey Girl" in the early '60s?

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 04:53 pm:

Hello again, soulful friends!

I haved a doubt. If write this here in this trhead or in the trhead about Donald Byrd. One of the diverse Lp's in PIR i search from many time ago is "The Bicentennial Poet" by Jean Claude T that i knows for have see some reference as this is a tribute to Donald Byrd. Also i knows is a production by Dexter Wansel.The only i have heard by jean Claude T is Billy Paul's "Next To Nature" (wich he co-write with Phil Terry). Somebody have more info, opinion, and if it's whorty to find? Also in another trhead i remember somebody in SD says is a Lp that deserves be re-edited on CD.

Peace & Soul Food

By mike s (195.93.34.12) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 12:04 pm:

Greg Edwards was a dj with London's Capital Radio and was also popular in clubs. He specialised in soul/black music and so played a part in getting wider interest for Philly and soul music in general in the UK. I think he may have had some parttime "advisory" role with CBS (Columbia) as well at the time.

By roger (217.35.87.17) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 02:24 pm:

Hello everyone.

I can confirm what Mike_s says about GREG EDWARDS, he was a VERY influential D.J. in the '70s and '80s and used to have a show on Capital Radio in London on Saturday Nights. More recently he has been on JAZZ_FM .. I think he is still on late on Fridays and Saturdays.

Streetsounds re-issued a lot of Philadelphia International material in the U.K. in the mid 1980s, and I believe it to have been completely legitimate.

They specialized in compilations and put out a "Best of" L.P. on THE JONES GIRLS which included some of their R.C.A. material as well as the P.I.R. stuff like "You're Gonna Help Me Love Somebody Else". I also have a "Best of" ARCHIE BELL & THE DRELLS Streetsounds compilation with both their P.I.R. and earlier Atlantic material ("Showdown", "Tighten Up" etc.) on it.

Roger

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 03:39 pm:

Hi again, Roger and all!

Another UK label specialized in compilations at the vynil era, in the 80's, was Knight Records (Castle Coommunications). I have another box of 4 vynils of PIR tracks ("Philadelphia Years, II. 1976-1983"). Also i have some volumes of the collection "Heart & Soul" by various artists by not a speciffic label (Trammps, Ohio Players, etc.).
I haved in my hands another 14 Lp's box by Street sounds by Salsoul Records in a second hand store. I don't buy it because i find it after i haved buying too much other vynils... Sadly, i never have seen it again! (Murphy laws!)

Peace & Soul Food!

By Soul Sister (65.43.144.46) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 03:55 pm:

Well.......I wasn't going to touch this thread because there are just too many so I'll just put my favorite Philly artists:

The O'Jays-EVERYTHING!!!!!!!
The Intruders- most everything!!!
Billy Paul
Teddy Pendergrass (both with or without The Bluenotes).
MFSB/Bobby Eli (both with groups, as in The Vibrations on the road, & The Manhattans in the studio, etc...& on his own).
Fat Larry (with others & on his own).
The Delfonics
Major Harris
Lee Andrew & The Hearts
The Dreamlovers
The Whispers
Archie Bell & The Drells
Lou Rawls
Barbara Mason
S.S.

By bigdaddyg2k4 (63.102.169.247) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 06:26 pm:

