THE ULTIMATE PERSUADERS REVIEWS

 

Re: July 17, NYC: Summer Stage Tribute To The O'Jays

by Juice on Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:16 am

 

continued from home page:

I'll close with these last thoughts...

As mentioned earlier, sometimes, one should be careful of what one asks for. In this case, it involved a name, or rather the right to the EXCLUSIVE use of a name. But, before folks start getting too happy over apparent victory, that court decision may prove to be (please pardon the pun), The Best Thing That Ever Happened...TO SOMEONE ELSE! Like The Ultimate Persuaders & I'll tell you why...You see, before with all of the confusion, folks may have been able to pick up on some gigs, as sometimes people believed that they'd be seeing who they THOUGHT that they were really coming to see, but didn't. But now????

Now, for those whom didn't know the difference before & were confused by the B.S., a distinction has been made. Though the right may be theirs to call themselves what the judge has said that they could (I can't even bring myself to say the name anymore), the word is starting to go around that The Bad Boys From New York (and the group whom damn near everyone always thought that they'd be seeing in concert) are now called THE ULTIMATE PERSUADERS FEATURING RICHARD POINDEXTER.

No more phone calls, no more confusion & no more B.S. The court can't take Richard's name away from him & they can't take away what thousands of fans have seen & heard on stage. Likewise, the courts also can't erase performances of others that people have seen & heard. And the truth is that the people know the difference. And the difference is stark, it's glaring & truthfully, it's not even close.

I think that I'll shut up now, before I say something wrong, because so far, all that I've said was the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the sho'nuff truth.

 2007 by Blues Critic/Dylann DeAnna

" As if a word-of-mouth secret The Persuader's fine comeback disc "Made To Be Loved" (***) has been picking up momentum since it's 2005 release, mostly thanks to the efforts of label owner Andy Lothian. The harmony group is best known for the stunning "Thin Line Between Love And Hate" (#1 R & B #15 Pop) but the only original member that appears on this new LP is Willie Holland (on the closing "All The People"). Nevertheless, new members Richard Poindexter, Alex Brown, David Turner and Tony "Mr. Showtime" Riley are all top notch vocalists who recapture the spirit and sound of the original group.

The stirring "A Woman Was Made To Be Loved" features sweet four-part harmonies, a steady, tappin' groove and a potent David Ruffin'-like lead by Riley. Raspy power with perfect control. A truly scrumptious Contemporary R & B/Urban AC cut. In fact the remaining 14 songs all feature flawless production and smooth as cream vocals. Most of the tracks are of the slow tempo, croon the drawers off the ladies vibe with the occasional midtempo headbobber . Now I usually like my Soul music grittier and unhinged but undeniably this set is pure ear insulin. Fans of the Temptations are in for a treat. The Tempts are still temptin' and The Persuaders are still..." copyright 2007 by Blues Critic/Dylann DeAnna. May only be used if web address www.bluescritic.com and author's name are credited

'Its Soul Time' Records have really come up with the goods again. I had already got copies of the 7" output by Tony Drake and the Persuaders on the label, but this has come as a real bonus.  I believe that this is the first album from the Persuaders for such a long time and what a coup for the label. These guys although changed line - ups over the years (sadly) are such a polished and refined act of such magnificent proportions that it seems almost unthinkable that they have not been constantly recording. As a self confessed lover of all things Soulful from the 70's this album won me over from the opening number 'a woman was made to be loved' . This is how all 70's group soul should sound and to have the pleasure of listening to new output from them today is truly. WONDERFUL.

As a package, the CD boasts a great inner sleeve packed with Discography and history of the group, complete with color photos.

 

Potted History

 

Formed in New York in 1969, best known for their hit record "a thin line between love and hate"  on Atlantic Records which reached the top of the R&B charts in 1971 and incidentally went Gold.

From Atlantic they moved to ATCO where "some guys have all the luck" reached number 7 in the R&B charts. They kept recording until the late 70's doing their last session for Calla.

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Review by Colin Dilnot - In Dangerous Rhythm

Persuaders Made To Be Loved It's Soul Time Records

The Persuaders were one of the best vocal groups of the 70's with their Atco and Calla releases creating one of the finest group soul records of all time in "Thin Line Between Love And Hate".

The good news is that their new CD recalls those golden days of the 70's even though the group has been through a variety of personnel changes. The group currently consists of Alexander Brown, Richard Poindexter, Tony Riley and David Turner.

UK soulster Andy Lothian set up It's Soul Time Records back in 2004 and he initially issued a 45 on the Persuaders "Hypnotized"/"Mama" which are featured on the CD.

