"American Baroque: Chamber Music And Beyond 1967-1971" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring The Merry-Go-Round (with Emitt Rhodes), Montage (with Michael Brown of The Left Banke), The Stone Poneys (with Linda Ronstadt), The Association, H.P. Lovecraft, Nico, The Monkees, Bonnie Dobson, Nora Guthrie, The Fun & Games, The Common People, Steve Martin (of The Left Banke), Rosebud with Judy Henske, Jerry Yester and Craig Doerge, The Pleasure Fair, John Randolph Marr, Blades of Grass and more (31 January 2025 UK Ace Records CD Compilation of Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/American-Baroque-Chamber-Beyond-1967-1971/dp/B0DPJ9KTKN?crid=1K49FSSCN5II9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hLJmS61SSIHnMLK0V-vAaA.mebzYqV7OCqNcQGn43P_4bdU1WDVHjJbBuia8k9eBec&dib_tag=se&keywords=029667112321&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1736351561&sprefix=029667112321%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=1b18f415f677c00dc2d4190b288d9055&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

RATINGS: 

Overall ****

Audio ****

Presentation *****

"…Satin Slipper…"

American Baroque, Chamber Music and even its side-dishes like 60ts and 70ts Pastoral Folk, Sunshine Pop and Operatic Rock have been done before by Rhino, Sundazed and Ace Records of the UK (four such Ace CD comps are advertised on the rear inlay beneath the see-through disc tray inside – see list below). 

All Harpsichords, Cellos, Woodwinds, layered lush Harmony Vocals and talk of getting it together man with your fellow (well) man – means that some of these entries in late January 2025 could be considered ever so slightly naff. This is a world between 1967 and 1971 where bands were called The Blades Of Grass, Eternity's Children, The Pleasure Fair and The Neon Philharmonic - and mushrooms were not being used for Soup during November (or any other month). But a great reissue label like Ace and compiler Bob Stanley beg to alter our preconceived notions (at the doors of perception you understand) – and on second and a third listen – these men of virtually no potbellies, tasteful hairpieces and Mensa type wisdom have more than a point. 

There is some fantastic stuff on here – names you may not know granted - but still 71:08 minutes and 24-slices of inventive arrangements and complex harmonies that swirl and swoop and impress – and on occasion – even move. Much to discuss, to the Merry-Go-Round details…

UK released Friday, 31 January 2025 - "American Baroque: Chamber Music And Beyond 1967-1971" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records CDTOP 1657 (Barcode 029667112321) is a 24-Track CD Compilation of Remasters that plays out as follows (71:08 minutes):

1. You're A Very Lovely Woman – THE MERRY-GO-ROUND (from the October 1967 US LP "You're A Very Lovely Woman" on A&M Records SP 4132 in STEREO – band featured Emitt Rhodes (later solo career), Bill Reinhart of The Leaves and Joel Larson of The Grass Roots)

2. I Shall Call Her Mary – MONTAGE (April 1968, US 45-single on Laurie LR 3438, A-side – includes Michael Brown of The Left Banke)

3. Raggedy Ann – JOHN RANDOLPH MARR (from the March 1970 US LP "John Randolph Marr" on Warner Bros/Seven Arts WS 1844 in STEREO – once a Guitarist with the Louis Prima band – Produced by Nilsson House Productions)

4. Tulu Rogers – APPALOOSA (from the July 1969 US LP "Appaloosa" on Columbia CS 9819 in STEREO – featuring John Compton)

5. Turnaway – THE PLEASURE FAIR (from the October 1967 US Debut LP "The Pleasure Fair" on Uni Records 73009 in STEREO – songs arranged and produced by David Gates of Bread)

6. Different Drum – STONE PONEYS featuring LINDA RONSTADT (September 1967, US 45-single on Capitol 2004, A-side – a Mike Nesmith song (of The Monkeys) featuring Don Randi on Harpsichord)

7. Emily's Illness – NORA GUTHRIE (November 1967, US 45-single on Mercury 72753, A-side – Nora is Woody Guthrie's Daughter and Arlo Guthrie's Sister – for the B-side "Home Before Dark" – see Track 21)

8. Barefoot Gentleman – THE ASSOCIATION (from the March 1968 US LP "The Association's Birthday" on Warner Bros/Seven Arts WS 1733 in Stereo – A Jerry Yester and Skip Camel song – Jerry Yester would be in Rosebud with Judy Henske – see Track 24)

9. Land Of Sensations & Delights – J.K. & Co. (from the July 1968 US LP "Suddenly One Summer" on White Whale WWS 7117 in STEREO – J.K. is John Kaye of Nuggets fame)

10. Blue Jack Of Diamonds – H.P. LOVECRAFT (from their September 1968 second LP "H.P. Lovecraft II" on Philips PHS-600-279 in STEREO)

11. Time – BONNIE DOBSON (from the August 1969 US Debut LP "Bonnie Dobson" on RCA Victor LSP-4219 in STEREO)

12. Satin Slipper – THE BLADES OF GRASS (from the November 1967 US Debut LP "The Blades Of Grass Are Not For Smoking" on Jubilee JGS 8007 in STEREO)

13. My Silent Symphony – CHRIS and PETER ALLEN (from the April 1968 US LP "Album Number 1" on Mercury SR-61166 in STEREO – Chris Bell and Peter Allen)

14. Mr. Webster – THE MONKEES (from the January 1990 US CD Compilation "Missing Links Volume 2" on Rhino R2 70903 – Barcode 081227090326 – an earlier 1967 outtake from the "Headquarters" LP sessions featuring Harpsichord and Oboe abandoned for a re-record)

15. Again Again - ETERNITY'S CHILDREN (from the April 1968 US Debut LP "Eternity's Children" on Tower Records ST-5123 in STEREO)

16. My Plan – RUSS GIGUERE (from the April 1971 US LP "Hexagram 16" on Warner Bros WS 1910 in STEREO – ex The Association – track features Vocals by Jerry Yester also ex The Association and partner with vocalist Judy Henske of Rosebud (see Track 24))

17. The Fairest Of The Seasons – NICO (from the October 1967 US Debut Solo LP "Chelsea Girl" on Verve V6-5032 in STEREO – song written by Gregory Copeland and Jackson Browne – band features The Velvet Underground – Lou Reed, John Cale and Stirling Morrison - with Jackson Browne also contributing Keyboards and Guitar before his first solo album of 1972)

18. Other Times – TOM NORTHCOTT (January 1968, US 45-single on Warner Bros 7160, B-side of "1941" – arranged by Leon Russell, Produced by Lenny Waronker and Leon Russell – A-side is a Harry Nilsson cover version - "Other Times" is a Northcott original)

19. You Lied – THE NEON PHILHARMONIC (from the January 1969 US Debut LP "The Neon Philharmonic" on Warner Bros/Seven Arts WS 1804 in STEREO)

20. Close To Carmel – THE FUN AND GAMES (from the December 1968 US Debut LP "Elephant Candy" on Uni Records 73042 in STEREO)

21. Home Before Dark – NORA GUTHRIE (November 1967, US 45-single on Mercury 72753, B-side of "Emily's Illness" – Nora is Woody Guthrie's Daughter and Arlo Guthrie's Sister – for the A-side – see Track 7)

22. I Have Been Alone – THE COMMON PEOPLE (from the August 1969 US Debut LP "Of The People / By The People / For The People by The Common People" on Capitol ST-266 in STEREO – Arranged and Produced by George Hudson Manager of The Seeds and The Lollipop Shoppe)

23. Two By Two (I'm Losing You) – STEVE MARTIN (February 1971, US 45-single on Buddah BDA 219, A-side – Lead Singer with The Left Banke – one of two songs by Steve Martin and Left Banke band members featured in a movie called Hot Parts)

24. Lorelei – ROSEBUD (from the July 1971 US LP "Rosebud" on Reprise/Straight Records RS 6426 in STEREO – featuring Jerry Yester and Judy Henske – also included Craig Doerge on Vocals and Keyboards – longtime collaborator with Jackson Browne)

NOTES: All Tracks in STEREO except Tracks 7, 12, 18, 21 and 23 in MONO

Once again long-time associate to Ace Records – compiler BOB STANLEY – has gone deep and wide for the listen. The visuals are a feast too. Paragraphs on each artist are accompanied by tasty Stereo LP sleeves, rare US 45-single labels, trade advert and more. Page 2 (for instance) of the stuffed-to-the-gunnels 20-page booklet is a montage of four US album sleeves from Bonnie Dobson, J.K. & Co, Appaloosa and The Pleasure Fair – titles that are not exactly growing on UK trees no matter how enlightened the shire might be. That Linda Ronstadt was the Lead Singer for The Stone Poneys and that Nico is accompanied by The Velvet Underground is obvious detail for most of us - but that John Kaye of Nuggets 2LP fame is the J and K in J.K. & Co or that Steve Martin is not the famous comedian or actor - but the singer with The Left Banke is cool revelation. Uber-experienced Audio Engineer DUNCAN COWELL had handled the transfers and all is tickety-boo – nice too to hear all that Sixties Stereo that gives the harmonies such extra oomph. To the tunes…

