AARP Hearing Center
The Brothers Johnson – Strawberry Letter 23
When brothers Louis (bass) and George Johnson (guitar) worked on Chaka Khan’s sister Taka Boom’s demos, they surely never realized what would come next when those tracks got to Quincy Jones. He didn’t sign Boom, but brought the brothers to play on his soundtrack for the ABC TV mini-series “Roots,” welcomed them to his touring band, then produced their debut album 1976’s “Look Out For #1.” That lost classic is fun, but 1977’s “Right on Time” is better, especially with the inclusion of the twinkling “Strawberry Letter #23.” Rather than sweeten Shuggie Otis’ near hit, producer Jones keeps “23” rough, complex, and galloping down to its strutting bass — adding magic with heavenly background vocals and a psychedelic swirling guitar solo from jazz great Lee Ritenour. [variety.com]
RIP Quincy Jones. ˙◠˙ 💔
[b. March 14 1933 d. November 3 2024]
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