The CD is a 13 tracker and though there is programming put that to one side because the harmonies are top notch and the original songs from the pen of Richard Poindexter are class.

Let me take you through the CD:

A Woman Was Made To Be Loved

A strong opening number with Tony Riley taking lead with some beautiful harmonies from the rest of the guys. This song just sways from side to side on the groove laid down and the harmonies make this such a memorable number in celebration of the ladies of the world!

Never Stop Loving You

A midtempo slice of sultry soul harmony with David Turner on lead who delivers a sweet slice of singing with the guys beautifully backing him up as he tells his lady that he will always love her.

Don't Think I Won't Leave You

A slow atmospheric number with acoustic guitar and thunder sounds opening before Tony comes back reminding me of Randy Brown in his style of singing. This is such a strong side about a tale of love where if his woman doesn't stay faithful to him he is off.

What About You

David Turner talks over the intro telling us about his woman before breaking into a wonderful sweet performance again with strong harmonies.

All Up In Your Love

The guys chop it up with this slightly funky number with Richard taking lead over a mellow groove.

Mama

David Turner sings with passion about the passing of his mother and how we should never take our mothers for granted.

As One

Another mellow groover with David on lead.

The Wedding Song

This could have been corny but it is such a beautiful song that you cannot fail to fall for it! The soulful sounds of David backed the guys are what make it so beautiful. There is a bit in the middle where they break down into a Dramatics type bag which is marvelous and Maurice Watts lends his voice on the wedding vows.

You're The Best Thing

Tony Riley's baritone lead is strong on this remake of "Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me" reminding me of the Dells and The Dramatics.

This Time Next Year

A beauty stepper which effortlessly floats along with repeated harmonic refrains from the guys.

She's Mine

Alexander Brown provides the falsetto on a song that has you tapping a long as the mellow groove just gets to you.

I Don't Think So

This has a more modern feel with it choppy rhythm and programming but the singing from Tony is pure Teddy Pendergrass meets Randy Brown. This track is one of my favourites on the CD because of the strong singing and the groove created which had me clicking my fingers and bopping around.

A House Is Not A Home

Richard Poindexter steps up on this remake of the classic Bacharach classic and does it to death again in a style which recalls the Dells. It is hard to believe that in 2oo6, people are still creating such wonderful harmonies.

Hypnotized

Richard sings another classic that he wrote for Linda Jones and from the roll of the drum machine at the beginning you know that this is going to be a killer side. It is always hard to follow certain versions but Richard's interpretation of his own song is truly uplifting and when he lets go towards the end it is spine chilling.

All The People

This sees original group member Willie B. Holland joining the guys on a social message on the behalf of the people. We are back with the social consciousness songs of the early 70's which are still needed today in a society which never listens to itself and lets itself be destroyed.

All I can say is get out there and buy this CD because it has the In Dangerous Rhythm seal of approval!

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Classic R&B thriving on indie releases

By Gail Mitchell  

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - The success of youngsters like Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole and Ne-Yo has many observers trumpeting the refrain "R&B is back."

But R&B never went anywhere. All one had to do was dig deep beyond major-label boundaries, mainstream radio‘s format constraints and media indifference. The reward for diligent diggers has been a wealth of independent R&B/soul projects just waiting for the chance to be heard.

2006 is shaping up as the return of the classic soul artist. The Persuaders -- best known for the 1971 No. 1 R&B hit "Thin Line Between Love & Hate" -- are sparking considerable interest with their first new album in almost 20 years, "Made to Be Loved" (on the aptly named It‘s Soul Time Records). Also jumping into the indie waters are the Whispers with "For Your Ears Only" (Satin Tie Productions).

Add to that list the Chairmen of the Board (on member General Johnson‘s Surfside Records),Take 6 ("Feels Good" on Take 6 Records, out March 21), Chris Jasper of Isley, Jasper, Isley fame ("Amazing Love" on Gold City Records) and Ray "Ghostbusters" Parker Jr. ("I‘m Free" on Raydio Music). In addition, Phil Petty, Ann Nesby and Maysa will have new albums on Shanachie.

Blasts from the more recent past also are serving up albums: Ralph Tresvant ("Rizzwafaire," Xzault Media Group); Shanice ("Shanice," Imajah/Playtyme); former City High principal Ryan Toby ("Soul of a Songwriter," OverFlow Entertainment); and ex-Motown artist Donnie (the forthcoming "The Daily News," SoulThought Records).

