LONNIE LISTON SMITH AND THE COSMIC ECHOES-COSMIC FUNK.
LONNIE LISTON SMITH AND THE COSMIC ECHOES-COSMIC FUNK.
Innovative, influential and way ahead of the musical curve, describes Lonnie Liston Smith. That is the perfect description of Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes 1973 debut album Astral Travelling. The music on Astral Travelling was groundbreaking. So much so, that it’s hard to believe Astral Travelling was released in 1973. Lonnie Liston Smith was a musical visionary. He was determined to push musical boundaries to their limits, and sometimes, beyond. However, Astral Travelling never enjoyed the commercial success and critical acclaim it enjoyed.
So, Lonnie dusted himself down and returned with Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes 1974 sophomore album, Cosmic Funk, which was recently rereleased by BGP Records, an imprint of Ace Records. Cosmic Funk is another genre-melting album of groundbreaking music from a true jazz pioneer, Lonnie Liston Smith, who is seemed was destined to become a musician.
For Lonnie Liston Smith, it was almost written in the stars that he’d become a musicians. Lonnie was born in 1940, into a musical family. His father was a member of Richmond Gospel music group the Harmonising Four. Growing up, members of gospel groups The Soul Stirrers and Swan Silvertones were regular visitors to the Smith household. With all this music surrounding him, Lonnie learned piano, tuba and trumpet in High School and college. After college, he headed to Morgan State University.
Inspired by Trane, Bird and Miles Davis, Lonnie embarked upon a degree in musical education. Throughout his time at University, Lonnie continued playing the pianist in local clubs and singing backing vocals. He played with alto saxophonist Gary Bartz and trombonist Graham Moncur. This was all part of Lonnie’s musical eduction. Having completed his BSc in musical education at Morgan State University, Lonnie walked straight into a job.
On leaving Morgan State University, Lonnie got a job with the Royal Theatre’s house band. For a young musician, this was would help turn them into a musical all-rounder. After all, they had to be able to accompany a wide range of artists. For Lonnie, this was the next stage in his musical education. The next part of his musical education took place in New York.
Having moved to New York, Lonnie was luck enough to get a gig playing piano in Betty Carter’s band. This helped Lonnie get his name known in the Big Apple. Then in early 1965, Lonnie caught a break. He joined Roland Kirk’s band and made his recording debut on March 14th 1965. That was when Here Comes The Whistleman was recorded live in New York Lonnie only played on the title-track, Making Love After Hours, Yesterdays and Step Right Up. Then Lonnie featured on Roland andAl Hibbler’s 1965 live album A Meeting Of The Times. After this Lonnie, joined one of jazz’s top bands.
Over the last few years, The Jazz Messengers had established a reputation for young musicians looking to make a name for themselves. Lonnie joined in 1965. He shared the role with Mick Nock and Keith Jarrett. However, with The Jazz Messengers ever evolving lineup, Lonnie only played three in concerts. These three concerts just so happened to be at the legendary Village Vanguard. For Lonnie, despite the prestigious venue, this must have been a disappointing time. Luckily, he was rehired by Roland Kirk.
Lonnie rejoined Roland Kirk’s band in time to play on his 1968 album Now Please Don’t You Cry, Beautiful Edith. This established Lonnie’s reputation as the go-to-guy for a pianist. It was the start of period where Lonnie worked with some of the most innovative and inventive jazz players. Musical boundaries were about to be pushed to their limits as Lonnie joined Pharaoh Saunders’ legendary free jazz band.
Pharaoh Saunders had worked closely with John Coltrane right up to his death in 1967. The following year, Pharaoh formed a new band. Their music is best described as free jazz. Musical boundaries were pushed to their limits and beyond. Recognising a fellow believer in free jazz, Pharaoh asked Lonnie to join his band. Lonnie went on to play on three of Pharaoh’s best albums. The first of this trio was 1969s Karma. It was followed in 1970 with Jewels of Thought and 1971s Thembi. The other Pharaoh Saunders album Lonnie played on was 1970s Summun Bukmun Umyun. which was released on Impulse. Just like the three albums Pharaoh recorded for Flying Dutchman Productions, it was a groundbreaking album.
During this period, Pharaoh and his band were constantly pushing boundaries and rewriting the musical rulebook. Their music was truly groundbreaking. Even Lonnie was challenged. On Thembi, Pharaoh asked Lonnie to play the Fender Rhodes. This was the first time that Lonnie came across an electric piano. However, he rose to challenge and wrote Thembi’s opening track Astral Travelling. Later, Astral Travelling would become synonymous with Lonnie Liston Smith and The Echoes. Before that, Lonnie would play with some of jazz’s mavericks. One of these was Gato Barbieri. He’d just signed to Bob Thiele’s nascent label Flying Dutchman Productions. It was establishing a reputation for providing musicians with an environment where innovative and creative musicians could thrive. Bob believed musical mavericks didn’t thrive within such an orthodox environment. Their creativity is restricted, meaning they’re unable to experiment and innovate like they’d like. So, Bob signed Gato to Flying Dutchman. Lonnie played on his 1969 debut album The Third World. Bob’s next signing was Leon Thomas and played on his debut album Spirits Known and Unknown. Soon, Lonnie was a regular at Flying Dutchman sessions.
When the time came for Gato to record his 1971 sophomore album Fenix, Lonnie was called upon. He played on Fenix and joined Gato’s band. Lonnie played on Gato’s 1972 album El Pampero. He also toured throughout Europe with Gato. Then came the opportunity of a lifetime. After El Pampero, Lonnie got the chance to work with another jazz legend.
Lonnie was a member of Gato Barbieri’s band when Miles Davis got in touch. He wanted Lonnie to join his band. At this time, Miles’ music was changing direction. The direction it was heading in was funk. Electronic instruments were the flavour of the month for Miles and he was exploring their possibilities. However, Miles was doing this outside the studio environment. That’s why there are very few recordings of Lonnie playing alongside Miles at that time. That came later, when Lonnie would later work with Miles. Meanwhile, Lonnie decided to move on with his solo career and his debut album Astral Travelling.
When recording of Astral Travelling began, Lonnie had put together some of the most talented and innovative musicians. The Cosmic Echoes’ rhythm section included bassist Cecil McBee, drummer David Lee and guitarist Joe Beck. Sonrily Morgan and James Mtume played percussion and conga, Gee Vashi tamboura and Badal Roy tabla. George Barron played tenor and soprano saxophone and Lonnie played piano and electric piano on Astral Travelling. Bob Theile produced Astral Travelling, which was released in 1973.
On its release in 1973, Astral Travelling was critically acclaimed. It was as if Lonnie had drawn upon all his experience working as a sideman. He’d worked with Pharaoh Saunders, Gato Barbieri, The Jazz Messengers, Leon Thomas, Stanley Turrentine and Miles Davis. This meant he was no ordinary musician. No. Lonnie Liston Smith was an innovator, who was determined to push musical boundaries to their limits and beyond. This was apparent on Astral Travelling. A year later, Lonnie returned with the followup up Astral Travelling, Cosmic Funk.
Cosmic Funk featured six tracks, three of which Lonnie wrote. They were the title-track Cosmic Funk, Beautiful Woman and Peaceful Ones. The other tracks were Wayne Shorter’s Footprints, James Mtume’s and John Coltrane’s Naima. These six tracks were recorded by an all-star band.
For the recording of Cosmic Funk, Lonnie had put together some of the most talented and innovative musicians. The Cosmic Echoes’ rhythm section included bassist Al Anderson, drummer Art Gore. Lawrence Killian played percussion and conga, while Doug Hammond, Ron Bridgewater and Andrew Cyrille played percussion. George Barron soprano saxophone, flute and percussion, while Donald Smith played piano, flute and added vocals. Lonnie played acoustic and electric piano plus persuasion on Cosmic Funk. Bob Theile produced Cosmic Funk, which was released in 1974.
Cosmic Funk was released in 1974. Critics heard a different side to Lonnie Liston Smith on Cosmic Funk. It was a much more orthodox album. One thing remained the same, the reaction of critics. Just like Astral Travelling, plaudits and critical acclaim followed the release of Cosmic Funk. Sadly, Cosmic Funk which I’ll tell you about, wasn’t a huge commercial success.
Opening Cosmic Funk is the title-track. An uber funky bass line and percussion set the scene. Briefly, you think you’ve put on a Blaxploitation soundtrack. Soon, hissing hi-hats join as the arrangement takes on a dubby sound. Subtle rasping horns are added before Donald Smith’s vocal is a fusion of power and passion. It’s akin to a cathartic outpouring of emotion. By now, the all-star band are jamming, feeding off-each other. Donald unleashes another vocal powerhouse. He literally screams “citizens of the world, it’s time for world peace.” His impassioned plea is accompanied by a Lonnie’s unique fusion of funk, jazz and soul, which can only be described as Cosmic Funk.
Footprints has an unmistakable sound. Penned by Wayne Shorter, Footprints featured on Miles Davis’ Miles Smiles’ album. Lonnie’s decision to cover the track could be seen as risky. After all, some people see Miles’ version as the definitive take on this track. Here, what’s noticeable is the unlike the previous track, it has a much more orthodox jazz sound. A wandering bass, flourishes of piano and soprano saxophone combine to create an understated, dreamy arrangement. It literally floats along, propelled by the rhythm section and piano. Percussion is sprinkled across the arrangement. Gradually, it grows in power and drama. Lonnie’s piano is key to the arrangement, feeding off the saxophone. After the saxophone drops out, Lonnie steals the show, delivering a masterclass he reinvents a classic track.
Beautiful Woman is the second of a trio of tracks penned by Lonnie. Flourishes of flamboyant piano, percussion and a shuffling rhythm section provide a Latin backdrop for Donald’s tender, heartfelt and seductive vocal. When his vocal drops out, Lonnie’s piano takes centre-stage. He’s accompanied by a subtle saxophone, a myriad of percussion and a pulsating rhythm section. However, it’s Lonnie’s piano that has you captivated. He plays with freedom and flamboyance during a lengthy solo. It’s one of the finest on Cosmic Funk. Meanwhile, Donald scats before picking up the baton from Lonnie and delivering the lyrics to the beautiful paean with passion and sincerity. The result is one of Cosmic Funk’s highlights.
Sais (Egypt) is eight minutes of spiritual jazz. It’s as if Lonnie’s been inspired by Pharaoh Saunders, who he used to play with. This track was penned by James Mtume, who played in Miles Davis’ band. However, it was Sonny Rollins who first recorded Sais (Egypt) on Horn Culture. Here, the arrangement is slow, with a mysterious, mystical sound. Just a lone bass plays before percussion, piano and drums enter. Lonnie’s piano playing is central to the track’s success. His playing is flamboyant, with flourishes of piano cascading across the arrangement. Playing an equally important role is the soprano saxophone. It too, cascades across the arrangement, while percussion and a reverberating piano add to the mystical, futuristic and experimental sound.
Peaceful Ones has a laid-back, mellow sound. The arrangement just meanders along. It has an understated, dreamy and floaty sound with envelops James’ vocal. It’s heartfelt. James sings as if he means every word. Especially the lyric “we’ll live in harmony.” When his vocal drops out the rhythm section, percussion and piano drive the arrangement along. Al Anderson’s bubbling electric bass plays a starring role. It’s panned right and Art Gore’s drums panned left. This add a sense of symmetry to the arrangement and allows James’ tender, beautiful and heartfelt vocal to take centre-stage, where it belongs.
Naima, which was written by John Coltrane, closes Cosmic Funk. Lonnie’s spacious piano reverberates and the arrangement unfolds. James picks up where he left off on Peaceful Ones. Heartfelt and tender describes his vocal. The understated arrangement floats and cascades around him. Bells chime, a flute bubbles and the bass probes. Percussion and Lonnie’s piano plays an important role. Especially when James’ vocal drops out. They briefly enjoy a starring role. Then when James’ vocal returns, they return to playing a supporting role on this wistful, ethereal and beautiful track.
Cosmic Funk proved to be a transitionary album for Lonnie Liston Smith. Released in 1974 critics heard a different side to Lonnie Liston Smith on Cosmic Funk. It was a much more orthodox jazz album. Jazz, funk, Latin and soul were combined on Cosmic Funk. However, one thing remained the same, the reaction of critics. Just like Astral Travelling, plaudits and critical acclaim accompanied Cosmic Funk which looking back, was a stepping stone for Lonnie Liston Smith.
The benefit of hindsight is a wonderful thing. However, anyone familiar with Lonnie Liston Smith’s back-catalogue will tell you that Cosmic Funk was a stepping stone for Lonnie. He found himself one step nearer what would be regarded as his trademark sound. He found his trademark sound on his third album, Expansions, which was released in 1975. For Lonnie, the first two albums of his career were part of a musical voyage of discovery.
During that journey, Lonnie embraced a whole host of ideas musically. That’s apparent on Cosmic Funk. Jazz, funk, Latin, soul and even electronica make an appearance on Cosmic Soul. That would be the case throughout Lonnie’s career. Some of the ideas worked. Others didn’t. These he cast aside, albeit sometimes temporarily. Sometimes, Lonnie would revisit them later in his career. Lonnie was always open minded musically. It was a case of neither ruling anything in, nor out. That’s why Lonnie Liston Smith will forever be regarded as an musical innovator and visionary.
Lonnie Liston Smith would go on innovate and influence several generations of musicians. Even today, forty years after the release of Cosmic Funk, Lonnie Liston Smith is still influencing generations. It seems belatedly, Lonnie Liston Smith’s music is finding a wider audience. Maybe, only now do people understand what Lonnie Liston Smith was trying to do? After all, his music was way ahead of the musical curve. However, Cosmic Funk which was recently rereleased by BGP Records is one of Lonnie Liston Smith’s most accessible albums.
Although Cosmic Funk was quite different to the music on Lonnie Liston Smith’s debut album Astral Travelling, it has one thing in common, quality. Cosmic Funk oozes quality. No wonder. Lonnie was accompanied by a band that features several former members of Miles Davis’ band. Each of them, played their part in Cosmic Funk’s sound and success. Cosmic Funk was very different to Lonnie’s debut album Astral Travelling. Despite its much more orthodox jazz sound, Cosmic Funk found Lonnie one step nearer finding his trademark sound. With its much more traditional sound, Cosmic Funk is one of the most accessible albums Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes released. That’s why Cosmic Funk is the perfect introduction to Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes’ unique brand of cosmic jazz.
LONNIE LISTON SMITH AND THE COSMIC ECHOES-COSMIC FUNK.
1982-A/B
1982-A/B
A/B the fourth album from enigmatic Norwegian improvisational trio 1982, sees them draw inspiration from the past. The result is another groundbreaking album A/B,, which will be released on Hubro Music, on 12th May 2014. It’s the followup to 2012s 1982 + B.J. Cole. This was the third album 1982 had released since they formed back in 2007. A lot has happened since then. A/B harks back to the age of the vinyl album and is the latest chapter in the 1982 story.
The 1982 story began back in 2007. That’s when Sigbjørn Apeland, Øyvind Skarbø and Nils Økland formed what was essentially a Norwegian supergroup consisting of innovative musicals. Each member of 1982 was an experienced and inventive musician. They’d all played on albums by other bands. Nils Økland had already released a trio of solo albums. 1982 would become a vehicle to showcase their collective talents.
Two years later, in 2009, 1982 released their debut album. Entitled Sigbjørn Apeland, Øyvind Skarbø, Nils Økland, it was released to critical acclaim. The improvisational trio had released an album of innovative, inventive and influential music. This was just the first chapter in the story of one of Norway’s most exciting bands.
Pintura was 1982s sophomore album. It was recorded at Grieghallen Studio, Bergen, on December 7th 2010. Released in 2011, on Hubro Music, Pintura featured saw 1982 pick up where they left off on their debut album. Critically acclaimed and featuring groundbreaking music, word was spreading about 1982 and their unique improvisational style. Their third album would be a collaboration with a musical veteran.
1982 + B.J. Cole saw Sigbjørn Apeland, Øyvind Skarbø and Nils Økland joined by legendary pedal steel player B.J. Cole. For many people, 1982 + B.J. Cole might have seemed like unlikely collaborators. Especially, given their different musical backgrounds. However, this is what people have come to expect from 1982. They’re determined to push musical boundaries to their limit, and sometimes, beyond. This is what they did on 1982 + B.J. Cole. The result was an ambitious and innovative album. For A/B, the followup to 1982 + B.J. Cole, 1982 have decided to collaborate again.
When work began on what would be A/B, 1982 decided their fourth album would be another collaboration. This time, 1982 invited wind players Fredrik Ljungkvist of Atomic, Erik Johannessen of Jaga Jazzist, plus Sofya Dudaeva, Hanne Liland Rekdal, Matthias Wallin and Stian Omenås. They’d play on what was an unorthodox collaboration.
A/B harks back to the days of the vinyl album. Essentially, it’s album of two parts, the A-side and B-Side. The A-Side features just one lengthy piece. Hence the title 18.16. It was penned by Sigbjørn Apeland, Øyvind Skarbø, Nils Økland and Stian Omenås. This piece is seen as the most innovative piece of music 1982 have recorded. Stian has composed and arranged a piece for a wind sextet. It’s another layer of music that sits atop the original improvisation. The rest of A/B was penned by Sigbjørn, Øyvind and Nils.
Just like 18:16, the other tracks 02:01, 03:51, 03:12, 1:08 and 5:00, indicate the length of the track. This isn’t new. 1982 have been doing this since their debut album. It’s actually a clever idea. With no traditional title, there’s nothing to give you a clue as to the meaning of the music. Instead, you can let your imagination run riot. That’s perfect for the music on A/B.
On the B-Side, 1982 return to playing as a trio. There’s a number of departures from previous 1982 albums. Sigbjørn plays piano on one track, and Nils delivers a vocal. This is just part of 1982s musical journey. During this journey, their raison d’être is to always create groundbreaking, innovative music. With each album, 1982 are determined to push things even further. This is the case on A/B.
Recording of A/B took place in two studios. 1982 recorded A/B in Grieghallen Studio in Bergen. This was just before the studio shut its doors for the last time in the summer of 2013. Nils played Hardanger fiddles and violins and added a vocal. Stian recorded the sextet in Oslo.
The sextet was recorded at Rainbow Studio, in Oslo, with technician Jan Erik Kongshaug, Fredrik Ljungkvist played clarinet, Sofya Dudaeva flute, Hanne Liland Rekdal bassoon, Matthias Wallin tenor horn, Erik Johannessen trombone and Stian Omenås trumpet. When the sextet had recorded 18:16 their part, it was layered atop the piece recorded by 1982 by producer Øyvind Skarbø. The result you’ll realise, when I tell you about A/B, is one of the most groundbreaking pieces of music 1982 have ever recorded, 18:16.
18:16 opens A/B, 1982s fourth album. It’s understated and ethereal as it reveals its subtleties and nuances. A harmonium, violin and wind instruments play gently, They play with care and subtlety. The arrangement meanders along, gradually unfolding. Soon, a clarinet enters. It adds an element of drama. Meanwhile, scratchy fiddles add a melancholy sound. By now, everything from ambient, avant garde, classical, experimental and jazz has been combined. Later, 1982 add their unique improvisational twist to the track. When free jazz enters the equation, the track veers between haunting, to eerie, disturbing and dramatic. Much later, the arrangement is spacious and pensive, before returning to a an understated, ethereal and wistful sound. This results in an epic track, one that’s ambitious, challenging, dramatic and groundbreaking. So much so, that it’s career defining track for 1982 that’s a game-changer as far as they’re concerned.
Just a lone piano opens the spacious 02:01. Soon, it’s all change. Drums, percussion and fiddles join forces. They dominate the arrangement. The piano adds to the drama, before the arrangement returns to an understated, wistful sound.
It’s just thoughtful drums that open 03:51. A distant violin makes its way forward. So does a droning sound. Mostly, it’s just the drums and fiddle that create an understated and melancholy arrangement. The addition of the droning sound adds to the melancholia. It also adds a melodic sound to this dreamy, thoughtful track.
03:12 picks up where 03:51 left off. The arrangement has an understated, thoughtful sound. A fiddle, harmonium and scatted vocal combine as the arrangement unfolds in waves. It’s a combination of ambient, avant grade, drone and 1982s unique improvisational style. Nils delivers an improvised vocal that’s the perfect foil for the rest of the arrangement. This results in a track that’s variously haunting, beautiful, ethereal and gloriously understated.
01:08 is a brief sonic experiment. It’s a taste of what 1982 are capable of. 1982 draw you in, improvising and taking you on a journey. Sadly, it’s over before it’s begin. However, you’ve had a tantalising taste of what 1982 are capable of where they’re capable of taking you.
05:00 closes A/B. Just like most of the music on the “B-Side” the music is understated, wistful and melancholy. Drums played by brushes join the harmonium and fiddle. They leave space within the arrangement. It’s as if they’re allowing music for the music to breathe. By then, it’s broody and eerie. Hi-hats hiss as ambient, classical and jazz combine with experimental music. Later, the music becomes broody, moody and heart-achingly beautiful.
A/B, which is the fourth album from Norwegian improvisational trio 1982, is without doubt, the best album of their career. Flawless describes this Nordic minimalist epic. So does innovative, understated, wistful, melancholy, dramatic, dreamy, eerie, beautiful, broody, moody and haunting. A/B are all these things and more as 1982 seamlessly, mix musical genres.
Everything from ambient, avant garde, classical, drone, experimental, free jazz and jazz is combined by 1982. The result is A/B an album of groundbreaking sonic journeys. A/B’s centrepiece is 18:16, the album’s Magnus Opus. It’s a collaboration with a wind sextet. This collaboration was one of the most ambitious pieces of music 1982 have ever recorded. Quite simply, it’s a groundbreaking piece of music that for 1982, will be game-changer. 18:16 is also a career defining track. It’s what everything else 1982 produce will be compared to. However, there’s more to A/B than 18:16.
The other five tracks are part of an innovative and influential sonic experience. 1982 take you combine musical genres to create music that’s emotive and tugs at your heartstrings. It’s also music that’s beautiful, complex and full of nuances. The music is multilayered, spectral and full of textures. These five tracks, just like 18:16, are part of an album that’s career defining. That’s how I’d described A/B, 1982s fourth album which was released on Hubro Music, on 12th May 2014. A/B is a career defining album from the groundbreaking Norwegian improvisational trio 1982.
1982-A/B
SHAWN LEE PRESENTS GOLDEN AGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.
SHAWN LEE PRESENTS GOLDEN AGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.
Shawn Lee’s new album, Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine, which was released on 5th May 2014, has been a labor of love. It’s Shawn paying homage to the golden age of hip hop, which influenced and inspired him. So much so, that Shawn decided to pursue a career as a producer.
His career began back in 1995, when he moved to London and recorded his 1996 debut album, Discomfort, for Giles Petersen’s Talking Loud label. Since then, Shawn has released a string of commercially successful and critically acclaimed albums. The latest addition to his discography is Shaun Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. It’s been described as a “passion play.” It could also be described as a love letter to the golden age of hip hop, which Shaun believes was between the mid-eighties and mid-nineties. Featuring seventeen tracks, Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine is a one of the ambitious albums of Shawn’s career, which is now entering its third decade.
Shawn Lee was born and grew up in the outskirts of Wichita, Kansas. From an early age, Shawn began a lifelong love affair with soul and funk. He grew up listening to Sly and The Family Stone, The Isley Brothers and Blaxploitation soundtracks. Later, he discovered gospel music, when he started playing drums in the local baptist church. This didn’t go down well with some of Shawn’s supposed “friends.”
They disapproved of this. For Shawn, this proved the last straw. He decided to leave the Mid West. For Shawn this was doubly disappointing. Not only had his “friends” proved to be racists, but Shawn was enjoying playing in Lotus, a local band which featured a future country megastar, Martina McBride. However, Shawn headed across the Atlantic, to London, to record his debut album, Discomfort.
This was 1995. Now living in London, Shawn recorded his 1996 debut album, Discomfort. It was released on Giles Petersen’s Talking Loud label. Monkey Boy, his sophomore album, followed in 2000. Then between 2002 and 2003, Shaun released five volumes of his Ape Breaks series. So popular were the Ape Breaks series, that Shawn became the most sampled drummer of his generation. Following the Ape Breaks series Shawn released the first album by his newest project, Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra.
Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra released Music and Rhythm in 2004. Moods and Grooves followed in 2005, with Strings and Things released in 2006. Another seven albums would be released by Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra between 2007 and 2012. With each album, their genre melting music was finding a wider audience. The same year, 2006, Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra released Strings and Things, Sean released two further albums.
The first album was a soundtrack album, Rockstar Games Presents Bully Original Soundtrack. Then there was Shawn’s first release for BBE Music, Soul Vista. It was released to critical acclaim. Soul Vista marked a new chapter in Shawn’s career. So did two collaborations Shawn was involved with.
In 2008, Shawn and Clutchy Hopkins released their collaboration Clutch Of The Tiger. Shawn also collaborated on the Under The Sun Original Motion Picture Soundtrack with Afro Dizzi Act, Band of Frequencies and Low Pressure Sound System. Then in 2010, Bei Bei and Shawn collaborated on Into The Wind. The same year, Shawn released another solo album.
Sing A Song was released in 2010. It was the latest addition to Shawn’s discography. With each album, Shawn was evolving and maturing as a producer. He’d established a reputation as one of the most innovative producers of his generation. Shawn was also gaining a reputation as the hardest working producer in modern music.
2011 saw Shawn collaborate with Alex Rizzo, Elliot Ireland and The Fingers Malone Ensemble on The Organic Downbeats. This wasn’t the only album Shawn released. No. His latest collaboration made released their debut album in 2011.
Celestial Electric was the debut from A.M. and Shawn Lee. Their sophomore album La Musique Numérique followed in 2012. Shawn also released another solo album in 2012, the genre-melting Synthesizers In Space. The following year, Shawn was part of innovative transatlantic project,
In 2013, Shawn joined collaborated with Herbie Flowers, Tim Lee and Barry Morgan. The result of the quartet’s collaboration was New York Trouble / Electric Progression. This was the just the latest innovative addition to Shawn Lee’s discography. The next is Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine.
For Shawn. Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine is a deeply personal album. It harks back to the music that influenced and inspired him. It’s what he calls the golden age of hip hop, which he believes was between the mid-eighties and the mid-nineties. This was what Shawn listened to growing up and when he was embarking on his career as a producer.
What especially inspired Shawn was sample based production. This was new. No longer did you need musicians and a studio to record an album. It was now within the budget of a new generation. Like the previous generation, they dug deep looking for samples. Around this sample. producers, like Shawn, could build a track.
Often, it was a drum beat, guitar lick or horn riff. Sometimes, it was all three. This formed the basis for the track. Strings could be added. Possibly percussion or a snippet of a vocal. Maybe another sample or samples were added. Sometimes, the tempo was changed or effects added. All this was to disguise the sample’s identity. This describes how the music Shawn grew up listening to was made. It also describes what he did early in his career.
Shawn would play the drums while rappers vamped over Chic’s Good Times. He then graduated to playing Rufus’ Ain’t Nobody. Soon, Shawn had his own Linn drum machines, Dmx’s, SP 12 and 1200’s and MPC drum machines. His career was underway. He was a fully fledged hip hop producer.
Now, nearly twenty years later, Shawn is approaching the veteran stage of his career. He’s held in the highest esteem among the hip hop community. They’ve come out in their droves to accompany Shawn on his new album Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. It’s an all-star cast the accompanies Shawn Lee on the gloriously old school Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. However, it’s old school with a twist.
The old school hip hop albums from De La Soul, The Dust Brothers and Prince Paul that inspired Shawn were all sample based productions. Not Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. It isn’t a sample based production. No way. Instead, Shawn played everything Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. This includes every one note stab, lick and drum beat. That’s what makes Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine such a compelling project. It’s also a fitting homage to the golden age of hip hop. Helping Shawn were a cast of guest artists.
