"The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring British Artists Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown Blues Band, Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, Duster Bennett, John Mayall and Eric Clapton, Gordon Smith, Jo Ann Kelly, Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, Top Topham of The Yardbirds, Coyne Clague, Jellybread, Key Largo with Guests Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, Johnny Almond of The Alan Price Set and Members of Mighty Baby. American Artists include Eddie Boyd, Curtis Jones, B.B. King, Otis Spann, Bukka White, Johnny Shines, Champion Jack Dupree, Johnny Young, Mississippi Joe Callicott, Hubert Sumlin, Drifting Slim, “Little“ Mack Simmons & His Boys, Walter “Shakey“ Horton, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Bobby Parker and more (October 1997 UK Columbia 3CD Long Hardback DigiBook Presentation Set with Attached Booklet Inside – Reissued June 2006 in a 3CD Jewel Case with Different Cover Artwork - Duncan Cowell and Mike Vernon Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

2006 Reissue in a Jewel Case with Different Artwork

Same Tracks, Detached Booklet, 1997 Remasters

<iframe sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B000025K0Q&asins=B000025K0Q&linkId=2d6ba9627f28e02e9a66e5a808887205&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"...The Big Boat... "

Long been one of the loveliest reissues in my collection – there are two variants of "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1". The original October 1997 issue featured a Long Hardback 3CD Digibook presentation whilst the June 2006 Jewel Case Reissue sported different artwork but the same 60-page booklet (now detached, easier to read) and those quality Duncan Cowell and Mike Vernon 1997 Remasters. 

Subtitled 'A Definitive History of the UK's Most Influential Blues Label' - both 3CD sets are sadly now deleted in 2021 (they never did get a Volume 2 out) and vary wildly in prices on the secondhand market (but still within reach I would say). So much to savour, so let's have at the multitudinous details...

UK released 20 October 1997 – "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Columbia 488992 2 (Barcode 5099748899224) offers 70-Tracks Remastered across 3CDs and was originally presented in a Limited Edition Long Hardback Digibook Presentation with a 60-page booklet Attached on the inside. It was UK reissued 12 June 2006 on Sony/Blue Horizon 4889924 (Barcode 828768620823) in a 3CD Jewel Case with different cover artwork, detached booklet and plays out as follows:

CD1 "The Pre CBS Years" (75:14 minutes): 

All Tracks in MONO 

Track 1 is a Previously Unissued Alternate; Track 19 is Previously Unreleased

1. Across The Board - HUBERT SUMLIN

2. Sumlin Boogie - HUBERT SUMLIN 

Track 1 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Newly Edited Version. Tracks 1 and 2 were originally the A&B-sides of a February 1965 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1000 (BH-101) - the label's debut 7" single. A limited edition of 75 copies sold through "R&B Monthly" Magazine in Feb 1965 (Issue No. 13)

3. Baby You Just Don't Know - WOODROW ADAMS 

4. Wine Head Woman - WOODROW ADAMS 

Tracks 3 and 4 are an April 1965 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1001 (BH-105) - label's 2nd 7" single release; a limited edition of 99 copies sold through "R&B Monthly" Magazine April 1965 issue  

5. Christmas Time, Part 1 - JIMMY McCRACKLIN 

Track 5 is a September 1965 UK 45-single on Outa-Site 45-501, A-side; a limited edition of 99 copies sold through “R&B Monthly” Magazine, it was originally issued as a 1960 USA 7” single on Art-Tone Records 826

6. Mojo Boogie - J.B. LENOIR 

7. I Don't Care What Nobody Say - J.B. LENORE 

Tracks 6 and 7 are the A&B-sides of a January 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1004 (BH.45-1004) - A limited edition of 99 copies – sold through R&B Monthly Magazine No.23.

8. Mean Old World - DOCTOR ISAIAH ROSS 

Track 8 is from the December 1965 UK LP "The Flying Eagle" on Blue Horizon LP 1 - the Blue Horizon label's debut UK album

9. Someone To Love Me - T.S. McPHEE [Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs] 

Track 9 is a January 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah 45-3501, A-side - a James "Snooky" Prior cover version

10. I Feel So Good - JO ANN KELLY 

Track 10 is from the October 1968 UK compilation LP "Blues Anytime Vol.1: An Anthology Of British Blues" on Immediate IMLP 014

11. Good Morning Baby - DRIFTING SLIM [Elmon Mickle]

12. My Sweet Woman - DRIFTING SLIM [Elmon Mickle]

Tracks 11 and 12 are the A&B-sides of a 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1005 - reissue of a 1959 US 7" single on RPM Records 370, Ike Turner plays piano and Sunny Blair plays Harmonica

