The Modulations [2024] - Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions] (Full Album)

Following The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions for Billy Paul last month, the latest set of Paul Simpson re-edits is for The Modulations.

There were two groups named The Modulations active around the same time in the mid 70s. One was a gospel group from Jacksonville, FL, led by Glenn Jones, the other this group from Durham, NC, originally called The Pimps, consisting of Larry 'Little Nick' Allen Jr., Larry Duncan, Henry Channelle and Hoyal Saunders. They released their first single in 1970 as The Modulations Of Durham, North Carolina on New Rochelle, NY, gospel label Mozel.

By 1973 they were signed to Buddah releasing three singles and an album ("It's Rough Out Here") for the label between 1973-75. The first single ("I'm Hopelessly In Love") didn't register but the last two ("I Can't Fight Your Love" and "Worth Your Weight In Gold") both reached the lower echelons of the R&B chart (#65 and #79 respectively). Curiously, two tracks from the album ("Rough Out Here" / "Love At Last") were released on single only in Greece with "Rough Out Here" being paired with "I'll Always Love You" gaining a single release in Peru. With "Rough Out Here" being a modern soul in-demander (and the fetish for 45s) both of these singles command high prices, circa £200+, when they come up for sale.

Musicians on the album included Philly heavyweights Earl Young (drums), Bobby Eli (guitar), Norman Harris (guitar), MFSB (strings) and was arranged by Vince Montana and produced by Bob Curington. Most of the songs were written by Rodney Brown, Willie and Tylon Lester who went on to write and work with artists such as Bobby Thurston, Al Johnson, Gayle Adams, Sharon Redd, Evelyn King and Khemistry in the 80s.

Track listing:

1 - Love at last (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:13

2 - I can't fight your love (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:22

3 - I'm hopelessly in love (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:26

4 - Head on collision with heartbreak (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 9:02

5 - Rough out here (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:41

6 - Your love has me locked up (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:27

7 - Somebody's been messin' (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:32

The first five tracks are from their album with non-album track, "Your Love Has Me Locked Up", being a B side to the single "I Can't Fight Your Love" and the final track, "Somebody's Been Messin'", a previously unreleased bonus track first released on a 2012 expanded CD reissue of "It's Rough Out Here" by Funkytowngrooves.

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul Simpson's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Prodcution
Cat No:	None
Date:	26/03/2024
Price:	$11.99

Copyright © 2009-2024 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Billy Paul [2024] - Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions] (Full Album)

The new set of Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions from Paul Simpson is Billy Paul. For background, we did a Billy Paul Profile in Dec '22 for what would have been his 88th birthday, Paul died in Apr 2016 aged 81. 

He rose to fame with his all time classic "Me & Mrs Jones" which was a worldwide hit in 1972 topping both Billboard's R&B chart and Hot 100. It was his best selling record and only #1 hit and only one further single, "Thanks For Saving My Life", would break into the R&B Top 10 and Hot 100 Top 40 in 1973. 

Paul began his recording career aged 18 in 1952 and released eleven studio albums and two live albums during his career between 1968 and 1988.

All songs are taken from four of his Philadelphia International albums between 1972-75:

1972 - 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul *

1973 - War Of The Gods **

1975 - When Love Is New ***

1975 - Got My Head On Straight ****

Track Listing

01 - Let the dollar circulate (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:07 ***

02 - People power (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 8:18 ***

03 - America (We need the light) (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:53 ***

04 - Be truthful to me (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 7:32 ****

05 - My head's on straight (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:16 ****

06 - Thanks for saving my life (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:41 **

07 - July, July, July (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:50 ****

08 - The whole town's talking (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 8:57 **

09 - I've got so much to live for (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 7:13 ****

10 - Brown baby (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:20 *

11 - Am I black enough for you (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:39 *

12 - When it's your time to go (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 7:22 ****

13 - Me & Mrs. Jones (Paul Simpson Bonus Instrumental) 5:17 *

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul Simpson's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul / 70s Soul / Re-edits
Format:	Album / Compilation
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	27/02/2024
Price:	$13.99

Copyright © 2009-2024 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Love Committee [2023] - Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions] (Full Album)

The latest set of re-edits from Paul Simpson is from Love Committee who were a Philly group that evolved from The Ethics. 

