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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Donna Summer Lights New Fire with Hotter Stuff

After a 17 year absence, Donna Summer is back in the game with a new release due on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

Her studio album is called Crayons.  Listen to (and rate) 30 seconds of “I’m A Fire,” a track from the new collection (below).

The full 7 minute album version of “I’m A Fire” contains world music elements.  It’s a danceable track with a shifting arrangement that keeps things interesting including a short Latin influenced segment sung in Spanish.

Donna Summer joins Thelma Houston, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, and a few other “mature” classic soul divas to release new material within the past couple of years.

For a snapshot of her great career, read my review of Donna Summer’s autobiography, Ordinary Girl, written in June, 2004.

What can we expect on the new album?

Donna says the record will contain “a menagerie of colors and styles, with hints of different ethnic traditions and sounds."

She continues, “My dream is that when people hear the music it will remind them of their youth, their childhood and the joy and wonderment they felt exploring their first pack of Crayons."

Huh? OK.  I haven’t played with crayons in ages, but I get the metaphor.

Donna Summer always carried the excess baggage of “The Queen of Disco” label, despite her versatility.  Many missed the fact that she’s a very talented singer.

Just listen to the Quincy Jones’ produced song “State of Independence” for an example of Donna’s distinctive depth of style.

She gets the last laugh as a survivor with the power of Sony BMG & Burgundy Records behind this new release.

Here are my 5 Donna Summer Favorites.  What are yours?

  1. “Bad Girls”
  2. “Love To Love You Baby”
  3. “No More Tears” (duet with Barbra Streisand)
  4. “Hot Stuff”
  5. “Could This Be Magic”

Get reacquainted with an old friend, and visit the official Donna Summer web site.

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Posted by King on 04/15 at 12:02 AM
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Monday, April 07, 2008

Aquarian Dream's Flight of the Phoenix

You can never be sure what the exact formula is for success.

Unlike the mythical bird reincarnated from its ashes, not everyone can reinvent themselves like the Phoenix.

Aquarian Dream is one R&B group from the 1970s that had a well known personality promoting them to go along with their talent, but they never quite clicked with music fans.

According to music critic Alex Henderson, none of Aquarian Dream’s three albums have ever been reissued on CD.

The ensemble recorded for the Buddah and Elektra labels, with limited success, releasing Norman Connors Presents Aquarian Dream, Fantasy, and Chance To Dance.

Norman Connors attached his name to the debut Aquarian Dream album, a promotional technique often used to break new acts during this period.  Think Motown when Diana Ross presented The Jackson 5 on their first release.

You don’t see this gimmick happening today, as there are many more ways for artists to expose their music in non-traditional ways.

Listen to a little over 1 minute of Aquarian Dream singing their 1977 song “Phoenix.” You might be reminded of the classic soul of Rufus & Chaka Khan or Atlantic Starr.

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Monday, March 31, 2008

Martin Luther King Jr. Classic Soul Dream Concert

Friday, April 4, 2008 is the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1973, a 2nd annual Benefit Concert for the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Social Change was held at the Omni arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

RCA Records was a big sponsor of the event.  Many of their artists performed.

I’ve produced a special 5 minute 50 second video flashback of this classic soul concert for all to enjoy.

Here’s the rundown of the original double album.

Keep The Dream Alive

Side 1


  • Introduction: Mrs. Coretta Scott King
  • “Precious Lord” - Linda Hopkins
  • "It’s My Belief” - Linda Hopkins
  • “No One’s Gonna Be a Fool Forever” - Friends of Distinction
  • Medley: “Love Or Let Me Be Lonely,” “Going In Circles,” “Time Waits for No One,” “Grazing In The Grass” - Friends of Distinction

Side 2


  • “Hey Leroy” - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  • “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  • “Betcha By Golly Wow” - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  • “Troglodyte (Cave Man)” - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  • Geraldine struts her stuff (Flip Wilson)

Side 3


  • “Make It With You” - Main Ingredient
  • “Work To Do” - Main Ingredient
  • Medley: “You’ve Been My Inspiration,” “Spinning Around (I Must Be Falling In Love),” “I’m So Proud,” “Everybody Plays the Fool” - Main Ingredient
  • Comments: Mrs. Coretta Scott King

Side 4


  • “Ain’t No Sunshine” - Jose Feliciano
  • “We’ve Only Just Begun” - Jose Feliciano
  • “Oye Como Va” - Jose Feliciano
  • Comments: Flip Wilson
  • Funny Talk: Flip Wilson
  • “Don’t Knock My Love” pts. 1 & 2 - Wilson Pickett
  • “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You” - Wilson Pickett

Keep the Dream Alive was a great concert featuring strong performances.  The Atlanta community supported the effort with a large turnout.

