| Remember to click on the album covers to find Jay & The Techniques product in Gemm.com Click on the Tiny URL to get to this article: http://tinyurl.com/mtqhs5 Full CD review is happening...this page is a work in progress.  | To American pop fans who loved the #6 single from August 19, 1967 - "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" - and only knew Jay Proctor's work from that initial hit, RPM in England has released 28 tracks, an overwhelming smorgasbord of Northern Soul that is as immaculate as it is an onslaught of perfectly produced fun. The signature sound of producer Jerry Ross floats across these grooves with unrelenting sunshine pop - "The Power Of Love" should be a huge Northern Soul hit, "Ya gotta have something" an irresistible hook. |
| Polygram's 1995 CD The Very Best Of Jay And The Techniques only contained 20 tracks, the eight additional make this new release so much more special, as does the 8 page booklet. |  |
 | Main Course
1. One Way To Do It
2. Don't Ask Me To Forget
3. What's A Matter Baby
4. Fifty-Fifty Deal
5. I Love To Sing The Songs (God Wa...
6. Palm Of My Hand
7. I'll Cry With You
8. Why Does Everything Change
9. Grass Ain't Always Greener
10. Make Your Own Sweet Music |
This is an outstanding album by the Northern Stole star Jay Proctor, a man whose subtle soul stirrings are not as low in the register as Barry White, but are certainly as charming. The originals by Proctor and musical director/guitarist Rick Levy are creative and perfectly augment the other material chosen. One of the highlights of this disc is track two, a Gladys Knight composition titled "Don't Ask Me to Forget." It evokes the feel of early Jay the Techniques, and Proctor's vocals have a nice raspy touch at the end. An up tempo cover of Timi Yuro's 1962 hit "What's a Matter Baby" shifts the scenery, something that is easy for this underrated talent and his large cast of backing vocalists, string section, and players, including horns and keys. This is a dense production and an admirable collection of performances.
From the gospel/disco of "I Love to Sing the Songs (God Wants Me to Sing" to the deep blues of "Why Does Everything Change," the voice behind "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" and "Keep the Ball Rollin',"
two of his three Top 40 hits from 1967-1968, is in fine shape decades later. When artists like the Toys' Barbara Harris, songwriter Harriet Schock, and Proctor put out extraordinary records without the help of the major labels who were there at the start of their careers, it shows the passion and love they all feel for their music. These recordings are works of art -- important elements of a pop underground that radio should recognize. "Make Your Own Sweet Music" is written by the songwriter/production team of Randell Linzer, who composed the Toys' hits, including "A Lover's Concerto"; it's a strong ending for a superb release. The original Techniques hailed from Pennyslvania, and The Main Course explores rhythm and blues, '60s pop, and the Philly sound with total devotion. - Joe Viglione
Remember to click on the album covers to find Jay & The Techniques product in Gemm.com Click on the Tiny URL to get to this article: http://tinyurl.com/mtqhs5 |
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