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Inside The Philly Sound

Tony Cummings, Black Music, December 1975

In the States, and in Britain, the insidious sweet beat of the Philly Sound continues to conquer the best selling charts. The whooping passion of the O'Jays the joyous dance drive of MFSB, the gut wrenching funk of People's Choice and the hovering poignancy of Blue Magic, are just some of the diverse representations of The Sigma Sound Studio magic. Tony Cummings recently published book The Sound Of Philadelphia (Eyre Methuen, price £2.75) details the complex and multi faceted musical elements which came together to make the most phenomenally successful soul music of the 70's. In this, the first of a two part feature which is intended to supplement his already acclaimed book, the author describes his own personal encounters with the sights and sounds of the City Of Brotherly Love.

Total word count of piece: 4766

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