Among the guest artists on Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine, are Braille, MC ThinkTank, Lightheaded, Ohmega Watts, Miles Bonny, Earl Zinger, Busdriver, Princess Superstar and Andy “Undertaker” Cooper. All these artists helped Shawn Lee produce Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine, which may very well be his an old school hip hop Magnus Opus with a twist. Is that the case though?
Forward To The Past opens Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. Straight away, it references hip hop roots. It draws inspiration from Chic’s Good Times, before a joyous fusion of soul, funk and disco unfolds. Blazing horns, chiming guitars and a funky rhythm section join forces with percussion and a strutting rap. The result is hook laden old school hip hop the new school way.
Stay On Course features the first guest artist Braille. He plays a part in the track’s tougher harder sound. A myriad of grizzled horns, crystalline guitars, stabs of piano and scratches provide the backdrop to Braille’s swaggering rap.
Back To The Future is a real fusion of styles. It also has an eighties sound. That’s no surprise. This is when Sean grew up. Everything from electronica, electro and funk are combined as MC ThinkTank swaggers his way through the track. Bubbling synths and effects are added, resulting in a futuristic sound as we take a trip Back To The Future.
After this, a string of guest artists make an appearance. Lightheaded features on Rocksteady, where elements of reggae, funk and soul are combined. The arrangement is dominated by keyboards, while stabs of horns, crisp drums, scratches and bursts of vocal escape from the arrangement to this genre-melting track. Ohmega Watts plays a huge part in We Got The Jazz. He plays the role of jive talking hep cat to a tee on this jazz-tinged slice of smokey hip hop.
Slow, moody and dubby describes the old-school influenced Boom Rap. It features a jazz-tinged guitar and the crackling sound of old vinyl. Later, stabs of horns are added to the understated arrangement to what could easily be a vintage hip hop classic.
Big Bad Wolf shows another side to Shawn Lee. It’s dark, dramatic and cinematic, as Shawn springs surprises during this magical musical mystery tour. It continues on Hip Hop Harpe. From the get go it’s slow and moody. Meandering, hypnotic, keyboards grab your attention. Sean’s other secret weapon are the drums. They plod along adding to the atmospheric, broody arrangement which again, has a cinematic sound.
The next few tracks see the return of the guest artists. Miles Bonny guests on the soulful, jazzy and beautiful Wake Up. Earl Zinger features on Jackie Chan. It veers between the atmospheric, disturbing, haunting and hypnotic.
Next stop is Christophe which features Busdriver. He unleashes a vocal at breakneck speed. Meanwhile the arrangement veers between soulful and uber funky. There’s even a brief nod to Canned Heat and hint of blues and poppy harmonies. Mostly, it’s funky, as if inspired by Shawn’s love of Blaxploitation. Princess Superstar features on I Just Had A Baby. She mixes Nu-Soul and hip hop with humour and hooks. Andy “The Undertaker” Cooper features on the wistful, dramatic hip hop anthem Ashes To Ashes. His vocal and the keyboards are at the heart of a track that’s dark, dramatic and anthemic.
School House Funk sees Shawn roll back the years. He replicates the youthful exuberance and energy of the high school band. This can’t help make you smile as Shawn’s musical journey continues.
Straight away, Baby Breakin’ reminds me of Queen’s Another One Bites The Dust. It’s an old school track, that reminds me of hip hop’s early years, especially Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Featuring MC Shawny Shawn’s rap, it’s a homage to hip hop’s early years.
Marimba has a wistful introduction. That’s before the thunderous drums gallop in. They provide a contrast the the melancholy sound of the Marimba. Swathes of strings, keyboards and drums combine to create a wistful, sixties sounding cinematic track. Muson Magic closes Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. It has futuristic, space-age sound. Add to that elements of funk and Kraftwerk and Muson Magic sounds like the soundtrack to a cult sci-fi film.
So that’s the story of Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. This was Shawn’s Magnus opus, his love letter to the golden age of hip hop. Described as a “passion play,” Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine is anold school hip hop album the new school way.
By this, I mean Shawn eschews sample based production for playing each of the parts. Shawn played everything on Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. This includes every one note stab, lick and drum beat. That and a cast of guest artists is what makes Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine such a compelling and critically acclaimed project.
Among the guest artists on Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine, are Braille, MC ThinkTank, Lightheaded, Ohmega Watts, Miles Bonny, Earl Zinger, Busdriver, Princess Superstar and Andy “Undertaker” Cooper. Each and every one of these guest artists played a part in the success of Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. However, it’s Shawn that deserves the most credit.
Not only is he a talented producer, but a talented musician. Unlike many modern producers, he can actually play an instrument. He proves that here on Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine’s seventeen tracks. Shawn draws inspiration from everything from Blaxploitation, electro, electronic, funk, jazz, Nu-Soul, pop, rock and soul. The result is a captivating and compelling musical tapestry full of subtleties and surprises. Shawn throws a series of curveballs as he sets about winning friends and influencing people on Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine which will be released on 5th May 2014 on BBE Music.
Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine was an ambitious project. After all, trying to create an album that paid homage to the golden age of hip hop was never going to be easy. After all, many a classic album was released during this period. These albums are part of hip hop’s fabric and history. They represent part of the evolution of hip hop. Not only that, but they were the soundtrack to Shawn Lee’s youth and the start of his career as a producer. So, it must have been with a degree of apprehension that Shawn set about making Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine. However, in Shawn Lee Presents Golden Age Against The Machine, his love letter to the golden age of hip hop, he has made not just a fitting homage to hip hop’s golden age but an album that one day, will become part of hip hop’s history.
SHAWN LEE PRESENTS GOLDEN AGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.
BOWIE HEARD THEM HERE FIRST.
BOWIE HEARD THEM HERE FIRST.
David Bowie is, without doubt, one of the most influential and innovative artists of the last fifty years. So it’s fitting that Ace Records have recently released a compilation of music that influenced David Bowie. Bowie Heard Them Here First features twenty-four tracks and is a snapshot into the music that inspired David Bowie, who has sold over 140 million albums during a fifty-two year career that began in 1962.
Since 1962, David has refused to stand still. He wasn’t content to stand still. Instead, he constantly reinvented not just his music, but himself. That’s been the case since 1962, when fifteen year-old David Bowie formed his first band, The Konrads.
Success eluded The Konrads. This was the case with other groups joined. Whether it was blues groups like The King Bees and The Mannish Boys or The Lower Third, The Buzz and The Riot Squad commercial success eluded them. David’s solo career fared no better
Released in 1967, David’s eponymous debut album failed to chart. Not only was it a fusion of pop and psychedelia, but was influenced by the music hall. David Bowie passed record buyers by. For the next two years, commercial success eluded David Bowie. To make ends meet, David was a session singer, singing jingles for ice cream and chocolate bars. However, as the seventies dawned, David, with the help of manager Tony Defries, became one of the most successful artists of the seventies.
During the seventies, David was like a chameleon, his music constantly changing. He was an innovator who influenced a generation. His 1970 album The Man Who Sold the World gave birth to glam rock. The following year, David released Hunky Dory, which became his most successful album. It reached number three in the UK and was certified platinum. Hunky Dory also marked the debut of the lineup members of David’s legendary band The Spiders from Mars.
They played on David’s 1972 concept album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars. The album was based on the life of a fictional rock star, Ziggy Stardust. He became David’s alter-ego. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was the album that saw David make his commercial breakthrough in the America. It was certified gold in America and platinum in the US. However, Aladdin Sane was the swan-song of The Spiders from Mars.
Aladdin Sane became David’s first number one albums and was certified gold in the UK and America in 1973. I also marked the retirement of Ziggy Stardust. After that another chapter in David’s career unfolded.
October 1973 saw the release of Pin Ups was an album of cover versions. It reached number one in the UK and was certified gold. Six months later, David released Diamond Dogs in April 1974. This was an ambitious album based partly on George Orwell’s 1984 and David’s glam-tinged post-apocalyptic world. Diamond Dogs was huge success, giving David his third UK number one and was certified gold in the UK and USA. After Diamond Dogs, David’s music became soulful and funky.
Young Americans is another example of David’s determination to innovate and move forward. Influenced by Philly Soul, the lushest of strings and hissing hits are combined with a pulsating rhythm section. Soulful and funky, 1976s Young Americans was certified silver in the UK and gold in the USA. The single Fame gave David a number one single. The rest of the seventies demonstrates David’s chameleon like nature.
1977s Station To Station marked the debut of The Thin White Duke, who was David’s last great musical alter-ego. This was tenth album and was an innovative album. The soul and funk of Young Americans was present, but there was a hint of what would become the Berlin Trilogy. Motorik drums beats and the influence of Neu, Kraftwek and Can were obvious. Given the innovative nature of Station To Station, it’s no surprise that the album was certified gold in the UK and USA. However, after this, David Bowie released the innovative and critically acclaimed Berlin Trilogy.
The Berlin Trilogy consists of 1977s Low and Heroes and 1979s Lodger. These three albums were all certified gold in the UK. David was collaborating with Brian Eno,who produced the Berlin Trilogy. They’re best described as innovative, experimental and avant garde, The influence of Motorik drums beats and Neu, Kraftwek and Can plays a huge part in what were three of the most innovative and influential albums of David Bowie’s career. Since the release of the Berlin Trilogy these three albums have been regarded as the most important albums of David Bowie’s long and illustrious career.
The seventies are a snapshot of David Bowie’s career as he constantly sought to reinvent not just his music, but himself. That’s why for newcomers to David Bowie’s music, the perfect starting place is the music he released between 1970 and 1979. That music was influenced by the music that features on Ace Records recently released compilation Bowie Heard Them Here First.
Bowie Heard Them Here First features twenty-four tracks and is a snapshot into the music that inspired David Bowie. There’s contributions from everyone from Bobby Bland, The Velvet Underground, The Pretty Things, The Kinks, Roxy Music, Jacques Brel, Tom Verlaine, Iggy Pop, The Walker Brothers and The Pixies. Quite simply, Bowie Heard Them Here First, which I’ll pick the highlights of, is a truly compelling and captivating compilation of eclectic music of music which influenced David Bowie.
Bobby Bland’s I Pity The Fool is my first choice from Bowie Heard Them Here First. It was released as a single in 1961 on Duke and features on Bobby’s debut album Two Steps From The Blues. Written by Deadric Malone, Bobby combines blues, soul and emotion. Rueful and full of frustration, Bobby unleashes a vocal powerhouse. This was the start of another chapter in Bobby’s long and successful career.
When you first hear Ron Davies on It Ain’t Easy, a track his 1970 album Silent Song Through The Land, he sounds not unlike Bob Dylan. He has a gnarled, lived-in vocal. His music is a fusion of rock, country and folk. Accompanied by backing vocalists and a tight talented band who sound straight out of Nashville, Ron proves why he’s one of American music’s best kept secrets.
The Velvet Underground are one of the most innovative and influential band in musical history. No wonder, with a lineup that featured Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, Maureen Tucker and Nico. White Light / White Heat is the title-track from The Velvet Underground’s 1968 sophomore album. This was a worthy followup to The Velvet Underground and Nico and features one of the most innovative, influential and controversial groups in their prime.
Formed in 1963, The Pretty Things were named after a Chuck Berry song. By 1964, they’d released Rosalyn as a single on Fontana. It’s a track from their 1965 eponymous album which reached number six in the UK. Rosalyn features The Pretty Things at their best. They snarl their way through the track fusing garage, rock, psychedelia and proto punk. It’s a glorious combination from one of the most underrated sixties bands.
Brothers Ray Dave Davies formed what became one of the most successful and influential bands of the sixties, The Kinks. Where Have All The Good Times Gone is an example of the perfect pop The Kinks were capable of producing. For some reason, was the B-Side of their 1965 single Till The End Of The Day. This hidden gems shows that some of The Kinks B-sides were better than some groups singles.
Back in 1966, Eddie Floyd released the soul classic Knock On Wood on Stax. The following year, Eddie released his debut album Knock On Wood. This was the first of seven albums Eddie released on Stax. However, the song that started this run of commercial success was the timeless soul classic Knock On Wood.
Jacques Brel was a Belgian singer and songwriter, actor and film director. He was twenty-eight when he released an E.P. which featured Amsterdam. The song also featured on Jacques’ 1978 album Amsterdam 3. Amsterdam features a heartfelt vocal sung in the chanson style by the enigmatic and charismatic Jacques Brel.
Most people remember Tom Verlaine as a member of Television. However, there’s more to his career than that. He also enjoyed a successful solo career. He released his eponymous debut album in 1981. It featured Kingdom Come where rock and new wave combine head on. There’s even a nod to David Bowie on Kingdom Come, which showcases the talents of the inimitable Tom Verlaine.
When many compilers decide to add include an Iggy Pop track on a compilation, they predictably, plump for Lust For Life. Not Mick Patrick, whose compiled Bowie Heard Them Here First. He’s chosen Sister Midnight, a track from Iggy’s 1979 album New Values. Soulful and sultry, it’s Iggy Pop, a true legend and innovator at his best.
Roxy Music released a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums during the seventies. Their debut was Roxy Music, released in 1972, on Island Records. It featured If There Is Something which is a fusion of perfect pop, art rock, glam rock and soul. This marked the start of Roxy’s rise to rock royalty. No wonder Roxy Music had an abundance of talent. With Bryan Ferry as frontman and Brian Eno, Andy McKay, Graham Simpson, Paul Thompson and Phil Manzanera in the lineup, it’s no surprise Roxy Music reached the heights they did.
In 1978, The Walker Brothers released what was the last album of their career, Nite Flights. They’d reunited back in 1975 for No Regrets. Lines followed in 1976. Nite Flights was their swan-song. The title-track was one of four tracks penned by Scott Engel. The Walker Brothers transformed this into memorable slice of art rock. It’s no ordinary art rock. Instead, it’s given a makeover. Dance-floor friendly and ethereal thanks to the vocal and synth strings The Walker Brothers, like David Bowie, weren’t content to stand still. Not with the genius of Scott Walker at the band’s helm.
The Pixies’ Cactus is my final choice from Bowie Heard Them Here First. A driving fusion of indie rock, post punk and garage, Cactus is a track from what’s regarded as The Pixies’ best album Surfer Rosa. With tracks like Cactus, it’s no surprise that it’s regarded as an indie classic.
Bowie Heard Them Here First is the finest instalment in Ace Records’ Heard Them Here First Series. It literally oozes quality. No wonder. Look at the music on Bowie Heard Them Here First. There’s contributions from Bobby Bland, The Velvet Underground, The Pretty Things, The Kinks, Roxy Music, Jacques Brel, Tom Verlaine, Iggy Pop, The Walker Brothers and The Pixies. Fittingly, each and every one of them released innovative music.
Whilst these artist may not have sold 140 million albums like David Bowie, they’ve influenced several generations of musicians. Indeed, some of the artists on Bowie Heard Them Here First will be new to some people. Not any more. Hopefully, having heard Bowie Heard Them Here First will inspire people to go out and buy albums by Ron Davies, The Pretty Things, Tom Verlaine and even the late period Walker Brothers’ albums. That’s the beauty of albums like Bowie Heard Them Here First. They introduce people to artists and albums they may never have heard of. So in a sense, Bowie Heard Them Here First is the start of a musical journey of exploration. You discover albums you’v never heard before. These albums are a treasure trove of ambitious, groundbreaking, innovative, inventive and influential music. That’s the case from the get-go. As Paul Revere and The Raiders strike up Louie Go Home right through to closing bars of The Legendary Stardust Cowboy’s I Took A Trip On A Gemini Spaceship, Bowie Heard Them Here First is all killer no filler. So much so, that Bowie Heard Them Here First is one of the best and most eclectic compilations of 2014.
BOWIE HEARD THEM HERE FIRST.
LINDA PERHACS-PARALLELOGRAMS.
LINDA PERHACS-PARALLELOGRAMS.
In the music industry, sadly, talent alone doesn’t guarantee commercial success and critical acclaim. If only that was the case, then things would be very different. There would be no such thing as DJs, remixers and grid-iron producers. These three products of the modern music industry examples of where music has gone wrong. Their success means rather than learn to play a musical instrument, read music and write songs. That was what happened during the music’s golden age. Not now though.
Now a generation are growing up wanting to be a DJ. They want to play other people’s music, rather than make their own music. So they buy a DJ controller, and rely on the sync button to blag their way through a set. Then there’s the remixer.
They’ve been around for roughly forty years. Most of them can’t play an instrument, never mind read or write music. Yet they’re lauded for regurgitating the music someone else has written, recorded and produced. Sadly, they’ve inspired a new generation of aspiring remixers.
With their pirated software, they make their tawdry cut and paste edits. They then pollute the internet with them. Incredibly, some record companies, looking for a cheap release, are foolish enough to release them as a compilation. Thankfully, these record companies have fallen by the wayside. Then we come to the grid-iron producer.
The grid-iron producer is a sign of the times. Their raison d’être is making bad music sound good. Regardless of how bad the vocal, lead guitar, bass or drums are they can “fix” it. Melodyne can correct the vocal and samples can be triggered to fix the drums. If the timing or pitch is wrong, the grid-iron producer can “fix” it. As a result, music that should never be release is not only being released, but is making stars out of talentless people. Meanwhile, seriously talented musicians are struggling to make a living. Sadly, that’s always been the case.
It was in 1970, that twenty-seven year old dental hygienist Linda Perhacs released Parallelograms, her debut album. Some people wondered why it had taken Linda so long. After all, she was a musical prodigy.
Linda Long was born in Mill Valley, which lies just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in 1943. By the time she was six or seven, Linda was able to write write quite complicated compositions. She was gifted. However, as is often the case with gifted children, her teachers didn’t maybe realise this. This didn’t stop Linda enrolling in the University of Southern California.
At University of Southern California, Linda majored in dental hygiene. This allowed her to work and study. Her course also allowed Linda to explore what was unfolding around her. Remember, this was the start of the counterculture explosion. San Francisco was central to this. Being around this meant Linda was exposed to a many different cultures. It was the same with art and music. For Linda, this was creatively stimulating and would change the course of her life.
Having graduated from University of Southern California, Linda began working with periodontist. During this period, Linda immersed herself in the various philosophies that were popular. Essentially, she taught her to mediate and rid herself of negative energy. This helped her and her patients. It may also have helped Linda develop as songwriter.
Away from work, Linda and her sculptor husband used to enjoy walking in the city’s public parks. It was during these walks that Linda was first inspired to write songs. This was something Linda hadn’t done since she and her husband moved to Topanga Canyon.
Indeed, Linda hadn’t written songs for a while. Throughout her University days, Linda hadn’t been involved in making music. However, she loved music. Topanga Canyon was full of artists and musicians. So, it was the perfect place for an aspiring singer-songwriter. With an environment that inspired her, and the sense of hope that was prevalent during the second half of the sixties, this marked the cultural blossoming of Linda Perhacs.
What also inspired Linda was her travels. She spent time travelling up the Big Sur coastline, right through Mendocino, the Pacific Northwest and to Alaska. This was her road rip. So was a trip to Chimacum, on the Olympic Peninsula. These journeys were what inspired Linda to write songs. Linda stresses her journeys inspired her. Drugs played no part in stimulating her creativity. Her songs come from her experiences in life.
This includes the colours, patters and shapes that she’s seen since she was a child. Again, they’re not the result of recreational drugs. No. They’re a phenomenon that many people experience. These colours, patters and shapes inspired Linda, who soon, would be one step releasing her first album.
Linda was, by now, working in the office of Beverley Hills’ periodontist. That’s where Linda met film soundtrack composer Leonard Rosenman and his wife Kay. Linda would ask them about their forthcoming projects. Then one day Leonard said to Linda “I can’t believe that clinical work is all you do.” So, Linda told them about her music and played a tape of one of her songs. These were songs she’d recorded during her travels. Leonard took the songs home to listen to them. The next day, Linda was offered a record contract.
When Linda handed Leonard the tape, she thought that Leonard was wanting to hear a glimpse of the type of music younger people were making. After all, Leonard had a lot of projects on the go. However, that didn’t stop him offering to produce Linda’s debut album. The song that made him make that offer was the Parallelograms, which would be the title-track of Linda’s debut album. Leonard referred to this track as “visual music composition.”
Once Leonard made the offer to produce Linda’s debut album, she headed to his home. Once there, she met musicians and singers she’d only read about. It was then that Leonard explained the his concept of “visual music composition.” Leonard who’d been a composer all his life, had never been able to achieve this. Linda had. He explained that Parallelograms was different from the other tracks. They were songs. Parallelograms was different. Each of the component parts were interactive to the composer as three-dimensional sound. It’s akin to sculpting with ice, where the result is essentially a type of light and dance. For Linda, this was the way she’d always written. However, now Linda was going to take this one step further and record what became Parallelograms.
Parallelograms featured eleven tracks. Linda wrote ten of them. The exception was Hey, Who Really Cares? which Linda cowrote with Oliver Nelson wrote. Producer Leonard Rosenman brought in an all-star cast of musicians.
When recording of Parallelograms began, Leonard Rosenman and Linda were aiming to sculpt a series of soundscapes full of textures, colours and shapes. The music Linda hoped, would be “softer and ethereal.” Accompanying her were some legendary musicians. This included Shelley Mann and Milt Jackson on percussion. The rhythm section included Reinie Press on electric bass and Fender guitar and Steve Cohn on lead and 12-string guitar. John Neufield played flute and saxophone, Leonard Rosenman electronic effects and Tommy harmonica. Brian Ingoldsby was tasked with using an electrified shower hose for horn effects. Parallelograms was no ordinary album. It was truly groundbreaking.
On its release in 1970, Parallelograms was released to critical acclaim, but sadly, this psychedelic folk classic wasn’t the huge commercial success it should’ve been. This wasn’t helped by the record company’s failure to promote Parallelograms Linda, like so many other hugely talented artists failed to enjoy their commercial success and critical acclaim. So Linda returned to her job as a periodontist and nothing was heard of Parallelograms until the nineties. Since then, it has become a cult class. Interest in Parallelograms grows with each year. Maybe only now do people fully understand and appreciate this seminal, lost classic which I’ll tell you about.
The wistful Chimacum Rain opens Parallelograms. It has an understated, acoustic arrangement. That’s perfect for Linda’s tender, ethereal vocal. She also adds harmonies. They cascade and surround you, like the rain Linda is singing about. Her vocal has a dreamy, lysergic song. It’s captivating. You’re drawn to and seduced by its ethereal beauty.
Just guitars set the scene for Linda’s vocal on Paper Mountain Man. Her vocal is slow, sultry and deliberate. It’s as if she’s taking care with her phrasing and diction. Behind her, her small tight band mix blues and country. A scorching blues harmonica, guitars and percussion join forces. They leave plenty of space in the arrangement for Linda’s vocal. It’s a mixture of power, emotion and control, that’s ying to the arrangement’s yang.
Ethereal and heartfelt describes Linda’s vocal on Dolphin. She’s accompanied by a lone guitar that reminds me of Nick Drake. Linda delivers a vocal that’s spellbinding in its beauty. It’s quite simply, haunting and captivating.
Call Of The River is reminiscent of Chimacum Rain. Just a guitar accompanies Linda’s vocal. It’s sung with feeling, as cascading harmonies accompany Linda. They’re sung by Linda and compliment her vocal. The same can be said of the arrangement. It’s understated, spacious and dreamy. It also allows Linda’s vocal to take centre-stage on a track that epitomises everything that’s good about psych-folk.
Just like the previous tracks, Sandy Toes is a carefully crafted soundscape. Here, psych-folk and country combine. An electric bass joins a chiming guitar and percussion. They provide the backdrop to Linda’s vocal. She proceeds to paint pictures. Close your eyes and they come to life. Her cinematic lyrics and tender, heartfelt vocal prove a potent combination, as we hear another side to Linda Perhacs.
Parallelograms is the track that grabbed Leonard Rosenman’s attention. It’s a musical sculpture full of textures, colours and shapes. They drift in and out, to be replaced by something else. From understated and ethereal, darkness and drama makes an appearance. Soon, the lysergic, dreamy and experimental sound makes me think of Alice In Wonderland. You loose yourself in this sonic experiment, drifting away to another place and time. It’s as if the doors of perception have been opened. The only problem is, you neither want the song to finish, nor the doors to close.
Hey, Who Really Cares? is another track where Linda is just accompanied by acoustic guitar. Her vocal is rueful and full of melancholia. It’s joined by a bass, that hesitantly probes its way through the arrangement. Effects and guitars compliment Linda’s wistful vocal. She’s despairing, wondering “if anyone really cares.” Her pain seems real as she breathes life, meaning and emotion into a song where pathos and pain are ever-present.
Slow and space describes the drums that open Moons And Cattails. Chiming, crystalline guitars quiver and shiver, before Linda’s dreamy, lysergic vocal floats above the arrangement. It’s as if it’s been caught in “sandstorm” she’s singing about. After that, her vocal is deliberate and dramatic. Adding to the drama are drums played by hand and shimmering, weeping guitar. Together, this results in a track that dramatic, moody and atmospheric.
Hesitantly, a line guitars plays as Morning Colors unfolds. It’s all that accompanies Linda, as she delivers a vocal that’s heartfelt and full of sincerity. Just like other tracks, her lyrics have a cinematic quality. They’re also cerebral, haunting and beautiful. The same can be said of the flute and horn that later, accompanies Linda. They’re addition takes the direction of jazz, sometimes free jazz. This compliments the rest of the arrangement and highlights the lyrics, as takes on the role of storyteller. Using her voice like an artist uses his palette, Linda paints pictures that come to life before your eyes.
Porcelain Baked-Over Cast-Iron Wedding was one of the earliest songs Linda wrote. She wrote it in 1969. It’s an uptempo, guitar driven track. Guitars are panned left and right, enveloping Linda’s vocal. She seems determined to make the song swing. This shows another side to her. She’s accompanied by percussion, drums and bass. Linda’s vocal is full of irony, and her lyrics full of social comment at perceived stereotypes. Her combination of intelligent lyrics and subtle hooks are another example of Linda’s versatility and talent as a singer and songwriter.
Delicious closes Parallelograms. Linda’s slow, tender, ethereal vocal is joined by a guitar, as the arrangement meanders along. Her vocal soars elegantly above the arrangement, while the guitar ambles along. Cascading harmonies flit in and out. They’re the perfect accompaniment to Linda’s vocal. It’s one of her best vocals. Ethereal, heartfelt, tender and beautiful, it’s a tantalising taste of what Linda Perhacs is capable of.
Following the release of Parallelograms, it failed commercially. This wasn’t anything to do with the music. Instead, it was the record company’s failure to promote Parallelograms. As a result, Linda, like so many other hugely talented artists, failed to enjoy their commercial success and critical acclaim their talent deserves. So Linda returned to her job as a periodontist.
Nothing was heard of Parallelograms until the nineties. Since then, it has become a cult class. Interest in Parallelograms grows with each year. Maybe only now do people fully understand and appreciate this seminal, lost classic from an artist who should’ve enjoyed a long and successful career.
Looking back, Linda admits that, much as she loved music, she didn’t seem to have the drive required to make a career as a musician. She did, however, have the talent. Linda was blessed with an abundance of talent. That’s apparent listening to her critically acclaimed debut album Parallelograms.
Parallelograms is a flawless fusion of Americana, country, folk, pop, psychedelia and rock. There’s even a twist of ambient, drone pop, experimental and jazz. It’s potent and heady brew that showcases one of music’s hidden gems, Linda Perhacs.
