1. Setting the Scene: Philadelphia Soul, Reimagined Abroad
Philadelphia Soul, often called “The Sound of Philadelphia”, wasn’t just another 1970s music trend. It was a lush, string-laden, brass-punctuated revolution in R&B. With its polished production, sophisticated songwriting, and unapologetically emotional performances, Philly Soul shaped a generation of listening habits and left a deep imprint on modern soul, disco, and even hip-hop. Live on stage some of its greatest ambassadors gave it their all. As Expansion Records themselves put it: “The DVD is a rare opportunity to capture these artists live! Shot in three European destinations, Jean Carne & Friends, hosted by and featuring the legendary Queen of Philly soul, also featured the brilliant Dexter Wansel, and two dynamic artists no longer with us, Bunny Sigler and Billy Paul”. What’s on offer here is the perfect storm: world-class artists, a setlist packed with soul history, and the tangible energy that comes from a live audience.
2. The Artists: Legends in Their Own Right
Jean Carne: Is more than just a voice, she’s an institution in soul music. Known for her incredible vocal range and her seamless movement between jazz, R&B, and soul, Carne’s career includes collaborations with Norman Connors and a string of solo albums that became essential in any soul collection. In this concert, she leads her friends through a carefully chosen ensemble of musicians and backing vocalists who complement her every note. The camaraderie and on-stage interplay show that this is a family of performers, not just a backing band.
Bunny Sigler: Nicknamed the “Pied Piper of Philadelphia,” Bunny Sigler was one of the architects of the Philly Sound. As both a performer and a songwriter, Sigler helped craft hits for the likes of The O’Jays and Patti LaBelle. On stage, he’s a master entertainer, blending silky crooning with gritty, heartfelt delivery. His charisma works like a live wire; even across the video format, you can feel him pulling the crowd into the palm of his hand.
Dexter Wansel: Brought a futuristic edge to Philly Soul. A producer, arranger, and keyboard wizard, his work with Philadelphia International Records pushed the genre forward with synthesiser textures and space-themed compositions. Watching him live is a masterclass in musicianship; he glides between lush chord progressions and funky, groove-driven runs, keeping one foot in the classic sound and the other in his own imaginative world.
Billy Paul: The voice behind the timeless hit “Me and Mrs. Jones,” but to reduce him to one song would be criminal. His ability to shift from smooth romantic ballads to socially conscious material made him a unique figure in the Philly roster. Live, his baritone carries a warmth and emotional weight that few singers can match. Seeing him in this European setting is a rare privilege.
3. Why This Is a Collector’s Item
- A Rare Live Performance, On Video. Live footage of these original Philly Soul legends, especially performing together outside the United States, is rare to the point of being almost mythical. This isn’t just a concert film; it’s a time capsule. For younger fans, it’s a chance to witness legends they’ve only heard on vinyl. For older fans, it’s a trip back to a golden era.
- B. An All-Star Line-Up in one collection. It’s one thing to see any of these artists individually. To have them all in one show? That’s like soul music’s Avengers assembling. Each set flows naturally into the next, and the collaborations give the concert a festival-like feel, with the artists feeding off each other’s energy.
- C. A Preservation of Musical Legacy. Some of these artists are no longer with us. This video is not just a performance, it’s a preservation of their craft, their stage presence, and their ability to connect. Every joke between songs, every spontaneous vocal riff, every cheer from the crowd, it’s all part of the living history.
- D. Expansion Records’ Seal of Quality. Expansion Records is the UK’s leading soul label for a reason. They don’t just release music; they curate it. Their commitment to high-quality production and historically significant projects is clear here. The video runs a generous 1 hour and 41 minutes, ensuring nothing feels rushed or chopped.
- E. Emotional Depth and Musical Brilliance. Philly Soul is as much about feeling as it is about sound. This performance brims with both. From Carne’s soaring vocals to Wansel’s masterful keys, Sigler’s charm to Paul’s gravitas, the emotional range is staggering. It’s an album you can watch, and that’s priceless.
4. The Future
The DVD is not in general circulation, but was fitting at the time to capture performances of classic songs not previously available on film. After 50 years The Sound Of Philadelphia is as cherished as ever. In 2025 Dexter Wansel played live at Expansion’s Luxury Soul Weekender, while in London the Royal Albert Hall had just staged a ‘Philly Sound’ concert with a 90 piece string orchestra but no original artists. Combining Dexter Wansel with a full orchestra and original Philadelphia International artists hopes to become more than a dream one day.
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