| Author | Message | ||
  Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4252 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
I received a complimentary copy from Phil Hurtt the other day. Thank you Phil. Much appreciated. I have been listening to the tracks in my car. My favorite place to listen to music. As of now I have only listened to the Philly does Detroit side. My first thoughts are " Well done guys. " The production is first rate, the musicianship is what I would expect from those that contributed and Gene Leone did his job at the console. Do I hear any hits? well...no. But before certain individuals have hissy fits, let me explain. I don't look at the record business through rose tinted glasses as some are wont to do. They can shout and scream Grammy all they want but ( and I hope I'm wrong ) I don't see any Grammies in the wind here. Sorry, I'm a realist, which is why some time back I asked how this formidable project would be promoted. Phil, if you're reading this I have a suggestion. In all honesty, I'm not sure how the majority of the market, at least the younger set, will take to some made over Funk and Soul that we appreciate. I think where your market lies is in the Easy Listening and Soft Rock formats. This is a market that is nothing to sneeze at which I'm sure you are aware of. The project is tailor made for this type of format. I'm sure if the DJs would announce that the music just heard was from the Tale Of Two Cities CD substantial sales would evolve. With any success from this initial offering I hope you will consider another project dealing with new material. There is much to like here. The background vocalists simply knock me out. The arrangements are creative and the individual artists simply shine. Just keep in mind the audience you are targeting. I'll be listening to the remainder of the album over the next day or so and if I had anything new to add I'll post it. Meanwhile, thanks again for sending the CD and my very best wishes for the success of this project. Very well done. | ||
Hurricane Duane Thomas (duatho) 6-Zenith Username: duatho Post Number: 432 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 67.38.17.53 |
We've all been waiting. Nice, honest review Ralph. You have class. Hurricane Duane | ||
Ryon6 (tyrone) 6-Zenith Username: tyrone Post Number: 490 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 192.128.133.68 |
I received my copy today and I am listening to the "Motown" Does Philly side. So far, so good. I have yet to listen to the Philly Does "Motown" but I will when I'm through listening to the other cd. I was wondering if anyone had ordered/received his/her copy yet since I had not read any posts on this forum about it. All the Detroit singers sound great (Ali Woodson, Cal Gill, Carolyn Crawford, Bobby Taylor, Lamont Dozier and Freda Payne). | ||
Ryon6 (tyrone) 6-Zenith Username: tyrone Post Number: 491 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 144.160.98.31 |
I have listened to the Philly Does "Motown". Sorry Philly but I enjoyed the Detroit singers better. Not taking anything away from anyone, I did enjoy the cd and hope everyone on this forum will participate by purchasing this MILESTONE. Of the Philly acts, I truly enjoyed Jean Carn(e) - love her and she has been a fave since the 70s. I also enjoyed Bunny Sigler. The man is on every track I believe of both sides. And he still has it. The man can sang y'all and much underrated. Barbara Mason and William Hart still sound as though they did in the 60s and 70s. Of course I am going to have to listen to this set over and over. Russell Thompkins, Ted Mills and Major Harris are in fine form also. Not familiar with Phil Hurtt as a singer, he does a great job on "The Girl's Alright With Me". Like I said, gotta listen again and again to the other tracks. This would've been a great opportunity for other former Motowners such as Mary Wilson, Scherrie Payne and The Originals to participate if only for background vocals. By the way, I think the Motown musicians did a fabulous job on the Philly tracks as well as the Motown singers: Betcha By Golly Wow (Freda Payne), Me and Mrs Jones (Lamont Dozier), One Of A Kind (the Velvelettes) and Bobby Taylor probably bested everyone on Love Train, Sunshine and Sadie. | ||
Funk Timo (funk_timo) 3-Pundit Username: funk_timo Post Number: 46 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 192.165.247.1 |
Hi! I highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves good soul music. For example The Funk Brothers, Cal Gill and the Velvelettes, Bobby Taylor and George Clinton are amazing! More later... | ||
kamasu (kamasu) 6-Zenith Username: kamasu Post Number: 4065 Registered: 3-2005 Posted From: 75.66.38.199 |
