"Merry Clayton" by MERRY CLAYTON – October 1971 US Second Studio Album on Ode Records and A&M Records in the UK - featuring Joe Sample and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders, Carole King, Billy Preston, Clarence McDonald on Keyboards, Anita Porée and Jerry Peters (both of Black Magic!) on Backing Vocals and Song Contributions with David T. Walker on Guitar and others (November 2010 UK/UK Repertoire CD Reissue/Remaster in A Card Digipak) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B0isgL88z

------------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 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 £4.95 (2026 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…I Still Think Of You…After All This Time…"

Born on Christmas Day near New Orleans in 1948 as Mary Clayton - her parents were so overjoyed at their special arrival - they nicknamed her Merry. And you can't help but think that Mom and Pops Clayton were right on the musical spondulicks. 

To understand the genuine class act you're dealing with here - a potted-history of Merry Clayton's past vocal glories will set the scene...

She contributed to Neil Young's "The Old Laughing Lady" and "I've Loved Her So Long" on his self-titled debut album in 1968, sings on Joe Cocker's "Feelin' Alright" from his "With A Little Help From My Friends" debut album from 1969 and is on Allen Toussaint's magical "From A Whisper To A Scream" (1970). She sang with the Brothers and Sisters on the 1969 "Dylan's Gospel" LP doing lead vocals (and credited as such) on "The Mighty Quinn" (even got a 45 release). Just as impressively, Merry sings on "Way Over Yonder", "Where You Lead" and "Smackwater Jack" on Carole King's magisterial "Tapestry" album that shattered everyone in 1971. Then there were sessions for B.B. King, Jesse Davis, Neil Diamond, Charles Wright, Jimmy Witherspoon, Billy Preston, Lee Michaels, Linda Ronstadt, Leon Russell, Ruth Copeland, Chi Coltrane, David T. Walker, Etta James, Rare Earth, The Who and even Ringo Starr.

But her most famous outing must be her duet vocals with Mick Jagger on "Gimme Shelter" - one of the standout album tracks from "Let It Bleed" - the Rolling Stones masterpiece from 1969 (it was the first album produced by Jimmy Miller who suggested Merry for the vocals). She even turns up on Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" in 1974 and "Cornflake Girl" by Tori Amos in 1994…and is prominently featured in the award-winning 2013 movie about backing singers - "20 Feet From Stardom" - with affectionate contributions from no less than Mick Jagger recalling her mink coat, curlers and early-morning up-an-octave screams into the microphone.

So it's hardly surprising that MERRY CLAYTON signed to Lou Adler's Ode Records in the late Sixties and quickly pushed out two solo albums - "Gimme Shelter" - her debut from August 1970 named after that famous duet – and this - "Merry Clayton" from October 1971 – a whole album of Soulified cover versions of contemporary Rock and Soul songs that included exclusives from Carole King. Hell, even the musician list is impressive too (see below). Here are the details after all this time…

1. Southern Man – a Neil Young cover [Side 1]
2. Walk On In – a Carole King cover
3. After All This Time – a Carole King song 
4. Love Me Or Let Me Be Lonely – Anita Porée, Jerry Peters and Skip Scarborough song initially done by The Friends Of Distinction in 1970
5. A Song For You – a Leon Russell cover
6. Sho'Nuff – a Billy Preston and Joe Green song
7. Steamroller – a James Taylor cover [Side 2]
8. Same Old Story – a Carole King song
9. Light On The Hill – Richard Jones cover
10. Grandma's Hands – a Bill Withers cover
11. Whatever – a Leon Ware cover

"Merry Clayton" by MERRY CLAYTON was released October 1971 on Ode Records SP-77012 in the USA and on A&M Records AMLS 67012 in the UK. The album peaked at No.36 on the US Billboard R&B charts and No.180 on the US Billboard Pop charts (didn't chart UK). The band was... 

KEYBOARDS: Billy Preston, Carole King, Clarence McDonald, Jerry Peters and Joe Sample (of The Crusaders)
GUITARS: David T. Walker
SAXOPHONE – Curtis Amy
BASS: Wilton Felder (of The Crusaders)
DRUMS: Paul Humphrey
PERCUSSION: Bobbye Porter, Gary Coleman and Sandra Crouch
BACKING VOCALS: Abigail Haness (of Jo Mama), Jerry Peters (of Black Magic!), Merry Clayton, Patrice Holloway and The James Cleveland Choir

It doesn't say who's remastered this 5 November 2010 EU/UK released reissue CD on Repertoire REP 5177 (Barcode 4009910517727) - but the sticker on the card digipak claims that it's been beautifully done - and they'd be right (37:23 minutes, 11 Tracks). As with the "Gimme Shelter" Debut Album in this Repertoire Series (REP 5176 – Barcode 4009910517628) - the sound quality is full-on fantastic - lending the Soul-meets-Gospel feel of the songs a huge sonic punch. Very little hiss - you can hear piano, drums, sweet bass and guitar strings rattling - loads of presence – and of course her voice letting rip in that Soul Diva manner that thrills - it's a top job done. The 8-page inlay reproduces the LP artwork, original cover blurb and now has extra affectionate and knowledgeable liner notes by noted UK writer CHRIS WELCH (dated September 2010) – it fits into an inner pouch in the card digipak artwork (see photos). To the music…

Our heroine singer tackles Neil Young for the first time as the "Merry Clayton" album opens with "Southern Man" from his 1970 Reprise Records LP "After The Gold Rush". It’s a fantastic beginning – the whole band in synch to that Soulified Country-ish sound and those anti burning crosses lyrics – the full backing singers gang accompanying too. The audio – again – just superb. Next up is a double.

