NOW RELEASED 12th SEPTEMBER 2024
(now available from Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music/iTunes, Amazon etc)
‘Walk Away The Winner’
Written/published by: Carl Dixon (PRS/MCPS) © 2009/2012/2023
Bandtraxs (PPL) ℗ 2024
performed by
THE FORMELLAS
👇click sleeve art to listen on YouTube Bandtraxs are delighted to announce the new updated 2024 vocal and instrumental productions of 'Walk Away The Winner' performed by The Formellas. The original official instrumental Bandtraxs releases were back in 2013 and included on the 'Make Five' album with another four new songs written at that time. This 2024 new album release of 'Walk Away The Winner' has a number of vocal and instrumental mixes which have some original elements included from earlier demo/productions as far back as the 2009.
Track Listing
1) Stereo vocal radio mix
2) Stereo instrumental radio mix
3) Mono vocal mix
4) Mono instrumental mix
5) Stereo vocal 'sounds like 70s vinyl' mix
6) Stereo instrumental 'sounds like 70s vinyl' mix
7) Stereo vocal 'proof' mix
8) Stereo instrumental 'proof' mix
9) Stereo vocal 'more proof' mix
10) Stereo instrumental 'more proof' mix
Musicians/Artists on 'Walk Away The Winner'
Guitars/wah wah 1: Mark Baldwin (Nashville)
Keyboard/Bongos/Tambourine/Guitar/Wah wah guitar 2: Carl Dixon (UK)
Drums (hi hat figure and crashes): from the 'Drummers of Motown' 1999 CD - Uriel Jones & Pistol Allen (not certain who though)
Software plug ins/sequencing:
Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Vibes, Glockenspiel, Bass, Harpsichord, Flute, Horns, Strings, Sequenced Drums, Harp (authorised sample): Carl Dixon (UK)
VOCALS (All UK)
Lead vocal & b/v's:Top Secret :-)
Additional b/v's 1: Anna Melkman
Additional b/v's 2: Rosa Melkman
Additional b/v's 3: Ian Nicklin
Additional b/v's 4: Carl Dixon
Additional b/v's 5: Lakshmi Hariprasad
Additional b/v's 6: Diane Peacock
Written, arranged, produced, mixed and mastered by Carl Dixon in London & MediaCityUK
Sleeve art: Michelle Dixon (UK)
The instruments on the sleeve art have all, one way or another, appeared on some/most versions, demos & releases of 'Walk away the Winner'.
Official release date: 12th September 2024
**MUSIC Publishers/Record Labels**
This song/audio does NOT contain the 1974 'TSOP' (MFSB) song melody, any Salsoul drum samples or include any Philly musicians.
History Of The Song
'Walk Away The Winner' was written and produced with 'The Sound of Philadelphia' (TSOP) in mind. I had recently returned from Philly in 2008 for writing and producing purposes with guitarist, song writer, producer, arranger Bobby Eli and was enthusiastic about coming up with something appropriate.
The history of the song goes back as far as 2009 when demos were first created in London and uploaded to You Tube, for example, hoping there would be interest in the song and production. At that time there was no interest, so I removed it. However many years later there were a number of electronic communications to me regarding a particular version I had uploaded that generated curiosity about the song/recording. It appears to have been downloaded by the esteemed Italian DJ Miki from Bologna (CIAK) and included on one of his '1975' mix tapes (that can only have been compiled somewhere from 2009 onwards). I do not wish to speculate what exactly happened, but there are a number of individuals who believe I have nothing to do with the song, which is incorrect. I must be honest, in the writing and producing of the demos the song slightly changed direction and became more complex. I do have a few of those 2009 demos still on my hard drive. When I first heard the mix tape version I was foxed. It was speeded up and had the original midi bass on it (which was probably Logic's ES1) and I thought my 2013 released version bass had somehow been removed. Of course it had not, as this was a demo from 2009 featuring my midi bass notes. Also there was other processing on it and it's more than likely I was responsible in part because I was experimenting with software that changed the dynamics of the recording. I was reluctant to upload a mix that was pure if that makes sense. Also I was trying to be faithful to the Philly sound and worked hard on creating something that would tick the boxes.
