"Hard To Handle: Black America Sings Otis Redding" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (October 2012 UK Ace Records CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...These Arms Of Mine..."

In the cleverly compiled and musically uplifting "Black America Sings..." series of CD compilations – so far Ace Records of the UK have done Bob Dylan ("How Many Roads"), The Beatles ("Come Together"), Bacharach and David ("Let The Music Play") and Sam Cooke ("Bring It On Home") – all with applause from the sceptics and the already-converted. 

So it was always going to be the turn of the mighty Otis "Dock Of The Bay" Redding at some point in time – and 2012's "Hard To Handle" doesn't disappoint. It even manages to pull off a bit of a coup by throwing a superb Previously Unreleased Take by the great man himself. Here are the dreams to remember...

UK released October 2012 – "Hard To Handle: Black America Sings Otis Redding" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace CDCHD 1352 (Barcode 029667052627) is a 25-track CD compilation of Various Artists and pans out as follows (71:06 minutes):

1. These Arms Of Mine – ALBERT WASHINGTON & THE KINGS (1968 US 7" single on Fraternity 1002, A - and March 1968 UK 7" single on President PT 182, A)
2. Sister Pitiful – JUDY CLAY (1969 US 7" single on Atlantic 2669, A)
3. I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) – WILLIAM BELL (1967 US LP "The Soul Of A Man" on Stax S 719)
4. Baby Cakes – MAXINE BROWN (1967 Wand recording first appeared on the 1985 UK LP "Like Never Before" (by Maxine Brown) on Kent 047)
5. Think About It – KING FLOYD (1973 US 7" single on Chimneyville 446, A)
6. Shout Bamalama – MICKEY MURRAY (1967 US 7" single on SSS International 715, A)
7. Security – IRMA THOMAS (Unissued 1968 Chess Recording finally released in July 1990 on the CD compilation "Something Good: The Muscle Shoals Sessions" on Chess CHD-93004)
8. I've Got Dreams To Remember – PERCY SLEDGE (on the "Blue Night" CD album from 1995 on Sky Ranch/Virgin France 7243 8398712 2)
9. Give Away None Of Your Love – BUDDY MILES (1971 US 7" single on Mercury 73261, A and in the UK on Mercury 6052 127)
10. I'm Missing You – MITTY COLLIER (1969 Previously Unissued Chess Recording – First Release Here – 2012)
11. I Can't Turn You Loose – JAMES CARR (1968 unfinished Goldwax Recording finally released on the 1977 Japan-Only LP "Freedom Train" on Vivid Sound VG 3006)
12. Chained And Bound – BETTYE SWANN (1969 US LP "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me?" on Capitol ST 270)
13. Just One More Day – CLARENCE CARTER (1975 US LP "Loneliness & Temptation" on ABC Records ABCD 896)
14. Wholesome Love – ARTHUR CONLEY (1967 US LP "Shake, Rattle & Roll" on Atco SD 33-215)
15. Hawg For You – TINA BRITT (1969 US 7" single on Minit 32082, A – and – on the 1969 LP "Blue All The Way" on Minit LP 24023)
16. Loving By The Pound (Take 2) – OTIS REDDING (Previously Unissued Volt Recording, 2012)
17. Hard To Handle – PATTI DREW (1968 US 7" single on Capitol 2339, A)
18. A Year, A Month And A day – ARTHUR CONLEY (Previously Unreleased 1968 Atco Recording, 2012)
19. Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) – LOU RAWLS (1968 US LP "The Way It Was The Wait It Is" on Capitol ST-215)
20. Monkey On My Back – JACKIE HAIRSTON (1967 US 7" single on Atco 6464, A)
21. Keep Pushing Me – JAMES & BOBBY PURIFY (1966 Bell Recording first issued on the 2009 CD compilation "Shake A Tail Feather! The Best Of" on Sundazed SC 11096)
22. Good To Me – DONALD HEIGHT (1967 US 7" single on Shout 223, A)
23. Respect – ARETHA FRANKLIN (1967 US 7" single on Atlantic 2403, A)
24. (Sittin' On The) Dock Of The Bay – THE STAPLE SINGERS (1969 US 7" single on Stax 0031, A)
25. I Got The Will – ETTA JAMES (on the 1988 LP/CD "Seven Year Itch" issued in the UK on Island ILPS/CID 9923)
NOTES: Tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 18, 20, 21 and 22 are MONO
Tracks 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12 to 17, 19 and 23 to 25 are STEREO

The beautifully-annotated 20-page booklet peppers the typically brilliant TONY ROUNCE paragraphs with publicity photos of Mickey Murray, Albert Washington, Irma Thomas, Bettye Swann, James Carr, Clarence Carter, Maxine Brown (on the cover of Blues & Soul Magazine in December 1967), Lou Rawls at Fame Studios in 1971, James & Bobby Purify, The Staple Singers, Arthur Conley and Rick Hall at the Fame Studios in the Autumn of 1966 - and so on. There is even a rare 7" picture sleeve of Buddy Miles and his "Give Away None Of Your Love" 45 from 1971 that I’m sure was promo-only (I’ve never seen it before). The audio is particularly strong. Long-standing mastertape engineer NICK ROBBINS has done the Remasters at Sound Mastering in London – and despite the differing sources – each song packs a punch - especially the cuts in Stereo which sound vital and full of that (largely Sixties) energy.

Otis's style of guttural-blast one second and aching-ballad the next - virtually set up a template for Male 60ts Soul and most of these interpretations follow those styles (some slowing down the pace on fast songs or vice versa). While Aretha's "Respect" and The Staples Singers doing "Dock Of The Bay" are probably too overly familiar for most Soul fans - stuff like Tina Britt's fantastic chugger "Hawg For You" screams out to be rediscovered. There's clever choices too using 'later' recordings from the 70’s, 80s and 90s – Clarence Carter's unexpectedly touching version of "Just One More Day" from a 1975 ABC Records LP most people have long forgotten (and clearly shouldn’t have) as well as "I Got The Will" powered through by Etta James in 1988 (on Island Records) and most pleasing of all - a 90's Percy Sledge tackling "I've Got Dreams To Remember" - a rendition that oozes heart and not just well-produced style.