13. Lonely Years - JOHN MAYALL and ERIC CLAPTON 

14. Bernard Jenkins - JOHN MAYALL and ERIC CLAPTON 

Tracks 13 and 14 are the A&B-side of a June 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3502. Vocals A-side is by John Mayall; B-side is an instrumental by Eric Clapton; A-side features Mayall on Vocals and Harmonica with EC on guitar; B-side is EC on guitar with Mayall on piano only; 500 copies only pressed

15. Superintendent Blues - HOUSTON BOINES 

16. Monkey Motion - HOUSTON BOINES 

Tracks 15 and 16 are the A&B-sides of a 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1006; reissue of a 1952 USA-only 78" on RPM Records 364 featuring Ike Turner on Piano

17. Can't Quit You Baby - SAVOY BROWN'S BLUES BAND 

Track 17 is the Non-LP B-side of "I Tried", 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3503, a Willie Dixon cover

18. Get Your Head Happy - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with T.S. McPhee 

Track 18 is the Non-LP A-side only of an October 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1007 - a co-write with Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, McPhee plays Guitar, Dupree on Vocals

19. Talk All In My Sleep -CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with T.S. McPhee  

Track 19 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording made 23 Nov 1965 in London; also a co-write with Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, McPhee plays Guitar, Dupree on Vocals

20. Hot Rock - STONE'S MASONRY 

Track 20 is the Non-LP A-side of a December 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3504 - band featured Guitarist Martin Stone of The Action, Mighty Baby and Savoy Brown with Organist Pete Solley of Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds, Fox, Paladin, Procol Harum, Snafu and Whitesnake with Keith Tillman of The Bluesbreakers, Aynsley Dunbar's Retaliation and Mainsqueeze

21. Christine - HOUND DOG TAYLOR

Track 21 is the A-side of a March 1967 UK 45-single on Outasite 45-504 (99 copies only) - reissue of a 1962 USA-only 7" single originally on Firma Records 626

22. Come Back - "LITTLE" MACK SIMMONS & HIS BOYS 

23. Walking Blues - "LITTLE" MACK SIMMONS & HIS BOYS

Tracks 23 and 22 are the A-side (in that order) of a March 1967 UK 4-Track E.P. called "Blues From Chicago" on Outasite OSEP 1 - 99 copies only - both tracks originally a 1959 USA-only 7" single on CJ Records 606  

24. It's So Miserable To Be Alone - EDDIE BOYD

25. Empty Arms - EDDIE BOYD

Tracks 24 and 25 are the Non-LP A&B-sides of a May 1967 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-BH.1009 - uncredited, both sides feature Peter Green on Guitar and John McVie on Bass of Fleetwood Mac with Aynsley Dunbar on Drums

CD2 "The CBS Years Part 1" (75:04 minutes): 

All Tracks in STEREO except 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 15 and 23, which are in MONO 

Track 6 is a Previously Unissued Alternate Mix

1. I Believe My Time Ain't Long - PETER GREEN'S FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 1 is the A-side of Fleetwood Mac's debut single from November 1967 on CBS/Blue Horizon 3051. Both the A and B-side ("Rambling Pony") had been non-album at the time of issue (their first LP appearance was on the “The Pious Bird Of Good Omen” compilation in 1969). A-Side is a Jeremy Spencer song with lead vocals sung by him while the B-Side is a Peter Green song with lead vocals sung by him. A few original copies came with a very rare paper picture sleeve. 

2. Warning - AYNSLEY DUNBAR RETALIATION 

Track 2 is the Non-LP A-side of a November 1967 UK 45-single on CBS/Blue Horizon 3109; "Warning" was famously covered by Black Sabbath on their 1970 self-titled debut album on Vertigo; both A&B sides ("Cobweb" was the flipside) later appeared on the "In Our Own Way Oldies But Goodies" Blue Horizon compilation sampler LP from 1969 - a few rare copies cam in paper picture sleeves which is pictured on Page 18 of the booklet

3. When My Left Eye Jumps - THE CHICKEN SHACK featuring Stan Webb 

Track 3 is the Non-LP B-side of a January 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3135 (the A-side was "It's OK With Me Baby" by The Chicken Shack featuring Christine Perfect); Stan Webb is on lead vocals; also features Christine Perfect on Piano, Johnny Almond on Sax and Aynsley Dunbar on Drums

4. She Drives Me Out Of My Mind - ARTHUR K. ADAMS 

Track 4 is the Non-LP A-side of a February 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3136 - both the A and its flipside "Gimme Some Of Your Lovin'" are a reissue of a 1967 USA-only 7" single on Modern 1034 

