"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...

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"...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

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

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 Others Is Available In My

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

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"...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"...

"First Course" by LEE RITENOUR – March 1976 US Debut Album on Epic Records featuring Harvey Mason on Drums, Louis Johnson (of The Brothers Johnson) on Bass, Dave Grusin. Patrice Rushen, Michael Omartian and Ian Underwood on Keyboards with Tom Scott and Chuck Findley on Horns (October 2014 UK Beat Goes On Records (BGO) CD Reissue and Remaster – Andrew Thompson Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

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This Review Along With A HUGE 356 Others Is Available In My

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

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"…Sweet Syncopation…"

Playing his first studio session for The Mama's & Papa's at the tender age of 15 in 1969 - you could say that Los Angelino LEE RITENOUR can handle the odd lick or two on a guitar. Amazingly - his funky-as-a-gnat's underpants debut album "First Course" has been off the digital circuit for decades. Well luckily for us along comes Beat Goes On of the UK with a fabulous new remaster of this forgotten Crusaders-like Seventies classic to rectify all that. Here are the fatback details...

UK released October 2014 - "First Course" by LEE RITENOUR on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1163 (Barcode 5017261211637) is a straightforward CD Remaster of his 1976 Nine-Track Debut Album on Epic Records and breaks down as follows (41:37 minutes):

1. A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit Of That [6:19 minutes] – Side 1
2. Sweet Syncopation [4:49 minutes]
3. Theme From 'Three Days Of The Condor' [4:10 minutes]
4. Fatback [4:21 minutes]
5. Memories Past [1:54 minutes]
6. Caterpillar [4:23 minutes] – Side 2
7. Canticle For The Universe [6:13 minutes]
8. Wild Rice [5:35 minutes]
9. Ohla Maria (Amparo) [3:51 minutes]
Tracks 1 to 9 are his debut LP "First Course" released in March 1976 in the USA on Epic Records PE 33947 (no UK release).

The outer card slipcase and the 12-page booklet with excellent CHARLES WARING liner notes give this reissue the usual BGO classy feel - but the big news for fans is a fantastic new remaster by England's ANDREW THOMPSON done at Sound Mastering in London. This album sounds almost audiophile - and it should.

Recorded between September and December 1975 in Epic's Sound Labs studios in Hollywood and employing top session players of the time allied with the Production skills of SKIP DRINKWATER - this is a beautifully produced album - slick, expertly played and Steely Dan polished. The instrumentation sound on this is glorious.
Excepting "Theme From 'Three Days Of The Condor'" and Caterpillar" by DAVE GRUSIN and the cover version of Brazil's finest Antonio Jobim's "Ohla Maria (Amparo)" - all the others are Ritenour originals. The players are a who's who of quality - Harvey Mason on Drums, Louis Johnson (of The Brothers Johnson) on Bass, Dave Grusin on Keyboards, Michael Omartion on Clavinet with Tom Scott and Chuck Findley on Horns. You even get the genius Patrice Rushen on "Wild Rice" playing Clavinet and Synthesizer whizz-kid Ian Underwood underlying most tracks with Stevie Wonder type funkiness.

Epic USA tried to edit the cool and catchy six-minute opener "A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit of That" onto a three and a half minute 7" single in early 1976 (Epic 8-50250) - but neither it nor the LP bothered the charts. And yet listening back to "First Course" and its effortless cool now - it's hard to understand why the album didn't make bigger waves outside of musician circles that applauded the arrival of a virtuoso guitarist and still only in his mid-twenties. A particular favourite of mine is the slick and gritty "Fatback" and the pretty acoustic "Memories Past" that seems over too soon. The slow groove of "Caterpillar" mimics its name and it ends on the lovely Spanish acoustic guitar and mellowness of that Cobim cover - now sounding crystal clear.

Genius reissue and well done (once again) to England's BGO (Beat Goes on Records) for giving "First Course the belated credit this album was always due... 

"Tightrope/The Blue Man/Arrows" by STEVE KHAN – Three Albums from 1978 and 1979 on Columbia Records featuring Mike Brecker, Bob James, David Sanborn, Steve Gadd and Ralph McDonald (April 2015 UK Beat Goes On (BGO) Compilation – 3LPs onto 2CDs with Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

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

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

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

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"...Candles..."

Jazz-Fusion virtuoso Guitarist STEVE KHAN sees his first three Solo albums from the late Seventies reissued by Beats Goes On (BGO) of the UK in proper style. If you're a Jazz-Funk fan like me – there's a lot on here to get your knickers in a knot about (despite a shaky start). Here are the elastic expanded details...

