TRACKLIST
Tear On My Chin
People feat Ursula Rucker
DESCRIPTION
-Ron Aikens is former lead singer with United Image (who went on to be PIR recording artists Double Exposure, also lead vocalist for The Power Of Attorney band, who recorded a full-length LP for Polydor Records in 1975 and opened for the likes of Stevie Wonder all while being incarcerated at the Graterford State Penitentiary. It is truly an amazing story.
-Produced by P. Maxwell Ochester from Brewerytown Records. Co-produced by Grammy award-winning producer Aaron Levinson (Spanish Harlem Orchestra, The Philadelphia Experiment) these two songs were done over a three-day session in August 2023.
-Recorded at famed Elm Street Studios in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
New music from Philadelphia’s recently rediscovered soul powerhouse Ron Aikens and his backing band the Hip Tones is a soon-to-be classic double sider. Following in the traditional “soul 45 rpm” single format, a ballad side with a funk side on the flip, here is the first physical release from the forthcoming LP “Ron And The Hip Tones”. The lowrider soul feel on “Tear On My Chin” comes from a brainstorming session with Ron, producer P. Maxwell Ochester, and the two main songwriters Dave Cope & Fred Berman. It tackles heartache, pain, and loss coupled with the slow grinding groove only true heartache can produce. On the flip you will find a nod to Ron’s former band, Power Of Attorney and their breakout single “Changing Man” which inspired the uptempo groove and sweet flute part. Hinting at the classic Philly Soul style, there are lush strings and as an added bonus the impactful and powerful message delivered by Philadelphia poet Ursula Rucker.