During Record Store Day weekend I was subjected to music from all angles. That can happen to me on nearly any day but of all the music I heard, the songs from The Flaming Ember stuck out the most.
Rhino’s expansive compilation series, Didn’t It Blow Your Mind, introduced me to The Flaming Ember. The track representing the group was Westbound #9 and I enjoyed it from the first time I heard it. A careful look at the series’ track listings may reveal Mind, Body & Soul was also selected from their discography.
I would not think any more about the band until I discovered Diamond D used one of their tracks for one of his own. From that moment, I realized The Flaming Ember would need more of my attention.
My curiosity about the band would lead me to discover The Flaming Ember was not a solo act but a group and that the group would not look like what I expected either.
The exchange between the host and Flaming Ember lead vocalist gave me some ideas. The Holland-Dozier-Holland split from Motown must have been rough for both parties. The songwriting trio started Invictus/Hot Wax Records and I believe The Flaming Ember was to be Invictus’ answer to Rare Earth, the lone white rock band on Motown at the time.
In retrospect, the inclusion of The Flaming Ember’s music to the Rhino compilation is not only a tribute to Invictus/Hot Wax but to the lead vocalist as well. From the near half dozen songs I heard, I was amazed at the singer’s soulful delivery. It was no wonder I had a preconceived notion about what he looked like before seeing what he looked like. It should also be no wonder why I’m burning to hear more from The Flaming Ember.
If you haven't already, please make yourself familiar with the link below for more of your favorite show and mine.
Below is the podcast of the Birthday Celebration to bring you up to speed if you missed the live broadcast. Click here to download it and more.
DJ Solespin 2014 Birthday Celebration Playlist:
1. The Rascals - Adrian's Birthday
2. Super Eagles - Love's A Real Thing
3. Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity - Let The Sunshine In
4. The Flaming Ember - Westbound #9
5. Kool & The Gang - Rated X
6. War - Me & Baby Brother
7. Miles Davis - Spanish Key
8. The Equals - Laurel & Hardy
9. The Temptations - (I Know) I'm Losing You
10. Johnnie Taylor - (I Wanna) Testify
11. Hokis Pokis - Nowhere
12. Rare Earth - I Just Want To Celebrate
13. Bob James - Nautilus
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