Unique74 Remembers DICK GRIFFEY + SOLAR RECORDS
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.
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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
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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
STEREOLOVE: MICHELLE SHAPROW | JOONIE | PERFECTO | 6.3
Unique74 | Little Temple
STEREOLOVE
“a weekly excursion of the ultimate feel good.”
6.3
live guests:
☛ PERFECTO
[LA progressive hip hop]
http://rampartscandal.com/
This Hip Hop artist bears an energetic show with amazing showmanship (which is a lost art for many Hip Hop artists). A great combo of street wise lyrics, a concious flow and witty metaphors set this LA based artist apart from many. You might have caught him a few months ago at 5th St Housequake (Zanzibar) performing with the likes of BLU, PAC DIV and NOLA DARLING just to name a few. If you dig artists such as COMMON, TALIB KWELI and GAME..you will dig PERFECTO!!
☛ MICHELLE SHAPROW
[singer/songwriter/producer]
http://www.facebook.com/michelleshaprow
“f*cking great track!! (BACK DOWN TO EARTH)
makes me happy today in tokyo as I look out of my window x”
-Giles Peterson
“Michelle is an amazing talent. I don’t know how she does it but somehow her music feels like a mixture of
1 part)..Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, 1 part).. raw funk and
1 part)..that whimsical feeling you get when you’re dancing like you don’t care who’s watching… “
-Eric Benet
“Michelle Shaprow is all things beautiful. Her aura, presence and most of all sound make for a gift for all to share. Michelle is the truth. “
-King Britt
☛ JOONIE
[soul, r&b, pop]
http://www.jooniezone.com/
A brilliant vocalist and talented musicians (plays piano and guitar) who has toured as Elliott Yamin’s keyboardist and been behind the scenes writing, arranging, producing or playing instrumentals for other artists including, Ruben Studdard and Nappy Roots.
+ RESIDENT DJ’s:
A-SKI & MIKECHECK
LITTLE TEMPLE
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
$5 Cover all nite! +(DRINK SPECIALS 9-10)
FREE w/ RSVP before 10:00pm + GUESTLIST + BIRTHDAY:
unique74events@gmail.com
all about MAURICE WHITE | Unique74 | Props
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!
Unique74 salutes SLY STONE | HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
MAVERICK < MUSIC | FUNK SUPREME
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SLY STONE!!
Guess who produced this number?
(proud owner of the 7inch on this jam..)
This next record has haunted me for years. The lead singer is still a mystery to this day..but it is clear as bell that the FAMILY STONE is holding down the rhthym section. Guess who produced this one? (whoever has the 7 inch to this.. you are BEYOND official, not easy to find. I am a proud owner of this and the MIGHTY JOE HICKS version on 7inch).
Guess who was the FIRST to use the talkbox? Which later influenced STEVIE, GUITAR WATSON, FRAMPTON, McCARTNEY, ERNIE ISLEY, TROUTMAN, etc. This was the theme music for the late great FRANKIE CROCKER “The Chief Rocker” (MY HERO!!) in his earlier years whenever he would “rap” on the radio. Stomp down Blues Funk at its finest!!
Update: Thank You Big Time Record Company for making small time moves by not exposing the music to fans on your artist roster..smart move..
Fans: the song is entitled “Sex Machine”…no not the James Brown version..it can be found on their 1969 release “Stand” 
RARITIES >
“I Dont Know What The World Is Coming To” (1975) | Bobby Womack Sly provides background vocals. Put headphones on for it to really become clear, can be heard at the end near fade out.
“You Caught Me (Smiling)” (1971) | 7inch version | Sly and The Family Stone
Okay, for my “diggers” out there..you know where im going with this one..This is an alternate mix compared to the standard lp mix. The difference is that during the first bridge before the chorus, Sly lets out a huge JB-ish growl that can be only found on the 7 inch version.
Motown | The Golden Years {Dahl | McDougal III }
The Great Weldon McDougall III,
Musician, Producer, Former Label Exec for Motown/Philadelphia International states in his book that Sly and The Family Stone’s “STAND” lp was used as reference at Motown quality control meetings in search of direction for The Jackson 5 debut Lp “ABC” .
