“Rotary Connection” by ROTARY CONNECTION (November 1996 MCA/Chess CD Reissue Of Their 1968 Debut Album - Michael Omann Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Turn Me On…I Want To Know What It's All About…"

No less than six vocalists made up the American vocal group ROTARY CONNECTION - Bobby Simms, Sidney Barnes, Judy Hauff, Mitch Aliotta, Kenny Venagas and Minnie Riperton (Simms, Barnes and Riperton being the most well known). This - their debut album from 1968 - has often been cited as a Psychedelic or even Progressive record - but to me it's more 5th Dimension with a Pop-Soulful bent with some Psych seasoning on top.

Recorded in Chicago in October 1967 by Marshall Chess and Charles Stepney for Chess Records new label Cadet, “Rotary Connection” was released in early 1968 on Cadet Concept LPS-312 in the USA and sold well regionally - even picking up a Number 37 placing on the Billboard Album charts in March 1968. It also received a mid-1968 limited release on LP in the UK on Chess CRL 4538.

The debut album "Rotary Connection" by ROTARY CONNECTION has been something of a sought-after vinyl piece ever since and this equally desirable CD reissue of it put out Stateside in 19 November 1996 on Chess/MCA CHD-9365 (Barcode 076732936528) is in itself something of an expensive rarity too. Here's a breakdown (36:32 minutes):

1. Amen [Side 1]

2. Rapid Transit

3. Turn Me On

4. Pink Noise

5. Lady Jane

6. Like A Rolling Stone

7. Soul Man [Side 2]

8. Sursum Mentes

9. Didn’t Want To Have To Do It

10. Black Noise

11. Memory Band

12. Ruby Tuesday

13. Rotary Connection

Andy McKaie produced the reissue, the 6-page foldout inlay has affectionate and informative liner notes by Robert Pruter (author of the book "Chicago Soul") and MARK OMANN at MCA Music Studios handled the remastering. He did a fabulous job - superb sound quality - very clear and muscular - absolutely one of the highlights of this reissue. The clarity of piano, organ and bass on "Didn't Want To Have To Do It" is outstanding.

Musically - the album is a mixture of the great and the not so great. Of the 13 tracks, "Rapid Transit", "Pink Noise", "Sursum Mentes" and "Black Noise" are just 25 to 40 second musical 'mind-trip' snippets between songs ("Black Noise" rather naughtily uses the vocal refrain from the end of The Beatles "Hello Goodbye" without referencing McCartney/Lennon in the credits). Six songs are cover versions - radically reworked takes on the old Traditional "Amen", "Lady Jane" and "Ruby Tuesday" by The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone", Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" (written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter) and The Lovin' Spoonful's "Didn't Want To Have To Do It" (written by John Sebastian). Of the three originals "Turn Me On" (lyrics above) is probably the best. It was often misconstrued as being about drugs when it was about a man talking to God. "Memory Band" is an instrumental peppered with irritating childish vocals - it's good rather than great. While the last track "Rotary Connection" spends most of its three-minute running time segueing bits of the songs that went before together with a tune eventually emerging about half way through it. It probably seemed like a cool idea at the time, but it makes for a very awkward listen now.

Another bit of a disappointment too is that you really don't get to 'hear' Barnes or Riperton to proper effect except in backing vocals, but you do get to marvel at Stepney's string arrangements (the largely instrumental take on "Like A Rolling Stone" is a brilliant interpretation of an overly familiar tune while "Soul Man" is completely changed into something far edgier). Alongside such noted talents as guitar player Bryce Robertson and ace bassist Phil Upchurch, Stepney also played keyboards. It's a strange and wonderfully eclectic record with Side One called "Trip I" and Side Two "Trip II" - and you can hear why it has such a cult status now.

Rotary Connection would go on to make 4 more albums (a Hip-O Select box set surely beckons) and one - "Hey, Love" from 1971 - is a balls-to-the-wall masterpiece. For those not sure - or put off by the high prices - I thoroughly recommend the 1999 "Black Gold" 2CD retrospective for a taster and a more rounded picture or the Ace/Beat Goes Public CD that clumps together “Songs” and “Hey, Love”.

But this is where it all that gorgeous vocal Soul with a dash of Sixties Psych started - and a lovely thing it is too…

“Koko Taylor” by KOKO TAYLOR. A Review Of Her Debut LP From 1969 Now Reissued on Universal’s “Blues Classics - Remastered & Revisited” Series of CDs.