She’s only released two albums between 1970 and 2014. The Soul Of Natural Things was recently released. It was the long awaited followup to Parallelograms. Linda picks on The Soul of All Natural Things where she left off on Parallelograms. It’s as if she’s never been away. However, forty-four years have passed. The Soul of All Natural Thing, just like Parallelograms, reminds us that class is permanent. What The Soul of All Natural Thing has also done, is stimulate interest in Parallelograms, which will be rereleased by Anthology Recordings on 12th May 2014.
If you’re only going to buy one album next week, then Parallelograms is the one to buy. It’s real music, played by real musicians written and sung by the hugely talented Linda Perhacs, one of music’s best kept secrets. No longer though. Parallelograms will be released on vinyl as a double album. Parallelograms is a reminder of the golden age of music.
Parallelograms features a hugely talented singer and songwriter, Linda Perhacs. Then there was producer Leonard Rosenman, an ambitious, innovator who in Linda, found a musical soul-mate who wanted to push musical boundaries to their limits. The result was Parallelograms an ambitious, innovative and flawless lost classic. It features the ethereal beauty of Linda Perhacs, as she breathes, life, meaning, beauty and emotion into the eleven songs on Parallelograms. Thankfully, Parallelograms is belatedly, receiving the plaudits and critical acclaim that this lost classic deserves.
LINDA PERHACS-PARALLELOGRAMS.
BLUE MAGIC-MESSAGE FROM THE MAGIC.
BLUE MAGIC-MESSAGE FROM THE MAGIC.
By 1978, when Blue Magic released Message From The Magic, their career had stalled. Much had changed since they released Mystic Dragons in 1976. Two of Blue Magic’s original members had left. Vernon and Wendell Sawyers had left after Blue Magic’s fourth album, Mystic Dragons. It was the least successful album of Blue Magic’s four album career. Maybe the Sawyers’ brothers saw that the writing was on the wall for Philly Soul.
Disco was now King. Philly Soul which had provided the soundtrack to the early and mid seventies was no longer as popular. Its popularity had been usurped by disco, which was a worldwide phenomenon. Blue Magic’s formula of romantic ballads and slow jams was yesterday’s sound. Atco, Blue Magic’s record company realised that and decided things had to change.
Whereas Blue Magic’s four previous albums were recorded at Philly’s Sigma Sound Studios, Message From The Magic, which was recently rereleased by Funkytowngrooves, would be recorded in Los Angeles. This meant that members of The Salsoul Orchestra, wouldn’t accompany Blue Magic. They and The Sweethearts of Sigma had been part of Blue Magic’s Philly Soul sound. Another change was that Skip Scarborough would produce Message From The Magic. Looking back, this was the last roll of the dice for Atco. If Message From The Magic, failed commercially, this could be the end of Blue Magic’s time at Atco. Things had been very different in 1974.
Blue Magic’s eponymous debut album was released in January 1974, reaching number forty-five in the US Billboard 200 and number four in the US R&B Charts. This resulted in Blue Magic being certified gold. Blue Magic featured the million-selling Philly Soul classic Sideshow, written by Vinnie Barrett and Bobby “Electronic” Eli. Sadly, after their debut album, Blue Magic failed to replicate the success of Blue Magic.
The Magic of The Blue, released in December 1974, reached number seventy-one in the US Billboard 200 and number fourteen in the US R&B Charts. Even when the Vinnie Barrett and Bobby “Electronic” Eli, penned Three Ring Circus was released as a single, it stalled at number thirty-eight in the US Billboard 100 and number five in the US R&B Charts. Blue Magic’s fortunes improve during 1975.
1975 saw Blue Magic embark on their first world tour. It lasted sixteen grueling and exhausting weeks. However, their luck was about to improve. Blue Magic won an Ebony Award for the best new group. Then in September 1975, their third album, Thirteen Blue Magic Lane reached number fifty in the US Billboard 200 and number nine in the US R&B Charts. With Blue Magic’s fortunes improving, work began on their third album Mystic Dragons. For Mystic Dragons, there would be some changes.
Unlike Blue Magic’s first three albums, Norman Harris wasn’t producing Mystic Dragons. Neither would Norman provide any of the songs on Mystic Dragons. Given Norman had co-written eleven songs on Blue Magic’s three previous albums this would be a huge void. Another void was the loss of the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section. Unsurprisingly On the release of Mystic Dragons in 1976, it was the least successful album of Blue Magic’s career.
Mystic Dragons stalled at number 170 in the US Billboard 200 and number forty-four in the US R&B Charts. Three singles were released from Mystic Dragons during 1976. Freak-N-Steln only reached number seventy-three in the US R&B Charts. It’s Something About Love then reached number forty-eight in the US R&B Charts. Summer Snow proved to be the most successful single, reaching number forty in the US R&B Charts. That was a small crumb of comfort for Blue Magic, who lost two of their original lineup.
Vernon and Wendell Sawyers left after Mystic Dragons. This was a huge blow. They were huge part of Blue Magic’s sound. Their replacements were Michael Buchanan and Walter Smith. Blue Magic’s newest recruits made their debut on Blue Magic’s fifth studio album Message From The Magic, which was released in 1978.
For Message From The Magic, members of Blue Magic penned six of the nine tracks. Ted Mills contributed If You Want Me To and Sweet Woman. He wrote Can’t Get You Off My Mind, Purple Passion, Still In Love With You and Message with Keith Beaton and Richard Pratt. Producer Skip Scarborough and Raina Taylor wrote Lady In My World Of Love. Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire cowrote the other two tracks. This included Four Leaf Clover, which he cowrote with Carl Carlwell and Wayne Stalling. The other tracks was I Waited, which Phillip cowrote with Ernest Straughter and Luther Waters. These nine tracks became Message From The Magic.
When recording of Message From The Magic began, no expense had been spared. String, horn and woodwind sections were brought in. So were some of L.A’s top session players. The rhythm section included drummer Ralph Johnson, bassist Rober Johnson and guitarist Al McKay and Spencer Bean. Louis Russell played acoustic guitar, Gayle Levert harp, while Ted Mills and Ernest Straughter played electric piano. Earth, Wind and Fire’s Phillip Bailey played bongos, congas and tambourine and Victor Feldman played vibes, chimes, xylophone and tambourine. Saxophonist Ernie Watts was part of the horn section that accompanied Blue Magic on Message From The Magic, which was released in 1978.
I Waited was the lead single from Message From The Magic. It failed to chart. Worst was to come. On the release of Message From The Magic in 1978, it failed to chart. For Blue Magic this was the least successful album of their career. The decision to move from Philly to L.A. had been a disaster. Despite producer Skip Scarborough being on the hottest streak of his career, Message From The Magic had flopped. Since then, Message From The Magic has come to be regarded as Blue Magic’s forgotten album, which I’ll tell you about.
Can’t Get You Off My Mind opens Message From The Magic. Straight away, there’s elements of the Philly Soul sound. It’s best described as Philly Soul lite. Swathes of strings sweep and swirl, horns rasp, while piano and percussion provide a backdrop for Ted’s tender, needy vocal. Harmonies sweep in. They’re tender, and the perfect accompaniment to Ted’s vocal. Guitars chime, horns growl and the lushest of strings dance. Meanwhile, Blue Magic get the opportunity to showcase their balladry. The result is soulful and beautiful.
The rhythm section power the arrangement to If You Want Me To along, Strings dance and horns bray, setting the dramatic scene for Ted’s vocal. It’s reminiscent of his vocal on the previous track. Heartfelt and emotive, the lyrics come to life. Harmonies compliment his lead vocal, while the arrangement floats along. It’s a mass of dancing strings, rasping horns, punchy rhythm section and flourish of xylophone. They set the scene for some grandstanding from Ted. He unleashes a vocal that’s a mixture of power and passion. It’s impressive and is a reminder why Ted Mills is called The Wizard.
Lady In My World Of Love is another ballad. It’s as if Skip Scarborough was playing to Blue Magic’s strengths. That’s all very well, but wasn’t what the record buying public wanted. The arrangement is understated and reminiscent of Earth, Wind and Fire. Space is left with the arrangement as strings sweep, horns bray and the rhythm section play within themselves. The rest of Blue Magic add subtle harmonies.Ted eschews power, relying instead on a tender heartfelt vocal during this paean. Sometimes, to reinforce a lyric his vocal soars above the arrangement. This proves effective and demonstrates Ted’s ability to make a song come to life.
Four Leaf Clover sees a change in direction, as disco, funk and Philly Soul combine head on. It’s a catchy enough track, that Blue Magic try their best to make work. Ted especially, throws himself headlong into the lyrics. His falsetto soars, quivering above the arrangement. Punchy harmonies accompany him. So do a funky rhythm section, disco strings and bursts of braying horns. They do their best to help Blue Magic catch the disco bandwagon. This results in a good, but not great track.
Purple Passion is another dance-floor friendly track. Producer Skip Scarborough picks up where he left off on the previous track. The rhythm section provide the dramatic, dance-floor friendly heartbeat. Disco strings and flourishes of piano are added. They accompany the pounding disco beat. Ted vamps his way through the track, his vocal a mixture of sass, sensuality, power and passion. Harmonies sweep in as Ted showcases his inconsiderable skills, proving there’s more to Blue Magic than romantic ballads and slow jams.
Still In Love With You sees a return to what Blue Magic do so well, ballads. They surpass everything that’s gone before. Against a string drenched arrangement, horns bray and percussion and piano are added. Ted delivers a tender, heartfelt vocal. Cooing harmonies and swathes of strings accompany him. So did bursts of horns, percussion and chiming guitars. However, it’s Ted’s vocal that steals the show. He delivers a truly impassioned lead vocal. Sometimes, he sings call and response. Either way, Ted plays a huge part in the song’s success.
Message sees the tempo rising and Blue Magic heading for the dance-floor. The rhythm section aren’t at their best. They’re slightly loose, just like on Purple Passion. It’s not helped that on both tracks the drums are panned left, sitting at quarter-to-nine. Chiming guitars, rasping horns and percussion set the scene for Ted’s airy vocal. It’s accompanied by harmonies, dancing strings and rasping horns. However, the drums spoil the arrangement. They’d have been better in the middle of the arrangement as the arrangement sounds unbalanced. Despite that, Ted unleashes a vocal powerhouse. He grabs the lyrics and is determined to make them work. Just like the lyrics say, tries to “shine” and does. It’s just a pity the drums take the edge of the song.
A piano opens Sweet Woman, another ballad. It meanders into being before strings sweep and quiver. Ted’s scatted vocal soars above the arrangement. Meanwhile, piano, vibes, chiming guitar and the rhythm section combine. This time the drums are slap bang in the middle. What a difference this makes. Especially with the bass matching the drums every step of the way. Rasping horns and tender harmonies add a wistful twist to the track, as Ted delivers a vocal that’s a fusion of power, passion and emotion. He delivers the lyrics as if his very career depends on it. That’s why this is one of Message From The Magic’s highlights.
I Waited was the only single from Message From The Magic. Sadly, it too, failed to chart. This is one of three tracks not penned by Blue Magic. That’s obvious, as it doesn’t seem to suit them. Try as they may, the song doesn’t quite work. It’s an uptempo track with a jaunty arrangement. Horns growl while the rhythm section provide the heartbeat. Percussion is sprinkled across the arrangement. So are the harmonies that accompany Ted’s vocal. It’s wistful and tinged with regret. He really tries to breath life and meaning into the lyrics. Although he manages to do so, you’re left thinking that it’s the wrong song for Blue Magic.
Message From The Magic proved to be Blue Magic’s swan-song for Atco. After Message From The Magic failed to chart, Blue Magic decided to leave Atco. They didn’t record another album 1981s Welcome Back. Just like Message From The Magic, Welcome Back failed to chart. It wasn’t much of a Welcome Back. Sadly, Blue Magic never again enjoyed the critical acclaim or commercial success of their first three albums.
Blue Magic’s debut was released in 1974, the same year as The Magic of the Blue. A year later, Thirteen Blue Magic Lane was released in 1975. These three albums were produced by Norman Harris and featured an all-star cast of Philly’s greatest musicians, including M.F.S.B. and backing vocalists The Sweethearts of Sigma. The albums featured songs by Blue Magic and some of Philly’s top songwriters. Philly even provided the musicians who arranged the three albums. These three albums feature the best music of Blue Magic’s career. Things started to go wrong in 1976, as the disco became King.
Another change was that Norman Harris didn’t produce Blue Magic’s fourth album Mystic Dragons. Bobby “Electronic” Eli did. Bobby took Blue Magic out of their comfort zone, combining elements of funk, rock and even psychedelia with Philly Soul. He even used synths on Mystic Dragons. That was a disappointment. Without the dreaded synths, Mystic Dragons could’ve been a better album. However, on five songs that epitomised what Philly Soul was about, Blue Magic did what they do so well. However, given the change in musical tastes, Blue Magic’s music had to change.
That’s why Skip Scarborough was brought in. With a band made up of some of L.A. session players, Skip tried to work his magic and rejuvenate Blue Magic’s fortunes. Ironically, the result was The Magic of the Blue, the least successful album of Blue Magic’s career. For a group whose career was at a crossroads, The Magic of the Blue didn’t really offer anything new. It was a fusion of Philly Soul, disco and a smattering of funk.
Blue Magic were at their best on the tracks they wrote. Especially the ballads Can’t Get You Off My Mind, If You Want Me To, Still In Love With You and Sweet Woman. Then there’s Purple Passion and Message, dance-floor friendly track penned by Ted Mills, Keith Beaton and Richard Pratt. It’s the best of the dance tracks. That’s despite the problem with the drums on Message. These tracks show another side to Blue Magic as they try to clamber onboard the disco bandwagon. They do this successfully. Sadly, despot this, Message From The Blue a couple of tracks short of being a good album.
Of the other three tracks on Message From The Blue, Lady In My World Of Love was a quite beautiful, heartfelt ballad. Sadly, Phillip Bailey’s contributions let Message From The Magic down. Four Leaf Clover was a good, but not great dance track. Then there’s the disappointing I Waited, which was something of anti-climax. It was a disappointing way for Blue Magic to end their career at Atco. Even with Skip Scarborough who was enjoying hottest period of his career, producing Message From The Magic, Blue Magic’s time at Atco ground to a halt.
Blue Magic were no better of than if they’d stayed in Philly. Instead, they flew to L.A. and with a huge cast of musicians produced the least successful album of their career at Atco. Skip Scarborough failed to rejuvenate Blue Magic’s career. Rather than move away from romantic ballads and slow jams, he played to their strengths. That was balladry. There was a nod towards disco with Purple Passion, Message and the disappointing Four Leaf Clover. There was no way Message From The Magic was going to rescue Blue Magic’s ailing career. It was a very different story from 1974, when Blue Magic’s eponymous debut album was certified gold.
However, by 1978, music had changed and disco was now the most popular musical genre. Perfectly good albums were being overlooked. The only reason for this was they didn’t have a disco beat. It’s only over thirty years later that these albums are being rediscovered. Message From The Magic is an album that’s been overlooked since its release in 1978. It’s nowhere near as good as Blue Magic, The Magic of The Blue and Thirteen Blue Magic Lane, which feature Blue Magic at their very best. However, Message From The Magic is a couple of songs short of joining that triumvirate.
Having said that, Message From The Magic features several hidden gems and features the debut of Blue Magic MkII as they fuse Philly Soul, disco and funk. Message From The Magic is also a reminder of what Blue Magic, one of the finest purveyors of Philly Soul were capable of.
BLUE MAGIC-MESSAGE FROM THE MAGIC.
MUYEI POWER-SIERRA LEONE IN 1970s USA.
MUYEI POWER-SIERRA LEONE IN 1970s USA.
In the early seventies, Muyei Power had established a reputation as one of Sierra Leone’s top dance bands. Along with Afro Nation, Sabaoh 75 and Super Combo, Muyei Power provided the soundtrack to daily life in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital. Their music was a fusion of the music that was popular in Sierra Leone. This included Afrobeat, funk, jazz, pop, rock and soul. Muyei Power fusion of these genres proved popular not just in Sierra Leone, but much further afield.
This included in Spain and later, America. By 1975, the Orchestre Muyei Power had a sumer residency in Las Palmas. Their unique Afro-Rock sound quickly won over locals and tourists. The Orchestre Muyei Power lengthy sets were a mixture of covers of rock music and traditional Afro-beat. Throughout the summer of ’75, the Orchestre Muyei Power were hugely popular. So much so that a single Orchestre Muyei Power At The Beach Club was released. Following that summer residency in Las Palmas, the Orchestre Muyei Power followed the sun and headed to California.
When Muyei Power arrived in California in late 1975, they were originally booked to play on the college circuit. Just like in Spain, Muyei Power were soon winning friends and influencing audiences. As a result, Muyei Power toured extensively through the West Coast right through 1976. It was during this period that Muyei Power recorded five songs.
Having recorded the five songs, Muyei Power didn’t do anything with them till they started touring the East Coast. When they arrived in Brooklyn, New York Muyei Power they came across the owner of the African Record Centre. He released Muyei Power’s debut single Ben Ben Bee on Makossa International Records in 1976. After that, Muyei Power’s tour of America ended and they headed home to Sierra Leone. Nothing more was heard of the music Muyei Power had recorded until 1979.
That was when Makossa International Records released the first of a series of 12” featuring Muyei Power. This included Yamba Sowe in 1979. Wali Bena, Bi Loko and Jackitomboi in 1980. After that, no further music was released by Muyei Power. That’s until now. Soundway Records have just released Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA. It features the five tracks that Muyei Power released during their tour of America during 1975 and 1976. Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA features Muyei Power at their very best. It’s also all the music Muyei Power recorded.
Just after Makossa International Records released Muyei Power’s music in 1979, the band split-up. That makes Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA all the more poignant. Not only was it the only music they recorded, but just after the music was originally released Muyei Power split-up. After the split, Abou Whyte, Muyei Power’s vocalist, and formerly the lead vocalist of the Merry-Go Jazz Band, went on to enjoy a successful career. No wonder. He was, by then, a musical veteran.
Abou Whyte was just eighteen when he became the lead vocalist of the Merry-Go Jazz Band in 1964. They were popular throughout the sixties. The Merry-Go Jazz Band combined covers of The Beatles and James Brown songs with Congolese rhumba. This was a potent and heady brew. Especially given how eclectic Sierra Leone’s music scene was.
Everything from the music coming out of the Caribbean, the Congo, French Antilles and Nigeria was influencing music in Sierra Leone. So was pop and rock, including British pop groups like The Beatles. Then when soul and funk began to become popular, James Brown inspired many a group in sixties Sierra Leone. This included a future bandleader, Abou Whyte.
Having been a member of the Merry-Go Jazz Band since 1964, Abou Whyte joined a newly formed band in 1971, Orchestre Muyei, which was formed by promoter Abu Sillah. Immediately, the newly formed Orchestre Mubye headed out on the first of a series of long and gruelling tours. From small villages to large towns, Orchestre Muyei arrived and played. Soon, Orchestre Muyei conquered Freetown, with their unique brand of Afro-Rock.
Orchestre Muyei combined pop and rock music with not just the music of Sierra Leone, but Nigeria and Congo. Through relentless tours the Orchestre Muyei had established a reputation as one of the most popular and progressive bands. The next step for the Orchestre Muyei was to conquer Europe and America.
Having enjoyed their summer residency in Los Palmas, the Orchestre Muyei Power followed the sun to California. Through late 1975 and into 1976, they toured the West Coast. It was during this period that Muyei Power recorded the six songs on Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA.
The six tracks on Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA are credited to Muyei Power. They wrote and produced the six tracks. Muyei Power’s lineup featured a rhythm section of drummer Larry Sandy, bassist G.B. Mustapha and rhythm guitarist Ed Boy. Joining them were lead guitarist Tamyu Sesay and horn player Sammy Dumbeh. About White was bandleader, lead vocalist and played congas. His vocals were augmented by David Mado and Dr. Chessie’s vocals. Recorded back in 1976, the five tracks on Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA, which I’ll tell you about, have never been released as an album.
Wali Bena opens Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA. This is sung in the Limba dialect. Translated it means “good morning, we’re enjoying ourselves.” So will the listener. From the get-go the arrangement literally explodes. The rhythm section and guitars drive the arrangement along. They’re augmented by percussion and congas. Abou’s vocal is a mixture of power and passion. Harmonies responding to his call, whilst the pulsating, frantic arrangement is a mass of drums, percussion, crashing cymbals and congas. Searing wah wah guitars and a blazing horn are unleashed. Add to this Abou’s vocal and the harmonies and it’s an irresistible fusion of Afro-beat, funk and rock.
Drums pound, hi-hats hits, whistles blow and Afro-beat guitars chime as Yamba Sowe unfolds. It’s sung in the Tembe language and is one of two adapted secret society songs. Muyei Power could’ve got into a lot of trouble recording these songs. The government saw this as an act of rebellion and could’ve lead to imprisonment. The rhythm section provide the pulsating heartbeat to heartfelt, soulful harmonies. Their soulfulness is contrasted by the arrangement. It’s like an express train. All you can do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Abou takes on the roll of cheerleader, encouraging the rest of Muyei Power to greater heights. Soulful harmonies, a blazing horn, percussion, congas and a rhythm section that fuse Afro-beat and funk create a track that’s akin to a call to dance. Irresistibly catchy and full of hooks, Muyei Power are quickly proving to be Sierra Leone’s best kept musical secrets.
Be Patient sees the tempo drop and a wistful horn set the scene. The arrangement is understated, with space left in the arrangement. Guitars chime, drums are played subtly and percussion sprinkled across the arrangement. Harmonies are full of emotion and heartache. They reflect the melancholia of the saxophone. Later, Muyei Power kick loose. Not only does the tempo increase, but the arrangement is a myriad of braying horns, thunderous rhythm section and percussive delights. Whistles, harmonies and rocky guitars add to the joyous, celebratory sound. Muyei Power are right, this track is a case of Be Patient.
Bi Loko sounds is a cross between James Brown and Afro-beat. It’s sung in the Limba dialect and means I love you. Anyone who likes their music funky will love this track. It has a punchy, funky arrangement. That comes courtesy of Muyei Power’s rhythm section. They join forces with bursts of growling horns, chiming guitars and percussion. Abou’s vocal is impassioned and augmented by harmonies. He’s no one-man band. Far from it. Muyei Power strut their way through the track mixing Afro-beat, funk, soul and rock. However, Tamyu Sesay’s blistering, scorching, guitar solo steals the show.
Ben Ben Bee closes Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA. This is the second adapted secret society songs sung in the Tembe language. Percusssionm congas and the rhythm section combine before a grizzled horn soars above the arrangement. Abou sings call and respond. His vocal sits above the pounding, dance-floor friendly arrangement. The rhythm section, combining with chiming guitars and congas seem to raise their game. It’s as if they want to finish on a resounding high. They do. Not only are we reminded why Muyei Power were one of Sierra Leone’s top bands, but that some of the band were top class musicians, who when they unleashed a solo, shawn like the brightest star.
As I said earlier, Muyei Power are one of Sierra Leone’s best kept secrets. They only ever entered a recording studio once.That was in 1976, during a lengthy tour of the West Coast of America. Some of the results of that session feature on Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA. This is a tantalising taste of one of Sierra Leone’s band at the peak of their powers. Sadly, by the time Makossa International Records released some of the songs on Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA as 12” inch singles, the band had split. They’d gone there separate ways. Muyei Power was a case of what might have been.
If Muyei Power had been spotted by the right label, things could’ve been very different. Instead, they handed their master-tapes to the owner of the African Record Centre. He released Muyei Power’s debut single Ben Ben Bee on Makossa International Records in 1976. After that, Muyei Power’s tour of America ended and they headed home to Sierra Leone. By then, Muyei Power were history. After that, nothing was heard of Muyei Power.
That was until Soundway Records released Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA. It features five tracks from Sierra Leone’s best kept musical secret, Muyei Power. These five tracks are a tantalising taste of Muyei Power’s irresistible and unique fusion of Afro-beat, funk, rock and soul. The music on Muyei Power-Sierra Leone in the 1970s USA features Sierra Leone’s best kept musical secrets.
MUYEI POWER-SIERRA LEONE IN 1970s USA.
HEDVIG MOLLESTAD-TRIO ENFANT TERRIBLE.
HEDVIG MOLLESTAD-TRIO ENFANT TERRIBLE.
Norwegian guitar virtuoso Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen first picked up a guitar when she was just ten. It was her mother’s much loved nylon strung acoustic guitar. This was the start of a lifelong love affair with the guitar. Now twenty years later, Hedvig is now one of Europe’s finest guitarists. Hedvig’s group, the Hedvig Mollestad Trio, will release their third album Enfant Terrible on 27th May 2014 on Rune Grammofon. It showcases Hedvig’s critically acclaimed guitar playing.
Her style is best described as a fusion of rock and jazz. That’s the music she discovered in her father’s record collection. Hedvig was inspired by rock legends Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. They inspired the blistering, scorching licks Hedvig unleashes. However, there’s more to Hedvig than this. Her playing can be restrained, cerebral, disciplined and innovative. This has also lead to comparisons with the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s John McLaughlin, Carlos Santana and Pete Cosey, whose Hendrix-esque guitar playing graced Miles Davis’ band between 1973 and 1975. Hedvig Mollestad you’ll realise is no ordinary guitarist.
Far from it. Anyone whose heard the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s two previous albums will tell you this. Their debut album was was Shoot, released in 2011 on Rune Grammofon. This was two years after Hedvig founded the Hedvig Mollestad Trio in 2009. She brought bassist Ellen Brekken and drummer Ivar Loe Bjørnstad onboard. Straight away, critical acclaim came the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s way.
At the prestigious Molde International Jazz Festival, won the award for the best “young jazz talent” of 2009. This lead to a tour of Norway in 2010. The Hedvig Mollestad Trio then recorded what became their debut album Shoot. When Rune Gramophone heard Shoot, they signed the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. Released to critical acclaim, Shoot was the start of the rise and rise of he Hedvig Mollestad Trio.
Following the release of Shoot, the Hedvig Mollestad Trio continued to tour extensively. They honed their sound by playing literally hundreds of concerts. Whether it was small jazz clubs or huge festivals including Øyafestival, Utkantfestival and Pstereo Festival they were familiar faces. Their sound was soon winning friends and influencing people.This was all good preparation for the recording of the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s sophomore album, All Of Them Witches.
It was 2013 when the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s 2013 sophomore album, All Of Them Witches was released. Not only was it critically acclaimed, but it won the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy Award, in the rock category. Soon, The Hedvig Mollestad Trio were on their way.
Having won one of the most prestigious awards in their homeland, word was spreading about the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. This resulted in a second tour of Europe. Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, France and Italy were introduced to the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. Then there were trips to Japan and Malaysia. During this period, critical acclaim was a constant companion for the Hedvig Mollestad Trio, who’d come a long way since they’d formed in 2009.
So had Hedvig. She’d come a long way since she received her first electric guitar as a confirmation present. Now she’s one of Europe’s top guitarists. In Decmeber 2013, she and the other two members of the Hedvig Mollestad Trio headed into the studio record their third album Enfant Terrible.
When the Hedvig Mollestad Trio arrived at Ocean Sound Recording, they had written six songs. Hedvig penned Liquid Bridges and Pity The Children. She cowrote Arigato, Bitch with Ellen Brekken, who wrote Laughing John. Drummer Ivar Loe Bjørnstad contributed Rastapopoulos and cowrote La Boule Noire with Hedvig. These six tracks would become Enfant terrible
Recording of Enfant Terrible took place at Ocean Sound Recording. Enfant Terrible was recorded onto an eight track tape-machine. The six tracks were recorded live by Henning Sworen. This is the old school way. It’s also how the artists who influenced Hedvig recorded their legendary albums. Her thinking must have been, if it’s good enough for Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Santana, Jimi Hendrix and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, it’s good enough for The Hedvig Mollestad Trio as they mix classic rock and electric jazz on Enfant Terribe. This is a heady, potent and exhilarating brew, which I’ll tell you about.