I have to agree with Ralph. From what I've heard, I didn't hear any radio friendly hits either. I detest a heavy reliance on programming to recreate real strings and horns. It sounds cheap in my opinion. A jock buddy at Soul Classics here in M-town said he couldn't even see fitting any of the tracks into the station's format, which is already classic soul. The station already plays many of the original versions. Why play these revisions? Fresh or new material would have been better received. I liked the Detroit disc better, as well. (Message edited by kamasu on January 25, 2007) | ||
here i am (here_i_am) 5-Doyen Username: here_i_am Post Number: 363 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.240.24.197 |
he, i have to say that many of the songs are great! and it is wrong when you say that they don't fit for the radio stations..when you hear the Philly Degrees singing "ain't that peculiar..." what a wonderfull version with strong vocals from Valerie Holiday....you have to agree that this is very soulfull, so is Bunny Sigler, Jean Carne and others, be happy caus it's a wonderfull project and we love it...Philly or Motown...this is SOUL! | ||
kamasu (kamasu) 6-Zenith Username: kamasu Post Number: 4066 Registered: 3-2005 Posted From: 75.66.38.199 |
Sorry, but radio in my area is not going to play many of these tracks. It doesn't matter how soulful they are. A project like this is viewed as having little appeal to the masses. It's a glorified oldies project. | ||
Lady Mystique (Maverick) (ladymystique) 6-Zenith Username: ladymystique Post Number: 5441 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 192.108.124.40 |
Thanks Ralph for your honest report. I heard some additional tracks on CD Baby and while I agree it was very ambitious on their part, I don't hear hits, but I do hear airplay on some of the tracks.  | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4258 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
I realize that there are those that have a hard time with the realities of the business. Of course we would all like to see this project succeed no matter what might be suggested. I stand by my comments and like the rest of us, can only wait and see how this will play. | ||
honeysuckle (honeysuckle) 3-Pundit Username: honeysuckle Post Number: 48 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 83.138.189.76 |
I've had my copy for a week and with two hours of travelling a day in the car I've had plenty of time to listen and appreciate or otherwise what is an ambitious project. There are some outstanding moments almost all of them on the second disc which features the Motown artists singing Philly. The aces in the pack include a fine vocal by Carolyn Crawford on 'Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time' extended to five and a half minutes, it's well produced and has brings something different to a fine song. Lamont Dozier was a good choice for Teddy's 'Close The Door'. It's my favourite track and one that has got some Radio Play on Pete Young's soul show here in London. It's the kind of song that Lamont does really well and one I will return to again. Other highlights are 'Sadie' by Bobby Taylor and 'Me and Mrs Jones' also by Lamont Dozier. Sadly the remaining tracks are a big disappointment. There are some great vocals on show especially by Ali 'Ollie' Woodson but the arrangement on 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now' doesn't add anything to the original. That's a serious problem with the Philly tracks, many of the original were orchestrated by the classically trained Thom Bell and Dexter Wansell . On this release there a few (no strings?) and the electronic programming just gets in the way. The rhythm tracks are fine but so much of the material sounds insipid. The 'Philly Does Motown' CD is the weaker of the two. It has many of the faults of the other side (insipid programming being the most obvious) but has no stand outs at all. There are actually a few disasters 'My Cherie Amour' was never one of Stevie's best and Major Harris was a poor choice for it. Stevie's 'Isn't She Lovely' is sung O K by Jimmy Ellis (of the Trammps) but it's a terrible track. The only track for me that works on disc one and has grown with plays is 'Fire & Desire' with great performances from Bunny Sigler and Jean Carne. It was a relief to get one good track Sorry to be so despondent but of the thirty tracks on show her there are just a handful that past muster and maybe only two exceptional tracks by Carolyn Crawford (Didn't I Blow Your Mind) and Lamont Dozier (Close The Door). Definately an opportunity missed. | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4259 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
I was listening to the Detroit does Philly CD while out today. Again, I don't hear any hits but one song stuck out to me. Love Won't Let Me Wait. I was driving at the time and I wasn't sure who was singing it. When I replayed it ( which is always a sign of a good record ) I was at a stop light and saw that it was George Clinton singing this fine rendition. Naturally, I was smiling. If there WAS a hit in this project I think this comes the closest. George's Raspy, Tom Waite-ish style blew me away. Like I said, I don't really hear any hits. However, this is a CD that makes you want to put a fire in the fireplace, lower the lights and snuggle with the one you love and dig the music. | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4261 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