Amongst the 60ts stuff are names that will make most Soul aficionado hearts flutter a little faster - the great James Carr, Maxine Brown and Bettye Swann. Winners include a superb-sounding torch ballad by Mitty Collier on "I'm Missing You" (previously unreleased too) and a 1966 Bell Records recording of "Keep Pushing Me" by James And Bobby Purify (great 60ts guitar Funk). While I’ve already mentioned the driving groove of "Hawg For You" by Tina Britt – the Black Crowes come to mind when I hear Patti Drew's blistering funk of "Hard To Handle" (which the Crowes covered almost verbatim on their 1991 debut to such great effect). 

But one of the prizes on here for Redding collectors will surely be Take 2 of "Loving You By The Pound" which is new and exclusive to this set. As Otis never sang a song the same way twice – his slight vocal variations are fascinating. Although his vocal is storming – it still feels not up to his usual powerhouse performance and was probably why another Take was chosen as the master. Still – it's a real find.
Another winner from Ace and a compilation I keep returning too. I suspect both Otis Redding and Soul Music fans will feel the same...

Titles in the Ace Records Black America Sings CD Compilation Series

(In Release Date Order - September 2010 to November 2024)

1. "How Many Roads: Black America Sings Bob Dylan"
UK released September 2010 on Ace Records CDCHD 1278 (Barcode 029667042420)

2. "Come Together: Black America Sings Lennon & McCartney" 
UK released May 2011 on Ace Records CDCHD 1300 (Barcode 029667045322)

3. "Hard To Handle: Black America Sings Otis Redding"
UK released September 2012 on Ace Records CDCHD 1352 (Barcode 029667052627)

4. "Let The Music Play: Black America Sings Bacharach & David"
UK released March 2014 on Ace Records CDCHD 1398 (Barcode 029667059121)

5. "Bring It On Home: Black America Sings Sam Cooke"
UK released October 2014 on Ace Records CDCHD 1420 (Barcode 029667062725)

6. "Let It Be: Black America Sings Lennon, McCartney & Harrison" 
UK released September 2016 on Ace Records CDCHD 1483 (Barcode 029667077026)

7. "Here, There And Everywhere: Black America Sings John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison"
UK released November 2024 on Ace Records CDTOP 1654 (Barcode 029667111621) 

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"Chameleon/Conquistador/Hot" by MAYNARD FERGUSON – Albums from 1974, 1977 and 1979 on Columbia Records (October 2015 UK Beat Goes On Records (BGO) Compilation – 3LPs Remastered onto 2CDs – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Superbone Horn..."

While many of his Fifties contemporaries would probably have burst a capillary artery rather than succumb to commercialism – Maynard Ferguson donned the bouffant hair – put on a huge-lapels frilly shirt open down to his considerable midriff – took out his 'superbone' sax and went after the burgeoning Jazz Funk market opened by people like Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham and Donald Byrd with a vengeance. He even (unwisely) sings on the swinging "I Can't Get Satisfied". 

I wish I could say that it's all great fun and worthy of your dollars – but it's mostly  non-no for me. Horribly dated or not - here are the details for fans...

UK and USA released October 2015 – "Chameleon/Conquistador/Hot" by MAYNARD FERGUSON on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1199 (Barcode 5017261211996) offers fans 3LPs Remastered onto 2CDs and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (76:11 minutes):
1. Chameleon
2. Gospel John
3. The Way We Were
4. Jet
5. La Fiesta
6. I Can't Get Started
7. Living For The City
8. Superbone Meets The Bad Man
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Chameleon" – released 1974 in the USA on Columbia KC 33007 (No UK release)

9. Gonna Fly Now (Theme From "Rocky")
10. Mister Mellow
11. Theme From Star Trek
12. Conquistador [Side 2]
13. Soar Like An Eagle
14. The Fly
Tracks 9 to 14 are the album "Conquistador" – released 1977 in the USA on Columbia PC 34457 and in the UK on CBS Records S 81839

Disc 2 (41:57 minutes):
1. Rock II Disco
2. Gabriel
3. Om Sai Ram
4. Theme From Star Trek
5. Dayride
6. Naima
7. Topa-Topa Woman
Tracks 1 to 7 are the album "Hot" – released 1979 in the USA on Columbia Records JC 36124 (no UK issue)

You get a card slipcase, a 24-page booklet with new liner notes from noted Mojo Magazine contributor CHARLES WARING with full album credits and some photos and 2015 ANDREW THOMPSON Remasters that sound great.

The first album "Chameleon" is universally awful – not good Jazz and hopelessly dated Jazz Funk. Tackling covers like Paul McCartney’s "Jet" and the woeful Streisand weepy "The Way We Were" – he opens with a butchered version of Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon" (from his "Headhunters" album) but all of it feels dreadfully forced as he screams trumpet notes out through his strangulated horn. The only passable moment is a Guitar/Brass instrumental version of Stevie Wonder's "Living For The City" - but again - even that will give you a headache and a longing for the beauty and genuine social conscience of the "Innervisions" original. Things improve a lot though for album number two...

Ignoring the cheese puff Rocky Theme (sounds so dated now) - the girly smooch of "Mister Mellow" where it feels like slick Herb Alpert on A&M (George Benson guests on Guitar – beautifully played and Produced). "Theme From Star Trek" is just 'so Disco' but not in a good way I'm afraid - while some welcome respite comes with the slow march of "Conquistador" that builds in a Trumpet Funk of seven and half minutes. The album's highlight though is the Soul/Funk dancer "Soar Like An Eagle" written by Bob James with BJ guesting to superb effect on Keyboards (it's superb Jazz Fusion Funk). The "Conquistador" album finishes on a frantic bit of Funk where Ferguson goes toe to toe with Will Lee on Bass and Mike Migliore on Soprano Sax. 

