Soul Express CD Review

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There have been so many quality releases from Philadelphia over the past 6 years or so that if you are on limited income like yours truly, then some of the original releases were missed first time around. The great news as we all know is that these have all been re-released AND, if I may say so, with far superior artwork. My only gripe is that the double CD cases are very flimsy. I have yet to have one where the CD actually sits in without falling out. Poor show, that.

Never mind. Onwards and upwards, and it's what’s in the groove what counts etc, etc. Grooves. Well, if you want grooves, folks then come to the right place you definitely have. These two albums may not be fantastic all the way through, but what there is of interest to the likes of we definitely make this an essential purchase – even if you own the originals on dear old snap, crackle and pop vinyl. Be it with a classic Philadelphia label or not!

1978 saw the release of MFSB and their "The Gamble-Huff Orchestra" and considering how much poor material was out at that time (copycat Disco) this was a shining beacon. The orchestration is spot on and the vocals – when we are treated to them – are typical of the nuance of Philadelphia International. A point in fact is the "answer" recording "Use Ta Be My Guy" featuring Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Bacon is really good and does some justice to the O’Jays song too.

I am a passionate advocate for the work of Thom Bell, and I sorely wish that he would come back on the scene with some new material. Gentlemen Of Soul where are you?! His number "Is It Something I Said" is a classy, classy outing and is steeped in Bell’s polished pseudo-Classical music style throughout. Lovely, and alone renders this CD as essential. This particular album ends on a very high note. The supremely serene and warm "Redwood Beach" is sheer joy to these ears, and it is in listening to material like this that I have the vain wish that I could pop back in time and sit in on the recording session. What magic THAT must have been? It would be for me anyway.

Coming to 1980’s TSOP release, "Mysteries Of The World" I feel that we are onto much stronger ground in the realm of consistency and continuity. I have always felt a more powerful energy with this particular album and to be honest I like all of it. It is sexy, soulful, funky and completely and utterly mouth-watering. Things can’t really get better than that. "Mysteries Of The World" is in itself a classic in every sense of the word. It should be a household name, but knowing the level of intelligence relating to popular culture, even in 1980, explains why it is not. In the UK the song is revered and still worshipped on the discerning dance floors and radio today. THAT says something about longevity to me, if nothing else.

I recommend "Metamporhasis" and the SUPERB "Old San Juan" which is – as we know – "At Peace With Woman" by another name minus the Jones Girls. Dexter Wansel, Cynthia Biggs and arranger, Jack Faith, excel on this and it is sad to reflect upon the slow demise of this label in the 1980s. It’s a real pity that Gamble & Huff don’t reconsider a serious return to music making. I think the resurgent interest in real music and musicians – however sluggish and patchy – should be capitalised on. Just a thought. In the meantime, withdrawn from my happy, idealised world we must appreciate the glorious efforts of the past, and thank labels here in the UK like Edsel / Demon for having the faith to champion it. Please do not overlook.
- Barry Towler