How time flies, it's been two weeks already since the last set of
Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions from Paul Simpson. Last time
out it was The Trammps and now it's turn of Revelation.
All five tracks are taken from their eponymous debut album which was
recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philly in 1975 (released by RSO) and
includes musicians such as Funk Brother Bob Babbitt (bass), Ronnie Baker
(bass), Earl Young (drums), Norman Harris (guitar), Ron Kersey (keys).
The group at this time consisted of Arnold McCuller, Arthur Lee Freeman,
Benny Diggs and Phillip Ballou with Diggs and Freeman emerging from The New York Community choir so their style had gospel flavours. Although uncredited, they backed Vickie Sue Robinson on her "Turn The Beat Around" album in 1979. When the group disbanded in the early 80s Ballou in particular was in demand as a session singer and toured with Luther Vandross until his last album in 2003, as well as featuring on many other artist's albums over the years. McCuller launched a solo career and has released seven solo albums as well as supporting artists such as James Taylor and Phil Collins.
They had limited chart success with only four singles entering the R&B chart, all outside the top 50 and all recorded after their first album. Their first chart entry was a cover of The Real Thing's "You To Me Are Everything" in 1976 which crossed over to #98 Hot 100.
Many will recognise the opening song "Get Ready For This" as it was originally recorded by New York disco studio group The Brothers
as "Are You Ready For This" the same year and fills dancefloors on the
Northern Soul scene since back in the day but has see reactivation in
recent years. The song was written by two of The Brothers' seven members Bhen
Lanzaroni and Warren Schatz. Interestingly, having checked the credits, Freeman and Diggs actually featured on vocals for The Brothers' version, as did Vickie Sue Robinson so there's the connection. Also, it may be of interest to rare soul
connoisseurs that, several of the writers for other songs on the album
include Ken Williams, J.R. Bailey, Robert Banks ("We've Gotta Survive")
and Robert John ("I Can't Move No Mountains"), all of whom have had
records played 'up North'.
The set includes their version of the Blood, Sweat & Tears song "I Can't Move No Mountains" perhaps best know to soulies by Margie Joseph but also recorded by The Sophisticates, Free Movement, Crack of Dawn and Shirley Brown amongst others.
Although only five tracks, this is a strong set.
Track Listing:
01 - Get ready for this (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:50
02 - Just too many people (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:21
03 - We've gotta survive (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:44
04 - I can't move no mountains (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:36
05 - Haven't got a lover to my name (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:21
Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's
dedicated website
but as de rigeur will only be available for two weeks until 28 Feb
2023.
Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.
| Rating: | 8.6 |
| Explicit: | N |
| Genre/Style: | 70s Soul / Philly soul / Re-edits |
| Format: | Album |
| Media: | Digital |
| Label: | Simpson Uniquity |
| Cat No: | None |
| Date: | 14/02/2023 |
| Price: | $7.99 |
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