The Ethics released around half a dozen singles between 1967-70. The first one on Wale followed by five on Vent several of which have had spins on the UK's rare soul scene. A final single was released on Golden Fleece in 1974 before they became Love Committee. The line up was Joe Freeman and Ronald Presson (aka Ron Tyson) from The Ethics along with Larry Richardson and Norman Frazier.

All tracks are from their 1978 Gold Mind album "Law And Order" except "Where Will It End" which featured as the flip side to their first Gold Mind single "Cheaters Never Win" and also "Law And Order". They released just one further album, a self-titled album on T-Electric in 1980. 

They had five R&B chart entries, two as The Ethics and three as Love Committee. None broke into the Top 30 and none crossed over to the Hot 100. 

Tyson joined The Temptations in 1983 and is still a member to this day. His brother David Tyson was with The Manhattans from 1993. By the early 2000s the original group had splintered into two groups. Tyson was with original member's, Winfred 'Blue' Lovett and Gerald Alston, version of the group. He died in 2022 with Lovett preceding him in 2014.

Track Listing

01 - Just as long as I got you (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 9:14

02 - Where will it end ( Paul Simpson Re-edit) 7:12

03 - Law & order (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:55

04 - Pass the buck (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 8:38

05 - Cheaters never win (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 07:16

06 - Put it in the back of your mind (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:41

07 - Tired of being your fool (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:33

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. 

Details

Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	70s Soul / Disco / Re-Edits
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	01/10/2023
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Keith Barrow [2023] - Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions] (Full Album)

The next in Paul Simpson Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions is Keith Barrow. It follows his Roy Ayers Mixes earlier this month.

All tracks are from taken from Keith Barrow's 1977 self-titled album on Columbia produced by the recently departed Bobby Eli with Larry Washington on percussion/congas and Ron Kersey on keys.

Tracks 3, 4 & 5 were written by Bobby Eli, (3 & 5 with Len Barry and 1 with Bruce Fisher).

Track List

01 - A world of lonely people (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 8:45

02 - You don't know how hard it is ( Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:54

03 - We've got a right to be wrong (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 3:27

04 - Mr. Magic man (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:27

05 - I put a twinkle in your eye (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:21

Only two of the tracks were released on 45, "Mr. Magic Man" (a #16 R&B hit for Wilson Pickett in 1973) c/w "We've Got A Right To Be Wrong", which preceded his big two-stepper "You Know You Wanna Be Loved" from his next album "Physical Attraction" in 1978.

We did a Keith Barrow Profile last Sep for what would have been his 68th birthday. He sadly died at a very young age of 29 in 1983 from complication from AIDS. Four of the five tracks above were included in a tribute playlist. He recorded four albums and only around eight singles before his death.

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	21/08/2023
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

The Persuaders [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions] (Full Album)

Following Caroline/Carolyn Crawford edits at the end of June, the latest set of Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions by Paul Simpson is five tracks by The Persuaders.

They were formed in the Bronx, NYC, in 1969 out of two groups, The Internationals and The Topics. The original line-up, was Douglas Scott and Jimmy Barnes (from The Internationals), Charles Stodghill (The Topics) and Willie B. Holland who were signed to Atco Records in 1971 where they released their debut album "Thin Line Between Love And Hate" in 1972. 

The title track was written by Richard & Robert Poindexter (who were also both members of The Internationals and The Topics) and Robert's wife Jackie Members. It was their first, and biggest, hit of nine R&B chart entries which was a million selling #1 R&B chart hit reaching #15 Hot 100 in April 1971.

Another of their Top 10 R&B hits was "Some Guys Have All The Luck" (#7 1973) covered by Robert Palmer in 1982 who had a Top 20 UK pop hit with it (#16). Along with many others covers of the song, it was also recorded by Rod Stewart in 1984 who reached #15 with it .

The group released four albums between 1972-77 and a further three albums between 1995-2005. 

All five songs on this session are taken from their 1977 album "It's All About Love" on Calla which featured Ron Baker, Norman Harris and Ron Kersey who played on and / or arranged the songs with Harris producing the album. Tracks 4 and 5 were arranged by Randy Muller (Brass Construction). 

