H. Mack and The Philadelphia Sound Machine
Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Feb. 3, 2011
Here’s an interesting, smooth, colorfully soulful offering from an equally interesting, smooth, and colorfully soulful artist. With a resume that lists vocalist, bassist, radio host, Philly native, replacement lead singer with the former Motown recording artists Ron Thorpe and the Hearts of Stone, record label owner, and publisher, I think one can surmise that H. Mack comes quite seasoned. His latest release, Getting Ready, is a nice blend of R&B/soul, pop, blues, and smooth jazz. It sways, it strolls, it croons, it takes its sweet time, and that works here.
The majority of tunes here are written by Mack, with the exception of well-done covers of Stephen Bishop’s “On and On” and the classic “Mr. Bojangles.” The album spans a few genres rather effortlessly and unapologetically, even proudly. There’s a high-steppin’ old school bluesy, jazz quality to “Raphael Blow” with some classy vocals and harmonies, while the blues screams out clearly to me on the powerfully expressive “I’m Gonna Put My Love Away.” The very melodic “We the People” can be embraced by enthusiasts of several genres. A piece that’s universal in its message, as well as in its music. The inspirational “Love Me Today” is bound to capture you with its riveting message, as well.
In this genre, when you see the word “bassist” follow the name of an artist, you often form a preconceived notion of what to expect: An expressive, out-front bottom-heavy presence of the instrument that often, in many years past, was relegated to a support role somewhere off to the side of the stage during a live set or in back of the main feature. We’ve learned that is no more, and we so happily embrace that. Yet, it was interesting to step back for a moment and hear this artist who directed so much more emphasis on his vocals and message than on his instrument, as it was in the early days of the Motown musicians, and still be effective and relevant. H. Mack comes to us with messages that speak even louder and more clearly than his bass. Good, sound messages matched by good melodies. Just listen. – Ronald Jackson
- Ronald Jackson Owner "The Smooth-Jazz Ride"
Discography
Old School / New School-( http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/plateau)
We The People-( http://cdbaby.com/cd/classhmack)
H. Mack Getting Ready-( to be distributed by CDBaby soon)
Selections are now in rotation on:http://www.iMRadio.com/hmack
" Sophia", "Raphael Blow" and "I'm Gonna Put My Love Away"
Photos
Bio
Check "H" out on imradio.com: http://www.imradio.com/hmack
Open the schedule at the top of the page and select “Smooth Jazz” to see the air times for H's songs to play. While you are there please rate each one with a star or two, if you have the time.
Fundamentally Smooth Jazz with a classic R&R flavor, H.mack's sound is uniquely mellow. This talented Songwriter, Bassist, Vocalist and Producer have a style that's just starting to catch on. H. Mack began his formal musical training at Combs College of Music in Philadelphia. He continued studying bass and piano at Settlement music school also located in Philly. With two years as a radio host and owning his own Record Label “Philadel’fia Records” and Music Publishing Company “Mudada Music” H. Mack is well rounded on both sides of the spectrum.
H. Mack launched his solo career Jan/2003. Always associated with the best Philly has to offer, Mack has worked with or played for just about every top act that has come out of Philly. H. Mack filled the slot as one of the lead singers with the former Motown Recording artists, Ron Thorpe and the Hearts of Stone. Mack also helped launch a spin off project of the Hearts of Stone called “C4”, a high energy performance group.
Prior to working with C4, Mack also formed, and produced two other high performance acts called “Plateau” and “Class” respectively. The self entitled CD “Plateau” was Released on Mack’s label, Philadel’fia Records. Class’s CD was to be released in 2006 Called “Classified” But the group disbanded. Mack recorded the project him self. The Title changed to “We the People”, distributed by CDBaby and is doing well. H. Mack’s Music has also been heard on the hit CBS series “Swing Town”, “the Young and the Restless” and an independent film called “Dance of the Dead” released 10/20/2008, and most currently, a new film starring, Terrence Howard and some other very fine actors and actresses called "Fighting" released April 24th 2009. The track is from the current
CD “We the People” (which by the way is currently being repackaged and released
By The Tate Music Group) entitled "Be My Soul Mate" with the alternate title "Love Sweet Love”.
Mack’s performance is professionally seasoned with experience / audience participation and the ladies just love his sexy crooning style.
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