Happy Birthday Mr BUNNY SIGLER!!
One of the most prolific writers and timeless composers of all time. An architect of the mighty Philly Sound!! Happy Birthday Mr BUNNY SIGLER!!
Happy Birthday DEXTER WANSEL!!!
One of my biggest influences in musicianship to the 10th power, his intricate arrangements dipped in high level sophistication put the Philly Sound on the map- placing him as one of the pioneers who was and still is ahead of his time. Happy Birthday DEXTER WANSEL!!!
Unique74 Remembers…Willie Mitchell and Teddy Pendergrass
Willie Mitchell, producer extraordinaire was the vanguard of “The Memphis Sound” and recorded countless classics with Al Green, Syl Johnson, OV Wright, Ann Peebles, Detroit Emeralds, etc. He kept the gritty sound of Memphis Soul alive and was last of the old school producers of his era (next to Booker T Jones, Steve Cropper and Donald “Duck” Dunn). I later learned he used an 8 track board to record many of those classics sessions such as “Love and Happiness” and “I Cant Stand The Rain”. Rest well Sir Willie!
Produced by WILLIE MITCHELL
Like a thief in the night, TP always set the mood for any night while reminding us to “Wake Up Everybody”. North Philly’s own Theodore Pendergrass was the last of the gruff style, pro masculine baritone singers (Ie David Ruffin, Marvin Junior of The Dells, Wee Gee of The Dramatics) who broke the mold with his aggressive style. His signature style not only made waves in the Soul market, he also conquered the Pop market without compromise. As a kid, I remember Teddy was so popular that he had his own line of “Teddy Jeans” and teddy bears (hence his nickname “Teddy Bear”). His dominant urge in emotion was felt on every track and still stands the test of time, beyond a class act. Rest well Sir Teddy.
Sunday BBQ special double plate: Make It Last | The Stylistics | Let Life Flow | The O’Jays
As a kid, I use to sit and imagine blue water and soft winds on a humid nite in Morocco while listening to this song , I also had an urge to “fly the friendly skies” of Delta Airlines 
. The layers and textures intertwine in unison with the harmonies, if heaven had a soundtrack..
Now this jam I always felt was a “cousin” to the last track, there is a striking similarity in the chorus of “Make It Last”..Eddie Sr. is clowning as always, while Walter and Sammy smooth it out. Wise words in this song..
thinking about Domu…
This pic was taken in 2005. T.I.M, yours truly, Valida and Domu. This was back when Valida and I had a sunday residency at The Standard (DTLA) during the summer. Talk about some good times!! Domu dropped by that day and he was the one of the most sincere and genuine cats i’ve ever met, a really great guy, very down to earth, no fake rock star business..the real deal! An amazing talent who stepped the game up and his void will be felt in a tremendous way..Massive Respect!!!
One of my favorite findings and pieces that I feature in my sets is DOMU ft Pete Simpson’s “Wont Give Up” 12′..PURE BLISS!!! (ALL versions!)
TO DOMU: Hold your head..You are a gift to the world..Dont give anyone YOUR POWER..What we do is G-D given…NO MAN, Industry,etc has dominion on what we do or our mission.. We are in the business of music..not the music business..
Indeed, it is a very different time and a different industry..
But we dont have to change up..just make changes. Quality is timeless..quanity is a quick fix. Thank you for sharing with us a body of work that reflected QUALITY.
Stay Strong and I pray that you find PEACE.
INFINITE LOVE and APPRECIATION to you bruv..This one is for you..
Source of Inspiration Blog #1
I’ve been finishing the final touches of my first release and I am really excited due to the ideas and concepts that i’ve been putting together. But there are times when I close myself off to the outside world and go back to what inspired me as an artist. I’m drawing a lot from by background and my roots on this release, the fiber of what made me who I am as a man you have grown to know on a surface and personal level. I’ve been taking my time on this album and going back to basics yet seeking the danger of something fresh. It has been said that you cant move forward to the future if you dont know where you come from.
As I go through the whirlwind of life changes and enlightenment, the music of my life always guides me through. The artists featured in this blog have had a huge influence on me and what I am as an Artist,Creator,Teacher and Student. It is only vital that I pay homage.
As a kid, I remember “The Philly Sound” taking me on a journey with so many different colors and textures. As Mr Fred Wesley would say: “Gamble and Huff put a bow tie on the funk”. The changes and chord progressions with the funk undertones set a new way of rhythm which eventually gave birth to a new sound called “Disco” (from the commercial realm at least). To me it was all R&B/Soul and Funk at the end of the day.
This first jam has to be one of those songs that puts me in a pensive and reflective mode, its like a ghetto symphony. The second jam says it all in the chorus..When I grow up I hope to make music like this…
70′s Kids Rule..Long Live The Mighty Philly Sound!
Yes, I do have THE coolest MOM in the world -)
(I remember The Great One Sid Mccoy used this song for “Special Edition” back in the day -)
RESPECT: Zach Zachery (RIP)
I send my love and energy to the family and friends of Mr Zach Zachery who was the premier Sax Player for the legendary powerhouse MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother) that provided the soundtrack to The Legendary Philly Sound. I am saddened by the news that Mr. Zachery as of recent has joined a higher plane but his music will forever live within our hearts.
I remember as a kid listening to records like “Zach’s Fanfare” “Sexy” and counltess other Philly gems that this man blessed. His signature Big Band Swing style was one of the striking elements that made the Philly recipe so potent.
Thank you for the sweet sounds Mr Zachery. Rest In Paradise.