01 - Count the ways (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 7:02

02 - Sure shot (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 8:05

03 - Two women (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:41

04 - It's love (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 3:46

05 - Quickest way out (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:53

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	24/07/2023
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Carolyn Crawford [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions] (Full Album)

Caroline/Carolyn Crawford was signed to Motown in 1963 aged only 13 after winning a local talent contest, which won her a Motown recording contract. She recorded using the name Carolyn Crawford and released three singles for Motown between 1963-64 (with one in particular later becoming a Northern Soul favourite "My Smile Is Just A Frown (Turned Upside Down)") recorded just after she turned 15 as well as her first single "Forget About Me". She also provided backing vocals on many songs. 

In 1971 she was recruited by ex Motown writer/producer William (Mickey) Stevenson as a fourth member of Hodges, James, Smith & Hodges (formed to compete with The Supremes in 1970) and were duly renamed Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford. She stayed for just two singles (on Mpingo) before leaving and the group name reverted back.

Crawford released three singles on Philadelphia International (1974-75) and then Mercury (1978-79) where she released two albums and also recorded with Hamilton Bohannon in the 70s. She was briefly a member of Chapter 8 who replaced her with Anita Baker in 1976 when she left. Her career stalled with just on single as a featured artist on a Mercury singl with Hamilton Bohannon and then she recorded an single ("Timeless" 1989) an album ("Heartaches" 1990) for Ian Levine's Motorcity label.

An unissued recording of "Ready or Not Here Comes Love" that she made in 1971 was released as a the100 Club 40th anniversary single in 2019 and was later issued on Kent Select in 2020.

The latest set of Philadelphia Re-Edit Sessions by Paul Simpson consists of four of the six songs she recorded in Philadelphia in 1974-75.

Track Listing

01 - Just Got To Be More Careful [PIR ZS8 3553] (1974)

02 - If You Move You Lose [PIR #ZS8 3580] (1975)

03 - Good And Plenty [PIR #ZS8 3580] (1974)

04 - It Takes Two To Make One [PIR #ZS8 3570] (1975)

The remaining two songs on PIR are "Saving All The Love I Got For You" (flip to 01 above)  and "No Matter How Bad Things Are, I Still Love You" flip to 04 above).

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	26/06/2023
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Brenda & The Tabulations [2023] - Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions] (Full Album)

Here we go again with yet another Philadelphia Re-edit Session from Paul Simpson. His subject this time out consists of four tracks by Brenda & The Tabulations from their 1977 album "I Keep Coming Back For More".

The album was recorded at Sigma Sound Studio and produced by a combination of John Davis, Norman Harris, Bobby Eli along with Gilda C. Woods who originally signed the group to her Dionn set up. In fact it was after seeing the group appear at the Uptown Theatre (Philly's version of The Apollo where her DJ husband hosted the shows) that she decided to set up the Dionn label in 1966 to showcase their talent.

The group was formed in 1966 with a line-up of Brenda Payton, Eddie Jackson, Jerry Jones and Maurice Coates and stayed at Dionn and subsidiary label Top and Bottom until being singed to Epic when the line up changed with the three male backing singers departing and replaced by Pat Mercer and Deborah Martin.

Their last few singles for Top And Bottom involved Van McCoy who they continued to work with when they singed to Epic in 1972 with limited success. Only one of their four singles for the label between 1972-75 charted, that being "One Girl Too Late" which was popular in the UK although didn't chart but made it to #46 US R&B.

In 1977 they signed to Chocolate City but in reality it was Brenda with no Tabulations as she was essentially solo by this time. A third album was released "I Keep Coming Back For More" which produced two minor R&B hits "Home To Myself" (#61) and "(I'm A) superstar" (#31). 

Brenda died in from breast cancer 1992 aged 46.

Track Listing:

01 - Let's go all the way (Down)... Paul Simpson Climax2 8:16

02 - I keep coming back for more (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:15

03 - Everybody's fool (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 9:07

04 - I'm a superstar (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:25

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	05/06/2023
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Anthony White [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions]

The last set of Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions from Paul Simson was a little obscure, being five tracks from Charles Mann. 

His latest set from Anthony White may also be to some but not to rare soul aficionados as the five of the six tracks are from his highly collectible, and only, 1976 PIR album "Could It Be Magic" (named after the inclusion of a cover of Barry Manilow's song of the same name). 

