I dont even know what to say or how to react..He was the reason why BLACK MUSIC and CULTURE yielded a diverse roster in style, sound, perspective and creative direction. No other television show celebrated Black (dont be afraid to say it with me African Americans..BLACK) expression on a diverse level the way SOUL TRAIN presented. Thus creating a lingering appeal that has lasted 40 yrs plus which helped set the tone for just about every Music outlet on an international scale..As a kid (I understood very clearly) and was proud to see people that looked like me and my family on television be represented with pride, dignity & style..”They” fought him tooth and nail in bringing such a vision that would not only give Black artists a fair shake in exposure in which the world would be privy to an AUTHENTIC experience in sound & style that is presented & celebrated by those very people..This Chi-town native carried the blueprint of his days at WVON which eventually became a audio visual outlet that not only changed the game but it changed minds..I would not dare to dream, create, raise the stakes if it were not for a visionary named DON CORNELIUS..(I was so very lucky to speak, meet and shake the man’s hand 3yrs ago..)..He was an institution..Rest In Paradise..

He was of the elite in percussion players for eons in countless sessions, he had a very distinct style which set him apart. The Creed Taylor catalogue has his mark all over those sessions in addition to countless classics..im heartbroken..Rest Bro Ralph..Grover is waiting on you..

In the mid 70′s, Soul,Rhythm & Blues brandished slicker sounds & plush rhythms, thanks to the legendary Philly Sound of Gamble, Huff & Bell and Washington DC’s own Van Mccoy.

However, during this period there was a powerhouse in LA that was to be reckoned with in fusing Funk, R&B, Pop & Soul. Using a faithful recipe of some LA sunshine that gave light to many dancefloors with legendary productions by Baker-Harris-Young, Gene Page, Leon Sylvers, The Calloway Brothers, LA & Babyface, just to name a few. Dick Griffey’s SOLAR Records was the premier label for the Los Angeles Sound and its lifestyle. SOLAR was the baby of the Chicago-bred SOUL TRAIN when the longest running syndicated television show & the hippest trip moved to LA. Griffey was Talent Coordinator for this iconic television show that showcased African American culture & the apex for dance-fashion culture.

As a genuine music lover & life long participant of Black Music &
Dance Culture, I felt it was beyond fitting to pay homage to a pivotal figure in music that gave the west coast a face to the sound and highlighted the most talented artists,musicians and writers that created a sound that still stands to this day.

In honor of the late great Dick Griffey & the entire SOLAR Records legacy, here’s a Top 25 of my favorite songs from the label (including SOUL TRAIN Records which was the original conception of SOLAR)

When Funk & Soul were in question during the 80′s..SOLAR was the ONLY label that stayed concistent with national hits which crossed ovet to the POP market yet remained true to its soulful roots.

The Hustle + Afro Years

Rainbow | The Soul Train Gang
Make It With You | The Whispers
One For The Money pts 1 & 2 | The Whispers
Soul Train Theme 75′ | The Soul Train Gang
Chocolate Girl | The Whispers
Uptown Festival | Shalamar

Jheri Curl + Jordache Jeans + Post Dashiki Years

Take That To The Bank | Shalamar
Girl | Shalamar
A Song For Donnie | The Whispers
And The Beat Goes On | The Whispers
Lady | The Whispers
All The Way Live | Lakeside

California Curl + Reganomics Years

Second Time Around | Shalamar
I Owe You One | Shalamar
I Dont Want To Be A Freak (But I Cant Help Myself) | Dynasty
I’ve Just Begun To Love You | Dynasty
Show Me Where You’re Coming From | Carrie Lucas
In The Raw | The Whispers
Love Is Where You’ll Find It | The Whispers
Raid | Lakeside
Just My Luck | The Deele
Body Talk | The Deele
No Parking On The Dancefloor | Midnight Star
Slow Jam | Midnight Star
Deep Cover | Dr Dre ft Snoop Doggy Dogg

Bonus:

Save The Children | Bobby Womack
Sunbear | Self Titled
Jesse Jackson | Our Time Has Come

The First Family of Funk, Rock and Soul produced one of the greatest (though criminally underrated) bass players ever..Rest In Paradise MARVIN ISLEY..

here’s a taste of Marvin Isley at his finest…

(yes when you hear that BASSLINE..you are listening to the man himself..)

(the original blueprint..)

The Isley Bros 70′s performances are VERY RARE on You Tube for some odd reason.. The Isley estate dont play man!! ..Enjoy while you can

Happy Birthday!!!

Lately, i’ve been putting together final tracks for upcoming releases this summer. During that process, i’ve been wanting to incorporate elements outside of my “normal” recording process. I’ve been pondering the idea of playing rhythm guitar, I also have been overdubbing a lot of my own live drums just to explore new rhythms. During this past month I have been listening to a lot of early Chicago Funk-Soul (mainly Chess-Brunswick and other off beat labels). When I think of Chicago Soul, I cant help but think about my hero the great Maurice White. Besides being leader of the iconic funk-jazz-soul unit Earth Wind and Fire, he was a also a drummer on many of the sessions at Chess records (along with Morris Jennings). Countless sessions such as “Rescue Me”, “Sitting In The Park, “Grits Aint Grocery” (been wearing out Little Milton’s collection this week!) bear the back beat of Maurice White.

I just so happen to have a kalimba at the lab and I couldn’t help thinking about the story from my uncle (who is very close to Mr White) explaining to me how Mr White and the kalimba came about. According to his recollection, it was at a music store located in Chicago called “Frank’s” where Mr. White’s first encounter with the kalimba took place during the mid 60′s and he has been playing it ever since.

I remember seeing Mr White a couple of times during my early college days (he was always at my bank, amazing!!) and I always felt nervous in going up to shake his hand. But I waved at him, he waved back and my day was made just on that alone. There are very few like Mr. White that went through the various stages of growth and mastered the art of production and recording. There is a leadership quality (reflecting the work ethic of a Mr. White) that is lacking in today’s so-called “modern era” where there are very few artists who take risk and plentiful are willing to follow the depreciated sound pallet only to become flavor of the month. I write this in showing recognition and appreciation to one of my musical heroes who went against the grain and is a constant inspiration. Thank You Mr. White!