After the farcical first album – at least "Conquistador" has moments of genuine class. Unfortunately album number three "Hot" has its audio dogs too – not least of all is the opener "Rocky II Disco" with Sylvester Stallone guesting on 'punchbag' which is too awful to describe. Even the cod Indian vibes of "Om Sai Ram" is ruined by deadpan vocals. "Dayride" tries its Funky best to Salsa up proceedings with whistles and cha-cha piano while it ends on the slap bass and screaming trumpet of "Topa-Topa Woman".

Fans will love the great Audio and the classy presentation but I'd advise even the most diehard Funk and Jazz Fusion enthusiast to hear first before buying... 

"One In A Million: The Songs Of Sam Dees" by SAM DEES (covered by VARIOUS ARTISTS) - 22-Tracks from 1971 to 1983 including Clarenter Carter, Rozetta Johnson, Corey Blake, Ray Crumley, The Temptations, Johnnie Taylor, Frederick Knight, Loretta Holloway and more (March 2014 UK Ace/Kent-Soul CD Compilation – Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry....

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"...Standing In The Wings..."

Totalling maybe a dozen singles across five or six American labels and one rare album in 1975 on Atlantic Records ("The Show Goes On") – SAM DEES (born in Birmingham, Alabama) doesn't have a massive Solo catalogue per say. But Dees is one of those hep cats (rather like Allen Toussaint) who wrote great songs made famous by other people – especially women. And that's where this superlative CD compilation comes in. 

Comprising of 22 cuts put down between 1971 and 1983 – "One In A Million..." celebrates his prolific songwriting talent in style. And listening to this classy Ace Records CD compilation (on their much-loved Kent-Soul imprint) – it's easy to hear why Dees is held in such respect and affection by both Producers in the industry and fans alike. 

Expertly and affectionately compiled/annotated by lifelong Soul Nutter Number 1 TONY ROUNCE – by the end of this generous listen (nearly 80 minutes playing time) you're left with the same admiration he clearly feels for one of the many unsung heroes of the genre. Here are the Soulful spoils...

UK released March 2014 – "One In A Million: The Songs Of Sam Dees" by SAM DEES [Various Artists] on Ace Records/Kent-Soul CDKEND 411 (Barcode 029667241120) breaks down as follows (79:55 minutes): 

1. My World – SAM DEES (1977 US 7" single on Polydor PD 14455, A)
2. Stop This Merry-Go-Round – JOHN EDWARDS (1973 US 7" single on Aware AW 035, A)
3. Girl Overboard – DOROTHY MOORE (1978 US 7" single on Malaco 1052, B-side of "Special Occasion")
4. Your Love Is Like A Boomerang – COREY BLAKE (1975 US 7" single on Capitol 4057, A)
5. A Woman's Way – ROZETTA JOHNSON (1970 US 7" single on Clintone CT-001, A)
6. Vanishing Love (UK Remix) – THE CHI-LITES (February 1977 UK 7" single on Mercury 6167 485, A)
7. Cry To Me – ESTHER PHILLIPS (1981 US 7" single on Mercury 76103, A)
8. Standing In The Wings Of A Heartache – TED TAYLOR (from the USA album "Ted Taylor 1976" on Alarm LP 1000)
9. Just As Soon As The Feeling's Over – JACKIE WILSON (from the 1975 US album "Nobody But You" on Brunswick BL 754212)
10. Changes – CLARENCE CARTER (from the 1970 album "Patches" on Atlantic SD 8267)
11. I Betcha Didn't Know That – FREDERICK KNIGHT (1975 US 7" single on Truth TRA-3216, A)
12. Run To Me – SIDNEY JOE QUALLS (1975 US 7" single on Dakar DK 4546, A)
13. Mess On Your Hands – MILLIE JACKSON (2014 previously unreleased 3:07 minutes edit of a track from her 1982 US album "Hard Times" on Spring SP-1-6737)
14. Good Guys Don't Always Win – RAY CRUMLEY (1976 US 7" single on Alarm 113, A)
15. So Your Love Finally Ran Out (For Me) – LES McCANN (from his 1979 US LP "Tall, Dark & Handsome" on A&M Records SP-4780)
16. The Show Must Go On – LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY (1975 US 7" single on Aware AW 050, A)
17. What A Way To Put It – THE TEMPTATIONS (from the 1983 US LP "Surface Thrills" on Gordy 6032GL)
18. Spoiled By Your Love – ANITA WARD (1978 US 7" single on Juana 3417, A)
19. Where Did We Go Wrong – L.T.D (1980 US 7" single on A&M Records 2250-S, A)
20. Save The Overtime (For Me) – GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS (1983 US 7" single on Columbia 03761, A)
21. Seconds Of Your Love – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (1983 US 7" single on Beverly Glen Music BG 2016, A)
22. One In A Million You – LARRY GRAHAM (1980 US 7" single on Warner Brothers 49221, A)
Notes: All tracks are STEREO except 1, 5, 15 and 19 - which are MONO

The 16-page booklet is the usual fact-filled, photo-strewn event – pictures of American and UK 45s, album sleeves for Jackie Wilson, The Temptations, Les McCann and Loleatta Holloway as well as track-by-track info from the ever-brilliant TONY ROUNCE. The remasters from DUNCAN COWELL are beautifully realised – most quality Productions in the first place. It does dip a bit on the Mono mixes of say L.T.D. – but overall this is a real pleasure to listen to for all the right reasons. 