5. The Big Boat - EDDIE BOYD 

Track 5 is the Non-LP A-side of a May 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3137 - both A&B-sides feature Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac

6. Black Magic Woman - FLEETWOOD MAC

Track 6 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Rejected Mix without the reverb that appeared on the commercial release. It was originally a Non-LP A-side of a March 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3138 (their second 7" single in the UK). A Peter Green song, its first appearance on LP was the February 1969 US album "English Rose" on Epic Records and then on the August 1969 UK compilation LP "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" on Blue Horizon Records

7. Prison Bound Blues - ROOSEVELT HOLTS 

Track 7 first issued on his March 1968 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues" on Blue Horizon 7-63201

8. Need Your Love So Bad - FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 8 is the Non-LP A-side of a July 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3139 (reissued July 1969 on Blue Horizon 57-3157) - a cover version of Little Willie John's 1955 hit on King Records, its first appearance on a UK LP was on the August 1969 UK compilation "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" on Blue Horizon Records

9. How Am I Doing It - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with Stan Webb (Guitar)

Track 9 is the Non-LP B-side of "I Haven't Done No One No Harm" 45-single released July 1968 in the UK on Blue Horizon 57-3140 - Stan Webb with Chicken Shack

10. Can't Do Me No Good - OTIS SPANN 

Track 10 is the Non-LP A-side of a September 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3142 - a cover version of a Muddy Waters song. The band featured Walter "Shakey" Horton on Harmonica, Johnny Shines on Guitar, Willie Dixon (of Chess Records fame) on Upright Bass with Clifton James on Drums

11. The Woman I Love - B.B. KING 

Track 11 is the A-side of an October 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3144 - both it and the flipside "Blues For Me" are a reissue of a 1959 USA-only 7" single on Kent 325

12. You Don't Have To Go - CURTIS JONES 

Track 12 from the October 1968 UK LP "Now Resident In Europe" on Blue Horizon 7-63207 

13. Albatross - FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 13 is a November 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3145; a Peter Green original instrumental, on initial release, both tracks were non-album ("Jigsaw Blues" is the B-side). Made No. 1 on the UK singles charts. First album appearance on the February 1969 US LP "English Rose" on Epic Records, then August 1969 UK on "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" compilation on Blue Horizon Records. Charted again when it was UK re-released in April 1973 on CBS/Hall Of Fame Hits 8306 (peaked at No. 2) with "Need Your Love So Bad" on the flipside. "Albatross" has been reissued on 7" and CD singles many times since

14. Since My Baby Hit The Numbers - GUITAR CRUSHER/Jimmy Spruill Orchestra 

Track 14 is the Non-LP A-side of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3149; Guitar Crusher is Sid Selby

15. Next Time You See Me - GARFIELD LOVE/Jimmy Spruill Orchestra 

Track 15 is a Non-LP A-side of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3150; A is a cover of a Little Junior Parker R&B hit from 1957 on Don Robey's Duke Records 

16. Solid Gold - JOHNNY SHINES 

Track 16 is from the album "Last Night's Dream" issued January 1969 on Blue Horizon S 7-63212 in the UK; issued 1972 in the USA with a different cover and name - "Blues Masters Vol.8" on Blue Horizon BM 4607. Track features Willie Dixon of Chess Records fame with Drummer Clifton James

17. Layin' In My Cell, Sleepin' - SUNNYLAND SLIM

Track 17 from the album "Midnight Jump" issued January 1969 on Blue Horizon S 7-63213 in the UK. It wasn't issued initially in the USA, but was re-issued 1972 with a different cover and name - "Blues Masters Vol.8" on Blue Horizon BM 4608. Features Walter "Shakey" Horton on Harmonica with Willie Dixon and Clifton James on Bass and Drums

18. It's Hard But It's Fair - BOBBY PARKER 

19. I Couldn't Quit You Baby - BOBBY PARKER 

Tracks 18 and 19 are the Non-LP A&B-sides of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3151; both tracks Bobby Parker originals and feature Johnny Almond of The Alan Price set, Mark-Almond and The Keef Hartley Band on Tenor Saxophone

20. Stumbling Block - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE 

Track 20 is from the August 1969 UK LP “ScoobyDoobyDoo" on Blue Horizon Records 7-63214. Issued 1972 USA in different artwork as "Blues Masters Vol. 10" on Blue Horizon BM 4610. Track features Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones on Guitars

21. I'd Rather Go Blind - CHICKEN SHACK 

Track 21 is the Non-LP A-side of an April 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3153. Christine Perfect (later Christine McVie with Fleetwood Mac) sings lead vocals on this Etta James cover version, her original a 1967 B-side to "Tell Mama" on Cadet 5578.

