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CD REVIEW: “Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. LIVE”

Posted on January 23, 2014 | Leave a comment

The Many Faces of “Live:”

McCoo & Davis at the Top of their Show
by Robert-Allan Arno

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First, let’s not mistake this review’s pun-in-the-title (“The Many Faces of ‘Live'”) for the recent treatise our two romantic stars issued a few years back, “The Many Faces of Love;” that outing was a recording studio wonder, featuring the great Pop/Soul love songs as a testament to 40-plus years of marriage. This latest double-volume ambitious effort from Marilyn & Billy’s own label is so breathtakingly “live,” it’s like seeing the two on Broadway, yet in an intimate cabaret setting, that’s how these pros make it happen, juxtaposing sensibilities all over their “nicer place.” Yep, the mega hits they made as former lead singers of Grammy legends, The 5th Dimension like “Up-Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Wedding Bell Blues,” are all here and have an authentic patina that simply shimmers…we still wait for McCoo’s gossamer highs at the conclusions of both “that balloon ride” and the “Bill, I love you so” jaunty saga, and man (girl), the lady delivers! Later, their all-time biggest, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” rivals the original in execution which is a feat in and of itself, as that medley from “Hair” was the year’s top number one in ’69! These lovebirds never rest on their craftily blended laurels, their notes are dexterously bright yet tastily seasoned, their selections are often unexpected as the festivities unfold.

Billy Davis, Jr., one of music’s greatest Soul singers, is the king of effortlessness. And he knows how to tell a story. Ever the engaging showman, he quotes a Bible verse from Ephesians before further tugging at the heartstrings with his bluesy interpretation of the classic, “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.” Marilyn McCoo, whose eternal beauty seemingly reflects the incandescent soul of her silky voice, does something uncanny here. She’s found a tune from a recent Clint Eastwood movie that’s “pure Marilyn,” it seamlessly fits as an extension of her body of solos that are her fans’ cherished gems. There’s a soupcon of “Never My Love,” “If I Could Reach You,” “Open Your Window,” and more, in her spectacularly delicate yet empowered treatment of the jazzy ballad, “Why Should I Care.” Yes, La McCoo should sing every theme song of every movie out there, I just bet you’ll be thinking!

In their charming patter, Marilyn and Billy state, “The old songs let us do the new songs. (We all tend to say) they don’t make ’em like they used to…but then along comes a song…” And so we get a haunting medley of a fan fave from MarBill’s first duet album (35 years ago!), the pensively languid “Easy Way Out,” melded with a current chart topper by Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now.” Later the duo digs into Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.” A touch of Country on the former, neo-Soul on the latter, they’re emoted with such deep finesse, you can see and hear how this pair could be hit makers themselves in any decade. Further addictive romps like the Earth, Wind and Fire version of “Gotta Get You Into My Life” prove why McCoo, Davis and their 5th cohorts influenced not only EWF, but an entire musical generation. The generous duo is never afraid to give homage back. They salute the late Nick Ashford with a Funk-ily ingenious revision of a 5th Dimension Top 20, Ashford & Simpson’s “California Soul,” that sounds more like it’s from a Marvin & Tammi album than The 5th’s. Much fun ensues, too when Billy gets all good-natured raucous on “Steppin’ In,” the twosome also brings the Disco-tinged goods to their Grammy winning duet signature, “You Don’t Have to Be A Star (To Be in My Show).” Then Marilyn stops everything with the quintessential torch that is the jewel in her crown, “One Less Bell to Answer.” And this ain’t your Mama’s “Bell,” this is all “new year,” the culmination of show biz perfect meets life experience gut-wrench. Billy in turn, goes from poignant to “true grit” in the finale, “Lean on Me”/”Love Train” while Marilyn, the gifted back-up vocalists and the audience hop aboard with joy.

Co-Producers Davis and Laythan Armor make sure “Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. Live” packs such a soul-thrilling “picnic” of delights, you’ll want to listen again, and again…then go see them perform in 2014…then go home and listen again! With a special nod to Music Director Darrell Alston and stand-out guitarist Major Black amid a stellar band, the project is a testimony to artistic integrity, creative verve and enduring love. It just doesn’t get any better from Marilyn & Billy, two icons who clearly adore one another, their work and the continued opportunity to bring such diverse magic to their equally diverse, dedicated fans.

“Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. LIVE” is available now at: http://www.mccoodavis.com

Bonus! Our Facebook friends share thoughts about the new MarBill CD…

Renee T Armstead Thanx!! LOVE the review AND the CD!!!
Robert-Allan Arno and we heart Renee!
Antonio Pereira Great review Robert. That’s just the right man for the right job (That’s You) – ‘Natch.
Robert-Allan Arno Thanks so much, Sir Antonio!
Alain Baptiste First Class review of a First Class Couple, excellent Mr. Arno!
Robert-Allan Arno Merci, Monsieur Alain Baptiste!
Joyce Wright Pierce Your review makes me want to go out and buy it! Excellent review Robert…Three thumbs up
Robert-Allan Arno Thanks Joyce, so much! And to all, this friendly reminder that “Marilyn & Billy LIVE,” their new double volume CD is available NOW at their website: www.mccoodavis.com

The Official Website of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

www.mccoodavis.com
Estes John I am so happy they decided to release their live concert performance on CD so we can enjoy those wonderful moments forever. They never sounded better and I absolutely love-love their covers of Love Train and Lets Stay Together. I get chills still when I hear the intro and they are introduced as 7 time Grammy winners.

LaMonte McLemore of The 5th Dimension to Release Autobiographical Memoir as told to Robert-Allan Arno

Posted on January 22, 2014 | 5 comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Founder of Grammy Legends The 5th Dimension to Release Autobiographical Memoir for Feb. 2015–

“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music”

Las Vegas, Sept. 17, 2014–LaMonte McLemore, the dapper original member of Grammy legends, The 5th Dimension enthuses, “People have been asking me to write my book for years!” McLemore’s been described as the music industry’s “bronze Clark Gable,” a 6 time Grammy award-winning visionary who literally founded Rock n’ Soul royalty, The 5th Dimension, a vocal group whose numerous, anthemic mega-hits like UP-UP & AWAY, AQUARIUS/LET THE SUNSHINE IN, STONED SOUL PICNIC and love songs like WEDDING BELL BLUES and ONE LESS BELL TO ANSWER are strongly woven into America’s pop cultural tapestry. Along with Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue and Ron Townson, “Mac” (as he’s warmly known) and his signature mellow bass helped to provide racial and generational unity, “bringing people together” through the quintet’s uplifting, harmonious sound and hiply elegant image during our nation’s tumultuous times of the late ’60’s – early ’70’s. As such, The 5th Dimension were one of the most popular groups of the Rock n’ Roll Era, their countless hits stand the test of time.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri as one of four children, his beginnings were so impoverished, Mac literally slept in a dresser drawer as a baby. LaMonte recounts, “As a kid, playing cowboys and Indians, I’d have a cap pistol in one holster, a camera in the other.” While he believed pitching for the Cardinals was the fastest way to escape the poverty, he was also fascinated by the art of photography. After serving amid the prejudicial climate of the US Navy, LaMonte’s “field of dreams” moment–being signed to a minor league contract with the LA Dodgers–was truncated by an unfortunate happening. Embarking on his next dream journey, Mac reflects through the lens, “I was lucky enough early on to photograph models for Harper’s Bazaar, to shoot for Johnson Publications (Ebony and Jet Magazines, where Mac remained a premier photographer for the latter for over 5 decades), and Playboy.” It was while covering The Miss Bronze California Pageant for two consecutive years that LaMonte invited winner Florence LaRue to join the previous winner, Marilyn McCoo along with his talented St. Louis buddies, Davis, Jr. and Townson to form The 5th Dimension. “Each member had a sound and a look, but I honestly didn’t know what I was doing,” LaMonte bemusedly recounts in describing the accolade “Masters of Champagne Soul” with which critics crowned The 5th’s innovative melding of Gospel, Pop, R & B, Jazz, Light Opera, Broadway and Torch styles. The first African-American to be asked to be a full-time photographer at Harper’s Bazaar, LaMonte chuckles, “I would have taken the position, but I was already committed to The 5th Dimension and my fellow group members, I mean they quit their day jobs!”

When asked why he consistently speaks through a gentle smile and a subtle laugh in his storytelling, without a trace of gravitas about the racial climate of the times he had to overcome, the trailblazer states, “My grandmother, Gertrude Whiteside was a Cherokee Indian. She would say, ‘The sun rises and sets for everyone, we’re the only ones who screw it up in between!’ If I wake up each day, I’m grateful.” But there’s a deeper reason McLemore forever keeps his “eyes on the prize,” without a trace of bitterness. It underpins his life’s story and comes from a shocking tragedy. “It’s something my beloved grandmother taught me to forgive,” LaMonte quietly states, still with a smile in his voice, the saddest one of all. It’s the secret to LaMonte’s “glass half full” outlook and multi-successes. It’s behind every outrageously happy-go-lucky anecdote Mac is noted for. It summons his muse for shooting the wonders of the world, the beauty and mysteries of women portrayed in his globally renowned photos, which are proudly part of varied American art gallery exhibits today. And it’s what makes thousands upon thousands of worldwide fans pay homage to LaMonte to this day…as a role model…a trendsetter…an arbiter of taste…a big brother to us all. The outpouring of love Mr. McLemore receives on the net alone via YouTube postings with The 5th Dimension, at his website and even on Facebook is nothing short of transcendent.