The emphasis is on love songs and ballads – and nine times out of ten – Dees will move and impress you. The beautiful "My World" was initially released 1977 on the tiny New London International label (1003) in the USA as "In My World". And while Polydor liked the singing they thought the Production wasn't up to snuff so they had Dees recut it with Tommy Couch at Malaco and that's the version presented here ("Say Yeah" is the flipside – recut at the same sessions). The brilliant love groove of "Cry To Me" by Esther Phillips features an uncredited Sam Dees singing 'improvised vocal lines between Esther's lead' and is a first time on Kent-Soul CD (superb transfer too). You're then hit with the tortured beauty of "Your Love Is Like A Boomerang" (a winner) - while the "...you'll cook his supper...but he'll find complaints about something..." lyrics of "A Woman's Way" feature a fantastic sassy and street-smart vocal by Roszetta Johnson (credited as Rozetta on the label). 

After her full-on hardcore songs - Millie Jackson's gut-wrenching vocals on the newly compiled edit of "Mess On Your Hands" comes as a shock – a hurting tune about (would you Adam and Eve it) a cheating man. It's a clever compiler choice because it focuses on the song's strengths and what people forget – her great voice. Another cool inclusion is Les McCann's impassioned Teddy Pendergrass vocals on "So Your Love Finally Ran Out On Me" from his underrated "Tall, Dark & Handsome" album of 1979 which contains an impressive five Sam Dees songs (this track is first time on CD too). "Where Did We Go Wrong" by L.T. D. (Love, Togetherness & Devotion) is a co-write with Jeffrey Osbourne. And on it goes to the full-on smooch of Larry Graham's "One In A Million You" – a single that shifted just that in 1980 (it was a USA R&B Number 1). 

I must admit that despite the obvious quality on offer here, by the time you get halfway through, you may feel that if you hear yet another set of lush strings – you may indeed want to kill someone instead of giving them a cuddle. But don't let my cello phobia put you off – this is a class act through and through (Sam Dees' talents are still in demand to this day). Well done yet again to Kent-Soul for giving the man his dues...

"Deep Shadows: The Best Of Kent Ballads" by VARIOUS ARTISTS - Singles, Album Tracks and Unreleased From Later CD Compilations Tracks from 1964 to 1975 (August 2010 UK Ace Kent-Soul CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Cry To Me…"

Twenty-Four slices of Sixties and Seventies moaning and wailing and pleading for a second chance – sounds like my cup of Soul Tea. Some have said this set isn't as good as previous 'Deep Soul' compilations by Ace’s stunning Kent-Soul imprint label - but I beg to differ. 

Even on the previously unreleased stuff like "You Must Leave Her Because You Love Her" – the quality is shockingly high. This compilation is a slow burner and full of nuggets (Little Ann graces the cover with her title song – a big fave on YouTube these days - 2019). Here are the nitty gritty details first…

UK released August 2010 (September 2010 in the USA) – "Deep Shadows: The Best Of Kent Ballads" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 342 (Barcode 029667234221) is a 24-track CD compilation of Remasters that breaks down as follows (77:21 minutes):

1. Cry To Me – LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY (1975 US 7" single on Aware AW 047, A-side)
2. I've Done It Again – THE CHARMELS (A Volt Label Recording first issued September 1999 on the CD compilation "Let's Crossover Again: Stax/Volt Vibes To Blow Your Mind" on Ace Kent/Soul CDKEND 174)
3. What Have You Got To Gain By Losing Me – JEANETTE JONES (Previously Unissued Golden State Recorders recording)
4. Gotta Find A Way – THE HESITATIONS (A GWP Recording first issued July 2005 on the CD compilation "GWP NYC TCB" on Ace Kent-Soul CDKEND 249)
5. There's Another In My Life – PHILLIP MITCHELL (1975 US 7" single on Event 223, A-side)
6. You Must Leave Her Because You Love Her – THE PARAMOUNT FOUR (Previously Unreleased Bob Holmes Recording)
7. Showdown – THE SHALADONS (A GWP Recording first issued October 2007 on the CD compilation "Larry Banks' Soul Family Album" on Ace Kent-Soul CDKEND 284)
8. Seeing is Believing – L.V. JOHNSON (A Volt Label Recording first issued September 1999 on the CD compilation "Let's Crossover Again: Stax/Volt Vibes To Blow Your Mind" on Ace Kent/Soul CDKEND 174)
9. You Didn't Love Me Anyhow – ACT 1 (edited version of a track on their 1974 US debut LP "Act 1" on Spring Records SPR 6704)
10. Whether It's Right Or Wrong – JACKIE LEE & DELORES HALL (1966 US 7" single on Mirwood 5528, A-side)
11. You Got Me – JAIBI (Previously Unissued GWP recording, Rob Keyloch mix)
12. I Won't Be Such A Fool Anymore – THE MODETTES (An Alex Palao Mix of a GWP recording first issued on the October 2009 CD compilation "GWP NYC TLC Volume 2" on Ace Kent-Soul CDKEND 326)
13. No More Like You – RAY POLLARD (1965 US 7" single on Shrine SR 0103, A-side)
14. It Can Happen To You – THE QUOTATIONS (April 1968 US 7" single on Di Venus Records DV-107, B-side to "I Don't Have To Worry")
15. Can't You See I’m Busy – AUSTIN TAYLOR (1964 US 7" single on Sprout Artist 731, A)
16. No One Can Take The Place Of You – THE RAVINS (A Dave Hamilton Production, 1965 US 7" single on Demo Ristic AR 857, A) 
17. I Love My Baby – TOMMY & EDDIE (1966 US 7" single on Money Records 124, A)
18. Tag Tag – SAM DEES (A GRC Recording from 1965 first issued September 1995 on the Sam Dees CD "Second To None" on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 125)
19. Sweet Loving Woman – GARLAND GREEN (1974 US 7" single on Spring 146, A)
20. You Make Me Feel Like Someone – JOHNNY GILLIAM (1968 US 7" single on Modern M 1052, A)
21. You Must Be Losing Your Mind – JIMMIE RAYE (A JRE Production supervised by Matt Parsons, 1967 US 7" single on Garrison 3008, A)
22. I'm A Lonely Man – BOBBY BURN (1968 US 7" single on Chant Records CH-522, A)
23. How Long Can This Last – DEBBIE TAYLOR (1969 US 7" single on GWP Records GWP 510, A)
24. Deep Shadows – LITTLE ANN (First appeared on the April 1998 CD compilation "Dave Hamilton's Detroit Dancers Vol.1" on Ace Kent-Soul CDKEND 154)
[Note: Tracks 3, 6 and 11 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED]

