| MFSB & THE SAL-SOUL ORCHESTRA! |
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With unity among the family this was Kenny and Leon's ultimate music empire.
Kenny Gamble name the group MFSB in 1971, and in 1972 began recording as a
named act for the Philadelphia International label.
It was the 1972 release of their first album Poinciana that put them on the map.
However the release of "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" also known as the
Soul Train theme came from the 2nd album "Love is the Message". This was MFSB
most successful single. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard pop and R&B charts. "
TSOP" was influential in establishing the disco sound. The track sold over one
million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A.
They were the band that provided the music behind such groups as Harold Melvin
& the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, the Stylistics, the Spinners, Wilson Pickett, and Billy
Paul, and countless others. MFSB was one of Earls most favorite and cherish
group to play in.
Kenny Gamble name the group MFSB in 1971, and in 1972 began recording as a
named act for the Philadelphia International label.
It was the 1972 release of their first album Poinciana that put them on the map.
However the release of "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" also known as the
Soul Train theme came from the 2nd album "Love is the Message". This was MFSB
most successful single. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard pop and R&B charts. "
TSOP" was influential in establishing the disco sound. The track sold over one
million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A.
They were the band that provided the music behind such groups as Harold Melvin
& the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, the Stylistics, the Spinners, Wilson Pickett, and Billy
Paul, and countless others. MFSB was one of Earls most favorite and cherish
group to play in.
Although each generation had a rotating cast of guest musicians, the list above represent
the main rhythm section of each period. In addition there was also a rotating cast of
strings and horns under the direction of Don Renaldo. Collectively all the musicians were
reasonable for the "Sound of Philadelphia" that dominated the music scene in the 70's.
the main rhythm section of each period. In addition there was also a rotating cast of
strings and horns under the direction of Don Renaldo. Collectively all the musicians were
reasonable for the "Sound of Philadelphia" that dominated the music scene in the 70's.
THE SAL-SOUL ORCHESTRA FEATURING VINCE MONTANA !
In 1974 Earl Young and the core members of MFSB moved on to Salsoul Records, where they
became known as The Sal-Soul Orchestra. Under the direction of producer- arranger-composer and
vibraphonist Vincent Montana Jr, Sal-soul was a super mix of salsa and soul music. When the band
weren't backing up other artists they recorded as instrumental orchestra just like MFSB. Vince
Montana got his start playing his signature vibraphone in the MFSB orchestra. He moved on to
adapted that lush style to disco, adding Latin motifs and textures to Sal-Soul.
In 1974 Earl Young and the core members of MFSB moved on to Salsoul Records, where they
became known as The Sal-Soul Orchestra. Under the direction of producer- arranger-composer and
vibraphonist Vincent Montana Jr, Sal-soul was a super mix of salsa and soul music. When the band
weren't backing up other artists they recorded as instrumental orchestra just like MFSB. Vince
Montana got his start playing his signature vibraphone in the MFSB orchestra. He moved on to
adapted that lush style to disco, adding Latin motifs and textures to Sal-Soul.
| In the minds of disco dance gods around the world, this was the very first recording that started the it all, SOOOOOOUL TRAIN!!! |
| MFSB's other hit recorded, a cover of The Nite-Liters's 1971 instrumental "K-Jee", gained popularity when it was featured in a key scene in the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever. It is also included in the soundtrack to that movie. "Sexy" was also a mega hit. 1974 Universal Love album "My Mood" had been the closing theme music for the Friday 6 p.m. newscast on Washington, DC's NBC TV station WRC. |
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Your body wont move if you don't feel the groove, and "MOVE YOU WILL" listing to Ronnie's
same slammin bassline and Earl's "GUT DROPPIN" drum beat from Love is the Message.
Just wait till Lenny Pakula fires up that organ after the intro, and at the end you hear Ron Kersey
melting the keyboard with his sizzling solo. YOUR GONNA LOVE IT, TIME TO GIT UP AND DANCE!
Sal-Soul best recordings were (Love Break) 'Ooh I Love It (1975), and 'You're Just The Right Size'
(1976),'Salsoul 3001' (1976), 'Runaway' (1977), 'Christmas Time Medley' (1981),
'Take Some Time Out' (1982) and the Patrick Adams-produced 'Seconds' featuring Loleatta Holloway
(1982).
With arrangers, conductors and whole sections of instruments (including up to 18 violinists), contributing to
the sound, the Salsoul Orchestra routinely included up to 50 members just like MFSB. The orchestra also
played on numerous recordings for the label's other groups and artists such as Charo's 'Charo And The
Salsoul Orchestra' (1977), including 'Dance A Little Bit Closer'.