Laughing John opens Enfant Terrible. Straight away, you can’t help but be impressed by the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. They kick loose from the get go. At the heart of the action is Hedvig’s blistering, scorching guitar licks. Ivar’s pounding drums and buzzing bass provide the backdrop for Hedvig. She unleashes a swaggering virtuoso performance. Her fingers nimbly flit up and down the fretboards. As a result the guitars shimmer, chime and take on a fuzzy sixties sound. It resonates, reverb reminding you how impressive a performance this is. It’s one that encapsulates the spirit of Jimi Hendrix.
Arigato, Bitch reminds me of Black Sabbath circa Paranoid and Masters Of Destruction. The music is dark and moody, as the Hedvig Mollestad Trio lock into the tightest of grooves. You could easily be forgiven for thinking that bassist Geezer Butler and guitarist Tony Iommi that are going toe to toe. It’s not. Instead, Hedvig’s guitar and Ellen Brekken’s bass roll back the years to create a slice of vintage rock. Midway through the track, sparse drums provide the heartbeat as Hedvig’s chiming, crystalline guitar takes centre-stage. It shivers and quivers, effects used sparingly. Reverb adds space to the sound, as Hedvig delivers a guitar masterclass. Her playing is restrained and disciplined. Later, the Hedvig Mollestad Trio join forces as the track reaches a glorious rocky crescendo. It’s like the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s homage to Black Sabbath in their prime.
Rolls of drums open Liquid Bridges as Hedvig’s guitar and Ellen Brekken’s bass. The drums provide the slow, hypnotic heartbeat. Hedvig’s guitar and Ellen’s bass veers between rocky to restrained and disciplined. Rocky gives way to jazz-tinged. When the music is restrained, it’s as the Hedvig Mollestad Trio are toying with you. That’s the case. Soon, Hedvig unleashes some classic rock licks. Her, searing, scorching and soaring licks are a reminder of the early seventies. Hedvig’s playing is flawless. Similarly, Ellen and drummer Ivar Loe Bjørnstad never miss a beat. The result is a flawless fusion of electric jazz and classic rock.
Rastapopoulos is quite simply, two minutes of musical magic. It’s named after the in Tin Tin’s nemesis. What follows is a a roller coaster journey through classic rock. It’s a case of sit back and enjoy some blistering, scorching, screaming guitar licks, machine gun bass lines and thundering drums. Throw in some feedback and it’s the perfect way to spend two minutes.
La Boule Noire has a dark, dramatic sound. The Hedvig Mollestad Trio unite to create this moody, gothic sound. The rhythm section and Hedvig’s searing, scorching guitars drive the arrangement along. The tempo is slow, allowing you to revel in a bass and guitar masterclass. Hedvig’s guitar and Ellen’s bass lock horns. They both play a part in the track’s sound and success. Then when the band kick loose, Hedvig delivers one of her best solos. Her fingers fly up and down the fretboard, unleashing a series of scorching, soaring power chords. This spurs the rest of the band on. They up their game on this seminal eight minute heavy rock epic.
Pity The Children closes Enfant Terrible. It has an understated, wistful, melancholy sound. Everyone plays within themselves. Guitars shimmer and quiver, while cymbals shiver. Then drums pound hypnotically and the bass and guitars join forces. You sense that the Hedvig Mollestad Trio are going to kick out the jams one more time. Briefly, they do. They return to a much more restrained style. This allows Hedvig to showcase her considerable skill. Her crystalline guitar chimes, climbs and soars high above the arrangement. That seems to be the signal for the band to kick loose. This they do, but only briefly. After that, the track heads to an understated, wistful and beautiful crescendo, that allows you to hear two sides to the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s music.
Enfant Terrible is only the third album of the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s career. They;ve come along way since they were founded in 2009. Now they’re one of Norway’s top bands, who are making a name for themselves worldwide. That’s why in 2013 they were invited to play SXSW, and they’ve also been invited to play several concerts in Canada in 2014, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival. No wonder. The Hedvig Mollestad Trio are a hugely talented band with a big future ahead of them. Hopefully, Enfant Terrible will help them make the next step. After all, Enfant Terrible is the finest album of the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s career.
The Hedvig Mollestad Trio an example of a tight and talented band who have spent the last few years honing their sound. Their constant touring has paid off. It’s the only way for a band to tighten and hone their sound. It also allows a band to build a fan-base and honing their sound. The Hedvig Mollestad Trio like countless other bands over the past fifty years have done this. Now is the time for them to enjoy the fruits of their labour. This has paid off.
Enfant Terrible is, without doubt, a career defining album from the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. They seamlessly shift between musical genres. Bues, jazz, psychedelia and rock are thrown into the mix by the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s. Sometimes, Bushman’s Revenge seamlessly switch between musical genres mid track. Not every band can do this. Mind you, not every band is as talented as the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. They’re more than capable of throwing a series of curveballs, and lulling you into a false sense of security. It’s the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s way of making sure you’re listening as they strut and swagger their way through the six tracks on Enfant Terrible.
For much of the time, the Hedvig Mollestad Trio are a hard rocking power trio. They can kick out the jams like the hardest rocking power trios. That’s why they’ve a huge following not just throughout Europe, but as far afield as Japan, Malaysia and Canada. As the Hedvig Mollestad Trio kick out the jams, they bring back memories of rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Cream. Then there’s the electric jazz of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Santana and Miles Davis between 1968 and 1975. That’s the music that’s influenced Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen growing up.
The same music has inspired Hedvig’s band, the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. Their third album Enfant Terrible, will be released on on 27th May 2014 on Rune Grammofon. Enfant Terrible is a career defining album that marks the coming of age of one of Norway’s premier bands, the Hedvig Mollestad Trio.
HEDVIG MOLLESTAD-TRIO ENFANT TERRIBLE.
SLY AND ROBBIE-UNDERWATER DUB.
SLY AND ROBBIE-UNDERWATER DUB.
For over forty years. Sly and Robbie have been reggae’s go-to rhythm section. They’ve also established a reputation as a talented and innovative production team, producing reggae royalty like Prince Jammy, Peter Tosh, Linval Thompson, Bunny Wailer, Black Uhuru and The Revolutionaires. However, it’s not just reggae artists who Sly and Robbie have produced. Far from it.
Sly and Robbie have produced the great and good or music. This includes everyone from Bob Dylan, Herbie Hancock, Serge Gainsbourg, Grace Jones, Mick Jagger and The Fugess. These are just a few of the artists Sly and Robbie have produced during the last forty years. This is just the tip of a musical iceberg. It’s estimated that Sly and Robbie have played on and produced several thousand recordings. This includes the albums Sly and Robbie have recorded during their solo career.
The latest addition to Sly and Robbie’s discography is Underwater Dub, which was released on 28th April 2014, on Groove Attack. Underwater Dub is the followup to 2012s Blackwood Dub. Just like Blackwood Dub, Underwater Dub was recorded at Harry J’s recording studio, in Jamaica. Producing Underwater Dub was Alberto “Burur” Blackwood of Slam Records and Groove Attack. Alberto couldn’t have picked a better studio for Sly and Robbie.
Harry J’s is one of the most prestigious studios and is like a second home for Sly and Robbie. They’ve recorded at Harry J’s many times since the mid-seventies, when Sly and Robbie established their forty year partnership.
Back in the mid-seventies, drummer Sly Dunbar was the drummer for Skin, Flesh and Bones. Robbie Shakespear was the bassist for the legendary band The Aggrovators. When they met, it was a musical meeting of minds. They both shared a love of Stax, Motown, Philly Soul, country music and classic reggae. Their favourite reggae labels were Channel One and Treasure Isle. Sly and Robbie also shared the same theories about music, and how music should be made. This was the start of a partnership that would last forty years and 200,000 recordings. Their latest recording was Underwater Dub.
At Harry J’s recording studio, Sly and Robbie recorded ten tracks they’d written with producer Alberto “Burur” Blackwood. Accompanying the legendary rhythm section of Sly on syn drums and percussion and Robbie on bass and guitar were guitarists Mikey Chung, Radcliffe “Dougie” Bryan, Daryl Thompson and Dalton Browne. They were joined by keyboardists Robbie Lyn, Frankie Waul and Steven “Leaky” Marsden, while Uziah “Sticky” Thompson added percussion. Horns came courtesy of saxophonist Tony Green, trumpeter Hopeton Williams and trombonist Everald Gayle. These musicians played on the ten tracks that became Underwater Dub, the much anticipated followup to Blackwood Dub, which I’ll tell you about.
Opening Underwater Dub is Dictionary. From the get-go Sly and Robbie join forces. Sly’s syn drums crack and Robbie’s bass probes. They’re joined by the melodic sound of a Hammond organ. Soon, the the dubby arrangement is panned. It assails and surrounds you. Later, guitars chime, drum crack and Robbie’s thunderous bass tests the tolerance of your speakers. Especially when echo and reverb are added. Then when the arrangement is stripped bare, Sly and Robbie showcase their rhythmic talents. They’re joined by percussion, which flits in and out of the mix. The mix veers between slow, moody and broody to melodic, as Sly and Robbie, dub’s innovators, return determined to reinvent dub.
From the opening bars, Forward March has a dubby sci-fi sound. This is is 21st Century dub. One thing remains the same, Sly and Robbie. They lock into the tightest of dubtastic grooves, while the futuristic sci-fi sound is ever-present. It’s accentuated when effects are added. This includes filters and reverb. Despite this, you can still hear Sly and Robbie in the distance, as they deliver a 21st futuristic Century dub masterclass.
French Woman has a bright, upbeat and melodic sound. Crystalline guitars, percussion and bubbling synths join reggae’s greatest rhythm section. Soon, Sly and Robbie unleash a myriad of effects. Again, the arrangement is panned. It swirls around your head, hidden behind filters. Reverb and echo are added. Guitars resonate into the distance, while Sly’s drums and Robbie bass are shrouded by filters. This adds to the dubby, lysergic and innovative sound. Sly and Robbie continue their dub revolution.
A reveille sound as Spray Belly gets underway. This is the signal for Sly and Robbie to gallop centre-stage. Accompanied by keyboards, guitars and percussion the arrangement explodes into life. Then the effects are added. Filters are used effectively. Sly and Robbie tease you, letting you hear more or less of the pounding, galloping arrangement. This results in a slice of vintage dub courtesy of Sly and Robbie.
As Great Wall reveals its secrets, Sly and Robbie’s rhythms are joined by blazing horns, bubbling synths, percussion and chiming, crystalline guitars. It’s a heady brew. Before long, producer Alberto “Burur” Blackwood reaches for his trusty effects. Filters, reverb and echo are added. He uses the effects effectively, especially when highlighting parts of the arrangement. This includes Robbie’s pulsating bass. It never misses a beat and is a reminder of why Robbie’s one of reggae’s greatest bass players. Then there’s the braying horns, reverb adds space, allowing them to disappear dubbily into the distance.
Stormy has a dark, dramatic arrangement, where dub meets rocky guitars. Sly and Robbie unleash hypnotic, mesmeric rhythms. At the heart of the arrangement is a haunting sound. It’s equally hypnotic. So much so, that you’re captivated. Having said that, you’re still aware of the machine gun, rocky guitars, percussion and handclap. They flit in and out of the haunting, mesmeric arrangement to what’s one of Underwater Dub’s best tracks.
A robotic warning sounds as the futuristic arrangement to War Zone unfolds. This is Sly and Robbie’s signal to enter this dub War Zone. It’s a mass of shimmering, crystalline guitars and bubbling synths. Sly and Robbie lay down some of their finest rhythms. Robbie’s pulsating, pounding bass is joined by Sly’s drums. They’re crisp, cracking and pounding, resonating and reverberating like the chiming guitars. Effects are used much more sparingly on a track that’s a glorious fusion of dub’s past, present and future.
Daphne has a much more laid back, melodic sound. Sly and Robbie roll back the years and deliver another dub masterclass. Sly’s drums provide the heartbeat. Robbie plays a starring role, his pulsating bass line at the heart of the track’s sound and success. His fingers flit up and down the fretboard. Echo is added to the drums, while synths bubble and guitars shimmer. They’re joined by percussion and handclaps. Here, the effects aren’t overused. No. Instead, they’re used sparingly and effectively. This results in a slice of musical sunshine.
Dramatic. That describes the introduction to Melissa. Feedback squeals, drums pound and Robbie’s bass rumbles, dominating the arrangement. Effects are unleashed, but not overused. Playing an important role is percussion. it adds a hypnotic sound. It’s mesmeric and joined by bursts of shimmering, dubby guitars. Keyboards and feedback drifts in and out. `However, it’s Sly and Robbie’s rhythms that are at the heart of this track’s success. It’s classic dub with a 21st century twist.
Thumb Drive, a ten minute Magnus Opus closes Underwater Dub. Straight away, the arrangement has a melodic, soulful sound. This comes courtesy of keyboards, bubbling, buzzing synths, crystalline guitars, percussion and rhythms Sly and Robbie style. Sometimes, the arrangement is masked by filters, so you can only hear a tantalising taste of the music. Other times, the arrangement assails and surrounds you. It’s transformed by effects. Then later, Sly and Robbie change direction. They seem to relish the opportunity to experiment, incorporating elements of funk, jazz and electronica. Whilst all this is happening, heavy duty effects are unleashed. Reverb, echo and filters transforms the music, which takes on a futuristic, sci-fi sound. The result is dub Sly and Robbie style. By this I mean innovative, ambitious and groundbreaking.
Underwater Dub is very different from many of the projects Sly and Robbie have been involved with. Producer Alberto “Burur” Blackwood is actually Sly and Robbie’s in-house engineer. However, back in 2011, Alberto invited his bosses to record a new dub album. They accepted Alberto’s commission. The result was Blackwood Dub. It was released to critical acclaim in 2012. So, it made sense to record a followup. The only problem was fitting what became Underwater Dub into Sly and Robbie’s schedule. As the go-to rhythm section and production team for many of music’s top artists, they don’t have much down time. When they did, they headed to the familiar surroundings of Harry J’s recording studios. That’s where Sly and Robbie laid down one of the most ambitious, innovative and exciting albums of their careers, Underwater Dub.
Underwater Dub is like nothing else Sly and Robbie have recorded. They’ve drawn inspiration from Afrobeat, drum ’n’ bass, electronica, hip hop, R&B, rock and soul. All these influences shine through on Underwater Dub, which is best described as an album of adventurous soundscapes.
Sly and Robbie collaborated with some top musicians on Underwater Dub. Their rhythms were augmented by everything from bubbling synths, dusty Hammond organs, African percussion and rocky guitars. The result was an adventure in sound Sly and Robbie style. By this I mean the music is innovative and ambitious. It’s as if Sly and Robbie are determined to rewrite dub’s rules.
That’s no bad thing. After all, if music doesn’t evolve, it risks becoming irrelevant. Sly and Robbie realised this back in the eighties, and started using synths on dub albums. This didn’t please traditionalists. They felt there was no room for synths or technology. For dub, thinking like this spelt disaster. Unless dub evolved, it risked becoming a relic of the past. Thankfully, not every producer agreed with the traditionalists. Technology was incorporated into recording studios and dub evolved. Now, however, Sly and Robbie are determined to reinvent dub.
They’ve incorporated numerous musical genres during the ten tracks on Underwater Dub. This includes Afrobeat, drum ’n’ bass, electronica, hip hop, R&B, rock and soul. It’s a glorious melange of influences. They shine through during the musical adventure that’s Underwater Dub. The result is compelling and captivating music. Underwater Dub is also innovative, inventive and influential. Mind you, that’s what we’ve come to expect from the hardest working men in dub, Sly and Robbie, whose critically acclaimed new album Underwater Dub is out now on Groove Attack.
SLY AND ROBBIE-UNDERWATER DUB.
SPACE MONKEY-THE KARMAN LINE.
SPACE MONKEY-THE KARMAN LINE.
Over the last few years, Gard Nilssen has gained a reputation as one of Norway’s top drummers. He also deserves to be described as an innovator. Anyone whose heard Gard’s work with Astro Sonic, Puma, The Trondheim Jazz Orchestra and Susanne Sunfor’s band will realise realise this. Then there’s the six albums Gard has recorded with Bushman’s Revenge.
Their most recent album was Thou Shalt Not Boogie. It was released in January 2014 to critical acclaim. It’s no exaggeration to say that Thou Shalt Not Boogie is one of the best albums of 2014. However, Gard isn’t resting on his laurels. No way.
On 12th May 2014, Gard will return with his latest collaboration. This was with another of Norway’s most innovative musicians Morten Qvenild. Morten has an equally impressive CV. He’s previously worked with In The Country, Shining, Jaga Jazzist, Trinity and Susanna and The Magic Orchestra. The latest addition to Morten’s CV is sPace monKey, whose debut album The Karman Line will be released by Hubro Music on 12th May 2014. sPace monKey, which is one of the most exciting and innovative collaborations of 2014, was the result of a chance meeting between Morten and Gard.
Having played in some of Norway’s most groundbreaking groups Morten and Gard were both members of Mathias Eick’s band. Morten was the pianist and Gard the drummer. They both enjoyed working together. So, much so, that Morten and Gard decided to collaborate. This wasn’t going to be a full-blown band, just a duo, sPace monKey. There was a reason for this.
Morten and Gard found the idea of working as a duo compelling. It allowed them for freedom to express themselves. There was the opportunity to innovate and take their music in different directions. This meant improvising. The result was The Karman Line, an album containing nine spacey and intriguing soundscapes. sPace monKey spring a series of surprises it’s a case of don’t try and second guess sPace monKey. That’s not possible. It’s also one of the reasons that sPace monKey’s debut album The Karman Line, is such a captivating album.
The Karman Line featuries nine tracks written by Morten and Gard. They arranged and produced The Karman Line, which was recorded at Propeller Studio, Oslo. At Propeller Studio, Morten played hyper-piano and is responsible for programming. Both Morten and Gerd take charge of electronics. Gerd plays drums, gongs, bells and vibes. Jørgen Træen was the only guest artist on The Karman Line. He played modular synth on Digital Cigarettes. The other eight tracks on The Karman Line, which I’ll tell you about, are Morten and Gard, sPace monKey.
Opening sPace monKey’s debut album The Karman Line is Aeronautics. Wistful and thoughtful describes this track. Just a piano and drums combine to create a poignant, melancholy arrangement. It’s akin to an outpouring of emotion and sadness. Later, brief bursts of strings flit in and out of the arrangement. Then midway through the track, it heads in the direction of avant garde and experimental. The piano becomes almost discordant. Feedback is fired above the arrangement. By now, the track has become the equivalent of Primal Scream Therapy. That’s before thunderous drums power the arrangement along to its dramatic crescendo. This proves the perfect way to close this innovative and ambitious track.
Chopping Wood In My Brand New Moon Boots has an understated and pensive arrangement. Just a lone piano dominates the arrangement. In the distance, instruments flit in and out. Bells ring and jangle, while bursts of electronica interject. Thoughtfully, the arrangement meanders along. Drums mark the time, while Morten’s piano playing is deliberate. He adds a darkness to the arrangement. There’s a sense of pathos to the haunting arrangement. Although haunting, there’s a beauty to the music which can’t help but move you.
Digital Cigarette features guest artist Jørgen Træen on modular synth. Straight away, the arrangement is atmospheric and takes on a cinematic sound. Bubbling synths, flourishes of piano and rolls of drums combine avant garde, experimental, and free jazz. Cymbals crash, drums pound. At one point, it’s as if you’re on a train journey across the Mid west. This is no ordinary road trip. Later, layers of music intermingle. Thundering drums, buzzing synths, crashing cymbals and a myriad of other effects combine with a jangling piano. Post rock, psychedelia and rock are thrown into the melting pot by sPace monKey as they push musical boundaries to their limits and way beyond, resulting in a groundbreaking 21st century sonic experience.
From the get go, Darkness has a moody, broody, gothic sound. The arrangement slowly unfolds. Deliberate and dramatic flourishes of piano take centre-stage. A droning sound escapes from the arrangement. As a result, the Darkness doesn’t just descend, but envelops you.
Blue Baboon and Carpenter is one of the slower tracks on The Karman Line. Again, it has a cinematic sound. sPace monKey’s instruments tell the story of the Blue Baboon and Carpenter. sPace monKey replicate the sound of hammers, drills and the baboon. Mostly, they use slow, plodding and drums and a melancholy piano. This is hugely effective. However, having said that, there’s a sense of sadness in the music which is also quite beautiful.
Dramatic and futuristic. That describes sPace monKey. It sounds like part of the soundtrack to a sci-fi film. You can imagine a spaceship making its way from a distant galaxy. Providing the soundtrack are banks of synths, electronics and rolls of drums. Beeps and squeaks are the perfect addition. They add to the futuristic sound. Later bursts of free jazz piano, crackling electronica, rolls of pounding drums and sci-fi synths add to the drama of this futuristic space odyssey, sPace monKey style. sPace monKey sounds like the soundtrack to a dramatic sci-fi movie waiting to be made.
Just like other tracks on The Karman Line, Meanwhile In Galaxy Far Away has a spacious sound. A piano jangles hesitantly in the distance. It’s unaccompanied. That’s until bursts of drums and then feedback enter. By now, layers of music assail you. A thunderous bass and drums help power the arrangement along. This allows sPace monKey to stretch their legs. That’s apart from the piano. It’s still hesitant. Towards the end, the track takes on a minimalist and futuristic sound, as if sPace monKey have reached the distant galaxy.
Long Distance Call shimmers then drones into being. Again, there’s a moody, dark and futuristic sound. The arrangement’s futuristic, sci-fi sound surrounds you. It has an edgy sound. Gradually, the drama and moody sound grows and builds. Then in the distance, a piano jangles and resonates. Later, the arrangement changes. While the darkness hasn’t lifted completely, it takes on an ethereal sound. That comes courtesy of the keyboards. The drums are responsible for the darkness and drama. They’re the perfect foil for the keyboards and both play equally important parts in this track’s sound and success.
sPace monKey’s journey is almost over. Landing Day closes The Karman Line. Deliberate stabs of ethereal, dreamy keyboards dominate the arrangement. They almost disappear into the distance, as if heading for a distance galaxy. All that’s left is a sense of melancholia, that this beautiful, ethereal and wistful track is over.
The Karman Line is best described as a groundbreaking, genre-melting musical journey from two of Norwegian music’s innovators, sPace monKey. sPace monKey are Gard Nilssen and Morten Qvenild. They’re both experienced musicians who’ve been mainstays of Norway’s thriving musical scene. However, The Karman Line is their first collaboration as sPace monKey. Hopefully, The Karman Line won’t be sPace monKey’s last album. Especially considering sPace monKey have created music that’s ambitious, influential, innovative and inventive.
Throughout The Karman Line, sPace monKey strive to reinvent their music and push musical boundaries. Sometimes, musical boundaries are pushed to their limits. Other times, boundaries are broken and rules rewritten. It’s as if sPace monKey aren’t content to stand still on what’s essentially a musical adventure.
Throughout The Karman Line, sPace monKey’s music constantly changes. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe it’s the same band. The music veers between wistful, melancholy and pensive, to dark, dramatic and disturbing. It’s also eerie and moody. Sometimes, it’s beautiful and melancholy. The music on The Karman Line is always ambitious, bold, challenging, influential and innovative as sPace monKey take you on a futuristic, genre-hopping musical journey.
During this musical journey, sPace monKey’s music is full of nuances, subtleties and surprises. sPace monKey combine everything from ambient, avant garde, classic rock, electronica, experimental, post rock and psychedelia on The Karman Line. It will be released by Hubro on 12th May 2014. This is just the latest critically acclaimed album from Hubro Music, who are fast gaining a reputation as a label who release groundbreaking albums. The Karman Line, sPace monKey’s debut album is proof of this.
The Karman line is without doubt one of the most ambitious and innovative genre-melting albums of 2014. Featuring nine improvised soundscapes, it’s a mesmeric fusion that captivates and compels. You’re taken on a nine musical journeys. Subtleties and surprises are constantly sprung, sPace monKey aren’t afraid of changing direction. Throughout The Karman Line, it’s a case of expect the unexpected as sPace monKey innovate and improvise creating music that’s captivating, compelling and groundbreaking.
SPACE MONKEY-THE KARMAN LINE.
GRAM PARSONS-GP.
GRAM PARSONS-GP.
Gram Parsons’ career is a case of what might have been. He could’ve and should’ve enjoyed a long and successful career. Sadly, that wasn’t the. He only released one solo album during his career and died aged just twenty-six. However, Gram squeezed a lot of living into twenty-six years.
For many people, Gram Parsons’ epitomises the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. He lived every day like it was his last. The same can be said of his career.
By the time he released his solo album GP, which will be rereleased on June 10th 2014, Gram had been a member of some of the hugely influential bands. Gram founded The International Submarine Band, was a member of The Byrds and formed The Flying Burrito Brothers. After leaving The Flying Burrito Brothers, he signed to A &M Records as a solo artist.
When recording of Gram’s debut album got underway in 1971, things weren’t going well. Gram decided to take a break. However, this was no ordinary holiday. He headed to the South of France to hang out with Keith Richards who was recording Exile On Main Street at Nellcôte.
Back then, Keith was allegedly a heavy heroin user. Gram and Keith Richards became soul mates and partied constantly. They bonded over their love of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. This didn’t please some people, including Mick Jagger. He asked Gram to leave, in attempt to rid the sessions of the drug users. Ironically, Mick Jagger had done Gram a favour. When Gram returned home he met Emmylou Harris, who’d play an important part in GP’s sound, which Gram referred to as “Cosmic American Music.” Before I tell you about GP, I’ll tell you about Gram’s life.
Gram Parsons was born Ingram Cecil Connor III in November 1946 in Winter Haven, Florida. His mother Avis, was the daughter of a wealthy businessman, John A Snively, who made his fortune in citrus fruit. Ingram Cecil Connor, Gram’s father, was a famous and highly decorated pilot in the US Air Force. Both Gram’s parents were alcoholics, and his mother suffered from depression. Sadly, when Gram was twelve, his father committed suicide. Later, Gram’s mother remarried, Robert Parsons, and Gram took his stepfather’s surname. In July1965, Gram’s mother died of cirrhosis, caused by her heavy drinking. She died the day before Gram was due to graduate from Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida.
Whilst all these problems with his family were happening, Gram became more interested in music. He’d been interested in music since he saw an Elvis Presley concert in 1957. In his early teens, he’d formed bands, playing cover versions of rock ‘n’ roll song. Aged sixteen, he started playing folk music, and then in 1963 he formed his first professional group The Shiiohs.
The Shilohs were influenced by groups like The Kingston Trio and The Journeymen. They mostly played in coffee bars and high schools, but on several occasions, played in New York’s Greenwich Village. This included an appearance at Fred Weintraub’s club The Bitter End, in Bleecker Street. When The Shilohs split up, Gram headed to Harvard University to study theology, leaving after one semester.
After The Shilohs split up, Gram formed the International Submarine Band while at Harvard University. They were a folk group, and wee active between 1966 and 1968. the group signed a recording contract with Lee Hazlewood’s LHI Records, and recorded several singles and one album entitled Safe At Home. Since the album’s release in March 1968, it’s credited with being one of the first real country rock albums. Before the album was released in March 1968, Gram left the band in February, to become a member of The Byrds.