The 16-page booklet has a 4000-word essay on each track by Britain’s best Soul authority TONY ROUNCE – a name that has graced countless quality CD compilations for Ace and Edsel. In between text are photos of those rare American 45s (the mere sight of the 'Shrine' label will make Northern Soul fans weak at the knees and reach for the wallet), label publicity photos and even a rare Tape box. DUNCAN COWELL has mastered the tracks from original analogue recordings and the audio quality is typically fabulous. 

Musically songs like "Showdown" by The Shaladons and "Seeing Is Believing" by L.V. Johnson are torch tunes of the highest quality – not just schmaltz – but touching. The truly gorgeous and powerful "You Got Me" by Jaibi is a song they've used before – but here we get a better remix by Rob Keyloch that brings the backing vocals to the fore – what a gem. It doesn't say who the lead female vocalist on "I Won't Be Such A Fool Anymore" by The Modettes - but what a great performance and such a lovely ballad. The Production values on the Ray Pollard 'Shrine Label' track is low key but what a song and what bubbling-under passion – it's no wonder Northern Soul fans cream their shorts over stuff like this. 

I know there are those that say the moment you exit the Sixties – the Soul Ballad takes a nosedive into schlock way too often – all production values and no heart. There is of course an awful truth to this – but then there's tracks like Phillip Mitchell's "There's Another In My Life" and Garland Green's "Sweet Loving Woman" which despite their cheesy spoken bits – have loveliness at their core that transcends. The opener "Cry To Me" by Loleatta Holloway is another - a lovely Sam Dees/David Camon song in the vein of those breathy pleaders ("...baby I see you packing…") and despite its slightly dated Seventies feel – when she finally launches into the vocal – it so works. Both 1968's "I'm A Lonely Man" by Bobby Burn and 1969's "How Long Can This Last" by Debbie Taylor are gorgeous stuff too – so pretty with their down-tempo rhythms and string arrangements that go down like a fine wine (or two). 

"Deep Shadows: The Best Of Kent Ballads" is a compilation that creeps up on you – I find I return to it more and more. Wonderful stuff – and as ever – another classy winner from those British Soul nuts at Ace and Kent-Soul…

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"Self Determination Music" by JOHN CARTER & BOBBY BRADFORD – December 1970 US Second Album on Flying Dutchman Records - Guests Include Tom Wilkinson and Buzz Freeman on Bas and Drums (March 2015 UK Ace/Beat Goes Public (BGP) CD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Eye Of The Storm…"

When Bob Thiele left his post at Impulse (the Jazz imprint at ABC Records) after nine years of Producing people like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins to form Flying Dutchman in Los Angeles – his brief was to sign and promote the best of Avant Garde Jazz. So he promptly brought on board names like Pharoah Sanders, Roswell Budd and Archie Shepp to begin with. Texas-born Saxophonist John Carter and Cleveland Trumpeter Bobby Bradford were amongst those signees.

They had already seen their debut for the Flying Dutchman label "Flight For Four" hit the racks in 1969 on Flying Dutchman FDS 108 garnishing much praise but relatively few sales. Thiele persisted and allowed the pair to self-produce their second platter – "Self Determination Music" released December 1970 in the USA on Flying Dutchman FDS-128. And that's where this blistering (first time on) CD reissue comes in. Here are the flight details…

UK released March 2015 – "Self Determination Music" by JOHN CARTER and BOBBY BRADFORD on Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 286 (Barcode 029667528627) breaks down as follows (44:02 minutes):

1. The Sunday Afternoon Jazz Blues Society (5:50 minutes) [Side 1]
2. The Eye Of The Storm (15:20 minutes)
3. Loneliness (9:08 minutes) [Side 2]
4. Encounter (13:37 minutes)
Tracks 1, 3 and 4 by John Carter, Track 2 by Bobby Bradford

The 12-page booklet features original artwork and a reproduction of the American album's sleeve notes (penned by Robert Levin) with a new appraisal of the album by noted Soul/Jazz fan DEAN RUDLAND. You get the original labels repro’d on Page 2 with that funky Elihu Blotnick artwork front and rear.

But the real Jazz fireworks comes in the NICK ROBBINS remaster which lets the rhythm section of Bassist TOM WILLIAMSON and Drummer BUZZ FREEMAN breath behind the soloing of the two leads. From the opening moments of rapid free-form Jazz on "The Sunday Afternoon Jazz Blues Society" – the instruments are clear – rattling around your speakers with intent and in your face in all the right ways. This CD sounds great. Things mellow down on the Side One finisher "The Eye Of The Storm" which opens with a beautifully judged cymbals-versus-double-bass passage before the boys float in. They let rip during its fifteen minutes and those looking for the mellow of "Kind Of Blue" should look the other way.

Side Two opens with an eerie percussive passage that could come straight out of some hip Bikers, Pimps and Drugs movie – the audio of "Loneliness" is amazing. Both Carter and Bradford keep the sneaky pace at that level throughout which allows the listener to hear their superbly soulful playing. Back to wild fast-paced free-form for "Encounter" where Buzz Freeman plays a blinder – both Horn players taking turns at the jabs and parries.

