Once upon a time, R&B didn’t mean foul language and misogyny. It was associated with velvety vocal harmonies, slick and snappy horns and an irresistible groove. One of the best was the group The Dramatics, who had a couple big hits for the Afro Sheen crowd with “What’cha See is Whatcha Get.” This disc puts together their early to mid 70s tunes, along with a 1985 ringer. Altogether the team of Ron Banks, LJ Reynolds, Lenny Mayes, Willie Ford and WInzell Kelly deliver an anthology of serenely sensuous songs that linger long after the last note. The chart topper “In The Rain” is included here, but what you really come for are ballads like “Fall in Love, Lady Love” and “Thank You For Your Love” which sound so innocent in this day of filthy attitudes. Ron Banks’ falsetto and Willie Ford’s thick churchified baritone mix like BBQ on fried chicken on “Toast to the Fool”and “I Dedicate My Life to You.” The feel is so different than what you hear nowadays you’ll wonder if this was from a different planet. Yes, it was from one that on which life could survive.
Stax Records