This page contains a brief overview on the album BILLY SCOTT & THE PROPHETS: Singers & Songwriters. Learn more about the artist and explore the track lists and website. If you find any information that needs to be corrected, please let us know.

 
BILLY SCOTT & THE PROPHETS: SINGERS & SONGWRITERS: FLIPSIDE RECORDS: (September 2003) Reviewed by Michael Roberts

How does a new project released by one of the best-recognized beach music bands in the Carolinas that is composed of all original material grab you! Material penned and performed either by members of the band or other recognized writers with a wide variety of musical experiences and styles. Well my friends that is what you have in this long awaited project. The total effect of this collaborative effort is probably one of the best releases by this group in a couple of years. Not that the last release was bad, no far from it but this release demonstrates that each member of the group is a talent unto themselves not just as a vocalist, guitar player, percussionist, bassist or keyboard player. No in short they have demonstrated that they are professional musicians of the first order. So sit back kick off those shoes and be prepared to be entertained with presentations that demonstrate the multifaceted talents of Billy Scott & The Prophets.

This project is a mix of blues, jazz, contemporary country, 50's Sun sound, boogie and ballads. The first two tracks (Track 1, "You better watch yo' Mouth" and Track 2, "I got the blues (Worse than you)" are pure blues presented by brother Billy Scott but each is of a different texture. Track one is an easy shuffle blues with Billy presenting the lyrics with a bit of dialect backed by a solid guitar and boogie piano going from background to out front on the bridge. This track will be a tune that sees a good bit of floor use as it fits into an acceptable dance tempo. Track 2, is a clever duet with the God Father of Beach Music "Bill Pinkney" but done in as Jump blues that clocks in the low 130 range. Track 3, "Long Legs" performed by Rickey Paul is a prior release and it continues to rock the house whenever it is played.
Track 4, "Hard workin' man" performed by guitarist Randy Floyd reflects Randy's Southern Rock roots and has a catchy little lyrical hook that will make this one a fav. And to quote my wife "He sings too..." yes dear he does and with his brother Mickey he wrote this tune that will be sure to please you beach boppers. But hey Randy a word send this track to Nashville, specifically Brother Travis.... I think he just might be the man for this tune.

Track 5, "Fire of Love" immediately brings to mind a phrase from the deep dark recesses of my mind and that is "Blue Eyed Soul". A phrase that was coined in the 50's when Sun Records first introduced Elvis and Jerry Lee to the sanitized world of pop music. Yep this one is a reflection of those old style belly rubbers that were accompanied by poodle skirts and duct tail hair cuts. Good job "Boo" an echo of good sounds and styles long past.

Talkin' about a boppers delight....track number 6 "Willin' & Able" has the beat that will drive them wild. It's boogie piano and guitar introduction immediately causes you to pause then Billy joins in with a verse whose chorus has the prerequisite hook that just pulls you in. Written by the Floyd brothers this one will be around for a while.

Talkin' about variety, track 7, "He's by my side" performed by Cindy Floyd has what I will call a Contemporary country flare and feel. By that I mean it mixes a dance beat with a R n R guitar, a boogie blues piano, stacked vocals, a little cow bell with top hat and the energetic vocals of the lady Cindy and you've got a track that has great crossover potential for multiple markets.

Speaking of Multiple markets, track 8"Angel Lady" introduces those familiar and unfamiliar with Billy Scott's smooth Jazz side. Talk about a sexy tune, that is present with style and finesse this one is right there and needs to be presented across
multiple markets as it has that feel of a hit!

Of all the tracks contained in this project track 9, "There ain't enough money", is the one that I have a problem with. But wait it's not that the song is bad, nope: Neither is it Jim Patterson's vocals. What is though is the use of the synthesizer throughout. It's just too tinny and thin. Pull that track out and give it some bottom through the use of real horns and it would improve 100%.

Billy Scott doing a late night cry in your luke warm beer blues tune! Yep that's what you have here and it's a real believable tune. Afterall believability is what singing those late night laments is all about. I've been told by many a singer, to sell a song you've had to have been emotionally there. Well I can tell you either Billy is an exceptional actor or he's been there. In other words he's sold this one as he wrote it!