UK released 20 April 2015 (delayed from March 2015) – "Tightrope/The Blue Man/Arrows" by STEVE KHAN on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1178 (Barcode 5017261211781) is a Compilation that features 3LPs Remastered on 2CDs and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (37:57 minutes):
1. Some Punk Funk [Side 1]
2. Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love) 
3. Tightrope (For Folon)
4. The Big Ones [Side 2]
5. Star Chamber 
6. Soft Summer Breeze 
7. Where Shadows Meet 
Tracks 1 to 7 are his Debut LP "Tightrope" – released January 1978 in the USA on Columbia/Tappan Zee Records JC 34857 and April 1978 in the UK on CBS Records 82230 

Disc 2 (75:52 minutes):
1. Daily Bulls [Side 1]
2. The Blue Man 
3. Some Down Time 
4. The Little Ones [Side 2]
5. Daily Valley
6. An Eye Over Autumn – For Folon 
Tracks 1 to 6 are his 2nd album "The Blue Man" – released 1978 in the USA on Columbia Records JC 35539 and in the UK on CBS Records S CBS 83146 

7. City Suite – Part 1: City Monsters/Part II: Dream City [Side 1] 
8. Candles 
9. Daily Village [Side 2]
10. Some Arrows 
11. Calling 
Tracks 7 to 11 are his 3rd album "Arrows" – released 1979 in the USA on Columbia Records JC 36129 (No UK release)

The packed 24-page booklet repro's all artwork and track-by-track musician credits along with in-depth liner notes from noted Musicologist CHARLES WARING (a regular contributor to Mojo). The outer card wrap that now accompanies all BGO CD releases gives the whole shebang a classy feel and there's 2015 remasters by ANDREW THOMPSON that let all that musical expertise shine through. Both CDs sound lovely. 

Brought to Columbia Records by the Blood, Sweat & Tears Drummer Bobby Colomby and Keyboard Wizard Bob James (James Produces and provides the liner notes for his debut album) – "Tightrope" features four Steve Khan originals augmented by three covers – the Gamble & Huff O'Jays hit "Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love)", Randy Brecker's "The Big Ones" and an old Eddie Heywood favourite called "Soft Summer Breeze". The debut album features a stellar cast – Mike Brecker on Tenor Saxophone, Bob James on Keyboards, Steve Gadd and Ralph McDonald on Drums and Percussion respectively - while session all-stars like David Sanborn plays the Alto Sax solo on "The Big Ones". Khan provides Lead Guitar of course with back up from class players like Jeff Mironov and David Spinozza. All songs are Jazz Fusion instrumentals firmly in the groove of Funky – stuff like "Soft Summer Breeze" feels like George Benson's "Love Ballad" from his superb 2LP set "Livin' Inside Your Love" minus the vocals with a few more Rock Fusion breaks thrown in for good measure. The worst you can say about this album is that despite all that world-class musicianship and technical flash - too many of the tunes fail to ignite into anything genuinely special. They’re busy and beautifully produced and all – but only on stuff 

For his 2nd effort "The Blue Man" - Khan took over Production and provided five of the six tracks with "The Little Ones" being a Randy Brecker contribution. And what a difference! "The Blue Man" LP feels far more grown-up than its predecessor with the title track in particular impressing - a wonderful swirling fusion instrumental with Don Grolnick providing Fender Rhodes and ARP Pro solos to gorgeous effect while Khan finishes off the six-minute piece with some of his most fluid playing. Things take a slappy-bass Funk turn with "Some Down Time" where the band clearly goes after that 12” dancefloor market. With it’s Brecker and Sanborn Trumpet and Saxophone breaks and slinky guitar flicks and driving groove – it feels like Steely Dan circa "Aja" going for the Funk for 5:28 minutes (its superb). David Sanborn provides the Alto Saxophone solo in "The Little Ones" which is again wickedly funky in ways the first album never got near (Khan playing a blinding Solo half way through both Becker and Fagen would have said yes to). And on it goes to the near nine-minute finisher "An Eye Over Autumn" which actually goes “Aja” in a big way allowing both Michael Brecker and Steve Gadd solo spots on the Tenor Sax and Drums (respectively) – a great way to end a great album. 