Funk Gets Stronger | Funkadelic | (1979)
Sly on the background vocals/talk box with Roger Troutman on Rhythm Guitar. A really feel good cut!!
Guess who is the proud owner of a skit with Sly + a live perfomance of “Family Affair” on The Tony Orlando Show (1977)?! Super Rare..Not even YOU TUBE can claim that one..
LOVESICK + other head trips…| A-Ski | Special Valentine’s Day Podcast
http://djaski.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2010-02-13T14_53_52-08_00
Unique74 salutes D’Angelo’s “Voodoo” (Happy Anniversary!!)
10 years ago, I had the honor and pleasure of watching this project grow from its infancy while working at Virgin/EMI and it was one of the most refreshing records that was needed for that time, it set the tone for many to come after that. This was a straight up FUNK album whether so called “Neo Soul” heads can embrace or swallow it…Many folks wanted what he did on the first album and if you listened carefully he gave you some of that in songs like “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”, “One Mo’ Gin” and “Send It On” (which is a major nod of respect to Kool and The Gang…do your research and call me later on that one…). He wanted to push the envelope (as many of us Aquarians) and raise the bar for this release and the mission was accomplished.
I remember “the video” was a major conversation piece when it first dropped and watching my man sell out a show in less than 30 minutes..There was a lot of LOVE, TIME and HARD WORK put into this project on all ends from production to promotion.
I am very proud to say Happy Anniversary to D’angelo’s “Voodoo”!! We Need You Bruv (there’s been too many aight substitute teachers…) + Happy B’day!! (im waiting on that BLUES album…)
Peace and Love,
DJ A-Ski
Unique74 Vid Pick : Mad Lads | Dont Have To Shop Around
taken from the film “Darktown Strutters”.
Sunday BBQ | Calling All Girls | Switch
this is another jam that takes me back to the days as a kid when I would literally pick a song apart..I hear you on those background vocals Jermaine 
This has to be their BEST love song ever. Plus I always felt it was another outlet for Jermaine as a producer to unleash his talent for creating amazing slow jams (ala “My Touch of Madness”).
Oscar, Quincy, Bruce, Paulhino, George and Patti = Inspiration
I was thinking about the great Osacr Brown Jr (the prototype for Mos Def and many other artists of his caliber today) and ran across his PBS TV series “Jump Street” that premiered in the early 80′s. When I was a kid, I use to look forward to watching this ground breaking series. It represented the essence of Black Music and its various attributes along with a plethora of legendary artists, writers, producers in candid form.
This episode features my Hero and Inspiration, Quincy D. Jones. In the lab cranking out the master guitarist George Benson’s Qwest debut release of “Give Me The Night“. I remember when this record dropped, it was on the heels of Q’s previous hit records (“Masterjam” -Rufus, “Light Up The Night”-Brothers Johnson, “Off The Wall”-Micheal Jackson). I remember during that period (the end of 79′), it was “Q”, Leon Sylvers, Ashford and Simpson and CHIC that were neck and neck in putting out hit after hit, keeping the record stores very well stocked and the streets moving.
I flipped out watching these clips because these are out-takes of now classic Benson pieces “Dinorah, Dinorah” and “Love X Love”. What’s ironic is that a couple of weeks ago I went to one of my favorite parties In LA (whenever I have a moment to relax) “The Do- Over”. That day, I had a chance to catch up with my colleagues Kon and Amir (their set was bananas! Kon: im still recovering from the Rick James “Mary Jane” extended multi track…Thank you for dropping that one!) . Kon starts his set off with an extended multi track of “Give Me The Night” and I am the only idiot at the party going ape s–t over this never released version while everyone else thinks this is the original (yes folks, I take my music VERY serious..). So fast forward, I just so happen to stumble on this YT gem with Q, Bruce Swedien, George Benson, Patti Austin and Paulhino Da Costa laying tracks for the “Give Me The Night” album (props to Billylovesjazz). Simply amazing!
