Dexter Wansel – Vintage Keyboard Fusion from Philly 1970s
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In the era synonymous with the disco sound, Dexter Gilman Wansel was indeed a one-man band, donning the hats of a singer, arranger, musician, and composer. Additionally, he found success as a conductor, synth player, and A&R director. Wansel’s humble beginnings trace back to his early duties of running errands at the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia. During this time Wansel, along with his high school friend Stanley Clarke, was steady soaking in the influences, experiences, and wisdom from a diverse range of artists who crossed paths with them while performing.
His career took flight in the early 1970s when Wansel started crafting the tones of EMS VCS 3 ‘Putney’ and the ARP 2600 synthesizers for various music projects at the Sigma Sound Studios, both as a credited and uncredited contributor. His proficiency with keyboards also led to his association with music groups like Instant Funk, Yellow Sunshine, and MFSB.
In 1978, came the breakthrough when Philly International Records became his home ground, giving him the platform to expand his songwriter/producer/arranger assignments. It was during this stint that he began his association with Cynthia Biggs, crafting memorable songs as a team. Other notable collaborations include names such as Bunny Sigler, T. Life, Vinnie Barrett, and Kenneth Gamble. His genius was exemplified when he masterminded Lou Rawls’ Grammy-winning album, Unmistakably Lou in 1977.
Wansel’s contribution to music goes beyond the genres he was initially associated with. Interestingly the drum beat intro from his 1975 composition “Theme from The Planets,” is considered as one of the elemental beats of hip-hop and has found its way into the modern compositions of artists like Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, among others. These role transitions continue with him acquiring the responsibilities of A&R Director for Philadelphia International Records from 1978 to 1980 . During this tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing albums like MFSB’S Mysteries Of The World, and The Stylistics, Hurry Up This Way Again.
The tail-end of the 70s saw Wansel recording his album Time Is Slipping Away, which birthed his second disco hit (I’ll Never Forget) My Favorite Disco in a co-writing collaboration with Cynthia Biggs. This proved to be another feather in his cap, as it gained widespread popularity across the US club scene. His impact was felt well beyond the boundaries of Philadelphia when he wrote and arranged the song Nights Over Egypt for the Jones Girls in 1981.
His musical journey came full circle in April 2021 with the signing of a fresh record deal with Digital Jukebox Records. This renewed interest in his work resonates even in the likes of Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, who confessed to the impact Wansel’s Life on Mars had in kindling his love for jazz and funk. This news confirms that Wansel’s music continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists, illustrating further the depth and adaptability of his musical prowess.
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