First aired by Merry on this self-titled LP in October 1971 – the two Side 1 songs "Walk On In" and "After All This Time" were brand new Carole King tunes at the time. "Walk On In" went on to be hugely popular as a cover version - Lou Rawls, The Shirelles, Debbie Au, Linda Hopkins and Terry Simmons all did a version in 1972 alone, Brenda & The Tabulations in 1973, Rita Coolidge in 1981, and so on. Margie Joesph over on Atlantic Records did a lovely version of "After All This Time" on her 1975 "Margie" album. Merry gives "Walk On In" an upbeat Soul feel – Organ, Guitar Flicks, sweet musical accompaniment. But while it's a good tune - the "…I'm so glad you are mine…" gorgeousness of "After All This Time" whomps all in its path. The strings are sweet, the organ and guitar match perfectly but its Merry's warm vocal that seduces while her husband Curtis Amy provides fabulous Saxophone breaks. What a song – this definite album highlight was chosen as the LP's lead-off and only single. It was first issued July 1971 on Ode 70 ODE-66018 with the Leon Ware track "Whatever" on the B-side – then relaunched in October 1971 on Ode 70 ODE-66020 with the James Taylor cover version of "Steamroller" on the flipside (the UK 45-single had to wait until 4 February 1972 on A&M Records AMS 886 - "Steamroller" on the B-side). With strong flips Stateside on both Ode 70 Records 45s - and a Soul-mad UK on her lone A&M single – it takes me back even now in 2026 that none of them clicked with the public on either side of the pond – even with the singer-songwriter strength of Carole King on the A.

Carole never did her own version of "Walk On In" - but the truly lovely "After All This Time" proved too sweet a melody to resist and her version turned up on the 1996 document of her live outing "The Carnegie Hall Concert" on Columbia Records. So for Carole King aficionados – this Merry Clayton album is a great place to get a top audio copy of these two obscure CK gems (albeit by someone else). 

Song 4 on Side 1 was written by Anita Porée and Jerry Peters (both of Black Magic!) with another Soul Songwriting hero - Skip Scarborough. "Love Me Or Let Me Be Lonely" was first aired February 1970 by The Friends Of Distinction on RCA Victor 74-0319 – it hit No.13 on the US Billboard R&B charts. Both of its songwriters Anita Porée and Jerry Peters are musicians on the Merry Clayton album – they had been with the group Black Magic! - who managed one album on Atlantic Records in 1970 called "Ready To Love". Scarborough would later bring his writing chops to Freda Payne, Bill Withers and Earth, Wind and Fire (check out the Expansion label 2011 CD "The Skip Scarborough Songbook" to know what you're missing). 

Side 1 ends with two nice touches – a slow Soulful take on the Leon Russell been-on-a-hundred-stages song "A Song For You" – the ladies and boys building up those backing vocals to an almost Gospel testify. Good – but far better for me is the joyful church-organ bopping Billy Preston/Joe Green gem "Sho'Nuff" – Merry getting her teeth into a Sister loves-her-man anthem – the lady vocalists harmonizing on those 'Yes I Do' and set my soul on fire oohs and oohs. Fab. 

Just as she opened the 1970 Ode Records album "Gimme Shelter" with a cover of James Taylor's "Country Road" – Merry kicks Side 2 into gear with a fantastic Bluesy take on Taylor's "Steamroller" – both tracks from his 1970 Warner Brothers LP breakthrough "Sweet Baby James". Towards the end, she really lets her vocal range rip with croaks and echoed hollers – impressive stuff. Time for another Carole King winner, but this time it’s a sad ballad - "Same Old Story". At 2:50 minutes in and very much in the vein of Aretha over on Atlantic Records, her I-cried-too-many-tears crew of singers kick in, and the effect is stunning (David T. Walker on Guitar with hubby Curtis Amy on Saxophone and even a smattering of strings towards its four-and-a-half-minute fade out). "Light On The Hill" is a Richard Jones piano shuffler where stepping-stones are discussed – searches for a friendly home – the church organ, vocals and tambourine giving it a righteous vibe. Family and the awe-inspiring wisdom and safety of "Grandma's Hands" crop up next. The Bill Withers original is on his Sussex Records debut album "Just As I Am" – here Merry sings it with more menace – men whooping young kids – local unwed mothers – and I think that is Joe Sample on piano as the strings and voices join in on the testifying. The album ends with a Leon Ware song - "Whatever" – an uptempo dancer urging people to do their thing – feel whatever groove it is that makes you stronger.

For me, there is a feeling that after the "Steamroller" opener, Side 2 sort of peters out – good but never great. And perhaps that how Joe Public perceived her second LP full of other people’s great songs – just good – but no more. Even after all these decades loving the whole album – I know its rating bones are 4-stars and not 5. But God – the good stuff – and this fab new audio – I love it!

Repertoire have also reissued the album prior "Gimme Shelter" – her debut American solo LP on Ode Records SP 77701 from October 1970. Its November 2010 CD version is on Repertoire REP 5176 – use Barcode 4009910517628 to get the right issue...

"Westbound SUPER BREAKS - Essential Funk, Soul And Jazz Samples And Breakbeats" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Tracks from 1969 to 1976 (September 2018 UK Ace/Westbound Records CD Compilation – Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B0eMuhzEV

-------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 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 £4.95 (2026 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...Funk It Down..."

Funky as a gnat's fuzzy wuzzy funky bits - this is the kind of CD compilation that puts a smirk on my wizened visage and the kind of neck-jerking body-moving Monster Ace Records of the UK are just so damn good at. Details...