By 1968, Gram Parsons had been recruited as a member of The Byrds, after David Crosby and Michael Clarke had left the band at the end of 1967. Initially, Gram was hired as a pianist, but soon became their rhythm guitarist and sung vocals. However, Gram wasn’t considered a full member of the band by Columbia, the band’s record label, even though he was contributing as much as any other member. Instead, Gram and Kevin Kelley, another new member were paid a salary. Only Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman were full members when the band signed their new recording contract. Gram played on The Sweetheart of The Rodeo album released in August 1968. Whether or not Gram was a full member of the band, he like Kelley, were listed as members on the album and in press coverage. While on tour in England in the summer of 1968, Gram quit The Byrds over plans by the band to tour South Africa. He was opposed to South Africa’s apartheid policy. During that tour, Gram met and befriended Keith Richards. He would become a close friend, is credited with reintroducing Gram to country music.
After leaving The Byrds, Gram headed back to Los Angeles, where he and Chris Hillman formed The Flying Burrito Brothers. They recruited pedal steel player Sneaky Pete Kleinow and bassist Chris Ethridge. Having completed the group’s line up, they recorded their debut album The Gilded Palace of Sin, which was released in February 1969. Although the album wasn’t commercially successful, it was well received and is seen as one of the most important alternative country albums ever. Before they recorded their second album, the band underwent personnel changes.
Chris Ethridge left due to the band’s lack of success. Chris Hillman became bass player, Bernie Leadon joined to play lead guitar and ex-Byrd Michael Clarke became the new drummer. Burrito Deluxe, released in April 1970, was the groups second album. Like it’s predecessor it wasn’t a commercial success, and to make matters worse, the critics didn’t like the album. After the failure of the second album, Gram was disillusioned, and he left the band. He and Chris came agreed that this was for the best. During the time the band had recorded Burrito Deluxe, Gram’s drug use was much worse, he wasn’t writing as many new songs and he’d spent much of his time partying with the Rolling Stones.
Gram signed a recording contract with A & M Records in 1970, and Terry Melcher was hired to produce the sessions. So Gram moved in with Melcher and the sessions begun. However, they were unproductive and Gram headed to France where he lived for a short time with Keith Richards while the Rolling Stones were recording Exile On Main Street. On his return to America in 1971, he married girlfriend Gretchell Burrell.
After playing a one-off reunion concert with The Flying Burrito Brothers, Hillman took Gram to hear Emmylou Harris in concert. Quickly, the pair became good friends and within a year, Gram and Emmylou headed to the recording studio to have another attempt at recording Gram’s solo album. By now, he’s been signed to Reprise Records by Mo Ostin. As well as Emmylou, Gram enlisted James Burton, who previously, had played with Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley. Together Emmylou and James played an important part in GP’s sound.
For Gram’s solo album eleven songs were chosen. Gram penned Still Feeling Blue, A Song for You, The New Soft Shoe and Big Mouth Blues. He also cowrote She with Chris Ethridge and How Much I’ve Lied with Pam Rifkin. Other tracks included Joyce Allsup’s We’ll Sweep Out the Ashes in the Morning, Rick Grech’s Kiss The Children and Peter Wolf and Seth Justman’s Cry One More Time. Along with Tompall Glaser and Harlan Howard’s Streets of Baltimore and Darrell Edwards, Charlotte Grier and George Jone’s That’s All It Took, these songs became GP.
When the recording of GP began in September 1972, at Wally Heider Studios, Hollywood, Gram couldn’t have hoped for a better band. They included some of the top country session players. This included a rhythm section of drummers Sam Goldstein, John Guerin and Ronnie Tutt, bassists John Conrad and Rick Grech plus rhythm guitarist Barry Tashian. James Burton played electric guitar and dobro, Al Perkins and Buddy Emmons pedal steel guitar, Alan Munde banjo and Byron Berline fiddle. Glen Hardin played piano, organ and was bandleader. Adding backing vocals on Kiss The Children were Ron Hicklin, Tom Bahler, Mitch Gordon and Lewis Morford. Hal Battiste plays baritone saxophone on Cry One More Time. Emmylou Harris sung harmonies and duetted with Gram. He produced GP with Ric Grech. GP was completed in October 1972 and released in January 1973.
On its release in January 1973, GP was critically acclaimed. However, GP failed to chart. It didn’t even trouble the charts. Gram must have thought that he would go on to enjoy commercial success. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. By the time his sophomore album Grievous Angel was released, Gram would be dead. GP, which I’ll tell you about, was the only album released during Gram’s lifetime.
Still Feeling Blue opens GP. Fiddles, guitars and the rhythm section combine before Gram sings. A pedal steel guitar and banjo join in, completing the authentic country sound. The tempo is quick, Gram’s vocal is wistful and Emmylou Harris adds backing vocals. Her backing vocals compliment Gram’s heartbroken vocal. James Burton’s guitar and Byron Berline’s fiddle are at the heart of the song’s sound. They helps drive arrangement along. Gram’s lyrics are full of longing and sadness. They’re about a woman that’s left him, and how he’s still suffering, missing her, wondering why she left him? Gram’s soul-baring vocal is at the heart of the song’s sadness and success.
A guitar plays at the start of We’ll Sweep Out the Ashes In The Morning. Drums and fiddle accompany Gram as he sings. Here, his voice isn’t as strong as on the opening track, during parts of the track. He’s joined by Emmylou who shares the lead vocal. Her voice compliments Gram’s perfectly, and sometimes, her lilting voice soars high as she sings the lead. Behind them, the arrangement is mostly driven by guitars, with drums playing subtly behind them. The pedal steel guitar played by Al Perkins is really atmospheric, perfectly suited to the song. That, and Gram and Emmylou’s vocals are what makes this a quite beautiful track.
When A Song For You opens, the track has a dramatic feel and sound. Piano and guitar play, then when Gram sings, his voice sounds fragile and gentle as he sings the lyrics. The arrangement wraps round his voice like a blanket, as Emmylou accompanies him. An acoustic guitar, fiddle and pedal steel guitar accompany them. It’s a lovely understated arrangement, that’s perfect for the song. The understated, subtle arrangement is the perfect foil for the vocals and allows them to take centre-stage.
The Streets of Baltimore begins with a pedal steel guitar playing, before Gram sings. When he does, his voice is much stronger, and behind him, a lovely arrangement is unfolding. Lead and pedal steel guitars, fiddle, piano, drums and percussion play. They all play behind Gram, never overpowering his vocal. It’s much stronger, sometime soaring high as he sings the lyrics. They’re about a man moving to the bright lights of Baltimore with his wife, only to discover she loves the bright lights of Baltimore more than she loves him. Gram brings the lyrics the lyrics to life. So much so, you can almost imagine the story unfolding before your eyes, resulting in an evocative and poignant song.
She is a song he cowrote with Chris Ethridge who Gram played with in The Flying Burrito Brothers. A piano and guitar play slowly and dramatically at the start of the song, then Gram sings. When he does, his voice is laden with emotion, as he sings about a talented young girl singer, growing up in the plantations the southern states, picking cotton. During the song, Gram gives one of his best vocals on GP. Behind him, a really atmospheric, subtle arrangement plays. Drums, bass, fiddle and steel guitars combine masterfully, providing the perfect soundtrack for Gram’s vocal. Quite simply, She is one of the most beautiful tracks on the album, made all the better by the subtle, atmospheric arrangement.
That’s All It Took is a songs that sounds straight out of Nashville. It begins with peddle steel guitar, piano and rhythm section playing, before Gram sings about love, and falling in love. After his vocal drops out, Emmylou then sings the lead vocal. They’re like ying and yang Then when they sing together, their voices are perfectly suited, especially for this song. Emmylou seems to bring out the best in Gram, and it’s as if he lifts his game when he sings with her. Later, when their voices drop out, the fiddle, then the pedal steel guitar takes the lead. This is the perfect contrast to the vocal. Then as Gram and Emmylou rejoin, the song draws to a close. It finishes with a flourish Gram, Emmylou and the rhythm section combining to create a track that epitomises what Gram called “Cosmic American Music”
Guitars, rhythm section, piano and fiddle combine to produce a beautiful atmospheric and nostalgic sound at the start of The New Soft Shoe. This sound continues when Gram sings, his voice is emotive, his delivery has a heartfelt quality. Gram’s lyrics have a strong narrative, they tell a story from many years ago, one he brings to life as he sings them. As Gram sings, the band play subtly behind him. Just a guitar, fiddle, drums and piano combine with backing vocals. This allows Gram’s tender, heartfelt vocal to take centre-stage on this quite beautiful, melodic song.
When Kiss the Children begins, a fiddle plays the introduction. It’s accompanied by drums, piano and guitar, before Gram sings. As he sings, it’s immediately noticeable how much stronger his vocal is. Here, the band sing backing vocals, as they accompany him with a slice of authentic country music. Fiddles, guitars and subtle drums provide the backdrop for Gram and his backing vocalists. This is another cover version, of a song written by Rik Grech. It’s a tale of a hard living man, who likes to drink, fight and carouse. Gram and his band bring the song to life. His vocal and the band’s performance, give it an authentic country sound.
Cry One More Time bursts into life with Gram singing and baritone saxophone playing. The use of the baritone saxophone to accompany Gram is a masterstroke, which lifts the song totally. Without them, it wouldn’t be the same song, it wouldn’t be half as good. During the track, the piano and guitar play important roles. Meanwhile, Gram produces a despairing, heartbroken vocal, as he sings about how everything is going wrong. His girlfriend is about to leave him, he loves her and can’t take it, so he needs another beer. On this track, the band really raise their game. It’s as if this spurs Gram on. He seems to lift his game to another level, to match the playing around him. Everything about the track works, Gram’s vocal, the band’s playing and the songs lyrics. This is easily, one of the best tracks on GP.
A guitar, dobro, fiddle and drums open How Much I’ve Lied, a track with a lovely country feel to it. Gram’s voice, is strong and clear as he sings about being unfaithful, and having to tell his partner about it, as he can’t continue lying to her. It’s a heartfelt, emotional song as Gram comes clean, telling his partner how he’s betrayed. Behind him the arrangement is quite subtle at times. Other times, it fills out, and become much fuller. It’s a mixture of guitars, dobro, fiddles and drums. A piano joins the arrangement, as do backing singers who accompany Gram. Here, the arrangement and Gram’s vocal do the song justice. They bring the lyrics to life.
GP ends with one of the album’s best tracks Big Mouth Blues, which has one of the best arrangements on the album. The track has a really rousing, uptempo opening with guitars and drums and combining brilliantly. Then Gram sings, his voice loud at the front of the mix, keeping up with the now frantic pace. A baritone saxophone plays, punctuating the track in bursts. Some great guitar solos are played, and Gram occasionally hollers announcing their arrival. He seems to let them take centre-stage, not worrying about being upstaged. To round off the arrangement, a piano plays adding the finishing touches. By the end of what’s a frantic, rousing track, you realize that you’ve heard Gram Parsons and his band at their best. Here, they sound like the best bar band you could ever dream of hearing. They’re tight, polished and professional. As for Big Mouth Blues, it’s the perfect way to end what has been a tremendous album.
Gram Parson was undoubtedly a hugely talented artist. He was a vocalist, guitarist and talented songwriter. Like many other rock stars, he died far too young. He died aged twenty-six, after completing the recording for the follow up to GP, Grievous Angel. The sad thing about his music, is that it wasn’t successful during his lifetime. It was only after his death, that people recognized his talent, and started buying his albums. Critics had always recognized Gram talent, it’s just a pity the record buying public didn’t realize sooner. Now, his music is hugely popular, and GP and Grievous Angel are now afforded the status of classic albums. Whenever lists are released of the best albums, Gram’s two solo albums are included. His music has been hugely influential among a new generation of alternative country artists. In some ways, Gram Parsons was the founding father of this genre, and these artists owe a debt of gratitude to him. If you’ve never heard Gram Parson’s music, then GP which will be rereleased on 10th June 2014, is the perfect place to start.
GP is an introduction to the Gram Parsons, one of the most talented artists of his generation. He could’ve and should’ve enjoyed a long and successful career. Sadly, that wasn’t to be. He only released one solo album during his career and died aged just twenty-six. However, what an album GP is. GP is a critically acclaimed fusion of Americana, country, folk and rock. This was described by Gram as “Cosmic American Music.” Gram’s album of “Cosmic American Music,” GP is timeless and flawless and is the perfect introduction to one of the legends of American music, Gram Parson, who squeezed a lot of living into twenty-six years.
GRAM PARSONS-GP.
BEVERLEY MARTYN-THE PHOENIX AND THE FUTURE.
BEVERLEY MARTYN-THE PHOENIX AND THE FUTURE.
It’s nearly fifty years ago since Beverley Martyn made her recording debut. This was as a member of The Levee Breakers. They were a jug band which featured Mac McGann, Johnny Joyce and Beverley. Their debut single was Babe, I’m Leaving You, which they released on Parlophone in 1965. Beverley was just sixteen and already, The Levee Breakers were a regular fixture on the folk circuit. Beverley Martyn seemed destined for a great things. However, since 1965, Beverley has only released two solo albums.
Beverley’s sophomore album, The Phoenix and The Turtle, was recently released by Les Cousins’ label. The Phoenix and The Turtle was released thirteen years after Beverley’s debut solo album No Frills. It was released after Beverley took a lengthy break from music to bring up her family. However, thirty years earlier, it looked as if Beverley Martyn was destined for commercial success and critical acclaim.
A year after The Levee Breakers released their debut single, Beverley’s solo career began in 1966. She signed to the newly formed Deram Records. Deram was a new imprint of Decca Records. It’s raison d’être was to showcase stereo. The pop and rock music Deram would release would feature more space. This would allow record buyers to hear the difference between mono and stereo. So, for executives at Deram, it was important they chose Deram’s first single fitted the vision they had for their new label. The single choses was Beverley Martyn’s debut single Happy New Year. It featured Beverley and what would be regarded as an all-star band,
Accompanying Beverley were future members of Led Zeppelin John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page. Then there was Nicky Hopkins who’d collaborate with The Beatles and Rolling Stones. Drummer Andy White was best known as having played the drums on The Beatles’ Love Me Do. He’d forge a career as one of the top session musicians. Each of these musicians featured on Beverley Martyn’s debut single.
Released as Beverley, Happy New Year wasn’t the commercial success many people envisaged. Worst was to come. Picking Up The Sunshine, Beverley’s sophomore album was recorded, but not released. However, Beverley’s luck was changing.
It was during this period, Beverley met Bert Jansch. He taught Beverley how to play guitar and encouraged Beverley to write her own songs. Meanwhile, Beverley was relying on other people to write songs for her. Donavon wrote her third single Museum. Denny Cordell who’d produce Joe Cocker, The Move, Procul Harum and The Moody Blues produced Museum. Sadly, Museum wasn’t a commercial success. So, Beverley moved to New York with another stalwart of the folk scene Paul Simon.
Paul Simon was a regular on the British folk scene. He’d arrived a few years earlier. Back then, he was an up-and-coming folk singer. Now with Art Garfunkel, he was about to record Bookends. This was Simon and Garfunkel’s fourth album. Recorded in New York, Beverley wrote Fakin’ It. She also sings a line in the song. Things were looking up for Beverley. Especially when she appeared at the 1967 Monterey International Pop Music Festival. However, two years later, Beverley would meet the man she recorded two critically acclaimed albums with.
This was John Martyn, who was already an established name of the British folk circuit. He’d already released two solo albums, 1967s London Conversation and 1968s The Tumbler. Beverley and John would release two albums in 1970. Stormbringer was released in February 1970, with Beverley penning four tracks and John six. Recording of Stormbringer took place in Woodstock, with Joe Boyd producing Stormbringer. Upon its release, Stormbringer wasn’t the success Island Records had hoped for. Despite this, John and Beverley entered the studio again.
This time it was in London. That’s where The Road To Ruin, the followup to Stormbringer, was recorded. It was released in November 1970, and it features one of Beverley’s finest songs, Primrose Hill. It’s a song about what Beverely calls the “joys of domesticity.” Apart from Primrose Hill, Beverley cowrote three songs with John for The Road To Ruin. Sadly, on the release of The Road To Ruin, the album failed commercially. That proved to be the end of John and Beverley’s collaboration.
Island Records decided that with John and Beverley’s two albums failing commercially, it would be best to market John as a solo artist. Right through until John Martyn was recording Grace and Danger in 1980, Beverley divided her time between spending time with her family and working on John’s solo albums.That came to an end in 1980. John and Beverley were divorced when John was recording Grace and Danger, which features a cathartic outpouring of emotion from John. After their divorce in 1980, Beverley took a break from music, concentrating on her family.
By the nineties, Beverley’s family had grownup. So, she made her comeback. This began with Beverley supporting Loudon Wainwright III. Then in 2001, Beverley made released her long awaited debut album No Frills. Over the next few years, Beverley worked with some of the biggest names in music. This includes Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Levon Helm of The Band, Richard Thompson, Dave Pegg and Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention and British folk guitarist Davy Graham. Then in 2004, a new generation were introduced to Beverley Martin’s music.
Fatboy Slim sampled Primrose Hill from John and Beverley Martin’s 1970 album Stormbringer. It featured on North West Three, a track from his Palookaville album. This introduced Beverley to another generation of music. For many musicians, they’d have rushed out a new album. Not Beverley. That isn’t her style. Her followup to 1998s No Frills, The Phoenix and the Turtle was only released recently.
Beverley describes The Phoenix and the Turtle “as a very personal album.” It features songs that she’s written throughout her fifty year career. This includes the first song she wrote, Sweet Joy. Reckless Jane is a song Beverley and Nick Drakes started to write. Sadly, they never finished it. Belatedly, Beverley has finished the song. When The Levee Breaks and Going To Germany are songs Beverley used to sing with her first group The Levee Breakers. Women And Malt Whiskey is a song based on Beverley’s late and legendary husband John Martyn. Along with Potter’s Blues, Nighttime, Mountain Top and Jesse James, these nine tracks became The Phoenix and The Turtle, Beverley Martyn’s sophomore album, which was recorded in Wales and California.
Most of The Phoenix and the Turtle was recorded at Les Cousins Studios in Wales, with guitarist and producer Mark Pavey. He played acoustic guitar and piano. The rhythm section features bassist Matt Malley, ex-Counting Crows drummer Victor Bisetti and guitarist Michael Watts. Matt and Victor recorded their parts Malleyable Music Studios, California.Other artists who played on The Phoenix and the Turtle included Michael Lease, who played Hammond organ on Levee Breaks. John Hwyel Morris played piano on Reckless Jane and Owain Roberts arranged the strings. Beverley added her unmistakable vocals. Once The Phoenix and the Turtle which I’ll tell about, was completed, it was released on 21st April 2014. Is The Phoenix and the Turtle a return to form from Beverely Martyn?
Reckless Jane opens The Phoenix and the Turtle. Straight away, beauty meets melancholia. Just the lushest of strings, thoughtful piano and a picked acoustic guitar combine. The guitar reminds me of Nick Drake. Beverley’s vocal is tender and wistful. Her lyrics have a cinematic quality. She brings the lyrics to life. So much so, that the scenes unfold before your eyes. Carefree describes Reckless Jane. She’s you and her life seems one adventure. Beverley sings from experience, hence her melancholy vocal. This combination of beauty, melancholia and cinematic lyrics is a potent one.
Just a strummed guitar opens Potter’s Blues. It sets the scene for Beverley’s feisty, frustrated vocal. As the rhythm section provides the heartbeat and guitars chime, Beverley’s vocal is wistful and emotive. It’s as if she’s longing to turn back the clock and right the wrongs of yesteryear. The longer the track progresses, the better it gets. However, at the three minute mark, a blues harmonica would’ve proved the perfect way to close the track. This would make a great track, even better.
Going to Germany was a song The Levee Breakers sang. It sees Beverley deliver a powerful, punchy vocal. She combines folk, blues and rock. Behind her, a weeping country-tinged guitar, Hammond organ and rhythm section combine. They take care never to overpower Beverley’s vocal, which is at the heart of the song’s success.
Sweet Joy was the first song Beverley ever wrote. You wouldn’t know. It’s a very beautiful song. The arrangement is understated arrangement and Beverley’s vocal soul-baring. An acoustic guitar is strummed, while an electric guitar chimes and weeps. A cymbal crashes and shimmers, adding an element of drama. It doesn’t overpower Beverley’s captivating and breathtakingly beautiful vocal.
Like other songs on The Phoenix and the Turtle, space is left in the arrangement to Nighttime. This is the case with Beverley’s vocal. The space is the equivalent of a dramatic pause. Her heartbroken vocal oozes emotion and hurt. Later, it becomes angry, frustrated and needy. By then, the rocky arrangement has taken a dramatic twist. Drums pound, strings sweep, a bass buzzes and guitars help drive the arrangement along. This provides the perfect accompaniment to Beverley’s needy, emotive vocal.
Levee Breaks is another track from Beverley’s days with The Levee Breakers sang. She delivers a vocal powerhouse where blues and rock combine. Mostly, the arrangement is understated. That’s apart from when blistering guitars resonate into the distance. They’re the perfect accompaniment to Beverley’s vocal. She’s like a British equivalent of Bonnie Riatt. As the song closes, the arrangement erupts. Searing guitars and Hammond organ combine as the arrangement reaches a bluesy, rock-tinged crescendo.
Beverley wrote Women and Malt Whisky about her late husband John Martyn, and other men she met in the folk scene. It’s a poignant song about fearless, hard living men. They drank, caroused and womanised, but never feared the consequences. Essentially, they were the original live fast die young generation. Especially given the line: “if I don’t be there by morning, don’t you grieve.” Later, a despairing Beverley sings “Women and Malt Whisky will lead you to your grave.” Poignant and full of pathos, this is one of Beverley’s best songs on The Phoenix and the Turtle.
The guitar that opens Mountain Top briefly, reminds me of John Martyn on Solid Air, one of John’s classic albums. It resonates, and is the perfect accompaniment to Beverley’s vocal. Her vocal is tender and wistful as she delivers some of her finest lyrics. Like other tracks, they’ve a cinematic quality. Beverley takes on the role of storyteller. She sings about a woman struggling to come to terms with the ageing process. There’s a poignancy and sadness to the lyrics. Beverley breathes life, meaning and emotion into her lyrics, resulting in poignant and powerful song full of pathos.
Jesse James closes The Phoenix and the Turtle. It’s a track with a strong country influence. Beverley’s vocal has a mid-Atlantic sound. She’s accompanied by chiming and strummed guitars, plus drums played with brushes. This results in an authentic country sound. The arrangement is understated, allowing Beverley’s vocal to take centre-stage as she demonstrates another side to her music.
Although nearly fifty years have passed since Beverley released her debut single in 1966, she’s hardly been prolific. Quite the opposite. Beverley had only released one album before The Phoenix and the Turtle. That was no frills. Released in 2001, The Phoenix and the Turtle surpasses the quality of No Frills. Just like a fine wine, Beverley Martin has improved with age.
Beverley is nearly sixty-nine and next year, marks her debut with The Levee Breakers. She then enjoyed a brief solo career and released two classic albums with John Martyn, Stormbringer and The Road To Ruin. These two albums feature two of legends of the British folk scene. Sadly, they weren’t a commercial success and that was the last we heard from John and Beverley. Who knows, maybe if they’d been given time, they’d have fulfilled their potential? Sadly that wasn’t the case. John returned to his solo career and released several classic albums. Beverley divided her time between her family and working on John’s solo albums. Then when her family grew up, Beverley made a comeback.
Sadly, Beverley was in now hurry to return to the recording studio. No Frills followed in 2001 and then nothing. That was until earlier this year. Rumours started circulating that Beverley Martyn was about to release a new album. Many people dared not believe. Some did and were rewarded with The Phoenix and the Turtle.
Recently released on Les Cousins’ label, The Phoenix and the Turtle, which was sees a return to form from Beverley Martyn. Featuring nine songs penned by Beverley, The Phoenix and the Turtle is truly a flawless and timeless album. It’s been a longtime coming, but The Phoenix and the Turtle has been worth the wait. However, The Phoenix and the Turtle is a reminder of what we’ve been missing for far too long.
Beverley Martyn is an artist who could and should’ve enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim. However, Beverley has been a stranger too long. She’s only released two albums since her solo career began in 1966. That’s not enough to do her talent justice. With her talent as a singer and songwriter, Beverley Martyn should be a huge star. Maybe, after the commercial failure of her her earlier solo material and the her collaborations with John Martyn, Beverley was reluctant to record any more albums. After all, it must be soul destroying for an artist who doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves. Who can blame them for turning their back on their solo career? That’s what Beverley did.
Thankfully, she’s made a belated comeback with The Phoenix and the Turtle. On The Phoenix and the Turtle Beverley combines folk, country, blues and rock on The Phoenix and the Turtle. The nine songs are variously beautiful, poignant and wistful. Heartbreak and hurt sits side-by-side pathos and melancholia. Beverley’s lyrics have a cinematic quality and each of the songs to life. As a result, The Phoenix and the Turtle is like a series of musical journeys, where Beverley takes on the role of narrator. You’re captivated and spellbound by what’s the finest album of Beverley’s solo career, The Phoenix and the Turtle.
BEVERLEY MARTYN-THE PHOENIX AND THE FUTURE.
THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA-HOW HIGH.
THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA-HOW HIGH.
The Salsoul Orchestra were formed in 1974 by members of Philadelphia International Records’ legendary studio band M.F.S.B. They left Philadelphia International Records after a dispute with Gamble and Huff over finances. Gamble and Huff’s loss would prove to be Salsoul’s gain. It’s fair to say that between their formation in 1974 and when band was disbanded in 1982, The Salsoul Orchestra were at the heart of everything Salsoul released. Musicians that included the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section, guitarist Bobby Eli, percussionist Larry Washington, vibes virtuoso Vince Montana and Don Renaldo’s strings and horns played on most of Salsoul’s releases. However, The Salsoul Orchestra were much more than a studio band, and were a hugely successful group in their own right. Before I tell you about the music on How High, I’ll tell you about The Salsoul Orchestra’s recording career up until the release of How High which will be rereleased on BBR Records on 28th April 2014.
Having formed in 1974, The Salsoul Orchestra released their self titled debut album The Salsoul Orchestra in 1975. It reached number fourteen in the US Billboard 200 and number twenty in the US R&B Charts. Key to the album’s sound and success were the personnel, especially the former members of M.F.S.B. They were transformed, with Vince Montana Jr. and Ron Baker now writing and arranging tracks, whereas at Philadelphia International Records, they were seen as just part of M.F.S.B. Their talents flourished at Salsoul. Little did they realise that this was just the first step on a remarkable seven year journey.
1976 proved to be a busy year for The Salsoul Orchestra. Not only did they release the followup to The Salsoul Orchestra, Nice ‘N’ Nasty, but released their own Christmas album Christmas Jollies. Nice ‘N’ Nasty was released in October 1976, reaching number sixty-one in the US Billboard 200 and number twenty-three in the US R&B Charts. A month later, Christmas Jollies was released in November 1976. It proved to be a bigger success, reaching number forty-eight in the US Billboard 200 and number thirty-eight in the US R&B Charts. Never before or after, will have Santa enjoyed a Sleigh Ride like the one on Christmas Jollies.
After releasing two albums in 1976, The Salsoul Orchestra would release a further two albums in 1977. Magic Journey was released in June 1977, featuring classics like Runaway and Magic Bird of Fire. It reached number sixty-one in the US Billboard 200 and number fifty-one in the US R&B Charts. Magic Bird of Fire gave The Salsoul Orchestra a number three hit single in the US Dance Charts. The other album The Salsoul Orchestra were involved were by Charo and The Salsoul Orchestra. Although Cuchi-Cuchi wasn’t strictly an album by The Saloul Orchestra, Cuchi-Cuchi reached number 100 in the US Billboard 200 and featured the sultry single Dance A Little Bit Closer.