Ace Records regularly receive 5-star praise for their continuing Soul and R 'n' B CD reissues and with 2025 marking 50 years in the reissue game – that’s saying something. But their Jazz and Fusion output often gets overlooked. A superb reissue of an Avant Garde rarity…well done to all involved…

Other Flying Dutchman titles in the Ace/BGP CD Reissue Series include:

1. Fenix - GATO BARBIERI (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 268)
2. The Third World - GATO BARBIERI (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 272)
3. El Pampero – GATO BARBIERI (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 283)
4. Cesar 830 – CESAR (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 261)
5. Friends And Neighbors: Ornette Live At Prince Street – ORNETTE COLEMAN (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 266)
6. Afrique – COUNT BASIE (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 271)
7. Barefoot Boy - LARRY CORYELL (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 269)
8. George Russell Presents… - THE ESOTERIC CIRCLE (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 284)
9. Pieces Of A Man – GIL SCOTT-HERON (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 274)
10. Free Will – GIL SCOTT-HERON (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 281)
11. Cosmic Funk And Spiritual Sounds – LONNIE LISTON SMITH (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 254)
12. Expansions – LONNIE LISTON SMITH & THE COSMIC ECHOES (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 263)
13. Astral Travelling – LONNIE LISTON SMITH & THE COSMIC ECHOES (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 273)
14. Cosmic Funk - LONNIE LISTON SMITH & THE COSMIC ECHOES (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 278)
15. Newport News, Virginia – ESTHER MARROW (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 264)
16. Swiss Suite: Recorded Live At The Montreaux Jazz Festival - OLIVER NELSON (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 279)
17. Soul Is… - PRETTY PURDIE (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 282)
18. Head Start – BOB THIELE EMERGENCY (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 265)
19. Spirits Known And Unknown – LEON THOMAS (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 262)
20. The Leon Thomas Album - LEON THOMAS (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 270)
21. Blues And The Soulful Truth – LEON THOMAS (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPM 277)
22. The Creator: The Best Of The Flying Dutchman Masters – LEON THOMAS (Ace/BGP Records CDBGPD 257)

"Ugly Ego/Secret Omen" by CAMEO – October 1978 and July 1979 US Albums on Chocolate City Records featuring Larry Blackmon (February 2015 UK Cherry Red/Robinsongs Compilation - 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD – Alan Wilson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...I Get Excited And I Go Insane..."

A very cool and timely reissue lumping together two of Cameo's best Funk outings on Chocolate City Records from that halcyon decade - "Ugly Ego" from 1978 and its follow-up "Secret Omen" from 1979.

While "Ugly Ego" managed a 16 placing on the USA Billboard R&B charts - the hugely popular "Secret Omen" went into the Top 5 (peaked at No. 4) and spawned two top-ten hit singles in the shape of "I Just Want To Be" and "Sparkle". This superb sounding CD reissue by Robinsongs of England (part of the Cherry Red Group) does those two funky monsters a solid. Here are the codpiece details...

UK released February 2015 - "Ugly Ego/Secret Omen" by CAMEO on Robinsongs CDMRED648 (Barcode 5013929164833) gives fans 2LPs on 1CD and breaks down as follows (74:14 minutes):

1. I'll Be With You [Side 1]
2. Insane
3. Give Love A Chance
4. I Want You
5. Ugly Ego [Side 2]
6. Anything You Wanna Do
7. Friend To Me
8. Two Of Us
Tracks 1 to 8 are their 4th album "Ugly Ego" - released October 1978 in the USA on Chocolate City CCLP 2006 and February 1979 in the UK on Casablanca CAL 2038

9. Energy
10. I Just Want To Be
11. Find My Way
12. Macho [Side 2]
13. The Rock
14. Sparkle
15. New York
Tracks 9 to 15 are their 5th album "Secret Omen" - released July 1979 in the USA on Chocolate City Records CCLP 2008 and October 1979 in the UK on Casablanca CAL 2058

Licensed from Universal - ALAN WILSON has done the remaster - and the audio is fantastic - full of power, presence and detail. LARRY BLACKMON (he of the codpiece) - the founder member of the group and principal songwriter - also produced both albums and the band's Funk Sound is dominated by his distinctive Cameo groove. The 8-page inlay is a fairly basic affair with two-page liner notes by Mojo's Lois Wilson, artwork for both LPs and track lists with reissue credits. Nothing to write home about but does the job nonetheless.

Proceedings open with the slappy bass and brass-driven funk of "I'll Be With You" and you're immediately hit with two things - the great groove and the remaster. You're also thinking that while Parliament, Funkadelic and The Ohio Players get all the Funk plaudits - Cameo somehow seem locked in the Pop Soul Eighties thing where they're forever associated with "Word Up" and not wicked anthemic Funk like "Insane". Proving he's a dab hand at lurving your loins as well as lubricating them - the ballad "Give Love A Chance" is excellent bedroom fodder while the Isley Brothers guitar of Eric Durham on "I Want You" ends Side One on a great hard groove. Another slick multi-vocal beat is "Anything You Wanna Do" - fab brass punches punctuate a wicked Bass and Guitar beat.

If "Ugly Ego" felt like a purist Funk outing - it's obvious from the crowd-pleasing opener "Energy" on "Secret Omen" that this LP was aimed at making the group a genuine chart presence. Stuff like "I Just Want To Be" with its weird vocal beginning and synth jabs is so commercial yet Funky. "Macho" and "Sparkle" - the other two big tunes on here - are the same - crowd-shouters and people-pleasers ("Sparkle" has a fabulous lurve groove). Album winner for me goes to "The Rock" where Cameo come over all Earth, Wind & Fire but in a good way.

A brilliant little reissue that makes two long-out-of-print albums available again on a quality CD pitched at mid-price. Soul, Funk and Disco lovers should dig in...