LaMonte beams, “Like the Beatles, the fans knew the first and last names of The 5th Dimension’s members…our black fans, our white fans, didn’t matter.” On stages performing at The White House, headlining at Carnegie Hall to Royal Albert Hall, as a personal favorite opening act of Frank Sinatra, on TV’s top shows from Ed Sullivan to Flip Wilson, from Soul Train to Johnny Carson, Mac emerged a star of The 5th Dimension who dreamed big but stayed grounded and grateful. “My mother said there were only two choices: right or wrong. I always wanted to make her and my grandmother proud, to do something I was respected for and would be remembered for, that made a difference.” That said, with all the achievements and accolades, Mac can never forget what he dubbed as “Hobo Flats.” He shares, “In the early days, I would invite all the ‘refugees’ to come and stay there–The Temptations, Earth, Wind and Fire, Richard Roundtree of ‘Shaft’ fame…we didn’t have money, we’d pool all of ours together and the girls would come around on the weekend and we’d have more fun than anyone…everyone knew of us!”

McLemore’s forthcoming autobiographical memoir as told to Robert-Allan Arno, titled “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music” is a book that will edify that feeling of resourcefulness and optimism as well as innovation, It will illuminate panoramic success in both the music industry and the field of photography. Through the hard times to the Gold and Platinum days, the story of LaMonte McLemore brings one in touch with music history, African-American history and the biography of a singer, a photographer, a sportsman, a wise and charmingly humorous raconteur, who tells his story with unbridled joy, touching pathos and familial and fan reverence in every sentence.

The 12 chapter memoir’s narrative will contain anecdotes about countless celebrities, personal friends of Mac or those whom Mr. McLemore has photographed or performed with as part of The 5th Dimension including Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis, Jr., more. Lamonte’s trademark photos, many rare and never published provide a magnificent centerfold. The recorded music of The 5th Dimension, its discography, will be addressed in-depth from LaMonte’s unique perspective.

LaMonte states, “I can’t think of a better as-told-to-author as actor/announcer Robert-Allan Arno, he’s been covering The 5th Dimension in the media for years, with an authentic flavor like no one else, he truly is ‘The 6th Dimension.’ The concepts we’ve been working on to present in the book are as uplifting and exhilarating as any project I’ve been involved with. I wanted to release this news as a celebration of my birthday today, September 17th…with a toast to the fans. too!”

“From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music” has met its completion deadline with plans for release in early 2015. According to Arno, “We’ll provide more details about the publisher, our book signing and media tour, etc. shortly. It would not be a stretch to think LaMonte will win his 7th Grammy by the time we get to do the audio version of the book…no one tells a story better–from the heart and the funny bone–than ‘Mac’…we’ve shared many tears and laughs in our process.” McLemore adds with a wink, “As I always say, ‘Right on!”

Today, LaMonte McLemore resides in Las Vegas with his lovely wife Mieko. He may have retired from The 5th Dimension a few years ago (after 40 years with the group) but hasn’t slowed down a bit. He gets to play his beloved baseball virtually daily, never stops taking photos, and travels with an exhibit of his famed photographs. Recently celebrating 50 years as a premier freelance photographer for JET Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week,” LaMonte, along with his fellow original 5th Dimension members received a star on the prestigious St. Louis Walk of Fame in a town where he was born and raised.

Contact :

The Soul of the Voice, Ltd.

