AOR On The Radio: Soft & Easy

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Cari Ann Wayman
The Salsoul Orchestra led by vibraphonist Vincent Montana initially consisted of many of the original members of Philadelphia International's MFSB, who had moved to Salsoul as the result of a disagreement with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff over finances. Other members began performing as The Ritchie Family and as John Davis and the Monster Orchestra. On later MFSB and Philadelphia International recordings, Gamble & Huff used a new rhythm section which resulted in a slightly different sound.
The orchestra's biggest chart singles were 1976's reworked version of the standard, "Tangerine" (pop #18, R&B #36) and "Nice 'N' Naasty" (R&B #20, pop #30) later in the same year.
When Montana left Salsoul, the orchestra recorded a final album at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia mainly with producer Bunny Sigler. The orchestra's last three albums were recorded in New York City with local session players and producers, including Patrick Adams and Tom Moulton.
The orchestra's track, "Love Break (Ooh I Love It)" has been sampled in rap songs such as 50 Cent's "Candyshop" and Eric B & Rakim's "Paid in Full".

Enjoy this new part of AOR On The Radio!

Tracklist:

David Astri – Safe And Sound (1983)
Roy And Roe – Just Don’t Come Back (1979)
Side Effect – Georgy Porgy (1980)
Midnight Magic – Bad Foot (2016)
The Salsoul Orchestra – Salsoul Hustle (1975)
Debra Laws – How Long (1981)
Addrisi Brothers – The Lady Broke Into My Life (1979)
James Ingram – One Hundred Ways (1981)
Average White Band – Love Of Your Own (1977)
Gene Dunlap Band – In Just A Matter Of Time (1983)
The Blackbyrds – Soft And Easy (1977)
Norman Connors & The Starship Orchestra – Stella (1977)
Leon Ware – Deeper Than Love (1982)
Jolis & Simone – Night Flight (1979)
Carole Bayer Sager – Stronger Than Before (1981)
Jaye P. Morgan – Can’t Hide Love (1976)
Eric Andersen – Can’t Get You Out Of My Life (1975)
Reunion ‎– Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me) (1974)
Marty Balin – Music Is The Light (1981)
Bliss Nova – Nothing To Lose [Brothertiger Remix] (2016)

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