Trammps King's Row

It was the third visit to Detroit for Philadelphia's fast-rising Trammps when they came to the spacious King's Row Showcase Lounge last weekend, and they really set it out this time- full of good spirits, a happy disposition and recent success in the record business.

The Trammps just came from New York City, where something called Billboard's Second Annual Disco Forum was held last week. Not surprisingly, the Trammps won Best Disco Album of the Year honors with their Atlantic Lp, Where the Happy People Go; Best Lp Cut of the Year with "Disco Party"; and the top award, Disco Artist of the Year.

Despite whatever negative connotations the whole "disco" phenom might have for some folks, the Trammps are, at heart, a good singing group whose music is basically positive and motivating. Their stage act is exciting and polished in the grand tradition of the greats of R&B.

The band is no slouch either. Ruben Henderson plays sax and flute, Arty Williams is on trumpet, Eddie Sumanski on keyboards, and Mike Thompson on drums. Their own MC/comic is Flash Wilson-the "Black Kojak."

The Trammps themselves are Jimmy Ellis, Stanley Wade, Harold Wade, Earl Young, and Robert Upchurch. They give us another light on the great Philly sound, with tunes like "Let's Go Disco," "Soul City Walk," and the Bakker-Harris-Young composition "Hooked for Life."

Yes, the Trammps are a definite delight, onstage and offstage too.

-Cheryl Myhand