While the Emitt Rhodes led Merry-Go-Round track "You're A Very Lovely Woman" is a very pretty opener – it is roundly trounced on the melody front by Montage and their "I Shall Call Her Mary" – a truly gorgeous tune aided by Michael Brown of The Left Banke. I recall seeing the John Randolph Marr US LP when I worked at Reckless Records Rarities in Soho resplendent in its Seven Arts label design from Warner Brothers with that interesting Nilsson House Productions credit on the rear. But Jan and Dean painted cover or not - "John Randolph Marr" never sold probably because no one knew what this 1970 US obscurity sounded like and to be honest-  Nilsson albums interested very few punters back in the Nineties vinyl comeback years. But his "Raggedy Ann" utilises cello strings vs. chamber music arrangements rather beautifully and is an astute inclusion.

John Compton of Appaloosa sings of a lady in love with Sebastian Bach – more plucked strings and Dylan-deep reams of lyrics – another good offering. So clever arrangements for The Pleasure Fair as they go all Mamas and Papas with a Harpsichord on their truly lovely "Turnaway". Time for an actual hit – Linda Ronstadt dominating The Stone Poneys and their classy and still fresh-sounding "Different Drum" (written by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees). Woody Guthrie's Daughter and Arlo Guthrie's Sister – a US Trade review once described Nora Guthrie and her seriously unsettling Nov 1967 45 "Emily's Illness" as a "…touching plaintive ballad…" – and if you want drug addiction, suicide, self-mutilation and societal duplicity all wrapped up in the lyrics then I suppose you're belly-aching all the way. With words that are frankly brutal and done in an unnerving coquettish chanteuse kind of a way (no doubt on purpose) – it is brilliant, timely and a genius inclusion even if I never want to hear its horror story ever again (nice one Nora). The rather fay B-side that ends the comp is more Vashti Bunyan than Lou Reed in a temper.

So much part of the Baroque and Chamber Music scene – The Association and their fourth album "…Birthday" contains the rapturous "Come On In" (I have it on a Rhino CD) – Bob Stanley arguing that it's a God-like 60ts melody and I completely concur (shame it isn't on here actually). So big shoes for their "Barefoot Gentleman" (from the same 1968 album) to live up to and it just about does. Layer after layer of vocals arranged into speaker separation for maximum effect are pumped up by an almost Phil Spector Wall of Sound rhythm section – but make no mistake - parts of "Barefoot Gentleman" are as sublime as The Mamas & The Papas at their best or The Beach Boys tapping into Brian Wilson melodic genius. Slowing down to things outside your mind (and such wonderful sights) – "Land Of Sensations & Delights" by J.K. & Co. (John Kaye of Nuggets fame and his pals) tell us of a land that is cleaner. It has tree-filled mountains and virgin snow peaks as the Harpsichord and Piano combine (very hippie man, but very nice too). 

Chronicling an obsessively fussy teller they saw in a Hollywood Bank they frequented, The Monkees version of "Mr. Webster" offered up here dates from the summer of 1967 during the sessions for the "Headquarters" LP. It has Oboe and Harpsichord predominating - but when they decided to re-record using their own players and instruments – it got left in the can as an outtake until Rhino included it as one of four Bonus Tracks on the January 1990 CD compilation "Missing Links Volume Two" (also issued in the EU/UK on Rhino 0630 14930-2 – Barcode 706301493021). That compilation is long-since deleted (pricy too) so a smart inclusion here by Ace. Formerly known as a Folk group called The Phantoms out of Cleveland, Mississippi – a relocation to California in the mid Sixties saw them add singer Linda Lawley and reinvent themselves as the Sunshine-Psych-Baroque four-piece ensemble Eternity's Birthday – their self-titled debut of 1968 considered a classic (hence the near £200-ish price tags for either Mono or Stereo LP). Produced by genre champions Keith Olsen and Curt Boettcher (groups like Sagittarius, The Millenium, Summer's Children, The Ballroom and The GoldeBriars) – "American Baroque: Chamber Music And Beyond 1967-1971" offers us the Side 1 opener "Again Again" (off the Stereo LP) written by Bob Tinker. And what a strange little brute it is. Stanley describes the song in his notes as uneasy – an apt description and aurally – you can so hear why Psych and Chamber Music nutters want the whole platter- never mind a lonesome entry like this one. 

Of the three songs renowned singer-songwriter Jackson Browne contributed to the Nico debut solo album "Chelsea Girl" of October 1967 on Verve Records (it followed on from "The Velvet Underground & Nico" ground-breaker album in late 1966) – Ace have chosen the opener for Side 1 "The Fairest Of The Seasons" (her album also includes his own 1972 debut LP classic "These Days" which has been covered by loads of artists after Nico). Her band mates from The Velvets (Lou Reed, John Cale and Sterling Morrison) are on their too – the whole album vibe a very Pastoral, Baroque, Chamber Music, Folk Chanteuse affair – her deep German droning vocals fitting right in. Info-wise: Jackson Browne's co-writer on "The Fairest Of The Seasons" song was Greg Copeland who would have to wait for his own solo album "Revenge Will Come Back" in 1982 on Geffen Records which JB produced - 10 years after Jackson had his solo debut in 1972 on Asylum Records – a label David Geffen started and owned (what a web). Canadian Folkie Tom Northcott signed to Warner Brothers as a possible next big thing – the 45-single "1941" being one of two Harry Nilsson covers he did – the other being "Rainmaker". Ace has chosen the Harpsichord and backwards sound effects B-side of "1941" - Tom's own "Other Road" where his vocal style could even be mistaken for a woman or a Monkee with a clamp on his nuts (nice). 

For its first two-minutes-ish of its 3:25 minutes playing time – The Neon Harmonic (Keyboardist Tupper Saussy and Singer Don Gant) give us the brilliantly orchestrated Operatic Rock of "You Lied" – a melodramatic over-the-top Scott Walker-esque pleader complete with oodles of earnest strings interlocked with Piano and Harpsichord. But about 1:50 minutes in – the style veers off into dead stop – then a melodic flourish – then a wildly experimental fast-paced Psych finish that sounds like an embryonic Hawkwind (maybe they sent an Acetate to England). What a trip baby and a fab inclusion! Ace even located a Neon Philharmonic poster (along with a H.P. Lovecraft one) that are so rare – Page 17 for NH. Speaking of discoveries – Track 23 gives us Steve Martin – no not the comedian and film star – but the Vocalist with The Left Banke. His "Two By Two (I'm Losing You)" was apparently recorded for a 1971 movie called Hot Parts which featured Andy Warhol ward Ultra Violet. It was a Left Banke recording as the band had reformed and settled differences but for some reason was issued as the A-side of a Steve Martin solo single on Buddah Records BDA 219 which of course sank without a trace despite its gorgeous melodic strength. Sounding like a vocal cross between Emitt Rhodes of The Merry-Go-Round meets Colin Blunstone of The Zombies meets Chris Bell of Big Star – it should have caught a break on some plug list somewhere – but apparently not in a very busy 1971 schedule (the label is pictured on Page 8). 
It races to the end with The Common People and their plaintive "I Have Been Alone" – a 1969 Capitol LP that will put you back over £150. In a I may need to get out more tidbit: The Common People album was produced and arranged by the eccentric George Hudson – aka Lord Tim Hudson – one time Manager of The Seeds and The Lollipop Shoppe - but who was also one of the bird voices in Disney's The Jungle Book where George Sanders (as Sheer Khan) serenades Mowgli with 'That's What Friends Are For'. Nora Guthrie shows again with the B-side of rack 7 and Jerry Yester with former floor-stomper singer Judy Henske as the band Rosebud also do plaintive with the lovely but slightly underwhelming "Lorelei". 

As I said earlier – such a compilation (and one that is so genre-specific) – is an acquired taste – but I was shocked and pleased and more importantly – made some lovely discoveries – something that is hard to day in these CD saturation days. And for this old codger indeed Grateful that he isn't Dead – these trailblazers can come to my chamber any day of the week. 