Just had to run out for a few minutes. While out I played Love Won't Let Me Wait three times. Phil, if you're reading this....that is your ringer. I realize it might be a little overly slick for today's dumbed down market, but it is just edgy enough to have a shot. Whatever your promotion budget is Phil, I would pour it all into that song. | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4262 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
A review from the Oakland Press: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 Review: Oakland Press Masters of Funk, Soul and Blues, "A Soulful Tale of Two Cities" (Soul Renaissance Records) **1/2 (out of 4) The concept behind this long-delayed two-CD set is solid; two soul music capitols, Detroit and Philadelphia, giving each other props by having artists from one camp cover the others' songs. These 30 Motown and Philadelphia Internationalrelated classics still sound good in the hands of any hack bar band, so the capable singers and players that take them on here have a good enough time with the material and certainly sound comfortable working in each others' sonic camp — even if there are several moments (the strained vocals and stiff arrangement of the Soul Survivors' "Expressway (To Your Heart") or the dentist offi ce treatment of "T.S.O.P.," for instance) when we're reminded that they're not quite in their '60s and early '70s primes anymore. That said, it's still a hoot to hear George Clinton, so deeply associated with cutting edge funk, dig into the heart of a jazzy treatment of Major Harris' "Love Won't Let Me Wait," or the Vancouver's Bobby Taylor emoting his way through the O'Jays' "Sunshine" and the Spinners' "Sadie." Lamont Dozier's strong vocal overcomes another weak arrangement on Billy Paul's "Me & Mrs. Jones," and former Temptation Ali "Ollie" Woodson punches the (metaphorical) lights out on "For the Love of Money," another of several O'Jays tunes on the set. The Philly camp does right by Motown, too, with Sister Sledge's Kathy Sledge delivering a joyous "Dancing in the Street," Ted Mills nailing a keening treatment of the Temptations' "Just My Imagination" and Bunny Sigler leading a spirited vamp through Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give it Up." Not one of these versions will replace the originals in your ears or in your heart, and there's maybe a single disc's worth of truly good stuff here, but it's an admirable show of mutual respect that merits at least a listen — and, in some cases, more than one. | ||
fayette (msshonuff4u) 6-Zenith Username: msshonuff4u Post Number: 470 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.101.14 |
i see where ralph is coming from, but hopefully this cd will get plenty air play.maybe it's geared for the older crowds. | ||
Dew (dew002) 5-Doyen Username: dew002 Post Number: 253 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 172.165.37.61 |
Ralph, Oakland, CA or Oakland, MI? | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4265 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
I'm not certain Dew. The piece was emailed to me. | ||
soul55 (soul55) 3-Pundit Username: soul55 Post Number: 39 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 75.73.29.206 |
Dew and Ralph, The Oakland Press is a daily out of Pontiac Mi. Honeysuckle, it's interesting you mention Thom Bell.He is listed as one of the participants on this project on the Soulful tale website and is nowhere to be seen on the finished product.Maybe Clay or someone who was involved can shed some light on his absence. His participation may have added what you sense to be missing or at least something positive to the arrangements on the Philly side. | ||
scootertig (scootertig) 4-Laureate Username: scootertig Post Number: 72 Registered: 2-2005 Posted From: 72.86.47.90 |
"Not one of these versions will replace the originals in your ears or in your heart, and there's maybe a single disc's worth of truly good stuff here" sounds like my impression, too... I almost hesitate to write anything negative about this project because a) I desperately want this project to succeed and b) I want ANY project of this nature to succeed, since it potentially means more good music in the spotlight. The problem with this project, as it relates to this forum, is that it has produced so much contention that nobody can speak any opinion on the matter without being labelled a "hater" or a sycophant. There's certainly a strong CD's worth of material there. 2 CD's? well, maybe that's more of an ego-stroke than anything else... I maintain that I suspect that the project became a victim of its own ambition. That said, I'll continue to listen to the 10-12 tracks that I love, and skip the rest. aaron | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4269 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