The remaining track "Hey Baby" is possibly his most sought after, a single only from 1975 on PIR. It was written by Bruce Gray of Dunn & Bruce Street with Mikki Farrow who was married to saxophonist, producer and one time Funk Brother Mike Terry. She recorded a big Northern soul double-sider "Could It Be" / "Set My Mind At Ease" (Karate 1966) before moving to Philadelphia in 1968 working with Gamble & Huff as a songwriter and backing vocalist for many Philly artists. She later met Billy Butler, through working with his bother Jerry, and they married.

As is 'de-rigueur' for these edits, all recorded at the famed Sigma Sound Studios but less involvement this time for Baker, Young & Harris although Norman Harris did contribute along with Ron Kersey, Allan Felder, Ron Tyson, Bunny Sigler and Dexter Wansell amongst others.

Track Listing

01 - Where would I be without you (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:27

02 - Stop & think it over (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 7:29

03 - Never let you get away from me (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:21

04 - Hey baby (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 3:40

05 - Only child's play (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:53

06 - Yes, you need love (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 3:26

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul
Format:	Album / EP
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	22/05/2023
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Charles Mann [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions]

Charles Mann will probably not be a particularly well known name except perhaps to rare soul aficionados who he will be known best for three songs, "It's All Over" (which was the last song played at the end of each Northern Soul All-nighter session at The Pier/Winter Gardens at Cleethorpes in the mid 70s) along with the modern soul dancer "I Can Feel It". 

The other is "Shonuff No Funny Stuff Love" (included below) which is a cracking modern soul dancer. It was released on Dave Crawford's LA Records in 1981, which sadly isn't, and can't, be included on this new four track Philadelphia Re-edit Session by Paul Simpson as it wasn't recorded or produced in Philly, even though some issues of the record were manufactured and distributed by Jamie/Guyden.  

The four tracks that Paul has edited are all from his first solo album "Say You Love Me Too" for ABC in 1973 which involved the usual Philly suspects Baker, Young & Harris along with Vince Montana as well as percussionist Larry Washington and recorded at Sigma engineered by Joe Tarsia. He released just one more album "High Qualities" in 1989.

The opening track is a rendition of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker penned Steely Dan song "Do It Again", the last "Stop" was written by Dave Crawford and Joe Hinton (which I seem to recall was recorded by someone else but don't remember by whom) with the remaining two written by Mann.

Track Listing

01 - Do It again (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 8:59

       Only released as a single in France & Germany

02 - It's all over (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 3:35

03 - I can feel it (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:25

       His first single on ABC

04 - Stop (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 3:24

       Released as a single only in Germany

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for a two weeks only. We're not sure exactly when this was released but, to be on the safe side, bag it now if you want it as they have a limited shelf life before being withdrawn.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul
Format:	Album / EP
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	08/05/2023
Price:	£7.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

The Intruders [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simphouse Productions]

The Intruders were possibly one of the underrated groups on Philadelphia International, in the shadows of The O'Jays and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. However, arguably, they achieved success well before both those groups with R&B Top 10 hits in the 60s such as "Together", "Cowboys To Girls" and "(Love Is Like)  A Basketball Game".

Probably best known in the 70s for their PIR hit "I'll Always Love My Mama" which they weren't able to top chart-wise but did release some great music in the mid 70s Philly era and Paul Simpson has selected fourteen of them for his re-edit session. 

All tracks are taken from just two albums and a single:

1973 - Save The Children *

1974 - Energy Of Love **

Track Listing

01 - A nice girl like you (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:14 **

02 - I'll always love my mama (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 7:41 *

03 - Everyone's a star (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 07:37 **

04 - Energy of love (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:53 **

05 - What's easy for two is hard for one (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:44 **

06 - Plain ol' fashioned girl (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 3:56 **

07 - Be on time (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:49 **

08 - Be thankful for what you got (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:03 **

09 - Mother & child reunion (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:19 *

10 - Hang on in there (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:48 *

11 - (Win, place or show) She's a winner (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:02 * [1]

12 - Traveling home (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:13 * [1]

13 - To be happy is the real thing (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:30 *

14 - I wanna know your name (Instrumental) 5:50 *

1 Bonus track on 2008 Japanese CD reissue

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for an extended two weeks, but best be quick on this one as it was released a few weeks ago and the website states 'held over' so it may disappear soon.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul / Re-edits
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simphouse Productions
Cat No:	None
Date:	04/2023
Price:	$11.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Curtis Mayfield [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simpson Uniquity]

At the blink of an eye after the last set for Philly Devotions, (and Revelation before that also in Feb) a new set of Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions from Paul Simpson is out for Curtis Mayfield.