Released Friday, 28 September 2018 - "Westbound SUPER BREAKS - Essential Funk, Soul And Jazz Samples And Breakbeats" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Westbound CDSEWD 163 (Barcode 029667090827) offers 19 tracks from 1969 through to 1976 (74:23 minutes). There's a 16-page illustrated booklet with new liner notes from Soul Expert and genre aficionado DEAN RUDLAND with high quality mastering from long-time Ace Engineer DUNCAN COWELL. 

While names like Funkadelic, Junie, Ohio Players, The Detroit Emeralds and Denise LaSalle will be familiar to most Soul lovers - especially those who treasure those 70ts grooves - obscuro-types like the James Brown excitable King Errisson and the flute driven bass pump-action of Pleasure Web will be new and most welcome. Same goes for Caesar Frazier - as the hip-cat singer chants "...I can feel the Funk!" at the beginning and end of the 5:05 minutes of his "Funk It Down" - it's the kind of fantastic brass and bass slow sexy groove you want to rave about and one that will drive most dancefloor shufflers into bottom-wiggling overdrive (look out ladies). 

The saucily titled "The Fuzz And Da Boog" by Fuzzy Haskins is pure instrumental Funk - all tight synths and brass jabs as it motors along. Then there's granny and the "Funky Worm" by The Detroit Emeralds - what fun (pictured in its label bag on Page 7 of the booklet). Spanky Wilson does a very cool Hammond keyboard-jabbing live cover of Bill Withers' fab groove "Kissing My Love" (such a tender sender). The Detroit Emeralds show yet again why they're a Soul Treasure amongst those in the know – the sexy, sexy shuffle of "Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)". And there's so much more where that came from...

Ignore the rather naff artwork - this is another winner from Ace and after 40 years of hitting us with forgotten grooves that need to be rediscovered - you'd think they be slowing down by now. On the evidence of this rather groovy little Boogaloo - there's little chance of that...

"The Dance Of Life/Victory/Confidence" by NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN – December 1979, October 1980 and June 1982 US Albums on Atlantic Records - Guests included Corrado Rustici on Guitar, T.M. Stevens on Bass and Frank Martin on Keyboards with Wayne Shorter on Saxophone (November 2015 UK Beat Goes On (BGO) Compilation – 3LPs onto 2CDs – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B070W62Bd

------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 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 £4.95 (2026 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...Take It To The Bossman..."

When Jazz-Fusion Drummer NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN left John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra behind – Michigan's finest signed to Atlantic Records and promptly released a string of albums that are held in real affection to this day. This is the second instalment by Beat Goes On of England covering his Jazz-Funk-Soul years with the label - their first 2CD set expertly handled his first three albums for the label - "Garden Of Love Light" and "I Cry, I Smile" - both from 1977 and  "Awakening" from 1979 (see separate review and photo provided below).

This second 3LPs onto 2CDs Reissue/Remasters instalment gets into the period most fans loved and picked up on in the first place – back in those hazy Funky days. His breakthrough album "The Dance Of Life" from 1979 with the monster hit "I Shoulda Loved Ya" and the two LPs that cemented his rep as a Soulful Funkster – "Victory" from 1980 and "Confidence" from 1982. Here are the dancing details...

UK released Friday, 20 November 2015 (December 2015 in the USA) - "The Dance Of Life/Victory/Confidence" by NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN is a Compilation on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1215 (Barcode 5017261212153) that features 3LPs onto 2CDs and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (62:53 minutes):
1. You're Soo Good [Side 1]
2. I Shoulda Loved Ya
3. Lovin' You Madly
4. Crazy For Ya
5. Tonight I'm Alright [Side 2]
6. Why Did You Turn On Me
7. Carry On
8. The Dance Of Life
Tracks 1 to 8 are his 4th solo album "The Dance Of Life" – released December 1979 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19259 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50678

9. The Real Thang
10. I Want You
11. Take It To The Bossman
12. Alone Without You
Tracks 9 to 12 are Side 1 of his fifth studio album "Victory" – released October 1980 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19279 and in the UK Atlantic K 50743

Disc 2 (61:57 minutes):
1. Get Up!
2. Lucky Fella
3. You Will Find Your Way
4. Victory Suite:
(a) The Theme (b) The Battle (Hero-Soldiers Battle The Hostile Forces) (c) Victory For The Hero-Soldiers
Tracks 1 to 4 are Side 2 of his fifth studio album "Victory" – released October 1980 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19351 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50743

5. You're No. 1
6. Summer Lady
7. I'm Ready
8. Safe In My Arms
9. Confidence [Side 2]
10. Holiday
11. You Ought To Love Me
12. Listen To Me
Tracks 5 to 12 are his sixth studio album "Confidence" – released June 1982 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19351 and in the UK and Europe on Atlantic ATL 50 883

There's a classy card wrap, a chunky 28-page booklet with new liner notes from Mojo’s resident Jazz writer CHARLES WARING along with album credits, lyrics and photos. But the best news is 2015 remasters by ANDREW THOMPSON – fans are going to love the Audio here – beautifully transferred...

While the preceding album "Awakening" finally saw NMW see some LP chart action - rising to a very respectable No.15 slot on the US R&B album charts in March 1979 – it was "The Dance Of Life" LP from later that year that made him a star. It broke the top ten and nestled at No. 9 in December of 1979 – bolstered up with the huge hit "I Shoulda Loved Ya" which reached No. 4 on the singles chart and "Tonight I'm Alright" which managed a more modest No. 35. Narada handled Lead Vocals, Drums, All Percussion and some Piano while Corrado Rustici played Guitar, T.M. Stevens did the Bass and Frank Martin played Keyboards and Synths.

