The Society Hill Orchestra - Stop, Look And Listen: A Tribute To Thom Bell - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

A top-notch studio guitarist who initially garnered his reputation as one of the Philly soul stalwarts associated with Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International recording studios, James Herb Smith was also often called in to duty as a background vocalist, and appears prominently on classic albums by such Philly Soul legends as Jerry Butler, The Stylistics, MFSB, Patti LaBelle, Dexter Wansel, Billy Paul, Jean Carne, Donnie Hathaway and countless others in and outside of the Philly Soul realm. Utilizing the versatility of The Society Hill Orchestra in conjunction with the Ingram Family band under the watchful eye of legendary Philly Soul producer Butch Ingram, Herb Smith has successfully recorded a modern rhythm & blues classic that stands as a testament to the immense appeal of Archie Bell & The Drells distinctive sound. Although Archie Bell & The Drells were originally from Houston, they became one of the main acts of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International Records, and thus became associated with the Philly Soul sound. Herb Smith more than does justice to these classic jams which include InchTighten Up,Inch InchThe Soul City Walk,Inch InchGirl You're Too YoungInch and many others that never seem to lose their appeal over the years - indeed he breathes new life to them on this wonderful tribute.

This is a re- of the Jazzhaus/SWR music bestseller 101703. Upon nearing the age of seventy, Duke Ellington was looked upon as the great historical figure of African American music, honored with academic degrees and appearing on the front pages of renowned magazines. Still, he had to and wanted to perform as much as he could and therefore toured the world with his orchestra, from Japan to North Africa to South America and Eastern Europe. During his travels, he was able to stop off in Stuttgart in March 1967 to present a colorful mixed programme made up of a few tried-and-true pieces and many lesser-known compositions. By Ellington's standards, it was a modern concert, exuberant in mood and at times mischievous in arrangements, which allowed some shrill coloring. And it also showed that even an ultimately traditional jazz orchestra in the rocky sixties could develop enough charisma to enthrall an audience like that in the Liederhalle. The revolutions were now being made by others, but Duke Ellington remained the brilliant master of the grand musical gesture.

There has been a long running tradition in soul music regarding the area of Philadelphia and it's surrounding towns. The InchPhilly SoulInch sound has never really gone away - certain vocalists or bands may come and go, but it seems like someone is always there to take their place and carry on the tradition. One of the organizations still carrying the torch has been one that has seemingly never faded away - the best way to describe it is not as an organization, but rather an institution, and that tireless entity is known as Society Hill Records - named after the historic neighborhood in Center City Philadelphia. Today, after all the years of great music that has emanated from the tag, artists old and new carry on the great tradition with music that has never strayed far from the source. On the new compilation, The Society Hill Orchestra Revisit Philly Classics, that promise is glaringly evident. Led by the first family of Philly Soul, the Ingram Family band - that has played on so many Philly soul hits for decades, is once again at the helm of this new project. Together with the Society Hill Orchestra are artists/friends that are faithfully carrying on the tradition such as Benny Barksdale, Donnie Tatum, Mary Harris, Sugarbear, TRU, Baxter and Jimmy Lee, and the music sounds as fresh today as it did over 40 years ago. Producer Butch Ingram has picked some of the biggest hits of Philly soul music over the decades and once again proves the vitality of this genre of music will live on for decades to come.