Mostly Unknown and Highly Underrated
Charles L. Brown Jr. | Universal City, Texas United States | 07/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of Dexter Wansel since the first album release in 1976 with Life On Mars. It was one of the first Funk/Jazz albums released in the 70's. This collection of all four albums is a steal for the price. What is so timeless with Dexter's music is his use of a "tight rhythm section, use of synthesizers which were coming of age during this time, the clever use of sound effects and the use of a full orchestra." Noteably, MFSB. These ingredients are combined to make an album that's full of versatility and wonder. The song that best demonstrates this is "Time is The Teacher" with its movie theme soundtrack opening that quitely transforms into a comtempory jazz tune mixed with some mellow 70's style funk. It's one of those tunes that is best listened to at night when all is quiet and tranquil. It's one of my favorites. There are other tunes which fit the above description, "First Light In the Morning, One Million Miles From The Ground and What the World Is Coming To. One of the standout tunes is "The Sweetest Pain" with its ear catching percussions and rhythms, the lead vocals of Terri Wells and the silky smooth voices of the Jones Girls in the background. You will like this song the first time you hear it. GUARANTEED! This collection just gives you a glimpse of Mr. Wansel's talent. He is a excellent song writer, arranger and producer. I am particularly fond of his work with Jean Carn, Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, The Jones Girls and MFSB. If you grew up listening to R&B/Soul music in the 70's and you lived in that north east corridor (New York, Philly, B-More and D.C.) than you're familar with Dexter Wansel. For those who grew up else where, check this one out, he is a rare talent. I don't think you'll be disappointed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"
Rare Philly soul at its finest!
Charles L. Brown Jr. | 01/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've waited over two decades for the re-release of these classics: Life on Mars, The Sweetest Pain and my most personal favorite, Theme From The Planets, sound as exciting now as they did in the mid-70's. If you love smooth soulful grooves or 70's jazz-funk-fusion, this double-cd set, (wonderful paired with a mellow cognac!) is a must-have for your collection. Not to be missed!!"
Funky Philly Jazz
Beverly Praiswater | 01/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those of us who love the Philly Sound which included artists like Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Jean Carne, The Jones Girls, and Dee Dee Sharp-Gamble, this CD combines all of the instrumental funk and more. Sometimes with a etherical sound, sometimes with a disco background, sometimes with hot jazz licks, and sometimes with bass-driven R&B tones, this is a multi-facet 2-cd set. The genius of Dextel Wansel has never been fully appreciated by main stream audiences, nor by Grammy voters. But this "Best Of..." highlights some of the talent that brought us quite a few of those Philly favorite songs. Just check out "Time Is The Teacher" with George Howard on the sax. This is funky R&B jazz at its best!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1