Other Robinsongs 2LPs-on-1CD releases include:

1. Step Into Your Life/Prime Time - ROY AYERS & WAYNE HENDERSON
2. Light Of Life/Injoy - BAR-KAYS
3. It's Just Begun/Phase Two - THE JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH
4. Fever/Electric Lady - CON-FUNK-SHUN
5. Wildflower/Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing - HANK CRAWFORD
6. We All Have A Star/Inherit The Wind - WILTON FELDER (of The Crusaders)
7. Routes/Three Piece Suite - RAMSEY LEWIS
8. Love Is Where You Find It/Love For Love - THE WHISPERS
9. 'Nard/Funky Beat - BERNARD WRIGHT

"The Chess Collection" by SOLOMON BURKE - Including The US Albums "Music To Make Love By" (June 1975, October 1975 UK) and "Back To My Roots" (October 1976, no UK issue) on Chess Records (June 2006 UK Chess CD Compilation – 2LPs onto 1CD - Chess Original Remasters Series In A Card Digipak) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Music To Make Love By..."

Bit of an odd one. Solomon Burke is usually associated with his early 1960's Atlantic sides, where his guttural torch-song vocals are akin to Otis Redding at his expressive best - genuine, moving and heartfelt – and like Otis - Burke was considered then to be the real deal.

But this release concentrates on something entirely different to those glory days - two long-forgotten and little known albums Burke cut for Chess Records USA – "Music To Make Love By" in 1975 and "Back To My Roots" in 1976 (as well as 2 Bonus Tracks on top). Unfortunately it's easy to understand why they're forgotten when you hear some of the tracks - but more of that later. As the booklet doesn't exactly tell you what's what - let's get into the nitty gritty…

UK released 19 June 2006 - "The Chess Collection" by SOLOMON BURKE on Chess Original Remasters 983 229-5 (Barcode 602498322956) offers 2LPs and 1 Bonus Track Remastered onto 1 CD and Plays out as follows:

1. Music To Make Love By (Part 1)
2. Let Me Wrap My Arms Around You
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine
4. You And Your Baby Blues
5. All The Way
6. Thanks I Needed That
7. Everlasting Love
8. Midnight And You
9. Music To Make Love By (Part 2)

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "Music To Make Love By" – released June 1975 in the USA on Chess ACH-60042 and October 1975 in the UK on Chess 9109 102. It peaked at No 52 on the US R&B charts (didn't chart UK).

10. Burning For Your Love
11. Night And Day
12. Everybody's Got To Cry Sometime
13. I'm Going Back To My Roots
14. Precious Flower
15. The Do Right Song
16. Life Has Its Ups And Downs
17. Over And Over (Loving And Hugging)
18. I'll Never Stop Loving You

Tracks 10 to 18 are the album "Back To My Roots" – released September 1976 in the USA on Chess ACH-19002 (no UK release).

19. I'm Leaving on That Late, Late Train - non-album B-side to the US-only 7" single "You & Your Baby Blues" released February 1975 on Chess 2159 (the A is on "Music To Make Love By")

20. Love's Passage - non-album B-side to the US-only 7" single "I'm Going Back To My Roots" released December 1976 on Chess 3003. The B is on stock copies only; the demo has a repeat of the A-side. The A is on "Back To My Roots".

The good news is that the sound quality is superb, remastered by GARY MOORE at Universal Studios – warm and clear – great work done with the tapes.

The bad news is the material. This is Solomon Burke re-inventing himself as a loverman like Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White – and at times, the results are not just bad – they’re laughable. His covers of Ray Charles' classic "Come Rain Or Shine" and his disco take on Cole Porter standard "Night & Day" are both awful. It gets worse with the Barry White heavy-breathing that begins "You & Your Baby Blues" (his last chart entry in Feb 1975 on the USA R&B charts) with lyrics like "...you make it hard for me baby…" The same crap starts "All The Way" with breathy spoken statements like "...That was beautiful baby... God I wish I could love you like this all the time...24 hours a day…" Ye Gads.

It’s not all pseudo of course. "Thanks I Needed That" has great brass and rhythm similar to the Chi-Lites at their funky sexy best – very cool. Then there's the slinkiest track on the 1st album, "Midnight And You" which actually works – very Barry White as his grooviest.

Highlights on the 2nd album include the bluesy/harmonica driven "Everybody's Got To Cry Sometime", the AWB guitar funk of "Precious Flower" and the Rufus slow groove of "Over And Over (Hugging And Loving)".  And for fans there is a genuinely fantastic bonus in "I'm Leaving On That Late, Late Train" – a great soul song lost on the B-side of a USA-only 7" – its inclusion here is a genuine find.

So a mixed bag then - half dire, half good – but still worthy of your interest for those sporadic gems here and there. Licensed from Universal Spain - Elemental Music of the UK has reissued "Music To Make Love By" in a card repro gatefold sleeve with an inner in 2016 (probably using the same Gary Moore Remaster) – but frankly it's cheaper to get it here and with all that quality extra stuff too...

"Behind Closed Doors: Where Country Meets Soul" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring Tracks from 1965 to 1993 by Aaron Neville, Solomon Burke, Percy Sledge, Ann Peebles, Tami Lynn, Esther Phillips, Bettye Swann, Tony Borders and more (June 2010 UK Ace Records/Kent Soul CD Compilation – Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...My Love Keeps On Growing..."

