line up 1 (1970-72)

- Luis Farinas -- tenor vocals

- Doug Green -- lead vocals

- Greg Jackson -- tenor vocals

- Tony Matthews -- bass vocals

- none known

Genre: soul

Rating: 4 stars ****

Title:  Bring My Buddies Back

Company: Stone Lady Recording Company

Catalog: SL 1001
Year: 1971

Country/State: US

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: gatefold sleeve

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 1044

Price: $100.00

Wish I could tell you more about this short-lived soul vocal group.   Apparently from New Jersey (an assumption based on the fact their album was recorded at David Sheffield's  East Orange NJ based Stone Lady Records), the racially integrated line-up featured the talents of vocalists Luis Farinas, Doug Green, Greg Jackson, and Tony Matthews.  

The group made their debut with a 1970 single:

- 'Bring My Buddies Back' b/w 'Blood's Much Thicker Than Water' (Stone Lady catalog SL 006)

With the quartet's debut attracting some attention, Stone Lady Records wasted little time rushing the group into the studio to record a supporting album.   Produced by Sheffield, Chesley Holmes, and Art Wilson (Sheffield and Wilson also engineering), 1971's "Bring My Buddies Back" was an interesting endeavor.  First a quick warning - anyone looking for the sophisticated and smooth polished sound associated with the likes of Motown, or Philadelphia International product, probably wanted to steer clear of this collection.   Musically the tracks were pretty raw and under-produced, frequently sounding like they'd been recorded in a large shower, though that very rough sound provided at least some of the collection's appeal to my ears.  With the seven track clocking in well under thirty minutes, the album was also extremely short, sounding like Stone Lady had limited material to deal with.   Say what you will, the label made the most of what it had available which could be neatly be divided into three categories:  1.) '70s social messaging like the title track and 'Our Fore Fathers'; 2.) '50s doo wop flavored tracks ('Yule Tide Love'), and 3.) more conventional soul material ('When You Look Into the Mirror' and 'Hello Darling').  

"Bring My Buddies Back" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Bring My Buddies Back   (David Sheffield) - 3:36

As mentioned before, if you were looking for Motown, or Philly International styled sophistication, this probably wasn't the place to be looking.  While you certainly couldn't argue with the heartfelt anti-war sentiments, musically it was pretty raw with an odd, echo-filled sound and harmony vocals that weren't quite on the mark.  That said, the song's low-tech sound and parade ground cadences were a big part of the song's charm.     rating: **** stars

2.) Our Fore Fathers   (David Sheffield) - 4:48

Overlooking the questionable grammar (I always thought Fore Fathers was one word), 'Our Fore Fathers' had a nice early-'60s vocal group feel ...   in fact the song actually had a clear doo wop influence.   Another one with a nice sentiment including a cute spoken word vamp ...  The song would have been even better without the heavy orchestration.   It was also released as a single.   rating: *** stars

3.) When You Look Into the Mirror   (Change of Pace) - 3:46

One of two group penned tunes, 'When You Look Into the Mirror' offered a more conventional slice of vocal group soul.  Boasting one of the album's best melodies, to be honest, getting away from big social statements made for a nice change that served to showcase the group's nice harmony vocals.  rating: **** stars

4.) People   (David Sheffield - Change of Pace) - 3:35

'People' found the group diving back into social commentary, though this time out with a likeable Curtis Mayfield-styled melody.   Breezy and very nice.   Probably one of the tracks I would have tapped as  a single.   rating: **** stars

(side 2)
1.) Blood's Much Thicker than Water    (David Sheffield) - 2:33

Side two found the group trotting out their best James Brown impersonations.   Yeah, the lyrics were a but on the gimmick side, but the horns were punchy and the overall performance was quite energetic.   Nice.   rating: **** stars

2.) Yule Tide Love   (Richard Walker - David Sheffield) - 3:59

'50s-styled doo wop that was modestly cute, if ultimately dated and cheesy (particularly the spoken word segment).  rating: ** stars

3.) Hello Darling   (David Sheffield) - 2:55

One of my favorites numbers on this short collection, 'Hello Darling' had a breezy, soul-influenced melody with some nice guitar and cha-cha moves, and a cool '50s vocal; lead singer Luis Farinas sounding like he was going to go off the track at any moment.   rating: **** stars

As mentioned, the album spun off the group's second and final single:

- 1972's 'Our Fore Fathers' b/w 'Hello Darling' (Stone Lady catalog number SL 008)

The album wasn't particularly original.  The album wasn't particularly great.  BUT it had enthusiasm and charm.  Worth looking for.

Penned by one time Washington, DC disc jockey Fred "Soulfinger" Correy Jr., here are the somewhat self-congratulatory liner notes from this rarity:  "In the music industry there's nothing more welcome than something new, something different, something with it's own style.  A sound with a "Change of Pace".  That's exactly what four personable young men collectively known as the "Change of Pace: deliver when it comes to music.   Backed up by Greg Jackson (1st tenor) Luis Farinas (2nd tenor), and Tony Matthews (bass), lead singer Doug Green comes on strong with a unique style that's all his own, and distinguishes "Change of Pace" from all other male groups.   The talented the "Change of Pace" is different with a new needed fresh sound.  

Young in age, however professionally mature in attitude especially when it comes to music!! You might remember well their first "HIT" which is included in this album "Bring My Buddies Back".  The record commercially known as message music told of how the "Change of Pace" felt about the war and it's effects it had on a young men returning home.  Also in this album, you'll enjoy "Our Fore Fathers": another emotion-laden song with heavy lyrics, and a strong message that should have been written & heard long before now.  With this album the "Change of Pace: prove their extreme versatility even with tune's like "Yule Tide Love", "People Let's Get It Together", and "When You Look Into the Mirror" plus two others.

This quartet of serious minded young men with many years of experience will never be tied down to one musical "BAG" which is evident on this their first album.  Without a doubt, one of the most satisfying experience in my years in the music business has been my association with a group of talented singers know as "Change of Pace".  Their album "Bring My Buddies Back:, as you will soon hear will tie you down to playing both sides many, many times.  It's so HEAVY "Soulfinger" will have to give it my "Seal of Approval".  

Special thanks are in order for three men who have labored diligently to make all this possible.  Art Wilson the man that spent many hours with us to make sure the music, and the songs sounded at it's best.  Chester Holmes the man that spent more hours on the phone with more people across the country than we've ever thought possible.  And David Sheffield the President of Stone Lady Records.  This man's attributes are many.  First as a gifted vocalist in his own right with a distinctive singing style, next as an accomplished musician, also as an arranger, and last but not least a proven song writer. (As this album exemplifies.)"