Koko Taylor 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

"…We’re Gonna Pitch A Wang Dang Doodle…All Night Long…"

In late 2009, Hip-O Select finally put out a decent Koko Taylor compilation in the USA called “What It Takes – The Chess Years” which gave fans 19 tracks in superlative remastered form (see separate review). But it featured only 6 songs from this - “Koko Taylor” - her debut album. They were “Don’t Mess With The Messer”, "Wang Dang Doodle" (lyrics above), “Whatever I Am, You Made Me”, “I’m A Little Mixed Up”, “Insane Asylum” and “Twenty Nine Ways” (To My Baby’s Door)”. Which means that the other 6 are only available in remastered form on this disc – still making it a worthwhile purchase.

Track List:
1. Love You Like A Woman
2. I Love A Lover Like You
3. Don't Mess With The Messer
4. I Don't Care Who Knows
5. Wang Dang Doodle
6. I'm A Little Mixed Up
7. Nitty Gritty
8. Fire
9. Whatever I Am, You Made Me
10. Twenty-Nine Ways (To My Baby's Door)
11. Insane Asylum
12. Yes, It's Good For You

13. Love Sick Tears
14. He Always Knocks Me Out

Released in the USA in April 2001, MCA/Chess 088 112 519-2 breaks down as follows (39:53 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 12 are the Stereo LP “Koko Taylor” issued October 1969 in the USA on Chess LPS-1532

Tracks 13 and 14 are “Love Sick Tears” and “He Always Knocks Me Out” – two previously unreleased outtakes from the LP sessions

ERICK LABSON – who has over 850 audio credits to his name including the vast majority of the huge Chess, Checker, Cadet catalogue – has remastered this set to typically superlative standards. The sound quality is wonderful - clear, full and a genuine blast to listen to.
The 8-page foldout inlay has affectionate and informative liner notes by noted writer and soul enthusiast BILL DAHL and pictures Koko’s mentor, producer and friend – the Chess Giant WILLIE DIXON.

“Koko Taylor” was in fact a ragbag of an album – singles from 1965 and 1967 fleshed out with newly recorded 1969 tracks – yet it all worked so well. The two previously unreleased tracks are good rather than great and it’s easy to see why they were canned at the time. Still, it’s nice to have anything new from the period.

The sessions also featured the cream of Chicago bluesmen – Buddy Guy, Matt Murphy and Johnny Shines on Guitar, Walter “Shakey” Horton on Harmonica, Lafayette Leake and Albert “Sunnyland Slim” Luandrew on Piano and Organ, Jack Myers on Bass, Clifton James and Fred Bellow on Drums – with of course Willie Dixon on Upright Bass and helming the overall Production.

Although you can’t see it from the picture provided, this release is also part of Universal’s “Blues Classics – Remastered & Revisited” Series. It's a generic title displayed upright on the spine of the back inlay on each release, which is visible through the see-through tray to the left. I mention this because it differentiates this release and other titles in the series from older versions which weren’t mastered as well. If you click the label provided to the right, you will be able to see all 12 titles in this fantastic 2001 series.

A superb version then of a forgotten classic – get this in your life, you’ll not regret it…

PS: for more of Bill Dahl’s incredible work in liner notes, see also the Bear Family “Sweet Soul Music” CDs from 1961 to 1970 – 70 to 95 page booklets – 10 titles - all reviewed. Unbelievably good stuff…

“Shades Of Mitty Collier – The Chess Singles 1961– 1968” by MITTY COLLIER. A Review of the UK 2008 Kent Soul CD Compilation.

"…I Gotta Get Away From It All…"

Released in June 2008 on Kent Soul CDKEND 301, "Shades Of Mitty Collier" is a 24-track UK CD compilation which will finally allow fans to sequence all 15 of US Chess 7" singles as follows (69:07 minutes):