Track 11, " Can't do it like I use to" is also a previous release which continues to chart and will be rediscovered with this re-release.

Finally, we come to the Bonus Track. Entitled "America My Home", produced by Maurice Williams with Johnny Barker on piano/keyboards. This track may not seem to fit the overall flavor of this project. But I believe the operative phrase here is "May Not Seem". You see in point of fact is does as it like the concept for this project reflects the inclusive diversity of this group.

By now you're probably wondering how this one ranks on "The Ole Give It To Mikey, He'll Play It, Rating Scale". That answer is simple. It is every bit of an A plus a little bit more. You are you trying to say.... Why in the world is it an A plus a little bit more? In a word...ORGINALITY! Paired with presentation of material that is not directed specifically at any one-dance community. Yes, there are tracks that will work for dancers but overall this project seems to be reaching for a wider market and if marketed right it will do just that. Yes, it has the potential to reach, jazz, blues, southern rockers, contemporary country and even folks who love that classic Sun sound. Released through Flipside Records, this one should be available at all your specialty shops by mid September so be sure to pick up a copy and celebrate the diversity of the musical talents contained on it!

CD Info & Credits
This New Project from Billy Scott & The Prophets on Flipside Records is an ALL Original music CD. NO Cover tunes! It features everyone in the group on Lead Vocals. When we came up with the concept we asked everyone in the band to bring in some original songs. The song selection pretty much gives you an idea of our individual musical backgrounds. Although, the music is mostly Boogie & Blues, there is a hint of R&B, Rock & Roll, Jazz & Country mixed in. There are plenty of "Shag" friendly songs with tempos for dancing.
Below is the info about the CD. Recorded at Bradley House Studios- Quinby, SC- Engineered by Fred Shaw.

Billy Scott & The Prophets "NEW CD" "SINGERS & SONGWRITERS"

Track 1- You Better Watch Yo'Mouth- written by Billy Scott-Lead Vocal by Billy Scott

Track 2- I Got The Blues (Worse Than You)-Written by Ricky Paul- Duet with Lead Vocals by Billy Scott & Bill Pinkney of The Original Drifters- Guest Saxophonist- Ziad Rabia'

Track 3- Long Legs (All The Way Up)-written by Ricky Paul- Lead Vocal by keyboardist-Ricky Paul

Track 4- Hard Workin' Man-written by Randy & Mickey Floyd- Lead Vocal by guitarist-Randy Floyd

Track 5- Fire Of Love- written by James "Boo" Canipe- Lead Vocal by bassist-"Boo" Canipe

Track 6- Willin' & Able-written by Randy Floyd- Lead Vocal by Billy Scott

Track 7- He's By My Side- written by Randy & Mickey Floyd-Lead Vocal by Cindy Floyd

Track 8- Angel Lady- written by Ricky Paul- Lead Vocal by Billy Scott-Guest Saxophonist- Ziad Rabia'-Background vocals-The Holliday Sisters

Track 9- There Ain't Enough Money-written by Jim Patterson-Lead Vocal by drummer-Jim Patterson

Track 10- The One Who Took My Love From Me -written by Billy Scott &/ Rick Vannoy - Lead Vocal by Billy Scott

Track 11- Can't Do It Like I Used To-written by Jim McDonald- Lead Vocal by Billy Scott

Bonus Track 12- America My Home- written by Alan Ball-Lead Vocal by Billy Scott- This is a patriotic song produced by Maurice Williams with John Barker handling piano and keyboards.

Check out the artist's website:
http://www.theprophets.com

Track List:
1. You Better Watch Yo' Mouth
2. I Got The Blues Worse Than You
3. Long Legs All The Way Up
4. Hard working Man
5. Fire Of Love
6. Willing And Able
7. He's By My Side
8. Angel Lady
9. There Ain't Enough Money
10. The One Who Took Her Love
11. Can't Do It Like I Used To
12. America My Home

Suggested CDs:

• Rick Moore And Mr Lucky
• Stuart Rosh & The Geniuses

Other Genres:

• BLUES: Rhythm & Blues
• URBAN/R&B: Soul
• MOOD: PARTY MUSIC