Now let me get those Satin Slippers and commune with nature (wee-wee on a tree in the back garden as I badmouth younger neighbours). Recommended…

Other Titles of Interest by Ace Records 

On the Baroque, Chamber Music and Sunshine Pop Sound

Of The 60ts and 70ts

1. Happy Lovin' Time: Sunshine Pop From The Garpax Vaults
29 June 2015 UK CD on Ace/Big Beat CDWIKD 328 (Barcode 029667432825) – 24 Tracks

2. Tea And Symphony: The English Baroque Sound 1968-1974 
31 January 2020 UK CD on Ace CDCHD 1562 (Barcode 029667096928) – 22 Tracks
31 January 2020 UK 2LPs on Ace XXQLP2 064 (Barcode 029667000864) – 23 Tracks (One Bonus)

3. Trip On Me: Soft Psych & Sunshine 1966-1969
30 September 2020 UK CD on Ace/Big Beat CDWIKD 351 (Barcode 029667105927) – 24 Tracks

4. London A To Z: 1962 to 1973
29 September 2023 UK CD on Ace CDTOP 1638 (Barcode 029667109024) – 24 Tracks

"You Got Me Hooked! More Marylebone Beat Girls" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring 26 x UK 45-Single Tracks from 1963 to 1969 in Mono (23) and Stereo (3) by Helen Shapiro, Alma Colgan, Vashti (Bunyan), Friday Browne, Glenda Collins, Valerie Mitchell, The Three Bells, Cilla Black, Elkie Brooks, The Soul Mates and The Jet Set featuring Liza Strike, Jackie Lee, Ottilie Patterson Accompanied By Sonny Boy Williamson, Tiffany, Millicent Martin, Barbara Ruskin, Jane Hillary and more (31 January 2025 UK Ace Records CD Compilation of 26 Tracks (14 New to CD) Remastered by Nick Robbins – Eleventh Release in their 'Beat Girls' Series) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hooked-More-Marylebone-Beat-Girls/dp/B0DPJ3KH8B?crid=JMHDCI7FNS41&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Sxu5huREz5Oes3wxzOqYTkMWNwNjwF1pzaHi6Wo-zcRRvP5YnwdxiHLh6BdQXV4jK9QiJLYNMBiVPDNQitr7f4bnzdKivjQZfLFn---jxS7o_i2PtlzR1zsyYrHfam4IUDcX1eJvTZjwAysvvhS1l2FYSolZ3dogaOy_FAhB1BIOCHRG7_r7cpa26Bvod7h4TrPm6R_idWajRdAiE-oFiIMAciNDlAIvIsARNyyR9UE.8xvwaIMSfVe1Hd30ZTLBzoydcYBe3kzas2lBbq0Kxmo&dib_tag=se&keywords=you+got+me+hooked%21&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1736176964&sprefix=you+got+me+hooked+%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=3758590ce6579492a52f80e6728aa9cb&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

RATINGS: 

Overall ****

Audio ****

Presentation *****

"…Cry No More…"

To look at this January 2025 UK CD smooching your New Year retinas with knowing saucy winks – you would not credit it with being release number eleven in Ace's ongoing series for 60t's trailblazing women - Beat Girls. 

In fact - "You Got Me Hooked! More Marylebone Beat Girls" is a second-volume follow-up to its well-reviewed predecessor "Marylebone Beat Girls 1964-1967" from June 2017 – a whopping seven years after that quietly joyful event (see full list of Beat Girls releases below). Of course, with a compilation listen like this - you do have to love Sixties Mono Singles (only three are in Stereo) and the constant angst/purring of beehive babes who may or may not know how to woo innocent Mutts and Jeffs. 

Many of the 60ts lady heroes (sung and unsung) are here – the ground-breakers like in-demand session Vocalist Liza Strike, eventual Tyne Tees TV Presenter Friday Browne whose 45 is sought-after and not just for John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page on the B-side, chanteuse Elkie Brooks before her teaming up with Robert Palmer in Vinegar Joe and then a huge solo career to this day, Just Another Diamond Day folk darling Vashti Bunyan, sexpot sister Valerie Mitchell (her sibling was Janie Jones of The Clash fame – check out their ample-assets photo on Page 14), Irish Blues nut Ottilie Patterson teaming up with visiting Chess Records legend Sonny Boy Williamson in 1964 to do a Big Joe Williams cover and of course that genre ground-breaker from up North - Cilla Black (gorgeous colour snap of Lorra-Lorra on the rear page of the chock-a-block booklet – Vashti Bunyan graces the front sleeve colour shot – new from her archive). The Black and White photos that follow each entry too are enough to make you teary-eyed – doing it back in the day when talent plus cahonies was genuinely out there for any young woman.

Marylebone was/is an area in London within earshot of Abbey Road Studios where many of these young EMI hopefuls were recorded – Columbia, Parlophone and HMV Records being the bulk of these UK 45-single releases. Amassing the Discography however for these 26 sides (14 new to CD) - it is noticeable that many entries are rated at 5 or 6 good - rather than 7, 8, 9 or 10 great – so some caution is advised for newcomers (hence the 4-star rating despite exceptional presentation). 

But once again the NICK ROBBINS Audio is as pucker as you would expect from an Audio Engineer who must be one of the most experienced in England - and the IAN CHAPMAN and MICK PATRICK liner notes of 24-pages seriously needs to be put up for some kind of writing award – page after dedicated page of superlative in-depth researched detail collectors will love. To the go-getter backcombed gals of yesteryear – damsels who were not distressed but determined to damn the torpedoes no matter what cardigans said - to the details…

UK released Friday, 31 January 2025 - "You Got Me Hooked! More Marylebone Beat Girls" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 1652 (Barcode 029667112222) is a 26-Track CD-only Compilation of Remasters from 1963 to 1969 including 14 Tracks New to CD. It is the eleventh release in their Beat Girls Series (see full list below) and plays out as follows (65:35 minutes):

1.Snakes And Snails – ALMA COGAN (July 1965, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 7652, A-side – written by Chris Curtis of The Searchers – features John Paul Jones on Bass and Jimmy Page on Guitar)

2. I'm Going Out (The Same Way I Came In) – HELEN SHAPIRO (1967 recording first issued on the February 1998 UK CD compilation "At Abbey Road 1961 to 1967" on EMI 493 4522 (Barcode 724349345225) – a Lesley Gore cover version)

3. Don't Let It Rain – KATHY KISSOON [aka Peanut] (January 1969, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 8525 in STEREO, A-side – written by John Peel and S. Roberton – became the Charting Duo Mac And Katie Kissoon in the Seventies – thereafter Katie Kissoon became a hugely popular Backing Vocalist for big names like Van Morrison, Roger Waters, Robbie Williams, George Harrison and many more) – see also Track 20 – the B-side

4. Too Late To Say You're Sorry – THE SOUL MATES (September 1965, UK 45-songle on Parlophone R 5334, A-side – featuring singer Liza Strike – song written by Brian Henderson) – for LIZA STRIKE see also Tracks 10 and 25

5. Getting Nowhere – FRIDAY BROWNE (January 1966, UK 45-single on Parlophone R 5396, A-side – her real name is Maran Stockley – song written by Graham Gouldman later of 10cc – B-side (Track 24) "And (To Me He Meant Everything)" is sought after by collectors because it features Jimmy Page on Guitar pre-Led Zeppelin) – see also Track 24

6. The Town I Live In – JACKIE LEE (November 1966, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 8052, A-side – Mike Leander Arrangements) – see also Track 12 as EMMA REID

7. From Now On – CILLA BLACK (November 1967, UK 45-single on Parlophone R 5652 in STEREO, B-side of "I Only Live To Love You" – both sides Produced by George Martin)

8. Cry No More – THE THREE BELLS (August 1966, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 7980, A-side – three sisters, Sue, Carole and Jean Bell from Liverpool - song written by Bert Berns and Jerry Ragovoy and first issued by Ben E. King) – see also Track 15

9. He's Gotta Love Me – ELKIE BROOKS (June 1965, HMV POP 1431, A-side – written by Kenny Lynch and Jerry Ragovoy – later joined Vinegar Joe with Singer Robert Palmer) – see also Track 14

10. How Can I Know – LIZA & THE JET SET (September 1965, UK 45-single on Parlophone R 5248, B-side of "Dancing Yet" – song written by Brian Henderson) – see also Tracks 4 with The Soul Mates and Track 25 as The Jet Set

11. You Can Go – VALERIE MITCHELL (May 1966, UK 45-single on HMV POP 1529, A-side – written by Sidney Gilbert – sister of Marion Mitchell aka Janie Jones made famous (infamous) by The Clash song on their debut album)