Watch the video, then listen to my interview with Jimmy Castor and Gerry Thomas from 1977.

In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, this will be the only article posted in the Classic Soul R&B Music Jam this week.

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Posted by King on 03/31 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Classic Soul Cassette Widget in Tune with Technology

It’s not April 1st yet, and this is not a joke.  Here’s a really cool flashback to the golden days of those cassette based songs, now reincarnated inside of a contemporary web based music player.

I skipped over both music cassettes and 8-track tapes back in the day and went right from vinyl to CD, so finding this retro music widget reminded me of friends who always had their cassette tapes eaten by their car cassette players.

This widget has lots of personality!

The particular song I found and placed in the widget is “Funky Mule,” written by Buddy Miles, performed by an unidentified band.

If you know who the band is, please let us know.

Mouse-over the picture to see the pause and stop buttons (after you press the start button).

You can check the widget out from Mixwit.

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Posted by King on 03/27 at 12:02 AM
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

DeBarge Family Motown Melodies

1985.  El, Bunny, Mark, James, and Randy DeBarge, cast in the media image of the Jackson 5, continue to crank out a string of classic soul hits for Motown.

The DeBarge family released their first album in 1981, finding most of their success in the mid 1980’s.

Some of their well publicized mis-steps along with personal problems of particular group members probably contributed to a compressed period for their 15 mintues of fame.

Happily, the DeBarge clan are survivors.

Second generation additions, along with founders Bunny, Randy, Mark, Anita, Alice, El, James, Chico, Chantal, Young, Peaches, Mama D., and Switch’s Bobby and Tommy continue to receive attention.

Mama, El, and Chico all have individual web sites.  Several fan web sites also keep track of the entire family.

Here are the lyrics to their hit “Who’s Holding Donna Now,” written by David Foster, Jay Graydon, and Randy Goodrum featuring El DeBarge on the lead vocal:

Sometimes a love won’t let go
Hard as I try I know it shows
Everybody’s telling me
You’ll be over her eventually
But how am I supposed to feel so secure.

When I keep wonderin’
Who’s holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin’
Who’s heart she’s knocking around
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do
To be in his shoes somehow
And I keep wonderin’
Who’s holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin’
What magic can be found
To turn me back to the world
Who’s holding Donna now.

The letter started with goodbye
I’ve read it half a million times
Tell me this is just a dream
When I wake up she’ll be here next to me
Tell me it will be just the way it was, oh

When I keep wonderin’
Who’s holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin’
Who’s heart she’s knocking around
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do
To be in his shoes right now
And I keep wonderin’
Who’s holding Donna now
And I Keep wonderin’
What magic can be found
To turn me back to the world
Who’s holding Donna now

Those Temptations vs. Four Tops tours were always fun.  Is there any chance of a future Jacksons vs. DeBarge tour?

Anything is possible!

Listen to 30 seconds of “Who’s Holding Donna Now” by DeBarge.

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Posted by King on 03/18 at 12:02 AM
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Monday, March 10, 2008

Gamble & Huff Earn their Philly-Soul Hall of Fame Ticket

Philadelphia International Records label founders Kenny Gamble (left), and Leon Huff (right), will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2008.

The two songwriter-producers will be honored by receiving the first Ahmet Ertegun award for non-performers, Monday evening, March 10, in New York City.

"Love Train,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “When Will I See You Again,” and scores of hits have driven the Philadelphia International express to global fame.

Gamble and Huff piloted the last of the great classic soul record labels, building on the legacy of Motown, Stax, and Atlantic.

The Philly International catalogue has been mined to death with CD song reissues over the years.  Surprise, two new ones are hitting the marketplace now.

The Sound of Philadelphia: Gamble & Huff’s Greatest Hits is a new release featuring all of those memorable smashes: “Me & Mrs. Jones, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” and many more.

Very few producers could get away with this ego strokin’ title, but Gamble & Huff can.

