Unique74 remembers…NICK ASHFORD (Ashford and Simpson)
My heart hangs very heavy for Mrs V and the entire Ashford & Sipmson family..The chemistry they shared was a testament that was bigger than any chart position or trend. SIX decades. They were the living fairy tale of true love expressed through music in which they lived out every lyric.
Ashford and Simpson were and STILL are a very huge part of my musical development and upbringing. They were the epitome of what a real relationship means and stands for. Like Bonnie and Clyde, Romeo and Juliet…there was ASHFORD and SIMPSON aka “NICK-O-VAL”. As a kid growing up, I never knew the significance or witness the genuine union of a real husband/wife-real relationship other than second hand stories of my Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles . Ashford and Simpson‘s presence went above and beyond just making records-they were a living testament of what a true, undying, unconditional love means. Nick Ashford’s style and swag was beyond definitive..it was flair and dare. His style and delivery was dipped in Gospel with a strong urgency within every word. As a team they demonstrated absolute magic..lending their magic dust to artists such as Ray Charles, CHIC, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, Chaka Khan, Amy Winehouse and a plethora of many more. Ashford and Simpson were a revered couple that served as a template of perfection in every sense of the word. Nick Ashford will be sorely missed, please keep him and his family in thought. For those that were way too young to have witness such excellence..please do your self a favor and open the treasure chest of ASHFORD and SIMPSON..
Digs 4 2day..
I am fighting a serious cold/fever today..But despite it all, I went out promoting with the lovely Dj Lotuspetal and Mixmaster Noah. However, I couldn’t resist a quick run on some digging..here are some of the pieces I picked up today.
Good God | Atlantic | ’72
I had to cop this one due to the fact that the late great Larry Washington is a session player (percussionist of MFSB and countless other Philly Soul gems) and it was recorded at The Legendary Sigma Sounds. This a great Jazz/Rock piece, a must have.
“1982″ | Byron Lee and The Dragonaires | Dynamic | ’82
King of the “Tiny Winey”! Its Byron Lee man, I had to do it!! One of the most instrumental figures behind Reggae/Soca music!! Im a huge fan..check for The Man!
Ilusions On A Double Dimple | Triumvirat | Harvest | ’74
This is a fusion rock jazz piece..this one is wide open. Totally on the bugged out tip.
Wings of Love | The Temptations | Motown | ’76
This record is very special..I believe this was The Tempts last album for Motown. The layering, the Funk..etc. Every track is epic..under the creative direction of the Legendary Jeffrey Bowen and his “ULTRA funky friends”.. Pure Bliss..
Found A Cure 12′ | Ashford and Simpson | WB | ’79
This record is a very uplifting piece that STILL stands out since its debut on the charts of 1979. I love the Dimitri from Paris re-edit but there’s nothing like the original Jimmy Simpson mix.
