| Author | Message | ||
  Songstress (songstress61) 1-Arriviste Username: songstress61 Post Number: 10 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 68.101.247.165 |
OK I recently saw Ashford and Simpson at the Monterey Blues Fest. Had not seen them live since the 80's. Had been dying to see them and went as far as from So Cal to No CA to see my favorite duo. After all these years I was thrilled to see these 2 still have the same loving dynamic chemistry as when I saw them in the 80's and fell in love with them... Nick still looked great and Val so cute and petite. Icons they are I tell you: Ain't No Mountain High Enough, The Boss, You're all I Need To Get By, Let's go get Stoned, Is it still Good to ya!!!! They were SOLID!!!! Anyway, I didn't get enough so I'll be seeing them again next month in L.A.... Rock on 4ever Nick and Val!!! | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 742 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.62.185 |
Ditto!!! | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 268 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
You're a very lucky lady Songstress! It's so funny that you should bring up Ashford & Simpson. I recently ordered their 1981 live album "Performance" on cd from www.cdbaby.com. It's a great cd and they did most of the hits that they had at that time. My favorite is the live version 'It Seems To Hang On' and the small piece of 'Is It Still Good To Ya' that they performed. Hope I'm lucky enough to see them in person one of these days.  | ||
Songstress (songstress61) 2-Debutant Username: songstress61 Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 68.101.247.165 |
I have that one too Rodmann. I love that album! I like the live version of "Nobody Knows the inside". That was a 2 album set. Now I would love them to do a more recent live recording to capture some of the later hits. One of my favorites later albums was the "Street Opera" album that included "Street Corner Symphony" and "Times will be good again". What can I say.. I love them.. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 270 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
OHHHHHHHHHH 'Street Corner'! I love that one! Did they perform it at the show you just saw? | ||
Songstress (songstress61) 2-Debutant Username: songstress61 Post Number: 13 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 68.101.247.165 |
They did! But it was such a short version. I believe they included it in a medley... But that was better than not doing it at all huh? They did all of their own stuff and and most of the classic stuff that they wrote for others, Like "I'm every woman" by Miss Chaka. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 273 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
Ok thanks Songstress. My luck is so bad. Every time I go to see someone in concert they always end up doing only a bit of my favorite songs by them in some sort of a medley! LOL. You're right though, a short version of 'Street Corner' is better than no 'Street Corner' at all! If you think about all the hits that A&S have wrote for themselves and other artists through the years they have quite a huge and impressive library of tunes! I guess when they decide what to play live they can't please us all! | ||
mike s (mike_s) 4-Laureate Username: mike_s Post Number: 72 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.93.33.10 |
Songstress is right. I was lucky enough to see Nick and Val in concert just over a year ago - and they were great! I recall seeing them as well in the late 70s/early 80s and that always stood out as one of the best concerts I had been to ...and I wondered how they had changed with the years....but no need to worry. The enthusiasm still seems the same...shame there are no new recordings in the pipeline... | ||
Soulaholic (soulaholic) 5-Doyen Username: soulaholic Post Number: 350 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.41.40.105 |
My favorite is an old one by them "Mainline" jamming tune!! | ||
roger (roger) 4-Laureate Username: roger Post Number: 140 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.35.87.17 |