Here at FOREVER 5th DIMENSION

***Bonus! Our Facebook friends share their thoughts on Mac’s upcoming memoir:

Kim Savage Thanks Robert-Allan! I am looking forward to the book. Consider me a presale customer and Lamonte Mclemore still looks 35 to me!
Renee T Armstead I will be on pins and needles to see and get this book! Can’t wait for the Holiday Season!
Robert-Allan Arno Thank you both Kim and Renee…remember the book is designated for release in mid 2014! Your enthusiasm is a gift, sending love with blessings.
Ed Toney wonderful!!!
Joyce Wright Pierce Anxiously awaiting for the release. My mind is thirsty fora good read! Robert-Allan Arno & Lamonte Mclemore= a *HIT* out of the ball park…No pun intended!!
Antonio Pereira Robert, your timing is just right. Will be looking for this book!
Syren Lestat YAY!!!
Elziroy ‘Sonny’ Porter I think it’s great for Lamonte to tell his story. I know Robert that with your assistance the book will be fabulous.
Robert-Allan Arno Joyce, Syren, Ed, Antonio and “Sonny,” your kind affirmations are most appreciated!
Alain Baptiste This Press Release alone is incredible, like everyone, Mariette and I can’t wait to read the book! Robert, like Mr. McLemore says, is the perfect author. Big WOW! Also, Happy Birthday Lamonte.
Charlo Crossley Fortier Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?
Ro Keller What a friend you are to LaMonte. Thank you so much Robert-Allan for sharing this story about my friend and fellow softball player.
Robert-Allan Arno Thanks for your kind words Ro, I fondly remember meeting you. God’s blessings.
Susan Aglio That is so exciting! Can’t wait to read it. I am sure the collaboration will be amazing!
Renie Quan AWESOMENESS!!!!!!
Robert-Allan Arno Thanks sweet Sue, always! And dear Renie, too!
Robert-Allan Arno Friends, I just spoke to LaMonte before his special day winds down, he’s taking an out of town respite with lovely Mieko and is sounding like a kid, full of joy! He wanted me to thank all of you for your wonderful birthday wishes and your enthusiasm about the upcoming book, he sends love to family, friends & fans with God’s blessings and a classic “Right On!” — Robert-Allan Arno
Martha E. Vink Alas, I see my comment didn’t post (rats, lost the signal, I guess…). I too wish a very Happy Birthday to LaMonte, and add my congrats to you both and excitement for this new birth! Very much looking forward to it, and know it, like both you and LaMonte, will be a blessing.
Robert-Allan Arno Much appreciated, dear Martha.
Martha E. Vink Ah, I stand corrected- it is in fact on the main page. Just goes to show that I should be asleep!
Sharon Gordon Congrats Dear Friend. When is the book tour?
Robert-Allan Arno Thanks Shar, all is aimed for mid ’14!
Louis McKinney Sr This should be a fantastic book on a fantastic, man! BIG CONGRATS to both of you for the collaboration.
Robert-Allan Arno Thank you Louis, like Mac himself, what a class act you are. Blessings.
George Harpes

“RIGHT ON” !!!
Robert-Allan Arno Linda, thanks for your vibrant wishes, bless you much!!
Sharon Gordon Does that mean you’ll be making the rounds on all the cable news shows? I see a Stephen Colbert and John Stewart in your future. 😊
Robert-Allan Arno Hoping for Tavis Smiley AND MUCH MORE!
Robert-Allan Arno Right now we’re “manifesting!” Thank you again, everyone for such lovely wishes, all of you are truly with LaMonte and I, in spirit, every step on this creative journey, blessings to all.
Barbara Klys

How awesome !! Congrats and I can’t wait !!!
Tom Flammia Just wonderful Bobby……proud of you man!

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Video

A Change Is Gonna Come/People Gotta Be Free

The 5th Dimension Family honors the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, his committed spirit of hope, freedom and unconditional love. We present our FOREVER 5th DIMENSION production of “A Change Is Gonna Come/People Gotta Be Free,” a classic from the group’s songbook of excellence…

TOP 10 of 2013

Posted on December 30, 2013 | 6 comments

THE ORIGINAL 5th DIMENSION…MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS, JR., today!…THE 5th DIMENSION feat. FLORENCE LaRUE, now!…LaMONTE McLEMORE news!…

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What an exhilarating year for our fave stars…join us, friends, as we countdown…and officially launch our new “home” of the globally acclaimed Blog, FOREVER 5th DIMENSION…our 5th Anniversary celebration!

Blessings,

Robert-Allan Arno

Biographer– The original 5th Dimension & LaMonte McLemore

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*10. Patrice Morris, the gifted soprano member of The 5^th Dimension featuring Florence LaRue balances her thriving career in inspirational music ministry with her contribution to the current quintet. She says with conviction while thanking fans, “The greatest reward is to see a smile on someone’s face when you do something special for them!”

*9. Arsenio Hall mentions The 5^th Dimension on his talk show revival, teasing an audience section who seemed classy yet reserved as “…probably devotees of Motown music and 5^th Dimension tunes!” Remember, The original 5th Dimension’s legendary reunion was featured by Arsenio back in ’91.