Noteworthy up-and-coming talent plumbing the indie depths includes Jovan Dais ("Gotta Get My Baby," Anotha Dais), Steve Butler ("Something for the People," Pull ‘Em Up Records), Ian Martin ("The Way," Expansion Records in the United Kingdom and Ian Martin Music in the United States) and Randevyn ("Soltrain," Solville Music).

Still maintaining momentum from 2005 are such contemporary R&B acts as Frank McComb, Angela Johnson, PJ Morton, Tortured Soul, Gordon Chambers, Billy Miles, Anthony David, Ray J and the Rebirth.

George Littlejohn, a founding partner of New York-based indie label Purpose Records, welcomes the influx. "For the first time, a lot of R&B acts -- especially the veterans -- are finding they can make a living independently," Littlejohn says. "Major labels aren‘t equipped to work with this type of adult artist."

He also notes that people in their mid-30s who grew up on De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest don‘t find current hip-hop releases appealing. "They‘re looking for something different now, like an Eric Roberson or the Rebirth. More live instrumentation, strong vocals and substantive songs."

After five years of running Purpose -- whose catalog includes output from Tortured Soul, Angela Johnson and the "25 Strong" soundtrack -- Littlejohn laments that one challenge still remains for the indie operator: getting deserved exposure from TV, mainstream radio and the press.

"Online sites like soultracks.com and soulpatrol.com, satellite radio and Internet radio are very supportive," he says. "But we don‘t have the same support offline. It‘s difficult to get any features or reviews. The media needs to let people know what‘s happening in this indie scene."

Littlejohn predicts the flow of music will only grow stronger. "More quality artists are going independent," he says, "and the music is getting better. That‘s exciting. That‘s what keeps us encouraged."

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The Ultimate Persuaders 'Made To Be Loved'

Written by Soul Jones

Monday, 30 January 2006

THE ULTIMATE PERSUADERS – MADE TO BE LOVED
It's Soul Time! Records

Whilst watching vocal group Jagged Edge on MTV, it would normally take a few seconds before I was told to turn that “rubbish down” (or “Shit down” depending on the parent). Then having decreased the volume I’m goaded by my folk’s that JE just wouldn’t cut it in a showdown with The Temptations. Which whilst I loved the Temps I’d dismiss as being just a natural reaction to the changing times, lyrics, beats and the fact that they now wear slippers. But after listening to this CD by The Persuaders I can hear where they were coming from. There is a beauty in the harmony arrangements that you just don’t get anymore. On top of that you have the fire of lead vocals that could make an audience member swoon.

I’ve always felt New York group The Persuaders were underrated. In the Poindexter Bros they had a writing and production team better than most outside of Motown. Penning classic soul cuts for The O’Jays ‘I’ll Be Sweeter Tomorrow’, ‘Look Over Your Shoulder’. Plus The Persuaders own ‘Trying Girls Out’ (used in Jay-Z's 'Girls, Girls, Girls'), ‘Peace In The Valley of Love’ and their signature number ‘Thin Line Between Love & Hate’ (covered by H-Town in the 90’s). Also distinctive low-end harmonies, at a time when many of the Philly groups were using session singers.

The first noticeable aspect of the new album is the impressive amount of strong original material. ‘This Time Next Year’ has the swagger of a Lou Rawls Philly recording and should be popular on the Steppers scene. ‘She’s Mine’ is sweet uptown soul and wouldn’t have been out FFCC66ce on an album by the group Solo, the last torch carriers. We also get some Temptations style proto-funk ‘A B. Holland, though I’d love to hear this song backed up by the late 60’s Motown players. It’s a shame that its so expensive now to employ a full rhythm band and orchestra, bring back the exploitive musician’s contracts! (only kidding). ‘All Up In Your Love’ sounds most like a 70’s Persuaders cut, in fact writer Richard Poindexter sings lead. He’s also out front on the standout, a re-working of his song for Linda Jones ‘Hypnotized’ adding a little Sam Cooke style yodel and making it his own on the verses. The title track ‘A Woman Was Made To Be Loved’ is reminiscent of William Devaughn’s ‘Be Thankful For What You Got’. But Bill never had backing vocals like this. They also return to their own songbook in ‘You’re The Best Thing’ a renamed version ‘Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me’ that they had a stab at in ’73 which didn’t quite work, the group being too young to carry the lyric but now they slow it down a bpm or 2 and let rip. In fact 2 and half minutes in you'll find yourself shouting “sing your song” to Tony ‘Showtime’ Riley (and I rarely go to church).

