“The Sound Of Philadelphia” by MFSB (Mother, Father, Sister, Brother) featuring vocals by the group The Three Degrees was written by Philly Soul legends Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff as the theme song for the television show Soul Train.  The song reached #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B chart in 1974.  Although the song was re-recorded in different versions over the different eras of black music (’80s R&B, New Jack Swing, Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul) since 1974, “The Sound Of Philadelphia” remained the show’s theme song until the final episode in 2006.

In this series we countdown those 20 burning questions that you really, really want to ask your Valentine. Depending upon how your Valentine answers you may want to consider taking applications.

This 1979 classic from The Jones Girls begs the question that most of us have dealt with in one way or another in relationships. If someone claims to be your Valentine they need to answer like Arnold Horshack at the end of every chorus.

The new project from actor/musician Chaz Shepherd is full of love and truth musically, subjectively and contextually. Throughout the set I was intrigued by the many musical personalities of this multi-faceted artist. Initially, my ear was leading me to believe that Love & Truth was somewhat of an ode to ver. 1.0 Neo-Soul(not that I have anything against that sound or era, it’s just that at any moment I was expecting Kedar Massenburg to appear.) But then…

The then for this reviewer is the closing quartet of songs: “It Calls Me”, “Agape”, “Why Me” and “Turn Your Light On”. Not that there are not other strong moments in the set, but these songs grouped together both in message and music are a very strong anchor to the entire project. In my opinion these songs showcase the full range and depth of Chaz vocally and subjectively(plus I’m a sucker for string arrangements).

Overall Love & Truth is a very solid effort from Chaz Shepherd. If you are a fan of great storytelling(which I am), lyrical depth and have a certain standard for musicality this is one for your collection. Positivity and musicality are given equal footing on Love & Truth and for that this reviewer thanks the artist.

Music from the upcoming Sony Music release Wake Up, a collection of classic soul covers from the Roots and John Legend due out September 21st.

You can file this under something you need to checkout if you haven’t already. Live From Daryl’s House is a monthly webcast concert series from, you guessed it Daryl Hall’s house.

As one half of the most successful duo in rock history Hall and Oates, (Hall and Oates have been sampled by artists such as De La Soul, Young Jeezy, Donnell Jones and Young Gunz) Daryl Hall forged his legacy as a songwriter and musician par excellence. At a time when he and many of his guests (who are legends in their own right) could be content to let their respective discographies speak for themselves, they choose to get together, rehearse and make music for the love of music. (more…)

Legacy Recordings presents – Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia, Part 1, available now on a 4-CD set.  I saw the premiere this weekend on PBS and it was excellent.  The New Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, the O’Jays, The Delphonics and many many more.  Looking good and sounding good as well, this should be mandatory viewing for all upcoming artists and musicians as an example of true professionalism, showmanship and longevity. Check your local listings for the replay. You can purchase the set using the link above or directly at PBS.

Special shout out to SonDan at the most informative & entertaining Old School Music Blog (OSML) on the net for the tip!

Classic McFadden & Whitehead, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”, (Jerry Cohen, Gene McFadden, John Whitehead), Philadelphia International/1979.