"Face To Face With The Truth" by THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH - February 1972 US Second Album on Gordy Records - July 1972 UK on Tamla Motown (June 2003 EU/UK Universal Music Group/Gordy/Miracle Records CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Harmony Is The Key…"

"Face To Face With The Truth" was the second US album for NORMAN WHITFIELD'S band THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH in February 1972 and this June 2003 European CD remaster on Universal Music Group/Gordy/Miracle Records 067 100-2 (Barcode 044006710020) is a straightforward copy of that soul-funk peach and hard-to-find vinyl rarity.

1. You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth [Side 1]

2. What It Is?

3. Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite The World) Friendship Train

4. Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are) - [Side 2]

5. Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me

6. Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me

7. What's Going On

The 7-track LP was originally issued February 1972 on Gordy G959L in the USA (July 1972 on Tamla Motown STMA 8004 in the UK) and this "ORIGINAL FUNK LP SERIES" CD reissue (in a card digipak) fully reproduces the original gatefold sleeve artwork and offers an 8-page booklet. Inside is a very knowledgeable and concise essay on the album by DAVID COLE - Editor of the specialist soul magazine "In The Basement".

The band depicted on the front sleeve is JOE HARRIS (lead vocals), BRENDA JOYCE EVANS and BILLIE RAE CALVIN (duet and backing vocals). Whitfield produced the album and co-wrote 5 of its 7 songs with another Motown genius BARRETT STRONG. "Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me" was first outed by Gladys Knight & The Pips while the album's closer is a 9-minute cover of Marvin Gaye's 1971 Tamla masterpiece "What's Going On". Other notable musicians are DENNIS COFFEY on Lead Guitar, EARL VAN DYKE on Piano with EDDIE BROWN on Bongo and Congo Drums.

Musically the album is typical of so many Whitfield productions - the filler tracks are fairly obvious and ok - but the killer long funky workouts are stunning. Bass starter, slinky wah-wah guitar fills, strings backed up with conga rhythms - all of it peppered with social consciousness lyrics that to this day don't sound dated. The groove takes its time to get its hooks into you and even after nine or ten minutes, it never feels like it overstayed its welcome. Joe Harris was a wonderful vocalist too - a little like Pops Staples let loose. For me the big highlight is the near nine-minute "Ungena Za Ulimwengu..." - very Isaac Hayes in its hypnotic lingering pace and build - his fabulous groove always had customers coming to the record counter asking after it (lyrics above).

It doesn't say who remastered the tapes or where it was done, but the sound is wonderfully clear and defined. It's not all great for sure, but the ones that are worth it - especially in this great sound quality - make this forgotten goody well worth your checking out. Recommended.

PS: Here's a full list of the 2003 "Original Funk LP Series" CD reissues:

1. A Tear To A Smile - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY

(1975 US LP on Polydor, CD reissue is 065 620-2)

2. Propositions - BAR-KAYS

(1982 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 822 885-2)

3. Summertime Groove - BOHANNON

(1978 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 077 014-2)

4. Ugly Ego - CAMEO

(1978 USA LP On Chocolate City, CD reissue is 077 251-2)

5. Con Funk Shun 7 - CON FUNK SHUN

(1981 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 699-2)

6. Nice And Soulful - CAROLINE CRAWFORD

(1979 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 067 517-2)

7. The Gap Band - THE GAP BAND

(1979 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 698-2)

8. Something Special - KOOL and THE GANG

(1981 LP on De-Lite, CD reissue is 063 695-2)

9. In Heat - LOVE UNLIMITED

(1974 LP on 20th Century, CD reissue is 063 625-2)

10. Just Outside Of Town - MANDRILL

(1973 LP on Polydor, CD reissue is 065 619-2)

11. Them Changes - BUDDY MILES [Drummer with The Electric Flag]

(1970 LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 693-2)

12. One Way featuring Al Hudson - ONE WAY featuring AL HUDSON

(1979 LP on MCA, CD reissue is 113 201-2)

13. What Am I Gonna Do - GLORIA SCOTT [Barry White production]

(1974 USA LP on Casablanca, CD reissue is 063 694-2)

14. Moving South - SOUTHSIDE MOVEMENT

(1975 USA LP on 20th Century, CD reissue is 063 691-2)

15. Face To Face With The Truth - THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH

(1972 LP on Gordy & Tamla Motown, CD reissue is 067 100-2)

PPS: Along with many other Soul Titles - the "Face To Face With The Truth" album finally saw CD reissue once again in 2015/2016 on 'Universal Music Group/Elemental Music'. Titles to date in that CD Reissue Series are (I've reviewed 1, 3, 8, 13 and 15):

1. Hang On In There Baby (1974 LP on MGM Records) - JOHNNY BRISTOL (Universal/Elemental 88518 - 8435395501153)

2. The Original Disco Man (1979 LP on Polydor) - JAMES BROWN (Universal/Elemental 88523 – Barcode 8435395501450)

3. Music To Make Love By (1975 LP on Chess) - SOLOMON BURKE (Universal/Elemental 88528 – Barcode 8435395501627)

4. Hot On The Tracks (1976 LP on Motown) – THE COMMODORES (Universal/Elemental 88511 – Barcode 8435395500965)

5. Breakin' Bread (1974 LP on People) – FRED (WESLEY) & THE NEW JB’S (Universal/Elemental 88522 – Barcode 8435395501252)

6. Doing It To Death (1973 LP on People) - THE JB'S [with James Brown] (Universal/Elemental 88517 – Barcode 8435395501146)

7. People...Hold On (1972 LP on Tamla) – EDDIE KENDRICKS (Universal/Elemental 88501 – Barcode 8435395500569)

8. Mother Nature's Son (1968 Stereo LP on Cadet, Charles Stepney Production) – RAMSEY LEWIS (Universal/Elemental 88504 – Barcode 8435395500590)

9. Them Changes (1970 LP on Cadet) - RAMSEY LEWIS (Universal/Elemental 88516 – Barcode 8435395501139)

10. Fire (1974 LP on Mercury) - THE OHIO PLAYERS (Universal/Elemental 88506 – Barcode 8435395500973)

11. Skin Tight (1974 LP on Mercury with 1 Bonus Track) - THE OHIO PLAYERS (Universal/Elemental 88510 – Barcode 8435395500958)

12. Get Ready (1969 LP on Rare Earth) – RARE EARTH (Universal/Elemental 88505 – Barcode 8435395500866)

13. Soulin' (1966 Stereo LP on Capitol) - LOU RAWLS (Universal/Elemental 88515 - 8435395501122)

14. Smokey (1973 LP on Tamla) – SMOKEY ROBINSON (Universal/Elemental 88503 – Barcode 8435395500583)

15. My Whole World Ended (1969 Stereo LP on Motown) - DAVID RUFFIN (Universal/Elemental 88527 – Barcode 8435395501542)

16. The Groove Governor (1970 LP on Soul) – JIMMY RUFFIN (Universal/Elemental 88513 – Barcode 8435395501108)

17. Still Waters Run Deep (1970 LP on Tamla) – THE TEMPTATIONS (Universal 88502 – Barcode 8435395500576)

18. Face To Face With The Truth (1972 LP on Gordy) – THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH (Universal/Elemental 88509 – Barcode 8435395500941)

19. Together Brothers O.S.T. (1974 2LPs on 20th Century, Single CD) – BARRY WHITE and THE LOVE UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA (Universal/Elemental 88507 – Barcode 8435395500880)

PPS: For those wishing to explore this Motown band's output more, below is an Undisputed Truth LP discography...