Album Number 3 "Arrows" features liner notes from none other than Donald Fagen of some Seventies Group I worship (can't remember their steam-powered dildo name - STEELY DAN!). It opens with the two-part twelve-minute "City Suite" which comes on like Todd Rundgren's Utopia just finding their Funky Nirvana on the bedside table beside their copy of the Kama Sutra. It Funks and chunks and twists around guitars and Saxophones until about five and half minutes in – the tune goes into a Piano/Drums battle that is followed by a groovy guitar passage. We get laid back with the pretty "Candles" which sports cleverly echoed Lead Guitar and Saxophones. Despite being surprisingly hissy in the transfer – his playing is superb on it and probably Khan's best work across the three albums. Michael Brecker provides Soprano Saxophone on the slinky "Daily Village" where Don Grolnick's work on the ARP and Fender Rhodes gives the tune a West Coast funky polish. But my fave on the album is the beautifully crafted finisher "Calling" – a mid-tempo shuffler where Errol 'Crusher' Bennett gives it some fabulous Percussion throughout (also features Sax Solo by David Sanborn). 

This 3-onto-2 compilation is not all genius for sure - and I can't help feel that even with those nuggets on "Arrows" and the debut "Tightrope" - "The Blue Man" album is the cream of the crop here. Fans will love the presentation and audio - and should dive right in...

"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...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B00BEJ4sA

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

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)

"...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... 

"Ball/Metamorphosis" by IRON BUTTERFLY – February 1969 and August 1970 US Third and Fifth Albums on Atco Records in Stereo - April 1971 in the UK for "Metamorphosis" (July 2015 UK Beat Goes On Records (BGO) Compilation - 2LPs onto 1CD - Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Stone Believer..."

Always hard to categorize – IRON BUTTERFLY divide lovers of both the 60s and 70s – some saying they were a one-hit-album wonder (1968's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" which sold 4 millions copies on release and has amassed a further 16 million since) that never fully capitalised on that 2nd album lightning-in-a-bottle magic. 

But this clever and amazing-sounding July 2015 Beat Goes On (BGO) CD Compilation seems determined to reassess that and in the case of the criminally forgotten "Metamorphosis" LP from 1970 (1971 in the UK) – BGO wins the argument hands down. Let's get to the heavy but brightly coloured wings...

UK released July 2015 – "Ball/Metamorphosis" by IRON BUTTERFLY reissues their 3rd and 5th albums onto 1CD on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1193 (Barcode 5017261211934) and breaks down as follows (75:53 minutes):

1. In The Time Of Our Lives [Side 1]

2. Soul Experience

3. Lonely Boy

4. Real Fright

5. In The Crowds

6. It Must Be Love [Side 2]

7. Her Favorite Style

8. Filled With Fear

9. Belda-Beast

Tracks 1 to 9 are their 3rd album "Ball" – released February 1969 in the USA on Atco SD 33-280 and in the UK on Atlantic 228 011 (Stereo). It peaked at No.3 on the US Billboard Rock LP Charts (no chart UK)

10. Free Flight [Side 1 USA - see Notes below re UK]

11. New Day

12. Shady Lady

13. Best Years Of Our Life

14. Slower Than Guns

15. Stone Believer

16. Soldier In Our Town [Side 2 USA - see Notes below re UK]

17. Easy Rider (Let The Wind Pay The Way)

18. Butterfly Bleu

NOTES: Tracks 10 to 18 are their 5th album "Metamorphosis" credited to IRON BUTTERFLY with Pinera & Rhino. It was released in August 1970 in the USA on Atco SD 33-339 and April 1971 in the UK on Atco 2401 003. The British LP reversed the playing order for both Sides – "Soldier In Our Town" to "Butterfly Bleu" made up the 3 tracks of Side 1 (16, 17 and 18 on this CD) - while "Free Flight" to "Stone Believer" made up the 5 tracks of Side 2 (10 to 15 on this CD). It peaked at No.16 on the US Billboard Rock LP charts (no chart in the UK)

The outer card slipcase lends the whole thing a classy feel while the 16-page booklet features liner notes by noted writer NEIL DANIELS including a history of the group and interviews with Panera about new plans for 2014 (a tour, a new album after 40 years). There are album credits, some publicity photos and black and white shots of the boys on "Born To Be Wild" motorbikes (no lyrics unfortunately). Licensed from WEA - the remasters have been handled in 2015 by ANDREW THOMPSON and are amazing – stunning clarity and power on both records – especially the mightier of the two "Metamorphosis".

