CLOSE THAT DOOR!

Even though some of the tunes are nearly fifty years old the Gamble/Huff songbook keeps on giving as soul newcomers discover the beauty of their music and up and coming artists record their versions of some of the duo’s Philly classics.

By common consent one of that dynamic duo’s most memorable songs is the gorgeous ‘Close The Door’, first released, of course, back in 1978 by Teddy Pendergrass. Since then we’ve enjoyed numerous cover versions – notably from Montell Jordan, Ruben Studdard and even dear old Lamont Dozier cut a version – and he knows a thing or two about great songs!

Now as summer comes calling we can enjoy another splendid version of ‘Close The Door’. This new one is a stupendous, soulful duet between TERRI GREEN and J TREECE (aka Joel Treece but he prefers the abbreviated moniker!)

Ms Green needs no introduction here. Since working with Toddi Reed as the Terri Green Project she’s  charmed us with countless classy singles – four hitting the coveted top spot on the UK soul chart while  the Project’s 2019 ‘What A Feeling’ LP yielded plenty of soul gems.

J Treece is a former US Army soldier who like the Project’s Ms Green spent time in Germany. After leaving the military, he joined the group Mirror Mirror who enjoyed success with the R&B single ‘Up & Down’. As a songwriter and arranger he’s produced music for others via his Treetop Entertainment project;  his songs, ‘Doin’ What You Do’ and ‘Heartbeat’ have won  more than  50,000 streams. More recently he’s dabbled with dance and electronic music but soul is clearly his first love – obvious from his role on the new ‘Close The Door’.

Right from the opening bars, it’s evident, like all those classic soul duets,  that there’s a real chemistry between J and Terri. We’re told that it was J’s idea to cover the song and as Terri is  a big Teddy P fan, it was a no brainer to get into the studio  and record it. Their version pays respect to the original but doesn’t copy it. The track features a deep bass line courtesy of Thomas Stieger, Torsten Abrolat adds real depth with a layer of strings with added sensuality coming via Toddi Reed’s mellifluous sax. Between them all  they hit the song’s sweet spot and deliver some proper, grown up. sexy soul music that will fill floors (and more) right through the coming summer. Hugely recommended!

J Treece & The Terri Green Project; ‘Close The Door’ is released Friday 9th June

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