1. "The Undisputed Truth", July 1971 LP on Gordy G-955L in the USA and February 1972 on Tamla Motown STML 11197 in the UK
Side 1:
You Got The Love I Need; Save My Love For A Rainy Day; California Soul; Aquarius; Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)
Side2:
Smiling Faces Sometimes; We've Got A Way Out My Love; Since I've Lost You; Ain't No Sunshine Since You've Been Gone; I Heard It Through The Grapevine; Like A Rolling Stone

2. "Face To Face With The Truth", February 1972 LP on Gordy G-959L in the USA and July 1972 on Tamla Motown STMA 8004 in the UK
Side 1:
You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth; What It Is ?; Ungena Za Ulimengu (Unite The World) Friendship Train
Side 2:
Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are); Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me; Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me; What's Going On

3. "Law Of The Land", July 1973 LP on Gordy G-963L in the USA and September 1973 on Tamla Motown STML 11240 in the UK
Side 1:
Law Of The Land; Papa Was A Rollin' Stone; Girl You're Alright; Killing Me Softly With This Song; Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me); This Child Needs Its Father
Side 2:
Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing (Don't Say No); Feelin' Alright; Love And Happiness; With A Little Help From My Friends; If I Die; Walk On By

4. "Down To Earth", September 1974 LP on Gordy G6-968S1 in the USA and January 1975 on Tamla Motown STML 11277 in the UK
Side 1:
Help Yourself; Big John Is My Name; Brother Louie; I'm A Fool For You; Our Day Will Come
Side 2:
Just You 'N' Me; Love And Happiness; Law Of The Land; The Girl's Alright With Me; Save My Love For A Rainy Day

NOTE: The UK LP of "Down To Earth" has two extra tracks over the USA issue.
"Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love" is added as Track 6 (the last track) on Side 1, while "Let's Go Back To Day One" is added on to Side 2 as Track 6 (again the last track). "Gonna Keep On…" was the non-album B-side of "Mama I Got A Brand New Thing (Don't Say No)", a US 7" single on Gordy 7124, while "Let's Go Back…" is unique to this issue.

5. "Cosmic Truth", March 1975 LP on Gordy G6-970S1 in the USA and June 1975 on Tamla Motown STMA 8023 in the UK
Side 1:
Earthquake Shake; Down By The River; UFO's; Lil' Red Ridin' Hood; Squeeze Me, Tease Me
Side 2:
Spaced Out; Got To Get My Hands On Some Lovin’; 1990; (I Know) I'm Losing You

6. "Higher Than High", October 1975 on Gordy G6-972S1 in the USA and on Tamla Motown STML 12009 in The UK
Side 1:
Higher Than High; Poontang; Life Ain't So Easy; Boogie Bump Boogie
Side 2:
Help Yourself; I'm In The Red Zone; Overload; I Saw You When You Met Her; Ma

7. "Method To The Madness", December 1976 LP on Whitfield WH 2967 in the USA and Whitfield K 56289 in the UK
Side 1:
Cosmic Contact; Method To The Madness; Sunshine; You + Me = Love
Side 2:
Hole In The Wall; Loose; Life Ain't So Easy; Take A Vacation From Life; Let's Go To The Disco

8. "Smokin'", 1979 USA LP on Whitfield WHK 3202 and Whitfield K 56497 in the UK
Side 1:
Show Time; Talkin' To The Wind; Atomic Funk; I Can't Get Enough Of Your Love
Side 2:
Space Machine; Tazmainian Monster; Sandman; Misunderstood

"The Undisputed Truth" - A Motown and Whitfield Records UK and US LP Discography.

- THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH -
A Motown and Whitfield Records UK and USA LP Discography

1. “The Undisputed Truth”, July 1971 LP on Gordy G-955L in the USA and February 1972 on Tamla Motown STML 11197 in the UK

Side 1:
You Got The Love I Need; Save My Love For A Rainy Day; California Soul; Aquarius; Ball Of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today)
Side2:
Smiling Faces Sometimes; We’ve Got A Way Out My Love; Since I’ve Lost You; Ain’t No Sunshine Since You’ve Been Gone; I Heard It Through The Grapevine; Like A Rolling Stone

2. “Face To Face With The Truth”, February 1972 LP on Gordy G-959L in the USA and July 1972 on Tamla Motown STMA 8004 in the UK

Side 1:
You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth; What It Is ?; Ungena Za Ulimengu (Unite The World) Friendship Train
Side 2:
Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are); Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me; Don’t Let Him Take Your Love From Me; What’s Going On

3. “Law Of The Land”, July 1973 LP on Gordy G-963L in the USA and September 1973 on Tamla Motown STML 11240 in the UK

Side 1:
Law Of The Land; Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone; Girl You’re Alright; Killing Me Softly With This Song; Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me); This Child Needs Its Father
Side 2:
Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing (Don’t Say No); Feelin’ Alright; Love And Happiness; With A Little Help From My Friends; If I Die; Walk On By

4. “Down To Earth”, September 1974 LP on Gordy G6-968S1 in the USA and January 1975 on Tamla Motown STML 11277 in the UK

Side 1:
Help Yourself; Big John Is My Name; Brother Louie; I’m A Fool For You; Our Day Will Come
Side 2:
Just You ‘N’ Me; Love And Happiness; Law Of The Land; The Girl’s Alright With Me; Save My Love For A Rainy Day

[Note: The UK LP has two extra tracks over the USA issue.
“Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love” is added as Track 6 (the last track) on Side 1, while “Let’s Go Back To Day One” is added on to Side 2 as Track 6 (again the last track).
“Gonna Keep On…” was the non-album B-side of “Mama I Got A Brand New Thing (Don’t Say No)”, a US 7” single on Gordy 7124, while “Let’s Go Back…” is unique to this issue.

5. “Cosmic Truth”, March 1975 LP on Gordy G6-970S1 in the USA and June 1975 on Tamla Motown STMA 8023 in the UK

Side 1:
Earthquake Shake; Down By The River; UFO’s; Lil’ Red Ridin’ Hood; Squeeze Me, Tease Me
Side 2:
Spaced Out; Got To Get My Hands On Some Lovin’; 1990; (I Know) I’m Losing You

6. “Higher Than High”, October 1975 on Gordy G6-972S1 in the USA and on Tamla Motown STML 12009 in The UK

Side 1:
Higher Than High; Poontang; Life Ain’t So Easy; Boogie Bump Boogie
Side 2:
Help Yourself; I’m In The Red Zone; Overload; I Saw You When You Met Her; Ma

7. “Method To The Madness”, December 1976 LP on Whitfield WH 2967 in the USA and Whitfield K 56289 in the UK

Side 1:
Cosmic Contact; Method To The Madness; Sunshine; You + Me = Love
Side 2:
Hole In The Wall; Loose; Life Ain’t So Easy; Take A Vacation From Life; Let’s Go To The Disco

8. “Smokin’”, 1979 USA LP on Whitfield WHK 3202 and Whitfield K 56497 in the UK

Side 1:
Show Time; Talkin’ To The Wind; Atomic Funk; I Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love
Side 2:
Space Machine; Tazmainian Monster; Sandman; Misunderstood

Universal's "ORIGINAL FUNK LP SERIES" - A List of all 15 CD Reissues.

