June 15, 2009 (A.K.A. Why Beach Music?)

As I write this it's actually June 3. It's kind of nice being able to actually get ahead on these shows. It gives me more time to find "new" music.


Have you noticed an influx of "Beach Music" the past couple of weeks? There's a good reason for this. It's pretty darn good! I first, really, paid attention to this almost three years ago. The Techie Gnome and I were searching for a cut of "The Cheater" by Bob Kuban & The In Men. We found it on a beach music compilation that featured The Embers. Guess what? "I Love Beach Music" came on and the two of us looked at each other and turned it up! Kinda hooked me.


At first it was just The Embers and then CWB, Craig Woolard's band but as I kept digging, I found out more and more about the groups who played this scene. The Catalinas, The Winstons, Wille Tee, The Fantastic Shakers, the late Bill Pinkney and O.C. Smith, to name a few. Let me tell you, these people are pros.



The music they play fits in with the "soul" FNST plays. This is understandable when you realize how many of the great R&B acts these groups backed. Soul music will always come out on top. It's a sound that stays with you.



A few weeks ago I "found" another group. Legends Of The Beach. Featuring Jackie Gore, one of the founders of The Embers, and some very talented musicians they continue the "soul" of the beach. My thanks to Gerald Davis, of LOB, for the great e-mail and to Ripete Records for shipping the CD so quickly. I hope y'all are enjoying the sound as much as I am.


Tonight we feature Eddie Levert of The O'Jays, Lionel Richie (Lionel Richguy, lol) and the former lead singer of The Flamingos, Tommy Hunt. There's also music by Carolina Connection,

The Showmen and a super cut by Coastline.






PD