Larry Gold?s Presents Don Cello & Friends is a musical homage to the ?city of brotherly love,? Philadelphia. Composed, curated and produced by this legendary string arranger, Presents reflects on soul music?s celebrate... more »d past, popular present, and undeniably rich future. Featuring a diverse cast including established artists and up and comers alike, Presents much like a soundtrack, explores differing moods, contexts, situations and stages of love. Each track, sumptuously layered with lush strings, personifies Gold?s gift for underscoring the strengths of his guests. As a member of MSFB, and Kenny Gamble?s ?The Sounds of Philadelphia? house band Larry arranged and performed on songs by the likes of Teddy Pendergrass and the Three Degrees and on the seminal hit ?Aint No Stopping Us Now? by McFadden & Whitehead (reinterpreted here with Black Thought). Larry is the owner of The Studio, Philadephia?s premier recording studio, which houses The Roots and producer James Poyser. The Studio has been responsible for hits from a who?s who of contemporary R&B superstars. Presents is a personal rememberance and a glimpse into the future of soul music.« less
Larry Gold?s Presents Don Cello & Friends is a musical homage to the ?city of brotherly love,? Philadelphia. Composed, curated and produced by this legendary string arranger, Presents reflects on soul music?s celebrated past, popular present, and undeniably rich future. Featuring a diverse cast including established artists and up and comers alike, Presents much like a soundtrack, explores differing moods, contexts, situations and stages of love. Each track, sumptuously layered with lush strings, personifies Gold?s gift for underscoring the strengths of his guests. As a member of MSFB, and Kenny Gamble?s ?The Sounds of Philadelphia? house band Larry arranged and performed on songs by the likes of Teddy Pendergrass and the Three Degrees and on the seminal hit ?Aint No Stopping Us Now? by McFadden & Whitehead (reinterpreted here with Black Thought). Larry is the owner of The Studio, Philadephia?s premier recording studio, which houses The Roots and producer James Poyser. The Studio has been responsible for hits from a who?s who of contemporary R&B superstars. Presents is a personal rememberance and a glimpse into the future of soul music.
CD Reviews
Sumptuously arranged string arrangments
fetish_2000 | U.K. | 10/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Larry Gold is an unarguably gifted string arranger & composer, having provided String sections for "Christina Aguilera, Justin timberlake, J-Lo", specialising primarily, in truly gorgeous baroque soaked strings bristling with emotion. Here he assembles various Philadelphia Soul/Rap artists to produce a broad spectrum of undeniably rich Philly soul (yet remaining resolutely accessible). `The Roots - Black Thought" masterfully covers "Mcfadden & Whitehead's - Ain't no stopping us now" into a string drenched Nu-Soul torchbearing template. Or "Floetry's" spoken word / social commentary provides a appreciative nod to Old Skool Soul. Larry's handling of the Cello & String arrangements is nothing short of unprecedented. Coaxing sympathetic swoops & twirls, all underpinned with a perceptive respect for the vocalist, allowing both the vocalist (and the string arrangements) enough room to be truly expressive & fully exploit the diverse range subject material. Equals parts, Contemporary Soul / Rap-Fusion & Progressive instrumental, everything is lovingly laboured over & Sumptuously layered, and unquestionably one of the most beautiful records heard this year."
Outstanding a true soul Classic!!!!!!!!!!
M. Lymore | Seattle, Washington United States | 01/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is excellant from start to finish. Larry Gold is a true artist,producer,arranger. Don't sleep on this cd this is, SUPERB!!!!!!!!!If your a true Philly Soul Fan buy this you will not be disappointed."
Timeless...
Sebastian Wild | 08/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I ran into this album in a store in Berlin... and wow... might very well be the best soul joint I've ever heard - classic but yet creative, beautiful, mature sound gracefully arranged by one of the true masters - If you love Jill Scott, Erykah Badu or Floetry (who are also featured on this album with my all time favorite "and I hope"), this record will keep spinning in your cd player... simply timeless Philly soul from the heart - with all the new hip hop and R'nB junk out there in this day in age,on this compilation every single track carries a wonderful vibe and deep lyrics - just real quality soul music..."
From the finest city in the world, the finest record in ages
E. Tettemer | Jersey Shore | 08/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved it. Better than Cats!!!"
New Underground Classic
E. Tettemer | 08/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a Philly Soul fan, this album is the missing link. Larry Gold was in MFSB and has written arrangements on so many hit songs... This is serious R&B for real soul fans."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1