Relistening to this superb Remaster in 2015 - I'd forgotten just how wickedly catchy the guitar-funk of "You're Soo Good" and the album's title track "The Dance Of Life" are – a six and a half minute fusion instrumental dedicated to both former band mates David Sancious and Mahavishnu – Rustici's guitar work sounding like Carlos Santana on a roll. I can also still feel the Funk big time on the 6:34-minutes of "I Shoulda Loved Ya" - the kind of Atlantic 12" single I DJ'd to death back in the day (a guaranteed crowd pleaser and hip-swiveller).

Even though it managed only No.21 high on the US Billboard R&B LP charts – the "Dance Of Life" follow-up LP "Victory" was actually a better album for me (especially Side 1). The rapid-paced brass-funky opener "The Real Thang" is a belter and clearly trying to ape the sheer Hitsville of "I Shoulda Loved Ya" – just about pulling it off too (so Earth, Wind & Fire). It hit the US R&B singles charts in early November 1980 (just after the album's release) but only managed a modest No. 22 placing when in hindsight – it should have climbed much higher. I'd forgotten just how good "I Want You" is – a great slice of Chic-inspired Soul-Funk – sounding absolutely spiffing here – far better than my worn-out Atlantic Records 12" Single (K 11634T). 

Continuing with the "Victory" album, again, "Take It To The Bossman" could have been another winning single – funky in all the right ways and with huge guitar breaks that amaze even now – but it was never capitalised upon. The pseudo crowd chanting in "Get Up!" was probably a mistake and "Lucky Fella" (dedicated to his Dad) feels a tad forced too - but things get better with the smooch of "You Will Find Your Way". The "Victory" LP ends with the slightly indulgent 8:33 minutes of the 3-part "Victory Suite" – an instrumental that at times feels like a Fusion Band on a marching spree. It waffles on until it reaches a nice phase around 2:40 minutes and continues that way with tasty guitar work right up to its mellow finish (an edit and it would have been special). 

"...Everybody ready! We're gonna jam y'all!" - Narada shouts at the beginning of "You're No. 1" – a cool Funky opener for the third platter on offer here - "Confidence". The slinky and catchy "I'm Ready" was issued as a 45 (and 12" in the UK) – a very appealing groove - similar to Rod Temperton's sound with Heatwave. Funky and aimed at the feet – "Summer Lady" is the album's best groove – a tune that still stands up (too hot for me). I've always liked his Soul-Mellow tribute to Joni Mitchell "Blue Side To Midnight" which finishes the album in smoochy 'poor me' mode (Wayne Shorter puts in a lovely Sax solo)...

Three good Soul-Funk-Fusion albums Remastered really well onto 2CDs with quality presentation and affection – Narada Michael Walden fans will lap this up...

"Garden Of Love Light/I Cry, I Smile/Awakening" by NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN [Drummer ex Mahavishnu Orchestra] – December 1976 US Debut Album, November 1977 Second Album and February 1979 Third Studio Album on Atlantic Records - Guests include Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Richard Gomez, Hiram Bullock on Guitars, Herbie Mann on Flute with David Sancious, Patrick Adams and Cliff 'Cliffalee' Carter on Keyboards plus Arrangements by Michael Gibbs (September 2015 UK Beat Goes On (BGO) Compilation – 3LPs onto 2CDs, Andrew Thompson BGO Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B0aeyd1Ls

-------------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 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 £4.95 (2026 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...The Sun Is Dancing..."

When Jazz-Fusion Drummer NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN left John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra behind – Michigan's finest signed to Atlantic Records who promptly pumped out the first two LPs on this 2CD set in 1976 and 1977. While they had their moments (especially the Santana, Richard Gomez and Jeff Beck guest spots and the David Sancious Keyboards contributions) – it wasn't until 1979's Disco and Funk orientated "Awakening" album that the public sat up and noticed and things started moving for him. And that's where this superb-sounding British Double-CD Reissue & Remaster comp comes in. Here are oneness love lights...

UK released Friday, 25 September 2015 (October 2015 in the USA) - "Garden Of Love Light/I Cry, I Smile/Awakening" by NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1210 (Barcode 5017261212108) features 3LPs on 2CDs and plays out as follows: 

Disc 1 (63:30 minutes):
1. White Night [Side 1]
2. Garden Of Love Light 
3. Delightful
4. First Love 
5. Mediation [Side 2]
6. The Sun Is Dancing 
7. You Got The Soul 
8. Saint And The Rascal  
9. You Are Love
Tracks 1 to 9 are his Debut Solo album "Garden Of Love Light" – released December 1976 in the USA on Atlantic SD 18199 and February 1977 in the UK on Atlantic K 50329

10. I Need Your Love
11. Better Man
12. Soul Bird 
13. I Remember 
14. Oneness-Cry
Tracks 10 to 14 are Side 1 of his second studio album "I Cry, I Smile" – released November 1977 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19141 and May 1978 in the UK on Atlantic K 50417

Disc 2 (60:51 minutes):

1. Mango Bop
2. Rainbow-Sky
3. I Cry, I Smile 
4. Heaven's Just A Step Ahead 
5. So Long 
Tracks 1 to 5 Tracks are Side 2 of his second studio album "I Cry, I Smile" – released 1977 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19141 and May 1978 in the UK on Atlantic K 50417

6. Love Me Only 
7. I Don't Want Nobody Else (To Dance With You) 
8. Give Your Love A Chance 
9. They Want The Feeling
10. Awakening Suite Part 1 (Childhood – The Opening Of The Heart) [Side 2]
11. The Awakening 
12. Listen To Me 
13. Full & Satisfied 
14. Will You Ever Know
Tracks 6 to 14 are his third studio solo album "Awakening" – released February 1979 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19222 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50570

There's a classy card wrap, a chunky 24-page booklet with new liner notes from Mojo’s resident Jazz writer CHARLES WARING along with album credits, lyrics and photos. But the best news is 2015 remasters by ANDREW THOMPSON which trump the 2001 Collectables CDs I've had these last few years. Fans are going to love the Audio here – beautifully transferred...