22. Temperature Is Rising (98.8.F) - OTIS SPANN with Fleetwood Mac 

Track 22 is Non-LP B-side of a July 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3155 (A-side was "Walkin'"); although it credits 'Fleetwood Mac' on the label, the track itself features only two members of the band - Peter Green on Guitar, Mick Fleetwood on Bass with S.P. Leary filling in on the Drums

23. All Your Love (I Miss Loving) - OTIS RUSH & HIS BAND 

Track 23 is the A-side of an August 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3159; reissue of a 1958 USA-only 7" single on Cobra Records 5032. Both tracks of the UK 45 ("Double Trouble" was the B-side) appeared on the 1969 UK LP "This One's A Good 'Un" on Blue Horizon 7-63222. Ike Turner plays Guitar and Willie Dixon Upright Bass       

CD3 "The CBS Years Part 2" (75:57 minutes):

All Tracks in STEREO except 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 and 19, which are in MONO

Tracks 2, 3, 4 and 12 are Previously Unreleased; Track 22 is a Previously Unreleased Remixed Version

1. Everything Gonna Be Alright - MAGIC SLIM 

Track 1 from the October 1969 UK LP "Magic Sam: 1937-1969" on Blue Horizon 7-63223; part of the "Post War Masters" Series. The song was originally a January 1958 US 7" single on Cobra 5021 (A-side) and featured Little Brother Montgormery on Piano with Willie Dixon on Upright Bass

2. Hideaway - CHICKEN SHACK

Track 2 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording from 19 August 1969 (a Freddy King cover version) featuring Guitarist Stan Webb, Pianist Paul Raymond, Bassist Andy Silvester and Drummer Dave Bidwell

3. My Baby's Gone - DAVID 'Honeyboy' EDWARDS 

Track 3 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording from 4 January 1969 (Tel-Mar Studios in Chicago) featuring Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac (Guitar and Drums), with Buddy Guy on Second Guitar and Willie Dixon on Upright Bass

4. Mandy Lee - COYNE CLAGUE 

Track 4 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED DEMO recording from 12 March 1969 

5. Too Long – GORDON SMITH 

Track 5 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Alternate Mix. The original commercial release was a Non-LP A-side of a July 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3156; "Too Long" is a Mississippi Sheiks cover version that features Bassist Mike Evans and Drummer Roger Powell of Mighty Baby 

6. You Don't Know My Mind - MISSISSIPPI JOE CALLICOTT 

Track 6 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues” on Blue Horizon 7-63227

7. Judge Harsh Blues - FURRY LEWIS 

Track 7 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues” on Blue Horizon 7-63228

8. Drifting Blues - BUKKA WHITE 

Track 8 is from the 1969 UK LP "Memphis Hot Shots" on Blue Horizon Records S 7-63229

9. Southern Train - LARRY JOHNSON 

Track 9 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues" on Blue Horizon 7-63851

10. Tears In The Wind - CHICKEN SHACK 

Track 10 is the Non-LP A-side of a September 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3160; a Stan Webb original 

11. I'm Gonna Wind Up Ending Up Or I'm Gonna End Up Winding Up With You - DUSTER BENNETT 

Track 11 is the Non-LP A-side of an October 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon S 57-3164; the 1st Blue Horizon single to sport the letter 'S' prior to its catalogue number because it was the label's first STEREO 45

12. She Wants To Rock 'n' Roll - HARMONICA SLIM 

Track 12 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED EDITED VERSION of an early 1969 New York City recording

13. Moaning And Groaning - JOHNNY YOUNG 

Track 13 is from the January 1970 UK LP "Fat Mandolin" on Blue Horizon S 7-63852 in Stereo; features Paul Oscher on Harmonica and Otis Spann on Piano with Sammy Lawhorn on Guitar 

14. Someday You're Gonna Learn (To Treat Me Right) - GEORGE SMITH 

Track 14 is from the January 1970 UK LP "No Time For Jive" on Blue Horizon Records S 7-63856 in Stereo

15. Ridin' The Blinds - TOP TOPHAM [ex Yardbirds]

Track 15 is from the January 1970 UK LP "Ascension Heights" on Blue Horizon 7-63857 in Stereo; features Duster Bennett on Harmonica with Second Guitarist Rick Hayward (Christine Perfect's Band) and Colin Allen of Stone The Crows on Drums

16. Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights) - BACON FAT

Track 16 is from the February 1970 UK LP "Grease One For Me" on Blue Horizon 7-63858; featuring Rod Piazza on Harmonica and Vocals  

17. Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu - JELLYBREAD

Track 17 is an April 1970 Non-LP UK 45-single on Blue Horizon S 57-3174 (Stereo); Huey Smith cover version; band featured Pete Wingfield and Paul Butler 

18. Crazy 'Bout My Baby - CHRISTINE PERFECT 

Track 18 is from her July 1970 UK debut album "Christine Perfect" on Blue Horizon S 7-63860 (Stereo) - reissued 1976 in the USA as "The Legendary Christine Perfect Album" on Sire SASD-7522 with a different cover - Rick Hayward and Top Topham feature on Guitars 

19. Voodoo Rhythm - KEY LARGO 

Track 19 is an October 1970 Non-LP UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3178; song written by Bob Savage (Keyboards) and Laurie Sanford (Guitar)  

20. I Want You To Love Me - DUSTER BENNETT 

Track 20 is a November 1970 Non-LP 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3179 (Stereo), B-side of "Act Nice & Gentle" 

21. I'm Gonna Leave You - MARTHA VELEZ 

Track 21 is from the November 1970 album "Fiends & Angels Again" on Blue Horizon 7-63867; features Duster Bennett on Harmonica, Chris Mercer and Johnny Almond on Saxophones; Rick Hayward and Eric Clapton on Guitars, Jack Bruce on Bass with Mitch Mitchell on Drums

22. Blues Feeling - BACON FAT 

Track 22 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Remixed Alternate Version. Originally a B-side of "Evil", a December 1970 Non-LP 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3181 - "Blues Feeling" is a Rod Piazza original on which he plays Chromatic Harmonica

Of the 70-Tracks on "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" - 5 are Previously Unreleased, 4 are Remixed Alternate or New Edit Versions and the bulk of the remainder is seeing first-time on CD. Compiled by label boss and Blues lover MIKE VERNON, the attached 60-page booklet within the Long Hardback Digibook is a feast of imagery and details (as you can imagine), though bizarrely for such a studiously researched and presented project, lacks any defined release dates, all of which I've supplied above myself. 

What is fascinating too are the huge Rock names (mostly) hidden in the details – John Mayall of The Bluesbreakers, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce of Cream, Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs and even Drummer Mitch Mitchell of Jimi Hendrix’s Band Of Gypsies. There is also the lesser well known – Colin Allen of Stone The Crows, members of the uber cult band Mighty Baby (formerly The Action), Eighteen With A Bullet Pete Wingfield in Jellybread, Aynsley Dunbar and his Retaliation, Johnny Almond of Mark-Almond and ace-axeman Top Topham of The Yardbirds. The set is also blessed with fabulously clear Audio courtesy of DUNCAN COWELL and original Producer MIKE VERNON – whether it is MONO or STEREO – the Blues Power is amazing across all three jam-packed 75-minute-plus CDs. 

While the big boys like Fleetwood Mac and Chicken Shack thrill with the instrumental magic of "Albatross" (the Beatles referenced it on Abbey Road) and the Etta James misery of "I'd Rather Go Blind" (Christine McVie nailing it) – it is those forgotten-names and so rarely heard rarities that amaze. Discoveries crop up on each CD. Who would have thought there would be an unreleased recording in the can featuring Tony McPhee and Champion Jack Dupree? 

The Eddie Boyd stuff too with Peter Green and his crew ably supporting – what a Blues Rock combo they made. Darling of female Blues Players Jo Ann Kelly is here, Martha Velez giving it some welly with EC and the boys backing her up. The unexpected loveliness of Johnny Young and his Mandolin, Rod Piazza's incendiary Chromatic Harmonica playing in Bacon Fat, the pauper's misery of Curtis Jones as he nurses a weeping piano born of real life hardship. And on it goes...

If you are going to invest, I much prefer the original long book version to the rather ugly and squat jewel case reissue with that dullard artwork. 

Truth be told, you could essay the crap out of this 1997 Book Set and still not get to the end. But man what a listen, influence and ultimately – what a legacy. Moaning and groaning never sounded so good, and isn't that the greatest compliment of them all when it comes to the Blues and its myriad Horizons...

"What’s Going On" by MARVIN GAYE – May 1971 US LP on Tamla - October 1971 UK on Tamla Motown featuring Ed Townsend (March 2001 and January 2011 UK Universal/Motown 2CD Deluxe Edition Reissue and Remaster – Kevin Reeves and Suha Gur Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 334 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

HIGHER GROUND 
70ts Soul, R'n'B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £6.95 (2023 Update)

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00MTCDTWS&asins=B00MTCDTWS&linkId=f95dca2244c8856012cccc3c6c25fff6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B000059RL3&asins=B000059RL3&linkId=337806737bf362f1c10df09fd99a94a8&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"…A Place Where Love Is King…"

Infused with a legend that only grows deeper as the decades pass - Marvin Gaye's 1971 album "What's Going On" is surely the cornerstone of every Soul lover's collection - a vinyl LP so engrained in our hearts that its probably impossible to review it with any real distance. 

