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Partial matches: 162
Mose Allison
Autumn Song ... LP
, 1959. Very Good+ ...
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Mose Allison's last album for Prestige Records – before moving onto even bigger fame at Columbia and
during the 60s! Unlike Allison's later sets, this one is mostly instrumental – but there are a few sweet vocal tracks that bring out the hip, rootsy lyrical modes that would make Mose a big hit with the mod scene overseas – including the classic "Eyesight To The Blind", plus "That's All Right" and "Do Nothing Till You Here From Me". The remaining piano trio sides have a great rollicking groove – rootsy, yet slightly modern too – with bass by Addison Farmer and drums from Ronnie Free – on titles that include "Promenade", "It's Crazy", "Strange", "Autumn Song", and "Groovin High".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue label pressing.)
Keren Ann
You're Gonna Get Love (deluxe edition) ... CD
Universal (France)
, 2016. New Copy ...
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Wonderful work from Keren Ann – a French singer we first fell in love with on her albums done with producer Benjamin Biolay – working here with a different talent at the helm, but a sound that's equally sublime! Keren's also making a big step towards a global market here, too – continuing her trend of singing in English, which is the case throughout the album – which really helps get her captivating tunes and amazing sound to a larger market on this side of the
– all without losing the breathy charm of her previous French language vocals. The tunes have this moody vibe, almost in a hip early 70s singer/
songwriter mode – and backing instrumentation that really follows suit. Titles include "Again & Again", "you Knew Me Then", "Bring Back", "The Separated Twin", "You Have It All To Lose", and "The River That Swallows All The Rivers".
Arnaldo Antunes, Edgard Scandura & Toumani Diabate
A Curva Da Cintura (Brazilian pressing) ... CD
Rosa Celeste (Brazil)
, 2011. Used ...
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One of the coolest records in years from the always-creative Arnaldo Antunes – a trio effort that has him working with Toumani Diabate and Edgard Scandurra – in a pan-
set of sounds that's really amazing! Antunes' creative approach to songwriting is very much in place – but it's also inflected by an earthier element than before, given the presence of the two other artists – kora and percussion from Diabate, and some great acoustic guitar from Scandurra – both of which really warm up the tunes, and help unlock a whole new side of Arnaldo's vocals! The album was recorded both in Mali and Brazil – with results that definitely show that blend – and titles include "A Curva Da Cintura", "Cara", "Um Senhor", "Psiu", "Ce Sabe Como E", "Ir Mao", "Kaira", and "Grao De Chaos". Also features some great bonus tracks too – written by Diabate and Scandurra. Not even the MTV logo on the front can take away our enthusiasm for the record!
(Out of print.)
Derek Bailey/
George Lewis/
John Zorn
Yankees ... CD
, 1983. Used ...
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Spare improvisations from this trans
trio of avant jazzers – Derek Bailey on guitar, George Lewis on trombone, and John Zorn on alto, soprano sax, and clarinets! Despite the avant-rock stylings of other work on Celluloid at the time, this one's got a spare, free sound that's very much in keeping with the best work by the players on other labels at the time – coming across more like a record on Parachute or Incus than some of the sloppier crossovers that usually hit the decks on Celluloid. Surprisingly strong all the way through, with titles that include "City City City", "The Warning Track", "On Golden Pond", and "The Legend Of Enos Slaughter".
(Out of print original pressing.)
Pierre Barouh
Ca Va, Ca Vient ... LP
Saravah (France)
, 1971. Near Mint- Gatefold ...
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Genius early work from Pierre Barouh – the artist best known for his contribution to the film A Man & A Woman, but also the owner of the legendary Saravah Records label – one of the grooviest imprints around! The set is a real move forward from Barouh's earlier material, which was a bit straighter – although still pretty hip – and this time around, he's bringing in a wide range of elements – Brazilian bits, folksy touches, and more – all served up with an approach that's as uniquely personal as work by other Saravah artists, like Brigitte Fontaine or Areski! Barouh's a brilliant writer and singer, and his work is a lost link in a tradition that spans Caetano Veloso, Leonard Cohen, Serge Gainsbourg, and others – crucially overlooked on this side of the
, and extremely important to us over the years. Titles include "De L'Amour A L'Amour", "Le Courage D'Aimer", "80 AB", "La Foret", "Le Petit Cheval De Bois", "Le Petit Cine", and "Paris Wellington".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Japanese pressing – non-gatefold, but with obi.)
Archie Bell & The Drells
Dance Your Troubles Away ... LP
, 1975. Very Good+ ...
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Although Archie Bell & The Drells had recorded earlier with Gamble & Huff on
, this is their first album for the team's own label – and it's a killer! In a way, Archie and group were sort of responsible for getting Gamble & Huff their own famous imprint in the first place – because their work with the team on
yielded some instant hits that really pointed the way towards the hit Gamble & Huff style of the 70s, and that sound is brought up-to-date nicely on this LP. The record really retains the strong vocal sound of earlier years – and has some of the best harmonies the band ever recorded, very much in the mode of The O'Jays or Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. McFadden & Whitehead and Bunny Sigler wrote most of the material, backing is by the Instant Funk group, and the Gamble & Huff team handled production on all cuts. Titles include "Let's Groove", "I Won't Leave You Honey, Never", "Let's Groove", "The Soul City Walk", "Dance Your Troubles Away", and "I Love You (But You Don't Even Know It)".
LP, Vinyl record album
Big Maybelle
I've Got A Feelin' – Okeh & Savoy Recordings 1952 to 1956 ... CD
Rev-Ola (UK)
, Mid 50s. New Copy ...
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A great overview of the important early years of Big Maybelle – work that's probably still some of her best-remembered, all done in a gutsy, soulful style that's every bit as wonderful as 50s R&B on
from Ruth Brown and Lavern Baker! The package brings together both Maybelle's work for Savoy and Okeh – and in doing so, covers all of her key sides of the mid 50s – some of which are oft-remembered hits, others of which are lesser-known, but even better – in that slightly off-center way that can make obscure R&B still sound great after the passage of many years. CD features 28 titles in all – including the classics "Gabbin Blues" and "Candy" – plus "Ain't No Use", "I'm Getting Long Alright", "You Never Know", "Maybelle's Blues", "Such A Cutie", "So Good To My Baby", "That's A Pretty Good Love", "Ring Dang Dilly", "Pitiful", and "I Don't Want To Cry".
Rene Bloch
Latin Discotheque ... LP
, Early 60s. Near Mint- ...
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One of the excellent overlooked Latin albums recorded by
during the 60's – most of which were never issued again. Rene Bloch leads a nice little orchestra through a lively set of mambos and Latin jazz tracks, with a set that's mostly instrumental, and which has a different sound, due to the inclusion of a prominent electric guitar on many tracks. Cuts include "Mambo Watusi", "Sera Charanga?", "Mr. Latin's Mambo", and "Lamento Latino". Nice stuff, and a record that we don't see much!
LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has sticker remnants on front and very light surface wear.)
Solomon Burke
Proud Mary ... LP
, 1969. Very Good+ ...
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Solomon Burke may be most famously known for his early recordings for
Records – but he still sounds pretty darn great on this set, recorded at Fame Studios in 1969, and with a rootsier feel than before! Solomon himself handled the arrangements, and co-produced with Tamiko Jones – and the instrumentation is quite lean and very stripped-down – drums from Roger Hawkins, guitar from Jimmy Johnson and Eddie Hinton, and keyboards from Barry Beckett – all burning down at the bottom range of the Muscle Shoals spectrum! Titles include a surprisingly great remake of "Proud Mary", plus "These Arms Of Mine", "I Can't Stop", "What Am I Living For", "Uptight Good Woman", "Don't Wait Too Long", and Solomon's own "How Big A Fool (Can a Fool Be)".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover and labels have a drillhole through the center.)
Solomon Burke
Proud Mary – The Bell Sessions ... CD
, 1969. New Copy ...
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Solomon's most famously known for his
recordings of the 60s – but immediately after working for that label, when his soul vibe was still quite strong, Solomon cut some great little sides for the Bell label in Muscle Shoals. The approach used was actually a bit rootsier than that on some of Solomon's
sides, and production on most of the cuts is by Solomon and Tamiko Jones. This CD brings together cuts from Solomon's one LP on Bell, plus 6 bonus cuts that feature him singing some pretty interesting material – done in that style he used in late
years that made even suspicious cuts sound pretty darn nice! Much of the material is cover versions of tracks – but apart from the hard-to-hear "Proud Mary" (a track that always seems a bit tired from the perspective of this generation), there's lots of nice numbers that bring out this style, like "In The Ghetto", "Change Is Gonna Come", "Uptight Good Woman", "What Am I Living For", "Please Send Me Someone To Love", "These Arms Of Mine", "Don't Wait Too Long", and "That Lucky Old Sun". 17 tracks in all.
James Carr
My Soul Is Satisfied – The Rest Of James Carr ... CD
Kent (UK)
, 1970s/
1990s. New Copy ...
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A tremendous collection of rare work by Memphis soul legend James Carr – featuring material that's virtually impossible to track down elsewhere! The set brings together a real range of titles – including James' rare single for
, some obscure River City recordings, a few gospel sides, and even some excellent later tunes, done very much in the style of his classic 60s work! And while you might think that such a blend of work from different sources might sound schizophrenic, it's not – and has a really cohesive quality that's largely carried by James' wonderful deep soul vocals. The package features 23 cuts in all – including "Pouring Water On A Drowning Man", "A Losing Game", "I'll Put It To You", "Bring Her Back", "Hit & Run", "A Woman's Got The Power", "It's Sweet On The Backstreet", "Jordan River", "He'll Be There", "That's When The Blues Began", "She's Better Than You", and "What The World Needs Now Is Love".
Clarence Carter
Fame Singles Vol 2 – 1970 to 1973 ... CD
Kent (UK)
, Early 70s. New Copy ...
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Sublime sounds from Clarence Carter – wonderful work from his second wave of singles for Fame Records – a wealth of great music from a time when Carter was really coming into his own! Clarence was great right from the start, but here you can really hear him finding his own voice – that all-knowing, storytelling approach that could make even a simple lyric spin out in a way that was totally captivating – with a quality that set Carter apart from some of his more tear-jerked southern soul contemporaries, into a space of class and confidence that would serve him well for years to come! Every number here was recorded at the Fame Studios, with the kind of killer backings you'd expect from the Muscle Shoals team – and although the singles were initially issues over a few different labels (Fame,
, and United Artists) – they're brought together here in complete order, for a massive 22 track set. Tracks include "I'm The One", "I Hate To Love & Run", "Slipped Tripped & Fell In Love", "Say It One More Time", "It's All In Your Mind", "Sixty Minute Man", "Heartbreak Woman", "Love's Trying To Come To You", "I Found Somebody New", and "Put On Your Shoes & Walk" – plus "If You Can't Beat Em", which is a duet with Candi Staton!
Checkmate – The Complete King Recordings 1952 to 1955 ... CD
Ace (UK)
, Early 60s. New Copy ...
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A long-overdue look at one of the greatest vocal groups of the 50s – an quartet with a sound to rival that of The Drifters or The Dominoes at their best! That comparison is no accident, as The Checkers featured members from both groups – although the overall strength of the vocal work on this set is more in line with the hard-wailing Clyde McPhatter Drifters years on
than it is some of the better-known Dominoes work for King. There's a vocal range and confidence here that's really amazing – a dipping, turning, soaring quality that shows up on nearly all the tunes – and which makes us wonder why the group wasn't at the top of the charts during the years. All tunes are very nicely presented here – with great mastering and full notes on all the Checkers' years at King – and the CD features a total of 26 tracks that includes "You Never Had It So Good", "Don't Stop Dan", "Night's Curtains", "I Wanna Know", "Let Me Come Back", "I Wasn't Thinking I Was Drinking", "Friend In Need", "Mama's Daughter", "I Promise You", and "Love Wasn't There".