Hello everyone. Songstress.. I wish I could have been there as well, unfortunately there is a large continent and an even larger ocean in the way!! Here are some of my ASHFORD and SIMPSON favourites. 1 : "Bad Company" by ULLANDA McCULLOUGH on Atlantic from 1981/2, which they wrote. A tremendous tune, which I don't think has ever made it onto C.D. It is also listed as #321 in discomusic.com's Top 500 "disco" tunes of all time. http://www.discomusic.com/char ts-more/1678_0_8_0_C Some people may be put off by the term "disco" .. please don't be .. I would describe it as a wonderful dancable SOUL record!! 2 : "Didn't You Know You'd Have to Cry Sometime" by GLADYS KNIGHT and THE PIPS on Motown/Soul from 1969, another song by them. A fabulous recording that was the first ever GLADYS KNIGHT 45 that I bought. 3 : "It Seems to Hang On" by ASHFORD AND SIMPSON themselves on Warner Brothers from the late 70's (1979?). Already mentioned in a couple of posts and I never tire of hearing it. 4 : "Shoe Shoe Shine" by THE DYNAMIC SUPERIORS on Motown from 1974. A wonderful "sweet soul" ballad with lyrics that MEANT SOMETHING!! Not to mention all those tunes for MARVIN and TAMMI, DIANA ROSS etc. And didn't they also write "One Step at a Time" for MAXINE BROWN .. a real '60s gem. Roger | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 5-Doyen Username: tony_russi Post Number: 174 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.210.11.3 |
I love the work of Ashford &Simpson also. Roger, I think "Didn't You Know" was Gladys Knights best Motown recording. I've seen A & S a few times over the years & got to meet them once and ofcourse they were warm and friendly people. | ||
glencro (glencro) 3-Pundit Username: glencro Post Number: 34 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 146.9.113.58 |
Rodman, thank you for posting that performance is availabel on cdbaby. I just placed my order. I had that lp years ago and cracked it. I can't tell you how long I have been looking for that one. | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralph) Moderator Username: ralph Post Number: 420 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 209.240.205.63 |
Songstress, I must be working too hard or maybe I'm starting to slip. you're telling me Ashford & Simpson were at the Monterey Blues festival?? I LIVE in Monterey and I missed it. I don't believe it!!! Lord have mercy on me......I've got to start paying closer attention to things.... | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 747 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.45.116 |
I have always love A&S from day one. I even recorded Didnt you know... on Keith Barrow | ||
Michael/Cleoharvey (cleoharvey) 3-Pundit Username: cleoharvey Post Number: 37 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.172.21.238 |
One of the great Ashford & Simpson songs of all time is a song that was not a hit. It was on the Gladys Knight and the Pips album "About Love" which they wrote and produced. It is a song called "Still Such A Thing." If you have a copy of this album, take another listen. Another great song from that album is called Add It Up, some of the lyrics I won't leave til it's over I won't leave til it's over I wanna be sure You know what you're doing before my whole life is ruined. Add it up didn't we laugh and cry together Add it up could it have been any better Ad it up oooh, and you will see You had a plus in me You were never minus love Great and complex song in structure. It is a shame in this grove-oriented business that there is not a hallowed place for Ashford & Simpson. New artists should be runnig to their catalogue (or them) for songs | ||
jrlo (jrlo) 4-Laureate Username: jrlo Post Number: 150 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.126.212.8 |
I wish they would come out with an autobiography. Their life story would be a GREAT read. They are such an inspiration, and also a wonderful and talented couple! | ||
Destruction (destruction) 5-Doyen Username: destruction Post Number: 179 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 199.173.224.24 |
jrlo, When I saw them tear up AFRAM(or whatever they call it these days) a few of us at the show were discussing that very point...If they don't, I hope someone does. BTW, they performed for about 40 minutes including all the joints that Songstress mentioned above. Baltimore has always belonged to A and S and time hasn't changed a thing. | ||
jrlo (jrlo) 4-Laureate Username: jrlo Post Number: 151 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.126.212.8 |
HI Destruction! I never had the pleasure of seeing them in person..everyone I know that had ever witnessed their live show said it was nothing more than awesome! Ever go to a concert and feel disapointed that the group never "sounds" like their records? Well everone says that A and S are great in person, and thier feelings for each other are not "part of the act". It's real! I wonder if their daughter sings? The last picture I saw of her was when she was little. She must be a teenager by now! | ||
