Observations In Time: The Johnny Brantley/Vidalia Productions
Omnivore, 2024
8/10
Listen to Observations In Time: The Johnny Brantley/Vidalia Productions
A funk outfit who made quite a name for themselves in the ‘70s, Ohio Players released Observations In Time, their debut album, in 1969, and here it lives again with 13 extra tracks.
“Here Today Gone Tomorrow” starts the listen with a cozy mood, before soulful singing and crisp drumming enters alongside the bright brass, and it isn’t long until “Over The Rainbow” leads with booming horns, as the intimate singing flows with much heart.
Further into the original album, the soft versus loud bouts of “Summertime” provide for a contrasting climate that’s exciting, while “The Man I Am” carries plenty of frisky keys, rhythmic guitars and powerful singing. The final track from the LP is where “Street Party” indeed carries a festive spirit that allows Bobby Fears’ sturdy voice to radiate amid Ralph Meadowbrooks’ well timed trumpet.
Of the bonus material, the scrappy “Tell Me Why” uses Marshall Jones’ wild bass superbly, and the busy yet meticulous “I Gotta Get Away” spotlights Dutch Robinson’s swift piano that suits the heartfelt vocals.
The Ohio Players brought us hits like “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster”, and their songs were covered by names like David Bowie. The selections here were penned during a pivotal point of their career, and with new liner notes from Tim Dillinger-Curenton, it documents the legends hinting at R&B and a progressive vision that was far ahead of its time.
Travels well with: Blood, Sweat & Tears- What The Hell Happened To Blood, Sweat & Tears?- Original Soundtrack; The Stylistics- Love Is Back In Style