Billy Cobham
Ayajala Live ... CD
Hi Hat
, 1978. New Copy ...
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A really sweet late 70s live set from drummer Billy Cobham – recorded live in Chicago, and done with a groove that's right up there with his best
Records albums from the mid 70s! Billy's on fire throughout, but is also much more in his funky style than his rockish mode – working here with a great lineup that includes deft keyboards from Mark Soskin, guitars from Ray Mouton and Charles Singleton – who also plays a bit of reeds as well. Randy Jackson provides some mighty heavy bass, and Alvin Batiste adds some surprisingly nice clarinet lines to the mix – on titles that include "On A Magic Carpet Ride", "AC/
DC", and "Ayajala", and a "Drum Solo" too!
Ornette Coleman
Ornette Coleman Trio At The Golden Circle Vol 2 ... LP
Blue Note
, 1965. Near Mint- ...
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Important mid 60s work from Ornette – and one of the few recordings of this format to see larger release at the time! The set captures Ornette in a much freer style than heard on his
recordings from a few years before – paying alto, violin, and trumpet, in a trio with David Izenzon on bass and Charles Moffett on drums. Tracks are long and unbridled – with less of the rhythmic changes that you'd hear in work by the classic quartet, and more of a full-on fierce soloing mode. Titles include "Snowflakes & Sunshine", "Morning Song", "The Riddle", and "Antiques".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Liberty pressing with Van Gelder stamp.)
Ornette Coleman
Town Hall 1962 ... CD
, 1962. Used ...
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A really unique chapter in the career of Ornette Coleman – an album that he produced by himself in 1962, away from any other label – as an effort to showcase the newly freer sounds of his music! The recording's the first in a really groundbreaking stretch for the 60s – and it was fortunately finally issued by ESP Records a few years after the recording – providing a nice link between Coleman's earlier experiments and the sound of the younger generation usually showcased by the label. The group's a trio, with a sound that's quite different than the more rhythmic modes of Coleman on
Records – a freer, less structured lineup that features percussion from Charles Moffett and bass from David Izenzon. One track also adds in a string quartet – making the record one of Coleman's first experiments with this format – and titles include a 23 minute recording of "The Ark", plus "Doughnut", "Sadness", and "Dedication To Poets and Writers".
Ornette Coleman
Town Hall 1962 ... LP
, 1962. Near Mint- ...
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A really unique chapter in the career of Ornette Coleman – an album that he produced by himself in 1962, away from any other label – as an effort to showcase the newly freer sounds of his music! The recording's the first in a really groundbreaking stretch for the 60s – and it was fortunately finally issued by ESP Records a few years after the recording – providing a nice link between Coleman's earlier experiments and the sound of the younger generation usually showcased by the label. The group's a trio, with a sound that's quite different than the more rhythmic modes of Coleman on
Records – a freer, less structured lineup that features percussion from Charles Moffett and bass from David Izenzon. One track also adds in a string quartet – making the record one of Coleman's first experiments with this format – and titles include a 23 minute recording of "The Ark", plus "Doughnut", "Sadness", and "Dedication To Poets and Writers".
LP, Vinyl record album
(White label pressing with a 5th Avenue address – nice and early! In the photo cover.)
John Coltrane
Afro Blue Impressions ... CD
, Early 60s/
1977. Used 2 CDs ...
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One of the best posthumous releases by the legendary John Coltrane Quartet – and a set that really captures the group at a perfect moment – when they were really beginning to stretch out a lot, yet still in a style that was mostly inside! The material was recorded in Berlin and Stockholm – and features wonderfully fresh versions of tunes you'll know from classic Impulse and
albums by Coltrane – really reworked in this live setting, and opened up in that magical style of the group! In addition to some wonderful soprano and tenor sax from Coltrane, the group also features McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums – on titles that include "Lonnie's Lament", "Afro Blue", "Cousin Mary", "Spiritual", and "My Favorite Things".
(Out of print.)
John Coltrane
Black Pearls ... LP
, 1958. Very Good+ ...
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A beautiful name for a beautiful record – a classic set of hardbop material from John Coltrane's early years as a leader – and a session that has him working with Donald Byrd on trumpet, Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Art Taylor on drums! The album's got a beautifully laidback feel that prefaces some of the Coltrane's more exploratory work on Impulse and
– but one that still also has the earthy, straight ahead feel of his best early years on Prestige – a great combination that makes the record a key moment in the early career of The Great One. Tracks are all quite long – not exactly blowing session tunes, but done with a feel that's more open than some of the other Coltrane albums of the time – and titles include "Black Pearls", "Lover Come Back To Me", and "Sweet Sapphire Blues".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Black label trident pressing. Cover has a bit of gloss separation on the opening.)
John Coltrane
John Coltrane Quartet Plays ... LP
, 1965. Very Good- Gatefold ...
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Modal Coltrane at its finest – a record that almost returns the great one to the territory explored at the end of his years at
Records, but which still incorporates all of the new ideas learned afterwards! The album's actually one of the straightest that John Coltrane cut after 1964 – and it features 4 long, beautiful tracks that soar with rhythms from McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones – topped with searing, searching work on tenor and soprano sax from Coltrane! Titles include one of the greatest readings of "Chim Chim Cheree" we've ever heard – a version that remakes the tune almost as a part 2 of "My Favorite Things" – and other titles include "Song of Praise", the classic "Nature Boy" and "Brazilia".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Orange & black label A-85 mono pressing, with Van Gelder stamp. Vinyl has a small mark that clicks on "Brazilia". Cover has some pen inside the gatefold and a scrape on back.)
Arthur Conley
More Sweet Soul ... LP
, 1969. Very Good+ ...
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Not Sweet Soul, but deep soul – courtesy of one of the best artists recording for
Records in the 60s! The album's way more than a similarly-titled follow up to Conley's debut for the label – and stands beautifully on its own with a host of great numbers that are right up there with the best 60s soul on
! Production was handled both at Fame Studios and American Recording – giving a mixed Memphis/
Muscle Shoals groove to the set that really keeps things fresh. Also keeping things fresh is a good selection of tunes that includes original Conley tunes "Aunt Dora's Love Soul Shack", "Run On", and "Shing A Ling" – plus the cuts "Stuff You Gotta Watch", "Take A Step", "Speak Her Name", "Ob La Di Ob La Da", and "Something You Got".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Yellow label pressing. Cover has a small cutout notch.)
Also available
More Sweet Soul ... CD
Arthur Conley
Shake, Rattle, & Roll ... CD
Atco (UK)
, 1967. New Copy ...
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The second Arthur Conley album for
– and like the first, a record that really cooks with some great Otis Redding production! The sound and style is very similar to Otis' work for Stax during the 60s – but the album was recorded at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, with engineering by Jimmy Johnson, and it's got a bit of a different sound from the Memphis soul of Otis' records. There's more horns, and less organ and guitars, and Conley's vocals are produced in a raw style that brings out the best of his work. Includes versions of the Otis Redding tracks "Ha Ha Ha" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long", plus Conley's own "Love's Got Me", "Hand & Glove", and "I'll Take The Blame".
Arthur Conley
Soul Directions ... CD
Atco (UK)
, 1968. New Copy ...
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Top-shelf soul from Arthur Conley – a singer who isn't always given the same sort of nod as other
artists of the time, but who's right up there with the best 60s talents on the label! Conley's really learned some lessons from his mentor Otis Redding here – and as with Redding in his last few years, the music here takes off in a number of varied modes that really reflect the "soul directions" promised in the title. Conley's not content to just rehash the style of his one hit, nor ape Otis' modes – and instead, he shows some great strengths both on mellow-burning deep soul tracks, and on some more upbeat, funkier tunes that almost veer a bit towards Wilson Pickett. Almost more importantly, Arthur's also a great writer on the set – penning 5 of the album's 10 tracks – and leaving the rest to other strong southern soul talents like Otis Redding, Dan Penn, and Spooner Oldham. Titles include the nice groover "Funky Street", plus Arthur's tribute to his mentor, "Otis Sleep On" – and the tracks "This Love Of Mine", "Love Comes & Goes", "People Sure Act Funny", "Pur Our Love Together", and "Burning Fire".
Arthur Conley
Sweet Soul Music ... LP
, 1967. Very Good ...
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One of the all-time soul classics from
– the fantastic debut of singer Arthur Conley, introduced as a protege of Otis Redding, who also produced the record! The sound is similar to Otis' own work, but often a fair bit rawer – and Redding works here with both Jim Stewart of Stax and Rick Hall of Fame Studios, ensuring that the album has equal doses of Memphis and Muscle Shoals in the mix! Otis also wrote some great tracks for the album, along with Conley and the legendary Dan Penn – and although the title track is Conley's huge single "Sweet Soul Music", the album is filled with loads of other great original tracks, including "Who's Foolin' Who", "There's A Place For Us", "Wholesale Love", "I'm Gonna Forget About You", and "Let Nothing Separate Us".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Yellow & Gray label pressing.)
John Corbett
I'm Sick About My Hat ... CD
, 1999. Used ...
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The first of a projected series of solo releases by Chicago improviser, teacher, and journalist John Corbett. Corbett has been a hugely influential force in the left end of the musical spectrum for past 15 years – and has had an influence as promoter, player, and writer that has spread well on both sides of the
. This set is billed as the "first panel in the heavy friends triptych", and features Corbett with "Heavy Friends" (ala Lord Sutch) like David Grubbs, Mats Gustafsson, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Lou Mallozzi, Teri Kabsalis, Jeb Bishop, and Jane Baxter Miller. In some cases, the work of the individual players is a bit oblique – as Corbett fronts the whole project from the mixing board, and incorporates much of the musical performance into a larger tapestry of shades and influences. At others, though, they are crystal clear – as on the two tracks in which Terri Kapsalis and Jane Baxter-Miller contribute haunting vocal renditions of "Cold Sweat" and "Wee Small Hours Of The Morning", both of which completely transform the songs. Other titles include "1 of 1", "Speed Hump", "The Silent Treatment", and "Ready Kilowatt". Very nice stuff overall, and there's a lot more going on that we can hope to mention!
(Out of print.)
Don Covay
Super Dude I (with bonus tracks) ... CD
Fever Dream
, 1973. New Copy ...
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A fantastic early 70s set from Don Covay – probably best known for his 60s hits on
Records, but really winning us all over again with this smoking set for Mercury! The set was recorded at Muscle Shoals, but isn't just southern soul – as a wealth of 70s influences filter into the sound, including lots of funk, a bit of gritty blues guitar, and other sweet bits that make the whole record great! The overall sound is wonderfully soulful – and is maybe the greatest later set that Don Covay ever recorded – a record that's given us plenty of pleasure over the years. Titles include the AM radio hit "I Was Checkin' Out She Was Checkin' In", the funky "Overtime Man" and "The Pinch Hitters" – plus "Memphis", "Bad Mouthing", "Leave Him (parts 1 & 2)", "Somebody's Been Enjoying My Home", and "Hold You To Your Promise". CD features 7 bonus tracks – including "It's Better To Have & Don't Need", "Hot Blood", "Rumble In The Jungle", "Dungeon #3", "There Was Something On Your Mind", and "We Can't Make It No More".
