"Give Me The Night" by GEORGE BENSON - July 1980 Album on Warner Brothers featuring Quincy Jones Productions and Many Guests (24 June 2009 JAPAN-Only Warner Brothers SHM-CD Reissue with 24-Bit Remaster in Jewel Case) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…Remember The Days When We Never Had A Dime…"

  

*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE SHM-CD June 2009 REMASTER 

- Also References 2012 and 2015 Japanese CD Issues ***

Originally released on LP in July 1980 on Warner Brothers K 56823 in the UK and BSK 3453 in the USA - George Benson's "Give Me The Night" was a huge record at the time (it peaked at No. 3 in both countries). And like Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" from 1978 before it - its fusion of soul, funk and jazz was popular everywhere - crossing over every rock barrier like never before (it was Grammy nominated and won too).

Yet except for a few remastered tracks on the excellent George Benson 2CD "Anthology" set from 2000 on Rhino - the entire album has been languishing around for over three decades now on one of those awful Eighties CDs with dullard murky sound. Until now...

Released 24 June 2009 in Japan-only on Warner Bros WPCR-13453 (Barcode 4943674090396) - this 24-bit remastered version is an audiophile CD on their SUPER HIGH MATERIALS format (42:51 minutes). An SHM-CD is playable on all machines and is simply a better form of the compact disc. And coming from an era that is probably the most derided in history by music lovers - especially when it comes to bombastic sound and ham-fisted production excesses - this SHM-CD version is a beautifully realized remaster - it really is.

1. Love X Love

2. Off Broadway

3. Moody’s Mood

4. Give Me The Night

5. What’s On Your Mind [Side 2]

6. Dinorah, Dinorah

7. Love Dance

8. Star Of A Story (X)

9. Midnight Love Affair

10. Turn Out The Lamplight

It doesn't say who did the 24-bit transfer - but whoever did has produced the most awesome result because the sound quality is just glorious. Of course the album always had the immaculate production values of QUINCY JONES and the stunning array of top session men to thank for its polish anyway - but this newly upgraded version is just wonderful. It's neither falsely loud nor brash nor clinically clean - there's air around the instruments - it's just warm and there. You hear all the instrumentation - especially the bass and rhythm sections. The wildly underrated funky-as-James-Brown instrumental "Off Broadway" is just stunning now - as is David Wolinski's brilliantly soulful and sleek "Midnight Love Affair".

The jewel case is standard and there's the black and gold obi strip inside; the SHM CD itself feels slightly heavier to ordinary CDs - more substantial - it seems to hold better as it plays in the tray somehow - steady. The 8-page booklet is disappointingly the same as US/Euro issues (has session details though) and the extra foldout page of info about the album that you get in these Japanese issues is - well in Japanese - so its kinda useless.

With 6 of it's 10 killer songs written by Britain's ROD TEMPERTON 9Of Heatwave fame) and the immaculate production values of veteran sound man QUINCY JONES - "Give Me The Night" practically set up the template for the album that would literally take over the world three years later - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (Quincy produced and Temperton wrote 3 of its 9 songs including the title track). As well as Temperton and Quincy charting the arrangements, the legendary David Foster is in there too. Guest Musicians included such luminaries as Guitarist Lee Ritenour, keyboard whiz-kids Greg Phillanganes, George Duke and Herbie Hancock, Larry Williams is on Flute, Patti Austin on Lead and Backing Vocals, Richard Tee on Synth, Jerry Hey on Trumpet, Abraham Laboriel on Bass, Paulinho Da Costa on Percussion and many more.

Gripes - no Euro/USA issue so it costs as an import - and it wouldn't have taken much to include the edited single mixes of "Give Me The Night" and "Love X Love" as bonus tracks. But this reissue is not about ramming the disc chock-full of extras - it's about the best sound - and on that front they've achieved their goal with absolute knobs on. A fantastic album that in 2020 is 40 years old – and for an LP from a much-derided decade to still sound so kicking and exciting is a testament to the sheer quality thrown at the original all those decades ago. But how do you get your hands on it now...

In October 2019, this 2009 Audiophile version is now unfortunately super expensive and awkward to locate (use Barcode 4943674090396 to locate the correct issue on Amazon or other sites). Subsequently, there has been two further reissues to date and again only in Japan – 13 June 2012 on Warner Brothers WPCR-14501 (Barcode 4943674118281) saw a new 2012 Remaster based on the US tapes put on a SHM-CD in Mini LP Packaging (now deleted and also expensive). That variant however was reissued 29 July 2015 on Warner Brothers WPCR-28201 (Barcode 4943674213399) in a jewel case with liner notes as part of their low-priced 'Fusion Best 1000 Series' (offering quality CDs for 1000 yen). That 2012 Remaster is the only one currently available in 2019 to purchase – often clocking in on Amazon and elsewhere at about £12.00 or so. A reasonable sum for such a great sounding reissue - enjoy...

