Philadelphia Roots

The Sound of Philadelphia

Soul Jazz Records

Tracklisting

Information

This album features a mixture of 60s and 70s Funk, Soul and early Disco that perfectly compliment releases such as New Orleans Funk and Studio One Rockers. In the 1970s Philadelphia's sound of Philly Soul was successful throughout the world with many groups such as the O Jays, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes and The People's Choice achieving hit after hit. Philadelphia Roots traces the origins of this Philly sound in the late sixties and early seventies. This release features artists that went on to worldwide success in the 70s as well as many artists who never made it out of Philadelphia. Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the songwriters and producers responsible for most of the hits in the 70s are behind many of the songs here. Harris, Baker and Young, the team responsible for MFSB, the most successful studio band in Philadelphia as well as a hugely successful group in its own right are also featured here. A number of tracks feature their big orchestral sound that became synonomous with Philadelphia in the 70s and later Disco. The People's Choice released hit after hit in the late sixties with a unique Funk sound on tracks such as "I Likes To Do It", "Let Me Do My Thing" and "That's The Way I Know". Other Philadelphia artists who had huge success in the sixties include Cliff Nobles with his monster instrumental R'n'B hit "The Horse" and Brenda and The Tabulations with "Hey Boy" and "California Soul". All these artists are featured on this album alongside rare funk and soul tracks from other less known Philly artists such as Willie John Ellison, The Panic Buttons and Alfredo Brockington. This release comes on super-loud double vinyl and single CD with Soul Jazz Records usual distinctive packaging as well as sleeve notes and original photos.