Hank Crawford
Don't You Worry Bout A Thing ... CD
Robinsongs (UK)
, 1973/
1981. New Copy ...
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A pair of CTI/
Kudu classics from Hank Crawford – back to back on a single CD! Wildflower is a sweet bit of electric funk, and one of Hank Crawford's greatest records from the 70s – thanks in large part to the great Bob James – who arranged and produced the record with a mighty soulful vibe – leaving Hank lots of room to solo on his own over the top! The groove is really great – and the record gets surprisingly chunky in parts – with heavier rhythms than you might expect from a Crawford album from the time – not exactly the heavier funk of other CTI records, but with a definite taste of that style too. Arrangements are fairly large, and feature keyboards from Richard Tee – plus backing vocals at a few spots – and titles include great versions of "You've Got It Bad Girl" and "Corazon", plus the tracks "Good Morning Heartache" and "Wildflower". Don't You Worry Bout A Thing is sweet soulful jazz from reedman Hank Crawford – one of his killer Kudu sessions from the 70s – all of which really helped Hank redefine his sound! The setting here is large and full – put together beautifully by Bob James, with that sense of space for the soloist that makes his CTI/
Kudu arrangements so crucial – and light years ahead of what other arrangers were doing at the time. The tracks are longish, but never overdone – and the record has all the soulful alto sounds of Crawford's 60s work at
, but with a definite 70s bent overall. James plays Fender Rhodes, Arp, and clavinet – and other players include Joe Farrell on tenor and flute, Idris Muhammad and Bernard Purdie on drums, and Richard Tee on additional keyboards. Titles include "Jana", "Sho Is Funky", "Don't You Worry Bout A Thing", "Groove Junction", and "All In Love Is Fair".
Manu Dibango
Choc N Soul – 1978 to 1989 Sessions ... CD
Fremeaux & Associates (France)
, Late 70s/
1980s. New Copy ...
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Overlooked work from the mighty Manu Dibango – material that comes after his first initial wave of hits in the 70s – and which shows that he was still going strongly in pursuit of a groove! Some of the cuts here have a more contemporary clubby rework of his Cameroon roots, while others showcase his growing presence in the Parisian scene, and his love of the sounds of Kingston as well – a trans-
criss-crossing of styles that allows even more spaces for Dibango to blow his soulful horn – yet almost always in ways that are still pretty darn funky! Titles include "Choc N Soul", "Reggae Makossa", "Mounca Pola", "Night Jet", "Waka Juju", "Minuit Au Circuit", "Happy Feeling", and "Ca Va Chouia".
Billy Ward & His Dominoes – Complete Federal/
King Singles ... CD
Real Gone
, 1950s. New Copy 2CD ...
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One of the greatest vocal groups of the postwar years – an incredible combination of voices that really paved the way for soul styles in years to come! The Dominoes were great right from the start – a group who blew away all the hoke of The Mills Brothers or Ink Spots – and instead forged this really raw, really spare sound that relied strongly on the presence of a key lead singer – who then got incredible support from the harmonies of the other members! The approach was groundbreaking – and matched only by a rare few, like The Drifters – and given that The Dominoes featured that group's great Clyde McPhatter as a lead singer before his work on
, The Dominoes definitely were the originator. This excellent 2CD set features way more than just the group's early hits – as it brings together 58 tracks from their years on King Records, including loads of lesser-known b-sides – not just with McPhatter as the lead, but also a young Jackie Wilson – who sang with the group after Clyde left. Titles include "Cave Man", "Have Mercy Baby", "Love Love Love", "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down", "How Long How Long Blues", "Give Me You", "One Sweet Moment", "I Really Don't Want To Know", "Pedal Pushin Papa", "The Bells", "I Am With You", "Sixty Minute Man", "Harbor Lights", "No Says My Heart", and lots lots more!
Durutti Column
Amigos Em Portugal (180 gram pressing – with bonus CD) ... LP
Durutti (UK)
, 1983. New Copy (reissue)...
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One of the most enigmatic albums ever from Durutti Column – an early 80s set done not for Factory Records, but for a small label in Portugal – and with a sound that really set the tone for some of Vini Reilly's best work to come! There's a warmer, more melodic feel to the record at points – as Vini experiments with piano and guitar lines that often blossom into these sunny passages that one might never have expected a few years before – music that still has all the trademark Durutti Column sense of individuality and isolation, but also a slightly more open sense of emotion. Core sounds come from Reilly's echoey guitar lines, a drum machine, and piano – and titles include "Lies Of Mercy", "Wheels Turning", "Amigos Em Portugal", "Small Girl By A Pool", "To End With", and "Saudade".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes bonus CD of the entire album!)
Herb Ellis & Jimmy Giuffre
Herb Ellis Meets Jimmy Giuffre ... CD
, 1959. Used ...
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Forget every bias you have against Herb Ellis – because this is a heck of a great little record – thanks in no small part to saxophonist Jimmy Giuffre! The style here is in a nice space between Giuffre's earlier work at Capitol and some of the gentler sounds of his later trio sides for Verve and
– and the lineup features the fuller horn lineup of the post-Four Brothers years, but also makes the instruments step out slowly and spaciously, using Ellis' guitar in a way that's not unlike Jim Hall's sound in Giuffre's later trio. Other players include Bud Shank, Art Pepper, Richie Kamuca, and Jim Hall (on rhythm guitar) – and titles include "A Country Boy", "My Old Flame", "Goose Grease", "You Know", "Remember", and "Patricia".
(Out of print Verve Master Edition.)
Esquerita! ... CD
Capitol (Japan)
, 1959. New Copy ...
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Standout early work from the mighty Esquerita – an artist you might initially write off as a Little Richard copycat, but one who also delivers a whole lot more in the end! The groove here is rough R&B, inflected with a touch of early soul – and the piano lines are worth the price of admission, played at a level that goes back to early New Orleans roots, but with more 50s bluesy currents – often alongside some tenor and guitar that rival the best instrumentation you'd find on indie singles at the time from King and
– quite a surprise for the normally-pop Capitol Records. And the vocals are something else, too – certainly with a soaring, screaming range – but also just wonderful when they're more down to earth, and in the groove. Titles include "Hey, Miss Lucy", "Why Did It Take You So Long", "She Left Me Cryin'", "Get Back Baby", "I Need You", "Maybe Baby", and "I'm Battie Over Hattie".
Executive Suite
Executive Suite 1 ... LP
, 1974. New Copy (reissue)...
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A gem of a full-length set from Executive Suite – a Philly quartet who are probably best known for their singles in the 70s, but who really find a great way to open up here in the course of an expanded album! Some of the tracks are nice and long – done in a two-part style that really brings up some of the excellent Sigma Sound backing the group get for their vocals arranged with a nice early approach to Philly club by Patrick Adams, Bobby Martin, and the team of Norman Harris, Ronnie Baker, and Earl Young! The sound rivals some of the more famous Philly productions on
Records by bigger groups of the mid 70s – and titles include "You Got It (parts 1 & 2)", "When The Fuel Runs Out (parts 1 & 2)", "You Believed In Me (parts 1 & 2)", "I'm A Winner Now", and "Your Love Is Paradise".
LP, Vinyl record album
Fat Mattress
Fat Mattress ... LP
, 1969. Very Good Gatefold ...
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One of the better moments of the underground scene on
at the end of the 60s – a pretty cool little group led by Noel Redding! There's a few slightly soulful moments on the set that make it nicely appealing to our ears – a bit hippy dippy to be sure, but with some nice drums, good production, and even some guest flute by the legendary Chris Wood. Titles include "Mr Moonshine", "All Night Drinker", "Petrol Pump Assistant", "How Can I Live", "Everything's Blue", and "Bright New Way".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has edge wear.)
Firebeats Inc
Let Me Tell You – Singles & Outtakes (180 gram pressing – with poster) ... LP
Round 2 (Norway)
, Mid 60s. New Copy ...
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Rare work from The Firebeats – a hell of a great group from the Norwegian scene of the 60s, and one who have the best qualities of all the British beat combos of the time! Like those groups, The Firebeats serve up a blend of tuneful rock with some deeper currents borrowed from American soul and R&B – all with a melodic approach that almost reminds us of some of the bigger Brit Invasion acts who cracked the charts on our side of the
! The group's one album is plenty darn rare, and these tracks are even more obscure – pulled from rare singles on HMV, and combined with some early demo tracks and outtakes – lyrics mostly in English, on tracks that include "Don't Throw Stones", "Let Me Tell You", "Little Girl", "Hemmeling Agent", "I Feel Fine", "Buckleshoe Stomp", "If You Need Me", "It's So Easy", "Jack The Ripper", and "Oh Carol".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Great package – heavy vinyl, excellent cover and inner sleeve, and bonus poster too!)
Foreign Exchange
Tales From The Land Of Milk & Honey ... CD
, 2015. New Copy ...
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The deepest work yet from Foreign Exchange – and as hard as it is for us to believe, a record that unofficially kicks off the second decade of the one-time trans
partnership of Nicolay and Phonte – which has evolved into a bonafide indie soul supergroup with Zo!, Tamisha Waden and Carmen Rodgers! Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey is as full of life as anything we've heard from them, and honestly, a record we'll be able to keep coming back to for years. On the production front, Nicolay has found a way to pay homage to the past half century of breezy soul and R&B, club grooves, bossa and more, and distill it all into a fairly tight sound that belongs to FE+. Phonte is as vocally charismatic on his cuts as ever, whether he's playing it straight, or just having a little bit of fun – like when he's affecting a British accent on "Asking For A Friend" – and the women's voices are never less than beautiful, on both the lead vocal turns and the hooks. Includes "Milk And Honey", "Work It To The Top", "Truce", "Disappear", "Sevenths And Ninths", "Asking ForA Friend", "Body", "As Fast As You Can", "Face In The Reflection" and "Until The Dawn (Milk And Honey Pt II)".
Also available
Tales From The Land Of Milk & Honey (colored vinyl) ... LP
Foreign Exchange
Tales From The Land Of Milk & Honey (colored vinyl) ... LP
, 2015. New Copy 2LP ...
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The deepest work yet from Foreign Exchange – and as hard as it is for us to believe, a record that unofficially kicks off the second decade of the one-time trans
partnership of Nicolay and Phonte – which has evolved into a bonafide indie soul supergroup with Zo!, Tamisha Waden and Carmen Rodgers! Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey is as full of life as anything we've heard from them, and honestly, a record we'll be able to keep coming back to for years. On the production front, Nicolay has found a way to pay homage to the past half century of breezy soul and R&B, club grooves, bossa and more, and distill it all into a fairly tight sound that belongs to FE+. Phonte is as vocally charismatic on his cuts as ever, whether he's playing it straight, or just having a little bit of fun – like when he's affecting a British accent on "Asking For A Friend" – and the women's voices are never less than beautiful, on both the lead vocal turns and the hooks. Includes "Milk And Honey", "Work It To The Top", "Truce", "Disappear", "Sevenths And Ninths", "Asking ForA Friend", "Body", "As Fast As You Can", "Face In The Reflection" and "Until The Dawn (Milk And Honey Pt II)".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited colored vinyl.)
Also available
Tales From The Land Of Milk & Honey ... CD
Aretha Franklin
In The Beginning – The World Of Aretha Franklin 1960 to 1967 ... CD
Wounded Bird
, 1960s. New Copy ...
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A sweet overview of the early years of Aretha Franklin's career – her formative days at Columbia Records, when she was working in a variety of styles before heading over to bigger fame at
! Even at this early stage, Aretha's one hell of a singer – and, despite what folks who listen to Jerry Wexler might say, this early Columbia work is pretty darn amazing throughout – steeped in a number of different modes, with bits of jazz, R&B, and early soul sewn together beautifully throughout. The double-length set is filled with key early moments from Aretha – and titles include "Don't Cry Baby", "Lee Cross", "Skylark", "One Step Ahead", "Evil Gal Blues", "Take A Look", "Runnin Out Of Fools", "People", "Try A Little Tenderness", and "Take It Like You Give It".
Aretha Franklin
Who's Zoomin Who (2CD version – with bonus tracks) ... CD
, 1985. New Copy 2 CDs ...
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A huge hit for Aretha Franklin – and a record that brought her famous vocals to a whole new generation of listeners! The sound is definitely different than before – a change from both the deep soul of
years, and the initial classy approach of her time at Arista – and working with lots of help from Narada Michael Walden, Aretha gets an 80s groove that turns out to be a perfect platform for her sound – one that lets her vocals really take off, while still getting plenty of great hooks as well – all in a mode that somehow sounds far less commercial than we remember at the time. Includes the massive hits "Freeway Of Love" and "Who's Zoomin Who" – plus "Ain't Nobody Every Loved You", "Push", "Integrity", "Sisters Are Doin It For Themselves", and "Sweet Bitter Love". 2CD version features an insane number of bonus tracks – including loads of mixes, remixes, dubs, and single versions of the big tracks off the album!
