Reviews
Now you can’t get much better than this. Five artists brought together by singer/producer Marcia Parks with the single goal of creating music. There’s Supreme Scherrie Payne, session singer to the stars Jim Gilstrap, Emotion Theresa Davis, Pam and Joyce Vincent, two thirds of Tony Orlando & Dawn, and together they have the coolest, easiest sound I’ve heard in a long while.
From the moment you enter their musical world with 'Yester Years' you’re in for a smooth, classy ride that fits comfortably into any late night scenario. The single 'Godsend' follows with its lovely rich vocals that swoop and sway like musical waves on the ocean. The casualness of 'We’ve Got Love' almost invites you to join in. Hell, these guys are having fun – the track starts with a jam atmosphere (reminds me a little of Marvin Gaye which is a compliment of course) and jogs along with a soft funky groove.
Ex-Temptation Ali Ollie Woodson takes the major role in 'Heaven Bound' which chugs along at a shoulder swaying pace. Tight respond calls, intertwining vocals with a pinch of scat, shows a different side to this vocal group. (Mr Woodson also sings on 'Four Walls'). However, if I had to pick a highlight, the honours would go to 'Black Butterfly' without a doubt – high in melody, emotionally presented from the heart by Theresa. But then this is true of the whole cd.
The tracks have been thoughtfully chosen, and where applicable, are recorded with softly textured melodies, interwoven with intimate musical moments and the gentle, warm vocal qualities that only established artists are capable of producing. There are intense aspects to this release, but also light, fun times, and it’s this contrast that will sell this, their debut cd. I predict great things for these guys and my love to all.
Words SHARON DAVIS - Blues & Soul
Tour De 4Force 1 is a mighty combination of established talents who lay down a top-quality soul set that is both bright, breezy and fresh. Produced by ex-Cameo member Thomas "TC" Campbell and featuring the vocals skills of Jim Gilstrap, Scherrie Payne, Ex-Emotion Theresa Davis and Pam and Joyce Vincent of Tony Orlando and Dawn fame, Tour De 4Force have set out a stall of 13 tunes for us to savour. What makes this even more of a delicacy is having guests as wonderful as Ali-Ollie Woodson, and Windy Barnes Farrell who simply add the drizzle atop the icing on this cake! Add a list of musicians such as Michael White on drums, Munyungo Jackson on percussion, Ray Fuller on guitar and Aaron Fletcher on sax duties then this bodes to be a very solid album vocally, lyrically and musically. As it is, for sure! My first choice is the BRILLIANT composition, "We Got Love" from the combined pen of Lorrin Smokey Bates, Dean Gant and TC Campbell. This is as good, musically, as anything we would have bought in the early 80s, and vocally we are almost into a Billy Valentine mode! Superb, full of funky guitar licks and vocals reminiscent of the Emotions, this is a strong composition.
A very strong, modern and chunky remake of Rufus' 1979 classic, "Heaven Bound" will garner a lot of radio play I'm sure...featuring the force of nature that is ex-Temptation Ali-Ollie Woodson, this is a great reworking of a classic song and does nothing to ruin the original or belittle itself as a cover either. One of the greatest voices of our time, Ali lets rip and is yet smooth as silk. I understand that this great man has been very poorly..I hope by this that he is on the road to recovery. Ali gives us yet another vocal on the Jim Gilstrreap tune "Four Walls" which would be a strong composition for the Temptations today...if they weren't content becoming an oldies band and sweeping away all the credibility they had reconstituted since their seminal work, "Phoenix Rising". A shame. This is a great track with a great, soulful sax solo from Aaron Fletcher. Great stuff. A few cover versions of note - one which is superb! "Black Butterfly" was a strong Deniece Williams tune from her 1984 album, and the song is given a great 2010 reading here and I strongly recommend it!
One of my all-time favourite Temptations songs is "Just To Keep You In My Life" from their essential "Truly For You" album...the version here is very good but however hard it tries the original cannot be beaten. What impresses me is this track as a choice to cover. It is not your immediate choice for inclusion and they obviously love the song as much as I. The SUPERB "Little Things" with it's roaring sax and Emotions-like feeling makes this song a knock-out! There is a real Jones Girls feeling about this too, and if this isn't enough then I heartily recommend the gorgeous ballad "Early Morning" which simply cannot be missed. A sassy, jazzy vocal and a slinky mid 80s approach with real instruments makes this a must-have. This CD is a real gem and comes highly recommended from me.
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
“I LOVE you guys, and I LOVE this project!”
Cindy Birdsong
"Jim...I'm a fan of Tour De 4Force...DIVAS forever...all the best!!!"
Jean Carn
“MY, MY, MY, THAT'S A WHOOOOOOLE LOTTA TALENT IN ONE GROUP!!!!!
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND WE KNOW GREAT MUSIC IS FORTHCOMING!!!”
PEACE OUT FROM YOUR FANS…
THE COMMODORES
(WAK, CLYDE AND J.D.)
"LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!!
YOU BETTER SANG CHILDREN..."
Siedah Garrett
Your harmonies are heaven sent! Thanks for the music”
Jim Bagley
What a wonderful union of voices...the music of Tour De 4Force is a little bit
of heaven... and yes it's "a bridge" which we all need to hear!”
Blessings to all from
Robert & your good friends at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION.
“What a wonderful grouping of some REAL singers.
You sound great!”
Rudy Calvo
“When you have it ... you NEVER lose it.
Music is OFF THE CHART "as always!"
Bonita
“What a talented array of performers all in one group~!!”
DVAMusic