Buy this album for it is the blueprint for sweet harmony singing, ring up a few of your mates and form a group. Find an archway, subway or toilet with great echo and practice. You’ll be caning Jagged Edge in a battle of the bands and making girls faint in no time. Easy.

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Soul Express CD Review

The Ultimate Persuaders – Made To Be Loved
(US It’s Soul Time, 2005)
A Woman Was Made To Be Loved – Never Stop Loving You – Don’t Think I Won’t Leave – What About You – All Up In Your Love – Mama – As One – The Wedding Song – You’re The Best Thing – This Time Next Year – She’s Mine – I Don’t Think So - A House Is Not A Home – Hypnotized – All The People

It is an unbelievable 35 years since The Persuaders entered the heart and minds of soul lovers with their hits "Peace In The Valley Of Love", "Love’s Gonna Pack Up" and "Thin Line Between Love And Hate". It now, after a gap of far too many years, the guys return with a glittering album of quality alt-orientated soul music for 2006. You know, I love to discover a new, young artists who carry on the legacy and hold true to their history and culture, but I also love it when old friends from the past – who you never expect to grace the new release lists – pop up out of nowhere and delight.

This is exactly what Richard Poindexter and the guys have done. Stores in the UK such as Soul Brother and Crazy Beat have picked up on this gem and are equally forward in their praises, so its great to add my words of approval and sing from the same hymn sheet. I have always leaned towards powerful, rough and gritty vocalists as to me they let rip their soul in an explosive fashion. That is what we have here – good old fashioned, traditional soul vocals set in a quality 2006 setting. The Unifics managed this recently and is a set still spun in my house today, and so the Persuaders new set will join it in its frequency in the CD player.

The harmonies displayed throughout this CD hark back to the sweet soul era, and the sensibility is definitely what the ‘wet behind the ears brigade’ would deem "old skool", but let’s not take that on face value. The guys have not sat on their laurels and they have moved with the times but have still retained that certain magic which, I think, has a foundation in strong writing. With Richard Poindexter what else could we expect. I think this man is a lyrical master and he should be exulted more than he already is.

The album does not take prisoners and hits hard from word go. The title song kicks in with some superb harmony, an irresistible groove and some vocals that would please anyone who finds the likes of Gene Rice a must. This is also true for the excellent midtempo cut "Never Stop Loving You" as well, and I promise that this will not disappoint. This is group soul at its best. The song that really has me hitting repeat is the superb "Don’t Think I Won’t Leave" – this is traditional, real adult R&B served in today’s clothing at its very best. I cannot get enough of this song and it will definitely find a place in my year’s end listing.

I mentioned lyrics earlier – I like in particular the monologue at the outset of the sexy and sensuous "What About You" – very clever indeed. How many younger minds could even think of such comparisons? Yep, you’re right. This sort of song would not have been out of place on the last – and thoroughly essential – set from the Main Ingredient.

I found "Mama" an intriguing song. The groove is as perky as they come, and the song is very clever as it deals with bereavement in a positive way that is precautionary more than maudlin. Had I gone through such a trauma I don’t think I could manage to write and deliver something as good and poignant as this. An excellent and intensely personal track and well executed to boot. Odd, really that soul music comes from the heart and many people identify with love songs as we all – I hope! – fall in love and have relationships, good or bad. The other part of life that seems almost taboo in song writing is death. Good then that the guys tackle it with such panache.

I move onto the beautiful flute-laden "This Time Next Year which for me has a great Philly flavour to it. The meandering piano could almost be Leon Huff and the style and lyric falls into the Bunny Sigler bag of song craft. If that’s not a recommendation I don’t know what is!

Following this is an interesting beat ballad that has a foundation in today’s hip hop flavour, complete with post-modern crackling vinyl effects. The tapping beat soon leads into a more well-rounded type of soul groove with scratchy guitar, piano and expansive synth. Lovely! "I Don’t Think So" falls into a mid 80s dance groove – not my favourite track but the quirky keyboards, bongos and raspy, soul tearing vocals are enough to shave the bottom off my lounge door!

I rather like the cover of "A House Is Not A Home" too – I can hear the Dells doing this; their style is remarkably similar on this song. "Hypnotized" is another Dells moment – the harmonies are spine-tingling and the brass is perfectly matched. Seventies sensibilities prove yet again that they are timeless. Original group member Will B. Holland joins the group for the excellent socially conscious belter "All The People". Harold Melvin would appreciate this sort of groove and would definitely approve of this effort. Let’s hope people are listening. I am thrilled to bits with the Persuaders return, and I for one think that you will need little or no persuading in purchasing this CD. Not to be missed.
- Barry Towlerdu

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