Japan's Warner Bros. Jazz & Fusion SHM-CD Collection Series (2009)

"Give Me The Night" by George Benson is part of the Japanese-Only "Warner Bros. Jazz & Fusion SHM-CD Collection" Series - Audiophile 24-Bit Remastered SHM-CDs in a Jewel Case with Booklet and Obi.

SHM-CDs are fully compatible with all CD players – Super High Materials CDs are a better form of compact disc brought into play in 2006 (mostly exclusive to Japan) featuring advanced music retrieval over the standard CD that hasn't upgraded its format since introduction in 1983. In artist alphabetical order (all released 24 June 2009), the 20 titles in this Series are:

1. Breezin' (1976) - GEORGE BENSON

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13452 – Barcode 4943674090372)

2. Give Me The Night (1980) – GEORGE BENSON

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13453 (Barcode 4943674090396)

3. Larry Carlton (1978) - LARRY CARLTON

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13446 – Barcode 4943674090297)

4. Sleepwalk (1982) - LARRY CARLTON

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13448 – Barcode 4943674090334)

5. Strikes Twice (1980) - LARRY CARLTON

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13447 – Barcode 4943674090303)

6. Amandla (1989) - MILES DAVIS

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13443 – Barcode 4943674090266)

7. Doo-Bop (1991) - MILES DAVIS

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13444 – Barcode 4943674090273)

8. Live Around The World (1996) - MILES DAVIS

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13445 – Barcode 4943674090280)

9. Siesta (1982) - MILES DAVIS and MARCUS MILLER

(Warner Bros WPCR-13442 – Barcode 4943674090259)

10. Tutu (1986) - MILES DAVIS

(Warner Bros WPCR-13441 – Barcode 4943674090242)

11. Teasin' (1974) - CORNELL DUPREE

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13457 – Barcode 4943674090440)

12. Between The Sheets (1993) - FOURPLAY (1993)

[Featuring Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East and Harvey Mason]

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13460 – Barcode 4943674090471)

13. Fourplay (1991) - FOURPLAY

[Featuring Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East and Harvey Mason]

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13459 – Barcode 4943674090464)

14. Word Of Mouth (1981) - JACO PASTORIUS

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13454 – Barcode 4943674090402)

15. Rit (1981) - LEE RITENOUR (see also FOURPLAY)

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13456 – Barcode 4943674090433)

16. The Captain's Journey (1978) - LEE RITENOUR

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13455 – Barcode 4943674090419)

17. Magnetic (1986) - STEPS AHEAD [feat Michael Brecker]

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13458 – Barcode 494367409040457)

18. More Stuff (1977) - STUFF

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13450 – Barcode 494367409040358)

19. Stuff (1976) - STUFF

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13449 – Barcode 494367409040341)

20. Winelight (1980) - GROVER WASHINGTON, Jr.

(Warner Bros. WPCR-13451 – Barcode 494367409040365)

"Right On Be Free" by THE VOICES OF EAST HARLEM (October 2007 Rhino 'Expanded & Remastered' CD Reissue - Bill Inglot Remaster) - A Review of their 1970 Debut LP on Elektra Records by Mark Barry...

"…Simple Song of Freedom…"

**** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2007 RHINO REISSUE CD 

WITH 11 BONUS TRACKS ***

I've seen the UK variant of this album in all honesty maybe twice in nearly 45 years of collecting vinyl - it's both genuinely hard-to-find and sought-after by Soul collectors. "Right On Be Free" is a sort of Gospel-Funk Righteous-Soul miss-mash.

And as original vinyl copies don't surface that much - this October 2007 UK released ‘Expanded & Remastered’ CD version of "Right On Be Free" by THE VOICES OF EAST HARLEM on Rhino 8122-76435-2 (Barcode 081227643522) with a tasty 11 Bonus Tracks is more than welcome and a good move from a smart reissue label. And this reissue includes the outside talents of PHIL UPCHURCH, DONNY HATHAWAY and WILLIE WEEKS in the reissue stew. Here's the gritty urban breakdown:

1. Right On Be Free [Side 1]

2. Simple Song Of Freedom

3. Proud Mary

4. Music In The Air

5. Oh Yeah

6. For What It's Worth [Side 2]

7. Let It Be Me

8. No No No

9. Gotta Be A Change

10. Shaker Life

Tracks 1 to 10 are the lone album "Right On Be Free" by THE VOICES OF EAST HARLEM - released October 1970 in the USA on Elektra Records EKS-74080 (with the Butterfly Label Design) and Elektra EKS 74080 in the UK with the Red Label Design (later pressings are Elektra 2469 007) — both original issues donning the luxury of a gatefold sleeve.

