The Number Ones: MFSB & The Three Degrees’ “TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)”
"Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff got some things done in the early ’70s. They launched Philadelphia International Records, the first soul label ever to really challenge Motown’s commercial dominance. They developed their production style, an opulent and richly orchestrated take on soul music that effectively changed the sound of the genre. They turned veteran journeyman nightclub acts into bona fide stars. They wrote and produced massive hits like Billy Paul’s “Me And Mrs. Jones” and the O’Jays’ “Love Train.” They paved the way for disco. And as an encore, they wrote the theme song to the greatest black-music TV show of all time and created a mostly-instrumental #1 hit for their studio session musicians. That’s a hell of a run. “TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)” sounds like victory.
There weren’t any stars in MFSB, the house band at Gamble and Huff’s Sigma Sound Studios. In photos of the band, there’s never any focal point, any one person who stands front and center. I love looking at photos of MFSB — a whole bunch of middle-aged guys, black and white, all wearing suits, looking like an uncommonly funky law firm on office-photo day. They were session musicians, a job that’s really closer to office worker than pop star. But like so many other session groups, before and after, they were absolutely essential to the sound of their era. And unlike so many other session groups, before and after, they got one great collective moment in the spotlight. “TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)” was that moment.
MFSB didn’t officially become a unit until 1971, the same year that Gamble and Huff started Philadelphia International. But Gamble and Huff had known many of the 30-plus musicians in the group for years, playing with them on Philly’s pop circuit. The MFSB guys were total experts, of course — a group capable of taking the swirling crushed-velvet sounds in Gamble and Huff’s heads and making them into reality. And the mere existence of “TSOP” is a testament to that..." from the article: The Number Ones: MFSB & The Three Degrees’ “TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)”
Vince Montana, Jr. Conducts The MFSB Orchestra "Love Is The Message / T.S.O.P." (1987)
Video from MontanaPSW
"You are on stage, behind the curtain amongst the horn section with Vincent Montana, Jr. & the MFSB Orchestra waiting to perform "Love Is The Message / T.S.O.P.". You can even hear one of the musicians singing the melody of "T.S.O.P." and another saying "Any Time Now!!" along with the claps of anticipation from the audience. Finally Montana counts off the tempo; the curtain opens and his arrangement which blends "Love Is The Message" into "T.S.O.P (The Sound of Philadelphia)" begins. Some of the main MFSB Members you'll see here: Earl Young (drums), Bobby Eli (guitar), Ronnie Baker (bass), Larry Washington (congas) Nick D'Amico (orchestra bells / percussion) and Montana in his element conducting. May 10, 1987 -- Penn Hall Civic Center, Philadelphia "Linda Creed Memorial Scholarship Fund" Concert Vincent Montana, Jr. Conducts The MFSB Orchestra "Love Is The Message / T.S.O.P." (The Show) Video #9 of 16 of the Series. Linda Creed was a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter who teamed up with Thom Bell to produce some of the most successful Philadelphia soul groups of the 70s. Some of her songwriting highlights: "You Are Everything", "Betcha by Golly, Wow" & "You Make Me Feel Brand New" (Stylistics), "Rubberband Man" & "Ghetto Child" (Spinners) and "The Greatest Love Of All" (George Benson / Whitney Houston), to name a few. Creed's battle with breast cancer ended on April 10, 1986 when she was just 37 years old. Just one year later, on May 10th, 1987 Vincent Montana, Jr. conducted and /or performed with the MFSB Orchestra at "The Linda Creed Memorial Scholarship Fund" Concert. Artists performing (mostly) Creed's songs that night included Whitney Houston, George Benson, The Spinners, Jean Carne & Teddy Pendergrass. The series is dedicated to and in loving memory of Linda Creed. Visit THE LINDA CREED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION: http://www.lindacreed.org/
This is a privately owned and recorded video of Vincent Montana, Jr. About Us: Among the numerous credits to his name, Vincent Montana, Jr. is most recognized for his integral role in both the development of "The Philadelphia Sound" as key MFSB rhythm section member and established studio musician for Philadelphia International Records as well as dance pioneer of the "Disco Era" as the creative and driving force behind the legendary Salsoul Orchestra. Further contributions include his remarkable productions with The Montana Orchestra and Goody Goody (Atlantic Records) and particularly, the signature club classics on his own Philly Sound Works label. Today Montana continues to make his mark on the industry, whether directly through his latest productions on Philly Sound Works and his efforts with today's most prominent artists and producers such as Masters At Work, The Braxtons, Joceyln Brown, Pet Shop Boys, David Morales, Dimtri From Paris, or indirectly via sampling of his catalogue: Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) or most recently Mariah Carey "O.O.C. (Out of Control)" to name a few." from the video introduction
Zack's Fanfare #2
Video from MFSB
"Provided to YouTube by Legacy Recordings Zack's Fanfare #2 · MFSB Philadelphia Freedom ℗ 1975 Assorted Music, Inc. d/b/a Philadelphia International Records Released on: 1975-11-01" from video introduction
TSOP The Sound Of Philadelphia MFSB featuring The Three Degrees 1974
Video from Taiji Chen
Biography
"When you hear the name, The Three Degrees, you immediately think of their most famous song, “When Will I See You Again”, and the vision of three beautiful ebony women, perfectly coordinated in both their dance routines and their vocal harmonies. True, “When Will I See You Again” was a major hit record throughout the world, topping the chart in the U.S.A., the U.K., Japan and most European countries, earning the trio every conceivable accolade at the time — not to mention enough Gold records to make Fort Knox a little envious!.." from their website: threedegrees.com
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