Which is pretty much true of any work of music Aaron. If there are those that think one must unconditionally love an entire project or be thought something less than human, then it is they that have the problem. Like any other album, some songs you may simply love and others just don't quite do it for you. | ||
Richard Felstead (felstead2001) 6-Zenith Username: felstead2001 Post Number: 2090 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 128.40.211.146 |
As we have discussed before Ralph, we both suspected this project would be a "slow burner" if you remember. I still believe this to be the case. This project is getting airplay on UK radio, but has been classed as an oldies project. I have always wished this project well, and my opinion has not changed. | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4275 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
Richard, Enough airplay could result in positive sales. I was listening to the CDs again last night. Like I mentioned earlier, there is much to like here but it needs to get to the right market for proper exposure. Jesse, my wife , likes it and even took one of the CDs to work with her to listen to it while she worked. | ||
soul55 (soul55) 3-Pundit Username: soul55 Post Number: 43 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 75.73.29.206 |
Wow Kris,thats harsh. I'd sure hate to cross you. What are artists who are "old people" supposed to do, make fools of themselves,trying to be hip by doing rap or American Idol style pop or just sit at home and feel sorry for themselves because they used to be more popular than they are now? I understand your distaste for certain people who are involved in this project, but the artists involved deserve any exposure this my give them and I'm glad they were given this opportunity. What is your point.Nobody is talking gold or platinum sales here when they consider what would be a success for this project or others like it.Sales on blues recordings are not that great either, probably due to the aging demographic of that audience as well.When I go to a blues show I'm one of the younger people there and I'm kinda old.Classic soul is still popular enough that people like Clay McMurray with his Mytown artists and Weldon with his Philadelphia Soul project can have success without major label distribution or platinum sales.Because of what the new world of pop is and the distaste many have for it, this "dead" type of R&B, Blues,Jazz and world music all have enough fan support to have limited enough success to stay alive. Judge the product by it's content like others have done,not by your obvious distaste for certain people involved in it. I don't think fair to all of the others who contributed to be dismissed like that. | ||
fayette (msshonuff4u) 6-Zenith Username: msshonuff4u Post Number: 472 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.69 |
we have to realize these people paved the way for the new artist.when these artist came about they sanggggggggg. there were not a lot of michael jackson and janet jackson sound alikes.i wish them the best and give them all the respect they deserve. | ||
gkwgwa (gkwgwa) 1-Arriviste Username: gkwgwa Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2007 Posted From: 4.236.51.102 |
Were any new songs written for this project? Or is all covers? From reading these messages, it seems this project has caused a lot of hurt for the people involved and the fans. | ||
Kris Peterson (ribalda) 6-Zenith Username: ribalda Post Number: 1182 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 69.212.126.77 |
Soul55-fayette Don't get mad. I know what these people did. I have the utmost respect for the artists involved and I mean no disrespect to them. I just think that Bobby is a jerk and I should have just said that rather than taking it out on everybody that made a buck on this thing. He is the one with the bad Karma. Gone!!! Sorry- Kris (Message edited by Ribalda on January 27, 2007) | ||
fayette (msshonuff4u) 6-Zenith Username: msshonuff4u Post Number: 474 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.101.14 |
kris i'm not mad it's just that who ever you dislike has nothing to do with these artist, and if they get this break then i'm proud.i just wonder what could bobby do to cause this kind of reaction in you.or maybe i been away so long i missed something | ||
soul55 (soul55) 3-Pundit Username: soul55 Post Number: 44 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 75.73.29.206 |