Many Salsoul contributors played on some of the best disco tracks of their time, including Trammps, Grace
Jones, the Whispers, Loleatta Holloway and First Choice.
same slammin bassline and Earl's "GUT DROPPIN" drum beat from Love is the Message.
Just wait till Lenny Pakula fires up that organ after the intro, and at the end you hear Ron Kersey
melting the keyboard with his sizzling solo. YOUR GONNA LOVE IT, TIME TO GIT UP AND DANCE!
Sal-Soul best recordings were (Love Break) 'Ooh I Love It (1975), and 'You're Just The Right Size'
(1976),'Salsoul 3001' (1976), 'Runaway' (1977), 'Christmas Time Medley' (1981),
'Take Some Time Out' (1982) and the Patrick Adams-produced 'Seconds' featuring Loleatta Holloway
(1982).
With arrangers, conductors and whole sections of instruments (including up to 18 violinists), contributing to
the sound, the Salsoul Orchestra routinely included up to 50 members just like MFSB. The orchestra also
played on numerous recordings for the label's other groups and artists such as Charo's 'Charo And The
Salsoul Orchestra' (1977), including 'Dance A Little Bit Closer'.
Many Salsoul contributors played on some of the best disco tracks of their time, including Trammps, Grace
Jones, the Whispers, Loleatta Holloway and First Choice.
THIS IS ONE BAD JAM - "LOVE IS THE MESSAGE"!
The most popular recording from MFSB ever. I dare you to listen to it!
Although a remix version, it has been a favorite of dance/disco
DJs since its release; countless remixes, both official and unofficial,
exist of the song. On September 20, 2004, the record became among
the first to be inducted into the newly formed Dance Music Hall of Fame.
Earl Young gets credit for his signature 4-4,3 drum beat on this song. His pulsating double
slap on the snare is hypnotic! Its amazing how much fun you can have listening to old school
remixes. Anyone who burn the dance floor with some wild funky moves Pledge Allegiance to
this instrumental jam!
Listen closely You here Ronnie's bass thumppin in time with Earl's foot, then you hear
Norman holding the rhythm tight, Zach Zachary out front with his cool solo's, the strings
sounding smooth as silk, Vince vibes in a ultra silk mellow sound and that superb keyboard
work. Earl keep a steady beat throughout this cut and his timing is as accurate as a stop
watch!
The most popular recording from MFSB ever. I dare you to listen to it!
Although a remix version, it has been a favorite of dance/disco
DJs since its release; countless remixes, both official and unofficial,
exist of the song. On September 20, 2004, the record became among
the first to be inducted into the newly formed Dance Music Hall of Fame.
Earl Young gets credit for his signature 4-4,3 drum beat on this song. His pulsating double
slap on the snare is hypnotic! Its amazing how much fun you can have listening to old school
remixes. Anyone who burn the dance floor with some wild funky moves Pledge Allegiance to
this instrumental jam!
Listen closely You here Ronnie's bass thumppin in time with Earl's foot, then you hear
Norman holding the rhythm tight, Zach Zachary out front with his cool solo's, the strings
sounding smooth as silk, Vince vibes in a ultra silk mellow sound and that superb keyboard
work. Earl keep a steady beat throughout this cut and his timing is as accurate as a stop
watch!
Throughout the ground breaking years we take a look at three generations of
musicians that were members of MFSB"!
1st generation featured:
Drums, Carl Chambers and Earl Young.
Lead and rhythm guitars, Norman Harris, Roland Chambers, Bobby Eli, & TJ Tindall.
Bass Guitars, Winnie Wilford and Ronnie Baker.
Vibes and Percussion, Vince Montana Jr.
Keyboards & Piano, Leon Huff, Thom Bell, Ron Kersey, Bruce Hawes, Victor Carstarphen,
Bongo, Congas and Percussion, Larry Washington.
Organ, Lenny Pakula.
Years 1967 through the 1974.
The “2nd ”generation featured:
Drums, Charles Collins and Andrew Smith.
Bass Guitar, Michael “Sugar Bear” Foreman and Bob Babbit
Lead and rhythm guitars,Dennis Harris, Bobby Eli, Tony Bell, and TJ Tindall
Keyboards & Piano, Leon Huff, Thom Bell, Victor Carstarphen,
Vibes, Ed Shea
Organ, Lenny Pakula
Years 1974 through 1977.
The "3rd" generation of MFSB featured;
Drums, Keith Benson and Quinton Joseph.
Lead and rhythm guitars, Dennis Harris.
Bass Guitar, Jimmy Williams.
Keyboards & Piano, Leon Huff and Dexter Wansel.
This was the very last period from 1977 until they disbanded in the 80's.
musicians that were members of MFSB"!
