(July 20, 2024) SoulMusic Records (SMR) in association with The Second Disc is proud to present the first- ever definitive 6CD box set by the legendary Philadelphia quintet founded by Ted Wizard Mills, Vernon Sawyer, Wendell Sawyer, Keith Beaton, and Richard Pratt.
• 74-track collection including expanded editions of Blue Magic’s five full-length albums for Atco and WMOT Records as well as all of the group’s live performances from their sizzling concert album with Major Harris and Margie Joseph.
• Bonus tracks include rare single versions and B-sides plus remixes from Tom Moulton and Mike Maurro.
Led by falsetto singer Ted Wizard Mills – following in the footsteps of his influences, The Stylistics’ Russell Thompkins, Jr. and The Delfonics’ William Hart – Blue Magic recorded some of the richest and most beautiful ballads of the 1970s as well as uptempo floor-fillers that set the stage for the disco era.
Key tracks include Blue Magic’s signature song “Sideshow” as well as ‘Three Ring Circus’, ‘Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely’, ‘Stop to Start’, ‘Grateful’, ‘Look Me Up’, and a duet with soulful songstress Margie Joseph on ‘What’s Come Over Me’.
Includes productions from Philly soul and disco titans Norman Harris and Bobby Eli as well as Earth, Wind & Fire collaborator Skip Scarborough while musical contributors include Vincent Montana, Jr., Ronnie Baker, Earl Young, Jack Faith, Dave Crawford, and members of the legendary MFSB.
The deluxe booklet designed by Roger Williams includes liner notes by The Second Disc’s Joe Marchese drawing on extensive new interviews with WMOT Records co-founder Alan Rubens and acclaimed songwriter Vinnie Barrett (‘Sideshow’, ‘Three Ring Circus’) as well as archival quotes from Bobby Eli, Ted Wizard Mills, Vernon Sawyer, and the members of Blue Magic. The booklet also features rare and unseen photos of the group.
With all tracks freshly remastered by Nick Robbins, ‘Stop to Start: The Atco & WMOT Recordings (1973-1977)’ is the ultimate celebration of one of soul music’s most enduring and beloved vocal groups. Hurry, hurry, step right on in!