The first album "Garden Of Love Light" opens with the heavy and noisy Mahavishnu influenced "White Night" – a rather pointless exercise in Guitar Fusion that is followed by an awful vocal from Walden on the title track (supported by Cissy Houston) where he sounds like an uncertain and very young Prince. But things improve immeasurably with the following two tracks – two forgotten winners that practically secure the album’s desirability. The first is the commercially wicked groove of "Delightful" which features a trio of major league musical contributions – Raymond Gomez giving it some Santana/Neil Schon type guitar - while David Sancious adds the funky keyboards while Patti Scialfa provides breathy girl backing vocals. It’s a winner and hardly surprising that Atlantic Records USA tried an edited version of it as a 45 on Atlantic 3385 with "You Are Love" on the flipside – but it failed to take (Gomez plays a blinder on guitar). 

But then you're hit with something genuinely lovely and even dare we say inspiring (unlike all that hippy psychobabble claptrap espoused by the Bentley-driving Guru Sri Chinmoy on his liner notes). An instrumental called "First Love" which is essential a Soulful string piece that acts as a vehicle for Carlos Santana as guest guitarist. What makes this unusual and beautiful is that Santana forsakes showy screeching fret work for a more Soulful George Benson approach – it's unusual quiet for him – and along with the lush strings arranged by England's Michael Gibbs and his gorgeous playing and Sancious soaring on the Organ – it’s a stand-out moment on an otherwise patchy record. More dire Guru knob follows with the spoken "The Sun Is Dancing" which segues into 9:33 minutes of Fusion Rock that would have been immeasurably better with a trim of the beginning and the more noodly centre passages. They try for Soul-Funk with "You Got The Soul" but it fails on a terrible set of vocals and lyrics. Ace guitarist Jeff Beck brings some of his "Blow By Blow" and "Wired" axe magic to "Saint And The Rascal" and remains the highlight of Side 2. 

Album number two "I Cry, I Smile" features another stellar cast of session musicians – Hiram Bullock on Guitar, Herbie Mann on Flute, Cliff "Cliffalee" Carter on Keyboards, and Norma Jean Bell on Saxophone with orchestral arrangements by Michael Gibbs. The keyboard and guitar funk of "Soul Bird" made for an obvious US single (Atlantic 3450) but again the public remained uninterested. Best is the Side 1 finisher - the pretty Ray Gomez guitar instrumental "Oneness-Cry" (the flip of "Soul Bird" on Atlantic 3450. Saving us from the syrupy "I Cry, I Smile" - Side 2 features a standout – "Heaven's Just A Step Ahead" – a catchy little Soul-Funk ditty that at last feels like the album is living and breathing. Hiram Bullock plays fabulous Guitar while Cliff "Cliffalee" Carter lays down a Funky clavinet like Stevie Wonder at his best.

After two bitty LPs the public all but ignored – things had to change – and they did. Going after the Disco and Funk markets Walden brought in the magic fingers of Patrick Adams while the experienced Bob Clearmountain recorded and mixed the record at The Power Station – spiritual home to Chic. Result was the "Awakening" album (appropriate title too). The moment the Funk 'n' Strings of "Love Me Only" hit you – any punter is going to know that they're in the presence of an album they need to buy. And they did - "Awakening" became his first chart album and peaked at a respectable 15 on the US R&B hit parade. But even bigger and certainly a winner with the public is the monster old-skool hit "I Don't Want Nobody Else (To Dance With You)" – an infectious Funkathon that is guaranteed to fill a floor with strut-your-stuff shapes. The vocals are so much stronger and the Funkiness of it suddenly makes Narada like a real contender for Prince No. 2. The smoochy "Give Your Love A Chance" is another soft Soul winner - but the bruiser "They Want The Feeling" is undone by its overly manic pace. Fusion returns in style with "The Awakening Suite" where he seems to find his musical place ably assisted by Pat Thrall and Jay Graydon on Guitars and soaring orchestral arrangements by Jorge Del Barrio. "Full & Satisfied" is the kind of commercial Funk the radio loves and it's surprising that Atlantic didn't milk it for just that...

The first two records are patchy for sure but contain stunning moments while record number three saw the template come together that would lead to global domination with his "The Dance Of Life" album in late 1979 (see my separate review for BGO's twofer that contains "The Dance Of Life" LP and two other album charters from 1980 and 1982 - "Victory" and "Confidence" - pictured below). 

This auspicious start for the ex-Mahavishnu Orchestra Drummer and Multi Instrumentalist Narada Michael Walden is well worth checking out especially given the gorgeous audio. Onwards to "I Should Have Loved Ya"...

"Steppin' Stone: The XL and Sounds Of Memphis Story Volume 3" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – 22 Seventies-Tracks That Includes Four US 45-Singles from 1971, 1972 and 1973 and Eighteen Previously Unreleased (May 2010 UK Ace/Kent-Soul CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B0fCJsb3z

----------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 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 £4.95 (2026 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...Got A New Love..."

One that seems to have slipped through the reissue net – 22 Seventies cuts from the Sounds Of Memphis Studios (18 Previously Unreleased) – most in the tradition of Southern Soul. It's a mixed bag for sure - but there's more winners on here than losers. Here's the nitty gritty on the tape-box discoveries...

