One
of the most underrated synth pioneers in soul music is Ronnie McNeir.
McNeir conceived a highly individualistic approach to music synthesis
over the course of three albums and the one EP featured at www.danceclassic.com.
Hyperkentic (broken chord) jazzy synth-bass lines, churchy organ,
multi-note piano chords, and sinewy high and mid-range ARP solo lines
weave in and out of the mix while McNeir supplied all the vocals and
acoustic drums. McNeir's tools for this aural wizardry were acoustic
piano, melodica, the ARP 2000 and ARP Rhapsody synthesizers, and an
organ rhythm box he dubbed "Mister Ed." Besides soul music fans and
steppers, many albums in McNeir's catalog are favorites among Northern
soul and beach music enthusiasts. The Camden, AL, native moved to
Detroit, MI, at an early age. He taught himself piano by listening
to the records of the day, including the sounds of Motown and jazz
artists. In 1984, a four-song EP produced by Horizon Productions was
released by Capitol. The Ronnie McNeir Experience featured a Rene
Moore and Angela Winbush-penned
song, Come on be with me, as its sole charting single. In 1985, McNeir
made it to the upper half of Billboard's R&B charts as the producer/composer
of I couldn't believe it (remixed by Nick Martinelli), a hit for former
Temptations members David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, who recorded
as Ruffin & Kendricks for RCA.