- Titles in Universal/UMG's “Original Funk LP Series” -

1. A Tear To A Smile – ROY AYERS UBIQUITY
(1975 US LP on Polydor, CD reissue is 065 620-2)
2. Propositions – BAR-KAYS
(1982 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 822 885-2)
3. Summertime Groove – BOHANNON
(1978 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 077 014-2)
4. Ugly Ego – CAMEO
(1978 USA LP On Chocolate City, CD reissue is 077 251-2)
5. Con Funk Shun 7 – CON FUNK SHUN
(1981 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 699-2)
6. Nice And Soulful – CAROLINE CRAWFORD
(1979 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 067 517-2)
7. The Gap Band – THE GAP BAND
(1979 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 698-2)
8. Something Special – KOOL and THE GANG
(1981 LP on De-Lite, CD reissue is 063 695-2)
9. In Heat – LOVE UNLIMITED
(1974 LP on 20th Century, CD reissue is 063 625-2)
10. Just Outside Of Town – MANDRILL
(1973 LP on Polydor, CD reissue is 065 619-2)
11. Them Changes – BUDDY MILES
[Drummer with The Electric Flag and later in Hendrix's Band Of Gypsys]
(1970 LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 693-2)
12. One Way featuring Al Hudson – ONE WAY featuring AL HUDSON
(1979 LP on MCA, CD reissue is 113 201-2)
13. What Am I Gonna Do – GLORIA SCOTT [Barry White production]
(1974 USA LP on Casablanca, CD reissue is 063 694-2)
14. Moving South – SOUTHSIDE MOVEMENT
(1975 USA LP on 20th Century, CD reissue is 063 691-2)
15. Face To Face With The Truth – THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH
(1972 LP on Gordy & Tamla Motown, CD reissue is 067 100-2)
All titles feature gatefold card sleeve digipaks with a booklet and repro artwork including gatefold sleeves and inserts. All were issued in May 2003 out of Europe - the sound is uniformly excellent.

“Occasional Rain” by TERRY CALLIER. A Review of the 2008 Verve 'ORIGINALS' CD Remaster of his beautiful 1972 Cadet Records album.

This review is part of my "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters Soul, Funk & Jazz Fusion" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

 "…He’s Been Dealing Teardrops Since The World Began…"

"Lost Masterpiece", "Forgotten Classic", "...An Album You Must Hear Before You Die" - take your pick, because 1972's "Occasional Rain" genuinely fits them all - it really does.

Hailing out of Chicago and a childhood pal of Curtis Mayfield, Terence Orlando Callier had put out only 1 album before this called "The New Folk Sound Of Terry Callier" on US Prestige 7383 in July 1965. He recorded this debut aged just 23. It was 8-tracks long, half of which were simply acoustic interpretations of American Traditionals, it didn't contain a single original song by him. But despite being a truly beautiful record (and using a folk/soul acoustic style he still uses to this day), it did little business.

Session years then went by until his signing to the Chess offshoot label Cadet, where he made 3 albums with legendary producer and writer CHARLES STEPNEY - the other two albums are "What Color Is Love" (1973) and "I Just Can't Help Myself" (1974) which are equally good - especially "Color".

Charles Stepney is another big name in small circles - a hero of sorts for soul lovers. He was involved in The Rotary Connection with Minnie Riperton, produced four albums with The Dells and even twiddled the knobs on the iconic and now much-vaulted psych-blues-fusion album "Electric Mud" by Muddy Waters. I'd personally scour down anything he had a hand in...a genius...

Two other words printed on the back inlay beneath the CD also give this reissue the edge - GAVIN LURSSEN. He's an American sound engineer and I've sung his praises before (see separate reviews for "Gold" by THE CRUSADERS and "Careless" by STEPHEN BISHOP). Lurssen has just short of 900 mastering, remastering and audio restoration credits to his name (Universal, Hip-O Select) - his work stretches back decades, so he knows his way around a master tape or two.

I mention this because a lot of the songs on here are quietly soulful, Stepney didn't clutter them with instruments except when it complimented the melody - so the remaster needed the deftest of touches and Lurssen has done that. The sound quality isn't trebly or loud or showy - it's just there - sweet as a nut - the music just 'sails' out of your speakers in the most gorgeous way. You're left with a genuine sense of shock on two fronts (a) why has this beautiful soul album gone unnoticed for so long by the vast majority of music lovers out there and (b) a sense of relief - that in finally releasing "Occasional Rain" in 2008, Universal have picked the right guy to do the job.

Musically it breaks down like this - there's eight 8 songs separated by five 40-second "Segue" bits. No one knows why the first Segue is called "Go Ahead On" and the other 4 "Go Head On" (which is what the lyric is)? Some people think the Segues cool, while others feel they haven't worn well and now sound gimmicky. Personally, I find the songs surrounding them so beautiful that I don't notice...they're that good. I would love to hear the full song proper...

The most famous track off the LP is "Ordinary Joe" which has turned up on Acid Jazz type compilations and was a big draw in the UK. Other highlights are the acoustic urban trouble song "Trance On Sedgwick Street" which along with "Blues For Marcus" features the beautiful Cello work of EARL MADISON - and combined with Callier's impassioned vocals makes the tracks sound like Cat Stevens meets Nick Drake - really lovely and soulful. The love songs are up there as well - "Do You Finally Need A Friend" and the truly gorgeous "Golden Circle". There's a strange guitar ping that floats over "Occasional Rain' giving it an ethereal other-worldly feel - very soulful and very Donny Hathaway in structure and churchy feel (lyrics above). Then comes the album's big finisher - and what a peach it is. "Lean On Me" is an impassioned six and half minute long friendship song with backing vocals from Minnie Riperton and Kitty Haywood - it's just gorgeous and finishes the mellowest of LPs on a genuine high.

Downside - although the gatefold card digipak is nice to look at, for me one of the big let downs is the complete lack of a booklet and therefore a sense of history, photos, insights etc... If ever a soul album deserved a little more luxury shown, then "Occasional Rain" is it.

If you're unconvinced and have heard too many praising reviews before - the entire LP is available on iTunes as a download - I'd recommend trying "Golden Circle" or "Occasional Rain" of "Lean On Me"- you'll be hooked. (The 2008 "Originals" remaster of "What Color is Love" is also available on iTunes).

Like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", Donny Hathaway's "Extension Of A Man" and Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" - this is a proper soul album - a gem all the way through and sill beautiful and inspiring to this day - some 30/40 years after the event.

Of late Terry Callier has morphed (like Richie Havens) into a sort of elder statesman of soul still spreading his gospel of love and understanding - check out "Timepeace" from 1998 and his latest "Hidden Conversations" from 2009 - unbelievably good and relevant to the now and not just past glories.

I've warbled on a bit I know, but this album deserves it.

Buy it, cherish it, enjoy it - and I envy you the journey...