It consists of seven tracks spanning three albums between 1979-85.

01 - Body Guard

02 - It's Lovin' Time (Your Baby's Home)

03 - Over The Hump

04 - Tell Me, Tell Me (How Ya Like To Be Loved)

05 - Victory

06 - What Is My Woman For?

07 - You Better Stop

"Body Guard" is from "We Come In Peace With A Message Of Love" (1985).

"It's Lovin' Time (Your Baby's Home)" is from "The Right Combination" with Linda Clifford (1980).

"Over The Hump", "Tell Me, Tell Me (How Ya Like To Be Loved)", "Victory", "What Is My Woman For?" and "You Better Stop" all from "Heartbeat" (1979).

"Heartbeat" was recorded at Sigma with songs either written, arranged or produced by Norman Harris and Ron Tyson or Bunny Sigler and his brother James.

"The Right Combination" was also recorded at Sigma with the included track produced by Harris. The track from the 1985 album "We Come In Peace With A Message Of Love" was written and arrange by Harris and Tyson and produced by Harris. 

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for two weeks until around 22 Mar 2023. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul / Re-edits
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simpson Uniquity
Cat No:	None
Date:	08/03/2023
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Philly Devotions [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simpson Uniquity]

It's almost two weeks since Paul Simpson's last set of Philadelphia Re-edits for Revelation and he back already with the next set for Philly Devotions.

The Philly Devotions were a short-lived quartet from Philadelphia consisting of Marc Covington, Ellis Hill, Ernest Gibson and Morris Taylor. They released only eight singles between 1973-76. The first two were for a small Philly label  Bry-Wek label before releasing, what is now regarded a dance classic, "Just Can't Say Goodbye" on Don De which was a one-off release for the label associated with Bey-Wek and had the same address. It was written, arranged and produced by the recently departed John Davis and recorded at Sigma Sound Studio in 1974. I guess it must have made some local noise as it was then picked up by Columbia and released with an instrumental flip  in Dec 1974. It scraped into the R&B chart at #81 in Feb 1975 and actually got a UK release and remember picking up a UK demo of it for the princely sum of 25p in the summer of 1975.

Their next single was "We're Gonna Make It" / "I Was A Lonely Man" in 1975 (#67 R&B) followed by "I Just Can't Make It (Without You)" (long & short versions), "Hurt So Bad" (Pt 1 & Pt 2) (#94 R&B) and finally "It's Gotta Be This Way" / "Isn't It A Dream Come True" all in 1976.

Track Listing:

01 - I just can't say goodbye (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:17

02 - I just can't make it (Without you) (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:21

03 - I was a lonely man (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:12

04 - Hurt so bad (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:40

05 - I just can't say goodbye Vs. Touch Of Class (Paul Simpson Single Re-edit) 3:06

Full tracks are available to listen to on Paul's dedicated website available for two weeks until around 11 Mar 2023. 

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simpson Uniquity
Cat No:	None
Date:	25/02/2023
Price:	$7.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Revelation [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simpson Uniquity] (Full Album)

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.

Details

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

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

The Trammps [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simpson Uniquity] (Full Album)

The latest edition of Paul Simpson's Philadelphia Re-Edit sessions consists of 17 tracks from The Trammps.  All tracks come from just two albums "The Legendary Zing Album" (1975) and "Disco Champs" (1977) although several of the tracks on the 1977 "Disco Champs" album were originally released on "Trammps" in 1975.

The Trammps started out as The Volcanos in 1964 on Jimmy Bishop's Arctic label and several of their early Arctic singles have had exposure on Northern Soul dancefloors e.g. "(It's Against) The Laws Of Love"and "Storm Warning" in particular. The Vocanos line-up was  Eugene Jones (Gene Faith) (vocals), Steve Kelly (vocals), Stanley Wade (guitar), Harold 'Doc' Wade (bass), John Hart (keys) and Earl Young (drums). They released six singles on Arctic and then moved to Harthon for two singles. Jones left the group for a solo career renaming himself Gene Faith and recorded around seven singles for Virtue between 1969-75 with an unreleased song on Virtue in 1970.