And why the Hell would you want to. Some things are just beautiful - plain and simple. And this fabulous 2CD Deluxe Edition celebration of that Tamla Motown crown jewel only hammers its legend home with presentational and sonic knobs on. What an album and what an artist. Here's What's Happening Brother...

The 2CD set "What's Going On: Deluxe Edition" by MARVIN GAYE was originally UK released March 2001 (February 2001 in the USA) on Motown 013 404-2 (Barcode 044001340420). 

It's been subsequently reissued January 2011 on Universal/Motown 0600753279557 (Barcode 600753279557) and both DE versions break down as follows:

Disc 1 (75:37 minutes):

ORIGINAL LP RELEASE (21 May 1971)

1. What's Going On

2. What's Happening Brother

3. Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)

4. Save The Children

5. God Is Love

6. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

7. Right On [Side 2]

8. Wholy Holy

9. Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)

Tracks 1 to 9 is the original album "What's Going On" - released May 1971 in the USA on Tamla TS 301 and October 1971 in the UK on Tamla Motown STML 11190

ALTERNATE DETROIT MIX (5 April 1971) - Previously Unreleased

10. What's Going On

11. What's Happening Brother

12. Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)

13. Save The Children

14. God Is Love

15. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

16. Right On

17. Wholy Holy

18. Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)

THE FOUNDATION - Previously Unreleased

19. What's Going On (Rhythm & Strings Mix)

Disc 2 (77:28 minutes):

LIVE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER, WASHINGTON DC (Recorded 1 May 1972):

1. Sixties Medley: That's The Way Love is/You/I Heard It Through The Grapevine/Little darling (I Need You)/You're All I Need To Get By/Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing/Your Precious Love/Pride And Joy/Stubborn Kind Of Love

2. Right On

3. Wholy Holy

4. Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)

5. What's Going On

6. What's Happening Brother

7. Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)

8. Save The Children

9. God Is Love

10. Stage Dialogue

Reprise:

11. Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)

12. What's Going On

Tracks 1 to 12 are Previously Unreleased Live Versions

ORIGINAL SINGLE VERSIONS:

13. What's Going On

14. God Is Love

15. Sad Tomorrows

IN THE MEANTIME...

16. "Head Title" (aka Distant Lover) - Previously Unreleased

The 2011 reissue comes in a 2CD jewel case when the original 2001 issue was one of those chunky Deluxe Edition Card Digipaks in a plastic titled outer slipcase. The 32-page booklet reproduces the 'Family Photo Album' insert that came with original copies of the LP, there an intro from Smokey Robinson, an essay on the album called "A Revolution In Sound & Spirit: The Making Of What's Going On" by BEN EDMONDS of the Mojo Magazine, lyrics, notes on the Detroit Mix, Single Versions and after by HARRY WEINGER and comprehensive reissue credits. In between the text are outtake photos of Marvin playing football and training in the snow, taking a phone call and even getting a haircut (it's comprehensive!).

KEVIN REEVES (Disc 1) and SUHA GUR (Disc 2) - both long-time Universal Engineers - carried out the 24-bit remasters from originals tapes - and the sound is gorgeous - as warm and as lovely as you would have hoped for. The album broke the production line process at Motown and is heavily layered, deeply religious and spiritual in its feel and message - that all surfaces as the instruments, strings and voices surface in your speakers. The live set is not a great recording by any means but it is full of atmosphere and Marvin's band digging the new material. It feels like you're eavesdropping on musical history...

Chills race up my arms every time I hear the song "What's Going On" - possibly the most sublime opening tune on any album anywhere. It morphs into the double-whammy of "What's Happening Brother" and "Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)" - linked by rhythm and social messages. Marvin goes into full on preacher mode with "Save The Children" and ends Side 1 with another own-two sucker punch - the beautifully uplifting "God Is Love" and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" (those strings and that sax solo). But the best is yet to come - Side 2. Marvin's worries for America and the World and his positive solutions for the same are name-checked in the sublime groove of "Right On" - a seven and half minute slice of magic that never fails to move me - forty-three years after the event.