UK released May 2010 – "Steppin' Stone: The XL and Sounds Of Memphis Story Volume 3" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 339 (Barcode 029667233927) breaks down as follows (73:59 minutes):

1. If You Never See Me – WILLIE WALKER
2. I Won't Have To Cry No More – WILLIAM BOLINGER
3. Saturday In The Park – THE JACKSONIANS
4. Hook, Line & Sinker – THE MINITS
5. How Can I Get Next To You (Alternate Vocal) – GEORGE JACKSON
6. I'm Your Slave – OTIS WHEAT
7. You're Slipping Away – DAN GREER
8. I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know – THE JACKSONIANS
9. People Are Talking – WILLIAM BOLLINGER
10. Run Around – WILLIE WALKER
11. Love Letters – THE MINITS (1971 USA 7" single on Sounds Of Memphis 703, A)
12. Sparkle Eyes – THE JACKSONIANS (1973 USA 7" single on MGM 14640, A)
13. Always Treat Your Woman – ART JERRY MILLER
14. Chirpin' – LOU ROBERTS
15. Take A Look At Yourself – DAN GREER
16. Love Trying To Come – GEORGE JACKSON
17. Love Is Blind – ERMA SHAW
18. Steppin' Stone – LOUIS WILLIAMS
19. Lover Boy – THE MINITS (1972 USA 7" single on Sounds Of Memphis 706, A)
20. Guessing Game – JIMI HILL (1973 USA 7" single on Sounds Of Memphis 719, A)
21. Because Of You – TEKELIA KELLY
22. The Plumber – THE OVATIONS
NOTES: All tracks are STEREO except 2, 6, 9, 14 and 22 – which are MONO

For a Kent-Soul release – the 12-page booklet feels strangely slight – even with great detail from number one Soul Man DEAN RUDLAND with reminiscences from Linda Lucchesi who ran the Studios in the Eighties. There's a photo of the 3 ladies in The Minits, the 7-strong man-crew of The Jacksonians, an in-studio snap of Producers Bill Lucchesi, Tom James and Nick Paladina and a staged shot of little Jimi Hill smiling as he signs a recording contract (Dan Greer overseeing proceedings). The sound is uniformly brilliant – remastered by long-standing engineer DUNCAN COWELL – especially on the Stereo cuts with Audio Restoartion from ROB SHREAD.

As you can see from the track list above – only 4 of the 22 cuts were officially released as US 45-singles – the others are previously unreleased songs/versions from the vaults and tape boxes of the Sounds Of Memphis studios. And truthfully the quality count is shockingly high – it really is (track after track impresses).

It opens with two goodies "If You Never See Me Again" (Willie Walker giving it some Terence Trent D'Arby guttural vocals) and the softer "I Won't Have To Cry No More" which is a Northern Soul shuffle. It's unfortunately easy to hear why "Saturday In The Park" stayed in the can – the instrumentation is excellent but the vocal is all over the place – flat and almost out of tune. Far better is the wicked Ike Turner guitar-groove of "Hook, Line & Sinker" where The Minits blast out a funky winner. 

Things take a proper Southern Soulful turn with the alternate take of George Jackson's "How Can I Get Next To You?" – as lovely a tune as he ever put his stunningly emotional pipes to (superb Saxophone solo). It's the first of two new cuts from him – the other is the awkwardly titled "Love Trying To Come" - a slow groove with a good if not unconvincing vocal (both titles will be big draws for fans). Otis Wheat is new to me but he had a sweet almost talking-voice and the love song "I'm Your Slave" is very good indeed.

A genuine blast is a cover version of Al Kooper's Blood, Sweat & Tears masterpiece "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" done to pleading Soul heartbreak perfection by The Jacksonians (named after Jackson in Mississippi) where lead vocalist Whitney Jebb, Jr. tears up a storm. As Rudland points out, the vocal bears more than a passing resemblance to Donny Hathaway's version of the song - and
William Bolling hitting those upbeat high notes on "People Are Talking" is akin to Jackie Wilson in his Sixties prime – a wicked inclusion and shocking "People Are Talking" wasn't issued as a single. 

"Chirpin'" by Lou Roberts isn't great – better is the beautifully produced "Take A Look At Yourself" from Dan Greer where he urges his lady to "...clean up her mess..." (what a guy!). We get a bit slap-bass funky on "Love Is Blind" where Erma Shaw seems vocally unsuitable to the tune – better is the sweetly string-laden "Lover Boy" by The Minits. Jimi Hill comes across as a young Michael Jackson circa The Jackson 5 (hardly great) but far better is the smooch of "Because Of You" by Tekelia Kelly (who's pictured in the booklet in the studio with Bill Lucchesi). It ends on the lead singer of The Ovations telling us he's ready to fix any lady's plumbing – which you have to admit – is very generous of him...

So there you have it – May 2010's "Steppin' Stone: The XL and Sounds Of Memphis Story Volume 3" was always going to be a mixed bag of the great and the not-so-great with such a huge number of unreleased. Thankfully the good stuff outweighs the filler. Well done to England's Kent-Soul for getting this rich mine of Soul material out there and tickling us pink...

"Spinners" by SPINNERS [Known as 'The Detroit Spinners' in the UK] - March 1973 US Debut Album on Atlantic Records – Featuring Producer, Arranger and Songwriter Thom Bell (November 2015 UK Big Break Records (BBR) 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue – Wayne Dickson and Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B06CjljSf

----------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 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 £4.95 (2026 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...Falling In Love (Again)..."

I already own this fabulously evocative Atlantic Records Soul LP from 1973 inside the SPINNERS "Original Album Series" 5CD set on Rhino – something I reviewed extensively way back in the mists of 2010. So why buy it again?