1. I've Got Love b/w I Got To Get Away From It All
(Chess 1791 from June 1961, Tracks 24 and 23, A & B-sides)
2. Don't Let Her Take My Baby b/w I Dedicate My Life To You
(Chess 1814 from March 1962, Track 21, A-side only)
3. Miss Loneliness b/w My Babe
(Chess 1856 from June 1963, Tracks 20 and 22, A & B-sides)
4. I'm Your Part Time Love b/w Don’t You Forget It
(Chess 1871 from October 1963, Track 17, A-side only)
5. Pain b/w Let Them Talk
(Chess 1889 from March 1964, Track 19, B-side only)
6. I Had A Talk With My Man b/w Free Girl (In The Morning)
(Chess 1907 from October 1964, Track 18, A-side only)
7. No Faith, No Love b/w Together
(Chess 1918 from January 1965, Track 16, A-side only)
8. Come Back Baby b/w Ain't That Love
(Chess 1934 from March 1965, Track 15, B-side only)
9. Help Me b/w For My Man
(Chess 1942 from July 1965, Tracks 13 and 14, A & B-sides)
10. Sharing You b//w Walk Away
(Chess 1953 from March 1966, Tracks 11 and 12, A & B-sides)
11. My Party b/w I'm Satisfied
(Chess 1964 from July 1966, Tracks 9 and 10, A & B-sides)
12. (Looking' Out The Window) Watching And Waiting b/w Like Only Yesterday
(Chess 1987 from December 1966, Tracks 7 and 8, A & B-sides)
13. Do It With Confidence b/w You're The Only One
(Chess 2015 from July 1967, Tracks 5 and 6, A & B-sides)
14. Git Out b/w That'll Be Good Enough For Me
(Chess 2035 from December 1967, Tracks 3 and 4, A & B-sides)
15. Gotta Get Away From It All b/w Everybody Makes A Mistake Sometimes
(Chess 2050 from 1968, Tracks 1 and 2, A & B-sides)

This release will also allow you to sequence almost all of her lone album on the famous label entitled "Shades Of A Genius" which was issued in 1966 on Chess LP 1492.


Side 1:
1. Come Back Baby
2. I Had A Talk With My Man Last Night [18]
3. Would You Have Listened
4. Gotta Get Away From It All [23]
5. My Babe [20]
6. Hallelujah (I Love Him So)
Side 2:
1. Drown In My Own Tears
2. No Faith, No Love [16]
3. Together
4. Let Them Talk [19]
5. Little Miss Loneliness [22]
6. Ain't That Love [15]

Notes:
1. "I Got To Get Away From It All" on Chess 1791 is Version 1 (Track 23) while "Gotta Get Away From It All" is a remake on Chess 2050 which is Version 2 (Track 1)
2. Excepting "I'm Your Part Time Love", "I Had A Talk With My Man" and "Don't Let Her Take My Baby" (which are in MONO), all other tracks are in STEREO
3. As you can see from the two lists above there are 8 singles complete, but six sides are missing and 5 of the album tracks aren’t on here either. However, 4 of those single sides and 3 of the missing LP tracks are available elsewhere - on the 1999 Chess CD compilation called "Shades Of A Genius".

The booklet is the usual classy affair from Ace Records of the UK, a 16-page info-packed break down of her legacy by noted expert and soul lover TONY ROUNCE. Each single is pictured with label bags, there's the withdrawn sleeve of her lone album "Shades Of Mitty Collier" (featured another woman!) along with US trade magazine adverts. The CD itself apes the front page of the colour booklet while the inlay beneath the see-through tray features snaps of Pye International 7" demos and Chess Records adverts - all of it very nice touches.

Sound - it's been mastered by NICK ROBBINS and has had audio restoration work done by ROB SHREAD at Sound Mastering in the UK. The audio quality is superb given the vintage - the usual top job done by Ace.

Track highlights for me are the extraordinary torch ballad "Everybody Makes A Mistake Sometimes" (written by Lloyd Reese) - a B-side with the balls of an A. The cover of Ray Charles' "Ain't That Love" sounds like Barbara Lewis at her Atlantic best while the Northern Soul dancefloor favourite "My Babe" (a Little Walter cover) is a belter.

History tells us that like Florence Ballard at Motown (looked over for Diana Ross), Mitty Collier felt her releases were second fiddle in the promotion department to Chess's other killer singer - Etta James. Collier charted only 4 titles out of 15 across a near 8-year period, but Rounce also quite rightly notes that this also showed Leonard and Phil Chess' commitment to their artists - they stood by them - even in the dry patches. In the end perhaps Mitty Collier was too soulful for the public to take ("Like Only Yesterday") or the songs just weren't catchy enough for the charts to go crazy over ("My Party").

Still, at least we are left with this legacy of superb powerhouse soul tracks to enjoy. Ace is to be congratulated for this release – because once again, they deliver the goodies.

“The Complete Checker Hit Singles – 24 High Fidelity R’n’B Classics” by LITTLE MILTON, A Review of the UK 2001 Connoisseur Collection CD.

