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The first ever Expansion Films DVD captures four legends of Philadelphia soul
in concert. Filmed in early 2004, 'The Sound of Philadelphia Live In Europe'
features Jean Carne with special guests Billy Paul, Dexter Wansel and Bunny Sigler
performing their classics with a full American band under the direction of Nathan
Heathman.
In many cases, it's the first time that these songs have been recorded on film
performed by the original artists. Jean Carne opens the two hour concert with
'Free Love' and takes her best loved titles from four Philadelphia International
albums to delight fans from the UK and Europe. These naturally include 'Don't
Let It Go To Your Head' and 'Was That All It Was', while teaming up with Nathan
Heathman for her duet 'Sweet & Wonderful'.
Guests Billy, Dexter and Bunny join Jean on stage for collaborations and take
the spotlight themselves with solo performances from their respective Philadelphia
International albums from the early 70s. Billy gives the performance of his
life on 'Me & Mrs Jones', while Dexter reaches into his songbook with vocal
support from Jean Carne to do 'If Only You Knew' (Patti Labelle), 'Nights Over
Egypt (Jones Girls) and 'Living All Alone' (Phyllis Hyman), and a stunning solo
performance of 'Life On Mars' which was one of the biggest jazz funk anthems
of the 70s. Meanwhile Bunny and Jean team up on a stunning rendition of 'My
Funny Valentine', while Bunny himself shines on another concert highlight, 'Things
Are Gonna Get Better'.
DVD extras include a 40 minute documentary on the tour and in depth interviews
with the artists about the Philadelphia sound and their contributions to it.
All these artists worked closely with Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff during the
music's heyday and many of their experiences are revealed here for the first
time. |
