The Tymes
The Tymes are an American soul vocal group from Philadelphia, renowned for their smooth harmonies and chart success in both the US and UK during the 1960s and 1970s.
Formed in 1956 as The Latineers by Donald Banks (bass), Albert Berry (first tenor), Norman Burnett (baritone), and George Hilliard (second tenor), the group spent four years on Philadelphia's club circuit. They added lead vocalist George Williams in 1960 and renamed themselves The Tymes.
Their breakthrough came with "So Much in Love" in 1963, topping the US charts and reaching #2 in the UK after Cameo-Parkway Records renamed and released it. Later successes included "You Little Trustmaker" (#12 US, #18 UK in 1974 on RCA) and UK hits like "Ms Grace" and "You Little Trust Maker."
Lineup changes occurred by 1976, with Albert Berry and George Hilliard replaced by Terri Gonzales and Melanie Moore. The group earned induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005 and performed on a 2003 PBS special. Surviving originals Albert Berry and Norman Burnett continued performing.
Deceased Members:- George Williams (lead, 1935–2004); Donald Banks (bass, died 2011 aged 72); George Hilliard (second tenor, died 2014 aged 73).
Trustmaker
Written-By – B. Jackson, C.M. Jackson
2:34
A2 The Crutch
Written-By – B. Jackson
5:35
A3 Miss Grace
Written-By – J. Hall, J. Hall
3:11
A4 Are You Lookin'
Written-By – B. Jackson, E. Darby
9:19
B1 So Much In Love
Written-By – Jackson, Williams, Straigia
3:00
B2 The Sha-La Bandit
Written-By – J. Ferguson, W. Davis
4:09
B3 Innerloop!
Lyrics By [Spanish] – Luz Rivera
Written-By – Ferguson, Lee, Davis
3:58
B4 The North Hills
Written-By – A.C. Berry, III, J. Grant
2:51
B5 You Little Trustmaker
Written-By – C.M. Jackson
2:49
Label: RCA Victor – APL1-0727
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The 1974 album Trustmaker by The Tymes is widely regarded as a solid, though occasionally inconsistent, foray into the Philadelphia soul sound. Following their 60s doo-wop success, this album successfully updated their style with lush arrangements and impeccable vocal harmonies.
Critics and listeners alike praise the group’s "spot-on" performances and "impeccable harmonies". The lead vocals by George Williams are frequently highlighted for their soulful quality.
Standout Tracks:-
"Ms. Grace": Often cited as the album's crown jewel, it is described as a "beautiful sweet soul song" and remains a classic of the genre.
"You Little Trustmaker": The titular hit is noted for being "undeniably catchy," though some find it slightly more pop-oriented than the rest of the record.
"The Sha-La Bandit": Recommended for listeners who want to hear the group’s vocal blend at its most definitive.
"So Much In Love" (Updated): The album features a studio-recorded "live" version of their 1963 smash hit, which includes electrifying vocal imitations of artists like the Spinners and Sly Stone.
Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios with TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) musicians, the album features the sophisticated string and horn arrangements characteristic of the era's top soul acts.
The album maintains an average rating of approximately 4 out of 5 stars across major collector platforms like Discogs. While the individual tracks are strong, some reviewers feel the album as a whole is a bit of a "mishmash" that struggles to reach the consistent heights of label-mates like The O'Jays or The Spinners.