By 1978, The Salsoul Orchestra had settled into the routine of releasing two albums a year. Their first release of 1978 was Up The Yellow Brick Road, which saw The Salsoul Orchestra reinvent Ease On Down the Road, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Fiddler On the Roof and a medley of tracks from West Side Story. These tracks were given a disco makeover on Up The Yellow Brick Road, reaching number 117 in the US Billboard 200 and number fifty-two in the US R&B Charts. The next album from The Salsoul Orchestra would be How High, their sixth studio album.
For their sixth studio album How High, there was one major change in The Salsoul Orchestra’s lineup. Vince Montana Jr. had left The Salsoul Orchestra, so the band were without its former leader. Six tracks had been written for How High. Bunny Sigler wrote one track and cowrote two other tracks, one with his brother James. Ron Baker wrote Have A Good Time, while Edward Moore and Ron Tyson cowrote Stop and Think. Along with the title-track How High, written by Colin Horton Jennings and Steve O’Donnell, The Salsoul Orchestra headed to the familiar territory of Philadelphia’s Sigma Sound Studios for recording of How High.
At Sigma Sound Studios, over twenty musicians and backing vocalists would appear on How High. This included the Baker, Harris. Young rhythm section, guitarist Bobby Eli, percussionist Larry Washington, keyboard player Dennis Richardson and Don Renaldo’s strings and horns. Adding backing vocals were Philly’s legendary backing vocalists The Sweethearts of Sigma, plus Ron Tyson and Bunny Sigler. Ron Baker, Bunny Sigler and Ron Tyson would all produce tracks on How High, with Lenny Pakula, Tee Scott and Larry Davis arranging these tracks. With How High recorded, the album would be released later in 1978.
When How High was released in 1978, the album didn’t prove as successful as previous Salsoul Orchestra albums. Why that proved to be the case is something of a mystery. There certainly wasn’t anything wrong with the music. The only difference was that Vince Montana Jr. was no longer at the helm of The Salsoul Orchestra. Given the multi-talented personnel that appear of How High, and were involved with the project, surely one man’s loss couldn’t make such a difference? Maybe, How High is one of these hidden gems of an album that somehow, aren’t the success their music deserves. Was that the case with How High? That’s what I’ll tell you, after I’ve told you about the music on How High?
How High opens with the title-track How High, written and produced by Colin Horton Jennings and Steve O’Donnell. Cognac were drafted in to add vocals to a track that literally bursts into life. The Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section provide the track’s heartbeat, while keyboards, percussion and Don Renaldo’s lush strings and growling horns signal the arrival of the vocal. Her vocal is a mixture of power and passion, with tight, soaring, soulful harmonies accompanying it. Vibes, Bobby Eli’s guitar, the pounding, funky rhythm section and percussion combine, while the horns blaze, growling and rasping, almost ever-present and crucial to the track’s sound and success. Together, with The Salsoul Orchestra and Cognac, How High gets the album of to a brilliant start, one that’s soulful and funky.
Have A Good Time written and produced by Ron Baker, takes over where How High left off. It’s another uptempo, uplifting and joyous track. Keyboards, the Baker, Harris, rhythm section, cascading strings and percussion combine before the sassy, strutting vocal enters. Strings cascade, horns rasp and handclaps punctate the arrangement, as the rhythm section drive the track along. Flourishes of keyboards drift in and out of the track, before rocky guitars and Don Renaldo’s swinging, sweeping horns join in. By now, the track resembles a riotous party in a studio, with shrieks of joy and happiness accompanying the vocal. It’s impossible to resist this good time music. Not only is it uplifting and joyous, but it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Pounding drums, a funky bass and percussion combine as My Number’s Up begins to reveal its secrets, subtleties and surprises. Sizzling guitars are joined by the Sweethearts of Sigma, who take charge of the vocal. It’s delivered in sharp, urgent bursts, against a backdrop of lush strings, braying horns, pounding drums and percussion. Here, The Salsoul Orchestra seamless fuse funk, disco, soul and Latin music. This Latin influence is most noticeable in the arrangement’s percussive sound, especially during the lengthy breakdowns. Even the vocal is tinged with a Latin influence. Later, the band improvise and explore the nuances and subtleties of the track demonstrating just how versatile and talented the members of The Salsoul Orchestra truly were.
Straight away, when I’ll Keep You Warm begins, it’s apparent the influence the Salsoul sound had on house music. With the percussion, sound effects and pounding rhythm section, it’s a sound that was “borrowed” by several generation of house producers. Growling horns and lush cascading strings signal the arrival of The Sweethearts of Sigma and Bunny Sigler’s vocal. As the sweet, soulful vocals sweep in, disco strings, blazing horns, Latin percussion and Disco greatest rhythm section provide a powerful, dramatic and pulsating heartbeat. For nearly eight minutes, The Salsoul Orchestra and Sweethearts of Sigma take you on compelling, captivating and pulsating, Latin tinged musical journey, that demonstrates why no other label or house band came close to Salsoul and The Salsoul Orchestra. Not only were they peerless, but influenced several generations of producers.
Punchy, blazing horns and a pounding rhythm section open Resorts International, before the Sweethearts of Sigma’s beckoning vocals enter. Don Renaldo’s dancing strings and growling horns, plus the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section play important roles in the arrangement. Along with guitars, percussion, keyboards and harmonies, a track that fuses a variety of influences reveals its beauty and glories. Funk, soul and disco are combined with elements of big band music and even doo wop vocals. They unite as one, creating a dramatic, floaty and hook-laden, dance-floor friendly track.
Closing How High is Stop and Think, which is very different to the previous tracks. It has a much more understated sound. Percussion, lush strings, guitars, keyboards and rasping strings combine, while the rhythm section create the track’s slow, subtle heartbeat. Impassioned, tender harmonies, emotive strings, growling horns and chiming guitars all play their part in what is a quite beautiful arrangement. Eventually and gradually, the arrangement grows in power and drama. Once the track reaches its dramatic peak, things calm down, before rebuilding and unleashing another wave of powerful, dramatic music. This continues throughout the rest of the track, with The Salsoul Orchestra teasing and tantalizing you, springing surprises and subtleties, along with drama and beauty.
Although How High wasn’t as commercially successful as previous albums, there’s nothing whatsoever wrong with the music on the album. During the six tracks on How High, The Salsoul Orchestra fuse soul, funk, jazz, Latin music and disco seamlessly and peerlessly. The Salsoul Orchestra were peerless, and truly. had no equal. I’ve always wondered whether Gamble and Huff ever regretted allowing so many members of M.F.S.B. leave Philadelphia International Records. Surely the must have regretted losing such talented musicians as the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section, guitarist Bobby Eli, percussionist Larry Washington, vibes virtuoso Vince Montana and Don Renaldo’s strings and horns. Proof of just how multitalented a group of musicians The Salsoul Orchestra were can be found on How High.
Some members of The Salsoul Orchestra went from strength to strength at Saloul, becoming songwriters, arrangers and producers. It was as if all this talent was suddenly unleashed, with Salsoul providing an outlet for their talents. How High is proof of this. It was the first album since Vince Montana Jr., The Salsoul Orchestra’s leader had left the band. However, Ron Baker, Ron Kersey and Bunny Sigler stepped up to the mark, filling the void by either writing, arranging and producing tracks, This had been the case since The Salsoul Orchestra’s released their debut album in 1975. Since then, the members of The Salsoul Orchestra unleashed their creativity. All this potential just poured out, with many of Salsoul’s artists the fortunate beneficiaries of this talent.
Not only that, but The Salsoul Orchestra were one of Salsoul’s most successful artists. Between 1975 and 1982, they released a string of successful albums. This included How High, The Salsoul Orchestra’s sixth album. How High is one of the The Salsoul Orchestra’s last great albums. How High is also a reminder why for many people, The Salsoul’ Orchestra will always be remembered as one of disco’s greatest orchestras
THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA-HOW HIGH.
GYPSY RHUMBA-THE ORIGINAL RHYTHM OF GYPSY RHUMBA IN SPAIN 1965-1974.
GYPSY RHUMBA-THE ORIGINAL RHYTHM OF GYPSY RHUMBA IN SPAIN 1965-1974.
It was in 1963 that a new musical genre was born in Barcelona, Spain. This was the Catalan Rhumba. This was a fusion of flamenco, rock ’n’ roll and Caribbean music. Catalan Rhumba had been evolving over a period of years. However, it was in 1963 when this new musical genre came to prominence. The people behind Catalan Rhumba were a group of Catalan gypsies.
These Catalan gypsies had developed a new way of playing the flamenco guitar. They called this method ventilador. Essentially, it’s a combination strumming the strings and drumming on the body of the guitar using the palms of the hands. To this, the Catalan gypsies added a myriad of handclaps. The result was a new musical genre, gypsy rhumba, which is celebrated in Soul Jazz Records’ latest compilation Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974.
Featuring twenty tracks, Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974 celebrates the golden age of gypsy rhumba. For just over a decade, gypsy rhumba provided the soundtrack to Catalan life. At weddings, christenings and festivals gypsy rhumba provided a backdrop to the festivities. With gypsy rhumba’s popularity increasing ,this resulted in some flamenco musicians and singers crossing over, playing and singing rhumba.
For some Catalan musicians, numberos, this made sense. Flamenco’s popularity had been usurped by the rhumba. They realised that there was a similarity between the two types of music. To them, they saw the rhumba as a simplified version of flamenco. The two genres of music stylistically were similar. Both used the same rhythmic structure and time signature. Another similarity was the use of dancers within their shows. So, for many numberos making the move from flamenco to gypsy rhumba made sense. Not everyone agreed with this.
Many numberos strongly believed that the only music they should play was flamenco. There was no way they were going to turn their back on what they perceived as “their music.” It would be almost like a betrayal of their heritage. However, for many numberos, the popularity of the gypsy rhumba saw their life transformed.
This included Pedro Cubil Calaf, who started out singing the zambra, a form of flamenco in 1947, when he was twelve. Little did anyone realise that the man who’d be crowned king of the rhumba had just made his debut. By the sixties, Peret was the undisputed king of the rhumba. Some people go as far as crediting Peret as the creator of the gypsy rhumba. He fused flamenco with the new rhythm that became known as the gypsy rhumba. So, it’s no surprise that the gypsy rhumba brought Peret fame and fortune. Fittingly, Peret features twice on on Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974.
Apart from Peret, many other legends of gypsy rhumba feature on Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974. This includes Antonio González, El Noi, Rabbit Rumba, Maruja Garrido, Los Gitanos Polinais and Lola Flores. They’re among the fifteen artists who contribute the twenty tracks to Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974. These tracks are taken from the golden age of gyspsy rhumba and feature some of the genres biggest names. To give you an idea of what gypsy rhumba is about, i’ll pick some of the highlights of Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974.
Rabbit Rumba’s Nester Ayer opens Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974. It featured on Rabbit Rumba’s 1972 album Primera Antologia De La Rumba. Released on the Tumbao label, quickly the track explodes into a joyous fusion of flamenco and rhumba. A myriad of handclaps, piano, percussion, acoustic guitar and bursts of Hammond organ combine. The result is music that’s uplifting and infectiously catchy.
El Noi features twice on El Noi Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974. The first track is El Loco, which was a single released in 1967, on the Hito label. Seven years later, El Noi released Labios Morenos as a single. Released in 1974 on Discophon, this was a track from El Noi album El+Pop De La Rumba Gitana. Choosing between the two tracks isn’t easy. Both ooze quality. However, Sí, Compay features a vocal that’s an outpouring of emotion. The arrangement unfolds at breakneck speed. It’s akin to a call to dance. Resisting this joyous music is almost impossible. All you can do is submit to its charms.
Peret’s two contributions are La Fiesta No Es Para Feos and Voy, Voy. They epitomise everything that’s good about gypsy rhumba. They’re taken from Peret, his 1967 album, released on Discophon. Both tracks feature a true innovator in his prime. Fusing flamenco and rhumba, Peret hones the gypsy rhumba sound. Peret was on his way to being crowned the King of Gypsy Rhumba.
Antonio González is another legend of gypsy rhumba. Along with Peret, his music epitomises the gypsy rhumba sound. His contributions are from 1966 and 1967. Levantate was released in 1966, from his Extraido del E.P. Antonio’s vocal is at the heart of the track’s success. The arrangement is just guitar and handclaps. This allows Antonio’s vocal to shine as he combines power and emotion. Sarandonga is from Antonio’s1967 E.P. Antonio González. By 1967, Barcelona born Antonio González was already forty-two and well on his way to becoming one of the legends of gypsy rhumba. That’s apparent on Sarandonga, one of the real highlights of Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974.
Maruja Garrido is another artist who features twice on Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974. No wonder. Maruja Garrido is a hugely talented singer. She gives something of herself with every performance. That’s obvious on Che Camino, a track from her 1968 eponymous album. It was released on Belter. Her vocal is best described as soul baring. It’s intense and beautiful. On Amanecí En Tus Brazos, a track from Maruja’s 1968 E.P. Maruja Garrido, she delivers a captivating and impassioned vocal. Again, Maruja’s performance is flawless. These two tracks are a tantalising introduction to one of the music of Maruja Garrido.
By the time Dolores Vargas released A-Chi-Li-Pu as a single in 1969, Dolores had spent over a decade making films and music. She’d already released several singles albums. A-Chi-Li-Pu was a track from her E.P. Dolores Vargas “La Terremoto.” It went on to become one o the biggest ever rhumba hits. This was a game-changer. Then two years later, Dolores released
Anana Hip was released as a single on Belter in 1971. Anana. Hip featured on her 1972 album Dolores Vargas “La Terremoto.” Her vocal is a mixture of powerful, feisty and sassy and demonstrates why Dolores was nicknamed The Earthquake. As for the arrangement gypsy rhumba meets soul and funk. It marks an evolution in the gypsy rhumba sound.
Chaco’s El Pan y Los Dientes is my final choice from Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974. He’s remembered as one of gypsy rhumba’s innovators. His career began as a rhythm clapper on Peret’s early singles. However, when Peret signed to EMI, the pair parted company. By 1971, Chaco was signed to Discophon and released El Pan y Los Dientes. This is a joyous and truly irresistible fusion of rhumba and flamenco that’s filled many a Catalan dance-floor.
Although I’ve only mentioned thirteen of the twenty tracks on Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974 I could’ve just as easily mentioned any of the twenty tracks. No wonder. Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974 features some of the biggest names in gypsy rhumba. This includes Peret, Antonio González, Dolores Vargas, Maruja Garrido and Chaco. For a newcomer to gypsy rhumba, it’s the perfect introduction.
Especially with the lengthy sleeve-notes and a separate book that features in the box to Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974. It charts the evolution of gypsy rhumba. By the early seventies, gypsy rhumba was changing. Many gypsy rhumba bands plugged in. They used keyboards, electric guitars and electric basses. Even flutes found their way on to gypsy rhumba recordings. Vocalists even started to change style. Their vocals were influenced by flamenco music. Sadly, by the 1974, gypsy rhumba was no longer as popular.
That’s why the period between 1965 and 1974 is the golden age of gypsy rhumba. Fittingly, that’s the period that Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974 covers. As compilations go, Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974 is all killer and no filler. Soul Jazz Records have gathered together some of the best examples of gypsy rhumba on Gypsy Rhumba-The Original Rhythm Of Gypsy Rhumba In Spain 1965-1974, which is the perfect introduction to Catalonia’s best kept musical secrets.
GYPSY RHUMBA-THE ORIGINAL RHYTHM OF GYPSY RHUMBA IN SPAIN 1965-1974.
BLACK SABBATH-MASTER OF REALITY.
BLACK SABBATH-MASTER OF REALITY.
1970 had been a year that defined Black Sabbath’s career. They’d released two hugely successful albums. This includes their debut album Black Sabbath, which was released in February 1970. It reached number eight in the UK and number twenty-three in the US Billboard 200 charts. This resulted in Black Sabbath being certified gold in the UK and platinum in the US. Black Sabbath launched the Birmingham trio’s career. However, things were about to get even better.
Paranoid, Black Sabbath’s sophomore album, was released in the UK in September 1970. It reached number one and was certified gold. Then in January 1971, Paranoid was released in the US, reaching number twelve and was certified platinum four times over. Ironically, in the US, Paranoid wasn’t well received by critics. Despite this, Paranoid sold over twelve-million copies and and featured three Black Sabbath classics Paranoid, Iron Man and War Pigs. After just two albums, Black Sabbath were one of the biggest names in rock music.
Unlike many bands, Black Sabbath’s rise and rise had been meteoric. Just two years after they’d formed in Birmingham, bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward, guitarist Tony Iommi and lead vocalist Ozzy Osbourne were rubbing shoulders with rock royalty. There was a problem though. How do you followup an album as successful as Paranoid? After all, what chance had Black Sabbath of recording an album that surpassed Paranoid, a stonewall classic?
The answer to that is with Master Of Reality, is an album influenced three genres of music. They were stoner rock, doom metal and sludge metal, a fusion of hardcore punk and heavy metal. It seemed Black Sabbath were determined to continue pushing musical boundaries on Master Of Reality, which was recently rereleased in America, by Universal.
Black Sabbath didn’t even get the opportunity to enjoy Paranoid’s success in America. It was released in America in January 1971. That was when Black Sabbath headed into Island Studios to record eight tracks. Six of them, Sweet Leaf, After Forever, Children Of The Grave, Lord of This World, Solitude and Into The Void were written by Black Sabbath. Embryo and Orchid were written by Tony Iommi. Between January and May 1971, Black Sabbath got to work.
At Island Studios, producer Rodger Bain was joined bassist Geezer Butler, drummer and percussion Bill Ward. They provided the rhythm section. Guitarist Tony Iommi also played synth, flute and piano. Adding his inimitable vocal was Ozzy Osbourne. By May 1971, Black Sabbath had completed Master Of Reality, which was released in July 1971.
Before the release of Master Of Reality, reviews were mixed. Just like Paranoid, Lester Bangs, the supposed doyen of critics, gave the album a mixed review. Other high profile critics didn’t take to Master Of Reality. It wasn’t cerebral enough for them. Among the criticisms were that Master Of Reality was “monotonous,” “dull and decadent.” Despite the mixed reviews, Master Of Emotion was a huge commercial success.
Master Of Reality, which was Black Sabbath’s third album, was released on 21st July 1971. In the UK, Master Of Reality reached number five and was certified silver. Over the Atlantic, Master Of Reality was certified gold on preorders along. Eventually, Master Of Reality reached number eight in the US Billboard 200 and was certified double-platinum. The Black Sabbath success story continued with Master Of Reality, which I’ll tell you about.
Master Of Reality opens with Sweet Leaf, one of the earliest examples of stoner rock. A loop of Tony coughing, whilst allegedly smoking a joint opens the track. After that, the rhythm section and blistering guitars accompany Ozzy’s powerhouse of a vocal. It’s a mixture of emotion and power., Machine gun guitars and the thundering rhythm section accompany him all the way. Guitarist Tony Iommi gives a guitar masterclass, before Black Sabbath’s rhythm section kick loose. Like a well-oiled machine Black Sabbath pickup where they left off on Paranoid, creating groundbreaking rock music.
After Forever was the only single released from Master Of Reality. However, it failed to chart. Black Sabbath were always more of an albums band. This is one of the most controversial songs on the album, given the lyrics about religion and Christianity. When this song was released in 1971, it must have provoked controversy. Back then, religion played a bigger part in British and American life. A buzzing synth gives way to Black Sabbath in full flow. It’s a joy to behold. Geezer, Bill and Tony lock into a tight groove. Drums like jackhammers accompany blistering guitars. Ozzy’s rabble rousing vocal is accompanied by stomping arrangement as heavy rock anthem unfolds.
The guitars that open Embryo have a sixties influence. There’s also a brief prig rock influence, before Black Sabbath cut loose. Quickly, the arrangement gathers momentum and a glorious, driving arrangement unfolds. Ozzy struts his way through the lyrics, singing about revolution. Dramatic bursts of guitar are fired above the arrangement. Tony unleashes some blistering licks, while the rhythm section drive the arrangement along further honing and defining Black Sabbath’s trademark sound.
Children Of The Grave is an anti-war song. Black Sabbath had two anti-war songs on Paranoid, War Pigs and Electric Funeral. This is just as good. It’s no mealy mouthed protest song, like Give Peace A Chance. They left that to ex-Beatles and conceptual artists. Neither do Black Sabbath do bed ins. That’s unless groupies and class As are involved. The arrangement is big, bold and in-your-face. Literally, the arrangement is a wall of sound. Searing, blistering and crystalline guitar licks and a thundering, driving rhythm section. Ozzy’s vocal is a mixture of anger and frustration. Tony seems to play as if his very life depends on it, before the track reaches a haunting crescendo.
Straight away, it’s obvious that Orchid is very different to the other tracks on Master Of Reality. It has a folk influence. Chiming, crystalline guitars and a subtle bass combine during this beautiful, short and melancholy instrumental.
Normal service is restored on Lord Of This World. Dark. Dramatic and moody describes the arrangement. The rhythm section glue the arrangement together, while scorching guitars match Ozzy’s grizzled vocal. Later, when Ozzy’s vocal drops out, the rest of the band get their chance to shine. It’s obvious that Geezer, Bill and Tony are top class musicians who were among the greatest rock musicians of the seventies. Lord Of This World is a reminder of this, if any was needed.
Solitude has an understated, melancholy sound. Just a chiming guitar and meandering bass combine with Ozzy’s vocal. It’s full of sadness, regrets and confusion. A flute floats above the arrangement, adding to the atmospheric, haunting arrangement. While this is very different to much of Master Of Reality, it’s a beautiful, haunting and cerebral song, that shows another side of Black Sabbath.
Into The Void closes Master Of Reality, was originally called Spanish Sid. A blistering guitar solo joins a pounding, thunderous rhythm section. Black Sabbath seem to be enjoying the opportunity to showcase their inconsiderable skills. They kick loose and are joined by Ozzy. He delivers his vocal urgently, in short, sharp bursts. Behind him Geezer and Tony join forces, while Bill seems determined to punish his drums.
Although Master Of Reality didn’t quite match the success of paranoid, it proved to be a hugely influential album. Master Of Reality influenced three genres of music. They were stoner rock, doom metal and sludge metal, a fusion of hardcore punk and heavy metal. It seemed Black Sabbath were determined to continue pushing musical boundaries on Master Of Reality, which was recently rereleased in America, by Universal.
Master Of Reality also saw Black Sabbath further refine and and hone their unique sound. They were continuing to rewrite the rules of heavy metal. It was a case of the heavier the better. Leading the charge, were Black Sabbath. This didn’t please some people.
Among them were the critics. This self styled tastemaker seemed to have a downer on Black Sabbath. Along with many American critics, they felt Master Of Reality was too heavy. Critics didn’t approve of the aggression and later, satanic lyrics. That’s why Master Of Reality wasn’t released to critical acclaim. Despite that, Master Of Reality was certified gold in the UK and double platinum in the US. Not for the first time, the critics got it wrong.
Black Sabbath continued to redefine heavy metal on Master Of Reality. So much so, that Black Sabbath provided the blueprint for heavy metal If someone asked what heavy metal sounded like, Black Sabbath was what you played them. The albums that started this was Paranoid, Black Sabbath’s sophomore album. That’s why, in the history of heavy metal, there are only two periods, B.P. and A.P. Before Paranoid and After Paranoid. Following Paranoid would’ve been almost impossible for most bands. However, they weren’t Black Sabbath.
By the time Black Sabbath released Master Of Reality, they’d become a musical phenomena. That was the case for the next ten years. Excess and commercial success were ever-present for the band the redefined heavy metal. Black Sabbath rewrote the rules. Right through until 1981s Mob Rules, gold and platinum discs came Black Sabbath’s way. So did controversy. Much of it concerned Ozzy Osbourne. He parted company with the band in 1979. Sacked by the group he formed, both Ozzy and Black Sabbath survived to tell the tale. However, back in 1971, the Black Sabbath story was just taking shape and they’d go on to become one of the biggest and most successful bands in the history of heavy metal. However, back in 1971, when Black Sabbath released the influential and innovative Master Of Reality, they had another ten years of chaos, controversy, commercial success and critical acclaim coming their way.
BLACK SABBATH-MASTER OF REALITY.
EMMYLOU HARRIS-WRECKING BALL.
EMMYLOU HARRIS-WRECKING BALL.
In 1995, Emmylou Harris was thirty-eight, and about to release the sixteenth album of her career Wrecking Ball. Emmylou hoped that Wrecking Ball would be the album that would transform her fortunes. Having enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim between 1975 and 1981, Emmylou’s career had stalled. The problem was, she was no longer enjoying the mainstream success she’d previously enjoyed. For six years, Emmylou was one of the most successful country artists
That’s why Emmylou received seven gold discs in the US and two silver discs between 1975s Pieces Of The Sky and 1981s Evangeline. During that period, Emmylou had won three Grammy awards. Following Evangeline the commercial success and critical acclaim Emmylou enjoyed seemed to dry up. The problem was, Emmylou wasn’t enjoying the same mainstream success. Country music was no longer as popular.
From, 1981s Cimarron right through to 1993s Cowgirl’s Prayer, commercial success eluded Emmylou. Cimarron was Emmylou’s most successful album, reaching just number forty-six in the US Billboard 200 charts. That was as good as it got.
When Emmylou released White Shoes in 1983, it reached just number 116 in the US Billboard 200. In My Dreams, a track from White Shoes saw Emmylou win the fourth Grammy Award of her career. Sadly, despite winning another Grammy Award, Emmylou’s career was on the slide.
1985s The Ballad Of Sally Rose stalled at number 171 in the US Billboard 200. At least The Ballad Of Sally Rose reached number eight in the US Country charts. Things improved slightly when 1986s Thirteen reached number 157 in the US Billboard 200 and nine in the US Country charts. However, after that things got even worse.
1987s Angel Band stalled at number 166 in the US Billboard 200 charts. Then 1989s Bluebird and 1990s Brand New Dance failed to chart. That was a huge blow for Emmylou Harris. However, things improved in 1993.
Cowgirl’s Prayer was released in 1993. It was a mixture of laid back track and rockers. Although Cowgirl’s Prayer was well received by critics, it didn’t find its way onto country radio playlists. Older country artists were being dropped from radio playlists in favour of younger artists. Ironically, Emmylou was just thirty-six. In the eyes of radio executives, Emmylou was a veteran. Given this policy, Cowgirl’s Prayer received little airplay and stalled at just number 152 in the US Billboard 200. It was after Cowgirl’s Prayer that Emmylou Harris decided to change direction musically with Wrecking Ball which was recently rereleased as a three disc box set by Nonesuch.
After a string of unsuccessful albums, Emmylou Harris had no other option. So Emmylou decided that from Wrecking Ball on, her music would have a harder, tougher and rockier sound. Gone was the acoustic country sound that Emmylou made her name with. To help Emmylou change direction, she brought in two innovators.
This included Daniel Lanois. He’d previously worked with everyone from Brian Eno and Harold Budd to U2, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson and Ron Sexsmith. The other member of Emmylou’s new team was engineer Mark Howard. Mark had worked with Daniel on previous projects and had established a close working relationship. Many of the projects they’d worked on had both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Hopefully, this would be the case with what became Wrecking Ball.
For Wrecking Ball, Emmylou only cowrote two tracks, Waltz Across Texas Tonight with Rodney Crowell and Deeper Well with David Olney and Daniel Lanois. Daniel contributed Where Will I Be and Blackhawk. Cover versions included Steve Earle’s Goodbye, Julie Miller’s All My Tears, Neil Young’s Wrecking Ball, Anna McGarrigle’s Goin’ Back to Harlan, Bob Dylan’s Every Grain Of Sand, Lucinda Williams’ Sweet Old World, Jimi Hendrix’s May This Be Love and Gillian Welch’s Orphan Girl. These twelve tracks were recorded in Nashville during 1995.
