DJ Gentle Jones Spins at the Delaware Art Museum

Rare Soul Revue: Bringing the Past into the Future
Words and Photo by W. H. Ferrell, Jr.



As autumns bruise cools across the Brandywine Valley the Wilmington re:Fresh series continues its high tradition this evening at the Delaware Art Museum with another chance to enjoy the greatest records you’ve never heard. Three local DJ’s will be dusting off the finest Soul records from yesteryear with Delaware’s own Rare Soul Revue returning to show that the best American music ever recorded is neither gone nor forgotten. Be prepared for a memorable evening of drinks and good company in a family atmosphere surrounded by all the beauty the museum has to offer. This is an all age’s event which is free to the public and will begin at 8:30 pm.

Once again the Rare Soul Revue is prepared to dazzle the crowd with a collection of obscure tunes from the 1960s and 70s which are guaranteed to impress any music lover and likely will surprise even the most finicky vinyl collectors in attendance. The News Journal has been given an exclusive peek at a few records which will make their way to the turntables this evening.

Darrell Banks first LP “Darrell Banks is Here” was released in the days of mono recordings and included a million selling single “Open the Door to Your Heart”, which to this day is prized in Britain by skinheads and mods, the primary fans of the UK Northern Soul movement. His sophomore release “Here to Stay” was recorded in glorious stereophonic sound and will be a featured platter on Friday. American music historian and legendary record store owner Val Shively, of Upper Darby, says, “You are not going to find this album. It’s not a million dollar record, but the few people who do obtain a copy usually hold on to it.” Sadly, Darrell was not here to stay, as the album boasts. Within weeks of his second LP’s release his life was tragically ended. One evening in his 35th year his girlfriend was returning home from a date with another man, an off-duty police officer named Aaron Bullock. Darrell confronted his lover and the altercation escalated. Darrell produced a pistol and pointed it at the rival suitor. Bullock responded in kind and with a .22 caliber handgun and shot Banks slap dead. Buried for decades in an unmarked grave, Bank’s records survive to tell the story of an enormous talent who lived passionately.

Locally groomed legends the O’Jays will always be remembered as one of Philly Soul’s most beloved groups. Back in 1968, before teaming with Gamble and Huff, when the O’Jays had 5 members and then were cutting records with the Bell label, they dropped a string of remarkable recordings, one of which you will hear at the re:Fresh party, “Just Another Guy” ( video link for online version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTZ-DrdXxok ) This song was produced by the legendary George Kerr and was never released as a 45. An excellent example of the personality and harmony the group would bring to a string of amazing hits in the coming decades, this hard to find record will knock your socks off tonight.

In honor of the on-going Gordon Parks exhibit currently displayed at the Delaware Art Museum, a tribute to the music of Soul Cinema will also be on the playlist tonight. Parks is arguably the creator of the Blaxploitation film genre and the soundtracks include now iconic rhythms that were typically more complex than the funk records spun on radio broadcasts of that time. Still embraced by the Hip-Hop generation, the Soul Cinema tracks are consistently mined for samples. Many crate diggers will remember classic reinterpretations such as “My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me” by the Geto Boys, which samples the Tough Guys soundtrack, and Dr. Dre’s “Xxplosive” which uses elements from “Bumpy’s Lament”. Tonight you will be treated to a medley of these original funk records that have inspired generations of songwriters and producers since their release in the 1970s.

So, ladies and gentlemen, put on your dancing shoes and dress to impress, tonight’s re:Fresh event for the Wilmington Cultural Art Loop featuring the Rare Soul Revue promises a grand time in high fashion, and is definitely the place to be in Delaware this evening. Wine, mixed drinks, and hors d'oeuvres will be available to those with a penchant for the finer things.


Rare Soul Revue

Start Time:
Friday, November 7, 2008 at 8:30pm

End Time:
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 12:00am

Location:
Delaware Art Museum
2301 Kentmere Pkwy
Wilmington, DE