from SOUL
Written by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff
“If You Don’t Know Me By Now” is a classic R&B slow jam co-written by noted songwriters and “Philly Sound” hit-makers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. It seemed like the song was originally written for the powerful R&B trio, Labelle. Actually, it was eventually recorded by soul act Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes.
From SOUL 2
Written by Vinnie Barrett & Bobby Eli
“Love Won’t Let Me Wait” is a gorgeous soul ballad co-written in the first half of the seventies by female songwriter/musician Vinnie Barrett and noted songwriter/producer Bobbi Eli. Eli was a founding member of the popular Philly Soul combo, MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother). “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” was originally sung by Major Harris (1947-2012), a former member of The Delfonics, on his 1974 debut solo album My Way.
from SOUL
Written by Deniece Williams, Hank Redd, Nathan Watts, Susaye Greene
“Free” was a soul/R&B evergreen originally included in Deniece Williams’ 1976 album, This Is Niecy. Ms. Williams co-wrote the song with fellow Stevie Wonder “Wonderlove” alumni Hank Redd, Nathan Watts and Susaye Green. This enchanting smooth jam was produced by two geniuses; the late Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire (1941-2016) and arranger extraordinaire Charles Stepney (1931-1976). Their unique musicality gave Ms. Williams the perfect landscape to let her four-octave voice shine and together they created a true work of art. Sadly, Stepney died just a few months before the release of This Is Niecy. “Free” was released as a single in March 1976, reached #2 on the US R&B chart and #25 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Almost two years later, “Free” went to #1 in the UK.
from I AM YOUR MAN (single)
Written by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
In the fall of 2009, UK superstar Seal released “I Am Your Man,” the new single from his “best of” collection aptly titled Hits. After the multi-platinum success of Soul in 2008, Seal again collaborated with David Foster on this new track that was one more cover of a soul tune from the sixties.
from SEAL 6: COMMITMENT
written by Seal & Gus Isidore
“I asked David [Foster] to produce Commitment because, quite simply, he’s the most incredible person I’ve worked with in the studio for a very long time. He’s one of a kind. I don’t think there’s an arranger and producer anywhere on the planet who can do what he does.”