The "Ball" LP hit the Stateside Top 5 in February of 1969 – going one notch higher than its sensational predecessor "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" which reached No. 4 in July 1968. Although primarily an album's band - Atco launched the catchy "Soul Experience" b/w "In The Crowds" as an American 45 in February 1969 on Atco 6647 but it managed only a 75 chart placing. It was followed in May 1969 with the album opener "In The Time Of Our Lives" b/w "It Must Be Love" on Atco 6676 and it fared worse – climbing to only 96. In fact when you listen to the decidedly un-commercial doom-laden riffage of "In The Time Of Our Lives" – it's amazing anyone thought it would make a viable single when the more chipper and frankly groovy "Real Fright" with its Funky Bass intro (like The Doors on Speed) would have been a wiser choice. 

"In The Crowds" has a King Crimson Prog opening before it quickly morphs into an upbeat Rock song (the audio remaster on this is superlative). The Side 2 opener "It Must be Love" has Ingles' voice similar to Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull - and combined with Erik Brann’s heavy guitar playing and Ingle’s ever-present keyboards – at times it sounds like Jethro Tull meets The Doors (in a good way). "Her Favorite Style" is probably the most dated tune on here sounding like a highly polished madrigal – better is the slightly out-there freakish rhythms in "Filled With Fear" while the floating keyboards of "Belda-Beast" is almost Pink Floyd. Overall the album is good rather than being great...

If "Ball" was good - "Metamorphosis" was a massive jump forward (even if it only charted at 16 instead of Ball's higher placing at 3). It showed a real song-writing maturity and is so often overlooked (like much of their catalogue) for 1968's chart slayer "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida". It opens with the rather pointless 50-seconds of "Free Flight" - an instrumental noodle that promises something but never really delivers. But it segues into the Steppenwolf Boogie Rock of "New Day" where Iron Butterfly achieves a Funkiness that’s still cool to this day (amazing it wasn't issued as a 45). The equally hooky "Shady Lady" did turn up as the B-side to the non-album 45 of "Silly Sally" (A-side) on Atco 6818 in February 1971 (sadly not included here). The remaster on both cuts is superb – Richard Podolor's Production values shining through (he worked with Three Dog Night and Steppenwolf). "Best Years Of Our Lives" is probably the best Rock track on the album – great guitars and clever rhythms that defy categorization even now.

It's followed by an unexpected moment of prettiness – the acoustic "Slower Than Guns" which features a gorgeous vocal and beautifully arranged 12-string guitars (it’s a properly accomplished track and evocative too). Both "Stone Believer" and especially "Soldier In Our Town" sound like Three Dog Night writing their own songs and winning (and again really great transfers). The single "Easy Rider (Let The Wind Pay The Way)" was a modest chart hit in October 1970 on Atco 6782 by scraping 66 on the American charts (the excellent "Soldier In Our Town" was its B-side) where the band sounded like a slide-guitar Steppenwolf paired up with the son of Grand Funk Railroad. 

The album ends on the epic guitar and keyboard sleaze of "Butterfly Bleu" which chugs its way into 14 minutes. Sounding a little Zeppelin I and II in places in its chord chops and changes (there's a trippy centrepiece) – the amazing guitar work of Mike Pinera and Larry "El Rhino" Reinhardt hold centre-stage throughout (voice box used to amazing affect) while an impressive vocal by Ingle anchors the whole thing (weird voices and all). It's genuinely wicked stuff and is superbly clear on the remaster...even when that wild bit in the middle threatens to get out of hand...

I had fully intended to hate this reissue with a vengeance but I've been thoroughly won over (especially by "Metamorphosis" which I'll admit I haven't played on any format in decades). But not so - there's shockingly good stuff on here - a far better listen than I remembered. And with that stunning Audio on 'both' albums - this Beat Goes On CD Reissue for IRON BUTTERFLY is a must have for fans the world over...

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"Ebony Woman/Going East/360 Degrees Of Billy Paul/War Of The Gods" by BILLY PAUL – Four US R&B and Soul Albums originally released July 1970 on Neptune Records and October 1971, November 1972 and November 1973 (June 1974 in the UK) on Philadelphia International Records (November 2025 UK Beat Goes On (BGO) Records Compilation – Four Albums On Two Discs Series – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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

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

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GET IT ON - 1971

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Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

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For the SOUNDS GOOD Music Books Series (32 Titles in all)

RATINGS

Overall: **** (First Two LPs Are Iffy, But The Second Two Bring on the Brilliance)

Presentation: **** (Charles Waring 24-Page Booklet w All Art, Card Slipcase)

Audio: ***** (New 2025 Remasters by Andrew Thompson)

"…Got A Thing Going On…"

What a strange one – from only all right to slightly better to up, up and away and into the Soul stratosphere. The first two albums from 1970 and 1971 are iffy with sporadic moments of real brilliance (maybe five salvageable tunes out of 18) – but the second two Billy Paul albums from 1972 and 1973 bring on the BP brilliance like he finally realised all that earlier potential.