Then we have Conquer the World: The Lost Soul of Philadelphia International Records, the 2nd new release.  A treasure chest of obscure tracks are featured, from the talented Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, producer-artist Bunny Sigler, Johnny Williams, and many other performers.

Here are some of the original Philadelphia International Records vinyl album covers...

Johnny Williams had one minor hit back in 1973 on Philadelphia International called “Slow Motion.” Listen to 40 seconds of “Slow Motion” (from the original 45 RPM record).

Congratulations to Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff on their well deserved honor.

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Posted by King on 03/10 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, February 28, 2008

Buddy Miles Tribute

Drummer Buddy Miles passed away Wednesday, February 27, at the relatively young age of 60.

Caught in the middle between the musical implementation of pure soul and progressive rock, Miles in his heyday never received the credit he deserved as a creative solo artist.

Radio programmers back in the day could never figure out if his music was appropriate to play for their particular audiences.

Buddy Miles was all about fusing soul, blues, pop, and rock into a unique blend of driving hardcore rhythms.

In 1967, Buddy, working his way up the musical ladder, joined “Wicked” Wilson Pickett’s touring band as the drummer.  Soon after, guitarist Mike Bloomfield recruited Miles for the seminal horn-funk-blues group, The Electric Flag.

The Buddy Miles Express debuted in 1968 with the album, Expressway to Your Skull. I used the instrumental track “Funky Mule” from that album as my first and only theme song for a few years when I first started out in radio.

Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Miles had quite a few collaborations together, beginning in 1968 - 1969.  Hendrix wrote the liner notes on Expressway to Your Skull, and produced “Miss Lady” from the 2nd Miles album Electric Church.

Hendrix also produced the unreleased version of the instrumental “69 Freedom Special,” (that does appear on The Best of Buddy Miles) CD.

Miles continued to experiment as he moved on to Band of Gypsys with Hendrix and bassist Billy Cox.  I saw their only Madison Square Garden New York City performance live on January 28, 1970.

Unfortunately, what I remember was not positive, as Miles, Hendrix, and Cox only performed a couple of songs.  Hendrix “went on strike” after a couple of songs and stormed off the stage because of some disagreement.

Miles and Hendrix recorded the classic jazz-rock “Rainy Day Dream Away” and “Still Raining Still Dreaming” from Hendrix’s historic double LP Electric Ladyland.

I genuinely enjoyed Buddy’s solo albums, as they always contained several stand out tracks.

The PowerhouseRadio.com music vault contains 7 of his solo vinyl albums, plus A Long Time Comin’ by The Electric Flag.

I suppose I should mention that Buddy Miles was the voice of the California Raisins, an animated cartoon used to promote the raisin industry in the 1970’s.

Miles was a very good singer - as soulful as the best of his day.

In 1994, Buddy Miles reformed the Express and recorded an album for Rykodisc.

I was asked if I wanted to interview Buddy in 2007.  Unfortunately, we could not sync-up our schedules, so I ultimately passed.  Now I’m sorry I missed the opportunity.

Luckily, I did have the chance many years ago to talk with Buddy Miles live at The Bottom Line club in New York City and record the conversation when I was a student at New York University.

If you are not familiar with Buddy Miles, a great place to start is the CD, The Best of Buddy Miles.

It includes his only bonafide hit, “Them Changes."

Take a listen and sample 2 minutes and 20 seconds of the longer “Funky Mule,” and enjoy the Buddy Miles groove.  Check out his relentless percussive persuasion.

Here are my picks for the top 5 songs that showcase Buddy Miles:

  1. “Runaway Child”
  2. “Power of Soul” (Band of Gypsys)
  3. “Rainy Day, Dream Away” & “Still Raining, Still Dreaming” (guest with The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
  4. “69 Freedom Special”
  5. “Take It Off Him and Put It On Me”

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Posted by King on 02/28 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Valentine Love from Henderson & Vaughan

Bassist Michael Henderson wrote “Valentine Love” in 1976 right before a recording session with drummer Norman Connors.

"Valentine Love” is still one of the best songs you’ll hear on Valentine’s Day.  The ballad remains a classic soul masterpiece.

“Sassy" Sarah Vaughan, (1924 - 1990), made her name during the golden era of jazz.

Her reading of “My Funny Valentine” from the Rodgers & Hart songbook is timeless.

