Friday, June 25, 2010

Get Down With The Philly Sound: Dimitri From Paris X BBE X PHILA

Dimitri from Paris presents "Get Down With The Philly Sound" from BBE Music on Vimeo.



About 9 months ago, I had the honor of sitting down with one of the iconic architects of what is commonly known as the Philadelphia sound: Kenny Gamble. When he took me on a walking tour of their offices (they've remained in the same digs since 1970), I was flabbergasted. I couldn't believe that I was in the very same vocal booth that Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, and countless other legends who made so many classic recordings and influential music. The energy in that studio was still there. Dormant, but definitely perceptible to the spiritually discerning. Being a huge audiophile and incessant critic of the collective Black community's influence on pop culture, that day will forever resonate with me.

This mini doc was produced as a pre-release teaser for the Dimitri From Paris double-disc compilation Get Down With The Philly Sound released on BBE Records last month. But if you're thinking this is just another garden variety, blue light special K-Mart compilation, think again. Dimitri, as always (check his Respect Is Burning - Playboy Mansion comps), has done his homework. He did re-edits to five of the tracks...straight for the original multitrack masters! At any rate, this mini doc is packed with knowledge from the masters of the game. Featuring interviews from Joe Tarsia, Earl Young, Vincent Montana, Bobby Eli, and Weldon McDougal. What's the matter? Those names don't sound familiar? Go do your homework. Then, go cop Get Down With The Philly Sound.

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