Search - Persuasions :: We Came to Play

If you had to pick one "desert island" Persuasions album, th

07/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you had to pick one "desert island" Persuasions album, this would be the one. They were never in finer form, and never chose a collection of tunes better suited for their strengths. These were the songs that they sang on the road for many years, and this was their debut album for Capitol. From Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang" to Curtis Mayfield's "Man Oh Man," this is classic Persuasions material. Bass Jimmy Hayes' turn on "The Sun" still makes my speakers rattle. It's almost below the range of normal human hearing! The vitality, the joyousness, the virutosic singing, and yes, Jerry Lawson's tremendous phrasing---certainly one of the signature voices of the last fifty years---make this album nothing short of sensational."

Let The Games Begin

El Lagarto | Sandown, NH | 10/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Frank Zappa signed the Persuasions to their first recording contract, based on an audition done over the phone, he probably had no idea that he was about to launch a true American treasure. In the 40 years since the release of We Came To Play, their debut effort, the Persuasions have continued to dazzle audiences with their a cappella genius, joy, and willingness to try anything. Who but the Persuasions can claim tributes to Zappa, the Beatles, nursery rhymes, and U2 - among others?



The Persuasions offer listeners so much to enjoy. First is their astonishing technical skill - all that music - produced by the human voice alone. Next is a kind of precision and discipline almost unknown in popular music. Most, Persuasions music just feels good; it gets inside you and won't let go.



For maximum hits at the minimum price, you should probably go for Street Corner Symphony, their second recording, really an amazing effort. But why stop at one? This is a fantastic CD. Walk On The Wild Side alone is worth the price of admission, and Don't It Make You Want To Go Home, Chain Gang, and Another Night With The Boys are not far behind. There simply is no other a cappella group playing in the same league as these guys."

The soul of soul

rickey l. esteves sr | san francisco, ca United States | 01/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I fell in love with the Persuasions 31yrs ago and it's been nothing but musical bliss since.These guys can sing ANYTHING good.This album is one to set standards by.It's time America finally recognized these men for what they are:a national treasure of musical.If possible,make the musical pilgrimage to see them:there is nothing like them,I guarantee you."