"…Like Medicine Baby…You’re Good For Me…"

After diligently collecting nearly 1000 Chess, Checker and Cadet tracks across the years, I still find I have only 8 Little Milton songs - so the remaining 16 tracks on this rare UK compilation are welcome inclusions.

A few details first - the word 'Hit' in the title means that just the songs he placed on the US Rhythm 'n' Blues charts between 1962 and 1971 on the Checker label are featured here (some Checker singles didn't chart and are not easily available anywhere on CD). Also all tracks are A-sides except "The Dark End Of The Street" and "I Can't Quit You Baby" which are B-sides (see notes below).

Here's a breakdown of what is on Connoisseur Collection VSOP CD 351 (71:50 minutes):

1. So Mean To Me (January 1962, Checker 994)
2. Losing Hand (July 1962, Checker 1020)
3. What Kind Of Love Is This (August 1964, Checker 1078)
4. Blind Man (December 1964, Checker 1096)
5. We're Gonna Make It (March 1965, Checker 1105)
6. Who's Cheating Who (June 1965, Checker 1113)
7. Your People (December 1965, Checker 1128)
8. We Got The Winning Hand (February 1966. Checker 1132)
9. When Does The Heartache End (April 1966, Checker 1138)
10. Man Loves Two (August 1966, Checker 1149)
11. Feel So Bad (January 1967, Checker 1162)
12. I'll Never Turn My Back On You (June 1967, Checker 1172)
13. More And More (December 1967, Checker 1189)
14. The Dark End Of The Street (1968. Checker 1203)
[B-side of "I (Who Have Nothing)", a non-chart entry, listed here as a `bonus track']
15. Let Me Down Easy (October 1968, Checker 1208)
16. Grits Ain't Groceries (All Around The World) (January 1969, Checker 1212)
17. I Can't Quit You Baby (January 1969, Checker 1212)
[B-side of "Grits Ain't Groceries...")
18. Just A Little Bit (April 1969, Checker 1217)
19. Let's Get Together (July 1969, Checker 1225)
20. Poor Man (October 1969, Checker 1221)
21. If Walls Could Talk (December 1969, Checker 1226)
22. Baby I Love You (April 1970, Checker 1227)
23. Somebody's Changing My Sweet Baby's Mind (July 1970, Checker 1231)
24. I Play Dirty (May 1971, Checker 1239)

Connoisseur Collection were a budget label operating out of Britain in the late Eighties and used to release very good double-albums on vinyl of all sorts of artists (Nils Lofgren, Labi Siffre, Chess Story, Rak Records etc). Their CDs usually featured the full double-album on a single disc, but the sound was only ever ok, rather than great. Well I'm glad to say the sound quality here is fantastic. The material is licensed from Universal who have charge over the entire Chess label and although the liner notes don't advise who remastered what - they sound like the good work of Erick Labson who has handled vast swaths of the Chess catalogue to uniform praise. Veteran compiler Bob Fisher put the compilation together and the booklet features a 8-page appraisal by noted music writer and Blues discographer Neil Slaven.

As you can see from the dates above, a lot of these tracks are from the mid to late Sixties and even into the early Seventies - they're far more funky than you would credit - not just straight up R'n'B or Blues (like "Let Me Down Easy"). Highlights include the Stax Shaft funk of "Poor Man" and the gritty guitar and brass of "I Play Dirty". And while he wasn't as vocally blistering as Bobby Bland at his best, when James "Little Milton" Campbell was working a tune like say "More And More" which has a very Sixties Them feel to it - he came damn close - it's hard-hitting and impressive stuff (lyrics above).

I'm sure there's a Hip-O Select 4 or 5CD mini box set in the future pipeline to compliment their Little Walter, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry sets, but until then, this will do nicely.

“Lover Please – The Complete MGM & Mercury Singles” by CLYDE McPHATTER. A Review Of The 2010 Hip-O Select 2CD Set.

"…Your Words Were Once Inspired…Now I’m Afraid They’re Routine…"

This beautifully presented 44-track 2CD set from Hip-O Select was initially issued on their own website in May 2010 in the USA, then given a public release in late July 2010 and now an August 2010 official release here in UK (not usually the norm for Hip-O Select mail-order issues).

It’s a non-numbered limited edition of 5000 and gathers up all his singles for M-G-M and Mercury Records in the USA between 1959 and 1965. His Billy Ward and The Dominoes and Drifters periods prior to this on Federal, King and Atlantic are covered extensively elsewhere (see also my review for The Drifters “Original Album Series” 5CD mini box set). Noted songwriters include Brook Benton, Clyde Otis, Charles Singleton, Jimmy Oliver, Neil Sedaka, Billy Swan, Gene Pitney, Otis Blackwell, Ed Townsend and the set also includes 8 of McPhatter’s own compositions.