Joki Freund Quintet
European Jazz Sounds ... CD
Be! (Germany)
, 1957. New Copy ...
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Some of the earliest work we've ever heard from German tenorist Joki Freund – a player who'd trip out a bit more in later years, but who blows here with a sound that's sharp, modern, and very swinging throughout! The group features trombone from Albert Mangelsdorff, who's also on the straighter side of the spectrum here – plus alto from Emil Mangelsdorff, sounding a lot more modern than on other recordings – really matching the energy of both hornmen, as they all step out in a piano-less group that only features the bass of Harry Schell and drums of Rudi Sehring on rhythm! The music has echoes of better-known 50s modernists – like Lee Konitz or Jimmy Giuffre on our side of the
, or Hans Koller in Freund's German scene – and the package features live material from a 1957 album, plus additional studio tracks from the rare Joki's Sparkle EP. Titles include "Nico", "Freund Point", "Vie La France", "Swinging Pigeons", "Domicile", "Rudy's Theme", and "From Lighthouse To Frankfurt".
Also available
European Jazz Sounds ... LP
Joki Freund Quintet
European Jazz Sounds ... LP
Be! (Germany)
, 1957. New Copy (reissue)...
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Some of the earliest work we've ever heard from German tenorist Joki Freund – a player who'd trip out a bit more in later years, but who blows here with a sound that's sharp, modern, and very swinging throughout! The group features trombone from Albert Mangelsdorff, who's also on the straighter side of the spectrum here – plus alto from Emil Mangelsdorff, sounding a lot more modern than on other recordings – really matching the energy of both hornmen, as they all step out in a piano-less group that only features the bass of Harry Schell and drums of Rudi Sehring on rhythm! The music has echoes of better-known 50s modernists – like Lee Konitz or Jimmy Giuffre on our side of the
, or Hans Koller in Freund's German scene – and the package features live material from a 1957 album, plus additional studio tracks from the rare Joki's Sparkle EP. Titles include "Nico", "Freund Point", "Vie La France", "Swinging Pigeons", "Domicile", "Rudy's Theme", and "From Lighthouse To Frankfurt".
LP, Vinyl record album
Also available
European Jazz Sounds ... CD
Serge Gainsbourg
Histoire De Melody Nelson (deluxe edition) ... CD
Light In The Attic
, 1971. New Copy ...
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Fantastic stuff – and a record that may well be the greatest ever from the mighty Serge Gainsbourg – high praise indeed, considering the greatness of Gainsbourg's other music! The album is one long suite built around a spare, electric bass-driven theme – a slow funk riff that's been sampled countless times over the years, and which has gotten the album continuous play on both sides of the
for many many years. The mighty Jean-Claude Vannier handles the arrangements, and Serge mutters the lyrics over the top, in a raspy loud whisper – while the funky rhythms dart in and out of odd washes of sound, and unusual eerie sounds. There's a very strong soundtrack feel to the album, as waves of music envelop the lyrics – tripped out in funky beats that have become legendary over the years, thanks to some very famous samples! Titles include "En Melody", "Cargo Culte", "Ballade De Melody Nelson", "Valse De Melody", "Ah! Melody", and "L'Hotel Particulier". Wonderful US version too – with a 40 page deluxe booklet that features extensive notes on the album – and a 1971 interview with Gainsbourg!
Nico Gomez & His Afro Percussion Inc
Ritual (with download) ... LP
Mr Bongo (UK)
, 1970. New Copy (reissue)...
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Fierce funky grooves from the legendary Nico Gomez – a set cooked up in Europe, but heavy with influences from the other side of the
– from Havana all the way up to New York! There's definitely a Latin groove to the record – one that's similar to other Gomez productions – but there's also lots of heavy funk at the bottom – with basslines that drive most numbers along boldly, really raw percussion played with a nice sense of spontaneity, and these super-tight keyboards and guitars that you might find in American funk! The mix of modes is very much in the best spirit of contemporary groups like Chakachas or Lafayette Afro Rock Band – and titles include "Caballo Negro", "Lupita", "Baila Chibiquiban", "Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!", "One Note Samba", "Cuba Libre", and "El Condor Pasa".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes MP3 download.)
RB Greaves
RB Greaves (Atco) ... CD
Atco (UK)
, 1969. New Copy ...
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The amazing debut of RB Greaves – a soul singer with a difference! RB struck big with this album on late 60s
Records – yet despite production at Muscle Shoals, and arrangements from Arif Mardin, the sound here is quite different than most of his contemporaries – and certainly not the southern soul you'd expect! Instead, Greaves goes for a crackling quality that really showcases his trans-American roots – a vibe that's almost like Johnny Nash at points, and has a similar way of embracing a whole host of different sounds at one time – not just late 60s soul, but some other undercurrents of pop, and even some occasional folksy or island flavors as well. The album's standout hit is the legendary "Take A Letter Maria" – a cut that broke big on both sides of the tracks, and which is one of the most compelling story songs of the time. Other tunes include "This is Soul", "Ballad Of Leroy", "Ain't That Good News", "Home To Stay", and "Birmingham Alabama".
Lars Gullin
Portrait Of My Pals ... CD
EMI (Sweden)
, 1964. Used ...
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A genius album from Swedish baritone giant Lars Gullin – and a set that's from a period that was much less documented on our side of the
! Gullin was one of the undisputed masters of the instrument, and his American recordings on Mercury and Prestige stand as proof to his talent – but his work from the 60s, done back in his native Sweden, has been lost for years – and is often deeper and more complicated than his US sides of the 50s! This set from 1964 features Gullin in the company of a host of very talented "pals" that includes some of the greatest talents in jazz in Sweden at the time – Rolf Billberg on alto, Jan Allan on trumpet, Harry Backlund on tenor, Torgny Nilsson on trombone, and Lars Sjosten on piano – all artists used by Gullin in varying combinations, working through these wonderful arrangements of original tunes that are among some of the best he ever wrote. The set features haunting arrangements that defy description, and which allow the soloists free room to express themselves in a manner that skirts between hardbop and modernism, but which always manages to swing! Titles include "It's True", "I've Seen", "Prima Vera", "Decent Eyes", "Gabriella", and "Portrait Of My Pals". CD also features 4 bonus tracks too!
(Part of rear tray card has been cut.)
Also available
Portrait Of My Pals (with bonus tracks) ... CD
Lars Gullin
Portrait Of My Pals (with bonus tracks) ... CD
Capitol (Sweden)
, 1964. New Copy ...
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A genius album from Swedish baritone giant Lars Gullin – and a set that's from a period that was much less documented on our side of the
! Gullin was one of the undisputed masters of the instrument, and his American recordings on Mercury and Prestige stand as proof to his talent – but his work from the 60s, done back in his native Sweden, has been lost for years – and is often deeper and more complicated than his US sides of the 50s! This set from 1964 features Gullin in the company of a host of very talented "pals" that includes some of the greatest talents in jazz in Sweden at the time – Rolf Billberg on alto, Jan Allan on trumpet, Harry Backlund on tenor, Torgny Nilsson on trombone, and Lars Sjosten on piano – all artists used by Gullin in varying combinations, working through these wonderful arrangements of original tunes that are among some of the best he ever wrote. The set features haunting arrangements that defy description, and which allow the soloists free room to express themselves in a manner that skirts between hardbop and modernism, but which always manages to swing! Titles include "It's True", "I've Seen", "Prima Vera", "Decent Eyes", "Gabriella", and "Portrait Of My Pals". CD also features 4 bonus tracks too!
Also available
Portrait Of My Pals ... CD
Buddy Guy & Junior Wells
Buddy Guy & Junior Wells Play The Blues (expanded edition – with unreleased tracks) ... CD
Friday Music
, 1972. New Copy 2CD ...
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We're not normally ones to rave about electric blues albums, but this one's a lot nicer than you might think – recorded with plenty of deep soul touches, and even a dose of funk in the right places! We hate to admit it, but a big part of the credit here goes to Eric Clapton – who produced most of the record and gives Buddy and Junior a tightness that's missing from some of their other records of the time. There's almost a post-Cream sort of groove to the record – that "hipper than rock" sensibility that colored many of Clapton's old group members' projects for
in the years after Cream disbanded. But of course, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells are the real stars of the set – and the record's good enough to make even jaded Chicago residents like us appreciate their talents here! Titles include "A Poor Man's Plea", "My Baby She Left Me", "A Man Of Many Words", "I Don't Know", and "This Old Fool". 2CD set features a whopping huge batch of bonus tracks – including "Tears Tears Tears", "Checkin Up On My Baby", "Last Night", "Bad Bad Whiskey (long version)", "You're So Fine (mono rough mix)", "Stone Crazy", "Dirty Mother For You", "D Blues", and "First Time I Met The Blues".
Rufus Harley
Re-Creation Of The Gods ... LP
, 1972. New Copy (reissue)...
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One of the most legendary albums of jazz funk ever recorded! Rufus Harley was a saxophone player who also picked up the bagpipes for a few excellent 60s albums for
Records – and although those records are great, this 1972 independent album is a real mind blower! By the time of this set, Rufus had really stretched out – both creatively and spiritually – working his standard bagpipe jazz groove into a much trippier sound, one that explored the tonal and modal properties of the instrument. Not only that, Rufus got a lot funkier than ever before – working here with organist Bill Mason, a sonic contemporary of Leon Spencer and Charles Earland – and the resultant mix of organ and bagpipes creates a monstrous sound that's unlike anything we can describe! The album's a mixture of Sufi and Biblical statements – fused into long funky jazz tracks, stretching out into some incredible grooves. Includes the classic "Malika", plus the cuts "Etymology", "Hypothesis", and "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen", done in a great heavy version!
LP, Vinyl record album
Donny Hathaway/
Quincy Jones
Come Back Charleston Blue (with bonus tracks) ... CD
Atco (Japan)
, 1972. New Copy ...
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An unusual career in the
career of Donny Hathaway – and a unique collaboration with the legendary Quincy Jones! The music here is Hathaway's sole entry into the blacksploitation soundtrack genre of the 70s – penned for film version of a Chester Himes novel, and scored in a mix of funky 70s modes and other more standard jazz styles. Quincy's on board as the "musical supervisor" – and clearly helps Donny focus his energies towards the hipper side of the soundtrack spectrum, especially on the more contemporary styled tracks. And although most of the work here is instrumental, Hathaway also sings a bit too – most famously on the classic "Little Ghetto Boy" – which is easily one of Donny's greatest tracks ever! Other titles include "Come Back Charleston Blue", with vocals by Margie Joseph, plus "Bossa Nova", "Tim's High", "Hearse To Graveyard", "Harlem Dawn", "String Segue", "Furniture Truck", and "Liberation". CD features two bonus tracks – "Little Ghetto Boy (live)" and "Little Ghetto Boy (alt)".
(SHM-CD pressing !)
Ronnie Hawkins
Hawk (1971) ... LP
, 1971. Very Good+ ...
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A searing set of southern rock from Ronnie Hawkins – already working here in a revivalist mode of sorts, with backing from the Dixie Flyers and a real blend of
and Capricorn-styled approaches to rock. Duane Allman and Donald Duck Dunn both sit in on the sessions, and the whole thing's got a relaxed, rootsy rock feel overall – Ronnie singing along with the Flyers on tunes that include "Red Rooster", "Ooby Dooby", "Don't Tell Me Your Troubles", "Drinkin Wine Spo-dee-o-dee", "Lonely Weekends", "Treasure Of Love", and "The Lady Came From Baltimore".
LP, Vinyl record album
Jutta Hipp
Hipp Is Cool – The Life & Art Of Jutta Hipp (6CD/
book set) ... CD
Be! (Germany)
, 1950s. New Copy ...