PS: This disc is part of Universal's ORIGINALS Series - digipak reissues of Jazz, Soul, Funk, Fusion and Latin albums (104 and counting) spread across a vast number of labels - see 'comment' section for a full list to August 2009

PPS: Dear knowledgeable compiler sorts at Universal and Hip-O Select - a Charles Stepney box set please - and then a Norman Whitfield box set to follow that - and be quick about it you overpaid lazy schmucks...

- Universal's ORIGINALS Series -
Reissue CDs in Gatefold Digipaks of Classic Albums covering the 1950's through to 1990's. They cover many labels - Verve, Mercury, Fontana, A&M, Cisca, Blue Thumb, Kudo, Philips, Impulse etc... These titles have been released between 2007 and are on-going into 2009 (it's August 2009 now). This List is in Artist and Title Alphabetical Order (with UK Release Date)...

1. New Orleans Nights - LOUIS ARMSTRONG (29 April 2008)
2. Satchmo At Pasadena - LOUIS ARMSTRONG and the ALL STARS (22 February 2009)
3. A Tear To A Smile - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (11 August 2009)
4. Change Up The Groove - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (21 October 2008)
5. He's Coming - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (25 May 2009)
6. Lifeline - ROY AYERS (22 October 2007)
7. Ubiquity - ROY AYERS (23 February 2009)
8. Vibrations - ROY AYERS (28 July 2008)
9. Virgo Red - ROY AYERS (9 June 2009)
10. You Send Me - ROY AYERS (23 September 2008)
11. Basie Land - COUNT BASIE (9 June 2009)
12. Chapter One: Latin America - GATO BARBIERI (23 February 2009)
13. Chapter Three: Viva Emiliano Zapata - GATO BARBIERI (9 June 2009)
14. Chapter Two: Hasta Siempre - GATO BARBIERI (25 May 2009)
15. Ruby. Ruby - GATO BARBIERI (1 October 2007)
16. Tropico - GATO BARBIERI (11 August 2009)
17. On My Way & Shoutin' Again - COUNT BASIE (16 February 2009)
18. Intimacy - WALTER BEASLEY (21 October 2008)
19. Just Kickin' It - WALTER BEASLEY (21 October 2008)
20. Walter Beasley - WALTER BEASLEY (1 July 2008)
21. I Got A Woman And Some Blues - GEORGE BENSON (5 May 2008)
22. Shape Of Things To Come - GEORGE BENSON (1 October 2007)
23. Soul Finger - ART BLAKEY and the JAZZ MESSENGERS (14 April 2009)
24. Bobo Motion - WILLIE BOBO (1 September 2008)
25. The Brazilian Scene - LUIZ BONFA (18 August 2008)
26. Braziliana - LUIZ BONFA and MARIA TOLEDO (18 August 2008)
27. Return Of The Brecker Brothers - THE BRECKER BROTHERS [Randy and Michael]
(1 September 2008)
28. Just Between us - NORMAN BROWN (1 July 2008)
29. Occasional Rain - TERRY CALLIER (28 July 2008)
30. What Color Is Love - TERRY CALLIER (23 September 2008)
31. Children Of Forever - STANLEY CLARKE (15 October 2007)
32. A Love Supreme - JOHN COLTRANE (18 August 2008)
33. Ascension - JOHN COLTRANE (24 March 2009)
34. Crescent - JOHN COLTRANE (18 August 2008)
35. Impressions - JOHN COLTRANE (18 August 2008)
36. Kulu Se Mama - JOHN COLTRANE (24 March 2009)
37. Live At Birdland - JOHN COLTRANE (18 August 2008)
38. The John Coltrane Quartet Plays... - JOHN COLTRANE QUARTET (24 March 2009)
39. John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman - JOHN COLTRANE and JOHNNY HARTMAN
(18 August 2008)
John Coltrane - see also DUKE ELLINGTON
40. New Thing At Newport - JOHN COLTRANE and ARCHIE SHEPP (24 March 2009)
41. Pass The Plate - THE CRUSADERS (23 September 2008)
42. Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes - THE CRUSADERS (28 July 2008)
43. Images - THE CRUSADERS (9 June 2009) [see also Joe Sample)
44. Ascenseur Pour L'echafaud - MILES DAVIS (18 September 2007)
Paul Desmond - see also Gerry Mulligan
45. Feel - GEORGE DUKE (23 September 2008)
46. I Love The Blues, She Heard My Cry - GEORGE DUKE (21 October 2008)
47. Duke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins -
DUKE ELLINGTON and COLEMAN HAWKINS (22 October 2007)
48. Duke Ellington & John Coltrane -
DUKE ELLINGTON and JOHN COLTRANE (18 March 2008)
49. Out Of The Cool - GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA (15 October 2007)
50. Octet - MAYNARD FERGUSON (1 September 2008)
51. Ella In Hamburg (Live) - ELLA FITZGERALD (18 September 2007)
52. Ella In Hollywood - ELLA FITZGERALD (25 May 2009)
53. Porgy & Bess - ELLA FITZGERALD and LOUIS ARMSTRONG (5 May 2008)
54. Big Band Bossa Nova - STAN GETZ and GARY McFARLAND (23 September 2008)
55. Stan Getz At The Shrine - STAN GETZ (25 May 2009)
56. Stan Getz In Stockholm (Live) - STAN GETZ (21 October 2008)
57. Sweet Rain - STAN GETZ (1 September 2008)
58. Jazz Giants '58 -
STAN GETZ, GERRY MULLIGAN, HARRY EDISON, LOUIS BELSON and The OSCAR PETERSON TRIO
(5 May 2008)
59. Swing Is Here - TERRY GIBBS (25 May 2009)
60. The Astrud Gilberto Album - ASTRUD GILBERTO (18 August 2008)
61. Look To The Rainbow - ASTRUD GILBERTO and GIL EVANS (18 August 2008)
62. A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness -
ASTRUD GILBERTO and WALTER WANDERLEY (18 August 2008)
63. The Cool World - DIZZY GILLESPIE (1 September 2008)
64. Dizzy On The French Riviera -
DIZZY GILLESPIE with CHRIS WHITE, RUDY COLLINS, LALO SCHIFRIN and LEO WRIGHT
(25 May 2009)
65. I Just Dropped By To Say Hello - JOHNNY HARTMAN (15 October 2007)
66. Used To Be Duke - JOHNNY HODGES and his ORCHESTRA (25 May 2009)
67. Lady Sings The Blues - BILLIE HOLIDAY (18 September 2007)
68. Treasure Island - KEITH JARRETT (25 May 2009)
69. Rio Revisited - ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM and GAL COSTA
(18 August 2008) (For ACJ see also Ellis Regina)
70. Quincy Jones Explores The Music Of Henry Mancini - QUINCY JONES (9 June 2009)
71. The Quintessence - QUINCY JONES ORCHESTRA (15 October 2007)
72. You've Got It Bad Girl - QUINCY JONES (22 February 2009)
73. Arabesque - JOHN KLEMMER (21 October 2008)
74. Barefoot Ballet - JOHN KLEMMER (1 September 2008)
75. Goin' Latin - RAMSEY LEWIS (1 September 2008)
76. The In Crowd - RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO (15 October 2007)
77. Live At The Bohemian Caverns - RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO (28 July 2008)
78. Home Is Where The Music Is - HUGH MASEKELA (2LP set on 1CD) (1 September 2008)
79. Down Here On The Ground - WES MONTGOMERY (9 June 2009)
80. Goin' Out Of My Head - WES MONTGOMERY (1 October 2007)
81. Blues In Time - GERRY MULLIGAN and PAUL DESMOND QUARTET (9 June 2009)
82. The Blues And The Obscure Truth - OLIVER NELSON [featuring Paul Chambers, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes and Freddie Hubbard] (15 October 2007)
83. In A Romantic Mood - OSCAR PETERSON (21 October 2008)
84. Oscar Peterson Plays The Jerome Kern Songbook - OSCAR PETERSON (9 June 2009)
85. Oscar Peterson and Nelson Riddle - OSCAR PETERSON and NELSON RIDDLE
(23 February 2009)
86. Oscar Peterson Trio + One - OSCAR PETERSON TRIO and CLARK TERRY (1 October 2007)
Oscar Peterson - see also SONNY STITT
87. Come Into Knowledge - RAMP (22 October 2007)
88. Elis & Tom - ELLIS REGINA and ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM
(3 June 2008) (see also Antonio Carlos Jobim)
89. Quiet As It's Kept - MAX ROACH (9 June 2009)
90. On Impulse! - SONNY ROLLINS (15 October 2007)
91. Swing Street Café - JOE SAMPLE and DAVID T. WALKER (23 September 2008) [Keyboardist and Guitarist with The Crusaders]
92. Piano, Strings And Bossa Nova - LALO SCHIFRIN (23 September 2008)
93. Everybody's Somebody's Fool - LITTLE JIMMY SCOTT (21 October 2008)
Archie Shepp - see JOHN COLTRANE
94. Let It Be Me (Live) - NINA SIMONE (23 February 2009)
95. Hobo Flats - JIMMY SMITH (21 October 2008)
96. Live At The Village Gate - JIMMY SMITH TRIO (5 May 2008)
97. Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? - JIMMY SMITH (1 October 2007)
98. Sonny Stitt Sits In With The Oscar Peterson Trio -
SONNY STITT and OSCAR PETERSON (21 October 2008)
Clark Terry - see also OSCAR PETERSON
99. ...Plays The Contemporary Music Of Mexico And Brazil -
CAL TJADER (23 September 2008)
100. All The King's Horses - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (23 September 2008)
101. A Secret Place - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (9 June 2009)
102. Feels So Good - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr (23 February 2009)
103. Reed Seed - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (3 August 2009)
104. Soul Box - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (21 October 2008)