Hip-O Select B001423302 will allow you to sequence the A & B-sides of all 22 of his 7” singles as follows (release date and catalogue number beneath each coupling)…

Disc 1 (54:20 minutes):
1. I Told Myself A Lie
2. (I'm Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over
(March 1959 on M-G-M K12780)
3. Twice As Nice
4. Where Did I Make My Mistake
(July 1959 on M-G-M K12816)
5. Let's Try Again
6. Bless You
(November 1959 on M-G-M K12843)
7. Think Me A Kiss
8. When The Right Time Comes Along
(February 1960 on M-G-M K12877)
9. One Right After Another
10. This Is Not Goodbye
(September 1960 on M-G-M K12949)
11. The Glory Of Love
12. Take A Step
(March 1961 on M-G-M K12988)
13. Ta Ta
14. I Ain't Giving Up Nothing (If I Can't Get Somethin' From You)
(June 1960 on Mercury 71660)
15. I Just Want To Love You
16. You're For Me
(September 1960 on Mercury 71692)
17. One More Chance
18. Before I Fall In Love Again (I'll Count To Ten)
(November 1960 on Mercury 71740)
19. Tomorrow Is A-Comin'
20. I'll Love You Till The Cows Come Home
(1961 on Mercury 71783)
21. Whole Heap Of Love
22. You're Moving Me
(April 1961 on Mercury 71809)

Disc 2 (55:30 minutes):
1. I Never Knew
2. Happiness
(July 1961 on Mercury 71841)
3. Same Time, Same Place
4. Your Second Choice
(September 1961 on Mercury 71868)
5. Lover Please
6. Let's Forget About The Past
(February 1962 on Mercury 71941)
7. Little Bitty Pretty One
8. Next To Me (Mono Single Version)
(May 1962 on Mercury 71987)
9. Maybe
10. I Do Believe
(September 1962 on Mercury 72025)
11. The Best Man Cried
12. Stop
(October 1962 on Mercury 72051)
13. So Close To Being In Love
14. From One To One
(November 1963 on Mercury 72166)
15. Deep In The Heart Of Harlem
16. Happy Good Times
(January 1964 on Mercury 72220)
17. Second Window, Second Floor
18. In My Tenement
(1964 on Mercury 72253)
19. Lucille [Live]
20. Baby, Baby [Live At The Apollo]
(1964 on Mercury 72317)
21. Crying Won’t Help You Now [miscredited in the booklet as Crying Won’t Help You]
22. I Found My Love
(April 1965 on Mercury 72407)

The 3-way foldout card digipak has quality colour photos of a smiling Clyde on each flap while the over-sized 28-page booklet contains affectionate and informative liner notes by noted expert and fan BILL DAHL (fresh from his extraordinary work on the Bear Family “Sweet Soul Music” series – see reviews for all 10 of those discs from 1961 to 1970). The packaging feels classy – nicely done.

Singular praise must also go out to ELLEN FITTON. With huge amounts of much-praised work for Hip-O Select on their Motown reissues (especially The Complete Singles box sets) – she has excelled herself here. The quality of these remasters is BEAUTIFUL – Grammy territory - superlative instrumentation clarity and warmth given over to every single track. As you listen to the eerily clean “I Just Want To Love You”, you’re reminded of Roy Orbison’s material on Monument or Sam Cooke’s stuff on RCA; this is music with top-notch production values now brought back to life by an ace engineer.

Which unfortunately brings us to the bad news, the actual songs themselves…

After a slew of mediocre albums with Columbia and a stay at a label that just didn’t understand her, Aretha Franklin finally left for Atlantic Records in 1967 and the world of Soul Music was never the same since again - and all the richer for it. Poor Clyde McPhatter (possessed of an equally glorious set of pipes) did the opposite - and arguably paid for it for the rest of his life - but in all the wrong ways. Even rabid fans are divided on the material offered here. While McPhatter consciously ran towards the crooner arrangements (lyrics to “Masquerade” title this review), the results were a lot of songs swamped in girly background singers and a slush of strings - it’s Fifties and Sixties Pop rather than 'Soul' – and some would even dismiss the lot as outright disposable pap. It’s not all that bad of course - it’s just that it’s saccharine compared to the joy of the R’n’B sides on Federal, King and Atlantic.