1st generation featured:
Drums, Carl Chambers and Earl Young.
Lead and rhythm guitars, Norman Harris, Roland Chambers, Bobby Eli, & TJ Tindall.
Bass Guitars, Winnie Wilford and Ronnie Baker.
Vibes and Percussion, Vince Montana Jr.
Keyboards & Piano, Leon Huff, Thom Bell, Ron Kersey, Bruce Hawes, Victor Carstarphen,
Bongo, Congas and Percussion, Larry Washington.
Organ, Lenny Pakula.
Years 1967 through the 1974.
The “2nd ”generation featured:
Drums, Charles Collins and Andrew Smith.
Bass Guitar, Michael “Sugar Bear” Foreman and Bob Babbit
Lead and rhythm guitars,Dennis Harris, Bobby Eli, Tony Bell, and TJ Tindall
Keyboards & Piano, Leon Huff, Thom Bell, Victor Carstarphen,
Vibes, Ed Shea
Organ, Lenny Pakula
Years 1974 through 1977.
The "3rd" generation of MFSB featured;
Drums, Keith Benson and Quinton Joseph.
Lead and rhythm guitars, Dennis Harris.
Bass Guitar, Jimmy Williams.
Keyboards & Piano, Leon Huff and Dexter Wansel.
This was the very last period from 1977 until they disbanded in the 80's.
MOTHER-FATHER-SISTER-BROTHER,
That's what it stood for!
These are the big ones! At a time when orchestra's
were BIG and producers budgets were small,
musicians worked feverishly day and night to
create the worlds most outstanding music we all
come to know and enjoy!
Preserved on vinyl, Cd's, MP3's and tape masters
the MUSIC LIVES ON! The songs that gave us love,
piece, and "SOOUUULL" from the greatest
musicians in Philadelphia, We present MFSB!
That's what it stood for!
These are the big ones! At a time when orchestra's
were BIG and producers budgets were small,
musicians worked feverishly day and night to
create the worlds most outstanding music we all
come to know and enjoy!
Preserved on vinyl, Cd's, MP3's and tape masters
the MUSIC LIVES ON! The songs that gave us love,
piece, and "SOOUUULL" from the greatest
musicians in Philadelphia, We present MFSB!
| MFSB Poinciana |
| MFSB Love is the Message |
| MFSB Universal Love |
It was 1974 when Vince Montana was introduced to local entrepreneurs Joe, Ken and Stan Cayre
(who ran a local Latin music label) by Afro-Cuban pianist Joe Bataan. Within the Salsoul Orchestra
empire, it was predominantly Vince Montana who wrote, conducted and produced them from 1975 to
1979. The same major players Baker- Harris and Young were employed as the main backing
musicians with a series of rotating guess musicians. H-B-Y along Carlton 'Cotton' Kent, Ron Kersey
and others were also performing under Norman "the Harris Machine" Harris empire, and the Ritchie
Family orchestra! And like always, "King Earl Young" presided on the throne of drums!
(who ran a local Latin music label) by Afro-Cuban pianist Joe Bataan. Within the Salsoul Orchestra
empire, it was predominantly Vince Montana who wrote, conducted and produced them from 1975 to
1979. The same major players Baker- Harris and Young were employed as the main backing
musicians with a series of rotating guess musicians. H-B-Y along Carlton 'Cotton' Kent, Ron Kersey
and others were also performing under Norman "the Harris Machine" Harris empire, and the Ritchie
Family orchestra! And like always, "King Earl Young" presided on the throne of drums!
Considered the Brooklyn National Anthem, this may be the single hottest cut in all of dance music disco, house, hip hop, funk..Mr. K, Danny Krivit does the
world a favor and edits the original master piece by Philly's MFSB incorporating samples from other Salsoul hits!
world a favor and edits the original master piece by Philly's MFSB incorporating samples from other Salsoul hits!
EARL YOUNG
EARL YOUNG
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OHHOOO, YOU GONNA "LOVE" THIS ONE, "LOVE BREAK" BY THE SAL-SOUL ORCHESTRA!
THERE WERE OVER 50 OF THE GREATEST
MUSICIANS IN PHILADELPHIA THAT WERE
MEMBERS OF MFSB!
MUSICIANS IN PHILADELPHIA THAT WERE
MEMBERS OF MFSB!
Yes there were many close contenders with Isaac Hayes "Soul Unlimited" Orchestra and Barry White's "Love Unlimited Orchestra".
They were HOT as fire but I'm sure you know, MFSB WAS MATCH BY KNOW ONE!
They were HOT as fire but I'm sure you know, MFSB WAS MATCH BY KNOW ONE!
| Vince Montana Jr and Ken Cayre |
| MFSB |
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