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An incredible tribute to German pianist Jutta Hipp – one of the few female players in the postwar European jazz scene, and one of the few who managed to make a splash on this side of the
too! Jutta's best known to American audiences for a handful of records she cut for Blue Note – and this set takes those records, and moves way way past them – to including a huge range of material that really opens up our understanding of Hipp's music in her all-too-short career! The CDs feature early German recordings – in a number of sessions with small groups that include a quintet with Emil Mangelsdorff on alto and Joki Freeund on tenor, a number of performances in the New Jazz Stars group of tenorist Hans Koller, work in a quintet with Attila Zoller on guitar, another sextet with Albert Mangelsdorff on trombone, and a group co-led with baritone saxoponist Lars Gullin. The set then moves onto American trio recordings from 1956 – including a few tracks from the Newport Jazz Festival – plus a key session with tenorist Zoot Sims – and the package is concluded by very early recordings, some with Hans Koller, and some from the mid 40s with the Lime City Swing Club! The set also features performances on DVD with Hans Koller – and the whole thing comes with a massive 208 page coffee table book – filled not only with German and English notes and biography, plus a recording index, hundreds of photos, record sleeves, labels, and even some of Jutta's own artwork too! A huge amount of music – and a very beautiful package too!
Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate ... LP
Big Tree
, 1975. Near Mint- ...
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A killer set from one of the most unique acts of the 70s – the legendary Hot Chocolate, a group with a sound unlike anyone else at the time! Hot Chocolate's groove was a bit soul, a bit rock, and often nicely funky underneath – and the British group really won lots of new ears on this side of the
with their bad-stepping approach to 70s pop! This self-titled album's one of the greatest ever from the group – and the cool compressed production further pushes their sound into really great territory – mushing the guitars up alongside the keyboards, squeezing the hip vocals of Errol Brown into a badass edge, and glamming things up ever so slightly. Arrangements are by the great John Cameron – a talent we've loved since his late 60s work with Donovan – and production is by the legendary Mickie Most, who's still burning strong here in the 70s. The album features the group's huge hit "You Sexy Thing", plus "Lay Me Down", "Amazing Skin Song", "Hello America", "The Street", "Call The Police", and "A Child's Prayer".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
Jimmy Hughes
Steal Away (180 gram colored vinyl pressing) ... LP
Vee Jay/
Kent (UK)
, 1964. New Copy (reissue)...
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Stellar work by Jimmy Hughes – one of those southern soul talents whose name you've heard, but can't always find on record! Jimmy's best known for his classic Muscle Shoals tune "Steal Away" – and that great number, plus many other similar ones, are presented on this obscure Vee Jay release – issued at a time when both that label and Chess were licensing a number of titles from Rick Hall's Fame studios. The sound is great – a key link in the southern scene of the 60s, and one that's often lost because it wasn't recorded for a bigger label, like
. Titles include "Steal Away", "Try Me", "I Want Justice", "Shot Of Rhythm & Blues", "Neighbor Neighbor", "I'm Getting Better", and "I'm Gonna Rise Again".
LP, Vinyl record album
(On colored vinyl.)
You'll Never Find (double a-side single) ... 12-inch
, 1976. Near Mint- ...
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12-inch, Vinyl record
(In an Atlantic Disco sleeve.)
, 2010. Used ...
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Hard to believe it's the 30th Anniversary for Incognito – but Bluey's been at it for that long, and to celebrate, he's having one hell of a party with this record! The album's got way more going on than even a regular Incognito set – even though those are plenty darn great – as Bluey's invited plenty of folks along for the celebration, a range of great singers who really open up the sound, and deepen the core jazzy grooves of the set! In addition to regular vocalists like Joy Rose, Tony Momrelle, and Maysa, the set also features work by Leon Ware, Chaka Khan, John-Christian Urich, Ursula Rucker, Vanessa Haynes, and Mario Biondi – the last of whom really brings a lot to the set, with that cool vocal approach used on his Schema albums. And as usual for Bluey, the sound is way more than just straight soul – with plenty of classic jazz funk elements, and a strong nod to the underground sounds of the British scene who've always fostered his music. Titles include "Line In The Sand", "1975", "Your Sun My Sky", "Put A Little Lovin In Your Heart", "All Of My Life", "Expresso Madureira", "Make Room For Love", "Lowdown", "Tell Me What To Do", and "The Winter Of My Springs".
Incredible String Band
Incredible String Band/
5000 Spirits Or Layers Of The Onion/
Hangman's Beautiful Daughter ... CD
, Late 60s. New Copy 2CD ...
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Important early work from The Incredible String Band – three albums in one great package! First up is the first album from the Incredible String Band – a real treasure from the trio of Clive Palmer, Mike Heron and Robin Williamson – who each sing and write, and bring unique charm to their own material! The sound is very folksy, and really lives up to their name – mostly just music on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar – served up in a blend that both echoes British traditional styles, yet paves the way for new expressions in the acid folk generation to come – especially on the group's original material. The group are really wonderful at this point – with a sound that drew them wide acclaim on both sides of the
– and titles include "Maybe Someday", "October Song", "When The Music Starts To Play"", "Schaeffer's Jig", "Womankind", "The Tree", "Whistle Tune", "Dandelion Blues", "Good As Gone", and "Footsteps Of The Heron". Next is 5000 Spirits – a UK psychedelic folk gem that finds the group challenging conventions across the board – both artful and inviting, it's wonderful stuff! At this point, Clive Palmer had left, and Mike Heron and Robin Williamson contribute lead vocals with the additional vocalist Licorice also taking lead on a few tunes, the sound is fleshed out with more accompaniment and a rich warmth on a bevy of instruments – guitar, sitar, bowed gimbri, finger cymbals, tamboura, oud, rattles, flute, bass and piano. Includes the lovely and oft-covered "The First Girl I Loved", plus "Chinese White", "No Sleep Blues", "Painting Box", "The Eyes Of Fate", "The Hedgehog's Song", "You Know What I Could Be", "Gently Tender", "Way Back In The 1960s" and more. On Hangman's Beautiful Daughter, The Incredible String Band are paired down to the core duo of Mike Heron and Robin Williamson – using the studio as a most impressive adjunct member of the group at this point! This is an extremely talented pair – each playing myriad instruments – sitar, organ, guitar, hammer dulcimer, harpsichord, gimbri, whistle, pipe, oud, mandolin, mouth harps and more. Previous vocal collaborator Licorice sings on one song, and Dolly Collins and David Snell contribute flute organ, piano and harp – but the main duos incredible way of layering their magic with multitracking in the studio the real masterstroke of the effort. Titles include "Koeoaddi There", "Witch's Hat", "The Water Song", "Swift As The Wind", "Nightfall", "Waltz Of The New Moon", "Three Is A Green Crown" and more.
Collected Works 1969 to 1970 ... CD
, Late 60s/
Early 70s. New Copy ...
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Heavy grooving psych from late 60s/
early 70s UK combo Infinity – with loads of Hammond organ grooves and gritty rhythms! The swirling organ sound really sets the group apart from post psych peers on both sides of the
– often out front in the sound, although the guitars are killer, too! The group is kind of an early space rock combo, and never really issued a proper LP, but left behind these recordings, including "Time Keeper", "Venetian Glass", "Space Shanty", "Taxman", "Same Girl", "Pattern People" and a handful of groovy instrumentals!
Bert Jansch
Birthday Blues ... CD
, 1968. New Copy ...
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One of the greatest albums ever from UK genius Bert Jansch – cut as a solo set at a time when his fame was rising with the group Pentangle, and somewhat overlooked at the time! Yet all these many years later, we'd rank this one right up alongside important records of the period by Nick Drake – even though Jansch has a style that's completely his own – a bit ancient at times, somewhat bluesy on his guitar inflections, and set to this amazing voice that makes even the simplest lyric come across with a spooky sort of edge. Instrumentation is relatively spare – mostly Bert on guitar, joined by occasional players who include jazzman Ray Warleigh on alto and flute, and Duffy Power on harmonica – shaded in by producer Shel Talmy in ways that remind us of the lighter folksy numbers on the Donovan productions by Mickie Most. Titles include "The Bright New Year", "Tree Song", "Poison", "Wishing Well", "Blues", "I Am Lonely", and "Come Sing Me A Happy Song To Prove We Can All Get Along The Lumpy Bumpy Long & Dusty Road".
Bert Jansch
It Don't Bother Me ... LP
Sanctuary (UK)
, 1965. New Copy (reissue)...
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Continuing genius from the great Bert Jansch – the singer/
songwriter's second album, and one of his most sublime records ever! The album's got an up-close, personal vibe – mostly just Bert's vocals and acoustic guitar, a bit like the earliest albums by Bob Dylan – and like Dylan, Jansch has this approach that's completely his own – very much schooled in older 20th century traditions, but focused on finding a new way forward – with a mix of melodic and harmonic elements that flow from his guitar with effortless ease, and are matched by some beautifully pointed vocals by a singer who sounds unlike anyone else. At times, the tunes have a quality that's almost hypnotic – a bit of a John Fahey vibe in the progressions, but a bit warmer – and titles include "Tinker's Blues", "It Don't Bother Me", "Harvest Your Thoughts Of Love", "Lucky Thirteen", "As The Day Grows Longer Now", "So Long", "900 Miles", and "Ring A Ding Blues".
LP, Vinyl record album
Bert Jansch
Jack Orion ... LP
Sanctuary (UK)
, 1966. New Copy (reissue)...
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A huge leap forward for the mighty Bert Jansch – and a record that's somehow even more amazing than the ones that came before! Bert's maybe even more introspective here, but also on a personal journey that takes him down musical paths that seem broader than before – almost echoing a wider range of influences on his guitar performance, yet in a way that still comes across with a uniquely pointed vibe. There's some occasional shift in the instrumentation, too – as Jansch plays banjo on the leadoff track, but with the same chilling currents as his sublime acoustic guitar – and John Renbourn joins on second guitar for a number of tracks, prefacing the pair's collaboration to come. And as with all of Jansch's genius material at this point, there's a quality that's both ancient and modern, timeless and uniquely tied to its moment – flowering beautifully on tunes that include "Jack Orion", "The Waggoner's Lad", "Nottamun Town", "Black Water Side", "Pretty Polly", and "The Gardner".
LP, Vinyl record album
Bert Jansch
Nicola ... CD
Sanctuary (UK)
, 1967. New Copy ...
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A beautiful record from the great Bert Jansch – quite different than some of his others at the time, but in a really wonderful way! The set has Bert's vocals and acoustic guitar interwoven with some larger arrangements – not in a commercial style, but in a mode that perfectly underscores the moodiest elements in his music – a lot like the way that larger charts were used on the Nick Drake sessions, but in a style here that's much more fitted to Jansch's approach! The arrangements were handled by David Palmer, who blends light strings with just the right shadings alongside the acoustic guitar's bluesy inflections – and some occasional woodwinds or other elements too. The whole thing makes for a wonderful record overall – one that expands the palette of Bert Jansch, but without losing any of his core brilliance – and titles include "Weeping Willow Blues", "A Little Sweet Sunshine", "Go Your Way My Love", "Woe Is Love My Dear", "Nicola", "Rabbit Run", and "Box Of Love".
Bert Jansch
Rosemary Lane ... CD
, 1971. New Copy ...
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Tremendous work from Bert Jansch – an album that shows how much he'd evolved in just a few short years – both as a singer and as a musician, and as a completely unique talent on his own! The record has an instantly timeless feel – that mix of ancient inspiration and new freedoms unlocked by the small group of important UK folk musicians of which Jansch was a part – and the format has Bert really going back to the basics of his debut, with just vocals and guitar – but delivered with this incredible new presence that's very different than his work of the mid 60s! There's so many dark, subtle elements going on here – both in the guitar lines and the singing – it might be possible to initially overlook the genius of the record, which keeps on giving and giving for years, over many repeated listenings. Titles include "Tell Me What Is True Love", "A Dream A Dream A Dream", "Sarabanda", "Bird Song", "Sylvie", "Silly Woman", "Nobody's Bar", and "Allman".
