The Cosbys are Auckland's undisputed kings of Northern Soul -- a
hypercharged R&B revue thundering through uptown,
downtown, deep soul, dance and ballad sounds, and most importantly,
doing it with impeccable style.
Dissatisfied with the grooveless, undersexed state of modern
rock'n'roll, The Cosbys found the answer by smashing together four-on-the-floor Motown rhythms with a two-fisted Stax-style horn section and a singer -- "Papa" Crawdaddy -- who is so damn good he made James Brown just give up and die. A strict regime of exercise and discipline forged these six men into a rock-hard squadron of soul commanders, taking it to the streets with some of the most stompin', powerful sounds since Dexys doffed their boxer boots.
Sure, the dancefloor just can't take it when the Cosbys throw down cuts
like 'It's Another Kind Of Magic', 'Cosby Street' and 'Old King Soul', but as with all soul music the band has a serious side -- songs like "Because Of You" and "Violet" are cut with heartache and betrayal. "Speechin'" is the
triumphant soundtrack to the struggles we face every day, showing that these hit-makers have never lost sight of their position as conscience to the community.
So cut loose, ladies and gentlemen -- shake those hips, jive with the
Hot Cosby Horns, be touched by "Papa". Do the jerk, watch them work, do
the Mashed Potato, do the Alligator. And do it on Cosby Street.
Amazing show the other night. I can't believe you got Don McGlashan and Neil Finn to fill out your horn section. I didn't even know Neil could play the tuba...
Last night, good sirs, was a special kinda magic indeed.
Power to the People and Speechin gave me euphoric chills and teared my eyes - with no hyperbole whatsoever.
When I say soul music is my favorite type of music, I mean SOUL music in it's most base meaning - music that comes from the soul, from the heart. It's not a GENRE.
And that's where you guys came from.
The Cosbys were and are a very special thing. Sorely missed already, but cherished in all of our hearts.
"This is the end, my only friend the end..." Any ideas for a fatal last cover version? "Darling I say goodbye even though I'm blue"? ... H¬! Tres tragic...