12. Just Like A Man – EMMA REDE [aka Jackie Lee, see Track 6] (February 1967, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 8136, A-side – written by Les Reed and Barry Mason)

13. Baby It Hurts – GLENDA COLLINS (April 1964, UK 45-single on HMV POP 1283, A-side – written by Billy Page – both A&B-sides are R.G.M. Sound which was Joe Meek – B-side "Nice Wasn't It" also written by Joe Meek)

14. Stop The Music – ELKIE BROOKS (February 1966, UK 45-single on HMV POP 1512, B-side of "Baby Let Me Love You") see also Track 9

15. He Doesn't Love Me – THE THREE BELLS (October 1964, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 7399, B-side of "Softly In The Night" – three sisters, Sue, Carole and Jean Bell from Liverpool - song written by Mike Hawker and Ivor Raymonde and covered earlier in the year by The Breakaways on their March 1964 UK 45 as the A-side of Pye 7N 15618) – see also Track 8

16. I Know – TIFFANY (July 1965, UK 45-single on Parlophone R 5311, B-side of "Am I Dreaming" – real name Irene Green, ex Liverbirds – song is a Susan George cover version)

17. Baby Please Don't Go – OTTILIE PATTERSON Accompanied By SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON (February 1964, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 7208, A-side – a Big Joe Williams cover version, Irish Born singer and Blues enthusiast Ottilie sings Lead Vocals while Blues Legend Sonny Boy Williamson also provides Harmonica – arranged and conducted by Ivor Raymonde)

18. Get Lost My Love – MILLICENT MARTIN (June 1963, UK 45-single on Parlophone R 5033, B-side of "Gravy Waltz")

19. Take Me Away – JANE HILLARY (May 1966, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 7918, B-side of "You've Got That Hold On Me" – Produced and Written by Don Charles and Peter Lee Sterling aka Don And Pete who had released one UK single "And I'm Crying Again" on Columbia DB 7881 in April 1966 – Jane Hillary is Brenda Hill of The Ravons who appeared on Opportunity Knocks in 1965)

20. Will I Never See The Sun – KATHY KISSOON (January 1969, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 8525 in STEREO, B-side of "Don't Let It Rain" - became the Charting Duo Mac And Katie Kissoon in the Seventies – thereafter Katie Kissoon became a hugely popular Backing Vocalist for big names like Van Morrison, Roger Waters, Robbie Williams, George Harrison and many more) – see also Track 3 – the A-side

21. Come In To My Arms Again – BARBARA RUSKIN (October 1967, UK 45-single on Parlophone R 5642, A-side – written by Barbara Ruskin – was later covered in the USA by The Vogues for their July 1970 45-single as the B-side of their 50ts Medley song on Reprise 0931)

22. Train Song – VASHTI (May 1966, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 7917, A-side – real name Vashti Bunyan) – for its B-side "Love Song" see also Track 26

23. You Kissed Me Boy – LESLEY DUNCAN (February 1964, UK 45-single on Parlophone R 5106, A-side – written by Lesley Duncan and Jimmy Duncan)

24. And (To Me He Meant Everything) – FRIDAY BROWNE (January 1966, UK 45-single on Parlophone R 5396, B-side of "Getting Nowhere" (see Track 5) – her real name is Maran Stockley – "And (To Me He Meant Everything)" is sought after by collectors because it features Jimmy Page on Guitar pre-Led Zeppelin) – for Friday Browne see also Track 5

25. You Got Me Hooked – THE JET SET (November 1964, Parlophone R 5199, A-side – The Jet set featuring Lead Vocalist and Session Singer Liza Strike – see also Track 4 by The Soulmates and Track 10 by Liza & The Jet Set

26. Love Song – VASHTI (May 1966, UK 45-single on Columbia DB 7917, A-side – real name Vashti Bunyan) – for its A-side "Train Song" see also Track 22

NOTES: All Tracks in MONO except Tracks 3, 7 and 20 in STEREO

The listen stretches through a surprising number of flipsides - from the cool kitsch of June 1963 (Millicent Martin) through to January 1969 (Katie Kissoon) – but mostly concentrates on the mid-years inbetween. Clever-inclusions come in the shape of the sought-after Millicent Martin B-side from 1963 "Get Lost My Love" on Parlophone – later to become globally famous as a version of the brassy theme song used in The Austin Powers Movie – an almost vaudeville nugget that offset the terrible "Gravy Waltz" A-side. Working with The Yardbirds as he toured England and Europe – Chess Records giant Sonny Boy Williamson was boozed and schmoozed by the young men and ladies of Blighty – enjoying a renaissance not afforded in his native land. Northern Ireland vocal belter Ottilie Patterson (County Down) lets rip with her Bessie Smith growl and purr on the Big Joe Williams classic "Baby Please Don't Go" – her fantastic pairing producing a winner. Another Six Counties genius Van Morrison would also tackle this gem with Them on Decca a few years later – but you have to say that the liner notes are right to claim that Ottilie was a firebrand singer now overlooked – smart stuff to put the track on here. 

A definite move forward in sound and feel and back when she was called Kathy – Katie Kissoon gets all melodrama Soulful with her fab 1969 B-side "Will I Never See The Sun" – great stuff and one Mods and Northern Soul fans will dig. Speaking of Soulful girlies – Barbara Ruskin belts out her own "Come In To My Arms Again" in a very Phil Spector Ronettes fashion – all Wall of Sound melodrama over-produced (on purpose) by Jack MacLeod. The sheet music to the Lesley Duncan song "You Kissed Me Boy" appears on Page 3 – a pretty song at best - but LD would go on to write so much better stuff in the Seventies – see my review for the 2CD anthology "Sing Lesley Sing: The RCA and CBS Recordings 1968-1972" on RMP Records from June 2017. Fantastic is the only way to describe the slink of Liza Strike as she vocally elevates the title track "You Got Me Hooked". Soft and mellow and pretty does it as all five foot eight and half-inches tall (her EMI bio) Vashti Bunyan (then trading as Vashti) travels North for her "Train Song" – longing for her man on a British Rail rustbucket in that ever-so-slightly fay whispered vocal of hers - the equally lovely blue-eyed B-side "Love Song" (Track 26) ends the compilation in a perhaps too mellow manner (but collectors will love their inclusion).

I often find the idea of these compilations better than the actual listen – but "You Got Me Hooked! More Marylebone Beat Girls" achieves that double-whammy that Ace Records does so well – a surprising and uplifting tinkle on the memory glands whilst at the same time satisfying the lust of collectors for rarities on Remastered Digital. 

Well done to the good chaps praising ground-breaking ladies – admirable and fun. And as I eye the black and white promo photos of a Five Point Cut Helen Shapiro on Page 5 or the gorgeous Updo Styled Katie Kissoon on Page 6 or even a brooding Bob Bouffant Millicent Martin on Page 18 – I think of their classiness and the sheer hutzpah they had to take on such a male dominated world. 

I'm Going Out (The Same Way I Came In) - Helen Shapiro and her fellow goers sang in the Sixties – yes you are and yes you did…recommended…

 Beat Girls Series from Ace Records of the UK

CDs and LPs Issued from March 2016 to January 2025

1. "Love Hit Me! Decca Beat Girls 1962-1970" (24 Tracks)
CD (24 Tracks):
Released 25 March 2016 on Ace Records CDCHD 1456 (Barcode 029667074629)
VINYL LP as "Love Hit Me! Decca Beat Girls 1963-1970" (12 Tracks, 180 Grams, Sunshine Yellow Coloured Vinyl)
Released 25 March 2016 on Ace Records XXQLP 041 (Barcode 029667004312)
 
2. "Scratch My Back! Pye Beat Girls 1963-1968" (24 Tracks, CD-only)
Released 29 April 2016 on Ace Records CDCHD 1472 (Barcode 029667075923)
 
3. "The Girls Want The Boys! Sweden's Beat Girls 1964-1970"
CD (24 Tracks):
Released 28 October 2016 on Ace Records CDTOP 1482 (Barcode 029667077224)
VINYL LP (12 Tracks, 180 Grams, White Coloured Vinyl LP)
Released 28 October 2016 on Ace Records XXQLP 048 (Barcode 029667005319)
 
4. "Marylebone Beat Girls 1964-1967"
CD (25 Tracks):
Released 30 June 2017 on Ace Records CDTOP 1492 (Barcode 029667078726)
VINYL LP (12 Tracks, 180 Grams Weight, Orange Coloured Vinyl):
Released 30 June 2017 on Ace Records XXQLP 050 (Barcode 029667005715)
 