Folks, there are alot of finest Philly moments that every single one of you have mentioned what I was going to say anyway. From the time that I was a child to now, I've listened to just about all of the mentioned biggest hit songs about a million times each (it seems like not a day goes by that I don't hear an O' Jays or a Teddy Pendergrass song, for example), and if I heard that same song just ended say, a few minutes ago, that same song will come on again on another station or music channel, and I will listen to it again! I just have a deep love for the Philly sound and each time I hear a song, I find something new in it every time, and that's a real treat for me. Much respect to Motown and the others who came along with the Philly sound whose songs I've heard a million times or so before, but it really doesn't impact or affect me as much when "Love Train" or "When Will I See You Again" plays than "Baby Love" or "Ain't Too Proud" to beg comes on. Don't get it twisted, I love all of the classic songs from all of the non-Philly acts/labels have put out, it's a big part of my life no question, but when MFSB and the various artists play their signature tunes wherever I go, I get a big smile on my face when I hear it. IT'S THAT ADDICTIVE, PEOPLE! A helluva lot better than drugs (which I don't mess with) or any other stimulant that alters my senses and my soul. The people responsible for this movement (re: musical revolution/era/generation/etc.) realized that this music has, are and will change lives in a much positive way, no matter who was singing it and why. There are still thousands of songs from the Philly sound that I haven't even listened to yet, and it will be a thrill to discover them when the chance arises (like tunes from The Sons of Robin Stone that I missed on the cable music channel and the songs that David Bowie and Elton John-with the exception of "Mama Can't Buy You Love" which I heard since day one-cut with MFSB during the '70s), because no matter what song is chosen to be covered or already written by the Sigma production staff, I know IT WILL SOUND GOOD! I don't care if they cut a version of "The Star Spangled Banner", I will listen! That's just how I feel about the city of Brotherly Love folks, music that has surely withstood the test of time.

By Juicefree20 (68.161.48.203) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 06:53 pm:

What's up Bobby E!!! That PIR Box Set was released somewhere between the late 80s & 1992. Birdells Records on Nostrand Ave was selling it at that time for $69.99. As I had most of the LPs, I passed on it. I could kick myself now. I have a few questions for ya:

Any info about releases by The TNJs

The original version of Love Is The Message. Who made the decision to cut the song at the break that we all know & love, was just starting? Was it originally recorded as the long Philly Classics version, then edited?

The PSA version of Take A Look by Wilson Pickett. Was the PSA version ever released by Wilson?

Finally, there was a funky version of Any Other Way, that I heard on Rhythm Review about 10 years ago. It sounds as though it was recorded in the late 60s. It wasn't the MOR version that both Chuck Jackson & Jackie Shane made in the early 60s. This was late 60s Soul & I can't find any info on this version anywhere. Any ideas?

Thanks& Peace!

Juice

By Galactus (207.144.253.114) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 07:07 pm:

I'm like Soul Sister....I just don't know where to start.....so many...

I'll list my favorite albums/CDs:

Billy Paul - The Best of Billy Paul
The O'Jays - In Philadelphia
The O'Jays - Message In the Music (awesome from beginning to end)
The O'Jays - Survival
The O'Jays - Family Reunion
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes - Ultimate Collection
Teddy Pendergrass - Life is a Song Worth Singing
McFadden and Whitehead - McFadden and Whitehead
The Stylistics - Debut album
The Stylistics - Round 2
The Spinners - The Spinners
The Spinners - Mighty Love

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 07:59 pm:

Hey, JuiceFree,

If you comes to the Miss Funky Fly web site, contains a extensive bio of Instant Funk where tolds also the bio of TNJ's (as Instant Funk was their backing group and Carmaichel of TNJ's, joined also lead vocals in Instant Funk, in "I GoT My Head Made Up", for example).

I hearded firsty the short version of "Love Is The Message" where sings the Three Degrees, before find the MFSB album that contains the only instrumental and more long version. It's much better!

Hey Bigdaddy, i'm totally agree about you says that every time that plays a Philly tune it's possible to bring more "new" details as a solo sax previously no heard. Also about the "test" of time. As the classical music.

Hey, Galactus, good idea to enumerate the favorite albums. This is perhaps more representative than single tunes. There is some of my faves:

-"Only The Strong Survive" - Billy Paul (especially "Where I Belong")

-"Going Up In Smoke" - Eddie Kendricks
(especially "Newness Is Gone")

-"Magic Of The Blue" -Blue Magic
(especially "Looking For A Friend")

-"Ship Ahoy" - O'Jays
(especially "Don't Call Me Brother" and "This Air I Breath")

-"Survival" - O'Jays
(especially "What I'm Waiting For")

-"We Got The Rythm" - People's Choice
(especially "Opus-de-Funk")

-"Pick Of The Litter" - Spinners
(especially "You Made A Promise To Me")

-"New And Improved" - Spinners
(especially "Sittin In The Top Of The World")

-"Rock In Roll Baby - Stylistics
(especially "This Can Be The End")

-"Super Hits" - Intruders
(especially "I'm Gonna Be Strong")

