Unfortunately many critics have dismissed the group as being an average example of 70s soul and funk, a “product” of Cornelius and the TV show. Certainly the Soul Train Gang existed because of the show, but writing off their talents does the group a disservice. Listen to entire “Soul Train '75” track and you'll find yourself unable to sit still. The guitar, bass, and drum work together to create an irresistible beat, and the horns add a Philly-soul aspect to the song. Again, White's influence is present in the string section, but that simply reinforces its vintage 70s sound.
Another fantastic element of the song is how it consists of three sections: the White-like singers and string section, followed by the guitar, bass, and drum rhythm section, and ending with a fierce drum and bass battle punctuated by the horns and the women singers encouraging the band (and, presumably, the dancers) to “do it children/do it good!”
While the Soul Train Gang may have faded into oblivion, their funk workout has been preserved and, ideally, may gain more attention through the Internet. Listen to the entire track via YouTube; obtaining a copy of the single, however, poses a challenge. Your best bet is to track down their Best of compilation, available as an import. Finding the track may be difficult, but its irresistibly funky sound is well worth the hunt.
Article comments
1 - Gerald Brown
Thanks for the love , Kit . After , the Soul Train Gang split ; Terry and I helped Dick Griffey develope Solar Records . My stint as Shalamar's lead vocalist was a part of the label's developing acts . Members of The Deele and Midnight Star ie. L.A. Reid and Reggie Calloway were graduates from Terry Brown's high school music classes .
2 - Kit O'Toole
Hi Gerald, thanks so much for writing! I really liked that single--that drum and bass break is killer! When were you Shalamar's lead vocalist? Fascinating tidbits about Terry Brown, too. Great to hear from you!