Because this new 2015 CD reissue is on Big Break Records of the UK (BBR is part of Cherry Red) and I always get a bit excited by their sensationally good Remasters. The Audio on this peach is best ever and along with quality presentation, a Previously Unreleased in the Bonus Tracks that actually enhances, a total playing time of nearly 78 minutes and a miserly mid-price – and I'm a very happy satin-suited bunny. Life ain't easy indeed...here are the Ghetto Children...

UK released 6 November 2015 – "Spinners" by SPINNERS on Big Break Records WCDBBRX 0321 (Barcode 5013929062139) is an 'Expanded Edition' BBR CD Remaster with 8 Bonus Tracks and plays out as follows (77:43 minutes):

1. Just Can't Get You Out Of My Mind [Side 1]
2. Just You And Me Baby
3. Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You
4. I Could Never (Repay Your Love)
5. I'll Be Around
6. One Of A Kind (Love Affair) [Side 2]
7. We Belong Together
8. Ghetto Child
9. How Could I Let You Get Away
10. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Spinners" by SPINNERS - released March 1973 on Atlantic SD 7256 in the USA and Atlantic K 40477 in the UK. In Britain the band was known as and credited as - THE DETROIT SPINNERS. THOM BELL Produced the album (JIMMY ROACH Produced tracks 11 to 14) and it peaked at No. 1 on the US R&B charts - No. 14 on Pop.

BONUS TRACKS:
11. (Oh Lord) I Wish I Could Sleep
Previously unreleased track - first appeared in 1991 on the 2CD Spinners set "A One Of A Kind Love Affair: The Anthology" on Atlantic/Rhino Remasters 7 82332-2 – also on the 1995 CD Remaster Reissue of "Mighty Love" as one of four bonuses

12. I Just Gotta Make It Happen
13. Mr. Big Man
14. You Sure Are Nasty
Tracks 11 to 14 first appeared as 4 Bonus Tracks on the 1995 CD Reissue of "Mighty Love" on Atlantic/Rhino Remasters R2 71586

15. I'll Be Around (Mike Maurro Mix) – 2015 Previously Unreleased
16. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love (A Tom Moulton Mix)
17. One Of A Kind Love Affair (A Tom Moulton Mix)
Tracks 16 and 17 first appeared on Tom Moulton's "Philly ReGrooved 3: Tom Moulton Remixes" 2CD set from June 2013 on Harmless HURTCD122

18. I'll Be Around (Single Version) - see Single No. 2 below

SINGLES:

This CD will allow fans to sequence the following UK and US 7" Singles 

[09] = Track Number:
1. How Could I Let You Get Away [9] b/w I'll Be Around [5]
July 1972 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2094

2. I'll Be Around [18] b/w How Could I Let You Get Away [9]
August 1972 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2904
September 1972 UK 7" single on Atlantic K 10243 with sides reversed

3. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love [10] b/w Just You And Me Baby [2]
December 1972 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2927
April 1973 UK 7" single Atlantic K 10283

4. One Of A Kind (Love Affair) [6] b/w Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You [3]
April 1973 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2962
May 1973 UK 7" single on Atlantic K 10311

5. Ghetto Child [8] b/w We Belong Together [7]
July 1973 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2973
September 1973 UK 7" single on Atlantic K 10359

SPINNERS [aka Detroit Spinners] were:
BILLY HENDERSON – Tenor
BOBBIE SMITH – Tenor
PHILLIP WYNNE – Tenor
HENRY FAMBROUGH – Baritone
PERVIS JACKSON - Bass

I've had the Rhino CD of the album from 1995 – but this remaster by WAYNE A DICKSON (of BBR) and NICK ROBBINS (of Ace) is superlative – full of warmth and presence. The 16-page booklet is the usual BBR fan fest of American 45 repros, trade adverts and band photos intertwined with in-depth and affectionate liner notes from noted Soul buff CHRISTIAN JOHN WIKANE. This CD Remaster also comes in one of those round-corner super jewel cases – tasty...

In some respects – it's hard in the distance of 2015 to imagine what a Soul Monster this album really was in 1972 and 1973. Three of the US 45s listed above hit the coveted No.1 spot on their R&B charts – three of them - - all million sellers - "I'll Be Around", "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)" - while the sublime and socially informative "Ghetto Child" peaked at an impressive No. 4 (and should have been a foursome with its illustrious predecessors). But even these belie just how good the 'whole' album is - with the exception for me of the vaudeville jazz brass of "Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You" which I always thought was wildly out-of-place.

But the album's masterpiece is the hidden one never edited for a 45 – Lead Tenor PHILLIP WYNNE giving it some serious Soul pleading throughout the gorgeous 6:56 minutes of "I Could Never (Repay Your Love)" that ends Side 1. Surely this is what great Seventies Soul is all about – written by BRUCE HAWES – it features melody, passionate vocals and a complimentary arrangement that elevates rather than swamps. Another less-famous gem is "We Belong Together" where vibes and treated guitars ease in the smooth vocals and heartache of "...where's the love we said would never die..." Atlantic chose "How Could I Let You Go" as one of the representations of Quality Soul on their Rhino Handmade "Atlantic Soul" 4CD Box Set of 2009. And what can you say about the gorgeous "Ghetto Child" – a song that resonated lyrically and musically with British and Irish fans - giving it a No. 7 placing in September 1973 on the UK singles charts.

I must admit that the four bonus outtakes that appeared on the 1995 remaster of "Mighty Love" (presented as tracks 11 to 14 on this CD) are massively disappointing. Those looking for the sophistication of the album should look away. Far better is the very cool and complimentary Remix by Mike Maurro of "I'll Be Around" which bigs-up the intro and emphasizes those wonderful string arrangements – although at 7:06 minutes it kind of out-stays its welcome a tad. The Tom Moulton Remixes of "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" and "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)" run to 6:40 and 5:51 minutes respectively and do the same trick as the Mike Maurro stab at "I'll Be Around" – with "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)" definitely coming off best (what a tune).

