Soul Summit

by Richie Unterberger Although this is filled out with covers of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," "Yes I'm Ready," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," on the whole it's a solid and varied album of early Gamble/Huff-styled Philadelphia soul. Even though Gamble and Huff's own contributions were peripheral (Jimmy Bishop produced, Gamble co-wrote the small hit "I Really Love You," and Huff played piano), several musicians who would play in Gamble-Huff's house bands participated. The harmonies are lively, the arrangements (by Bobby Martin, who would also work with Gamble-Huff) satisfyingly busy, and the material a bit ordinary but serviceable. Philly soul fiends may consider it a lost nugget of sorts; the three non-LP bonus tracks on the CD reissue include a couple of raucous live cuts with a straighter R&B feel.