-"Wake Up Everybody" - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
(especially Sharon Paige's "I'm Searching For A Love")

-"Reaching For The World" - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
(especially "Big Singing Star")

-"Let's Clean Up The Ghetto" - Phil. Intl. All-Stars
(especially the same title and O'Jay's "Big Gangster")

-"Life On Mars" - Dexter Wansel
(especially "A Million Miles Of The Ground")

-"Teddy Pendergrass" - Teddy Pendergrass
(especially "Whole Town's Laughin' At Me")

-"Philadelphia Freedom" - MFSB
(especially "Tears In The Morning")

-"Summertime" - MFSB
(especially "Sunin' & Funin'")

-"Disco Champs" - Trammps
(especially "Oh Waah Hey")

-"All Things In Time" - Lou Rawls
(especially "Pure Imagination" and "From Now On")

-"Magic Journey" -Salsoul Orchestra
(especially "Getaway" and "Alpha Centaury")

-"What Color Is Love" - Dee Dee Sharp
(especially this same title)

-"Past, present & The Futures" - The Futures
(especially "It's It Over")


Peace & Soul food

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 10:45 pm:

Hi Juice!!

There were several mixes that were done by Tom Moulton including the ones you mention.
The extra long version was done with edits.
The original studio version was somewhere around six minutes and change.


TNJ's-I only know about the obvious ones, as they morphed into Instant Funk.


Pickett-Dont think that it was a single.
Not sure about Any Other way.

By mike s (195.93.34.12) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 11:31 am:

Hey Juice
There was a song by William Bell called Any Other Way in the late /mid 60s but not sure if this was a different song. It was definitely a Stax song and written by him so could be nothing to do with the one you mention??

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 05:11 pm:

Hello again, Phillybusters and Mot(own)ards!

I haved another good Philly finest moment around 1977.
This was at spanish TV, don't remember what are the "event", simply was programming a succession of performings in Europe by Roberta Kelly and Billy Paul (not the two together, one "clip" by one, another "clip" by other). I remember Billy was in a "junk cars field" (?, don't knows how to say it in english). He and the go-gos were everyone above one junk car (evidently this was "play-back"). He sang "Me & Ms. Jones" and "We All Got A Mission", this second i enjoy it because recently i have acquired my copy of "Let'em In".

Peace & Soul Food

By souljunkie (213.122.43.76) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 06:51 pm:

Bobby,

You recently mentioned you used to know Morgan Khan of Streetsounds. Here's a link to the website of his current label MWA.

http://www.musicwithattitude.com/morgan_khan.php

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 08:02 am:

Bobby,
What can you tell us about the (1969?) Wand 45 by The Alliance "Pass The Pipe / Cupids Holding".
Did this feature Hall & Oates on vocal duties ???

By Carl Dixon London (82.44.203.80) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 11:09 am:

My latest Philly moment was today in a Central London dance/record shop were numerous Salsoul remixes have been released on 12" vinyl. Towering over recent releases, some of these tracks go back to 1974 - amazing.

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 01:50 am:

Bobby,
Did you get to play on any Vibrations recordings at all back in the 60's (or did you ONLY tour extensively with them !!!).
Any funny stories you remember from those touring days (especially re; any of your UK gigs with them back then).
BTW, expect an e-mail (off forum) about a new UK double Vibrations CD (including unissued tracks).
RE: my query above... who were the members of the Alliance, just Philly studio musicians + Hall & Oates (??).

By Eli (68.236.55.93) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 07:37 am:

JS,

I started playing with the Vibrations in late '67.
My first recording with them was Love in them there hills/Remember the rain.

Cant wait to find out about the double cd as they were one of the most under rated acts out there.

The day that we arrived in London was the day Otis died!
I realy dont have any "funny" stories regarding that trip but it really gave me a god sense of sixties London during the Beatles era.

Also,
The Alliance were a studio concoction featuring
Daryl Hall, Jim Helmer, Tim Moore, Robert Cupit, Tom Sellers, Bobby Eli and Len Barry.

By Nosey (66.153.113.238) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 03:49 pm:

Eli: What's Len Barry up to. A 1, and a 2 and a 3...