The Moving Hand

Soul Serenade: Barry White, “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe”

It’s easy to dismiss Barry White. He’s been the subject of endless parodies, mostly focused on his “love man” image. Indeed, White was a big teddy bear of a man, with a deep voice which he used to purr mildly suggestive lyrics. What cannot be denied however is that White was a musician of some stature, and I don’t just mean physically. There was a time in the ’70s when he was a constant presence on the charts, and on television sets across America (more)

Soul Serenade: Freda Payne, “Band Of Gold”

This week’s selection is another one of those songs that has an interesting provenance. The song was written by the legendary Motown team of Holland-Dozier-Holland … probably (more)

Soul Serenade: The Friends Of Distinction, “Going In Circles”

The Friends of Distinction were founded by two music industry veterans, Harry Elston and Floyd Butler, in 1966 (more) …

Soul Serenade: Chuck Willis, “Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes”

Chuck Willis died while at the top of his game, but he left behind some classic soul records.

A Fan’s Notes: Levon Helm

Ken Shane pays tribute to the great Levon Helm

Soul Serenade: The Main Ingredient, “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely”

If you want to talk about turning tragedy into triumph, the discussion has to include the Main Ingredient. The group formed in Harlem in 1964, and consisted of lead singer Donald McPherson, Tony Silvester, and Luther Simmons, Jr. At first they called themselves the Poets, and recorded for Leiber and Stoller’s Red Bird Records. Then they changed their name to the Insiders and signed to RCA …

Daryl Hall, with Sharon Jones and Allen Stones, at House of Blues in Boston on April 12, 2012. “You Make My Dreams Come True.”

A Fan’s Notes: Peter Gabriel, “New Blood – Live In London” (Blu-ray)

Apparently the time for dark, snowy nights has passed in New England for this season. In fact, it never really got started, as we experienced an unnaturally snow-free winter. I’m not a big fan of snow and ice, but the lack of thereof is a shame in one sense. The fact is that Peter Gabriel: New Blood – Live In London is perfect viewing for a one of those quiet winter nights …

Soul Serenade: Jackie Wilson, “Lonely Teardrops”

They called him “Mr. Excitement,” and if you ever saw him perform live or on television, you know why. Jackie Wilsonwas one of the most dynamic figures to ever stride on a stage. You need more than great moves to become a legend though, and Wilson backed it up with one of the most thrilling voices in the history of rhythm and blues …

A Fan’s Notes: Shelby Lynne – Narrows Arts Center, Fall River, MA

I’ve been a fan since I Am Shelby Lynne appeared in 1999. By that time Shelby had been in the music business for a number of years, but that didn’t stop the Grammys from naming her Best New Artist that year. Not only do I love Shelby’s music, I have undying respect for the choice she made to walk away from the mold that they tried to stick her into in Nashville so that she could write her own songs, and do it her way …