Philadelphia International Records leading light Billy Paul is of course mostly known for the "Me And Mrs. Jones" infidelity Soul classic from 1972 that topped both Pop and R&B charts in a global moment. As the superb Charles Waring liner notes ruminate – that kind of instant fame could become a pigeonhole too – and it nearly did. But fans like me find other vibes - those deep album cuts - and the maturity of music that CD2 offers. 

And so, here as part of their Four Albums On Two Discs Series (see list below) – November 2025 sees England's Beat Goes On Records offer us four US R&B LPs by the behatted Philly singer, remastered like a audio-goodun onto 2CDs. Beards and satin neckerchiefs at the ready - here be the City of Love details…

UK released Friday, 7 November 2025 - "Ebony Woman/Going East/360 Degrees Of Billy Paul/War Of The Gods" by BILLY PAUL on Beat Goes On BGOCD1561 (Barcode 5017261215611) is a Compilation that offers Four Albums Remastered On Two Discs (originally released Vinyl LPs on Neptune and Philadelphia International Records in the USA and UK in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 (1974 UK)) that plays out as follows:

CD1 (76:57 minutes, 18 Tracks):

1. Ebony Woman [Side 1]

2. Mrs. Robinson 

3. The Windmills Of Your Mind

4. Everyday People 

5. Let's Fall In Love All Over [Side 2]

6. Windy

7. Psychedelic Sally

8. Traces 

9. Proud Mary

Tracks 1 to 9 are Billy Paul's 2nd album "Ebony Woman" - released July 1970 in the USA on Neptune Records NLPS-201. Neptune was the record label started by the Soul songwriting and producing duo of Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff. The LP received no UK release at this time. However - it was re-issued April 1973 on Philadelphia International Records KZ 32118 in the USA and on Philadelphia International PIR 65931 in the UK - but this time sporting a different front sleeve (also issued on Columbia SBP-234324 in the USA and on Epic S EPC 65456 in the UK sometime in 1973 with the Grace Jones sleeve).

10. East [Side 1]

11. (If You Let Me Make Love To You Then) Why Can't I Touch You?

12. This Is Your Life

13. Jesus Boy (You Only Look Like A Man)

14. Magic Carpet Ride [Side 2]

15. I Wish It Were Yesterday

16. Compared To What

17. Love Buddies

18. There's A Small Hotel

Tracks 10 to 17 are his third studio album "Going East" - originally released October 1971 in the USA on Philadelphia International Records Z 30580 (no UK issues)

CD2 (83:14 minutes, 14 Tracks):

1. Brown Baby [Side 1]

2. I'm Just A Prisoner

3. It's Too Late

4. Me And Mrs. Jones

5. Am I Black Enough For You? [Side 2]

6. Let's Stay Together

7. Your Song

8. I'm Gonna Make It This Time

Tracks 1 to 8 are his fourth studio album "360 Degrees Of Billy Paul" - originally released November 1972 in the USA on Philadelphia International Records KZ 31793 and Epic Records EPC 65351 in the UK (later re-issued on Philadelphia International S PIR 65930).

9. I See The Light [Side 1]

10. War Of The Gods

11. The Whole Town's Talking

12. I Was Married [Side 2]

13. Thanks For Saving My Life

14. Peace Holy Peace 

Tracks 1 to 6 are his fifth studio album "War Of The Gods" - released November 1973 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 32409 in a gatefold sleeve with an insert. Stateside it reached Number 12 on the R&B charts and Number 110 on the Pop charts. It was also belatedly issued in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 65861 in June 1974

The 24-page booklet with CHARLES WARING liner notes is crammed full of info preceded by the artwork for all four albums (front and rear) and personnel details. Waring uses interviews and deep level research to illuminate the relationships between Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff and the slightly other-worldly voice of Billy Paul. While Paul took his time finding that stride - clearly Philly honchos Gamble & Huff believed in their boy and when that belief paid off with the "360 Degrees Of..." LP - man did it reap the rewards. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (with Teddy Pendergrass), The O'Jays, MFSB and The Three Degrees all gave the Philadelphia International record label goodies - but Paul's "Me And Mrs. Jones" put them on the chart-map early on and arguably broke the label worldwide. I've had the Big Break Records (BBR) CD Remasters for these individual albums released way back in 2009 and 2010 just to have the music - but BGO of England have excelled here. The punch off these Andrew Thompson Remasters is fantastic. This is a beautiful sounding double-CD set and seriously great value for money. It would have been icing on a very tasty cake had BGOCD1561 had enough room to include all those 7" 45-single edits that are on the BBR CDs - but alas time constraints. To music...