Quincy Jones & Harry Arnold
Quincy Jones + Harry Arnold + Big Band = Jazz! (plus bonus tracks) ... CD
Gambit (Spain)
, 1953/
1958. Used ...
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Hard swinging big band material from Sweden – a great little set that features the big band of Harry Arnold arranged by Quincy Jones! Quincy was spending a lot of time in Sweden during the mid 50s – bringing with him a host of great players that would soon become big names on the European scene – the biggest of whom was Benny Bailey, who plays some good solos here with a mostly-Swedish group that includes Arne Domnerus, Bengt Hallberb, Ake Persson, and Bengt-Arne Wallin. The style of the work, and its trans-
jazz orientation, is a direct precursor of later work by the Clarke-Boland Big Band – of whom Bailey was a big part – and the titles all swing nicely, with plenty of room for breakout solos! Titles include "The Midnight Sun Never Sets", "Doodlin", "Room 608", "Quincy's Home Again", "Brief Encounter", and "Meet Benny Bailey". Bonus tracks here feature 4 more from a 1953 date with Quincy, Art Farmer, and Lars Gullin – originally issued by Prestige as a 10" LP, and featuring the titles "Jones Bones", "Sometimes I'm Happy", "Liza", and "Pogo Stick". 4 more bonus tracks include a Harry Arnold date from 1958, featuring Benny Bailey on trumpet – on tracks that include "Valley Stream Special", "Frantic Blues", "Flight SK", and "Wrappin It Up".
Clifford Jordan
Soul Fountain ... CD
Wounded Bird
, 1966. New Copy ...
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A very unusual album from Clifford Jordan – a session of shorter soul jazz numbers cut in the years between his earlier hardbop albums and his later, more righteous sounds of the 70s! The style here is straightforward and to the point – very much in the
soul jazz style of the late 60s, but with some looser, freer touches – especially on Jordan's solos, which are especially nice! There's organ on a fair bit of tracks on the record – played by either John Patton or Frank Owens – and other players include Jimmy Owens on trumpet, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. Most tracks also have added percussion at the bottom (some by Ray Barretto) – making for a slightly more complicated groove that comes across with some headier sounds than you might expect! Jordan not only plays his usual tenor, but also flute and a bit of piano – and titles include "TNT", "HNIC", "I've Got A Feeling For You", "I Got You", "Senor Blues", "Retribution", and "Eeh Bah Lickey Doo".
Robin Kenyatta
Until ... CD
Wounded Bird
, 1968. New Copy ...
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One of the earliest albums as a leader from reedman Robin Kenyatta – and a set that's also one of his most compelling too! There's a definitely freer sound here than on some of Robin's smoother sets from the 70s – a vibe that's somewhere near the space of Impulse Records in the post-Coltrane years, and which is right at home on
's Vortex label subsidiary. A few tracks get surprisingly out, but always with a nice sense of focus, especially in the rhythms – and in addition to Kenyatta's own bold work on alto sax, the album features performances by Roswell Rudd on trombone, Mike Lawrence on trumpet, Walter Booker on bass, Fred Simmons on piano, and Horace Arnold on drums. The tunes have lots of sharp edges – almost Ayler-like at times, but more inside – and titles include "You Know How We Do", "Little Blue Devil", "This Year", and "Until".
Chaka Khan
Naughty ... CD
Warner (Japan)
, 1980. New Copy ...
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A great album of mellow modern soul tracks recorded in Chaka's post-Rufus years! The record was produced by the great Arif Mardin, the man who made so many of the 70s
soul records work so well – and he handled Chaka's voice with a sweet sweet sound that you don't always get on her other albums. The style is great – slightly less funk than in the Rufus years, but still this great groove that unlocks the ebullient quality in Khan's vocals – but often without trying too hard for the dancefloor either. Includes the great "Papillon", her remake of Gregg Diamond's "Hot Butterfly" – plus "Move Me No Mountain", "So Naughty", "Too Much Love", and "Clouds".
(SHM-CD pressing!)
Ben E King
Don't Play That Song ... CD
Atco (UK)
, 1962. New Copy ...
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A stellar record from Ben E King – and one of a few early 60s gems that really have him leaving a longstanding mark on soul music! There's a balance here that's unbelievable – a quality that's emotive right from the start, yet also perfectly put together too – with Ben's tremendous vocals backed by some tight
backings – in a style that's virtually the blueprint for lots more uptown soul singers to come in the 60s. The song choice is impeccable too – numbers from Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman, and Phil Spector which perfectly straddle the lines of soul music at the time – tunes that include classics like "Here Comes The Night", "Don't Play That Song", "Young Boy Blues", and "Stand By Me" – plus lesser-known gems like "Brace Yourself", "I Promise Love", "Yes", "First Taste Of Love", and "Show Me The Way".
Freddie King
Freddie King Is A Blues Master (with bonus tracks) ... CD
Friday Music
, 1969. New Copy ...
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They got the title right on this one – and the album's a smoking batch of tunes that captures Freddie in all his guitar-driven glory! The set features Freddie working with a tight
studio group that includes King Curtis, David Newman, James Booker, and Billy Butler – but the sound is raw, rootsy, and has a nice down-homey feel – with none of the cliches that you might expect from a release on Cotillion. Freddie sings a bit, but the best cuts are the instrumental ones, which take his older blues guitar style into a funkier
groove. King Curtis produced, and the titles include "Play It Cool", "Blue Shadows", "Hot Tomato", "Wide Open", "Sweet Thing", "Hideaway", and the excellent groover "Funky " – a massive instrumental filled with great guitar! CD features two bonus tracks – "Play It Cool (mono)" and "Funky (mono)".
King Curtis
Complete Atco Singles (3CD set) ... CD
Real Gone
, 1960s/
Early 70s. New Copy 3 CDs ...
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Some of the greatest work ever from funky saxophone genius King Curtis – tracks we like way better than his full length albums for Atco Records, better than his early work for the Fire/
Fury label, and even better than some of his session work at
! Here's a secret – on 45s, King Curtis gets even harder and heavier than on an album – where he sometimes plays in a sweeter, straighter sound to cross over with pop covers and soul instrumentals. But on a 7" single – especially on the flipside – the King isn't afraid to get funky at all – and often turns out these totally tight, totally heavy cuts that rival some of the best of the funky 45 underground of the time – the kind of music you don't always find on full albums from Curtis, but which you'll discover in volumes on this set! The 3CD package features a whopping 66 racks in all – with loads of titles not on CD or LP before – with titles that include "Pots & Pans (parts 1 & 2)", "Jest Smoochin", "Chili", "Restless Guitar", "Boss", "Quicksand", "This Is Soul", "8th Wonder", "Makein Hey", "In The Pocket", "Jump Back", "Foot Pattin (part 2)", "Rocky Roll", "Pop Corn Willy", "Soulin", "Teasin", "Whole Lotta Love", "La Jeanne", "Instant Groove", "Valley Of The Dolls", "Cook Out", "For What It's Worth", "Honeydripper (parts 1 & 2)", and "Soul Theme".
King Curtis
Do Your Thing ... CD
Wounded Bird
, 1970. New Copy ...
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Very cool stuff – a rare European-only album that brings together some of King Curtis' funkiest tracks ever – and which really stands as one of the most perfect full records we've ever heard from the King! The sound here is more Stax Records than some of the mellower cuts that
issued under Curtis' name – and although some of his full albums for the label had hits mixed with filler material, lots of of the tracks here offer up the same sort of instrumental greatness you'd get from the b-sides of some of the best King Curtis funky 45s! Titles include "Last Night", "Sing A Simple Song", "Instant Groove", "Memphis Soul Stew", "In The Pocket", "Hold On I'm Coming", "I Was Made To Love Her", "Jump Back", and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine".
King Curtis
Instant Groove ... LP
, 1969. New Copy (reissue)...
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An instant groove from King Curtis – and a record that's even more deeply soulful than some of his other
albums! The title cut's a killer – a hard-vamping number that pushed funk further into the mainstream back in the day – and lots of the rest of the album follows suit, by bringing in some of the rougher King Curtis edges that usually only showed up on b-sides of 45s – while other full albums usually focused on sweeter sounds. There's a few of those here too – but even those tracks have a looser, more personal feel than before – not as much "perfect" soul sax, and a bit more grit. Arrangements are by Arif Mardin and King Curtis – and Duane Allman plays guiter on some cuts! Titles include "The Weight", "Sing A Simple Song", "Instant Groove", "Hey Jude", "Games People Play", "La Jeanne", and "Foot Pattin".
LP, Vinyl record album
King Curtis
King Curtis Live At Fillmore West ... LP
, 1971. Very Good Gatefold ...
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The King Curtis combo in all of its glory – really grooving hard here in a set of instrumental performances recorded at the same time as Aretha Franklin's famous live date at the Fillmore West! King backed Aretha up on her own record from Fillmore, but this set features all the instrumental grooves laid down by Curtis and his group before Aretha took the stage – very tight and funky numbers that showcase King's work on alto and soprano sax, as well as organ from Billy Preston, guitar from Cornell Dupree, electric piano from Truman Thomas, and funky drums from Bernard Pretty Purdie! The Memphis Horns get into the action a bit – blasting out when the tunes require it – and as with the Franklin album, the recording style here is totally great – very "live", but still with the best focus of
studio soul! Titles include a smoking 7 minute version of King's funky classic "Memphis Soul Stew", plus long takes on "Changes", "I Stand Accused", and "Soul Serenade" – as well as shorter versions of "A Whole Lotta Love" and "Ode To Billy Joe"!
LP, Vinyl record album
(Yellow label Atco pressing.)
King Curtis
King Curtis Plays The Great Memphis Hits (180 gram pressing) ... LP
, 1967. New Copy (reissue)...
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King Curtis brings the sound of Memphis up to the New York studios of
Records – working here in an all-instrumental mode that serves up his own sax-heavy takes on the big 60s hits of Stax Records! The album's maybe a bit telling – given the way that a year later,
took most what Stax had built themselves – but it also illustrates the strong power the southern scene had on the style of New York soul at the time – as the album's easily one of the most hard-hitting full length sets from Curtis – done with much deeper vibes overall, and less of the ballads that showed up on some of his previous records. Titles include "The Dog", "Good To Me", "Hold On, I'm Coming", "You Don't Miss Your Water", "Last Night", and "Jump Back".
LP, Vinyl record album
King Curtis
Old Gold/
Doing The Dixie Twist ... CD
Tru Sound/
Ace (UK)
, 1961/
1962. New Copy ...
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2 rare pre-
albums from the legendary King Curtis – back to back on one CD! Old Gold is a sweet early cooker from King – recorded with a raw sound and a sense of fire that most of his other albums from this time didn't have! Part of the difference here is the setting – as the album's cut for Prestige's Tru-Sound subsidiary, which tended to have a rougher, more R&B approach. But another key factor is the group on the set – as it includes Jack McDuff on organ, Billy Butler and Eric Gale on guitars, and Willie Rodriguez on bongos and congas – all of whom make for some great added attractions to the record, and a really cohesive sound that's way more than just King blowing away on sax! Titles are all "old gold" numbers, but updated here with a hipper instrumental groove – and tracks include "Fever", "Honky Tonk", "So Rare", "Tippin In", "The Hucklebuck", "Lean Baby", and "Soft" – all taken almost in a King Records instrumental mode! Doing The Dixie Twist is an album that's got a strange little gimmick, but one that works wonderfully! The "dixie twist" theme means that King's taking older standards associated with the south, and playing them in a fast-crackling, highly rhythmic style that has plenty of "twist" elements! The groove is surprisingly great – really playful, and filled with great work on tenor, trombone, and guitar – all nicely grooving in a style that will really make you forget the origins of the tunes. Titles include "Sweet Georgia Brown", "A Shanty In Old Shantytown", "Royal Garden Blues", "Basin Street Blues", and "Up A Lazy River".