5. "Beat Girls Español! 1960s She-Pop From Spain" (Torrelaguna Sound and Yé-Yé)
CD (25 Tracks):
Released 26 January 2018 on Ace Records CDTOP 1512 (Barcode 029667086325)
VINYL LP (14 Tracks, 180 Grams, White Coloured Vinyl LP)
Released 26 January 2018 on Ace Records XXQLP 053 (Barcode 029667007115)
 
6. "She Came From Hungary! 1960s Beat Girls From The Eastern Bloc"
CD (24 Tracks):
Released 25 September 2018 on Ace International CDTOP 1519 (Barcode 029667088329)
VINYL LP (14-Tracks, 180 Grams, Translucent Red Coloured Vinyl LP)
Released 25 September 2018 on Ace International XXQLP 054 (Barcode 029667007917)
 
7. "Live It Up! Bayswater Beat Girls 1964-1967" (25 Tracks, CD-only)
Released 30 August 2019 on Ace Records CDTOP 1550 (Barcode 029667095327)
 
8. "She Came From Liverpool! Merseybeat Girl-Pop 1962-1968" (24 Tracks, CD-only)
Released 29 November 2019 on Ace Records CDTOP 1561 (Barcode 029667096829)
 
9. "Don't Blow Your Cool! More 60s Girls From UK Decca" (24 Tracks, CD-only)
Released 29 May 2020 on Ace Records CDTOP 1568 (Barcode 029667097826)
 
10. "She Wants You! Pye Records' Feminine Side 1964-1970" (25 Tracks, CD-only)
Released 26 February 2021 on Ace Records CDTOP 1596 (Barcode 029667101028)
 
11. "You Got Me Hooked! More Marylebone Beat Girls" (25 Tracks, CD-only)
Released 31 January 2025 on Ace Records CDTOP 1652 (Barcode 029667112222)

"Right On! Vol. 3 More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Volume 3 of 5 – Featuring 18 Tracks from 1967 to 1974 by The Fabulous Counts, The Soul Survivors, David Newman, Phil Moore Jnr, Memphis Horns, Shirley Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire, Young-Holt Unlimited, The Beginning Of The End, Keith Jarrett, Richard Evans, Allen Toussaint (with The Meters), Little Richard, Claudia Lennear, Black Heat and more (June 2001 UK Warner/ESP CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Right-3/dp/B00005B9MO?crid=2WKHPX3604CUY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1mpH7gK0PEvVEzrd6Dx-mQ.BixcG-x3C1SGbg6MKUvIsTrnsMVeKQUOqF03ycUBBuk&dib_tag=se&keywords=095483920723&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1735924803&sprefix=095483920723%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=818fc32c254d43a17d43506dc4b82963&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"...Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky..."

Sometime in the late Nineties, the UK branch of Warner Brothers (or WEA to us in the know) seemed to suddenly get hip to the public's needs. And WEA did this at the exact moment they also sheepishly realised they'd an abundance of riches in their glorious back catalogue to meet those cravings.

I recall the 3 sets of "Funk Drops", 3 more for Northern Soul in "After Hours", 2 for Philly in "Crème De La Creme", more Soul, Funk and Gospel rarities in "You Better Believe It" - and on it went. 

Which brings us to here – the superlative "Right On!" series of compilations (on CD and 2LP VINYL Sets) that tapped the Funkier side of Jazz, Fusion and Rock albums issued on Atlantic, Atco, Cotillion, San Francisco, Reprise, Alston and of course Warner Bros between 1967 and 1975. So, September 1999 through to August 2004 saw Five Volumes of "Right On!" in all with a 4CD mop-up 'Box Set' in-between for Volumes 1 to 3 that contained a fourth Bonus Disc of 6 Rare Tracks. 

Suddenly, underground names held in collector awe like Eugene McDaniels, David Axelrod, David Newman, Funk Factory, Black Heat, Young-Holt Unlimited, Memphis Horns, Shirley Scott, The Beginning of The End, Claudia Lennear (lyrics from her song titles this review), Keith Jarrett and loads more got pride of place and new recognition. And much to the joy of collectors/album fetishists alike - the "Right On!" series was also backed up by 2LP VINYL sets, all of which boasted a lone Bonus Track over their CD counterpart (see Discography below).

Remastered and compiled with serious smarts by CHAS CHANDLER and STUART KIRKHAM (Comp Producer Florence Halfon) – these comps quickly became a way for cash-strapped fans and other genre-curious-types of getting rare and largely forgotten Funk and Soul for a decent price (I diligently pickled up each as they appeared). Frankly all five volumes are filled with Mr. Cool and still relatively cheap too in 2025 (at least the first three are) - so let's get busy with a highlight in the series - Door Number Three...to the details...

UK released 11 June 2001 - "Right On! Vol. 3 More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults" on Warner/ESP 9548392072 (Barcode 095483920723) is a 18-Track CD/19-Track 2LP compilation of Remasters that plays out as follows (71:33 minutes - CD):

1. Moment Of Pain – EARTH, WIND & FIRE (from the March 1971 US Debut LP "Earth, Wind & Fire" on Warner Brothers WS 1905)

2. Wah Wah Man – YOUNG-HOLT UNLIMITED (from their seventh album "Born Again" released October 1971 in the USA on Cotillion SD 18004 – featuring Bassist Eldee Young, Drummer Isaac "Redd" Holt with ex-Ramsey Lewis Keyboardists Bobby Lyle and Kenneth Chaney – Guests include Donny and Eulalah Hathaway on Backing Vocals) 

3. Goin' Down – ALLEN TOUSSAINT (from his second album "Life, Love And Faith" released July 1972 in the USA on Reprise Records MS 2060 – backing band is The Meters)

4. Jan Jan – THE FABULOUS COUNTS (from the August 1969 US Debut LP "Jan Jan" on Cotillion SD 9011 in Stereo – written by Keyboardist Mose Davis of the bands Moses (1978) and Free Spirit (2003) – The Fabulous Counts aka The Counts also included Guitarist Leroy Emmanuel)

5. Mama Soul – SOUL SURVIVORS (from their second studio album "Take Another Look" released January 1969 in the USA on Atco SD 33-277 in Stereo – while much of the album was produced by Gamble & Huff - this song was Produced by Rick Hall of Fame Studios, the Muscle Shoals Southern Soul Sound)

6. Nuki Suki – LITTLE RICHARD (from the studio album "The Second Coming" released September 1972 in the USA on Reprise RS 2107)

7. When She Made Me Promise – THE BEGINNING OF THE END (from the November 1971 US LP "Funky Nassau" on Alston SD 33-379 in Stereo)

8. You Should've Listened – BLACK HEAT (from the March 1974 US Second LP "No Time To Burn" on Atlantic SD 7294 – written by Guitarist Bradley Owens)

9. Messie Bessie – SHIRLEY SCOTT (from the February 1970 US LP "Something" on Atlantic SD 1561 in Stereo – Shirley Scott on Keyboards with Guests Eric Gale and Billy Butler on Guitars, Charles Rainey on Bass with Ralph McDonald and Jimmy Johnson on Percussion and Drums)

10. Bumpin' On Young Street – YOUNG-HOLT UNLIMITED (from the February 1973 US LP "Oh Girl" on Atlantic SD 1634 – a Bobby Lyle song featuring Bassist Eldee Young, Drummer Isaac "Redd" Holt with ex-Ramsey Lewis Keyboardists Bobby Lyle and Kenneth Chaney)

11. It's Love – THE YOUNG RASCALS (from the July 1967 US Third Studio LP "Groovin'" on Atlantic SD 8148 in Stereo – Lead Vocalist Felix Cavalieri with Atlantic Records Guest Hubert Laws on Flute) 

12. Funky Canyon – PHIL MOORE JR. (from his third US LP "Right On" released July 1969 on Atlantic SD 1530 in Stereo – written by Organist Phil Moore III – Guests Also Included Guitarist Steve Khan, Keyboards from Clarence McDonald with Bass and Drums by Wilton Felder and Nesbert "Stix" Hooper of the (then) Jazz Crusaders - later as The Crusaders)

13. Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky - CLAUDIA LENNEAR (from her US Debut LP "Phew!" released January 1973 on Warner Brothers BS 2654 – an Allen Toussaint song (one of five on her album) featuring (amongst others) Arthur Adams and Marlin Greene on Guitars, Spooner Oldham on Electric Piano, Harold Battiste, Jr and Gene Cipriano on Saxophones with Allen Toussaint on Backing Vocals)

14. Soul Bowl – MEMPHIS HORNS (from the US Debut LP "Memphis Horns" released February 1970 on Cotillion SD 9014 in Stereo – features Saxophonist and Producer Andrew Love, Saxophonist Floyd Newman, Trumpeter, Trombonist and Producer Wayne Jackson, Guitarist Charlie Freeman and Keyboards from Don Chandler) 