Trivia surrounding the writing/recording process of the demos: Circa 20010/11, I changed my computer and moved from Windows to MAC. I had been working on a very old version of Logic Audio and once on the MAC I had to migrate all my files and learn the operating system and new version of Logic Pro. That is why there is a hole in certain works I was writing/producing. Also I was was in the process of releasing my Detroit recordings from March 2008, including pressing up vinyl for two of those songs at Archer's in Detroit. In addition I was also releasing two of the Philly tracks recorded in September 2008. And, to make things even more complicated I was trying to write five new songs for the 'Bandtraxs 'Make Five' album. And....I was working full time with day and night shifts plus weekends between my writing and producing. So please forgive me if my recollections are somewhat disjointed.
Looking back though, the 2009 'Walk Away The Winner' demo was good enough to make a few think it was an unreleased Philly gem from the mid 70s, which it wasn't. As for featuring on a genuine 1975 mix tape of that date, it is impossible as firstly I only started writing the song in 2009 and even then some of the production demos included a number of drum samples only recorded in 1999 from 'The Drummers of Motown' CD created for music producers which I purchased in New York that same year. Secondly, originally I used a few Salsoul samples on the 2009 demos to kick the song off in my DAW Logic Audio which were given to song writers/music producers via a publication in 'Future Music' where they were looking for the next 'Spiller Groovejet' after the 1999 success of Sophie Ellis-Bexter performing lead vocals on 'If This Ain't Love'. That had a short Salsoul Records sample from 'Love Is You' by Carol Williams included on that production.
There was a suggestion the DJ Miki 1975 mix tape that contained this 'unknown Philly' track was a fake, but that is outside the remit of this blog presser. Ironically I have tried to clear the samples used in the 2009 demos with Salsoul Records with a view to including one of the demos on this album. Sadly it is too complicated to do.
The 2013 'Make Five'/Bandtraxs album was in effect five new songs with 2 mixes each and where the first ever released 'Walk Away The Winner' originally featured as two instrumental versions. They had live bass guitar and midi drums from a playable kit, not the Salsoul samples. The plan was always to do vocal versions at some stage on all the songs. To date, only 'A Little of the Big Stuff' and 'Walk Away The Winner' have vocals. However, some of the lyrics for WATW were written in 2009 where a slight change was made in 2023 when I completed them.
Some lyrics written in 2009 for WATW, the rest completed in 2023, 14 years later
Because of the interest in the song in recent years I decided to create these updated versions and release as I felt some of the acrimonious communications and even defamation I received on line were unfair about my 2009 demo and song writing. To those individuals involved who maybe read this, I am grateful ironically. Their passion for 70s music is similar to mine and without their involvement this album would not exist. In addition though, there were a number of individuals who were extremely complimentary about 'Walk Away The Winner'. Again, without their communications to me this album would not be here either and I thank them for their kind words.
Influences on me & 'Walk Away The Winner'
Back in 2009 I was analysing a 1974 recording called 'Satin Soul' by The Love Unlimited Orchestra. I could not believe how many different guitar parts/licks were on the production. I love the Barry White/Gene Page string arrangements too. I have six guitar tracks on 'WATW' (not all playing at the same time) and three are wah wah's. It was 'Satin Soul' that made me experiment with more guitars on this production.
In certain parts of WATW there is a low single note piano figure. I liked what Gamble & Huff did at the beginning of 'You'll never find another love like mine' performed by Lou Rawls. It was this song that influenced that notion of a single low note piano lick.
The Philly vibraphones to me was always Vince Montana and I try and replicate what he may have done with his mallets on WATW. I may, at some, stage do more mixes and a full on vibraphone instrumental would be nice.
The drum sound on WATW is how I would think Philly MFSB/Salsoul Orchestra drummer Earl Young may have tackled it. He has been an influence on my songwriting, production and how I try to replicate his drum playing.
When it comes to the mid 70s Philly sound, I always think how would Philly MFSB, Salsoul Orchestra guitarist Bobby Eli perform on the track? He has been a massive influence on me since 1974. His influence is within WATW with the guitars and vocal stacking etc. Writing and producing with him in 2008 was extra special. See my dedication to him below. I have yet to attempt his guitar 'chanks' on recordings to date. If you listen carefully to some 70s Philly you will hear him chanking away and doing that sitar style guitar, plus of course his wah wah work.
l attended the 2nd week Detroit leg of 'The Soulful Tale of Two Cities' in 2006 and saw Philly singer/song writer/producer Phil Hurt in the studio with The Velvelettes recording a few tracks. Watching them warming up in the studio made me think how I should record vocals from then on.