But re-listening to it now – I think a reassessment is called for. His own composition “When The Right Time Comes Along” is joyful stuff and Brook Benton’s double-whammy of “I Ain’t Giving Up Nothing (If I Can’t Get Somethin’ From You)” and “You’re Moving Me” along with Clyde’s own “Ta Ta” - these four alone could easily have been great album tracks on an Atlantic LP by The Drifters. The slow piano ballad “Next To Me” is lovely too and “Deep In The Heart Of Harlem” could double as a mid-Sixties Ben E. King hit. After the terrible live tracks "Lucille" and "Baby, Baby", it ends on a high – Ed Townsend’s “Crying Won’t Help You Now” (he later co-wrote with Marvin Gaye) where McPhatter sounds like Jackie Wilson at his aching Brunswick best, which is in turn followed by its forgotten soulful torch ballad B-side – Clyde’s own “I Found My Love”.

So there you have it – great packaging, exceptional sound quality, but material that veers from the sublime to the awful.

Still – it’s fantastic news for fans to finally see this material on CD at last. And then of course, there's that fantastic voice... Recommended.

“Sweet Soul Music – 30 Scorching Classics From 1963” by VARIOUS ARTISTS [Volume 3 of 15] (2008 Bear Family CD Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…Put Your Hand On Hips…Baby Workout…"

Compilations like this live or die based on a few key ingredients - great track choices, properly remastered sound and all of it wrapped up in knowledgeable and (if you're lucky) sumptuous presentation. Well "Sweet Soul Music" wins on all counts - it really does. The entire series is gorgeous to look at and especially to listen to. 

Released July 2008 in Germany - "Sweet Soul Music - 30 Scorching Classics From 1963" by VARIOUS ARTISTS is on Bear Family BCD 16869 AS (Barcode 4000127168696) and is part of a 15-volume series stretching from 1961 to 1975 (I've reviewed them all in depth). 

Each US-based yearly compilation comes in a 3-way foldout card digipak sleeve. The left flap pictures a 7" single in its label bag relevant to the year (1963 has "He’s So Fine" by The Chiffons), the centre flap holds a 60 to 90 page oversized booklet that slips out so you can read it separately and the right flap a colour-themed CD that matches the outer packaging. 

As with the 16 titles in Bear Family's award-winning "Blowing The Fuse" CDs from 1945 to 1960, each spine in the "Sweet Soul Music" series also makes up a whole photo when placed alongside each other (a live shot of Jackie Wilson leaning into an audience to make a handshake – it’s in this compilation). This 1963 issue has 80-pages in its booklet (yes 80!) with Jackie Wilson on the front sleeve and Marvin Gaye being interviewed by a New York DJ on the inner flap - and it runs to a generous 80:41 minutes.

TRACK CHOICES: 

I raved about Dave "Daddy Cool" Booth's sequencing on the other editions - it's the same here. Proceedings open with the crystal clear brass and bass of Bobby Bland’s “That’s The Way Love Is” which is followed nicely by Motown’s Mary Wells giving it some aching on “Two Lovers”. Genius choices include the powerhouse vocals of the unlikely sounding Theola Kilgore which impacts like Lorraine Ellison giving it her all on “Stay With Me”. Then there’s the lovely soft shoe shuffle and castanets of Baby Washington’s “That How Heartaches Are Made” and Mongo Santamaria’s Latin gem “Watermelon Man” – a track that’s graced many Sixties Fest compilations because it’s as cool an instrumental as Booker T. & The MG’s “Green Onions” or The Mar-Kays’ “Last Night”. 

Booth took his time with this - actually playing the set through - mixing in the famous with the obscure but in a new order - and the result is a truly satisfying listen rather than a patchy one. The compilation begins in January and in rough chronological order ends in December. Also, because of the extended playing time, there's usually only a one second space between each track, so it feels like you're listening to a jukebox of the time - or a good DJ cueing up song after song - seamlessly segueing one cool tune after another. And even the way-too-familiar tracks on here like "Harlem Shuffle", "On Broadway" and "These Arms Of Mine" are sorted out by the next big plus...the beautifully clear sound...