CD1: Just out of the Sixties - the "Ebony Woman" album is full of contemporary hits of the time - Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson", Sly & The Family Stone's "Everyday People" and Noel Harrison's "Windmills Of Your Mind" (theme from "The Thomas Crown Affair"). The single "Let's Fall In Love Again" was written by Bobby Martin - a friend of Gamble & Huff who would later become a huge thing at Philadelphia International Records and an integral part of The Manhattans vocal group - and the title track "Ebony Woman" harks way back to 1959 when Billy Paul first sang it jazz-style.

Unfortunately most of these tracks are terribly dated and I'll admit to only having time for three songs on "Ebony Woman" - a Swingin' 60t's cover of Horace Silver's "Psychedelic Sally" (you can see some hippy chick dancing on a podium in a TV studio on this one), a piano-funky take on Creedence Clearwater Revival's classic "Proud Mary" and a truly lovely turn on The Classic IV's "Traces".

Moving further into the early Seventies and Billy Paul seemed (momentarily anyway) to have learned his lesson with the "Going East"  album – leave those contemporary hitmakers alone and find something more edgy (but alas that was truly only on one track). So, ominous winds and chimes ping as Billy talks of no love and no peace and no shoes and riding in that better direction in the Tyrone Brown-penned "East" – a fantastically cool harem-tent groove that starts out slow and doomy only to build on a carry-me-on-the-wind shuffle (arranged by Lenny Pakula). And suddenly (unlike the "Ebony Woman" album) as it slinks past six minutes towards its 6:26 minute finishing time – you feel you are in the presence of a Gil Scott-Heron goody no one talks about. This is great Billy Paul – vibey and hip – and at 1:40 minutes in hitting you with that fantastic shuffling groove. Unfortunately, all that cool-groove goodwill goes promptly out the window with the Broadway false upbeat of the ludicrously titled "(If You Let Me Make Love To You Then) Why Can't I Touch You?" It is schlock and feels so wrong after what preceded it. Things get only marginally better with the Jimmy Webb-penned melody "This Is Your Life" - a very Bacharach David ballad given a Soul going over. If however "This Is Your Life" is your lovers bag, the Audio is fantastic – so clear and full - prepare for a treat.

The trend of Holy Roller message-tunes after the huge success of the October 1970 double-album "Jesus Christ Superstar" looms large with the awkwardly titled "Jesus Boy (You Only Look Like A Man)" – another oboes and strings clunker. At last things start to feel like they're picking up – Billy Paul doing the Steppenwolf feeling-alright classic "Magic Carpet Ride". Flutes and Organs do battle like Jethro Tull meets C.C.S. on his Soul Machine groove – cool but not nearly as great as the original. Bobby Martin of Philly and Manhattans fame provides a pleading ballad for Paul in the Nat King Cole bedroom crooner vibe of "I Wish It Were Yesterday". Strings and lounge-lizard piano and hi-hat shuffles amble on as he talks of how tomorrow will be a bust if his baby is not home for good (come and rescue me). Time to go Ramsey Lewis hip-swaying boogie on the organ – throw in some stop-and-start Ray Charles too on the Gene McDaniels classic "Compared To What". Again, Tony Williams gives it some breathy Flute while Eddie Green jabs at those wade-in-the-water piano keys and "Compared To What" becomes one of the better album cuts – all 5:20 minutes of it. Gamble and Huff finally show their songwriting faces with the slow and kissy vibe of "Love Buddies" – a kind of embarrassing Teddy Pendergrass lurve song that has great instrumentation but still feels too close to elevators. The patchy "Going East" album ends of an old crooner ballad laden with strings and 2am barfly vibes – the Hart & Rodgers song "There's A Small Chance".