She recorded the song in 1954 and kept it in her active repertoire for years.

Vaughan, shown here, admits that she panicked when performing the tune in 1979 for a television special.  Apparently composer Richard Rodgers was in the audience.

Yes, Rodgers loved her version during the performance.

"My Funny Valentine” was first introduced in 1937 by vocalist Mitzi Green as composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.

The song became such a sentimental favorite through the years that it lost it’s cool factor.  Sarah Vaughan’s version however still stands the test of time.

Listen to 30 seconds each of Michael Henderson’s “Valentine Love,” and Sarah Vaughan’s “My Funny Valentine."

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Posted by King on 02/14 at 12:02 AM
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Remixes Drive Thriller 25 for Michael Jackson

Can Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas put some pop into Thriller 25 with a resuscitated remix of “The Girl Is Mine?"

Will Kanye West find love with his “Billie Jean” remix for M.J.?

Michael Jackson’s Thriller 25 CD is here with videos, remixes, and zombie artwork galore.

You be the judge.  Listen to 25 seconds each of the new “Billie Jean” and “The Girl Is Mine” remixes.

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Posted by King on 02/13 at 12:02 AM
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Monday, January 28, 2008

Motown Hits & Misses: High Inergy, Dynamic Superiors, & Willie Hutch

In the late 1970’s, after Motown headed to Hollywood, motor city magic just wasn’t the same in the city of Angels.

Rick James and Smokey Robinson were still cashing in with hits, but for another group of artists, times were tough.

Motown has signed plenty of groups through the years who have had only marginal success, if any.

Pasadena California’s High Inergy, is one girl group who never quite broke through.  From their 1977 album Turnin’ On, “You Can’t Turn Me Off (In the Middle of Turning Me On),” showed much promise.

A Sister Sledge type act, High Inergy just didn’t receive the high profile producers, or the right promotion.  Personnel changes also hindered their growth.

Washington D.C.’s Dynamic Superiors are another Motown group who ended up on the “B” list.

Motown tried hard to showcase this act.

Dynamic Superiors recorded 5 albums for the label between 1975 - 1978.

1976’s Give & Take, produced by Brian Holland for Holland-Dozier-Holland Productions, included spirited material along with covers of “Nowhere To Run” and Stevie wonder’s “All In Love Is Fair."

Much of the Dynamic Superior’s uptempo music was awash in a sea of generic disco rhythm.  This didn’t help differentiate them from similar sounding acts.

Willie Hutch excelled as a producer and writer of many hits for a variety of artists including the 5th Dimension.

He produced early Motown releases by Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson.

One song Hutch is best remembered for as a solo artist comes from the soundtrack of the 1973 movie The Mack.

"Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” is a classic soul marvel, in the best tradition of “Shaft,” “Superfly,” and Bobby Womack’s “Across 110th Street” (recently featured in American Gangster).

Hutch’s Havin’ A House Party was released by Motown in 1977.  He was an average talent as a performer, and an exceptional talent as a producer.

Listen to a 1 minute and 45 second montage of High Inergy, the Dynamic Superiors, and Willie Hutch.

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Posted by King on 01/28 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Charles Wright takes "Express Yourself" to Line Dancing

Charles Wright, producer, singer and founder of the classic soul Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is upbeat about his new album, Finally Got It Wright.

He sticks to the tradition of his early hits “Do Your Thing” and “Express Yourself,” released in 1968 and 1970.

The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm band exemplifies Los Angeles funk just like Chuck Brown personifies Washington, DC’s go-go music.

There’s a free mp3 download of “Line Dance Song” from Charles Wright’s new album available directly from his line dance web site.

Charles says: “I’m not Columbia, RCA or Capital, so I do not intend to pretend that I can compete on their level."

"I am a small company and will act accordingly. Therefore, if it takes me three, four or even five years to complete the job or more, I intend to concentrate on Finally Got It Wright because I honestly and truly believe in it."

Charles Wright was born near Clarksdale, Mississippi.

The family moved to Los Angeles when he was 12. He started on piano and later graduated to vocals, guitar, bass and drums.

As a teenager, Wright led and composed for several doo-wop groups, including the Twilighters, The Shields, and the Galahads.

Charles became one of Hollywood’s most sought after studio musicians while simultaneously becoming a nightclub sensation with his band Charles Wright and He Wright-Sounds.