A clever one. You wouldn't credit Soul Artists doing Country cover versions – but of course a good song (especially a moaning ballad) is a good song – and Soul Music variants will bring an even deeper groove/feel to it. So before the next teardrop falls – here are the backdoor details…

UK released June 2012 – "Behind Closed Doors: Where Country Meets Soul" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDKEND 375 (Barcode 029667237529) breaks downs as follows (76:58 minutes):

1. The Grand Tour – AARON NEVILLE [George Jones cover] (1993, from the CD album "The Grand Tour" on A&M 540 100-2)

2. He'll Have To Go – SOLOMON BURKE [Billy Brown and Jim Reeves covers] (1964, USA 7" single on Atlantic 2218, A)

3. Take Time To Know Her – PERCY SLEDGE [Steve Davis cover] (1968, USA 7" single on Atlantic 2490, A)

4. I Saw Her – ESTHER PHILLIPS [George Jones cover] (1965, USA 7" single on Atlantic 2304, A)

5. My Elusive Dreams – MOSES & JOSHUA DILLARD [Curly Putnam cover] (1967, USA 7" single on Mala 575 and October 1967 UK 7" on Stateside SS 2059, A-side)

6. Hangin' On – ANN PEEBLES [Gosdin Brothers cover] (1974, USA 7" single on Hi 2265, A)

7. My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You – BOBBY SHEEN [Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys] (1965, USA 7" single on Dimension D-1043, A)

8. Wings Upon Your Horn – TAMI LYNN [Loretta Lynn cover] (from the 1972 LP "Love Is Here And Now You're Gone" on Cotillion SD 9052 (USA) and Mojo 2916 007 (UK))

9. Before The Next Teardrop Falls – THE LIMELITES [Duane Dee cover] (1975, USA 7" single on Creative Funk 12008, A)

10. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry – AL GREEN [Hank Williams cover] (1973, from the "Call Me" LP on Hi Records XSHL 32077)

11. Life Turned Her That Way – JAMES CARR [Mel Tillis cover] (1968, USA 7" single on Goldwax 335, A)

12. He Called Me Baby – CANDI STATON [Harlan Howard/Patsy Cline cover] (1971, USA 7" single on Fame 1476, A)

13. The Chokin' Kind – Z.Z. HILL [Harlan Howard/Waylon Jennings cover] (1971, USA 7" single on Mankind 12007, A)

14. Yours, Love – JOE SIMON [Harlan Howard/Waylon Jennings song] (1970, USA 7" single on Sound Stage 7 2664, A)

15. Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad – COOKIE JACKSON [Tammy Wynette cover] (1967, USA 7" single on Okeh 4-7279, A)

16. Detroit City – ARTHUR ALEXANDER [Mel Tillis cover - "I Wanna Go Home"] (1965, USA 7" single on Dot 45-16737, A)

17. Gentle On My Mind – TONY BORDERS [John Hartford song/Glen Campbell cover] (September 1969 USA 7" single on Revue R 11054, B-side to "Polly Wolly")

18. Don't Touch Me – BETTYE SWANN [Garland Perry & Hank Cochran song – Jeannie Seeley cover] (January 1969 USA 7" single on Capitol 2382, A)

19. Set Me Free – CLARENCE CARTER [Curly Putnam cover] (1967, from his USA debut album "This Is Clarence Carter" on Atlantic SD 8192)

20. Behind Closed Doors – LITTLE MILTON [Kenny O'Dell song/Charlie Rich cover] (1974, USA 7" single on Stax STA-0210, A)

21. If You're Not Back In Love By Monday (Alternate Vocal) – MILLIE JACKSON [Merle Haggard cover] (first issued as a Bonus Track on the 2007 CD Reissue of "Feelin' Bitchy" (a 1977 album on Spring 6715) on Ace Records/Southbound CDSEWM 242)

22. Skip A Rope – JOE TEX [Henson Cargill cover] (1968, from the USA album "Soul Country" on Dial Records SD 8187)

23. She Even Woke Me Up To Saw Goodbye – BROOK BENTON [Mickey Newbury cover] (1971, from the USA album "Story Teller" on Cotillion SD 9050)

The 20-page booklet has amazingly detailed annotation by long-time Ace associate TONY ROUNCE – a man who’s liner notes have graced a huge number of quality Soul, Funk, Disco and Jazz Funk reissues. DUNCAN COWELL has handled all the remasters and done a typically bang-up job. The audio varies from period to period – but the 'feeling' is never compressed away – these songs breathe and many sound glorious.

"Behind Closed Doors..." opens with the relatively new – Aaron Neville doing a respectful version of "The Grand Tour" by George Jones (complete with pedal steel guitar and Eagles pacing). But things start to get more interesting when Solomon Burke does a Soul take on the classic third-man song "He'll Have To Go". Even better is Percy Sledge's "Take Time To Know Her" with its churchy organ and pleading 'mama says' vocals. Next is a rare Esther Phillips outing – sparse and slow – she puts in a great vocal on a 'picture of a fool' song. Moses and Joshua Dillard do their best Sam & Dave duet with Curly Putnam's "My Elusive Dreams" – a welcome upbeat dancer.

John Hartford's gorgeous and lilting love song "Gentle On My Mind" (made famous by Glen Campbell) gets tapped by Tony Borders – a 1969 US 45 you don’t see nor hear too often on Revue Records. Soul Siren and all-round vocal class act Bettye Swann brings her golden throat to a Hank Cochran tune Jeannie Seeley first aired - "Don’t Touch Me" – a cut from Bettye’s "The New Soul View!" album issued as a 45 in January 1969.  Another very tasty pairing and brilliant compilation choices... 

I raved about the Ann Peebles take on "(You Keep Me) Hangin' On" on Hi Records – totally transforming the Gosdin Brothers classic into something Al Green soulful (lyrics above) – while the amazing vocals of James Carr does the same with "Life Turned Her That Way" by Mel "Don't Be Quick To Condemn Her" Tillis. Tempo picks up with "The Chokin' Kind" as Z.Z. Hill makes Waylon Jennings sound like a pleased-with-himself Bobby Womack. Joe Tex cleverly picks "Skip A Rope" about children playing - but it has marital breakdown lyrics (Mum and Dad fighting at night) and racial overtones about "...hate your neighbour for the colour of his skin..." Millie Jackson Alternate Vocal on "If You're Not Back In Love By Monday" is another heartache highlight.

"Behind Closed Doors" is a very clever Kent-Soul CD compilation from a reissue label (Ace Records) that keeps spotting connections we either missed or need to be woken up to. Woke me up for sure... 

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60ts Soul, R&B, Northern Soul

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