King Curtis
Soul Meeting ... CD
, 1960. Used ...
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Rare early King Curtis jazz session – cut in the years before he settled down to his tight short soul instrumental recordings for
. The record is very much in the Prestige soul jazz style of the early 60s – and King's set up nicely in a group that features Nat Adderley, Wynton Kelly, Sam Jones, and Belton Evans. In a way, Curtis' sax can't really hold it together for these longer tracks as well as he can on shorter soul instrumentals – but the record's got a good rhythm section, and it holds together well enough as an easy grooving session. Titles include "Soul Meeting", "Lazy Soul", "All The Way", and "Do You Have Soul Now?"
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Kirkatron ... LP
, 1977. Very Good+ ...
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Later genius from Rahsaan Roland Kirk – a record of wonderful depth and soul, and a session that moves back to the straighter jazz focus of some of his work from the Mercury years – yet still keeps all the personality and charm of the best
sides! Roland's playing in a warm jazzy mode that still features some of his wit and tricks – but which also is even more nicely in a straight jazz vein on the album's best tracks – rolling out in a gently soulful 70s mode that features some slight electric touches, but which preserves a main focus on his own soulful work on a variety of saxes and flute. The lineup is great too – with a shifting group of players that include Hilton Ruiz, Billy Butler, Walter Perkins, and even the great Trudy Pitts – and titles include "Sugar", "Serenade To A Cuckoo", "The Christmas Song", "Los Angeles Negro Chorus", "Bright Moments", "Night In Tunisia", and "J. Griff's Blues".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some wear.)
Roland Kirk
Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith ... LP
, 1967. Near Mint- Gatefold ...
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One of the most unusual Roland Kirk albums of the 60s – his only session for Verve, and a record cut with a slightly different feel than some of his work for Mercury or
! The core group's an unusual one – a quartet that features a young Lonnie Smith on piano, plus Ronnie Boykins on bass and Grady Tate on drums – all free-thinking talents that are enough to match the whimsy of Kirk's own playing on tenor, flute, stritch, and manzello – but also strong enough jazz players to hold tight during the straighter jazz moments of the set. There's a rich array of jazz styles and histories that seem to peek out from track to track – and the overall vibe is a bit less nutty than Kirk's other albums, with a subtle genius that we really love. A great lost treasure – featuring the tracks "Now Please Don't You Cry Beautiful Edith", "Why Don't They Know", "Silverlization", "Alfie", "Blue Rol", "Stompin' Ground", and "Fall Out".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Original 60s gatefold pressing. Cover has light wear and small sticker remnants.)
Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring (2015 Record Store Day Release) ... LP
Moserobie (Sweden)
, 2005. New Copy ...
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Amplified saxophone genius from Kullrusk – a tremendous record that draws on a jazz legacy stretching back to Eddie Harris, John Klemmer, and Gil Melle, but one with a bold voice all its own! Reed leaders Jonas Kullhammar and Per Rusktrask Johansson play amplified alto, tenor, and clarinets on the record – blowing with that electrified feel that first crept onto Varitone sax albums of the late 60s – in a way that's sometimes soulful, sometimes experimental – really taking off from the use of the instrument on older Cadet and
albums! The rest of the quartet includes electric bass and drums from Sven Lindvall and Martin Jonsson, respectively – playing in a mode that's often got a nice funky undercurrent – really grooving the tunes wonderfully underneath the electric reeds. Titles include "Hellstone", "Children's Song", "He Ma'm", "Faidros", "Merguez", "Herkules", and "Indo".
LP, Vinyl record album
Barbara Lewis
Many Grooves Of Barbara Lewis ... CD
, 1969. Used ...
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A fantastic lost album from one of the 60's most under-rated female singers – done in a style that's far hipper than Barbara's work for
! The set's got a vibe that's totally great – proud and righteous – stepping out in a mode that shakes off the sweetness of Barbara's earlier records, and grooves into a much more mature 70s-styled groove – handled perfectly by producer Ollie McLaughlin! Although Barbara and Ollie hailed from Detroit, the set was actually recorded in Chicago at the end of the 60s – with arrangements by Mike Terry, and a sophisticated groove that has some of the bounce of records by JoAnn Garrett or Marlena Shaw at the time. Every cut is a winner – and the album's a no-filler gem that we treasure in our soul collection! The record includes of great tracks, including "Baby That's A No No", "Break Away", "Anyway", "You Made Me A Woman", "Oh, Be My Love", "How Can I Tell", and "Slip Away". CD also features 3 bonus tracks – "That's The Way I Like It", "Ask The Lonely", and "Why Did It Take You So Long".
(Out of print.)
Barbara Lewis/
Carla Thomas
I Play For Keeps ... 7-inch
Kent (UK)
, 1969/
1970. New Copy ...
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A great obscure track from Barbara Lewis – recorded in her overlooked years after
Records – and with a sophisticated blend of vocals and groove that almost feels like Marlena Shaw! Carla Thomas served up "I Play For Keeps" on the flipside – a tune with a nice two-step groove, and a vibe that's a bit different than her usual Memphis soul!
7-inch, Vinyl record
Junior Mance
Holy Mama ... CD
East Wind (Japan)
, 1976. New Copy ...
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A great Junior Mance album from the 70s – one of those dates that was originally only intended for the Japanese market, but eventually got wider release because it sounded so great! Junior's a bit different here than on his
or Polydor work from a few years before – warm and soulful, with a way of really laying into the keys of the piano gently – never going too far, or getting too funky – but finding a great space in sound with help from Martin Rivera on bass and Salvatore LaRocca on drums. Tracks include a few strong originals – like "The Good Old Days", "Holy Mama", "That Mellow Feeling", and "Blues For The Schnug" – plus versions of "God Bless The Child" and "Miss Otis Regrets".
Albert Mangelsdorff
Folk Mond & Flower Dream ... CD
Tropical (Germany)
, 1967. Used ...
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A lost 60s treasure from trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff – a session recorded after his legendary Now Jazz Ramwong album, but far more obscure than that one! The style here is quite far-reaching at times – not entirely free, but definitely showing signs of the increasing modernism coming into Mangelsdorff's music – a fresh, bold approach to jazz that not only made him one of the most inventive trombonists in 60s jazz on either side of the
, but also an incredible leader who was able to get each group member to fully realize his unique vision! Players include Heinz Sauer on tenor and soprano sax, Gunter Kronberg on alto and baritone sax, Gunter Lenz on bass, and Ralf Hubner on drums – and the piano-less quality of the record almost makes it feel like a farther-out extension of earlier experiments by Jimmy Giuffre or Hans Koller. The horn interplay is wonderful, and Mangelsdorff's solos are unlike anything else we can think of – very uniquely phrased and shaped, and filled with meaning and imagination. Titles include "Mobile", Thema Mal 3", "Folk Mond", "Flower Dream", and "Plakate".
Herbie Mann
Sugarloaf – Jazz Impressions Of Brazil (aka Brazil, Bossa Nova, & Blues) ... LP
United Artists
, 1962. Very Good Gatefold ...
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Bossa nova from Herbie Mann – one of our favorite albums ever from the famous flute player – cut for United Artists, and a one-off session that's arguably better than most of his
work of the time! There's a groove here that's undeniable – a sense of swing that grabs us right from the get-go, and makes us totally love each new track before Mann's flute even comes into the mix! These grooves come from some great interplay between Dave Pike on marimbas, Haygood Hardy on vibes, Billy Bean on guitar, and a host of hip percussionists who include Willie Bobo, Carmen Costa, and Carlos Patato Valdez! Tracks are long, with a Joao Donato-like sense of space – similar to Pike's excellent bossa work for Prestige around the same time – which makes a perfect settion for Herbie's soulful flute. The whole thing's wonderful, and titles include "Me Faz Recordar", "Minha Saudade", "Copacabana", "Brazil", and "BN Blues". Originally issued as Brazil, Bossa Nova, Blues – and issued here in the late 60s with a different cover!
LP, Vinyl record album
(Solid State pressing. Cover has a bit of pen inside the gatefold.)
Steve Marcus
Count's Rock Band/
The Lord's Prayer ... CD
, 1969. Used ...
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Nice 2-fer that brings together both of the albums recorded by reed player Steve Marcus for Vortex – the short-lived Herbie Mann-run subsidiary of
. The CD's a nice messed-up batch of slightly-funky, slightly-rocky jazz, with a tripped out kind of sound that shows the early rumblings of a funky fusion movement. Marcus plays electric and acoustic sax here, in a vein that's a bit similar to some of Tom Scott's wilder early sessions, and he's backed by some similarly-minded players, like Larry Coryell, Bob Moses, Mike Nock, Herbie Hancock, and Larry Clark. Titles include "Theresa's Blues", "Scarborough Fair", "Ooh Baby", "Hope", "Wild Thing", "T With Strings", "Hey Jude", "America", and "Back Street Girl".
(Out of print.)
Rosa Maria
Deixa Nao Deixa/
a ... 7-inch
Mr Bongo (UK)
, 1972. New Copy ...
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Two lovely tracks from the great Rosa Maria! "Deixa Nao Diexa" has a bouncy, upbeat groove – and this cool mix of samba roots and more sophisticated jazzy arrangements – very much in early 70s EMI/
Odeon mode! "Avenita
a" is even funkier – wicked horns on top of a bouncing rhythm peppered with rhythm guitar – and boldly soulful vocals from Rosa to match!
7-inch, Vinyl record
Pump Up The Volume (long, bonus beat, inst)/
Anitina ... 12-inch
4th & Broadway
, 1987. Very Good- (pic cover)...
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An offshoot of the 4AD rock scene from the UK, this number sampled Rakim from "Paid In Full" to great effect – and it made quite a bit of sense that the track was issued on 4th & Broadway in the US (probably also a legal move, so that the label wouldn't sue 4AD for copping a sample from one of their artists! The record features a bit of scratching by CJ Mackintosh, with a bubbly beat that made it huge on both sides of the
12-inch, Vinyl record
Gwen McCrae
Melody Of Life (with bonus tracks) ... CD
Big Break (UK)
, 1979. New Copy ...
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An underground gem from Gwen McCrae – and the record that first set the tone for her dancefloor classics for
in the 80s! The album has Gwen shaking off some of the southern soul of her roots – stretching the genre out to hit notes that are much more in tune with modern soul of the time – a warmly sophisticated approach that uses Gwen's vocals to best effect on a variety of adult themes, but which also kicks in some great midtempo and mellow grooves on the set. A perfect example of this is the album's sublime stepper "All This Love I'm Givin" – a track that works perfectly on the dancefloor, yet which also has a heck of a lot of deep soul too – and the rest of the album follows in a similarly sublime sort of groove. Other titles include "I Can Only Think Of You", "I Found A Love", "Maybe I'll Find Somebody New", "The Melody Of Life", and "The Joy". CD features bonus tracks – "The Joy (single version)" and "All This Love That I'm Givin (single version)"
Clyde McPhatter
Ta Ta! ... LP
, Early 60s. Very Good ...
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A great set from Clyde – quite different than his
work, but in a wonderful way! The album's arranged and conducted by Belford Hendricks, in a jumping early uptown soul kind of vein, similar to work on Mercury by Brook Benton, but with more of an R&B edge. The tracks are all relatively fresh numbers – and there's really not a spot of filler on the set. Clyde's vocals, as always, are sublime – and tracks include "What's Love To Me", "Not Me", "All About Love", "High School Social", "How Many Times", "Why Was I The One You Choose", and "Who's Worried Now".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Black label mono pressing with deep groove.)
Sergio Mendes
Magic ... CD
, 2014. Used ...