Kris,I'm not mad either. And I also believe that you should have been treated with more respect as well. I don't know the circumstances that make you feel like this and I'm sorry you were hurt and made to feel the way you do.I just think more exposure for artists like these opens the door and creates access for talented performers who have had success in the past,including yourself and many others who are also members here. | ||
Kris Peterson (ribalda) 6-Zenith Username: ribalda Post Number: 1185 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 68.79.100.107 |
As I said, it's a new day. No disrespect, but the recorded music buying public is a lot younger now. I have a great music collection and it all sounds old to me as far as instrumentation, sound, and material. I mean, it's Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and John Mayer to name a few. Bob Dylan waited long enough to release an album, and if you will listen, IT IS A BLUES ALBUM. He was named the oldest artist to premier at No.1....EVER!!!! You can argue this all that you want but it is reality. It is no longer even En Vogue or Salt N' Peppa. It is The Pussycat Dolls, Ludacris, and Xhibit. The public is fickle. When it's over it's over. Older artists work the oldies circuit. Just LOOK. You will see. As far as Bobby....he is arrogant and lives a lie. I will not say anymore about him. He has a great past. This is all he talks about....just like an old person. Fayette- Yes, you missed something. All of Bobby and "The Bobby Cult" were kicked off of this sight for being rude, disruptive, and insulting to Ralph and other SD members. Bobby told lies concerning certain SD members which were believed by his "CULT" They still continue putting Ralph and other SD members through the ringer over on a My Space blog. The latest is that Ralph hates women. These people are mentally ill as well as OVER. As I said...."Karma". Kris (Message edited by Ribalda on January 28, 2007) | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4285 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
And those that really know me know that I adore women, Kris. Why, come to think of it...I married one of the critters... | ||
fayette (msshonuff4u) 6-Zenith Username: msshonuff4u Post Number: 475 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.69 |
ralph is all this true about the lies.i was on a thread and ask about where the old posters were and was called a demon by someone called motown' that hurt my feelings.i've enjoyed posting here for some 3 or 4 years even though i never met anyone from here.they took me through some hard times in my life. (the illness and passing)of my mom.i just haven't been posting in a while and haven't been up to what went on.anyways you guys will always be tops with me. elite angel fayette | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4287 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
And you will always be " Elite " with us Fayette. | ||
Kris Peterson (ribalda) 6-Zenith Username: ribalda Post Number: 1187 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 68.252.68.185 |
Fayette- If anybody gives you a hard time they will have to answer to me as well as Ralph. You are a sweetie sweetie and I have your back. But, I hope that I don't have Ralph's back because he is Italian and it probably has hair on it. Kris | ||
fayette (msshonuff4u) 6-Zenith Username: msshonuff4u Post Number: 481 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.101.14 |
thank you kris( kisses) | ||
Dew (dew002) 5-Doyen Username: dew002 Post Number: 257 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 172.129.19.155 |
Yeah Kris, And we're glad you ain't GREEK! | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4291 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
No cigar Kris. My back isn't hairy. | ||
stubass (stubass) 6-Zenith Username: stubass Post Number: 4451 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 64.60.76.35 |
Yeah Kris...It's his EARS!!!... STUBASS | ||
dexter (dexter) 4-Laureate Username: dexter Post Number: 146 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 86.141.213.251 |
Can anyone please tell me if this CD is gonna be released to the general market and be available in the UK? Thanks | ||
fayette (msshonuff4u) 6-Zenith Username: msshonuff4u Post Number: 485 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.12.117.14 |
i have not seen hide nor hair of this cd in atlanta. like dexter is asking will it be local or what | ||
Kris Peterson (ribalda) 6-Zenith Username: ribalda Post Number: 1190 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 68.248.73.191 |
Dexter- There is a web sight where you can order it but I don't know what the e-mail address is. Does anybody know? Dew- What was that comment about Greek? Could you be more specific?....well, maybe you had better not. Ralph- You know that I am just kidding....right? But, Stu isn't. K. | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralpht) Moderator Username: ralpht Post Number: 4298 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 70.134.80.46 |
I know Kris. It seems so does Stu. |