Universal's ORIGINALS Series. A List Of Over 120 CD Remasters Issued Between 2007 and 2009.

- Universal's ORIGINALS - A Series of CDs

Reissue CDs in Gatefold Digipaks of Classic Albums covering the 1950's through to the 1990's
The series encompasses many famous record labels - Verve, Mercury, Fontana, A&M, Chisa, Blue Thumb, Kudu, ABC, Philips, Impulse, Cadet, Polydor etc
These titles started 2007 and are on-going into 2009
This List is in Artist and Title Alphabetical Order (Original LP Release Date)

Laurindo Almeida – see STAN GETZ
1. New Orleans Nights - LOUIS ARMSTRONG and the ALL STARS (1950)
2. Satchmo At Pasadena - LOUIS ARMSTRONG and the ALL STARS (1951)
Louis Armstrong – see also ELLA FITZGERALD
3. A Tear To A Smile - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (1975)
4. Change Up The Groove - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (1974)
5. He's Coming - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY (1971)
6. Lifeline - ROY AYERS (1977)
7. Ubiquity - ROY AYERS (1971)
8. Vibrations - ROY AYERS (1977)
9. Virgo Red - ROY AYERS (1973)
10. You Send Me - ROY AYERS (1978)
11. Chapter One: Latin America - GATO BARBIERI (1973)
12. Chapter Three: Viva Emiliano Zapata - GATO BARBIERI (1974)
13. Chapter Two: Hasta Siempre - GATO BARBIERI (1973)
14. Ruby. Ruby - GATO BARBIERI (1977)
15. Tropico - GATO BARBIERI (1978)
16. Basie Land - COUNT BASIE (1963)
17. On My Way & Shoutin' Again - COUNT BASIE (1963)
18. Intimacy - WALTER BEASLEY (21 October 2008)
19. Just Kickin' It - WALTER BEASLEY (1989)
20. Walter Beasley - WALTER BEASLEY (1987)
Louis Belson – see STAN GETZ
21. I Got A Woman And Some Blues - GEORGE BENSON (1970’s material, 1984)
22. Shape Of Things To Come - GEORGE BENSON (1969)
23. Soul Finger - ART BLAKEY and the JAZZ MESSENGERS (1965)
24. Bobo Motion - WILLIE BOBO (1967)
25. The Brazilian Scene - LUIZ BONFA (1965)
26. Braziliana - LUIZ BONFA and MARIA TOLEDO (1965)
27. Return Of The Brecker Brothers - THE BRECKER BROTHERS [Randy and Michael] (1992)
28. Just Between us - NORMAN BROWN (1992)
29. Jazz Samba – CHARLIE BYRD (1962)
30. Occasional Rain - TERRY CALLIER (1972)
31. What Color Is Love - TERRY CALLIER (1973)
Paul Chambers – see OLIVER NELSON
32. Children Of Forever - STANLEY CLARKE (1973)
Rudy Collins – see DIZZY GILLESPIE
33. A Love Supreme - JOHN COLTRANE (1964)
34. Ascension - JOHN COLTRANE (1965)
35. Crescent - JOHN COLTRANE (1964)
36. Impressions - JOHN COLTRANE (1961)
37. John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman - JOHN COLTRANE and JOHNNY HARTMAN (1963)
38. The John Coltrane Quartet Plays... - JOHN COLTRANE QUARTET (1965)
39. Kulu Se Mama - JOHN COLTRANE (1965)
40. Live At Birdland - JOHN COLTRANE (1963)
41. Meditations – JOHN COLTRANE (1965)
42. New Thing At Newport - JOHN COLTRANE and ARCHIE SHEPP (1965)
John Coltrane - see also DUKE ELLINGTON
Gal Costa – see ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM
43. Images - THE CRUSADERS (1978)
44. Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes - THE CRUSADERS (1970)
45. Pass The Plate - THE CRUSADERS (1971)
The Crusaders - see also JOE SAMPLE and DAVID T. WALKER
46. Ascenseur Pour L'echafaud - MILES DAVIS (1957)
Paul Desmond Quartet - see GERRY MULLIGAN
Eric Dolphy – See OLIVER NELSON
47. A Dream Fulfilled – WILL DOWNING (1991)
48. Come Together As One – WILL DOWNING (1989)
49. Faces In Reflection – GEORGE DUKE (1974)
50. I Love The Blues, She Heard My Cry - GEORGE DUKE (1975)
Harry Edison – see STAN GETZ
51. Duke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins - DUKE ELLINGTON and COLEMAN HAWKINS (1962)
52. Duke Ellington & John Coltrane - DUKE ELLINGTON and JOHN COLTRANE (1963)
53. Plays The Theme From V.I.P. & Others – BILL EVANS (1963)
Bill Evans – see also OLIVER NELSON
54. Out Of The Cool - GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA (1961)
55. Octet - MAYNARD FERGUSON (1955)
56. Ella In Hamburg (Live) - ELLA FITZGERALD (1961)
57. Ella In Hollywood - ELLA FITZGERALD (1961)
58. Porgy & Bess - ELLA FITZGERALD and LOUIS ARMSTRONG (1957)
59. At The Shrine – STAN GETZ (1954)
60. Big Band Bossa Nova - STAN GETZ and GARY McFARLAND (1962)
61. Dynasty – STAN GETZ (1971)
62. Getz/Gilberto – STAN GETZ and JOAO GILBERTO (also features Astrud Gilberto) (1963)
63. Getz/Gilberto No.2 – STAN GETZ and JOAO GILBERTO (1964)
64. In Stockholm (Live) - STAN GETZ (1956)
65. Jazz Samba Encore! – STAN GETZ (1963)
66. Sweet Rain - STAN GETZ (1967)
67. Stan Getz With Guest Artist Laurindo Almeida – STAN GETZ and LAURINDO ALMEIDA (1963)