THE SOUND: 

Bear Family have gotten all the ORIGINAL master tapes from each record company (good Stereo preferred over Mono) and their resident expert JURGEN CRASSER has mastered them with care - the sound is GLORIOUS. The clarity of the brass and guitars on Jackie Wilson’s “Baby Workout” is incredible (lyrics above) and the lesser-heard New Orleans feel to “Got You On My Mind” by Cookie And The Cupcakes is huge too. “It’s All Right” by The Impressions is beautiful. And even when the production values given to Jimmy Holiday’s “How Can I Forget” leave more than a little bit to be desired, the remaster is so clear that it makes you focus on his impassioned deep soul vocal work instead. So many tracks on here are impressive this way... 

THE BOOKLET:

Like all the other issues I've covered, the booklet is to die for. The text for the songs begins on Page 5 and ends on Page 76, so there's very little wasted space. Each artist is pictured using quality publicity shots, the 7" single is usually sat beside that - and even if it isn't - the album it came off is (usually in colour, a clever contrast with the black and white publicity shots). Each song then has a 2 to 3 page essay on its history with its title centred like a paper nametag inside a jukebox - a nice touch. Noted writer and soul lover BILL DAHL handles the liner notes with knowledgeable contributions from Colin Escott, Rudigar Ladwig & Bill Millar. And because the booklet allows Dahl to spread out on each song, the details come thick and fast - it's a fabulously entertaining and informative read. 

Niggles – the Etta James track “Pushover” is not great, an odd clunker - while “Shake A Tail Feather” should be on some frantic Frat Party CD rather than here. On that tip, purists will complain that as many as a third of the tracks on here have little to do with "Soul" and more to do with Pop and even Lounge (Ruby And The Romantics). But personally I like the way Booth blurs the lines and as a straight-through listen, it works. The Motown-followed-by-Atlantic tracks are 'overplayed' for many of us too, but again - and I can't emphasize this enough - 95% of these heard-too-often tracks are at least countered by their great sound - and if that's a complaint, I'll take it any day of the week.  

To sum up - even though they're expensive as imports, I think once long-time collectors actually get their hands on even one of these compilations (no matter what the date) - they'll be irresistibly hooked. For the casual buyer just looking for a great one-stop account of Soul Music for a given year - "1963" is 'the' place to start.

After 35 years reissuing Blues, Doo Wop, Fifties Rhythm 'n' Blues, Sixties Pop and huge swathes of Country Music - this is Bear Family's first real foray into Soul Music - and personally I'm weak at the knees thinking about what they'll tackle next. 

As you can tell, I'm properly taken aback - I cannot recommend these beautiful compilations enough.  Well done to all involved...

Track List for 1963

(Label & Catalogue Number For The US 7" Single Follow The Title)

1. That's The Way Love Is – BOBBY BLAND (Duke 360)

2. Two Lovers – MARY WELLS (Motown M-1035)

3. Our Day Will Come – RUBY AND THE ROMANTICS (Kapp K-501X)

4. These Arms Of Mine – OTIS REDDING (Volt 103)

5. You've Really Got A Hold On Me – THE MIRACLES (Tamla T-54073)

[Written & Produced by Smokey Robinson]

6. Mama Didn't Lie – JAN BRADLEY (Formal 1044)

[Re-issued in the same year on Chess 1845]

7. Tell Him I'm Not Home – CHUCK JACKSON (Wand 132)

8. Got You On My Mind – COOKIE AND HIS CUPCAKES (Lyric 1004)

[Re-issued the same year on Chess 1848]

9. The Love Of My Man – THEOLA KILGORE (Serock 2004)

[Re-issued the same year on Scepter 12170]

10. He's So Fine – THE CHIFFONS (Laurie 3152)

11. Baby Workout – JACKIE WILSON (Brunswick 55239)

12. How Can I Forget – JIMMY HOLIDAY (Everest 2022)

13. That's How Heartaches Are Made – BABY WASHINGTON (Sue 783)

14. Watermelon Man – MONGO SANTAMARIA BAND (Battle BF-45909)

15. On Broadway – THE DRIFTERS (Atlantic 2182)

16. Hello Stranger – BARBARA LEWIS (Atlantic 2184)

[Backing Vocals by The Dells]

