Billy Paul At King's Row December 26-31

Fans of modern music got a special treat over the holidays when vocalist extraordinaire Billy Paul made one of his infrequent Detroit appearances at the comfortably elegant King's Row club on the city's west side, staying to celebrate the coming of 1976. Known most recently for "Thank You (For Saving My Life)" and the lush "Me and Mrs. Jones - hit singles on the Philadelphia International label Billy Paul has worked with the hot Gamble/Huff production team for several years now, creating a reputation as a unique, velvet-toned interpreter of lyric. In fact, Billy is really at his best in a recording situation, backed by the full complement of crack Philly musicians known as MFSB. But his live show proved to be quite interesting and satisfying nonetheless.

Billy did bring from Philadelphia a rock-solid six-piece backup unit (The 360 Degree Band), and three accomplished female vocalist called The Roots. Together they showcased several oi Billy's newer tunes (most of them from the recent When Love Is New lp) including "Brown Baby"; the title cut from the album; a rousing: version of "People Power" (the high point of the evening); "Just Love Me Now"; and to close the show. of course, a beautiful reading of the already classic "Me and Mrs. Jones."

A bonus for this reviewer was the opportunity, my first, to attend a show at the attractive King's Row lounge. Located at West Chicago Boulevard at Meyers, the club seems to be continuing in what has become a great Motor City tradition of highly active, top-flight nightclubs. The vibes inside are first rate, the Standard "lighted security parking" is right nearby, and we're told the schedule for February through April includes the likes of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Grover Washington Jr., Esther Phillips, Stanley Turrentine, and B.B. King. Need I say more???

- Frank Bach