The extras are a mixed bag as always. The liner notes explain that some oxidization on the tapes have produced drop outs and heavy amounts of hiss on the "Detroit Mix" of the album and indeed it's particularly evident on Side 2 - "Right On", "Wholy Holy" and "Inner City Blues..." But if I'm honest I can see why Marvin discarded this mix - there's just something missing. It could be that I'm so used to hearing the original that it makes an alternate hard to swallow. There's interesting vocal passages in "Inner City Blues" and a more prevalent rhythm section - but again it feels about as subtle as mallet.

Far more exciting is the live set. Recorded a year after the album's release - even his opening 13-minute "Sixties Medley" is done in a languid "What's Going On" groove - slow and mournful - with the band playing a blinder while he gets seriously Soulful on the piano (impressive playing). There then follows the whole of Side 2 - that finally sees the gig lift off into Donny Hathaway territory - the vibe and the crowd behind him and the funky groove. He even starts "Inner City Blues..." over again much to the crowd's clapping delight. Disc 2 ends with four winners - three single mixes and a Demo taste of the future. The B-side "Sad Tomorrows" is a version of "Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)" while I've always loved the Single Mix of "God Is Love".

So there you have it - a masterpiece given a worthy reissue. Even the front cover photo gives me the wobblies - what an album.

"...Some of us feel the icy wind of poverty blowing in the air...heed the people's cries..." - Marvin sang on "Right On". Our Soul Hero may be gone but the truth soldiers on...

"Gold" by MARVIN GAYE – Tracks from 1962 on Tamla and Motown through to 1982 on Columbia Records Including Two Previously Unreleased Tracks from 1968 and 1972 – Guests Include The Vandellas, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell and songwriters Holland-Dozier-Holland with Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong (September 2005 UK Universal/Motown 2CD Anthology of Kevin Reeves Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B0006Z2LA6&asins=B0006Z2LA6&linkId=8d2d0b7007cfe046293b2713c80d50fb&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"...Come Get To This..."

When it comes to huge artists across many different genres and you just want a 'Best Of' or 'Anthology' that delivers but won't cost you a second mortgage - where do you look? I’d advise that right here is a truly fab place to start. 

The 2CD "Gold" sets from Universal is one of those boring generic series of reissues where they 'make it easy for the public to understand'– a catchall type compilation for the supermarket shelf or Megastore (if there any of those even left). I think Universal have as many as 40 maybe even 50 different artists given the twofer "Gold" treatment (see my reviews for Steppenwolf, The Crusaders, Traffic and The Commodores/Lionel Richie). 

But here's the rub (and the distant lover); despite the rather naff artwork and a title that shows all the creative imagination of a concrete brick - I've found without exception that the "Gold" series does the absolute business on the audio front. You get great remastering names like ERICK LABSON (huge swathes of Chess), ELLEN FITTON (all 14 of the award-winning Motown Singles Book Sets), SETH FOSTER (James Brown) and SUHA GUR (Allman Brothers, Joe Cocker, Elvis Costello, Kansas, Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart and more). 

In the case of our Soul hero Marvin Gaye, Motown tapped a name used by many Audiophile companies and an Audio Engineer who has handled literally hundreds of CD Reissues and Remasters to mucho praise - KEVIN REEVES. This 2CD set sounds glorious. And it’s cheaper than a party political promise come election time. In fact if you look in the right places, you can probably nab this sexy little double digital Anthology for under a fiver. 

"...Mercy Me" is right. So, if you'll forgive the obvious pun, let's get it on and do the details...

UK released 5 September 2005 - "Gold" by MARVIN GAYE on Universal/Motown 0602498632253 (Barcode 602498632253) is a 34-Track 2CD Definitive Collection of Remasters covering 1962 to 1982 that plays out as follows:

CD1 (54:05 minutes):

1. Stubborn Kind Of Fellow [The Vandellas on Backing Vocals]

2. Hitch Hike [The Vandellas on Backing Vocals]

3. Pride And Joy 

4. Can I Get A Witness 

5. You're A Wonderful One 

6. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) 

7. I'll Be Doggone 

8. Ain't That Peculiar 

9. It Takes Two [with KIM WESTON]

10. Ain't No Mountain High Enough [with TAMMI TERRELL]

11. Your Precious Love [with TAMMI TERRELL]

12. If I Could Build My Whole World Around You [with TAMMI TERRELL]

13. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing [with TAMMI TERRELL]

14. You're All I Need To Get By [with TAMMI TERRELL]

15. You 

16. I Heard It Through The Grapevine 

17. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby 

18. That's The Way Love Is 

19. His Eye Is On The Sparrow [PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED 1968 Stereo Mix]

CD2 (76:09 minutes):

1. What's Going On 

2. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

3. Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler) 