68. Jazz Giants '58 - STAN GETZ, GERRY MULLIGAN, HARRY EDISON, LOUIS BELSON and The OSCAR PETERSON TRIO (1958)
69. Swing Is Here - TERRY GIBBS (1960)
70. A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness - ASTRUD GILBERTO and WALTER WANDERLEY (1966)
71. The Astrud Gilberto Album - ASTRUD GILBERTO (1965)
72. Look To The Rainbow - ASTRUD GILBERTO and GIL EVANS (1966)
Astrud Gilberto – see also STAN GETZ and JOAO GILBERTO
Joao Gilberto – see also STAN GETZ and JOAO GILBETO
73. The Cool World - DIZZY GILLESPIE (1964)
74. Dizzy Gillespie Goes Hollywood – DIZZY GILLESPIE (1963)
75. Dizzy On The French Riviera - DIZZY GILLESPIE with CHRIS WHITE, RUDY COLLINS, LALO SCHIFRIN and LEO WRIGHT (1962)
76. I Just Dropped By To Say Hello - JOHNNY HARTMAN (1963)
Johnny Hartman – see also JOHN COLTRANE
Coleman Hawkins – see DUKE ELLINGTON
Roy Haynes – see OLIVER NELSON
77. Used To Be Duke - JOHNNY HODGES and his ORCHESTRA (1954)
78. Lady Sings The Blues - BILLIE HOLIDAY (1956)
79. The Artistry Of Freddie Hubbard – FREDDIE HUBBARD (1962)
Freddie Hubbard – see also OLIVER NELSON
80. At The Museum Of Modern Art – MILT JACKSON (1970s)
81. Treasure Island - KEITH JARRETT (1974)
Jazz Messengers – see ART BLAKEY
82. Rio Revisited - ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM and GAL COSTA (1989)
Antonio Carlos Jobim – see also Elis Regina
83. Quincy Jones Explores The Music Of Henry Mancini - QUINCY JONES (1964)
84. The Quintessence - QUINCY JONES ORCHESTRA (1962)
85. You've Got It Bad Girl - QUINCY JONES (1973)
86. Live At The Apollo – B.B. KING (1990)
87. Arabesque - JOHN KLEMMER (1977)
88. Barefoot Ballet - JOHN KLEMMER (1976)
89. Goin' Latin - RAMSEY LEWIS (1966)
90. The In Crowd - RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO (1965)
91. Live At The Bohemian Caverns - RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO (1962)
92. Home Is Where The Music Is - HUGH MASEKELA (2LP set on 1CD) (1972)
Gary McFarland – see STAN GETZ
93. Down Here On The Ground - WES MONTGOMERY (1967)
94. Goin' Out Of My Head - WES MONTGOMERY (1965)
95. Blues In Time - GERRY MULLIGAN and PAUL DESMOND QUARTET (1957)
96. Lonesome Boulevard – GERRY MULLIGAN (1990)
Gerry Mulligan – see also STAN GETZ
97. The Blues And The Obscure Truth - OLIVER NELSON [featuring PAUL CHAMBERS, ERIC DOLPHY, BILL EVANS, ROY HAYNES and FREDDIE HUBBARD] (1961)
98. In A Romantic Mood - OSCAR PETERSON (1955)
99. Oscar Peterson Plays The Jerome Kern Songbook - OSCAR PETERSON (1952)
100. Oscar Peterson and Nelson Riddle - OSCAR PETERSON and NELSON RIDDLE (1963)
101. Oscar Peterson Trio + One - OSCAR PETERSON TRIO and CLARK TERRY (1964)
Oscar Peterson Trio - see also STAN GETZ, SONNY STITT
102. Blues In the Closet – BUD POWELL TRIO (1956)
103. Come Into Knowledge - RAMP (1977)
104. Elis & Tom - ELIS REGINA and ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM (1974)
See also ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM
Nelson Riddle – see OSCAR PETERSON
105. Quiet As It's Kept - MAX ROACH (1960)
106. On Impulse! - SONNY ROLLINS (1965)
107. Swing Street Café - JOE SAMPLE and DAVID T. WALKER (1981) [Keyboardist and Guitarist with The Crusaders]
108. Piano, Strings And Bossa Nova - LALO SCHIFRIN (1962)
Lalo Schifrin – see also DIZZY GILLESPIE
109. Everybody's Somebody's Fool - LITTLE JIMMY SCOTT (1950s Material)
Archie Shepp - see JOHN COLTRANE
110. Let It Be Me (Live) - NINA SIMONE (1987)
111. Hobo Flats - JIMMY SMITH (1963)
112. Live At The Village Gate - JIMMY SMITH TRIO (1963)
113. Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? - JIMMY SMITH (1964)
114. Sonny Stitt Sits In With The Oscar Peterson Trio - SONNY STITT and OSCAR PETERSON (1957)
Clark Terry - see OSCAR PETERSON
115. ...Plays The Contemporary Music Of Mexico And Brazil - CAL TJADER (1962)
Maria Toledo – see LUIZ BONFA
David T Walker - see JOE SAMPLE
116. At Mister Kelly’s – SARAH VAUGHAN and HER TRIO (1957)
Walter Wanderley – see ASTRUD GILBERTO and WALTER WANDERLEY
117. All The King's Horses - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (1972)
118. A Secret Place - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (1976)
119. Feels So Good - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (1975)
120. Inner City Blues - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (1971)
121. Reed Seed - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (1978)
122. Soul Box - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (1973)
Chris White – see DIZZY GILLESPIE
Leo Wright – see DIZZY GILLESPIE

The “Atlantic Jazz SHM-CD Collection” from Japan – Limited Edition SUPER HIGH MATERIALS CDs available from June 2009.