15. Shiloh – DAVID NEWMAN (from his third US LP "The Many Facets Of David Newman" released July 1969 on Atlantic SD 1524 in Stereo – features David Newman on Flute, Joe Zawinul (later with Weather Report) on Piano with Richard Davis on Bass and Bruno Carr on Drums)

16. Let Me Fix It – BROOK BENTON (from the US LP "Home Style" released August 1970 on Cotillion SD 9028 in Stereo – Written and Sung by Brook Benton with Backing Vocals from Cissy Houston and The Sweet Inspirations, Rhythm Section by The Dixie Flyers, Saxophone from King Curtis and Production by Arif Mardin) 

17. Mortgage On My Soul (Wah-Wah) – KEITH JARRETT (from his studio album "Birth" released May 1972 on Atlantic SD 1612 in Stereo – recorded July 1971 - LP featuring Keith Jarrett on Keyboards and Saxophone with guests Charlie Haden on Bass and Dewey Redman on Tenor Saxophone)

18. Angela, My Sister – RICHARD EVANS (from the US LP "Dealing With Hard Times" released February 1972 on Atlantic SD 1604 in Stereo – Richard Evans plays Bass, Arranges and Produces with guests Phil Upchurch on Guitar, Odell Brown on Organ and Leonard Druss on Flute)

The gatefold slip of paper that masquerades as a booklet offers very basic Discography info on the inner two-page spread with a single-page rear set of liner notes from the compilers. You get no photos of those funky and rare LP sleeves – no musician credits - Cissy Houston and The Sweet Inspirations guesting with Brook Benton, Allen Toussaint and Arthur Adams with Claudea Lennear, members of The Crusaders with Phil Moore Jr., Joe Zawinul of Weather Report with David Newman, The Meters of New Orleans with Allen Toussaint and so on (my notes provide those details after each entry).

But "Right On! Vol. 3…" hammers where it matters – the Audio is fantastic even if like the first and second volumes from 1999 and 2000 - there are no mastering credits anywhere on this CD. The Funk is most deaf-in-ite-ly in the ascendancy here so when you play this beast the music hits you with unapologetic breaks - Drums and Saxophones and Bass Lines getting high-ya - rattling out of your speakers like a show-off Reggae Stack in Notting Hill. Now - to the actual content...

Not surprising to any Funk nut, all three Volumes dig into the Earth, Wind & Fire debut LPs catalogue on Warner Brothers Records before they signed with Columbia for a world-beating run of winners and success. "Moment Of Pain" is more blatantly 70ts Funk – a fabulous opener from EWF. Bassist Eldee Young, Drummer Isaac "Redd" Holt and ex-Ramsey Lewis Keyboardists Bobby Lyle and Kenneth Chaney made up the super-cool Young-Holt Unlimited – so their Flanged Guitar and Vocal "Wah Wah" is both Rhythm Sexy and Fun. Proper New Orleans genius and underground hero Allen Toussaint gets down with The Meters on his choice-cut "Goin' Down" (see my separate review for the must-have Raven Records compilation from August 2015 called "Toussaint: The Real Thing 1970-1975" that gathers up three LPs onto 2CDs including the one used here "Life, Love And Faith"). 

While The Fabulous Counts do the butt-wiggling business with their LP title track "Jan Jan" – Northern Soul Dancers are liable to bust a nut let alone a blood vessel for the wickedly good "Mama Soul" by The Soul Survivors – a classy Soul-Funk obscurity from early 1969 that deserves to be bloody huge. Little could hold back the-beauty-on-duty – 50ts Rock and Roller Little Richard getting seriously boot-tay with right-now people on his fantastic Grooveathon tune "Nuki Suki" (the full 5:28 minute LP version) – the band given the chance to stretch out and let rip like The Meters and The JBs are competing for Funky trophies as the Boss James Brown looks on with a stop-watch (gimme some).

Was not expecting The Beginning Of The End Santana-like instrumental "When She Made Me Promise" to be so good even if it is (fair warning) not exactly an audiophile recording marvel (cracking inclusion though). Next up is blasting Audio Goodness in the Brass and Flutes warning song from Black Heat (father told me when I was young) – where you can so hear why this band and the LP with "You Should've Listened" on it are so sought after. The hairy-chested man in a lift organ-cool instrumental "Messie Bessie" by Shirley Scott also features equally cool licks from guitarists Eric Gale and Billy Butler (check out her fab groovy cover version of The Isley Brothers' late 60ts killer "It's Your Thing" on Volume 2 of this series). Drum breaks and Bass plucks ahoy on the mucho-sampled Funk vs. Lounge Music Young-Holt Unlimited cut "Bumpin' On Young Street" – another day at the office work out for them – but what a gem and clever compilation inclusion.

The groovin' slightly Psych-period Young Rascals with Felix Cavalieri singing lead - rope in the Flute talents of Hubert Laws to weird and hipster up "It's Love" and it works. But better for me is the brilliant vibes-groover "Funky Canyon" by Phil Moore Jr. that includes fantastic guests who make all the difference including Guitarist Steve Khan, Keyboards from Clarence McDonald with Bass and Drums by Wilton Felder and Nesbert "Stix" Hooper of The Crusaders. If the last two were off topic a tad, the drop-dead gorgeous Claudia Lennear (said to the be the inspiration behind "Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones) absolutely hammers it good with her "Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky" aided and ably abetted by songwriter and New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint and the guitar chops of Arthur Adams as well as a whole host of other Funky luminaries. 

Final run of five includes brilliance from the Memphis Horns – their "Soul Bowl" being the kind of instrumental that sweaty DJs would bite your hand off for. I prefer to start the David Newman flute-driven groover "Shiloh" at 1:00 minute exactly to avoid the unnecessary Rotary Connection-ish lead-in (I know people go mad for this almost Native American Indian Chant vs. Fusion Funk Fest). Fun and old-school class exude from the Arif Mardin produced Brook Benton track – "Let Me Fix It" being his timber-voiced crooner attempt at getting down with the street – and succeeding (Cissy Houston and The Sweet Sensations join in on Duet and backing Vocals while Mike Utley of The Dixie Flyers provides the fantastic groovy organ). In all honesty, I can do without the final two but I know some who love the strangulated Keith Jarrett and the strange Richard Evans entries. So, to sum up, like its two cheapish predecessors (covering 1967 to 1975) - "Right On! Volume 3…" is another brilliant little CD play that will make you want to own the whole series (see list below accurate to January 2025).

In the late Sixties and especially into the first half of the Seventies - across the pond Funk, Soul, Latin, Jazz and Fusion was at its fabulous inventive best. And on Volume 3 of this series – you can so hear why - because at about 3:50 minutes into the Young-Holt Unlimited instrumental "Bumpin' On Young Street" (Track 10) – the keyboards and complimentary band enter such a sexy groove – it may in fact need to be patented and bottled for future posterity.

"Right On!" indeed...

RIGHT ON! 

CD and Vinyl 2LP Series by Warners UK 

A List of Releases

1. Right On! Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 1967-1975 
CD, 17-Tracks: released 27 September 1999 UK on Warner/ESP Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548378052 (Barcode 095483780525) - 67:23 minutes
VINYL, 18-Track 2LP-set: released September 1999 UK on Warner/Atlantic Reprise 9548-378041 (Barcode 95483780401) – Bonus is "North Carolina" by Les McCann, last track on Side 4 – playing time 9:20 minutes

2. Right On! Vol.2: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
CD, 19-Tracks: released Monday, 29 May 2000 UK on Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548384002 (Barcode 095483840021) - 69:30 minutes
VINYL, 20-Track 2LP-set: Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548-38401-1 (Barcode 095483840113) – Bonus is "Harlem Buck Dance Strut" by Les McCann, last track on Side 4 – playing time 5:55 minutes

3. Right On! Vol.3: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
CD, 18-Tracks: released Monday, 11 June 2001 on Warner Music UK 9548392072 (Barcode 095483920723) - 71:33 minutes
VINYL, 19-Track 2LP-set: Warner Music UK 9548392061 (Barcode 095483920617) – Bonus Track is "Can you Dig It?" by Herbie Mann, last track on Side 4 – 5:51 minutes

4. Right On! Vol.4: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
CD, 19-Tracks: 26 August 2002 UK Warner Strategic Marketing UK 0927-42567-2 (Barcode 809274256720)
VINYL, 20-Tracks 2LP set: Warner Strategic Marketing 9274-6388-1 - Bonus Track is "Respect Yourself" by Herbie Mann, last track on Side 4 – 6:50 minutes

5. Right On! Vol. 5 More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
CD: 17-Tracks: 26 January 2004 UK Warner Strategic Marketing 5046691472 (Barcode 5050466914729)
VINYL, 18-Track 2LP-set: Warner Strategic Marketing 5046696401 (Barcode 5050466964014) – Bonus Track is "Schirokko" by Passport, last track on Side 4 – 5:44 minutes

6. Right On! Box Set: Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
2001 UK Warner Strategic Marketing 092 740477 2 (Barcode 809274047724) 
4CD 67-Track Box Set housed in Book Packaging containing CD Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of the Series (61 Tracks) with a further fourth Bonus CD of Six Tracks. 