Destruction (destruction) 5-Doyen Username: destruction Post Number: 185 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 199.173.224.24 |
jrlo, I saw them several times in the past at Painters Mill and the Carter Barron. In Baltimore, it was must-see. One of things I remembe about their shows is that they were a "couples" act. Meaning, you didn't go an A and S show for a pickup, you went with someone you loved.... or else you ended up crying half the show....lol. | ||
GO_GET_GONE_GIRL (gogogirl) 5-Doyen Username: gogogirl Post Number: 186 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 69.1.9.65 |
All, I commented months ago that this duo belongs in the Songwriters Hall Of Fame - for sure. I just adore them. They also need to put out some tips on how they kept their marriage together after all these years. One can just see the love oozing between them. "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" indeed. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 280 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
You're welcome glenco. I'm lovin' my cd! The little piece of 'Is It Still Good To Ya' that they performed on "Performance" is much better than the studio version IMO. The song has so much more energy live! I really wish that they would've did the whole song. Songstress did they perform 'Is It Still Good To Ya' at this latest concert you saw? | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 1419 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
My absolute favorite song by Ashford & Simpson is So So Satisfied!!! The arrangement & instrumentation is simply exquisite. I dare anyone to get a bottle of bubbly, a blue or red light, some good companionship & not be moved by that song. That is simply one quietly sexy & erotic song. The percussion instruments such as the use of the shaker, the strings & the guitar work is just made for Amore'. What a song!!! | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 5-Doyen Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 173 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Too many songs to mention!!! One of my favartie albums is Send It. Let Love Use Me- This song just moves me!! By Way Of Love's Express-The Harmonies!!! Send It- Melodic!!!!! | ||
Lady Mystique (ladymystique) 5-Doyen Username: ladymystique Post Number: 409 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 216.222.243.148 |
Nick and Val prove to me that you can have love of each other and a love for music and can make both work. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 283 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
"Feelin' Highhhhhhhhhhhhhh and So So Satisfiiiiiiiiiiied". LOL. Juice you ain't lyin' man! That's a good one. I love it when the band starts to get them some at the end. That drummewr really tears it up! 'Send It' is my jam too. Here's my overall A&S favs: 'So So Satisfied' 'Send It' 'It Seems To Hang On' 'Street Corner' 'Found A Cure' 'Tried, Tested And Found True' 'Over And Over' 'Don't Cost You Nothin' I just really like their singles over the years. A&S really had their stuff together and it sounds like the still do! (Message edited by Rodmann on July 20, 2004) | ||
Lady Mystique (ladymystique) 6-Zenith Username: ladymystique Post Number: 417 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 216.222.243.148 |
Boy, Juice...you really know how to set a mood right! | ||
Songstress (songstress61) 2-Debutant Username: songstress61 Post Number: 14 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 68.101.247.165 |
Mike: Hands down they would have to be in my top 5 concert experiences and I am here to tell you I have experienced MANY a concert. Concerts are "what I do" seriously. Now when I saw A&S in the 80's they were electrifying. They were all over each other (in a sweet sexy loving and tasteful way!) And you could feel it for sure! Roger: You are telling me A&S wrote "Shoe Shoe shine used to cost a dime, a penny could buy you plenty, a nickle was the fare to take you anywhere, the troubles we didn't have many!!" I never knew this.. Ralph: Everybody in your town, in fact it seemed the whole Cali north seemed to be there and even some from my Cali South showed up. Now where exactly were you that weekend?? By the way, your town is so pretty. I love Pacific Grove and the Cannery Row area. And so you won't miss it next year I have to tell you, Keb Mo, Bobby Bland, Little Milton, Etta James also performed.. Jrlo: YES! An autobiography. I cannot believe there is nothing of the sort in print for them. There should be one cause they are the prince and prinCESS for sure! Destruction: That "couple" vibe was definitely in the house that evening.. Love was in the air.. Rodmann: They did perform "Is it still good to you." I believe it was the opener. Their motto must be start strong and end strong cause they ended with "Solid" and everyone was up! They were the last act of the 3 day festival which ended on a Sunday.. | ||