A List of the 20 Titles in the Series - all titles 24-bit Remasters - Artist Alphabetical Order

1. Handle With Care – CLARKE-BOLAND BIG BAND (1963)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13433)
2. The Shape Of Jazz To Come – ORNETTE COLEMAN (1959)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13429)
3. Giant Steps – JOHN COLTRANE (1959)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13418)
4. Coltrane Jazz – JOHN COLTRANE (1960)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13419)
5. My Favorite Things – JOHN COLTRANE (1960)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13420)
6. Bags & Trane – MILT JACKSON and JOHN COLTRANE (1959)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13421)
7. To Sweden With Love – THE ART FARMER QUARTET featuring JIM HALL (1964)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13434)
8. Easy To Love – (The Piano Of) ROLAND HANNA (1959)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13438)
9. Somewhere Before – KEITH JARRETT TRIO (1968)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13437)
10. The Inflated Tear - ROLAND KIRK (1967)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13431)
11. Volunteered Slavery – ROLAND KIRK (1968)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13432)
12. Forest Flower – CHARLES LLOYD (1966)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13430)
13. Memphis Underground – HERBIE MANN (1969)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13435)
14. At The Village Gate – HERBIE MANN (1961)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13436)
15. The Great American Songbook – CARMEN McRAE (1972, 2CD set)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13439/40)
16. Pithecanthropus Erectus – CHARLES MINGUS (1956)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13422)
17. Fontessa – THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET (1956)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13423)
18. A Quartet Is A Quartet Is A Quartet – THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET (1963)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13424)
19. European Concert – THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET (1960, 2CD set)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13425/6)
20. The Last Concert – THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET (1974, 2CD set)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13427/8)

"You Never Can Tell - The Complete Chess Recordings 1960-1966". A Review of the 2009 Hip-O Select 4CD Box Set.

“…Now If You Want To Hear Some Boogie Like I’m Gonna Play…It’s Just Down The Road Apiece…”

"You Never Can Tell..." is the eagerly awaited second volume of Chuck Berry’s Chess recordings (his initial output for the famous label was released in 2008 as “Johnny B. Goode – The Complete 50’s Recordings”). This February 2009 US-only Hip-O Select 4CD set has 108 tracks housed in a slightly oversized 4-way foldout digipak that is itself tied with a string on a lapel on the front. It’s not numbered, but is a worldwide limited edition of 5000.

The 24-page booklet on recycled paper is in colour and features an informative and affectionate article by FRED ROTHWELL - author of the 2001 book "Long Distance Information - Chuck Berry's Recorded Legacy". There's also detailed track-by-track annotation and the whole set has been transferred and remastered by Universal's ERICK LABSON - a sure sign of quality (he has over 800 mastering credits to his name including almost all of the massive Chess catalogue). The sound quality is wonderful, especially on the STEREO mixes – full of punch and detail…

PACKAGING:
Each of the discs is coloured to reflect a different era in the Chess label while beneath the see-through trays are 4 albums pictured in colour - “Chuck Berry On Stage”, “Bo Diddley/Chuck Berry – Two Great Guitars”, “Chuck Berry In London” and “Fresh Berry’s”. Across each of the foldout flaps are colour shots of Chuck, which are beautifully reproduced – really classy looking shots.

NIGGLES/GRIPES:
The booklet has some sloppy mistakes in it – quoting “No Particular Place To Go” as Chess 1848 when its 1898 – the singles discography forgets “You Never Can Tell” on Chess 1906 (the title of this box for God’s sake!) – and worse – other than the pictured albums, there’s no LP discography whatsoever. You can be damn sure that if Bear Family had been handling his box, the booklet would have been done with care and pictured stuff from worldwide sources to thrill fans rather than make them yawn (see my reviews of their Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent box sets). The packaging and booklet are nice – they are - cute even – - but for such a major release on such a seminal artist, it should have been so much better…

And then there’s the price – as it’s a USA-only issue, American fans get a reasonable deal – others do not. I saw this on sale in a UK megastore as an ‘import’ for just under Sixty-Five Pounds – about 120 dollars! What!!

CONTENT:
Back to the music - most dedicated fans will have the 3 “Rock & Roll Rarities” releases from 1986 and 1999 and the unreleased stuff on the 4CD 1988 “Chess Box” – what they won’t have is the 23 PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED tracks surfacing here for the first time anywhere. They’re a mixture of outtakes, instrumentals and an unheard concert. My heart always sinks when I hear it’s live (too much filler), but if anything the 11 on here are more lively than some of the studio stuff and capture the essence of the man and his music much better. It’s from a gig in Walled Lake Casino In Detroit, Michigan in October 1963 and accompanied by good taping and an appreciative audience, Chuck’s on rare old form – cracking jokes – playing the crowd like he does – launching into “Almost Grown” like he was 18 and his life depended on it – it’s really great stuff…

A good set which compliments their Muddy Waters and Little Walter Chess boxes to a tee. I would have liked better presentation, but it’s the tunes and the great man’s spirit I’ll return too. Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll Indeed!

Recommended.

-- DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE TRACKS --

All of the following 7” / LP /Box Set catalogue numbers are USA….

Disc 1 (77:30 minutes)
1. Drifting Blues
(“Rockin’ At The Hops”, 1960 USA LP on Chess 1448)
2. I Got To Find My Baby
(August 1960 7”single on Chess 1763, A-side)
3. I Got To Find My Baby (Stereo Mix)
(“More Rock ‘n’ Roll Rarities”, August 1986 LP set on Chess 9190)
4. Don’t You Lie To Me
(“New Juke Box Hits”, 1961 LP on Chess 1448)
5. Worried Life Blues
(April 1960 7” single on Chess 1754, B-side of 7)
6. Our Little Rendezvous
(October 1960 7” single on Chess 1767, B-side of 11)
7. Bye Bye Johnny (April 1960 7” single on Chess 1754, A-side)
8. Bye Bye Johnny (Stereo Mix) (as per 3)
9. Run Around (as per 4)
10. Run Around (Stereo Remix) [Previously Unreleased In The USA]
11. Jaguar And Thunderbird (A side of 6)
12. Diploma For Two
(April 1963 7” single on Chess 1853, B-side of “I’m Talking About You”)
13. Little Star
(February 1961 7” single on Chess 1779, B-side of “I’m Talking About You”)
14. The Way It Was Before (as per 4)
15. Away From You (as per 4)
16. Down The Road Apiece (as per 1)
17. Down The Road Apiece (as per 3)
18. Confessin’ The Blues (as per 1)
19. Sweet Sixteen (as per 4)
20. Thirteen Question Method (as per 4)
21. Stop & Listen (as per 4)
22. I Still Got The Blues (Applause Overdubbed)
(“Chuck Berry On Stage”, 1961 USA LP on Chess 1480)
23. I’m Just A Lucky So And So
(“The Chess Box”, 1988, 6LP/4CD Set on Chess 80001)
24. Mad Lad [Instrumental] (B-side of 2)
25. Surfin’ Steel (Cryin’ Steel) [Instrumental] (as per 22)
26. Route 66 [Take 10] (as per 4)
27. Route 66 (Alternate Take 11) (as per 3)
28. I’m Talking About You
(1961, 7”, A-side of Chess 1779 [1st issue]
[2nd issue is 1963 on Chess 1853 – see 12])
29. Rip It Up (as per 4)
30. Come On
(October 1961 USA 7” on Chess 1799, B-side of “Go Go Go” (2 on Disc 2))
31. Come On (Alternate Stereo)
(“Rock ‘n’ Roll Rarities”, March 1986 2LP set on Chess CH2-92521)
32. Adulteen [Previously Unreleased Commercially]
33. The Man And The Donkey (as per 22)