4. You're The Man - Pts. I & II (5:45 minutes)

5. Where Are We Going? [PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED 1972 recording]

6. Trouble Man 

7. Let's Get It On

8. Come Get To This 

9. Distant Lover (Live) 

10. I Want You 

11. Got To Give It Up (Live, 11:48 minutes)

12. Anger 

13. Ego Tripping Out 

14. Praise 

15. Sexual Healing 

The 16-page booklet features liner notes from Marvin's official biographer DAVID RITZ who gives a potted history of his recording career and well-publicised mental and financial troubles towards to end - right up to he triumphant "Sexual Healing" return in 1982 that put him right back up on top everywhere in the world. There are cool colour photos and the track-by-track annotation offers the LP title, writer credits and US R&B and Pop chart positions if applicable. They use the same smiling photo of MG on the rear inlay beneath the see-through tray. KEVIN REEVES handles the MONO and STEREO Remasters and they are fabulous. 

While the early stuff like "Hitch Hike" and "Pride And Joy" is very much for aficionados of early 60ts Soul – tunes like "Can I Get A Witness" and "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" carry with them a joy that made Motown so huge (Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting contributing). Can we even count the number of movies that have used Marvin and Tammi tearing it up on "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and you have forgotten how touching and life-affirming they were on the upbeat "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You". There was also something so expressive in his voice when he hit those "I" high notes in "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" – Smokey Robinson commenting in the liner notes that he could up any song you threw at him into something better. 

And what can we say about "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" – a Number 1 R&B hit for Gladys Knight & The Pips a whole year earlier in 1968. It was thrown onto the "In The Groove" LP in August 1968 as filler on Side 1, and in fact if you look at the cover art for original issues of Tamla TS 285 in Stereo, you will see that the song isn’t even mentioned in the highlights track list on the front cover. Clearly not much was expected of it. But a Chicago DJ spotted "...Grapevine" and it's rhythmic brilliance and after saturation play and huge reaction from his listening public, Berry Gordy was forced to rush release the single in November 1968 Stateside. And wham – a US R&B No.1 and Pop too. In fact when it was belatedly issued February 1969 in the UK on Tamla Motown – the 45-single did the same – up to No.1 – only Motown’s second number 1 in the UK for the whole of that decade. In the USA they re-named the "In The Groove" LP after the tune now forever associated with our hero. Even now "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" sends chills down my spine. A masterpiece...

I half suspected that the Traditional Gospel tune "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" which had been an American-only Mono single in September 1968 would be a bit of a barnstormer in STEREO – and it is. He goes at the Jesus watches over me epic with gusto even if the brass and backing singers threaten to drown the song with too much reverence. But it’s a find and a clever set up to the God-love that opens CD2.

Everything is everything – gotta find a way to bring some love here today. It is impossible for me not to hear "What’s Going On" and not go to tearful mush. This stunning album has been in my life 50 years and never diminishes. So CD2 hammers you with a trio of Gaye gorgeousness that just can’t be beat – "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” following the title track. Cool too to hear "Ego Tripping out" and "Praise" from those last albums he did for Motown. The 2CD Deluxe Edition of "Let's Get It On" featured an Alternate Mix of the unreleased "Where Are We Going" (a 1972 outtake) – the song being a sort of almost-Pop version of "What's Going On" meets "Let's Get In On". It’s beautifully recorded and genuinely feels like a discovery. And on it goes to the 'good for me' comeback song "Sexual Healing" - a suitable end to this Anthology.   

Disappointments and exclusions: looking at that 54:05 minute playing time for CD1 and it's clear that at least seven or even eight more songs could have been fitting onto the '60s' disc. Gems like the stand-alone "Baby Don't You Do It" single from September 1964 - a huge kick-ass R&B fave of The Who, Small Faces, The Band and so many other Rock acts. It would have elevated proceedings hugely. Or even more of the sublime Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duets like "Two Can Have A Party". 

True MG fans kind of lose it for his brilliant and largely instrumental "Trouble Man" soundtrack album too, so the sexy-funky "'T' Plays It Cool" would have added another bow to CD2, displaying his real talent and diversity. And do I want nearly 12-minutes of the live "Got To Give It Up" when I could have had "When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You" from the underrated divorce-present double-album "Here, My Dear"? But besides these wee niggles; what you do get is wall-to-wall excellence (and in Stereo) rounded off with two unreleased and a booklet presentation that doesn't disgrace itself.

In an ideal world, I’d revamp CD1 and push the page number up in the booklet. But as it stands "Gold" is a very satisfying listen with that great Remastering and a solid block reminder of a talent so huge that we miss him still – nearly thirty-seven years since his passing. Hot like an oven...