Gil (gil) 2-Debutant Username: gil Post Number: 28 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 67.33.162.57 |
"It'll Come, It'll Come, It'll Come" I know you had a hard time Keeping it together, But don't quit, it'll stick. It'll come, It'll come, It'll come. | ||
Wonder B (wonder_b) 6-Zenith Username: wonder_b Post Number: 587 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 80.14.7.43 |
I love tons of songs written by Ashford & Simpson and it is still one of my dreams to see them live. One song I liked a lot which they wrote for Gladys Knight was 'Taste Of Bitter Love'... that rythm had me off my seat in a sec...  Wonder B If you mess with the 'fro, you gotta go! | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 5-Doyen Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 174 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Wonder B, also the instrumental "Bourgie', Bourgie Gladys & the Pips tore that one up! I love the orchestration on that song! | ||
Wonder B (wonder_b) 6-Zenith Username: wonder_b Post Number: 591 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 80.14.7.43 |
Absolutely Charise!!! Wonder B | ||
SDF (handsome) 5-Doyen Username: handsome Post Number: 259 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Hi All! I must add my 2 cents about Ashford & Simpson! I remember all the songs they wrote for Marvin & Tammi, and even Valerie singing on the 3rd lp, "Easy". Loved them all. I must list my favorites songs as well.. I Wouldn't Change the Man that He Is (later recorded by Diana Ross)-Blinky Didn't You Know You had To Cry Sometime (later recorded by Diana Ross)& the entire About Love lp/cd-Gladys Knight & The Pips Dark Side of The World, Ain't no Mountain high Enough, The Boss, No One gets The Prize, Reach Out & Touch Somebody's Hand (also the Tops & Supremes version)-Diana Ross Destination:Anywhere-The Marvelettes I'm A Winner (later recorded by Diana Ross);Tear It On Down-Martha Reeves & the Vandellas There was song Brenda Holloway recorded that A & S wrote..the title escapes me at the moment. I'm every Woman, Clouds & Our Love's In Danger-Chaka Kahn Stuff Like That & The Body Heat lp-Quincy Jones Main Line, Somebody Told a Lie, So So Satisfied, By Way of Love Express, Don't Cost You Nothing, Solid, Street Corner. I also remember back in the 80's when Solid was the hot, Ashford & Simpson were in concert at the Aire Crown & SOS band was the headliner. I thought A & S would bore me, when in fact it was SOS that put me to sleep, ha ha! Ashford & Simpson put on a hell of a show, from beginning to end! Handsome | ||
SDF (handsome) 5-Doyen Username: handsome Post Number: 262 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
P.S.-Enjoyed Val's solo projects as well. TS-311 - Valerie Simpson Exposed - Valerie Simpson [5/71] (7-71, #159) I Don't Need No Help/Love Woke Me Up This Morning/Now That There's You/Sinner Man (Don't Let Him Catch You)/Can't It Wait Until Tomorrow//I Just Wanna Be There/Back To Nowhere/There Is A God/World Without Sunshine/We Can Work It Out T-317L - Valerie Simpson - Valerie Simpson [7/72] (8-72, #162) Fix It Alright/Benjie/Drink The Wind/One More Baby Child Born/Keep It Coming//I Believe I'm Gonna Take This Ride/Could Have Been Sweeter/Silly Wasn't I/Genius I/Genius II I loved Silly Wasn't I, which was written by Ashford, Simpson & Joshie Armstead (who was talked about on another thread). Handsome | ||
1wicked (1wicked) 5-Doyen Username: 1wicked Post Number: 192 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.126.64.72 |
Handsome: On which LP does "Everybody's Got To Give It Up" appear ? I discovered that song, as well as "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted" while rummaging thru my sister's collection many, many moons ago, and EGTGIU is still one of my favorite songs EVER. | ||
Wonder B (wonder_b) 6-Zenith Username: wonder_b Post Number: 597 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 80.15.111.149 |
1Wicked it's got to be on the 'Valerie Simpson' LP Wonder B | ||