I love the vocals by Love Unlimted. When they sing certain phrases, they dip the (long) last word once started and back up again. I have tried that technique in part with 'Walk Away The Winner'.
Billy Jackson was a member of Philly doo wop group The Revels in the 50s and involved with many productions of the 60/70s including for the group The Tymes in both decades. The female operatic style vocal idea on WATW was because of how he started 'Miss Grace'. I think it elevated the song/production. I met him many years ago in London and he told me the lead vocal on 'You Little Trustmaker'/The Tymes was him. He had to go in the studio as producer to show the group what he wanted and decided to keep the vocal he did. He said Sigma Sound was booked up so much in Philly back in those days, he had to cut his rhythm tracks in New York and get the sweetening done in Philly later arranged by Richard Rome.
This comment from Double Exposure member Charles Whittington about a 2009 WATW demo I sent him (via email) 12th August 2009:
Hey!! Again;
I just this minute had the chance to listen to, Walk Away the Winner and I must say that I liked it very much. I think you have truly captured the sound of the, Salsoul Orchestra, as well as "MFSB & TSOP. It is a winner, (smile), in the fact of it being right in the pocket of the (70's) Disco music style.
Here's hoping that it becomes a smash for you!! It's in the public's hands now. I'll be praying for a good response.
Sleeve Art Connections
As mentioned above, the instruments on the sleeve art appear on many demo and released versions of 'Walk Away The Winner' in one way or another. I wanted those instruments to be part of the sleeve art. My wife came up with the trophy and trainer idea.
R.I.P. Bobby Eli (August 2023)
MFSB, The Salsoul Orchestra, The Interpretations, The Philly Groove Orchestra - guitarist, song writer, producer and an original member of The Trammps
These 'The Formellas' new releases are dedicated to my Philly chum/co producer/writer/guitarist/arranger Bobby Eli who passed away in 2023. We co wrote (along with Chiquita Green) and produced 'Soul Recession' performed by Double Exposure & 'There I go falling in love again' performed by Chiquita Green. He, along with all the MFSB, Salsoul Orchestra, TSOP, PhillyGroove musicians, writers, producers & artists inspired me to write and produce.
Outside Bobby Eli's studio 'The Grooveyard' in 2008
Communications from Bobby to me circa 2013:-
"You really nail the classic Philly sound, especially early Salsoul. Which programs are you using to create this stuff?"
"I feel as though Ive been whisked away in my time machine to 1973.
I love it. You are really getting good at it."
Knowing of Bobby's name on records from the 1970s, meeting him face to face in 2003, travelling to Detroit to hook up with him and Vonnie for 'The Soulful Tale of Two Cities' session in 2006, writing and producing with him in 2008 in Philly was a fabulous journey. He taught me much with his knowledge and expertise. He was a real mentor.
The above photo is 2008 outside his studio in Philly. Left to right: Earl Young (one of the greatest drummers ever/singer/song writer/producer), myself, Rikki Hicks (percussion - it was he who played the congas on 'I love Music' by The O'Jays), Bobby Eli (multi award winning writer/producer/guitarist/arranger), Jimmie Williams (Bass - it was he who came up with the bass figure on 'Ain't no stopping us now'), Dennis Harris (guitar/arranger, an original member of The Trammps(?) - a cousin of Norman Harris), T G Conway (song writer/pianist/producer - it was he who co wrote 'Ten Percent' with Allan Felder for Double Exposure).
Bobby came over to the UK/Prestatyn with The Volcanos in 2016. Here he is at rehearsals. He was going to borrow my guitar at some stage, wouldn't that have been something!
And this is how Bobby and myself often communicated about new songs being worked up:
'Walk Away The Winner' was WRITTEN & PRODUCED IN ENGLAND - Not Philly, not Detroit, not anywhere in the USA or the Moon, but London & MediaCityUK (production & most lyrics). This release was created using Logic Audio (Windows), Logic Pro (MAC) in London/MediaCityUK using 'Walk Away The Winner' files/audio etc from 2009 onwards and adding new guitar work from Nashville and UK vocals, plus a few midi instrument contributions.
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