The Temptations In A Mellow Mood
A Classic Innovation. Why was it groundbreaking?
writer: Lee Evans
The Temptations In A Mellow Mood was the
sixth studio album by The Temptations for the Motown label released in 1967.
This album was one of the most magnificent, intricately arranged,
harmonically blended, inspirational albums released by the mighty Temptations.
Arranged by H. B. Barnum and big band saxophonist John Costa, produced by
Jeffrey Bowen and Frank Wilson who wrote and produced hit records for Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, the Miracles, the Four Tops, the Temptations, Eddie Kendricks, and
more. Album liner notes done by ‘Soupy Sales’
sixth studio album by The Temptations for the Motown label released in 1967.
This album was one of the most magnificent, intricately arranged,
harmonically blended, inspirational albums released by the mighty Temptations.
Arranged by H. B. Barnum and big band saxophonist John Costa, produced by
Jeffrey Bowen and Frank Wilson who wrote and produced hit records for Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, the Miracles, the Four Tops, the Temptations, Eddie Kendricks, and
more. Album liner notes done by ‘Soupy Sales’
This record, a brainchild of Berry Gordy Jr, was made with the intention
of crossing the amazing Temptations over to a broader based white
dominated pop market which to a large extent it succeeded. Many fans from the
Tempts ‘Black’ fan base accused them of ‘selling out’. The Temptations felt the
need to expand from their current formula which gave us #1 chart topping
hits like ‘My Girl’ ‘You’re My Everything’ and ‘Get ready’.
of crossing the amazing Temptations over to a broader based white
dominated pop market which to a large extent it succeeded. Many fans from the
Tempts ‘Black’ fan base accused them of ‘selling out’. The Temptations felt the
need to expand from their current formula which gave us #1 chart topping
hits like ‘My Girl’ ‘You’re My Everything’ and ‘Get ready’.
In music history, especially at that time, never has another ‘Soul’
‘R&B’ group took on such a risky undertaking to release an album in a
totally different genre and do it so well!. Today, it is a bit more widely
received with the likes of Lady Gaga crossing from her well-received edgy dance
pop albums to her romp into classic jazz music with the legendary Tony Bennett.
‘R&B’ group took on such a risky undertaking to release an album in a
totally different genre and do it so well!. Today, it is a bit more widely
received with the likes of Lady Gaga crossing from her well-received edgy dance
pop albums to her romp into classic jazz music with the legendary Tony Bennett.
The ‘Mellow
Mood’ album certainly struck the right chord with me and helped to shape my
musical and harmonic palette for my productions and arrangements. It has been a
major influence to this day.
Mood’ album certainly struck the right chord with me and helped to shape my
musical and harmonic palette for my productions and arrangements. It has been a
major influence to this day.
Stirring lead
vocal performances include Paul William’s For Once In My Life and David
Ruffin’s ‘What Now My Love’. Give this playlist a whirl. If you’re a fan of the
classics ala ‘Frank Sinatra’, Cole Porter, you’ll be a fan!
vocal performances include Paul William’s For Once In My Life and David
Ruffin’s ‘What Now My Love’. Give this playlist a whirl. If you’re a fan of the
classics ala ‘Frank Sinatra’, Cole Porter, you’ll be a fan!
Check out the
full Temptations In A Mellow Mood album with bonus performances here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4iohYotdYJRS1DcuUpVeudnACcVWtCyt
full Temptations In A Mellow Mood album with bonus performances here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4iohYotdYJRS1DcuUpVeudnACcVWtCyt
Lee Evans is a music veteran, musician, songwriter, producer, and Co-owner/CEO of JAMBOX Entertainment Studios NYC
The “Classic 5” lineup of the Temptations:
David Ruffin (bottom left), Melvin Franklin (top left), Paul Williams (top right),
Otis Williams(bottom right),
and Eddie Kendricks (center) c. 1965.
David Ruffin (bottom left), Melvin Franklin (top left), Paul Williams (top right),
Otis Williams(bottom right),
and Eddie Kendricks (center) c. 1965.