When recording of Wrecking Ball began in Nashville, it was an all-star lineup that accompanied Emmylou. Some musicians only played on one track, others played on several tracks. The rhythm section included U2’s Larry Mullen on drums, cymbal and percussion. Producer Daniel Lanois played bass, electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin and duetted on two tracks. Malcolm Burn played piano, vibes and tambourine while Tony Hall played drums and Daryl Johnson bass and keyboards. Other guest artists included Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams on acoustic guitar, Brian Blade on drums and hand drums. Neil Young added harmonies and harmonica. Kate and Anna McGarrigle added harmonies and Richard Bennett tremolo guitar. This all-star cast were part of the reinvention of Emmylou Harris on Wrecking Ball.
Before the release of Wrecking Ball, critics welcome Emmylou’s change of direction. They welcomed the harder, rockier sound. After a string of unsuccessful albums, Wrecking Ball was critically acclaimed. It was hailed as one of the best albums of 1995. Critics welcomed the harder, rockier sound. This was a move away from the country mainstream. However, would Emmylou’s fans and music lovers welcome this change of direction?
Released in September 1995, Wrecking Ball reached number ninety-six in the US Billboard 200. This was Emmylou’s most successful album since 1981s Cimarron. Over the Atlantic, Wrecking Ball reached number 100 in the UK. Although Wrecking Ball didn’t result in any silver, gold or platinum discs. However, Wrecking Ball saw Emmylou win another Grammy Award in 1996 for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Wrecking Ball, which I’ll tell you about, features the reinvention of Emmylou Harris.
Where Will I Be opens Wrecking Ball. It has an atmospheric, slow, spacey sound. Drums and a hand drum combine with a crystalline guitar to provide a backdrop for Emmylou’s hurt-filled vocal. Despair and despondency fill her vocal as a bass buzzes and a cymbal crashes. Meanwhile, searing guitars add a harder edge to this fusion of folk, country and rock. It’s best described as atmospheric, moody and thanks to Emmylou’s vocal, emotive and beautiful.
Goodbye is a cover of a Steve Earle song. As Emmylou is counted in, hand drums and acoustic guitars combine. Emmylou’s vocal is rueful and tinged with sadness. She breathes life and meaning into the lyrics. So much so, that they take on a cinematic quality. Her vocal is at the heart of the arrangement. Everything else plays a supporting role. Not once does the arrangement overpower Emmylou’s heartbroken vocal, which is at the heart of the song’s success.
Wrecking Ball is a Neil Young song. It’s from the album that relaunched his career in 1989, Freedom. Emmylou sticks close to Neil’s original version. She delivers a beautiful melancholy take on a Neil Young classic. Neil adds harmonies while understated guitars shimmer and drums are played with subtlety. Just like the previous track, the band play a supporting role, allowing Emmylou and Neil to shine.
Goin’ Back To Harlan, with its fusion of Americana, country and folk, has a Neil Young sound. Just the rhythm section and weeping guitars set the scene for Emmylou. Her ethereal vocal soars above the arrangement. Meanwhile, synths, organ and percussion join the arrangement. This results in an atmospheric, mellow arrangement as Emmylou reinvents this wistful Anna McGarrigle song.
Pounding hand drums that open Deeper Well. They provide the arrangement’s hypnotic heartbeat. Guitars, bass and keyboards combine, creating a multilayered arrangement. Emmylou’s vocal is a mixture of power and emotion. Daniel Lanois’ arrangement has been inspired by everything from Americana, country, folk, world music and later, rock. It’s a real pot pourri of influences.
Every Grain Of Sand is a Bob Dylan song. It featured on his 1981 album Shot Of Love. Emmylou stays true to the original. Her vocal oozes emotion. Quite simply, this one of her best vocals on Wrecking Ball. Just acoustic guitars, rhythm section and an organ accompany Emmylou as she rolls back the years. A truly beautiful and emotive vocal, this is simply vintage Emmylou Harris.
Sweet Old World sees Emmylou pick up where she left on the previous track. Written by Lucinda Williams, Emmylou delivers a tender, heartfelt and soulful vocal. She’s accompanied by the rhythm section and guitars. This includes slide and tremolo guitars. They add to the authentic country sound. So does Neil Young’s harmonica. Nell also adds tender harmonies. They’re a perfect foil for Emmylou as she delivers a vocal that can only be described as heartachingly beautiful.
May This Be Love is a Jimi Hendrix song. Fittingly, just an electric guitar and drums accompany Emmylou’s needy, hopeful vocal. The electric guitar is played by producer Daniel Lanois, who duets with Emmylou. He delivers a a blistering guitar solo while Larry Mullen Jr’s drums provide the heartbeat. Just like other tracks, Emmylou delivers lyrics like she’s lived them.
Orphan Girl opens hesitantly. Just a tambourine and searing guitars combine before Emmylou unleashes a vocal where pain and hurt are omnipresent. Just a hand drum, guitars, mandolin and harmonies accompany Emmylou. It’s as if she’s experienced what she’s singing about. Her portrayal is a mixture of sadness, hurt and honesty.
Blackhawk is the second song Daniel Lanois wrote on Wrecking Ball. It’s a mini soap opera that unfolds before you. The song has a cinematic quality. So much so, that if you close your eyes, the scenes unfold. Emmylou becomes the narrator. She describes the scenarios, bringing the characters to life. Accompanying her is a country-tinged arrangement. Acoustic guitars, the rhythm section, piano and harmonies join forces. Later, Daniel drops an electric guitar in at the right moment.It sets the scene for Emmylou. Her vocal is rueful, memories come flooding back as she wonders “Blackhawk where are you now?”
Waltz Across Texas Tonight closes Wrecking Ball. The tempo is slow, with the rhythm section, acoustic guitar and slide guitar combining with Emmylou’s tender, heartfelt vocal. Harmonies sweep in. So does a searing guitar solo. It adds a rocky twist to what’s an atmospheric, country-tinged arrangement as the reinvention of Emmylou Harris draws to a close.
Wrecking Ball was the most ambitious album of Emmylou Harris’ career. It had to be. Emmylou’s career was at the crossroads. If Wrecking Ball failed commercially, she’d nowhere to go. Her career could’ve been over. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. Instead, Wrecking Ball saw Emmylou’s career rejuvenated. It became her most successful album since 1981s Cimarron. Fourteen years later, Emmylou Harris was back.
Much of the credit must go to producer Daniel Lanois and engineer Mark Howard. They helped Emmylou to create a multilayered album that was variously atmospheric, moody, dark and haunting. Wrecking Ball is an album that’s ethereal and full of different textures. Americana, country, folk and rock shines through on Wrecking Ball, which features an all-star cast of musicians.
This includes U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. He provided the hypnotic heartbeat. Emmylou did what she does so well, deliver vocals that are variously beautiful, ethereal, heartfelt, rueful, wistful and full of sadness, hurt and regret. Emmylou’s vocals are flawless. That’s the only way to describe them. Mind you, she was into her fourth decade as a singer, songwriter and musician. Like a good wine, Emmylou’s vocal matured with age. That’s apparent on Wrecking Ball. Her diction and phrasing are what you’d expect from someone who’d won six Grammy Awards. That became seven in 1996, when Wrecking Ball won a Grammy Award in 1996 for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Since then, Wrecking Ball has been remembered as the album that reinvented and rejuvenated Emmylou Harris’ career. That’s why Wrecking Ball was recently rereleased as a three disc box set by Nonesuch.
Disc two is entitled Deeper Well: The Wrecking Ball Outtakes. It features thirteen tracks. There’s alternate versions of Where Will I Be, All My Tears, Deeper Well, Sweet Old World, Blackhawk, May This Be Love and Goin’ Back To Harlan. Tracks that don’t feature on Wrecking Ball include Still Water, How Will I Ever Be Simple Again, The Stranger Song, Gold and May This Be Love. Among the highlights of the tracks that didn’t make Wrecking Ball are the beautiful and melancholy The Stranger Song and the heartbreaking, piano lead Gold. They both fall into the category of hidden gems. Overall, the various alternate tracks and unreleased tracks make Deeper Well: The Wrecking Ball Outtakes a welcome addition. These tracks are too good to lie unreleased in a record company’s vaults.
On disc three is a documentary entitled Building The Wrecking Ball. It’s a fly-on-the-wall documentary that anyone interested in how an album is made will enjoy. It documents the making of one of the most important albums in Emmylou Harris’ career, Wrecking Ball.
Before Wrecking Ball, Emmylou found her career at the crossroads. Emmylou realised she had to change direction musically. There was no other option. If she didn’t, she risk becoming irrelevant musically. So Emmylou Harris enlisted the help of producer Daniel Lanois and engineer Mark Howard. They helped Emmylou reinvent herself musically on Wrecking Ball, an album which rejuvenated Emmylou Harris’ career.
EMMYLOU HARRIS-WRECKING BALL.
THE WAR ON DRUGS-LOST IN THE DREAM.
THE WAR ON DRUGS-LOST IN THE DREAM.
Philadelphia. Musically what does Philly mean to you? For many people, it’s Philly Soul. Back in the seventies, jump-suited groups like The O’Jays, The Detroit Spinners and Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes flew the flag for Philly. However, there’ more to Philly than Philly Soul. Much more.
This includes ambient innovator Laraaji, Philly’s best kept secret. Then there’s blues great Otis Rush. Philly also gave the world jazz legends Lee Morgan, McCoy Tyner and Stanley Clarke. Each of these artists deserve to be called innovators. Far from it. They created groundbreaking music. However, just like Philly Soul, these artists are part of Philly’s musical past. Philly’s musical future belongs to groups like The War On Drugs.
Recently, The War On Drugs released their third album Lost In The Dream. It was released on the Strictly Canadian label. Lost In The Dream is the followup to The War On Drugs’ 2011 sophomore album Slave Ambient. Slave Ambient had been a long time coming. Three years had passed since The War On Drugs released their debut album Wagonwheel Blues. In the intervening years, The War On Drugs’ had been honing their sound. They were now perceived as one of America’s best up-and-coming groups. Since then, The War On Drugs have been winning friends and influencing people, including music lovers and critics alike.
That includes with their recently released third album Lost In The Dream. It’s seen critics compare Lost In The Dream to Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Dire Straits. Lost In The Dream has been described as an album that harks back to the eighties. It’s an album of everyman anthems that was recorded in the old school way.
When recording Lost In The Dream, The War On Drugs relied on vintage instruments. This gives them their unique sound. It’s is best described as a fusion of alt-rock, Americana, classic rock, Krautrock and psychedelia. The result is Lost In The Dream, the followup to the critically acclaimed Slave Ambient. Lost In The Dream Adam Granduciel hopes should see The War On Drugs make their “creative breakthrough.”There’s a reason for this.
Lost In The Dream is The War On Drugs first album which features a full band. Before Lost In The Dream, The War On Drugs was a much more ad hoc band. However, keyboardist Robbie Bennett and drummer Charlie Hall have quickly settled in to The War On Drugs. They both played on Lost In The Dream and are ready to head out on The War On Drugs’ most extensive tour of their nine year career. During that tour, The War On Drugs will showcase Lost In The Dream, which Adam hopes will be a “future rock classic.”
For some people, Adam’s description of Lost In The Dream as a “future rock classic” is a bold statement. Usually, it’s a case of an artist setting himself up for the almost inevitable fall. Maybe not this time? Adam’s realises that Lost In The Dream is a coming of age for The War On Drugs.
Adam wrote ten tracks for Lost In The Dream. They were recorded at eight studios in Philly and New York between August 2012 and November 2013. The studios used included Uniform Recording, Echo Mountain Recording, Fidelitorium, Rare Book Room, Miner Street Recordings, Water Music, Public Hi-Fi and the University Of The Arts, Philadelphia. At these studios, the four members of The War On Drugs got to work.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Adam Granduciel played piano, organ, synths, harmonica, Space Rhodes and Arp Ommi II on Lost In The Dream, The rhythm included bassist Dan Hartley, drummer and percussionist Charlie Hall. Keyboardist Robbie Bennett plays piano, organ, flux wurlitzer and arp string synth. Augmenting The War On Drugs was a huge cast of musicians.
Among the guest artists who augmented The War On Drugs on Lost In The Dream were drummers Pat Berkery, Jon Ashley and Mike Sneeringer. They were joined by guitarist Paul Sukeena, pedal steel guitarist Ricky Ray Jackson, lap steel guitarist Mike Sobel and Carter Tanton on Leslie guitar. Jeff Zeigler took charge of drum programming and effects on Disappearing, while Gabe Wax added tape flanging on Burning. Horn players included baritone saxophone Jon Natchez plus saxophonists Joseph Shabason and David Fishkin. Nicolas Vernhes played organ and tambourine, while Michael Johnson played ARP 2600. Each of these guest artists played on Lost In The Dream and gave the album its unique sound, which I’ll tell you about.
Under The Pressure opens Lost In The Dream. Briefly, it has a dubby lysergic sound. Soon, the arrangement reverberates and shimmers. This is just a curveball. Quickly, The War On Drugs kick loose. Their rhythm section lock into a tight groove. They’re joined by synths while a thoughtful piano drops in and out of the arrangement. By now they remind me of U2 in their prime. Adam’s vocal has both a seventies West Coast and eighties influence. When his vocal drops out, searing guitars, pounding drums and buzzing synths take charge. As Adam’s vocal returns, the track is a rousing anthem. Later, as The War On Drugs take a detour. They jam, for the rest of the track. ii takes on a late on a late-sixties sound, as The War On Drugs who two sides to their music during this nine minute epic.
Straight away, Red Eyes grabs your attention. Chiming guitars, keyboards and a thunderous rhythm section lock horns. They provide the backdrop for Adam’s vocal. I sounds distant and mysterious. It’s as if it’s shrouded by effects. Soon, he takes on the role of rabble rouser in chief, encouraging the group to greater heights. This works., The War On Drugs unleash a blistering rocky opus. The rhythm section, keyboards and and searing, scorching guitars power the arrangement along. Adam whoops and hollers encouraging them on, as everything from Krautrock to indie rock is combined by The War On Drugs,
Suffering sees the tempo drop. Drums provide the heartbeat and guitars reverberate into the distance. Adam’s vocal is wistful and full of pain. He sounds as if he’s lived and survived the lyrics. His vocal is the focus of your attention. That’s until the arrangement starts to build. Then layers of music unfold. Everything from a Fender Rhodes, synths, guitars played effects boxes, a Wurlitzer and pedal steel guitar are combine. Together they play their part in an atmospheric and mesmeric arrangement. Adding the finishing touch is the rasping saxophone. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Adam’s hurt-filled vocal on this heartachingly beautiful ballad.
An Ocean In Between The Waves sees another change in direction from The War On Drugs. Drummer Pat Berkery lays down a hypnotic motorik beat. To the Krautrock beat, reverberating guitars and probing bass are added. Again, this leads to comparison to late-eighties U2. Then there’s Adam’s despondent vocal. It has a seventies West Coast influence. The hypnotic arrangement and despondent vocal are a potent combination and works well. Then, later, scorching, blistering guitars are unleashed. They transform the track. What follows in a barnstorming, blistering guitar driven track where The War On Drugs kick out the jams.
As Disappearing unfolds, Adam lays down some searing guitar licks. Dave Hartley’s thundering bass is accompanied by drum machine. They’re part of a multilayered arrangement. This includes an ARP 2600, a Flux and Space Wurlitzer, slide guitar, piano and harmonica. Instruments flit in and out of the arrangement. They’re all part of a bigger picture. So is Adam’s vocal. It’s lysergic and dreamy. This is perfect for an arrangement where everything from eighties electronica, ambient, indie rock, post rock and psychedelia melts majestically and seamlessly into one.
Eyes To The Wind has a country influence from the get-go. Guitars reverberate and weep, before a strummed guitar indicates what’s about to unfold. Seamlessly, The War On Drugs are transformed into an alt-country band. Think Wilco and The Jayhawks. It seems there’s no end to The War On Drugs’ versatility. They combine alt-country, Americana and rock. Emotion fills Adam’s vocal, while guitars, the rhythm section, keyboards and a string synth combine. Then adding an authentic country sound are a pedal steel guitar and a lap steel guitar. Playing an important part is the piano. It helps define the sound. Adam seems to relish this new sound. He breathes life, meaning and emotion into the lyrics and as a result, this is one of the highlights of Lost in the Dream.
A synth bubbles as The Haunting Idle reveals its secrets. It’s totally different from everything that’s gone before. The best way to describe the track is an atmospheric, experimental soundscape, one that’s truly innovative. Faux strings cascade, guitars variously shimmer and resonate. Feedback seems never far away. It never materialises during a track that’s ethereal, atmospheric and groundbreaking.
Broody and moody describes the introduction to Burning. The arrangement meanders and buzzes along, before The War On Drugs kick loose. It’s a joy to behold. Chiming, driving guitars and a pounding rhythm section join forces. They’re joined by synths, organ and percussion. My only criticism is Adam’s vocal seems too far back in the arrangement. The same goes for the harmonies. Having said that, The War On Drugs strut their way through the track. Adam swaggers his way through the lyrics, unleashing whoops and hollers, during this gloriously rocky homage homage to Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing In The Dark.
Melancholy crystalline guitars open Lost In The Dream. They’re joined by the rhythm section, and Adam’s wistful vocal. Here, The War On Drugs draw inspiration from alt-country, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. It’s a song that harks back to the great American rock albums. Adam’s thoughtful, tender and rueful vocal is perfect for the lyrics. It brings them to life. Then towards the end, Adam lays down a harmonica solo and that proves the finishing touch to what’s a quite beautiful, melancholy song.
In Reverse closes The War On Drugs third album Lost In The Dream. It’s an eight minute epic. With an atmospheric, ambient sound, there’s no hint at what direction the track is heading. Briefly, it reminds me of John Martyn’s One World. Gradually, the arrangement unfolds. It’s understated and pensive. Above it, sits Adam’s frustrated, rueful vocal. Accompanying him is a plodding bass and weeping guitar. All of a sudden, they burst into life and decide to combine alt-country, rock and experimental music. What follows is a track that reminds me of Dire Straits in their prime. It’s as if having paid homage to Bruce Springsteen, The War On Drugs have decided to pay tribute to one of the most underrated British groups, Dire Straits.
Lost In The Dream took just over a year to record. Eight studios in New York and Philly were used. So were a cast of guest artists. They augmented The War On Drugs on Lost In The Dream. Once Lost In The Dream was completed, lead vocalist and guitarist Adam Granduciel hoped that Lost In The Dream would be their “creative breakthrough.” That was the case.
Released to critical acclaim, Lost In The Dream was a coming of age for The War On Drugs. Lost In The Dream was the finest album of The War On Drugs three album career. Soon, word was out. Here was a band with a big future ahead of them. There was a reason for this. The War On Drugs weren’t like many other bands. Far from it. They were innovators who created groundbreaking, genre-melting music.
Everything from alt-country, ambient, Americana, classic rock, indie rock, Krautrock, post rock and psychedelia can be heard on Lost In The Dream. Many tracks are a fusion of several genres. There’s anthems, ballads and experimental tracks. On other tracks, including Under The Pressure and In Reverse, The War On Drugs take you on a magical mystery tour. The track heads in one direction, before The War On Drugs throw a curveball. You’re then taken in a totally different direction. This results in two truly compelling tracks. As a result, you can’t help but admire producer Adam Granduciel’s vision. He’s played a huge part in the success of Lost In The Dream, the album that should transform The War On Drugs’ career.
Maybe the next time The War On Drugs release an album, they’ll be signed to a major label? They’re certainly not lacking in talent or vision. Far from it. The War On Drugs are one of the most exciting, innovative and talented American bands. Lead vocalist and guitarist Adam Granduciel realised that. He hoped that Lost In The Dream would be a “future rock classic.” That could well be the case. However, there’s more to Lost In The Dream than a rock album.
Lost In The Dream is a truly eclectic album. Genre-melting describes the music. The War On Drugs draw inspiration from everyone from Neu, Can, Dire Straits, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Each of these artists influences the ten tracks on Lost In The Dream. The result is Lost In The Dream, a groundbreaking album of genre-melting from The War On Drugs. It could be a “future rock classic.” Only time will tell how history judges The War On Drugs’ third album Lost In The Dream.
THE WAR ON DRUGS-LOST IN THE DREAM.
THE COMPLETE FAME SINGLES VOLUME 1-1964-1967.
THE COMPLETE FAME SINGLES VOLUME 1-1964-1967.
Mention Southern Soul, and certain labels spring to mind. Among them are Stax, Hi Records and Fame Records. These three labels are synonymous with Southern Soul. Together, they released some of the greatest music in the history of Southern Soul. Indeed, the artists who walked through the doors of Stax, Hi and Fame Records reads like a who’s who of Southern Soul. However, for far too long, Southern Soul has been overlooked. Instead, record labels have focused on labels like Philadelphia International Records and Motown. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Now reissue labels like Kent Soul, a subsidiary of Ace Records, are releasing a series of lovingly compiled compilations of music released by Fame Records. The most recent compilation is The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967.
The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967 is the first in a three disc series featuring every single released by Fame Records. It’s a double album featuring twenty-six tracks on each disc. With a mammoth fifty-two tracks, this is one of the most comprehensive retrospectives of music released by Fame Records.
On The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967 there’s contributions from some of the most influential artists in Fame Records’ history. This includes twenty-two tracks from Jimmy Hughes, six from Clarence Carter and a quartet of tracks from Dan Penn, Terry Woodford, Arthur Conley and Art Freeman. Then June Conquest, Spooner and The Spoons, James Barnett and The Villagers contribute two tracks each. That makes fifty-two tracks. For a newcomer to Fame Records, it’s the perfect introduction to one of Southern Southern’s greatest labels, which was founded in the late fifties.
The story starts during late fifties when Rick Hall, Tom Stafford and Billy Sherill founded a record label, and built their first studio above the City Drug Store in Florence, Alabama. However, by the early sixties, this nascent partnership would split-up, resulting in Tom Stafford and Rick Hall needing a new studio. They decided to move to what had been a tobacco warehouse in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. As if by magic, Rick Hall soon recorded what would be his first hit single, Arthur Alexander’s You Better Move On. Wisely, he decided to invest the profit in a better studio, and moved to their current location Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The first hit single Rick Hall recorded in his new studio was Jimmy Hughes’ Steal Away. Little did Rick Hall know it back then, but soon his new studio would see artists coming from far and wide to record at Fame.
After Rick’s success with Jimmy Hughes, word got out that Fame was the place to go to record a new single or album. Quickly, everyone from Tommy Roe to The Tams, and from Joe Tex, Joe Simon, George Jackson and Clyde McPhatter right through to Irma Thomas, Etta James and Mitty Collier. Even Aretha Franklin recorded at Muscle Shoals. Indeed, it was at Muscle Shoals that Jerry Wexler brought Aretha Franklin, to record her 1967 album I Never Loved A Man the Way I Loved You. However, why did all these artists choose to head to Muscle Shoals to Fame?
Part of the reason was the session musicians that worked with Rick Hall. This included the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Muscle Shoals Horns. They were some of the hottest and tightest musicians of that era. This included drummer Rodger Hawkins, bassist David Hood, guitarist Jimmy Johnson and keyboardist Barry Beckett. When they recorded together, they were one of the finest backing bands ever. Between 1961 and 1969, when they departed from Fame to found the rival studio Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. However, for eight years, they graced numerous hit singles and album. This includes on the tracks on The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967, which I’ll pick some of the highlights of.
DISC ONE.
Jimmy Hughes is the artist who features most often on The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967. He features twenty-two times. No wonder. It was Jimmy who transformed Rick Hall and Fame Records’ fortunes. His recording career at Fame Records began in 1964. The song that launched Jimmy Hughes’ career was the stonewall classic Steal Away, which gave Jimmy a top twenty US R&B single. Penned by Jimmy, it features Lollypops, Lace And Lipstick on the B-side. After this, an album entitled Steal Away was released. This was a mixture of new material and songs Rick Hall had previously recorded with Jimmy. It featured Jimmy’s sophomore single.
This was the James Brown penned Try Me, which was released in 1964. It was produced by Rick Hall and features the hugely underrated Lovely Ladies on the B-Side. Reaching just sixty-five in the US R&B Charts Try Me didn’t replicate the success of Steal Away. Neither did Jimmy’s third single.
The William Bruce penned I’m Getting Better was Jimmy’s third single. A dramatic, needy ballad, it failed commercially. Hidden on the B-side was the catchy dance track I Want Justice.
In 1964, Dan Penn released Close To Me, one of his own compositions. This was his first single on Fame. Previously, he’d been signed to United Artists. He was backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Previously, Close To Me had been released as a single by The Tams. Dan’s version is slow and heartfelt his needy vocal full of emotion. Hidden away on the B-side was Let Them Talk was written by Rick Hall and Tom Stafford. It’s a real hidden gem, where Dan delivers a vocal where power, passion and emotion collide head on.
Dan’s other contribution is (Take Me) Just As I Am. Released in 1965, as Lonnie Ray, it wasn’t a commercial success. That’s despite its obvious quality. Penned by Dan and Spooner Oldham, the song was later recorded by Spencer Wiggins and Solomon Burke. Diamonds which was the B-side was written by Dan and David Briggs. This is a fusion of pop and soul that’s a reminder of the music of the early sixties.
Despite a recording career that lasted between 1963 and 1972, June Conquest only ever recorded about six singles. Her debut single was 1963s Almost Persuaded, which was released on Fame Records. It wasn’t a commercial success and she was dropped by Fame Records. She left behind the dramatic piano driven Don’t Let It Be Said. Written by Earl Montgomery, it features a vocal powerhouse from June. Mixing power, pride and emotion, June’s vocal is defiant and dramatic. Describing this track as a real hidden gem, is almost an understatement. It’s much better than that. It’s essential listening for fans of Southern Soul.
James Barnett was signed to Fame in 1965 on a two-year contract. Keep On Talking like the B-side Take A Good Look was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham. Sadly, Keep On Talking failed commercially and James’ career at Fame was over. Since then, Keep On Talking has become a favourite among Northern Soul fans. Take A Good Look is one of the hidden gems in Fame’s back-catalogue. Featuring a heart-wrenching vocal from James, it also marks a coming of age of Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham as songwriters.
DISC TWO.
Terry Woodford featured on disc one. He has another two tracks on disc two. They’re Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham’s It’s His Town. Produced by Rick Hall it’s quite different from Gonna Make You Say Yeah. This is a much more soulful song, featuring a tender, wistful vocal from Terry. She Wants What She Can’t Have was the B-side penned by Terry and Larry Hamby. It’s a poppy slice of heartfelt soul that reminds me of The Everly Brothers.
When The Villagers released Laugh It Off, which was penned by Ray Whitley in 1965, they were the last pop or rock band to release a single on Fame until 1970. The Villagers were essentially a covers band. Their version of Laugh It Off, is a fusion of pop, rock and soul. On the B-side is a cover of Lennon and McCartney’s You’re Gonna Lose That Girl. They stick closely to The Beatles’ original version and don’t try and reinvent a classic. The only difference is the tempo is slightly quicker. Apart from that, this is one of the best covers of You’re Gonna Lose That Girl I’ve heard.
Just like disc one, Jimmy Hughes contributes the most tracks. One of his finest moments is I Worship The Ground You Walk On. He breathes life, meaning and emotion into the song. His vocal is full of hurt and heartache. Written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, it’s a heartbreaking ballad that reached number twenty-five in the US R&B charts in 1966. Terry Thompson’s A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues, a much covered track features on the B-side, and allows us to hear another side of Jimmy Hughes.