I've loved returning to this SPINNERS album - I really have - and I'm quite certain Soul fans out there will smile just looking at its cover. Well done to BBR for doing the business by this affectionately remembered LP and those halcyon days. Buy it and do the Soul Step with your sister on the kitchen floor like you used to. Or just think of that special gal. "...Could It Be I'm Falling In Love..." once again, yes I am... 

"Madhouse" by SILVER CONVENTION – October 1976 UK LP on Magnet Records - Midland International Records in the USA (October 2014 UK Big Break Records (BBR) 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue with Two Bonuses – Nick Robbins and Wayne A. Dickson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B0edwb0uW

---------------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 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 £4.95 (2026 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...Land Of Make Believe..."

This superb-sounding SILVER CONVENTION CD from Big Break Records of the UK features an Expanded CD version of the Euro-Disco group's third and most adventurous album - "Madhouse".  It may have been a commercially disastrous move at the time - but BBR thinks it's worth looking at again. And as there have been some crappy CD bootlegs on the market of late - an official remaster will be more than welcome by fans. Here are the party people's details...

UK released 3 October 2014 - "Madhouse" by SILVER CONVENTION is on Big Break Records CDBBR 0279 (Barcode 5013939057937) and breaks down as follows (49:24 minutes):

1. Madhouse
2. Plastic People
3. I'm Not A Slot Machine
4. Fancy Party
5. Dancing In The Aisle
6. Everybody's Talking 'Bout Love
7. Magic Mountain
8. Midnight Lady
9. Land Of Make Believe
10. Madhouse (Finale)
Tracks 1 to 10 are their 3rd album "Madhouse" released October 1976 in the UK on Magnet Records MAG 5013 and in the USA on Midland International Records BKL1-1824

BONUS TRACKS:
11. Fancy Party (Single Version) - German Single released October 1976 on Jupiter Records 16-617-AT
12. Dancing In The Aisles (Take Me Higher) (Single Version) - USA Single released November 1976 on Midland International Records MB-10849

The 16-page booklet is packed with photos of the three girls - Rhonda Heath, Penny McLean and Romana Wulf - who were the front of Silver Convention and its Disco Vocal sound. There's a short essay on the album by Stephen Schnee (Orange County, USA) and detailed recording info. But the big news for fans is a stunning NICK ROBBINS and WAYNE A. DICKSON remaster - crystal clear slap bass, funky synths and those trademark swirling strings.

Schnee's liner notes loosely (very loosely) suggest that "Madhouse" is some kind of Disco concept album - aimed at the head and the feet - and in some respects he's probably right. And therein lay its downfall. But for me the real problem with the whole Silver Convention sound is the battle of two camps - the amazing backing musicians and songwriters (Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay) - fronted by insipid and not very inspiring vocalists. The girls have the looks but not the voices. You get amazing almost Steely Dan arrangements on tracks like "I'm Not A Slot Machine" - then those uninspiring vocals kick in - and let's face it - they could be anyone. The musicianship and ideas on "Dancing In The Aisle" is great - but then it's drowned in cheesy lyrics and nondescript vocals.

An amazing sounding CD then - and a must-buy if you're a fan...
PS: Big Break Records (BBR) CD Remasters I've reviewed:
1. Is It Still Good To Ya – ASHFORD and SIMPSON (1978)
2. Stay Free – ASHFORD and SIMPSON (1979)
3. Central Heating – HEATWAVE (1977)
4. Hot Property - HEATWAVE (1979)
5. Candles - HEATWAVE (1980)
6. Turnin' On - HIGH INERGY (1977)
7. Harvest For The World - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1976)
8. Go For Your Guns - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1977)
9. In The Heart – KOOL & THE GANG (1983)
10. Let Me Be Your Angel – STACY LATTISAW (1980)
11. I Hope We Get To Love On Time - MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS (1976)
12.  I Miss You - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1972) [known as "Harold Melvin The Blue Notes" in the UK]
13. Black & Blue - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1973)
14. Love Is The Message - MFSB (1973)
15. Universal Love – MFSB (1975)
16. All The Faces Of... - BUDDY MILES (1974)
17. For The First Time – STEPHANIE MILLS (1975)
18. I Can See Clearly Now - JOHNNY NASH (1972)
19. Back Stabbers - O'JAYS (1972)
20. Ship Ahoy - O'JAYS (1973)
21. Down To Love Town – THE ORIGINALS (1977)
22. Ebony Woman - BILLY PAUL (1970 and 1973)
23. 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul - BILLY PAUL (1972)
24. War Of The Gods - BILLY PAUL (1973)
25. Platinum Hook – PLATINUM HOOK (1978)
26. Love For What It Is - ANITA POINTER (of The Pointer Sisters) (1987)
27. Live: Stompin' At The Savoy – RUFUS and CHAKA KHAN (1983)
28. Madhouse – SILVER CONVENTION (1976)
29. Summernights – SILVER CONVENTION (1977)
30. Smoked Sugar - SMOKED SUGAR (1975)
31. Spinners – SPINNERS (1973)
32. Soul Master – EDWIN STARR (1968)
33. Involved - EDWIN STARR (1971)
34. Switch - SWITCH (1978)
35. Watercolors – THE WATERS (1980)
36. Just As I Am - BILL WITHERS (1971 Debut LP on Sussex/A&M Records)
37. Heartbeats – YARBROUGH & PEOPLES (1983)