A Cappella Dreams

by The Persuasions

Overview

The Persuasions have been the premier a cappella vocal group for decades now, and as A Cappella Dreams makes clear, they have no intention of ceding the title to others. Here they imaginatively approach beloved material associated with a host of pop and R&B artists, including Elvis Presley (“Good Luck Charm,” “In the Ghetto,” “Don’t”), Brook Benton (“Rainy Night in Georgia”), and the Four Tops (“When She Was My Girl”). Throughout, this venerable ensemble display their incredible unity and infectious joy in vocalizing. No matter what they touch, be it up-tempo stomp or affecting ballads, the Persuasions put their own inimitable stamp on the material, making it new again.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/28/2003
Label:	Chesky Records
UPC:	0090368025128
catalogNumber:	251
Rank:	30520

Tracks

1. I Have A Dream
2. There's A Train
3. In The Ghetto
4. She's A Lady
5. Don't
6. Good Luck Charm
7. Ain't No Sunshine
8. Dock Of The Bay
9. The Clock
10. Steal Away
11. When She Was My Girl
12. Rainy Night In Georgia
13. Please Send Me Someone To Love
14. Peace In The Valley
15. When The Saints Go Marching In

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Persuasions   Primary Artist
Barbara Tucker   Background Vocals
Jerry Lawson   Group Member
Joe Russell   Group Member
Ray Sanders   Group Member
Jayotis Washington   Group Member
Dawn Tallman   Background Vocals
Michelle Hutcherson   Background Vocals
Jim Hayes   Group Member

Technical Credits

Percy Mayfield   Composer
Mac Davis   Composer
Paul Anka   Composer
Solomon Burke   Composer
Jimmy Hughes   Composer
Otis Redding   Composer
Bill Withers   Composer
David Chesky   Producer
Jerry Leiber   Composer
Tony Joe White   Composer
K.P. Burke   Composer
Norman Chesky   Executive Producer
Wally Gold   Composer
Lawrence Gottlieb   Composer
Sherman Holmes   Composer
Jerry Lawson   Arranger,Producer
Aaron Schroeder   Composer
Mike Stoller   Composer
Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey   Composer
Marc Blatte   Composer
Barry Wolifson   Engineer
Wesley Phillips   Liner Notes
David Mattis   Composer
Larry Gottlieb   Composer
Rick Eckerle   Engineer
Traditional   Composer
Andrij Borys   Art Direction
John Alexander   Composer

Editorial Reviews

Had the Persuasions not gone the a cappella route in the '60s and '70s, it's quite possible that they would have become as huge as the Temptations, the Dells, the Four Tops, the Dramatics, or the Impressions. But unfortunately, most listeners are so used to hearing instruments that they have difficulty getting into a cappella performances -- even when the vocalists are as talented and expressive as the Persuasions. Nonetheless, the group has maintained a small (albeit devoted) cult following over the years, and those who are open to hearing a cappella singing will find a lot to admire about this 2003 release. In the past, the Persuasions have applied their earthy, gospel-drenched soul style to everything from the Grateful Dead to Frank Sinatra; this time, they turn their attention to familiar songs that range from Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone to Love" to three songs associated with Elvis Presley ("Good Luck Charm," "Don't," and "In the Ghetto"). A few gospel standards are offered (including "When the Saints Go Marching In" and Thomas Dorsey's "Peace in the Valley"), but most of the material is secular -- and that includes soul classics like Brook Benton's "Rainy Night in Georgia," Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," and Otis Redding's "Dock of the Bay." In a perfect world, A Cappella Dreams would enjoy extensive airplay on urban contemporary stations alongside R. Kelly and Mary J. Blige, but the chances of that happening are slim and none -- if the Persuasions had a hard time getting on R&B stations in the '70s, they certainly aren't going to accomplish that in the 21st century. But A Cappella Dreams will have no problem appealing to their small group of hardcore fans, who will find this CD to be a rewarding, heartfelt addition to their catalog.

All Music Guide - Alex Henderson