CD2: With the help and helming of the dynamic songwriting duo Gamble & Huff - the "360 Degrees Of Billy Paul" album produced three notable 45-singles, albeit is edited form (the versions on these BGO CDs are all album cuts). His bona fide monster hit "Me And Mrs. Jones" b/w "Your Song" (the Elton John classic) hit the shops October 1972 in the USA on Philadelphia International ZS7 3521 and January 1973 in the UK on Epic EPC 1055. "Me And Mrs. Jones" was a monster and put Billy Paul on the number one spot in droves of countries around the world including the Billboard single and album Soul charts in his own USA. But how nice it is to hear the Full Album Version at 4:46 minutes as opposed to the more commonly used 45-single edit of 3:41 minutes. And it sounds amazing too on BGO twofer.

The on-the-money commentary of "Brown Baby" is a very strong socially aware opener – here in its full album cut of 4:36 minutes as opposed to the more commonly played 45-single edit of 3:41 minutes. "Brown Baby" was issued April 1973 in the UK on Epic Records S EPC 1313 with his cover of the Carole King song "It's Too Late" on the flipside. Perhaps because of its subject matter – it was not issued in the States. What was issued Stateside (not in the UK) came in the shape of "Am I Black Enough For You" with "I'm Gonna Make It This Time" on the B-side. Released March 1973, that 45-single on Philadelphia International ZS7 3526 stalled at No.29 R&B – a surprise since the Jones single had hit pole position on both R&B and Pop.

The "360 Degrees Of Billy Paul" LP also gives you three cleverly reworked cover versions - a jazzed-up take on Carole King's "It's Too Late" from her magisterial "Tapestry" album, a completely re-worked fast and funky go at Elton John's "Your Song" (which Elton loved) and a very slowed down love-song angle on Al Green's slinky classic "Let's Stay Together" with lovely Norman Harris arrangements. The album ends of what he admits should have been the follow up to "Jones" - "I'm Gonna Make It This Time" (written by Bunny Sigler and Jean Lang). It's as romantic-Philly as the label gets - all plinking piano, strings and heartache vocals.

But all of that for me is trumped by the magnificent 8-minutes of "I'm Just A Prisoner". Billy Paul's stepfather had done 5 years in prison but emerged to work his way up in business and then mentor the young hopeful in his musical ambitions. Paul never forgot this - so even though label stalwarts Kenneth Gamble, Bunny Sigler and Phillip Hurtt wrote the song - it contains some of Paul's most personal lyrics. The song feels like Marvin Gaye's "Right On" from his 1971 "What's Going On" masterpiece in its hypnotic groove and features brilliantly arranged strings by organist and orchestration maestro Lenny Pakula. There are touches of Donny Hathaway, Herbie Hancock and The Isley Brothers all in there too - and for me it's one of the highlights on this famous LP.

The "War Of The Gods" LP from 1973 was a huge leap forward and accompanied by MFSB as his backing band is remembered by Soul and Funk fans with probably more affection than "360 Degrees Of…" Between the USA and UK there were 4 x 7" singles issued around the album – three official and one rare American promo. Pre-empting the LP release, Philly were probably trying to poke DJs and Jocks by issuing a rarity nowadays – the promo-only Philadelphia International AE7 1080 (issued Nov 1973) breaks down the long LP cut into two parts – Part 1 on Side A etc. Soon after the official singles started – November 1973 in the States gave us "Thanks For Saving My Life" b/w "I Was Married" on Philadelphia International ZS7 3538 which made No. 7 on US Billboard R&B charts. Over in Blighty they changed it up a little by issuing "Thanks For Saving My Life" with "I See The Light" on the flipside - Philadelphia International S PIR 1928 issued in November 1973 making ??. Last was The Whole Town's Talking b/w I Was Married in April 1974 – another UK 7" single, this time on Philadelphia International S SPIR 2225.

The "War Of The Gods" album opens with a fabulous double-track sucker punch - two trippy-soulful cuts called "I See The Light" at 6-minutes and the epic 10-minute album version of "War Of The Gods" - very Isaac Hayes as it lingers and grooves. Combined with "Peace Holy Peace" (the last track on the LP) they give the whole LP a very mellow socially-conscious feel - more Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" than The O'Jays "Backstabbers" if you know what I mean. Both "The Whole Town's Talking" and "I Was Married" are the more poppy Soul side of Philly and sound a little out of place here. But "Thanks For Saving My Life" is an excellent jaunty mid-tempo number. Shame there was no space for the sought-after Promo-Only 7" cut of "War Of The Gods" which edits the epic talking-song down to a more manageable 5:37 minutes. But what you get is more than enough. 