Listen, Learn and Enjoy!
ps: I love it when “Q” speaks of knowing your craft and respecting it (aka “having the chops”), words of wisdom!
They clown on the overdubs for “Love X Love”…Ms Austin is amazing! Pure Class! Notice how they are taking their time and feeling the groove out!
PS: I want Q’s shirt!!
THIS WEEK IN LOS ANGELES: OMAR+SOUL SESSIONS + more
The Man is back! To the fellas…please take your lady to the show (thank me later…). I had the great honor in opening up for OMAR last year and the show was pure bananas. Pure funk with the silk linings, you WILL get an amazing show. Plus, you got my peoples GARTH TRINIDAD holding it down on the decks with the sweet selections, its going to be the sure shot you don’t want to miss!
This Friday Nite the ladies are running things @ SOUL SESSIONS! Happy B’day PLANN B!
Mark Your Calenders for April 24th @ SOUL SESSIONS.. The Big Showdown with DJ Center and myself goes down! Yes… we are going to act a fool, you know the drill -)
Aint no funk like that LA funk!
Okay, I have been thinking about this song for damn near a year. I have the 12′ and LP somewhere in my library, I just cant find that mug.. When I was in the second grade, this use to be THE jump off record in LA. Mix this with your Rick james “Superfreak” with a little Bar Kays “Freaky Behavior”..done deal (dont forget my 10% cut..). Released off of the legendary Total Experience label which was the home for The Gap Band. Robert Goodie Whitfield was a staff writer and musician at Total Experience, who is also the author of this classic LA jam. Gigolo time!
Isley.
This song has been stuck in my head (Ernie’s solo!).
This record would’ve been big in the Pop market easily, kinda has that Malibu, old school Venice Beach vibe but still funky.
FREE RON.
Remembering Willie Hutch…
Lately i’ve been listening to a lot of Willie Hutch. He has to be one of the most criminally under rated prolific artist of all time. You felt the passion he had for music and his intensity as a singer. When listening to a Willie Hutch song, you are automatically driven into an atmosphere. He could hang with the best of them and most likely could out blow (slang for singing) any of them (IMHO). His intensity is almost that of a Bobby Womack/Johhny Taylor but very settle. If you are an authentic lover of Soul music, Willie Hutch MUST be in your collection.
RESPECT: DAVID WILLIAMS (RIP)
The 80′s like every great era before it had a definitive sound, David Williams played a pivotal role in forming that sound. From Quincy to Micheal to Madonna and countless others, Mr Williams and Tony Maiden (Rufus) had a very distinctive tone in their style of rhythm guitar playing that has been emulated by many musicians. Sadly, Mr. Williams has recently joined a higher calling. Mr. Williams left a body of work that will forever live in our dancing feet and hearts. Love, Good Energy, Strength and condolences to family and friends of Mr. Williams.
http://earbender.com/2009/03/david-williams-guitarist-with-michael-jackson-madonna/
+check for the guitar solo in Micheal’s “Billie Jean” during the bridge -)
4 The Real Micheal Fans, Thriller’s cool but..
Yes, he is back to claim his throne. The man has paid his dues and paved the way for every artist after him. Respect long over due.
Here are just a few of many that are my personal MJ staples:
I damn near cry when listening to this record mainly due to Jamerson’s performance. Perfection!
Pure Philly magic! This has to be one of the most brilliant albums they cut. I can put this song on repeat for a whole day and be content. Timeless. (I figured out that ending part where he does the vamp, that part is looped! He was the first to loop a vocal on a record! Thats if Zappa didnt beat him to it.. -)
Put your jacket on..too cold.. Its not the same w/o Jermaine but they handle it.
Should’ve been a HIT! They put this on a few “B sides”.
I would’ve done an extended mix with a bass break down/build up,etc, but this is STILL the jam. He does amazing background vocals! (Check for “All I Do” by Stevie)
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.
all about India Arie’s new album…
Check out my latest review on the new India Arie album, courtesy of our friends at Nu Soul!
http://blog.nu-soulmag.com/?p=1078
