Ready Or Not (Philly Soul Arrangements & Productions 1965-1978)

To say that the classically-trained Bell had an impact on American popular music deeply understates; along with his fellow Philadelphians Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, he was an architect of said Philly soul sound, claiming the mantle from Detroit and Memphis for a new decade. Bob Stanley’s initial compilation showcasing Bell’s oeuvre, Ready or Not, not only includes a remarkable sample of highlights but benefits not simply from his usual skill with liner notes but new interview comments from Bell throughout, adding further details and context to his work in songwriting and orchestration. Early efforts working with Archie Bell and the Drells and helping create the Delfonics set the stage, but it’s efforts like Dusty Springfield’s soaring “I Wanna Be A Free Girl,” his first collaboration with key lyricist Linda Creed, and the brilliant “Back Stabbers” by the O’Jays and “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” by the Spinners that understandably shine brightest. Meantime, rarities like the Intruders’ “Do You Remember Yesterday” and Lesley Gore’s “Look The Other Way” further demonstrate his deep range.