M.F.S.B.
Summertime (Canadian LP)
Philadelphia International Records (Canada) / 1976 / PZ 34238
LP-album 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl record
Genre: Dance
Produced by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff
Additional Producers: John Whitehead, Gene McFadden and Victor Carstaphen
Arranged by Bobby Martin, Jack Faith and Tony Bell
Engineers: Joe Tarsia, Jay Mark, Carl Paruolo, Jim Gallagher, Kenneth Present (Kenny Present)
Assistant Engineers: Art Stoppe, Dirk Devlin, Mike Hutchinson, Peter Humphreys and Jeffrey Stewart
Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, PA.
Background Vocals: Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson, John Whitehead, Gene McFadden and Victor Carstaphen
Side A
1. Picnic In The Park 4:10
2. Summertime 4:53
3. Plenty Good Lovin' 4:33
4. Sunnin' and Funnin' 4:14
Side B
1. Summertime And I'm Fellin' Mellow 4:00
2. I'm On Your Side 3:30
3. Hot Summer Nights 4:25
4. We Got The Time 4:41
MFSB recorded this theme LP dedicated to the summer season, performed by the Philadelphia International's resident house band and produced by Ken Gamble and Leon Huff.
No chart busters here but a commendable effort for fans of MFSB. Certainly an easy listening MOR type of record. Best cuts include Summertime, Hot Summer Nights, We Got The Time, Sunnin' and Funnin'... As expected it conveys the easy laid back and relaxed mood that one associates with summer.
Doesn't quite measure up to their other works. The personnel is virtually identical to the Salsoul Orchestra, and unsurprisingly sounds similar: unvarying disco rhythm section, soprano chorus vocals, lots of strings, long stretches with no foreground instrument. Salsoul Orchestra leader Vince Montana Jr. contributes some vibes solos (Picnic In The Park).
The writing is divided between Gamble and Huff (Hot Summer Nights) and protÈgÈs McFadden, Whitehead and Carstarphen (Summertime and I'm Feelin' Mellow); arranged by Martin, Jack Faith and Tony Bell. An okay album that leans more to MOR or Easy Listening formats.
Listen to Summertime and I'm Feelin' Mellow by M. F. S. B.:
Listen to Summertime by M.F.S.B.:
Picnic in the Park:
Submitted by originalbigm (23)
MFSB - Summertime, Summertime and I'm feelin mellow, Picnic in the park! An incredible LP. The premier soulful disco phila powerhouse! Gamble & Huff! The MFSB adaptation of Gershwin tune Summertime is incredible! Many groups attempted to try converting classical to disco and failed. However these talented musicians took this music to new heights with grace and respect for the original compositions. My hat goes off to these musicians for capturing one of the bright moments in disco music history. MFSB was ahead of the class!!! They were responsible for many disco anthems. Including my number one of all time "Love Is The Message" !