Early Young had been in a group The Exceptions with Jimmy Ellis. He recruited the Wade brothers from The Volcanos along with Ellis and Robert Upchurch to form The Trammps. The line-up fluctuated and earlier members included Dennis Harris, Ron Baker and Ron Kersey amongst others. They signed to Buddah in 1971 releasing their first single "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart" in May 1972 which became their first R&B Top 20 hit (#17), "The Legendary Zing Album" followed in 1975. 

After "Zing" they released several singles which were lowly entries into the R&B charts until "Hold Back The Night" (#10 1975).

They moved to Golden Fleece (part of PIR) and released their second, self-titled, album in 1975. The following year they were snapped up by Atlantic where they released their next six albums up to 1980 and had another two R&B Top 20 hits with "That's Where The Happy People Go" (#12 1976) before their smash hit "Disco Inferno" which featured on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.

1975 - The Legendary Zing Album *

1975 - Trammps **

1977 - Disco Champs ***

01 - Zing went the strings (Paul Simpson Re-edit) *

02 - Hold back the night (Paul Simpson Re-edit) *

03 - Where do we go from here (Paul Simpson Re-edit) ** / ***

04 - Love epidemic (Paul Simpson Re-edit) * / ***

05 - Just say the word (Paul Simpson Re-edit) ***

06 - Pray all you sinners (Paul Simpson Re-edit) *

07 - Rubberband (Paul Simpson Re-edit) *

08 - Stop & think (Paul Simpson Re-edit) ** / ***

09 - Save a place (Paul Simpson Re-edit) ** / ***

10 - Shout (Paul Simpson Re-edit) **

11 - Trusting heart (Paul Simpson Re-edit) ** / ***

12 - Promise me (Paul Simpson Re-edit) ***

13 - I know that feeling (Paul Simpson Re-edit) **

14 - Sixty minute man (Paul Simpson Re-edit) *

15 - Tom's song (Paul Simpson Re-edit) *

16 - Oh waa hey (Paul Simpson Re-edit) ***

17 - Trammps disco theme (Paul Simpson Re-edit) ** / ***

As with previous releases, no sound files will be posted as you can listen to each track in full on Paul's dedicated website. These will be available for two weeks only (i.e. until 14 Feb 2023).

Details

Rating:	8.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Philly Soul / Re-Edits
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simpson Uniquity
Cat No:	None
Date:	31/01/2023
Price:	$11.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Mighty Clouds Of Joy [2023] - The Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions [Simpson Uniquity] (Full Album)

Paul Simpson has a new set of Philadelphia Re-edit Sessions out today for The Mighty Clouds Of Joy. As always, only available for two weeks direct from his website.

No sound files will be posted as you can listen to the full tracks on his website HERE. If, when you click, they are not at the top of the page then they will have been removed as the two weeks has expired, although the previous set for First Choice (from 19 Dec 2022) appear to be still available to listen to.

The six tracks are taken from just two albums. The first three from "It's Time" 1974 and the last three from "Kickin'" 1975, both on ABC. the first was recorded at Sigma Sound Studio and included Philly musicians such messrs Baker, Young & Harris along with Vince Montana, Bobby Eli and Ron Kersey amongst many others. The second at David studios, Atlanta, but mixed at Sigma. 

* 1974 - It's Time

** 1975 - Kickin'

Track Listing:

01 - Time (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:19 *

02 - Laugh (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 4:47 *

03 - Mighty cloud of joy (Paul Simpson Instrumental Re-edit) 5:39 *

04 - Mighty high (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:19 **

05 - Leanin' (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 5:09 **

06 - Everything is love (Paul Simpson Re-edit) 6:19 **

If you're interested in hearing the original version of "Mighty Cloud of Joy", and/or a new version of it, then there was a post done in Nov. for Sadar Bahar & Marc Davis.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Gospel / Re-edits
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Simpson Uniquity
Cat No:	None
Date:	10/01/2023
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved