We first time were blown away by the Persuasions at Hill Auditorium in Michigan in 1971, in an era when when rock bands like the Doors would roar into town with their huge amps, guitars and synthesizers, and Motown legends like Gladys Knight and the Pips would make the short trip down from the Motor City to show us how it was done. The Persuasions opened for soulful Gladys, and the audience, there to hear her sing her hit "Heard It Through the Grapevine," wasn't expecting much. Holding just microphones, the Persuasions put on a soul clinic, and left to an astonished, appreciative standing ovation! The second time was at the West Coast A Cappella Summit 5 or 6 years ago where we got to go backstage and talk to Jerry, Jimmy, Jayotis, Joe and Toubo after a sublime set. "A Cappella Soul" is on Best of Rounder Records' "Perfect 10 Series," and it's aptly labeled. The ten are "All I Have to Do Is Dream," "Let Them Talk," "That's Heaven to Me," "Can't Do Sixty No More," "I Woke Up This Morning," the spiritual "Ain't That Good News," the Doo-Wop hit "Crying in the Chapel," "I'll Come Running Back to You," Elvis's "Return to Sender" and "Let's Get Married/Sincerely." Every one of these is marvelous. Treat yourself to "A Cappella Soul," a banquet from the legendary, pioneering Persuasions, still up there with mikes, doing their thing cool as you please, showing us mortals how it's done! |
