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Portland Observer
Thursday. January I, 1976
GútU
Tri-Essance Soeio-Cultural Society • * *
The Tri Essance Soeio-Cultural Society is a newly formed society, composed of
mostly Tri Met employees. Among their objectives are; to increase social and cultural
awareness of people in and around the Albina community. They gave their first
annual dinner dance Saturday night aft the Air Tel Motor Inn. With the impromptu
announcement of the affair. I must adn’itr I had reservations about its total success.
However, all doubts were quickly removed soon after I arrived. From the cocktail
hour right on throught the evening was througnly enjoyable. The crowd was
handsomely attired. Particularly Mr. and Mrs. John Blow. Mrs. Ruthie- Blow was
dressed in a studded floor length gown, with studded hat and bag to match and a white
beaver and fur coat. John wore a steel gray suit with burgandy accessories.. Both were
smartly dressed. The Tri Essance has been the only social club this year to offer their
friends and associates a complete evening of; good food, music, service and libations
for such a reasonable sum of money. The present officers include; Dave Clark.
President; Grover Jackson, Vice President; Barbara Jackson, Secretary; (unrelated)
Cicero Curry, Treasurer; Maxine Davis, Social Director;' Nehoma Gay, Correspond-
dence Secretary; and Jobie Adams, Sargeant at Arms. Julius “Jay" Williams was
chairman of the dinner dance, along with being MC for the evening. A job well done
Jay! However, why not restrict your vocal exercising to the shower (smile). Ken
Adair and the Northwest Sound Association provided the music for the evening. A
young lady by the name of Lir.da Hornbuckle kicked off the evening festivities by
singing, "Lift E'vry Voice" , the Black National Anthem. . Ken Adair played soft
piano music while we feasted on succulent roast beef. “A Touch of Class." everyone
seems to approve of. The Northwest Sound Association is unquestionably one of the
best groups around. They played over a dozen selections. Tunes such as; "Mr. Magic,"
“True Devotion,” “Sun Goddess," “Fight the Power," “Sing A Song" and a medley of
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes tunes, “Pleasure." A local group who resently
recorded their first album were scheduled to play. But were unable to attend because
half the group was in Los Angeles and the other half remained here in Portland. I
certainly hope “Pleasure" doesn't fall in the same rut like so many singing group? so
often get the “Big Head." Never the less, if they were missed no one seemed to notice
and I didn't either. Tri-Essance, if next year’s dinner dance .is anything like this one
was - I can’t wait!!
Music ’76
In the few months that I’ve been writing the Entertainment Guide, it's been a
challenge and a pleasure to do my utmost to keep you informed on: concerts, shows,
social events and general information on music in and around Portland. 1976 oftens
more beautiful music and were are some observations I’d like to share with you.
Jazz Music
In the past two years. Jazz has made fan indelible impression on musk lovers in
general. Jazz has slowly but surely converted millions of people in the states as well as
around the world to a type of music eveyone can understand and appreciate. The
Renaissance of the 20's has made the likes of. Miles David, Cannonball Adderly,
George Shearing, Dexter Gordon, Amad James, Wes Montgomery, Duke Ellington,
Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson. Armen Macrea, "Sassy" Sarah
Vaughn. Dinah Washington, Esther Phillips and all the other heavy weights of Jazz
Vanguards in the struggle for international acclaim. Quickly Jones is probably more
noted for the innovation of having “voices" in the background along with Grover
Washington. Jr. Bobbi Humphrey, a beautiful young sister on flute has been the best
to have “voices" while playing, as far as I am concerned. Check out her albums; Black
and Blues" and "Satin Doll" (my favorite) if you don’t believe me. In 76 I think Jazz
musicians will play dowp the voices and play more of themselves. Either way it goes,
you can bet Jazz is going along too.
Rock and or R h yth m and Blues
As one of the Rock groups so aptly put it; Rock and Roll is here to stay! Earth, Wind
and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, the Isley Brothers,
Rufus, John Denver, the Staple Singers. Elton John, the O’Jays, Willie Hutch, Helen
Reddy, Aretha Franklin, the Spinners, Olivia Newton John. Petula Clark, Captain and
Tennille have probably been the most played artists of 1975. Quite a few of the “Top”
white artists have been using “Black" back up groups this year, such as: Helen Reddy.
Tony Orlando and Dawn, Elvis Presley, Petula Clark (has a Black arranger) Dr. John
and others. I see this on a defínate upswing in 76. I’ve been extremely impressed
with: Earth, Wind and Fire, the Isley Brothers, Willie Hutch and Harold Melvin and
the Blue Notes this year. Their lyrics and arrangments have been just out-of-sight this
year. “Musical arrangements” will be very important in 7 6 to the Rock and Roll
listeners - we’re sure!
Pop Music
Pop music has been popular for over a decade now. You can easily attach its
popularity to Peter, Paul and Mary in the early 60’s. Pop and Rock are closely related
to one another now. Its almost hard to tell the differnce between the two anymore. If
there aren’t some progressive changes in 76, Pop will turn to Rock and no one will
notice. If it wasn’t for Olivia Newton John (known as a Pop Country star), John
Denver, Janis Ian (a sister), the Carpenters, Carly Simon, Phoebe Snow (a sister), and
a few others, 1975 would have been a bad year for Pop music fans.
By the way, whatever happened to Peter, Paul and Mary??
Country Western
Ever since 1962 when Ray Charles recorded a country and western album, everyone
became more aware of its existence on the other side of the color line. Country and
western music has even lost the "twang" connotation it's had on it for years. Charlie
Pride, Charlie Rich (“Behind Closed Doors"), Glen Campbell, Donna Fargo, Lorreta
Lynn, Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton, who has made a bath tub full of money this
year. Country and western music has picked up in popularity and 7 6 offers more of it!
Check I t Out
Incidently, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes are permanently broken up now. It
seems that Mr. Melvin has been finding it difficult to make it to his gigs on time. The
rest of the group made it to the Dinah Shore TV spot, but Mr. Melvin never showed.
They were booked recently at the plush Play Boy Club in Los Angeles, when Mr.
Melvin arrived, the other members of the group were on stage. Apparently the
audience didn't approve and Mr. Melvin told them what they could do about it - "on
stage." Their engagement was cancelled
that night, Theodore Pendagrass who
actually sings all the lead songs anyway - will take over the group himself. See what
the big head can do to a highly successful group - "Pleasure"!
We hope the holiday season brings you joy and happiness and
prosperity for the coming year. We would like to thank you for
your patronage and hope that we can continue to serve you in 1976.
On behalf of the Staff of the Portland Observer, may you and yours have unity,
opportunity and prosperity in 1976!!
W
y w iz
Inf's ring if in wifh happy
hopes and greaf expecta
tions for brighter, better days.
£
Publishers of
* OBSERl/ER
EXIE PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC.
SENATOR WILIJAM McCOY
SENATE DISTRICT (W
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