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Some of the freshest music we've heard from Sergio Mendes in years – a set that brings him back to the funky, soulful territory he explored in the late 70s, but with a very contemporary vibe! The album's still got plenty of Brazilian roots – thanks to appearances from Carlinhos Brown, Seu Jorge, Gracinha Leporace, Milton Nascimento, Ana Carolina, and others – but there's also a contemporary soul undercurrent too, with some sweet rhythm programming from Mika Mutti – who may well be the second star on the set. Things are never too smooth or commercial, yet hit with a sharp focus that's sure to have the record crossing over like some of Sergio's American classics for Elektra Records years back – and the record also features help from American artists who include Janelle Monae, John Legend, and Will I Am. Titles include "Simbora", "Samba De Roda", "Sou Eu", "Don't Say Goodbye", "Meu Rio", "Visions Of You", "
a", "One Nation", and "Hidden Waters".
Charles Mingus
Mingus Ah Um ... CD
, 1959. Used ...
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One of Charles Mingus' true classics – and an essential album in any jazz collection! This 1959 gem was recorded by Mingus at a key point in his career – when he was rising from the jazz underground into the ranks of America's elite jazzmen, penning some of the most challenging work of his career, and working with incredible younger players that interpreted his work with a great deal of fire! The tracks are a bit more tightly arranged than work on some of Mingus' previous work for labels like
and Bethlehem, but that also gives them a razor-sharp emotional edge that's carried off perfectly by players who include John Handy and Shafi Hadi on alto saxes, Booker Ervin on tenor, Willie Dennis and Jimmy Knepper on trombones, Horace Parlan on piano, and Dannie Richmond on drums. The album is filled with key Mingus classics – like "Better Git It In Your Soul", "Boogie Stop Shuffle", "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", and "Fables of Faubus" – plus "Self Portrait In Three Colors", "Open Letter To Duke", and "Bird Call".
(Columbia Jazz Masters pressing.)
Charles Mingus
Mingus Ah Um (180 gram pressing) ... LP
, 1959. New Copy (reissue)...
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One of Charles Mingus' true classics – and an essential album in any jazz collection! This 1959 gem was recorded by Mingus at a key point in his career – when he was rising from the jazz underground into the ranks of America's elite jazzmen, penning some of the most challenging work of his career, and working with incredible younger players that interpreted his work with a great deal of fire! The tracks are a bit more tightly arranged than work on some of Mingus' previous work for labels like
and Bethlehem, but that also gives them a razor-sharp emotional edge that's carried off perfectly by players who include John Handy and Shafi Hadi on alto saxes, Booker Ervin on tenor, Willie Dennis and Jimmy Knepper on trombones, Horace Parlan on piano, and Dannie Richmond on drums. The album is filled with key Mingus classics – like "Better Git It In Your Soul", "Boogie Stop Shuffle", "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", and "Fables of Faubus" – plus "Self Portrait In Three Colors", "Open Letter To Duke", and "Bird Call".
LP, Vinyl record album
Charles Mingus
Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus ... LP
, 1963. Very Good- Gatefold ...
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The title's exploding with Mingus, and the album is too – a completely classic effort for Impulse Records that's easily one of Charles' best of the 60s! Things are reigned in somewhat from the Mingus years at
or Candid, but the sound is still great – almost more focused than before – with a sense of all the best qualities that Charles was finding in his music, laid out back to back in near-perfect formation! The group's full of great players – with reeds from Eric Dollphy, Booker Ervin, and Jerome Richardson – all of whom really contribute some deep tones to the album – and Jaki Byard's on piano, making one of his key Mingus appearances of the 60s. Titles include the massive "Better Get Hit In Yo' Soul" (the virtual Mingus "trademark" tune), plus the tracks "Celia", "Hora Decubitus", and "II B.S.".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Orange & black label mono pressing, with Van Gelder stamp. Cover has some residue.)
Charles Mingus
Mingus Plays Piano – Spontaneous Compositions & Improvisations ... LP
Superior Viaduct
, 1963. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)...
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A surprisingly enchanting album of piano work from Charles Mingus – one of a few he cut on the instrument, and quite different than his regular work on bass! Unlike the bold, angry role that Mingus would take on as a leader, the approach here is very personal and introspective – long "spontaneous compositions" that are improvised over the course of the solo session, but still with a mix of complexity that shows all his previous talents in place, but in a completely different way. The vibe is even different than Charles' previous piano album on
– Oh Yeah – and the addition of a few evergreens as vehicles for similar sorts of improvisation also ties the record back to older jazz history as well. Wonderful all the way through, even if very different than any other Mingus album you can own – and with titles that include "Roland Kirk's Message", "She's Just Miss Popular Hybrid", "Meditations For Moses", and "Old Portrait".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Great pressing – with excellent vinyl and a very heavy cover – almost like owning an original!)
Charles Mingus
Tijuana Moods (70s pressing) ... LP
, 1957/
1962. Near Mint- ...
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Oh how we love this album – and we think it may well be the best album ever from Charles Mingus! The set was recorded in that magical Mingus year of 1957, but oddly not released until 1962 – missing some of the initial frenzy of his discovery during the
and Columbia years. But the album's actually a treasure that predates the better-known latter sides – with a sharpness and intensity that Mingus hardly ever matched again! The group is one of his strongest ever – with Shafi Hadi on alto, Clarence Shaw on trumpet, Jimmy Knepper on trombone, and Bill Triglia on piano. There's a slight Latin vibe, as you might expect from the title – but it's very slight overall, and most of the tunes are in that sharply angular, fully expressive style that flowered most strongly for Mingus in the late 50s. There's not a wasted moment of music on the whole album – with tight solos and incredible rhythms that dominate every second of the extended tracks – and titles include "Dizzy Moods", "Flamingo", "Los Mariachis", "Ysabel's Tabel Dance", and "Tijuana Gift Shop".
LP, Vinyl record album
Modern Jazz Quartet
Space ... LP
, Late 60s. Near Mint- Gatefold ...
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Beautifully spacey work from the Modern Jazz Quartet – a record that more than earns its enigmatic title! The session's an odd one – in that the MJQ are recording for the Beatles' famous Apple label – but that fact is also one of the best aspects of the record, as it seems to push the group past the staid third stream sound of some of their 60s recordings for
, into territory that's a bit more experimental, and concerned with sound, colors, and texture. The album's got 2 incredible originals from John Lewis – "Visitor From Mars" and "Visitor From Venus" – plus the tracks "Dilemma" and "Adagio From Concierto De Aranjuez".
LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some gloss separation along the spine.)
Journey To The Centre Of The Eye ... LP
Bellaphon (Germany)
, 1971. Very Good- Gatefold ...
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A classic bit of mainstream prog from Nektar – a group who were a big part of the German underground of the early 70s, but who also managed to make some waves on this side of the
as well! Nektar aren't as full-on or focused as some of the prog acts who cracked the charts at the time, but they do have a tightness that rivals some of the best of the up-and-coming groups to secure a major label contract – particularly deft musicianship that really stands out in its complexity, at a level that might draw some comparisons with Gentle Giant – although probably not as arty or obtuse, given that these guys could be a bit more straightforward. The set's got some especially great mellotron next to other keyboards and guitar – and titles include "Countenance", "Death Of The Mind", "Pupil Of The Eye", "The Dream Nebula", and "Warp Oversight".
LP, Vinyl record album
Orchestra Baobab
Pirates Choice (180 gram pressing – with download) ... LP
World Circuit/
, 1982. New Copy 2LP ...
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Hardly a pirate album at all – and instead one of the first big global moments of fame for the mighty Orchestra Baobob – a Senegalese combo who'd really been honing their craft during the 70s! The album has the group working with all the soulful currents of their early work – and especially that inflection from Cuban styles that made some of the groups in Dakar so unique – a special trans-
handshake between the nations that really helped these guys take off once they got exposure on a record like this! Titles include "Coumba", "Utru Horas", "Werente Seringe", "Ray M'Bele", "Toumaranke", "Ngalam", and "La Rebellion".
LP, Vinyl record album
Winfield Parker
Mr Clean – Winfield Parker At Ru-Jac ... CD
, Mid 60s. New Copy ...
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A great run of recordings from Winfield Parker – a hell of a soul singer who should have been huge – at least given the quality of these stunning mid 60s recordings! Parker's a monster right from the start – and begins the set recording a few tracks as "Little Winfield Parker", but with a sound that's completely huge – much more of a deep soul vibe than you'd expect, given his roots in the mid-
– where Parker caught fire on the local scene from Philly down to Richmond with great tracks like this! Parker's got this raw vocal approach that's very much in the Wilson Pickett mode – set to grooves that often have a nice sort of jerk in the rhythms, which Winfield responds to by bursting out even more with a bold lead and a snap in his swing. This CD marks the first time any of these cuts have been properly reissued – all remastered, given great backing notes on Parker's story, and also featuring six bonus tracks that have never been issued before! Titles include "Funkey Party", "Mr Clean (parts 1 & 2)", "My Love For You", "One Of Those Mornings", "My Love", "Go Away Playgirl", "Sweet Little Girl", "I Love You Just The Same", "Rockin In The Barnyard", "When I'm Alone", and "Nothin".
Esther Phillips
Alone Again, Naturally ... LP
, 1972. New Copy (reissue)...
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One of the deepest soul sets from Esther Phillips' 70s years on Kudu Records – a set with some nicely gritty grooves and a surprisingly earthy feel at times – especially when compared to some of her other albums of the time! Backings are by James Brown's old reedman, Pee Wee Ellis – and although there's some of the usual Kudu electric funk in the mix, there's also some deeper soul elements too – a vibe that's often a bit laidback and open, almost more
Records at points – which is a mighty good fit for Esther's wonderful voice! As usual for Kudu, the players are an all-star lineup – one that includes Richard Tee on keyboards, George Benson on guitar, Maceo Parker on tenor, and Bernard Purdie and Billy Cobham on drums – and Don Sebesky's also on deck a bit, to sweeten a few tracks up with light strings. The album's got a great version of Bill Withers' "Use Me" that features a tasty break in the intro – and other titles include a great version of "Alone Again (Naturally)", plus the cuts "Let's Move & Groove", "Cherry Red", "Let Me In Your Life", and "You & Me Together".
LP, Vinyl record album
Esther Phillips
Black-Eyed Blues/
Capricorn Princess ... CD
Soul Brother (UK)
, 1973/
1976. New Copy ...
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A pair of 70s gems from Esther Phillips – back to back on a single CD! Black Eyed-Blues is one of Esther's strong winners for Kudu – a record that takes her soulful style of earlier years, and wraps it around some sly 70s funky arrangements! Ex-James Brown hornman Pee Wee Ellis arranged the album, and gave Esther a nice little dose of funk that really helped her groove – getting out of the sad bag of her
recordings, and sounding hipper than anyone would have expected! The record features the great slow funk groover "Black Eyed Blues" – and other tracks include "I've Only Known A Stranger", "You Could Have Had Me, Baby", and "Too Many Roads". CD also features the bonus track "Tangle In Your Lifeline", previously unissued! Capricorn Princess is a pretty amazing, and too long overlooked set from Esther Phillips – her final album for Kudu – and a beautiful mix of soaring soul sounds from one the most unique, emotionally-inflected soul vocalists of her era! Esther's in prime Kudu mode here – working with jazzy arrangements by David Matthews and Pee Wee Ellis, adding her unique, grit-inflected soul chanteuse vocals to a smoother mix of instrumentation that creates a perfect counterpoint that took her way past her earlier work! There's also a couple of really sweet disco skewed numbers that work incredibly well – with spacier bits of synth and a dancefloor soul bed of percussion and rhythms – and in general, the arrangements are pretty great from track-to-track! Players include Randy Brecker and Mike Brecker on trumpet and tenor sax, Bray Miles on synthesizer, Bobby Lyle on clavinet, Eric Gale on guitar, Joe Farrell on tenor sax and alto flute, percussionist Ralph MacDonald and other excellent name musicians and others bring a grand sweep and sweeter intimacy when the mood requires. Titles include "Magic's In The Air", "A Beautiful Friendship", "Boy, I Really Tied One On", "Higher & Higher", and "All The Way Down".
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