The six bonuses for the Box Set are (1) "People Say" by The Meters, (2) "Fried Okra" by The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, (3) "Can You Dig It?" by Herbie Mann, (4) "Harlem Buck Dance Strut" by Les McCann, (5) "People" by Graham Central Station and (6) "North Carolina" by Les McCann.

Three of the six Book Set CD Bonuses appeared only on the VINYL 2LP variants of Volumes 1 to 3 (Tracks 3, 4 and 6) – the other three (Tracks 1, 2 and 5) are new to the series here and do not appear on the CD variants of Volumes 4 and 5.

"Right On! Vol. 2 More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Volume 2 of 5 – Featuring 18 Tracks from 1969 to 1975 by Charles Wheeler & The Enforcers, Stovall Sisters, Donny Hathaway, Oscar Brown, Jr., Black Heat, Funk Factory, Macondo, Paul Kelly, Young-Holt Unlimited, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, Freddie King, Arif Mardin and more (May 2000 UK Warner/ESP CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Right-Grooves-Atlantic-Warner-Vaults/dp/B00004T2JV?crid=3H5JRK9OJLYDU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fQhE716khfAaC74VexZC4A.80WkMjsGHgWhpNeD7Vf8C8__xSaK_8INC96uiE4L2w8&dib_tag=se&keywords=095483840021&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1735747748&sprefix=095483840021%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=5a41992e9de9b4e0e8309f954576aeac&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"...Doin' What We Wanna..."

Sometime in the late Nineties, the UK branch of Warner Brothers seemed to suddenly get hip to the public's needs. And WEA (Warner-Elektra-Atlantic) did this at the exact moment they also sheepishly realised they'd an abundance of riches in their glorious back catalogue to meet those cravings. 

I recall the 3 sets of "Funk Drops", 3 more for Northern Soul in "After Hours", 2 for Philly Soul in "Crème De La Creme", more Soul, Funk and Gospel rarities in "You Better Believe It" - and on it went. 

Which brings us to here – the superlative "Right On!" series of compilations (on CD and 2LP VINYL Sets) that tapped the Funkier side of Jazz, Fusion and Rock albums issued on Atlantic, Atco, Cotillion, San Francisco, Reprise, Alston and of course Warner Bros between 1967 and 1975. So, September 1999 through to August 2004 saw Five Volumes of "Right On!" in all with a 4CD mop-up 'Box Set' in-between for Volumes 1 to 3 that contained a fourth Bonus Disc of 6 Rare Tracks. 

Suddenly, underground names held in collector awe like Eugene McDaniels, David Axelrod, David Newman, Funk Factory, Black Heat, Young-Holt Unlimited, Clarence Wheeler (lyrics from his song titles this review), Charles Wright and loads more got pride of place and new recognition. And much to the joy of collectors/album fetishists alike - the "Right On!" series was also backed up by 2LP VINYL sets, all of which boasted a lone Bonus Track over their CD counterpart (see Discography below).

Remastered and compiled with serious smarts by CHAS CHANDLER and STUART KIRKHAM – these comps quickly became a way for cash-strapped fans and other genre-curious-types of getting rare and largely forgotten Funk and Soul for a decent price (I diligently pickled up each as they appeared). Frankly all five volumes are filled with Mr. Cool and still relatively cheap too in 2025 (at least the first three are) - so let's get busy with Door Number Two...to the details...

UK released 29 May 2000 - "Right On! Vol. 2 More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults" on Warner/ESP 9548384002 (Barcode 095483840021) is a 19-Track CD/20-Track 2LP compilation of Remasters that plays out as follows (69:30 minutes - CD):

1. Right On – CLARENCE WHEELER & THE ENFORCERS (from the April 1970 US LP "Doin' What We Wanna" on Atco SD 1551 in Stereo – a Leo Rolland cover version, female backing vocalists include Cissy Houston, Jackie Verdell and Judy Clay)

2. Giggin' Down 103rd – THE 103rd STREET RHYTHM BAND (from their second studio album "Together" released April 1969 in the USA on Warner Brothers WS 1761 in Stereo – instrumental written by Gabe Flemings, Trumpeter with the band) 

3. Get Ready – ELLA FITZGERALD (from her October 1969 US Cover Versions LP "Ella" on Reprise Records RS 6354 in Stereo – a Smokey Robinson cover featuring Nicky Hopkins on Piano)

4. It's Your Thing – SHIRLEY SCOTT & THE SOUL SAXES (from the December 1969 US LP "Shirley Scott & The Soul Saxes" on Atlantic SD 1532 in Stereo – an Isley Brothers cover featuring guests King Curtis on Saxophone, Eric Gale on Guitar, Richard Tee on Piano with Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdie on Bass and Drums)

5. Magnificent Sanctuary Band – DONNY HATHAWAY (from his second studio album "Donny Hathaway" released April 1971 in the USA on Atco SD 33-360 in Stereo – a Dorsey Burnett cover)

6. Teasin' – KING CURTIS (from the August 1970 US LP "Get Ready" on Atlantic SD 33-338 in Stereo – a King Curtis and Delaney Bramlett song featuring Eric Clapton on Lead Guitar with Delaney Bramlett on Rhythm Guitars)

7. Gang Bang – OSCAR BROWN, Jr (from the November 1972 US LP "Movin' On" on Atlantic SD 1629 in Stereo)

8. Wanaoh – BLACK HEAT (from the October 1972 US Debut LP "Black Heat" on Atlantic SD 7237 – written by Guitarist Bradley Owens)

9. Rien Ne Va Plus – FUNK FACTORY (from the March 1975 US Debut LP "Funk Factory" on Atlantic Records SD 36-116 – featuring Solo Vocalists Urszula Dudziak (see also Track 19) and Bernard Kafka (aka Kawka) with Secondary Vocalists Ann Tripp, Bill Ruthenberg, Linda "Tequilla" Logan and The Bernard Kafka Singers - Plus Keyboardist Wlodek Gulgowski, Bassist Anthony Jackson and Drummer Steve Gadd – song title is a French phrase used by croupiers in the game of Roulette that loosely means no more bets)

10. Almendra – MACONDO (from the August 1972 US Debut LP "Macondo" on Atlantic SD 7234 – featuring Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar by Max Uballez, Guitarist and Backing Vocals by Albert Hernandez, Keyboardist Fred Ramirez with Drummer Frank Ramirez)

11. Slow Flow – PAUL KELLY (from the April 1972 US LP "Dirt" on Warner Brothers BS 2605) 

12. Rubber Lips – YOUNG-HOLT UNLIMITED (from their ninth US LP "Oh Girl" released March 1973 on Atlantic SD 1634 in Stereo – written by Drummer and Band Founder Isaac "Redd" Holt)

13. Hang On In There - THE STOVALL SISTERS (from the August 1971 US Debut LP "The Stovall Sisters" on Reprise RS 6446 – featuring Gospel and Funk Vocalists Joyce and Netta Stovall with Guests - Guitarist Russell DaShiell later with Crowfoot and The Don Harrison Band and Bassist Doug Killmer ex-The Beau Gentry and later with Commander Cody) 

14. Drunk Man – EDDIE HARRIS (from the August 1973 US 2LP-set "Excursions" on Atlantic SD 2-311 – features Guitarist Ronald Muldrow, Frank Gordon and Billy Howell on Horns with Rufus Reid and Billy James on Bass and Drums respectively) 

15. South Street Stroll – FREDDIE HUBBARD (from the June 1969 US LP "A Soul Experiment" on Atlantic SD 1526 in Stereo – features Kenny Barron n Piano, Billy Butler on Guitar, Carlos Garnett on Tenor Saxophone, Jeremy Jemmott on Bass, Grady Tate on Drums with Freddie Hubbard on Trumpet – a Kenny Barron cover version)

16. Funky – FREDDIE KING (from the March 1969 US LP "Freddie King Is A Blues Master" on Cotillion SD 9004 in Stereo – guest musicians include Billy Butler on Guitar with David "Fathead" Newman and King Curtis on Saxophones – song written by Freddie King and King Curtis) 

17. Express Yourself (Album Version, 3:50 minutes) – CHARLES WRIGHT & THE WATTS 103rd STREET RHYTHM BAND (from their fourth studio album "Express Yourself" released June 1970 on Warner Brothers WS 1864 in Stereo)

18. Forms – ARIF MARDIN (from the October 1974 US LP "Journey" on Atlantic SD 1661 in Stereo – features Randy and Michael Brecker on Horns, Urszula Dudziak on Vocals, Pat Rebollit on Keyboards and Tony Levin on Bass)

19. Sandy's Love – HAROLD ALEXANDER (from the July 1974 US LP "Raw Root" on Atlantic SD 1657 in Stereo – featuring Junior Hansen on Guitars and Joe Bonner on Keyboards)

The gatefold slip of paper that masquerades as a booklet offers very basic Discography info on the inner two-page spread with a single-page rear set of liner notes from the compilers. You get no photos of those funky and rare LP sleeves – no musician credits (Judy Clay singing on the Clarence Wheeler opener, Eric Clapton playing Guitar on the King Curtis cut, Eric Gale getting funky on his axe for Shirley Scott, England’s Nicky Hopkins playing keyboards the Ella Fitzgerald cover etc). 

