Don’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of the mid-60s to early 70s team of Gene and Eddie. They hailed from Baltimore, and didn’t get much farther than that. Don’t let that discourage you; they joined together with songwriter/producer Joe Quarterman to ride the “soul” wave that was cresting at that time, and they should have hit it bigger than they did, judging by this highly enjoyable reissue of their singles.
Their sound is sort of like their location; about half way between the slick horns and beat of Motown and the greasy grit of Memphis’ Stax Records. All of the songs such as “I Tell You” and “Let Me Go Easy” are catchy, danceable and filled with fun horn riffs. Both Eddie Best and Gene Dorsett have warm and rich voices, either blending together or leading on their own, veering at times towards Marvin Gaye, and other moments like a rough and ready Sam and Dave.
There are a couple of extra tracks when they were in a band called The Nightcaps, and these won’t put you to sleep either. If you’re a fan of the Funk Brothers and Memphis Horns, you’ll have a good time with these guys.
Omnivore Records