Customer Reviews

All the Way From Philadelphia

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Writer/producer Bobby Eli is a legend in classic soul circles and he had a wonderful idea or recreating some 70's soul, which truly was a golden era for that genre of music. Thankfully, some of Eli's friends are among the greatest ever in soul music, and in this case three tremendous singers in William Hart, Ted Mills, and Russell Thompkins Jr.

Hart (lead of The Delfonics) doesn't get a lead on this CD, but contributes well in the harmonies. Mills' voice is still strong and his lead on "Fantasy" (the classic Earth, Wind, and Fire song) is top notch. Thompkins -- the lead man for The Stylistics -- clearly steals the show. His voice hasn't diminished, as shown here.

While some may lament the lack of original tunes here, Eli was right in his song selection as I think he could sell more CD's with some remakes and hopefully later add some original songs. There is one unreleased song here in "All the Way from Philadelphia" written (and backed on this CD) by Hall & Oates. It's a fun nostalgic tune.

But the strengths do reside in the strong remakes. I particularly liked, "How Could I Let You Get Away" the old Spinners classic; and the Average White Band's (who also contribute) "A Love of Your Own." I don't like the tune, "That's What Friends Are For" but the trio even makes that one sound solid.

Great idea by Mr. Eli. I think it's tremendous that he re-introduced these great singers to the public. Soul veterans like me know these guys, but perhaps the younger set would like to hear these tunes. I hope they create a tour off this CD, and have some follow-up CDs with a mixture of remakes and originals. Really a great CD and well-produced!

About time we get some pure singers who can definitely sing. This Cd is awesome from the beginning to the end. Every song to me is a hit. I would like to hear them sing "Reasons" by Earth Wind and Fire. The Delfonics, Blue Magic and The Stylistics were my favorite groups when I was a teenager dating, and brother they were on fire. This is history making to have the 3 greatest tenors come together and throw down like this. I hope that they are working on something new. There voices are still strong.

The songs on this cd were ones that I have always liked for the most part (some I'm not very familiar with) but these guys did an awesome job remaking them. I wish I could find more like this.

This was really a good idea but I don't understand how you can say (even though it is true) that William Hart of the Delfonics started the smooth sounding falsetto lead singing and he doesn't lead one song on this cd. Also I think there was really a poor choice of songs on this project.

When a friend of mine told me about this new cd I could not believe it. Ted,William and Russell,they could be considered vocal masters and Bobby Eli is an exceptional producer. The Stylistics,Delfonics and Blue Magic have made some incredible music. Those unbelieveable soaring notes, the super smooth melodies and that perfect up-tempo rhytmic sound always made you want to sing-a-long. Whether it's kickin it with the fellas enjoying a few drinks or being seductive with your girl it was always so cool. I anticipated more of the same, but after hearing the cd I have to admit that I am somewhat disappointed. I was expecting beautiful new ballads,smooth jazzy tunes,awesome stepper music with laid back original tracks.....but it's alright,they sound good. I hope this is just a rehearsal and that they will release the real deal real soon.

Just want everyone to know that all the other reviews about this CD they have said it all...I seen all 3 of these guys in the past, I love all three of these guys from back in the day...But My favorite from day one was Ted Mills...This is a Gr8 CD I can't express it enough that this is a must have for anyone from back in that era..These 3 tenors have really still got what they had 30 years ago...Just buy the CD and you will know what we are talking about..I feel all that don't get the Cd it is a terrrible lost on your behalf...I really love this CD it JUST BLEW ME AWAY.

My only complaint is that it is too short and although sometimes cover CDs can become a little too commonplace and not for everyone here, the vocals, arrangements and delivery on this CD is pure genius. To have 3 of the best tenors ever on one CD, is truly heartwarming and extremely pleasing to the ear. I love it!!! It gave me goosebumps. Absolutely exquisite.

The first time I heard about this project I was excited. How could I not be with: Russell Tompkins, Jr., William Hart, and Ted Mills on vocals, and the great Bobby Eli as their producer. The concept of this cd reminded me of the NBA's original dream team. A can't miss cd, right? No my friends, it pains me to say this isn't a very good cd. Hart, Mills and Eli are fantastic songwriters, but every song on the cd is a remake. Why? And the singing seems faint, almost as if the cd was recorded with sub-standard equipment. I know that is not the case, but it just doesn't sound right. William Hart can be heard in the background on a couple of songs, but he does not sing lead on this cd like Tompkins and Mills. I have heard Hart sing recently, I hate to say it, but he has lost his voice. What other reason can there be for no lead vocals by one of the great classic soul singers of all-time. I think it's a good idea to buy the cd because of the legends at hand, but if you're looking for the Hart, Mills and Tompkins of the Delfonics, Blue Magic and The Stylistics, it's not on this cd. Maybe the project is 10 years too late.