Lady Mystique (ladymystique) 6-Zenith Username: ladymystique Post Number: 425 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 199.224.119.116 |
Wasn't her stuff re-released? Because I could have sworn that it was, but can't seem to find it now...is it out of print? And could I still get it whether it was or not? | ||
SDF (handsome) 5-Doyen Username: handsome Post Number: 275 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Hi Lady M! The only thing I know was "re-released" was the "Motown Greatest Hits & Rare Classic/Best of" series of Valerie Simpson which featured the entire first album selection along with, Silly Wasn't I. (I have the cassette), of course the cd included Genius I & II as bonus cuts. To my knowledge it's out of print. Handsome | ||
Richard Felstead (felstead2001) 4-Laureate Username: felstead2001 Post Number: 75 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 128.40.91.183 |
Wow, what can I say about Val & Nick. Sheer class, they've written some fab tunes not just for themselves but for others to over the years. Bourgie bourgie, and It seems to hang on, are just two of my faves. I remember when Koffee Brown released their debut cd a couple of years back. The record company were saying they were the new Ashford & Simpson.........yeah right. A couple of years on and they have already split up. It was wrong to have been compared anyway. Nick & Val, just love em. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 449 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.166.36 |
Ashfor & Simpson had one the baddest if not thee baddest bands in the biz, when they stated touring in the 70's. I seen them on ch #11 on WTTW an afiliate PBS station here of 79. Aii I could say was "dang"! Don | ||
Reese (reese) 4-Laureate Username: reese Post Number: 113 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 204.152.13.224 |
1Wicked: I think EVERYBODY'S GOT TO GIVE IT UP is on the I WANNA BE SELFISH album. | ||
Lady Mystique (ladymystique) 6-Zenith Username: ladymystique Post Number: 443 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 216.37.223.69 |
Thanks SDF, It looks like I missed out! | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 874 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.40.178 |
A&S touring band included Yogi Horton(RIP) on drums, Francisco Centeno on bass, Ray Chew on keys, and for a while Ira Segal on gitfiddle! | ||
mike s (mike_s) 4-Laureate Username: mike_s Post Number: 92 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.93.33.10 |
Just had a new updated catalogue for Motown from Universal in the UK/Europe and the Valerie Simpson album is not listed as available. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 537 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.186.241 |
I'am glad to hear that Ashford, Simpson & Armstead are still friends and treat each other like a family. It is very touching to hear this. | ||
SDF (handsome) 5-Doyen Username: handsome Post Number: 345 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Sorry Lady M! Someone out there has both lps on Tamla (Motown)! Yogi Horton used to play for Luther Vandross. Handsome | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 547 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.186.241 |
SDF, are you sure Nick or Val sang on "Body Heat". I thought Leon Ware sanged the tune? | ||
Uptight (uptight) 4-Laureate Username: uptight Post Number: 103 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 69.161.239.218 |
I'm not sure they performed in Quincy Jones' "Body Heat" because the CD does not have production credits printed in the book unfortunately. None of the songs are written by A&S. I do know that Leon Ware appears many times as writer & performer in the "Body Heat" album, while A&S are on "Stuff Like That." | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 1701 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Hello everyone, Boy am I ever late to this party. LadyM: That's not necessarily so. I have both Valerie Simpson LPs - Keep It Comin' & Exposed. I'm sure that I can find a way to get you copies. I'd just have to take pictures of the covers for you. Handsome: The 1972 Valerie Simpson LP was re-released in 1977 as Keep It Comin'. I'll have to compare the track listing to that of the original LP to see if there's a difference. | ||
Lady Mystique (ladymystique) 6-Zenith Username: ladymystique Post Number: 462 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 199.224.120.244 |
Juice...email me and thanks! |
