TEDDY PENDERGRASS - Teddy (Remastered+Expanded Edition)

Having begun his career as the main vocalist for Philly Soul pioneers, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass maintained an assured presence that always sounded like it was in partnership with the music. It’s this kind of conviction that would continue on through Pendergrass’ solo work that would, in turn, stand out as one of the most truly distinctive voices of Philly Soul. Pendergrass would continue this successful relationship on Philadelphia International from 1977-1983 before signing with Elektra/Asylum Records with 1980’s TP LP giving him his biggest commercial success of that decade. First single ‘CAN’T WE TRY’ (R&B #3/Pop #52) is quintessential quiet storm with a beautiful, hushed vocal performance from Pendergrass and the classic ‘LOVE T.K.O.’ (R&B #2/Pop #44) – with Cecil Womack on co-writing duties – continues the urgency of his most sensual recordings. ‘TAKE ME IN YOUR ARMS TONIGHT’ (also included here in its rare 12” Disco Remix) features Stephanie Mills in an ecstatic vocal interplay with Pendergrass whilst their additional duet of Peabo Bryson’s ‘FEEL THE FIRE’ is stunning. ‘I JUST CALLED TO SAY’ is replete with joy and total conviction framed by bustling funk and album closer ‘LET ME LOVE YOU’ (co-written by Philly Soul staples McFadden and Whitehead) is a surprisingly stark, harsher affair. Teddy’s cover of Ashford & Simpson’s ‘IS IT STILL GOOD TO YA’ was produced by the duo and brought out a more sexually charged side of the composition. This new BBR edition of TP also includes five bonus tracks including the rare long version of Teddy’s classic ballad ‘THIS GIFT OF LIFE’, originally released as the flip side of ‘CAN’T WE TRY’. BBR is thrilled to present this expanded and remastered edition of TP in a deluxe super jewel case with brand new interviews with Valerie Simpson and Cynthia Biggs El and five bonus tracks Record Label: Cherry Red Style: Soul