After recording renowned Los Angeles Dee Jay Magnificent Montague’s theme song, “Spreading Honey,” Charles founded the history-making Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - the first successful rhythm & blues act for Warner Brothers.

The “Watts” band backed Bill Cosby on his first two musical albums, Silver Throat and The Salvation Army Band: Bill Cosby Sings.

Listen to 30 seconds of “Express Yourself."

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Posted by King on 01/10 at 12:02 AM
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Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Thanksgiving Message from Bama the Village Poet

The Last Poets, Gil Scott-Heron, Nikki Giovanni, Sekou Sundiata, and others have married music with the spoken word to deliver powerful political messages.

Another artist of this genre is Bama the Village Poet.

Though mostly forgotten, his Ghettos of the Mind, released in 1974, delivered an array of entertaining, ironic, sarcastic and witty words scored to the beat of musicians Bernard Purdie, Cornell Dupree, Richard Tee, Gordon Edwards, and Billy Jackson.

Bama observed the world, and he critiqued it, with humor and eloquence.

Here’s the original vinyl album cover complete with my hand written notes.

Listen to 90 seconds of his classic piece, “Thanksgiving.” It’s no turkey.

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Posted by King on 11/21 at 12:02 AM
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Monday, November 19, 2007

J.B. Sings White Christmas for You

How many guys can claim that they’ve recorded the first Irving Berlin Music Company approved rendition of “White Christmas” since 1954.

J.B., pictured here, claims this honor.

Berlin wrote this song in 1942.  With over 500 versions out there, what does this Savannah, Georgia native, J.B., now living in Atlanta, bring to “White Christmas?"

Listen to the first 1 minute 47 seconds of the track, and find out.

J.B.’s “White Christmas” is smooth.  Do you hear just a little touch of Freddie Jackson?

Find out more about J.B. at JbSings.com

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Posted by King on 11/19 at 06:15 PM
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Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Halloween Funk from the Devil Town Vampire

Flashback to Ghoulish Grooves Make up Funky Halloween Treats from 2006, then listen to the Halloween “Devil Town” vampire get funky for 60 seconds!

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Posted by King on 10/31 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Retro-Soul makes a Mighty Comeback

Retro-soul has made a mighty comeback.

New generations of inspired singers are latching onto musical arrangements from the old school.

These artists make no apologies for belting out classic soul vocals wrapped around horns, organs, and bluesy keyboards.

This is what separates them from neo-soul troopers Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, and others.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings have released a new 2007 CD that sounds like a time warp from 1967.  Sharon and The Dap-Kings have a cult following, and it’s easy to see why.

She packs a punch delivering sounds reminiscent of Aretha, Gladys Knight, and Etta James.

James Hunter is the real deal.  His 2006 release People Gonna Talk blends a fusion of reggae, soul, and blues.

Britian’s Hunter has a lot of authenticity in his music.

When you dig deep into his song catalogue, you realize that his love of classic soul is legitimate.









The Dynamites are slightly over the top in lead singer Charles Walker’s penchant for James Brown licks.

This Nashville based band drives heavy and hard, as if they were the Stax rhythm section on speed.

Even though I think James Hunter is a lot better, The Dynamites offer a nice recipe for some relentless R&B that pounds along using a commanding rhythm section.

For my money, Charles Walker sounds more like David Clayton Thomas, (of Blood Sweat & Tears), Huey Lewis, or Wayne Cochran of Wayne Cochran & the C.C. Riders, rather than James Brown – the big influence on The Dynamites.

(A big shout-out to you if you remember Wayne Cochran & the C.C. Riders!)

Last but not least, another Brit, 20 year old Joss Stone is in the house.

When her debut record came out in 2003, I couldn’t believe I was listening to a 16-year-old.  Joss Stone has an original sound mimicking no one, although she does have the blood of Janis Joplin running through her veins!

Stone’s voice caught my immediate attention as her song played through store speakers at a Tower Records outlet I was visiting.

We’ll see how her career develops.

On a side note, it’s interesting how reviewers generally place these artists in the wrong musical categories.  But then, in the modern music business, it’s all about the marketing.

Don’t miss our 2 minute 59 second playlist featuring all four of these retro-soul sensations.

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Posted by King on 10/25 at 12:02 AM
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