R&B;’s Old-School Gs Can’t Live Up to the Memories

First, let me congratulate Mike Boehm for stating the obvious: present day R&B; and hip-hop acts lack the professionalism, showmanship and vocal technique that the old-school Gs displayed in abundance in the ‘70s, when they rocked the house (“Old-School Soul Comes Alive on Triple-Bill,” Sept. 12).

That said, it’s clear to me from reading his review of the EW&F;/Isley/O’Jays show that Boehm was not there in the ‘70s to see these dazzling displays firsthand.

If he had been, he’d know that the old-school Gs are a disappointment in concert these days--they just don’t got it no mo’. Not that they should be dissed for growing older, but somebody needs to tell Philip Bailey it’s time for him to hang up the Spandex pants, baby. And Ronald Isley’s pimp-daddy act is nothing if not played out.

I got lots of props for the fellas, cuz the old-school Gs set the tone for my youth. Each of their songs has a fond memory attached, from necking in the back seat of my old yellow VW while Bailey wailed on “Reasons,” to slow-dancing in the dimly lit ballroom at college throw-downs to the Isleys’ “Footsteps in the Dark.” Those two cuts alone are responsible for the very existence of many of today’s Gen-Xers.

But live shows don’t match up to the memories. If I want to experience the nostalgia, I pull out the old vinyl--careful not to touch the actual grooves with my fingers--dust it off, drop the needle and let the scratchiness take me back to a better time, when we all had it going on--righteously.

DIANE BLISS

Los Angeles