For many people, Arthur Conley’s name is synonymous with Sweet Soul Music. There’s much more to Arthur than that. This includes I Can’t Stop (No, No, No) which was a double-A side. Its inclusion is a welcome one. Written by Dan Penn and Roger Hawkins, and produced by Rick Hall, this track was recorded in 1966 this is a track that literally oozes emotion. Arthur breathes life into the lyrics. On the other side the Spooner Oldham and Dan Penn composition In The Same Old Way.
Just like I Can’t Stop (No, No, No), it’s a track where emotion and quality are ever-present. I’m Gonna Forget About You is another of Arthur Conley’s singles. It was penned by Arthur. This is vintage Arthur Conley. No wonder. Otis Redding was in the studio when Arthur cut this track. He seemed to inspire Arthur. Ironically, Arthur sounds as if he’s been influenced by Sam Cooke. On the flip-side Take Me (Just As I Am), which was penned by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham’s Take Me (Just As I Am) features a totally impassioned vocal from Arthur.
Clarence Carter’s delivery of I Stayed Away Too Long literally oozes emotion. Penned by Clarence Carter, it had been chosen as Clarence’s 1966 single. Then, when it was released, Fame decided to flip the single over. Tell Daddy which was written by Clarence, Marcus Daniel and Wilbur Terrell climbed all the way to number thirty-five in the US R&B charts. This was the start of Clarence Carter’s rise to becoming one of the biggest Southern Soul stars of the sixties.
Then in 1967, Clarence released Thread The Needle as a single. Just like the B-side Don’t Make My Baby Cry it was penned by Clarence. The groove-delicious Thread The Needle reached number eight in the US R&B charts. However, proving that fame is a cruel mistress was the commercial failure of She Ain’t Gonna Do Right.
She Ain’t Gonna Do Right is a Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham composition. It’s a glorious slice of Southern Soul that allows Clarence to showcase his considerable talents. The Road Of Love has a moody, bluesy sound. Accompanied by the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Clarence demonstrates why he was one of Fame Records’ biggest success stories.
So, that’s the story of The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967. It features an incredible fifty-two tracks. That’s both the singles and sometimes, B-sides. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s another two volumes in this series due for release. Kent Soul, a subsidiary of Ace Records, are doing justice to Fame Records illustrious back-catalogue and have been for some time. They’ve released a string of lovingly complied compilations. The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967 is just the latest in this series. It’s a combination of classics, hit singles, familiar faces and hidden gems .
Some of the most talented Southern Soul singers make an appearance. This includes old friends like Clarence Carter, Jimmy Hughes, Dan Penn, Terry Woodford, Arthur Conley, Art Freeman, June Conquest, Spooner and The Spoons, James Barnett and The Villagers. Some of these artists may not be familiar to you. That’s because they only played a walk on part in the Fame Records’ story.
This includes James Barnett. He didn’t enjoy the commercial success his music and talent deserved. However, nearly forty years later, James Barnett is being heard by a new generation of music lovers. They’ll have heard of Clarence Carter, Jimmy Hughes, Dan Penn, Terry Woodford and Arthur Conley, but not Art Freeman, June Conquest, Spooner and The Spoons, James Barnett and The Villagers. Thankfully, that’s been rectified. Kent Soul have righted a musical wrong by introducing music lovers to these artists. Although they weren’t Fame Records most successful artists, they released some deliciously soulful music.
Compiler Tony Rounce has dug deep into Fame Records vaults and released some of the best Southern Soul released between 1964 and 1967. This is vintage Southern Soul. Other tracks are a fusion of soul and pop, while others have a bluesy sound. Together, the fifty-two tracks on The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967 are the perfect introduction to Fame Records, one of the legendary Southern Soul labels. For anyone with an interested in either Fame Records, Southern Soul, soul music or just good music, then The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1-1964-1967 is an essential purchase. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to Kent Soul’s Hall Of Fame series and The Fame Records Story 1961-1973 box set. Together, they’re the perfect introduction to Fame Records, one of Southern Soul’s greatest labels.
THE COMPLETE FAME SINGLES VOLUME 1-1964-1967.
THE IMPRESSIONS-ABOUT TIME.
THE IMPRESSIONS-ABOUT TIME.
For any group, losing their lead singer can derail their fortunes. In some cases, this can prove fatal. It’s a body blow that the group never recovers from. Especially when the lead singer happens to have written many of the group’s biggest hits. This was the case with The Impressions.
Since 1960, Curtis Mayfield had been The Impressions lead singer and principal songwriter. Curtis penned and sang lead vocal on many of The Impressions’ biggest hits. Among them three number one singles, It’s All Right in 1963, 1967s We’re A Winner and 1969s Choice Of Colours. Then there’s Impressions classics like Gypsy Woman, Keep On Pushin’ and People Get Ready. However, after 1970s Check Out Your Mind Curtis left The Impressions and embarked upon a solo career.
Curtis hadn’t left The Impressions on a high. Check Out Your Mind failed to chart in the US Billboard 200 charts and only reached number twenty-two in the US R&B Charts. For a group that had previously enjoyed six top ten US R&B albums during the sixties, it looked as if The Impressions’ career was a crossroads. Over the next few years, The Impressions struggled to recapture the commercial success and critical acclaim they’d enjoyed during the sixties.
Replacing Curtis Mayfield was Leroy Hutson. He was three months out of college when he joined The Impressions. His Impression debut was 1972s Times Have Changed, which stalled at number 192 in the US Billboard 200 charts. 1973s Preacher Man failed to reach US Billboard 200 charts. It was a case of close but no cigar, with Preacher Man stalling at a lowly 204 and number thirty-one in the US R&B charts. Following 1973s, Preacher Man, Leroy Hutson left The Impressions. His replacement was Ralph Johnson and 1974 was a year of mixed fortunes for The Impressions.
1974 was a busy year for The Impressions. They provided the Blaxploitation soundtrack Three The Hard Way. It wasn’t a commercial success, reaching just 202 in the US Billboard 200 charts and only reached number twenty-six in the US R&B Charts.
Ralph Johnson’s Impressions debut was much more successful than Leroy Hutson. 1974s Finally Got Myself Together may have only reached number 176 in the US Billboard 200 charts and only reached number sixteen in the US R&B Charts. However, the title-track reached number seventeen in the US Billboard 100 charts and only reached number one in the US R&B Charts. This was The Impressions’ most successful single since 1967s We’re A Winner. This was the start of a brief Indian Summer in The Impressions’ career.
1975s First Impressions reached number 115 in the US Billboard 200 charts and only reached number thirteen in the US R&B Charts. This was The Impressions’ most successful single since 1968s This Is My Story. Two singles from First Impressions Sooner or Later and Same Thing It Took reached number three in the US R&B charts. It looked as if The Impressions’ career was back on track.
1976 was a year of upheaval for The Impressions. They left Curtom Records, which had been their home since 1970. They signed to Cotillion, a subsidiary label of Atlantic Records. The other change was Nate Evans replaced Ralph Johnson as lead singer on About Time, which was recently rereleased by Rhino. Would the change in personnel affect The Impressions’ fortunes?
About Time featured eight tracks. Six of these tracks were penned by Melvin and Mervin Steals. They’d previously, as Maestro and Lyric, had written The Detroit Spinners’ Could It Be I’m Falling In Love, Major Harris’ Each Morning I Wake Up, The Trammps’ Trusting Heart and Honey Bee for Gloria Gaynor. Melvin and Mervin also wrote tracks for Ecstasy, Passion and Pain and Blue Magic. For The Impressions, Melvin and Mervin cowrote In The Palm Of My Hands, You’ll Never Find, Same Old Heartaches, I Need You, Stardust and What Might Have Been. The two other tracks included McKinley Jackson and Shirley Jones’ This Time and Paul Richmond and Daryl Ellis’ I’m A Fool For Love. These eight songs became About Time, which was recorded at various studios.
It seemed no expense was spared on The Impressions’ Cotillion debut. Barnum Recording Studio, Wally Heider Recording and ABC Recording Studios in, Los Angeles. Other sessions took place at Paragon Recording Studios, Chicago. Mixing took place at Wally Helder Recording and Kendun Recorders, where the mastering took place. Before that, producer McKinley Jackson put together a crack team of session players.
The rhythm section included drummers Ed Greene, James Gadson and Ollie Brown, bassists James Jamerson and Scott Edwards plus guitarists Ray Parker Jr, Ben Bebay and Lee Ritenour. McKinley Jackson, Melvin Steals, John Barnes, Ronald Coleman and Sylvester Rivers played keyboards and percussion came courtesy of Eddie “Bongo” Brown, Gary Coleman and Jack Ashford. Ernie Watts played alto and tenor saxophone and Oscar Brashear trumpet. They augmented the might of the Los Angeles Brass, Woodwind And String Sections. Arrangers included Gene Page and Gil Askey. The Impressions, Fred Cash, Nate Evans, Reggie Torian and original member member Sam Gooden sung and assisted producer McKinley Jackson. Once About Time was finished, the album was ready for release later in 1976.
When About Time was completed, everyone connected with the album was excited about its prospects. That’s quite remarkable, considering McKinley Jackson wasn’t originally intended to produce About Time. Al Bell had been booked to produce About Time. For whatever reason, Al Bell changed his mind. So, McKinley stepped in to fill the void. Melvin and Mervin Steals, the principal songwriters, flew to L.A. to oversee the recording sessions. There they found an reinvigorated Impressions rolling back the years. Everything it seemed was in place for a hit album. Sadly, one mistake proved costly.
Everything was going well for The Impressions. It looked like their career was back on track. Then after a concert in Atlanta, an alleged incident by one the members of The Impressions proved costly. Atlantic Records were enraged. They felt they couldn’t back About Time. Not after what had happened. This had caused huge embarrassment to a musical institution, Atlantic Records. So, it’s no surprise that About Love reached a lowly 195 in the US Billboard 200 and number twenty-four in the US R&B charts. This Time reached just number forty in the US R&B Charts. Then in 1977, You’ll Never Find reached a lowly number ninety-nine in the US R&B charts. For The Impressions, this was a case of what if? Mostly, it was a case of what if they’d never played Atlanta. Things could’ve been very different. That wasn’t to be and About Time, which I’ll tell you about, was The Impressions’ only album for Atlantic Records’ subsidiary Cotillion.
In The Palm Of My Hands opens About Love. Stabs of growling horns, a pounding rhythm section and dancing disco strings are joined by percussion and a searing guitar. It’s a dramatic, Philly-tinged arrangement. You fully expect Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, The Detroit Spinners or The O’Jays to take centre-stage. Instead, it’s The Impressions. Their harmonies provide the perfect accompaniment to Nate Evans’ needy, joyous lead vocal. Harmonies coo and soar, while Nate delivers a vocal powerhouse. At the breakdown, strings dance, guitars chime, horns blaze and percussion augments the rhythm section. They then pass the baton to The Impressions as this joyous hook laden opus proves the perfect way to open About Love.
The rhythm section and percussion spring into action on You’ll Never Find. They mix funk and soul. That’s before cascading disco strings signal the entrance of Nate’s grizzled, hurt-filled vocal. He’s augmented by the rest of The Impressions. Again, there’s a Philly Soul influence as The Impressions sound not unlike Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. The Steal brothers have picked up where they left off on In The Palm Of My Hands. This tale of hurt and heartache is tailor made for The Impressions. They kick loose, mixing Philly Soul, funk and disco. Featuring a vocal masterclass from Nate, The Impressions trademark harmonies and McKinley Jackson’s production this is a real hidden gem, that would’ve made a great single.
Same Old Heartaches sees the tempo drop and swathes of strings flutter above the arrangement. Meanwhile, guitars chime and the rhythm section provide a subtle heartbeat. This sets the scene for Nate’s heartbroken vocal. Behind him, strings sweep and swirl and harmonies punctuate the arrangement. Helping drive the arrangement along is the probing bass. At the heart of the song’s success is Nate’s soul-searching vocal and tender harmonies. They coo and sweep, while the all-star band provide a big, bold, lush and dramatic arrangement. This is perfect backdrop for Nate’s vocal, where heartbreak and regret are ever-present. He brings to life and meaning the Steal brothers beautiful ballad.
Strings cascade, joining flourishes of piano and the rhythm section in creating an arrangement for I Need You that oozes drama. When the baton passes to Nate, there’s no letup in the drama. His vocal is veers between heartfelt and full of hope, to slow and sensual. Later, what starts of as a ballad changes. The tempo increases and Nate and the rest of The Impressions vamp their way through the lyrics. After that, there’s a return to the earlier balladry as the vocal continues to change hands. Two thing remain the same the quality and drama.
This Time was originally the opening track on side two. There’s no letup in the drama. It’s a hopeful, uptempo ballad. Producer McKinley Jackson, who cowrote the song with future Jones Girl Shirley Jones, makes good use if swathes of strings. They’re joined by percussion, pounding rhythm section and way way guitar. Then there’s the cooing harmonies that accompany the Nate’s rueful vocal. It’s tinged with sadness and regret at the hurt he’s caused his former girlfriend. Hopefully, he sings “this time we’re makin’ it last forever,” as the track reaches its emotive and dramatic crescendo.
Just percussion, strings and muted horns open Stardust. They’re joined by chiming guitars and harmonies. Tender, thoughtful and wistful harmonies sweep in. Meanwhile, the rhythm section provide the heartbeat. Drums pound, the bass leads the way and strings cascade. However, it’s the harmonies and strings that are the focus of your attention. That and a sultry trumpet solo leave lasting memories of The Impressions delivering some of their best harmonies on About Love.
A scorching horn solo opens I’m A Fool For Love. Straight away, it’s obvious this is a very different type of track. It’s penned by Paul Richmond and Daryl Ellis. Drums thunder, strings sweep and harmonies soar above the the arrangement. The drums crack as Nate delivers a powerhouse of a vocal. When his vocal drops out, strings sweep and swirl. Then when he returns, he combines power and passion. Nate can cope with this change of style. He seems to relish the opportunity to cut loose and bring meaning and emotion to the lyrics. Nate it seems, was The Impressions’ secret weapon on About Love.
Closing About Time was the rueful What Might Have Been. This is the sixth song from the pen of Melvin and Mervin Steals. Straight away, there’s a rueful sound. That’s apparent in the combination of the swathes of strings, rhythm section and Hammond organ. Then there’s the preacher reading the wedding vows. After that, Nate cuts in with “ he’s standing there, where I’m supposed to be.” Heartbroken and realising what he’s let go, Nate sings the lyrics like he’s lived them. That’s apparent when he delivers the line: “but now that I lost you, darlin’ Im sadder, so I’m sadder than sad.” Meanwhile, the rest of The Impressions add rueful harmonies while McKinley Jackson’s production is a mixture of drama and emotion. It’s the perfect accompaniment to one of Nate’s most impassioned and heartfelt vocals on About Time.
It’s no exaggeration to say that About Time is one of the great lost albums. Released in 1976, it should’ve soared all the way to the top of the charts. It didn’t. Far from it. Instead, it hardly made an impression on the charts. What should’ve been The Impressions’ most successful album of the seventies has been all but forgotten. There’s a reason for this.
An alleged incident by one of The Impressions lead to Atlantic almost killing the album off. Executives at Atlantic Records were enraged. They felt they couldn’t back About Time. Not after what had happened. This had caused all caused a huge embarrassment to Atlantic Record, one of America’s musical institutions. For The Impressions, what’s one of their finest albums of the sixties passed the world by. Some critics realised the quality of About Time. However, with Atlantic Records’ marketing machine behind About Time, The Impressions weren’t going to enjoy the commercial success and critical acclaim they deserved. It was an uphill struggle for The Impressions. Sadly, About Time stalled at a lowly 195 in the US Billboard 200 and number twenty-four in the US R&B charts. For many people, who’d put their heart and soul into About Time, this was heartbreaking.
This includes three members of The Impressions. Then there’s the principal songwriters Melvin and Mervin Steals. They’d contributed six songs to About Time. They could easily have shopped the songs to any number of other producers. The six songs ooze quality. Mind you, they were on a roll, having written songs for some of the biggest names in Philly Soul. Melvin and Mervin deserved better. So did arrangers Gene Page and Gil Askey. Then there’s producer McKinley Jackson. About Time was variously a big, bold, dramatic and lush album. It was reminiscent of Philly Soul at it’s best. Sadly, through no fault of McKinley’s About Love failed commercially.
Since then, About Love has languished in the vaults of Atlantic Records. Not any more. Rhino have rereleased About Time. This is part of recently released Atlantic Records, Japanese Soul and R&B range. This is a real treasure trove. Especially, when they’re rereleasing hidden gems like About Time. Belatedly, The Impressions’ About Time can be heard by music lovers. About Time was one of The Impressions’ best albums of the seventies and never again, did they come close to reaching these heady heights ever again.
THE IMPRESSIONS-ABOUT TIME.
THE DETROIT SPINNERS-MIGHTY LOVE.
THE DETROIT SPINNERS-MIGHTY LOVE.
When The Detroit Spinners signed for Atlantic Records and hooked up with producer Thom Bell there was a huge turnaround in their fortunes. Their first two albums, 1967s The Original Spinners and 2nd Time Around in 1970, hadn’t been commercial a success. Only 2nd Time Around had charted, reaching number 199 in the US Billboard 200 and number forty-six in the US R&B Charts. However, once they signed for their new label Atlantic, and started working with Thom Bell, five consecutive gold albums followed, with the group having three consecutive US R&B number one albums. This was a remarkable turnaround in fortune for Billy Henderson, Bobby Smith, Philippe Wynne, Henry Fambrough and Pervis Jackson, who were The Detroit Spinners.
After the huge success of Spinners, The Detroit Spinners debut album for Atlantic and their first album produced by Thom Bell, the group set about recording what would be the follow-up album Mighty Love which was recently rereleased by Rhino. Spinners was going to be a hard act to follow, have reached number one on the US R&B Charts, and number fourteen in the US Billboard 200. Having sold over 500,000 copies, the album was certified gold. Suddenly, with the help of Thom Bell, The Detroit Spinners were one of the biggest soul groups in America. What everyone was wondering, was could their next album match the success of Spinners?
Six of the songs on Mighty Love were penned by Charles Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson, and Bruce Hawes. Charles Simmons and Joseph B. Jefferson also cowrote Love Don’t Love Nobody. The other track was Thom Bell and Linda Creed cowrote I’m Going Home. These eight tracks became Mighty Love which was recorded at Jpe Tarsia’s Sigma Sound Studios, in Philly.
What would become Mighty Love was recorded at the legendary Sigma Sound Studios, with Thom Bell producing the album. Eight songs were recorded, with the famous Philadelphia International house band M.F.S.B. backing The Detroit Spinners. This included one of the best rhythm sections in music B-H-Y, bassist Ronnie Baker, guitarists Norman Harris and drummer Earl Young. Together, this hugely talented trio played on numerous albums that defined The Philly Sound. This includes The Spinners’ Atlantic albums of the early to mid-seventies. Linda Creed joined with The Sweethearts of Sigma, Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benton. With Mighty Love recorded, it was due for release in March 1974.
After being critically acclaimed, Mighty Love was released in March 1974, reaching number one in the US R&B Charts and number sixteen in the US Billboard 200. This meant that The Detroit Spinners received their second consecutive gold disc of their careers. Little did they know back then, that they receive five in total. Adding to the success of Mighty Love was three top ten US R&B singles. The first of these Mighty Love which reached number one in the US R&B Charts and number twenty in the US Billboard 100. It was followed by the Thom Bell and Linda Creed penned I’m Coming Home which reached number three in the US R&B Charts and number eighteen in the US Billboard 100. The last single released from Mighty Love was Love Don’t Love Nobody, reaching number four in the US R&B Charts and number fifteen in the US Billboard 100. All things considered, Mighty Love had been a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the US R&B Charts and spawning three hit singles, including a US R&B number one single. By now it seemed that The Detroit Spinners could do no wrong. This success lasted until 1976, and during this time The Detroit Spinners were one of the biggest and most successful groups in soul music, releasing one great album after another, including Mighty Love which I’ll now tell you about.
Mighty Love opens with Since I Been Gone, one of six penned by Charles Simmones, Joseph B Jefferson and Bruce Hawkes. A combination of buzzing bass, piano, shimmering strings, rasping horns and punchy drums open the track, before giving way to the united vocals of The Detroit Spinners. After this, Bobby’s gentle, tender lead vocal enters, as he sings about his loneliness and how he misses his ex-girlfriend. Behind him the rest of group provide dramatic harmonies, accompanied by the rhythm section and rasping horns. Then strings sweep in, their lush sound adding to the sadness and emotion of Bobby’s lead vocal. With Thom Bell’s producing the track, his masterful arrangement manages to combine emotion, sadness and drama perfectly, resulting in a track full of heartache and regret.
The remarkable thing about Mighty Love is that three great singles were released from the album, and a track like Ain’t No Price On Happiness wasn’t one of them. That demonstrates the sheer quality of music on Mighty Love. When you hear the track you wonder why? As the track opens with the Baker, Harris and Young rhythm section combining with slow, blazing horns and the lushest of strings. It’s only then that Bobby’s beautiful vocal enters, tinged with sadness and regret. Meanwhile, the rest of the group and backing vocalists combine to contribute tender backing vocals. Swathes of strings enter, sweeping behind Bobby, while the rhythm section and horns combine. By now, the heartache and despair in Bobby’s voice is almost tangible, at the end of his relationship, as he sings that “there ain’t no price on happiness.”This beautiful, but sad and despondent vocal from Bobby is complimented by some stunning, thoughtful playing from M.F.S.B. and another emotive Thom Bell arrangement.
I’m Glad You Walked Into My Life is one of the slow songs on the album, with a beautiful, slightly dramatic introduction, where keyboards, rhythm section and lush strings combine with gently, rasping horns. They give way to a thoughtful vocal from Bobby, with the rest of the Spinners singing harmonies. There’s a mixture of joy and emotion in Bobby’s voice having finally met the woman of his dreams. Behind him, Thom Bell’s sympathetic arrangement adds to the emotion in Bobby’s vocal. Strings sweep slowly and emotively, while the rhythm section combine playing thoughtfully with short, sharp bursts of drama. As the song progresses, it just gets better and better. Bobby’s vocal grows in power and emotion, as does the arrangement, ultimately reaching an emotional and joyful crescendo.
What was side one of Mighty Love closes with I’m Coming Home, co-written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, who over the years, co-wrote so many critically acclaimed and commercially successful songs together. When this track was released as the second single from the album, it reached number three in the US R&B Charts and number eighteen in the US R&B Charts. The track bursts into life, a punchy rhythm section, swirling strings and blazing horns combining with Philippe Wynne’s joyous vocal. His vocal is quicks, with him elated at returning home. Behind him, the rest of The Detroit Spinners and backing vocalists contribute equally joyful backing vocalists. Similarly, M.F.S.B. lock into this joyous sound, with strings swirling, horns braying and the rhythm section providing the song’s heartbeat. Overall, it’s an uplifting, joyous and hook laden track, which has an irresistibly catchy sound.
Side two of Mighty Love opens with He’ll Never Love You Like I Do, a mid-tempo track. It opens with piano and Norman Harris’ chiming guitar combining gently, before horns and Earl Young’s subtle drum enters. With a lovely subtle backdrop, Bobby gives a tender and heartfelt delivery of the lyrics, warning his ex-girlfriend that her new man will never love her like he does. With the other Detroit Spinners and female backing vocalists combining, this adds to the sense of sadness and loss, in Bobby’s voice. Rasping horns and drums add bursts of drama, as a heartbroken Bobby promises love and happiness, while Linda Creed and The Sweethearts of Sigma are among the backing vocalists, who tenderly accompany him. By the end of the track you find yourself rooting for a desperate and bereft Bobby, hoping that he’ll be given another chance by his ex-girlfriend. That’s the power of this track, and the emotion involved in both Bobby’s vocal and Thom Bell’s subtle, yet emotive arrangement.
Love Has Gone Away is a very different track, when it opens. A funk drenched and dramatic Baker, Harris and Young rhythm section combine punchy drums, buzzing bass and funky guitar, before keyboards, swirling strings and blazing horns enter, giving the track a classic M.F.S.B. sound and feel. They give way to Bobby’s searing, soaring vocal, while tight harmonies accompany him. Meanwhile, Earl’s drums drive the track along, his hi-hats, hissing, as he provides a funky and dramatic heartbeat. Horns blaze and rasp, as keyboards, chiming guitars and grand strings combine to provide a powerful, dramatic, sweeping backdrop for The Detroit Spinners. As if sensing this arrangement is something special, Bobby and the rest of the guys, up their game, producing a dynamic and energetic vocal, fitting for this drama drenched arrangement that combines a majestic combination of soul and funk.
After the welcome diversion into funky territory, things change with the gorgeous Love Don’t Love Nobody, a piano lead ballad, with one of the most thoughtful and emotional vocals on the album. The arrangement sees Bobby accompanied by the piano and rhythm section, who mostly play with subtly, but intersperse this subtly with brief bursts of drama. Mostly though, it’s just a lonely, Bobby accompanied by the rest of Detroit Spinners and backing vocalists, with the lush arrangement meandering along. Lush quivering, shivering strings join this slow, epic jam that lasts over seven minutes. When you listen to this gorgeous track, you realize just why it was so successful when released as the third single, reaching number four in the US R&B Charts and number fifteen in the US Billboard 200, and deservedly becoming a Quiet Storm classic in the process.
Mighty Love closes with the title track, Mighty Love, which was the first single released from the album, reaching number one in the US R&B Charts and number twenty in the US Billboard 100. The track opens with dramatic mixture of rhythm section, blazing horns and sweeping strings. As the arrangement becomes much more subtle, Bobby’s joyful vocal enters, with tight, sweet harmonies accompanies him. Behind him, M.F.S.B. are on top form, the dynamic rhythm section, swirling sweeping strings and rasping blazing horns combining perfectly with keyboards. On top of the arrangement sits Bobby’s powerful, soaring vocal, with the rest of the group harmonizing, and wave upon wave of the dramatic and dynamic arrangement unfolding. When this uplifting, catchy and hook laden track, ends you’re left thinking that The Detroit Spinners kept the best until last. After all, it’s best to end the album on a high.
On Mighty Love everything came together for The Detroit Spinners. It’s almost as if the stars were perfectly aligned. They had eight great songs to record, and were backed by one of the best bands of the time M.F.S.B. and were fortunate to have in Thom Bell, one of the most talented producers of all time. With that line-up, it’s no wonder that Mighty Love reached number one in the US R&B Charts and number sixteen in the US Billboard 200. Add to this three top ten US R&B singles, including the title track, Mighty Love, and 1973 had been a hugely successful year for The Detroit Spinners.
Both Spinners, their first album for Atlantic and first album produced by Thom Bell and Mighty Love reached number one in the US R&B Charts and were certified gold. This successful period would continue until 1976, with 1974s New and Improved reaching number one in the US R&B Charts and number nine in the US Billboard, while Pick of the Litter reached number two in the US R&B Charts and number eight in the US Billboard 200. The final album during this successful period was Happiness Is Being With The Spinners, which reached number five in the US R&B Charts and number twenty in the US Billboard 200. Like Spinners and Mighty Love, these three albums were all certified gold. This was a remarkably successful period for The Detroit Spinners when not only did they produce some stunning music, but became one of the biggest and most commercially successful groups in the history of Philly soul.
Although each of these five albums feature some outstanding music, Mighty Love is one of their most complete albums. Each of the eight tracks are of the highest quality and feature The Detroit Spinners at their very best. For anyone who hasn’t heard Mighty Love, Rhino recently rereleased Mighty Love. Mighty Love is a welcome reminder of a Philly Soul classic and is the perfect introduction to The Detroit Spinners, who with Thom Bell’s help, helped define the Philly sound. Standout Tracks: Since I Been Gone, I’m Glad You Walked Into My Life, He’ll Never Love You Like I Do and Mighty Love.
THE DETROIT SPINNERS-MIGHTY LOVE.
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