The Stylistics, Main Ingredient Bring '70s Soul to Manila

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Outside the Big Dome last August 14, Sunday, the atmosphere was made somber by the torrential rain brought by the southwest monsoon. But inside the jam-packed coliseum, the air was all heated up by the unforgettable performances of two legendary soul acts.

Bringing the soulful soundscape of the '70s to Manila, The Stylistics and The Main Ingredient staged a one-night double bill at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, presented by Ovation Productions.

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Representing The Main Ingredient was Cuba Gooding, Sr. who opened the night with their most popular hits such as “Everybody Plays the Fool” and “I Just Don’t Want to be Lonely.”

The soul trio was formed in mid-'60s in New York City and was previously called “The Poets.”

Gooding, though not one of the original members, became an essential part of the sensational vocal group who enjoyed international success with other more songs such as “Girl Blue” and “I Only Have Eyes for You.”

Despite the Gooding era of The Main Ingredient serving as the group’s golden age, the 72-year-old artist also went solo back in the late '70s up until early '80s. His brief solo career’s highlight was his sellout single, “Happiness is Just around the Bend.”

The crowd might be lack new-generation music fans but they proved they know how to “party,” especially when the evening’s headliner came up on stage.

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Current members Airrion Love, Herb Murrell, Eban Brown and Jason Sharp, The Stylistics wowed the eager spectators with their lush production featuring smash hits including “You Make Me Feel Brand New,””The Miracle,” “Thank You, Baby” and “Betcha By Golly, Wow.”

The singing quartet, inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, is known for their soaring falsetto vocals and signature extemporaneous body moves.

The Stylistics, a frequent Manila visitor, also entertained their Filipino fans by mingling with them after their performance.

In attendance during last Sunday’s concert were Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and veteran actor Tirso Cruz III.