But "Right On! Vol. 2…" hammers where it matters – the Audio is fantastic even if like the first Volume from 1999 - there are no mastering credits anywhere. Play the brilliant Macondo, Funk Factory, Paul Kelly or Young-Holt Unlimited and their Latin-Funk-Soul-Rock tracks (9, 10, 11 and 12) and you may have to lower that volume dial – and not in a bad way. Add to the fact that you probably do not know most of this fabness (hard as nuts to find gems) – and then it really does start to Funk your mancave with grooves that please and save dosh. Focusing on music with 'breaks' - there are drums ahoy too and they rattle and bash out of your speakers with real intent. The only slight let down audiowise is the raucous and rough-sounding Freddie King track towards the end (Track 16) – not the greatest audio because it was not the best recording in the world (quickly remedied by the audio-stun-punch of "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright & The 103rd Street Rhythm Band (Track 17) that feels like it might mean your stereogram harm. Other than that - to the content...

It opens with the truly fantastic "Right On" from Clarence Wheeler and His Enforcers - primarily a Funky instrumental workout calling to the 'Brothers and Sisters' - it lays down a bad-ass groove of Saxophone, Organ and a girly chorus singing "You Gotta Come On! Right On!" The goodies continue with a true neck-jerking instrumental from The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band written by their Trumpeter Gabe Flemings - "Giggin' Down The Road" being the kind of US LP deep dive that fills you with envy (their first three albums didn't credit leader Charles Wright in the name - that would occur with album number four - see Track 17). The surprises keep coming when you next clasp eyes on the old-school Jazz Vocalist 'Ella Fitzgerald' as the next artist. She went to London to record an album of covers which opened with the Smokey Robinson funk-vehicle "Get Ready" - Ella sounding comfortable and even excited to be getting down. A seriously cool inclusion.

Back to instrumental big-time busy-busy Funk with Saxophonist Shirley Scott doing a fabulous groovy cover version of The Isley Brothers' late 60ts killer "It's Your Thing" - her band bumping and grinding with Organ and Guitar - the whole unit going at proceedings with a James Brown Band type tightness. I adore Donny Hathaway - cannot be rational about anything he made. "Right On! Vol.2..." chooses the LP cut of an old timey song that appealed to his deeply held religious beliefs - the Gospel-tinged "Magnificent Sanctuary Band". Even if it is a tad 'bringing in the sheep' cheesy - it's Donny Hathaway - and he pulls it off. For the first time we enter the realms of Rock-Funk with the guitar-led King Curtis instrumental cut "Teasin'" featuring no less than Eric Clapton on Lead Guitar and the ex Cream and Derek & The Dominoes lad's on fire. Another sexy inclusion you probably get to hear under normal circumstances. 

The Oscar Brown, Jr. tune "Gang Bang" has (as you can imagine) the most unfortunate song title about area invaders (can't say it's my cup of tea really) so the Black Heat War-like Funkathon "Wanaoh" is a welcome Flute 'n' Guitars workout. But even that is whomped by my fave-rave - the stunning Rotary Connection groove of Funk Factory giving us "Rien Ne Va Plus". Apparently a French phrase used by Croupiers on the Roulette tables that roughly means 'no more bets' - the 1975 debut album has a legendary rep amongst Soul-Funk fans. Latin Guitar and Heavy Organ come at you with Macondo's "Almendra" from 1972 - a very Malo groove. Other nuggets include the 'Stealing In The Name Of The Lord' Paul Kelly getting all Sly Stone geetar-funky with his deceptively sexy "Soul Flow" while it doesn't get much cooler than Young-Holt Unlimited finding yet another instrumental gem in their "Rubber Lips" (reissue-labels - where is their Box Set?). I would admit that the final two offerings from Arif Mardin and Harold Alexander aren't for me - but the previously mentioned foursome of Stovall Sisters, Eddie Harris, Freddie Hubbard and the wonderful "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright and His 103rd Watts Street Rhythm Band are all audio manna to me. 

Like its predecessor (covered 1967 to 1975) - "Right On! Volume 2…" is a brilliant little CD play that will make you want to own the whole series (see list below accurate to January 2025). And frankly, Volume 3 (which I'm about to review next) is even better. 

In the late Sixties and especially into the first half of the Seventies - across the pond Funk, Soul, Latin and Fusion was at its fabulous inventive best. Wheeler and his Enforcers named their album "...Doin' What We Wanna..." - and on the evidence of this fantastic series of compilations - man were they doin' it well. 

"Right On!" indeed...

RIGHT ON!

CD and Vinyl 2LP Series by Warners UK 

A List of Releases

1. Right On! Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 1967-1975 
CD, 17-Tracks: released 27 September 1999 UK on Warner/ESP Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548378052 (Barcode 095483780525) - 67:23 minutes
VINYL, 18-Track 2LP-set: released September 1999 UK on Warner/Atlantic Reprise 9548-378041 (Barcode 95483780401) – Bonus is "North Carolina" by Les McCann, last track on Side 4 – playing time 9:20 minutes

2. Right On! Vol.2: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
CD, 19-Tracks: released Monday, 29 May 2000 UK on Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548384002 (Barcode 095483840021) - 69:30 minutes
VINYL, 20-Track 2LP-set: Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548-38401-1 (Barcode 095483840113) – Bonus is "Harlem Buck Dance Strut" by Les McCann, last track on Side 4 – playing time 5:55 minutes

3. Right On! Vol.3: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
CD, 18-Tracks: released Monday, 11 June 2001 on Warner Music UK 9548392072 (Barcode 095483920723) - 71:33 minutes
VINYL, 19-Track 2LP-set: Warner Music UK 9548392061 (Barcode 095483920617) – Bonus Track is "Can you Dig It?" by Herbie Mann, last track on Side 4 – 5:51 minutes

4. Right On! Vol.4: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
CD, 19-Tracks: 26 August 2002 UK Warner Strategic Marketing UK 0927-42567-2 (Barcode 809274256720)
VINYL, 20-Tracks 2LP set: Warner Strategic Marketing 9274-6388-1 - Bonus Track is "Respect Yourself" by Herbie Mann, last track on Side 4 – 6:50 minutes

5. Right On! Vol. 5 More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
CD: 17-Tracks: 26 January 2004 UK Warner Strategic Marketing 5046691472 (Barcode 5050466914729)
VINYL, 18-Track 2LP-set: Warner Strategic Marketing 5046696401 (Barcode 5050466964014) – Bonus Track is "Schirokko" by Passport, last track on Side 4 – 5:44 minutes

6. Right On! Box Set: Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 
2001 UK Warner Strategic Marketing 092 740477 2 (Barcode 809274047724) 
4CD 67-Track Box Set housed in Book Packaging containing CD Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of the Series (61 Tracks) with a further fourth Bonus CD of Six Tracks. 

The six bonuses for the Box Set are (1) "People Say" by The Meters, (2) "Fried Okra" by The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, (3) "Can You Dig It?" by Herbie Mann, (4) "Harlem Buck Dance Strut" by Les McCann, (5) "People" by Graham Central Station and (6) "North Carolina" by Les McCann.

Three of the six Book Set CD Bonuses appeared only on the VINYL 2LP variants of Volumes 1 to 3 (Tracks 3, 4 and 6) – the other three (Tracks 1, 2 and 5) are new to the series here and do not appear on the CD variants of Volumes 4 and 5.