There are those who will say that Billy Paul's Philly album-output hasn't weathered well - especially most of the two first platters presented here from 1970 and 1971 - but "360 Degrees Of..." and "War Of The Gods" from 1972 and 1973 - combined with the better cuts on the first CD that contains the earlier two - then that's more than enough - especially in this toppermost Audio. And the presentation is cool too. 

Dig in and discover - another cool compilation from BGO...

Soul/Funk/Disco/Fusion and Jazz Titles in the 

Beat Goes On (BGO) Records 'Four Albums On Two Discs' Series

UK issued 2CD Compilations in a Card Slipcase with Remasters

(Many Focus on the 'Philly' Sound - Philadelphia Intl Records of the Seventies)

1. GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS - "Imagination/I Feel A Song/2nd Anniversary/The One And Only…"

Four US Albums originally issued on Buddah Records in 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1978

UK released 27 February 2026 on Beat Goes On BGOCD1567 (Barcode 5017261215673)

2. RAMSEY LEWIS - "Funky Serenity/Ramsey Lewis’ Newly Recorded, All-Time, Non-Stop Golden Hits [aka Golden Hits]/Solar Wind/Sun Goddess"

Four US Albums originally issued 1973 (two) and 1974 (two) on Columbia Records

UK released 18 May 2018 on Beat Goes On BGOCD1335 (Barcode 5017261213358)

3. RAMSEY LEWIS - "Legacy/Ramsey/Live At The Savoy/Chance Encounter"

Four US Albums originally issued 1978, 1979 and two in 1982 on Columbia Records

UK released 30 March 2018 on Beat Goes On BGOCD1330 (Barcode 5017261213303)

4. THE MANHATTANS - "There's No Me Without You/That's How Much I Love You/The Manhattans/It Feels So Good"

Four US Albums originally issued on Columbia Records in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1977

UK released 21 November 2025, Beat Goes On BGOCD1557 (Barcode 5017261215574) 

5. HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (featuring Teddy Pendergrass) – "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes Featuring… (aka I Miss You)/Black And Blue/To Be True (Featuring Teddy Pendergrass)/Wake Up Everybody"

Four US Albums originally issued on Philadelphia International Records in 1972, 1973 and 1975 (Two)

UK released Friday, 8 May 2026, Beat Goes On BGOCD1572 (Barcode 5017261215727)

6. MFSB - "MFSB/TSOP The Sound Of Philadelphia (aka Love Is The Message)/Universal Love/Philadelphia Freedom"

Four US Albums originally issued on Philadelphia International Records in 1973 (Two), and 1975 (Two) – Philly Backing Band feat Dexter Wansel

UK released Friday, 22 May 2026, Beat Goes On BGOCD1575 (Barcode 5017261215758)

7. BUDDY MILES EXPRESS/BUDDY MILES

"Expressway To Your Skull/Electric Church/Them Changes/We Got To Live Together"

Four US Albums originally issued 1968, 1969 and Two in 1970 on Mercury Records

UK released 7 January 2022 (delayed from November 2021), Beat Goes On BGOCD1468 (Barcode 5017261214683)

8. THE O'JAYS - "Back Stabbers/Ship Ahoy/Survival/Family Reunion"

Four US Albums originally issued on Philadelphia International Records in 1972, 1973 and 1975

UK released 21 November 2025, Beat Goes On BGOCD1563 (Barcode 5017261215635)

9. BILLY PAUL – "Ebony Woman/Going East/360 Degrees Of Billy Paul/War Of The Gods"

Four US Albums originally issued on Neptune and Philadelphia International Records in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973

UK released 7 November 2025, Beat Goes On BGOCD1561 (Barcode 5017261215611)

10. TEDDY PENDERGRASS - "Teddy Pendergrass/Life Is A Song Worth Singing/Teddy/TP"

Four US Albums originally issued on Philadelphia International Records in 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980 – Former Lead Vocalist in Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

UK released Friday, 22 May 2026, Beat Goes On BGOCD1574 (Barcode 5017261215741)

11. LOU RAWLS - "All Things In Time/Unmistakably Lou/When You Hear Lou, You've Heard It All/Let Me Be Good To You"

Four US Albums originally issued on Philadelphia International Records in 1976, Two in 1977 and One in 1979

UK released 3 October 2025, Beat Goes on BGOCD1560 (Barcode 5017261215604)

12. DEXTER WANSEL - "Life On Mars/What The World Is Coming To/Voyager/Time Is Slipping Away"

Four US Albums originally issued on Philadelphia International Records in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979

UK released 10 March 2023, BGOCD1490 (Barcode 5017261214904)