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What initially started as a bit of self-amusement, Cohen began creating music that was steeped in soul and motion influences, attempting to achieve a retro sound reminiscent of his heroes, such as Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Barry White and Smokey Robinson. After a couple of songs were played for Stones Throw label chief, Peanut Butter Wolf, they were intrigued, confused as to whether these songs were re-edits of old 60s/70s soul tunes as opposed to fresh compositions by the multi-instrumentalist Cohen.
Under the name of Mayer Hawthorne, Cohen was signed to the label, releasing "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" and "When I Said Goodbye" in 2009, with the two singles offering lo-fi, vintage sounding songs of bittersweet heartache. In October 2009, he released his debut full length, "A Strange Arrangement," to critical acclaim.
In 2011, he released his second album, "How Do You Do," which saw Hawthorne truly find his voice, creating a unique sound that revamped 70s soul with funky bass lines inspired by modern hip-hop by the lies of Public Enemy and Juan Atkins.
Hawthorne joined the legendary Booker T. Jones on an episode for Daryl Hall's online video program, 'Live From Daryl's House,' performing classics such as "Green Onions" as well as Hawthorne's tracks, "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" and "Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' nothing'."
Hawthorne went on to release "Where Does This Door Go" which built on the commercial success of his previous releases, reaching number 30 in the US charts and number 58 in the UK. His album, "How Do You Do" received a Grammy Award nomination for 'Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package.'
Formed of the two brothers, William and Wilbert Hart, along with their high school friend, Randy Cain, the vocal trio began singing doo-wop at their school events, before gradually building up local fame for their dynamic and well-synced harmonic talent. The band initially caught the attention of the Cameo-Parkway record label, although they were not to find success with these early releases. However, the group did attract the attention of producer/arranger Thom Bell, who brought them over to his soul label, Philly Groove, which went on to become one of the most influential record labels in the soul genre.
Bell’s production style took away the grit and edge of the sound of Stax in Memphis and Muscle Shoals in Alabama, instead creating a smooth, orchestral soul that had a light, airy feel. For The Delfonics, this was to bring them immediate success, with “La-La (Means I Love You),” in 1968, which was followed by a string hits, releasing five albums with Bell as producer. They received a Grammy Award for the song “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” which went on to sell a million copies and be certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. However, this immediate success was not to continue and the trio failed to create any more major hits, with the group disbanding in 1975, after Major Harris, who replaced Cain in 1971, left to pursue a solo career.
The band’s music lived on well into the 90s, finding their songs being sampled extensively by hip-hop artists, such as The Wu-Tang Clan and The Notorious B.I.G. A version of the band returned, featuring William Hart, Harris and Frank Washington, to appear on GhostFace Killah’s “After the Smoke Has Cleared.”Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” featured Delfonics songs heavily in the soundtrack, helping to create the mood of the 70s.
Towards the end of the 90s, The Delfonics, led by William Hart, released a new record “Forever New,” helping to revive the group. Various forms of the group continued to perform throughout the decade although they did not record any new material until producer Adrian Younge persuaded Hart to record a new album project, which became “Adrian Younge Presents the Delfonics,” which was released on Wax Poetics in 2013.
That woman is still badass!! Her voice is still going strong. My man and myself along with other friends of ours went to the concert in San Jose, it was worth it. Definitely would go again!
great turnout .she performed a bunch of good songs. she was nice and walked arround took some pictures with everyone. then performed some more.
never a dull song. always the best.
A snow day in DC didn't stop the show from going on at the 9:30 Club on March 3, 2014. After trekking through the freezing cold weather, the audience was welcomed into the venue with beats provided by DJ Kurse who was spinning an eclectic mix of funky grooves to start the night off right with Mos Def, Common, The Roots, Dennis Edwards, Mary Jane Girls, 2Pac and more. Mayer Hawthorne has the perfect combination of fans to bring out a hugely diverse crowd, filled with a range of ethnicities, styles, and ages, from people watching alone to couples, pairs and groups of friends. He came on asking the audience if we were ready to have the "greatest night of our entire life" and kicked it off with "Backseat Lover" followed by "Reach Out Richard." With a stage set reminiscent of a 90s Prom, people were GETTING IT & dancing nonstop everywhere I looked, from the floor to the balcony. "Wine Glass Woman" & "Designer Drug" came next, which, combined with the heavy drum sequences and a seamless mashup of the latter with BBD's "Poison," definitely made the show feel like an awesomely fun rave party. Mayer Hawthorne then took it back to some of his older jams with "No Strings" and "Green Eyed Love." Bringing it back to his most recent album, the band gave us a little tease of the beat behind Bob Marley's "Get Up Stand Up" before transitioning to "Allie Jones." Next came one of my favorites, "Crime," before he slowed it down with "Get To Know You." Then Mayer Hawthorne took a set break for "Picture Time" where he took a picture with everyone in the audience and then struck some hilariously crazy poses for us to capture! After giving us a dedicated time to snap photos of him, he then declared that "Picture Time is officially over" and told us to put our electronics away so we could actually experience the show through our own eyes and not our camera lenses. Clearly it was only a matter of minutes before myself and the rest of the audience members disobeyed him -- we couldn't resist our phones! Next he introduced the band (who's electric guitarist was crazy good) with "Do It," officially confirming that there is truth to the rumors about Mayer Hawthorne also secretly being behind the incognito band Tuxedo. Then came another great mashup of "Walk This Way," leading into "The Walk." The pre-encore set wrapped up with two of my personal favorites, "The Stars Are Ours" and "Corsican Rose." After a brief break from the stage, Mayer Hawthorne returned for his encore with yet another wonderful mashup leading with Barry White's "Playing Your Game" and finally ending with "Her Favorite Song." With his unique combination of funk, soul, pop, and rock that gave the audience a brief escape to dance the night away, this show was definitely worth venturing out into the Winter Storm for!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
Loved absolutely EVERYTHING about it:
From his energy since the beginning until after we met him! He was so laid back and had things to say to everyone he came encounter with. He is a true star and sweet-heart INSIDE and OUT! Fell in love with him- hope his wife does not get upset lol She is a lucky woman! God bless him and su familia.
SHOW WAS PERFECT. Way to make my birthday month!
Monica Ayala.
The show was AMAZING! Best night ever!! Started a little late but all the performers did an awesome job. Wasn't to packed and Bareleycorn's staff was exceptional and very professional.