Disc 2 (77:03 minutes)
1. Go Go Go (Alternate Take) [Previously Unreleased]
2. Go Go Go (October 1961 7” single on Chess 1799, A-side)
3. Trick Or Treat (as per 22 on Disc 1)
4. Brown Eyed Handsome Man [Instrumental Version – Previously Unreleased]
5. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (as per 22 on Disc 1)
6. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (Stereo Remix) (as per 3 on Disc 1)
7. All Aboard (as per 22 on Disc 1)
8. Guitar Boogie (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
9. Let It Rock (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
10. Almost Grown (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
11. Chuck Berry Dialogue (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
12. Johnny B. Goode (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
13. Introduction / Instrumental (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
14. Sweet Little Sixteen (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
15. Wee Wee Hours (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
16. Chuck Berry Dialogue (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
17. Maybellene (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
18. Medley: Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight/Johnny B. Goode/Let It Rock/School Day (Live) [Previously Unreleased]
19. Nadine (Is It You?) (February 1964 7” single on Chess 1883, A-side)
20. You Never Can Tell (August 1964 7” single on Chess 1906, A-side)
21. The Little Girl From Central
(1990 LP on “Missing Berries, Rarities Vol.3” on Chess 9318)
22. (The) Things I Used To Do
(November 1964 7” single on Chess 1916, B-side to “Promised Land” (Track 5 on Disc 3))
23. I’m In The Danger Zone [Previously Unreleased Commercially]

Disc 3 (76:36 minutes)
1. Fraulein [Previously Unreleased in the USA]
2. Lonely All The Time (Crazy Arms) (as per 23 on Disc 1)
3. O Rangutang (Unfaded Instrumental) February 1964 7” single on Chess 1883, B-side of “Nadine”)
4. Big Ben (Blues) (as per 21 on Disc 2)
5. Promised Land (November 1964 7” single on Chess 1916, A-side)
6. Brenda Lee (B-side of 20 on Disc 2)
7. No Particular Place To Go (July 1964 7” single on Chess 1898, A-side) [miscredited in the booklet as Chess Lonely School Days1848]
8. You Two (B-side of 7 on Disc 3)
9. Liverpool Drive [Instrumental]
10. Chuck’s Beat [Instrumental]
11. Bo’s Beat [Instrumental]
(9 to 11 are on the 1963 LP “Bo Diddley/Chuck Berry – Two Great Guitars” on Chess 2991)
12. Little Marie (September 1964 7” single on Chess 1912, A-side)
13. Go, Bobby Soxer (B-side to 12 on Disc 3)
14. Lonely School Days [Slow version] (March 1965 7” single on Chess 1926, B-side to “Dear Dad”)
15. His Daughter Caroline
16. Dear Dad (A side to 14 on Disc 3)
17. Want To Be Your Driver
18. Spending Christmas [Previously Unreleased]
19. The Song Of My Love
20. Butterscotch [Instrumental]
21. After It’s Over [Instrumental]
22. Why Should We End This Way
(15, 17 and 19 to 22 are on the 1965 LP “Chuck Berry In London” on Chess 1495)

Disc 4 (78:44 minutes)
1. You Came A Long Way From St. Louis
2. She Once Was Mine
3. Jamaica Farewell
4. My Little Love Light
5. I Got A Booking
6. St. Louis Blues
(1 to 6 as per 15 on Disc 3)
7. Shake, Rattle & Roll [Previously Unreleased]
8. Wee Wee Hours [Instrumental] [Previously Unreleased]
9. Honey Hush [Previously Unreleased]
10. Run Joe
11. It’s My Own Business
12. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)
13. Every Day We Rock And Roll
(10 to 13 are on the 1965 LP “Fresh Berrys” on Chess 1498)
14. My Mustang Ford [Previously Unreleased]
15. My Mustang Ford
16. My Mustang Ford (Stereo Remix) (as per 3 on Disc 1)
17. Merrily We Rock And Roll
18. Vaya Con Dios
19. Wee Hour Blues
(15 and 17 to 19 as per 10 to 13 on Disc 4)
20. It Wasn’t Me (September 1965 7” single on Chess 1943, A-side)
21. It Wasn’t Me (Stereo Remix) (as per 31 on Disc 1)
22. Ain’t That Just Like A Woman (as per 10 to 13 on Disc 4)
23. Right Off Rampart Street (as per 10 to 13 on Disc 4)
24. Welcome Back Pretty Baby (B-side to 20)
25. Sad Day, Long Night (as per 23 on Disc 1)
26. Ramona Say Yes (June 1966 7” single on Chess 1963, A-side)
27. Ramona Say Yes (Alternate Mix) (as per 23 on Disc 1)
28. Viva Viva Rock ‘n’ Roll (on the 1971 LP “San Francisco Dues” on Chess 50008)
29. His Daughter Caroline (Fast Version) [Previously Unreleased]
30. Lonely School Days (Fast Version) (B-side of 26 on Disc 4)

Warner Brothers "Jazz & Fusion SHM-CD Collection” Series. Twenty 2009 SHM-CD Audiophile Reissues from JAPAN.

“Give Me The Night” by GEORGE BENSON (pictured above) is part of a Japanese-Only June 2009 Warner Brothers "Jazz & Fusion SHM-CD Collection” Series (Super High Materials).

All 20 titles are new 24-bit digital remasters. Many have never been fully remastered before.

In alphabetical order the other 19 titles are:

1. Breezin' - GEORGE BENSON (1976)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13452)
2. Larry Carlton - LARRY CARLTON (1978)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13446)
3. Sleepwalk - LARRY CARLTON (1982)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13448)
4. Strikes Twice - LARRY CARLTON (1980)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13447)
5. Amandla - MILES DAVIS (1989)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13443)
6. Doo-Bop - MILES DAVIS (1991)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13444)
7. Live Around The World - MILES DAVIS (1996)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13445)
8. Siesta - MILES DAVIS and MARCUS MILLER (1982)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13442)
9. Tutu - MILES DAVIS (1986)
(Warner Bros WPCR-13441)
10. Teasin' - CORNELL DUPREE (1974)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13457)
11. Between The Sheets - FOURPLAY (1993)
[Featuring Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East and Harvey Mason]
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13460)
12. Fourplay - FOURPLAY (1991)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13459)
13. Word Of Mouth - JACO PASTORIUS (1981)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13454)
14. Rit - LEE RITENOUR (1981)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13456)
15. The Captain's Journey - LEE RITENOUR (1978)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13455)
16. Magnetic - STEPS AHEAD [feat Michael Brecker] (1986)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13458)
17. More Stuff - STUFF (1977)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13450)
18. Stuff - STUFF (1976)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13449)
19. Winelight - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr. (1980)
(Warner Bros. WPCR-13451)

PS: These titles are available mail-order from two superb Japanese CD sites I use
CD JAPAN at "cdjapan.co.jp" and
MUNDO at “mediawars.ne.jp”

They both quote UK sterling/US Dollar prices and many other currencies.