The Reddings | Class
1981 saw the sophomore album release from 2, and only sons, and their cousin, of one of R&B's legendary singers, Mr. Otis Redding,....... THE REDDINGS "CLASS".
Released on then CBS Associated Labels distributed label, Russell Timmons' Washington, D.C. based "Believe In A Dream Records. Yes, that's correct. His last name is Timmons, NOT Simmons
And their names are Otis Redding, III, on guitar and vocals. Dexter Redding on bass & vocals, and their cousin, Mark Lockett on keyboards & vocals.
Their 1980 debut "The Awakening" featured the Top 20 R&B hit, "Remote Control".
On "Class", they got to further stretch their abilities as musicians. Evidently they've honed down lots of skills. I'm talking about funk grooves, a sense of melody, composition, originality, and high quality musicianship.
It opens up with another funk classic I've treasured throughout the years, the album's title track track, "Class" (youtube above). Louis Johnson-esqe basslicks, but executed very well in his own style. Classic analog synthesizers ala Prophet 5, Oberheim OB-Xa, well arranged horn parts, almost EWF like, danceable, good vocals, lead and background.
"If You Feel It". Uptempo, Funky,Groovy, DEFINITELY EWF like horns here, GAP BAND string like arrangements, NICE !
It's a song that tells you to just let yourself get loose and have fun !
"Seriously" Ballad, consisting of piano, guitar, Fender Rhodes, live horn lines& blasts, good harmonies on the vocals, in tune with one another.Simply, steady bass line and drums. Wonderful string arrangement,compliments and flows very well with the rhythm section.
"Main Nerve" Instrumental, mid tempo,melodic, electric piano fueled track, bass plucks and runs, in the pocket live drumming. Very Ramsey Lewis, circa 1979/1980. A jam session of a great groove taken further. Good song !!!
The remaining tracks, "You're The Only One", "Hurts So Bad", "Love Is Over", "Love Dance" pretty much rounded out a brothers life's journey, on wax. If you own it, either on vinyl,cassette, or CD, check it out.
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 4/30/2010 2:01 PM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Old School Soul, Videos
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Old School Soul, Videos
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Comments