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The Delta Rhythm Boys – By Request (1971)


Hello everyone! Busy summer limited my time but finally I had some occasion to write a new post! Today we will move into a bit different direction and check a band that was a massive force in American soul music from late 50s up to 80s. American vocal group The Delta Rhythm Boys change their line-up extensively through the years they were active (apart from one member that was a cornerstone of that band for all years of their career). The album I will talk about today was a bit of a surprise for me but after first song I decided to stick with it and take a new turn with my blog.
By Request is a cover alum that contains 10 songs from a various pop artists. First song “If I were a rich men” is a soul version of that ultimate classic song that was written by Jerry Brock for a multi award winning musical “Fiddler on the roof”. So when I started to hear well known melody I turned all my ears to my speakers to discover what this band has to offer. I know that this is unorthodox way to discover a music of anyone (through cover songs but I was: what a heck, I can try to do it that way! Because why not?) It was refreshing to hear one of my beloved movie songs in this original arrangement (by the way, all the guys in the band have extremely good voices, especially bass voice of Lee Gaines). Next one was “Impossible dreams” written by Mitch Leigh. One of the version of that song was sang by Frank Sinatra but Delta Rhythm Boys made a good work on giving it a personal touch, creating it also memorable. Nat Adderley was a composer of the next song “Work Song”. In that one we can hear Lee Gains in a full embrace. I love the mastering and mix in this song. His voice was upfront all the time but its strong sound didn’t overwhelm other voices. Top notch work from producers! “Bess, You is my woman now” Has been written by all time great composer George Gershwin. Once again band was able to do enough to fit this song into their own style. “Just Squeeze me/Take “A” train”, “I want you. I need you”, “Put your hand in the Hand” and “Love Story” keep the same great level and show that with enough talent you can turn great song into your own version and give them another live for wider audience. “Go ‘way from my Window” is a spin on a traditional American song written by John Jacob Niles. Last song on the album goes with a big kick with their own version of “Keep the Customer Satisfied” (song created by Paul Simon). It’s big, it’s spacious like every grand finale should be. Perfect end of an album.
Conclusion: I didn't expect that I can discover a band through not their songs but the life proved me wrong! The Delta Rhythm Boys was a great vocal group and By Request is a fine example that talented people will always deliver a good to you. If someone like to go into Soul music history this band is a must. Now I have a new branch to discover and The Delta Rhythm Boys will fill my need for some soul music if I need it!

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Location: Edinburgh, UK

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