*8. The new coffee table book, “Soul Train: The Music, Dance & Style of a Generation” by Questlove contains a cute photo of Marilyn & Billy on page 109, appearing on the show circa The ‘70’s, with The 5th!

*7. The 5^th shine on PBS: The original 5^th Dimension performing “One Less Bell to Answer” in a retro clip is prominently showcased on the My Music: Bacharach‘s Best special throughout 2013. Marilyn McCoo co-hosts the spectacular (with TJ Labinsky) employing the same magical verve with which she previously hosted “Solid Gold.” Moreover, in the American Masters docu on impresario David Geffen, clips of The 5^th performing “Sweet Blindness” (with Frank Sinatra) are spotlighted in the segment about David’s development of singer-songwriter, Laura Nyro.

*6. Florence LaRue is the toast of New York City in May with her sold out show, “Jazz a LaRue” at the posh Metropolitan Room, she receives standing O’s and rave reviews. A few days later, while attending Motown the Musical, the number one Broadway play, Florence and Robert spy The 5^th Dimension included on the lobby’s vast, golden Wall of Fame heralding all those who recorded for Motown. During an impromptu photo op, a crowd gathers around Florence, giving various kudos for the timeless diva; said Florence about the wall, “How excitingly unexpected; this is for the latter day albums we did at Motown, ‘Star Dancing’ and ‘High on Sunshine!’”

*5. Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. release on their own label a sizzling double volume Live CD in Oct. featuring all the hits and new, re-vamped surprises like “California Soul,” “Easy Way Out,” “Gotta Get You Into My Life” and even their version of tunes by Alicia Keys and Lady Antebellum (available now at http://www.mccoodavis.com) A review from FOREVER 5^th DIMENSION is upcoming, at this site at the dawning of the new year! Also earlier in the year, Collector’s Choice re-issues 2, 70’s MarBill duet classics, “The Two of Us,” and “Marilyn & Billy.”

*4. LaMonte McLemore announces on his birthday in Sept. that his long-requested autobiographical memoir will be released in ’14, titled FROM HOBO FLATS to THE 5^th DIMENSION: A Life Fulfilled in Baseball, Photography and Music. Robert-Allan Arno is the as-told-to author of this “ 5^th historic,” inspiring and humor-filled work featuring lots of celeb stories and Mac’s rare photos, too. Mac and Robert plan to tour with the book by spring ’14.

*3. The 5^th Dimension featuring Florence LaRue tour to consistent sold-out crowds all over the country from the NY State Fair to LA– today’s members Patrice Morris, Willie Williams, Floyd Smith and Leonard Tucker along with “Delightful Diva” and leader, Florence maintain the quintet’s authentic sound and blaze new trails. Florence beams, “Our many hit songs still make people happy, their reaction is priceless!”

*2. Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. tour all year, appearing from intimate cabaret venues to large concert halls to outstanding reviews, the best of their careers. The duo also developed a Christmas tour which they plan to expand in ’14. MarBill exclaim, “We truly love bringing fans our varied musical autobiography…our roots!”

*1. The 5^th Dimension prevail on REWOUND RADIO’s year-end Top 77 of all time with tunes like “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “One Less Bell to Answer” and “Stoned Soul Picnic” charting high, “among the biggest acts on our survey” according to REWOUND. Moreover, Robert-Allan Arno orchestrates Marilyn, Billy, Florence and LaMonte to each record fresh promos for the event, now heard through New Year’s Day at http://www.rewoundradio.com

*There’s an “ultra #1,” and it’s all yours…whatever you dream for our stars as we look forward to a bright and blessed new year and THANK YOU, our special family of fans and friends, for your “forever” support and enthusiasm!

With special thanks and love to Marilyn & Billy, Florence, LaMonte & Mieko, The Townson Family, Patrice, Joyce, Bones and Randall.

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Visit Marilyn and Billy at http://www.mccoodavis.com

Visit The 5th Dimension feat. Florence LaRue at http://www.thefifthdimension.org

Visit Florence at http://www.florencelarue.com

Visit LaMonte McLemore at http://www.lamontephotography.com

Visit Patrice Morris at http://www.patricemorris.com

Visit Robert-Allan Arno at http://www.flavors.me/robertallanarno

Enjoy our “Holiday Fun w/ The original 5th” vid at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNyDq3VjFuo

(Top left, clockwise: Marilyn & Billy today, The original 5th, The 5th Dimension feat. Florence LaRue now, Florence with Robert-Allan Arno visit Motown the Musical, Classic 5th, LaMonte McLemore in tux!)

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