17. Pride And Joy – MARVIN GAYE (Tamla 54079)

18. If You Need Me – SOLOMON BURKE (Atlantic 2185)

19. Pushover – ETTA JAMES (Argo 5437)

20. Shake A Tail Feather – THE FIVE DU-TONES (One-derful! 4815)

21. Just One Look – DORIS TROY (Atlantic 2188)

22. Easier Said Than Done – THE ESSEX (Roulette R-4494)

23. Cry Baby – GARNET MIMMS & THE ENCHANTERS (United Artists UA 629)

24. Mockingbird – INEX FOXX (Symbol 919) 

25. Monkey Time – MAJOR LANCE (Okeh 4-7175)

26. Heat Wave – MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS (Gordy G-7022)

27. Part Time Love – LITTLE JOHNNY TAYLOR (Galaxy 722)

28. Harlem Shuffle – BOB AND EARL (Marc 104)

29. It's All Right – THE IMPRESSIONS (ABC-Paramount 10487) [Written by And Featuring Curtis Mayfield]

30. Walking The Dog – RUFUS THOMAS (Stax S-140)

“The Complete Checker Hit Singles – 24 High Fidelity R’n’B Classics” by LITTLE MILTON, A Review of the UK 2001 Connoisseur Collection CD.

"…Like Medicine Baby…You’re Good For Me…"

After diligently collecting nearly 1000 Chess, Checker and Cadet tracks across the years, I still find I have only 8 Little Milton songs – so the remaining 16 tracks on this rare UK compilation are welcome inclusions.

A few details first - the word 'hit' in the title means that just the songs he placed on the US Rhythm 'n' Blues charts between 1962 and 1971 on the Checker label are featured here (some Checker singles didn’t chart and are not easily available anywhere on CD).
Also All tracks are A-sides except “The Dark End Of The Street” and “I Can’t Quit You Baby” which are B-sides (see notes below).

Here’s a breakdown of what is on Connoisseur Collection VSOP CD 351 (71:50 minutes):

1. So Mean To Me (January 1962, Checker 994)
2. Losing Hand (July 1962, Checker 1020)
3. What Kind Of Love Is This (August 1964, Checker 1078)
4. Blind Man (December 1964, Checker 1096)
5. We're Gonna Make It (March 1965, Checker 1105)
6. Who's Cheating Who (June 1965, Checker 1113)
7. Your People (December 1965, Checker 1128)
8. We Got The Winning Hand (February 1966. Checker 1132)
9. When Does The Heartache End (April 1966, Checker 1138)
10. Man Loves Two (August 1966, Checker 1149)
11. Feel So Bad (January 1967, Checker 1162)
12. I'll Never Turn My Back On You (June 1967, Checker 1172)
13. More And More (December 1967, Checker 1189)
14. The Dark End Of The Street (1968. Checker 1203)
[B-side of “I (Who Have Nothing)”, a non-chart entry, listed here as a ‘bonus track’]
15. Let Me Down Easy (October 1968, Checker 1208)
16. Grits Ain't Groceries (All Around The World) (January 1969, Checker 1212)
17. I Can't Quit You Baby (January 1969, Checker 1212)
[B-side of “Grits Ain’t Groceries…”)
18. Just A Little Bit (April 1969, Checker 1217)
19. Let's Get Together (July 1969, Checker 1225)
20. Poor Man (October 1969, Checker 1221)
21. If Walls Could Talk (December 1969, Checker 1226)
22. Baby I Love You (April 1970, Checker 1227)
23. Somebody's Changing My Sweet Baby's Mind (July 1970, Checker 1231)
24. I Play Dirty (May 1971, Checker 1239)

Connoisseur Collection were a budget label operating out of Britain in the late Eighties and used to release very good double-albums on vinyl of all sorts of artists (Nils Lofgren, Labi Siffre, Chess Story, Rak Records etc). Their CDs usually featured the full double-album on a single disc, but the sound was only ever ok, rather than great. Well I’m glad to say the sound quality here is fantastic. The material is licensed from Universal who have charge over the entire Chess label and although the liner notes don’t advise who remastered what – they sound like the good work of Erick Labson who has handled vast swaths of the Chess catalogue to uniform praise. Veteran compiler Bob Fisher put the compilation together and the booklet features a 8-page appraisal by noted music writer and Blues discographer Neil Slaven.

As you can see from the dates above, a lot of these tracks are from the mid to late Sixties and even into the early Seventies – they’re far more funky than you would credit – not just straight up R’n’B or Blues (like “Let Me Down Easy”). Highlights include the Stax Shaft funk of “Poor Man” and the gritty guitar and brass of “I Play Dirty”. And while he wasn’t as vocally blistering as Bobby Bland at his best, when James “Little Milton” Campbell was working a tune like say “More And More” which has a very Sixties Them feel to it - he came damn close – it’s hard-hitting and impressive stuff (lyrics above).

I’m sure there’s a Hip-O Select 4 or 5CD mini box set in the future pipeline to compliment their Little Walter, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry sets, but until then, this will do nicely.