BONUS TRACKS:

11. Oxford Town (A Bob Dylan cover)

12. Sit Yourself Down (A Stephen Stills cover)

Tracks 11 and 12 are the non-album A&B sides of their 3rd US 7" single issued in mid 1971 on Elektra EKM 45753. The Dylan song first appeared of his 1963 masterpiece "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" and was a powerful protest song then - here it's typically funked up - heavy on the choppy 60's organ with Cynthia Sessions giving impassioned lead vocals. “Oxford Town” was always a strong tune and this is a great version of it.  The Stephen Stills track is from his 1970 debut album "Stephen Stills" and is a very clever choice of song in that the original had a very soulful even churchy feel to it anyway. The TVOEH version keeps to that feel and for me it's definitely one of the highlights here. (The beautifully handled male lead vocal for "Sit Yourself Down" is unknown - so come out wherever you are and claim the glory).

13. Nation Time

14. I Wanna Be Free

15. Hey Brother

16. Love Is The Answer

17. Kind Woman

Tracks 13 to 17 are all from the aborted second album sessions recorded in New York between June and September of 1971 with all songs produced and overseen by soul maestro DONNY HATHAWAY. All are previously unreleased and make their CD debut here - and what a find they are. It's clear that a truly superb 2nd album was in the making and its criminal that it never made it off the blocks. "Nation Time” is a Gamble & Huff song penned in 1968 which was made a hit by THE EBONYS on their self-titled debut LP for Philadelphia International in 1973. It's an excellent funky tune - sort of Ike & Tina Turner guitar-driven righteous soul. "I Wanna Be Free" is a Richie Furay tune with all the right-on musical and lyrical credentials needed. "Hey Brother" contains a version of Hendrix's "Hey Joe" in there and is just superb. "Love Is The Answer" is possibly by Donny Hathaway but the writer is credited as ‘unknown’. “Kind Woman” is another Richie Furay song from his stay with Buffalo Springfield (on their second album "Last Time Around" from 1968) - TVOEH give it a gorgeous slow ballad working.

18. Angry (Tony Davillo cover)

19. (We Are) New York Lightning (Tony Davillo cover)

Tracks 18 and 19 are the non-album A&B sides of their 4th 7" single issued in late 1971 on Elektra EKM 45775. "Angry" features a duet vocal (male & female singers are unidentified) and is excellent - righteous and soulful in all the right ways. The B-side is a slower more soulful song - very nice - a superb extra to have. TONY DAVILLO wrote both the A&B – a session guitarist who also worked with The Edwin Hawkins Singers. 

20. Run Shaker Life (Live) (Richie Havens cover)

21. Soul To Soul (Live)

Tracks 20 and 21 are exclusive to the Various Artists album called "Soul To Soul" issued in the USA on Atlantic in September 1971 (SD 7207). It was recorded in Ghana on 6 March 1971 at a live concert in the capitol city Accra put together to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the African country's independence from British rule.  At times the group sound like 'live' Santana circa '69/'70 - absolutely on fire and kicking. (For those interested the DVD of the show was made available in 2004.)

The core 10-track album is top-heavy with other people's songs - "Simple Song Of Freedom" is a Bobby Darin cover, "Proud Mary" a Creedence Clearwater Revival song, "For What It's Worth" is the famous Buffalo Springfield track - while "Let It Be Me" is an Everly Brothers slow song all funked up. "Run Shaker Life" is a Richie Havens song that turned up on his 1969 2LP set "Richard P. Havens, 1989". Throw in two traditional songs in the shape of "No No No" and "Music In The Air" and that leaves only 3 original songs; "Right On Be Free" and "Gotta Be A Change" are penned by leading light in the Harlem area of New York, and founder of the group, singer CHUCK GRIFFIN. "Oh Yeah" is written by and features fantastic lead vocals from BERNICE COLE.

Two singles came off the album but did no business; they were "Right On Be Free” b/w “Gotta Be A Change" (Elektra 210013) and "Oh Yeah” b/w “No No No" (Elektra 210018)

Remastered by tape maestro BILL INGLOT - the sound quality on this great CD reissue is typically superb. The Remaster brings out the funky-as-fuck bass playing of Chuck Rainey - while Richard Tee's organ permeates every track with a church/choir feel. The liner notes suggest that the house band for these sessions is that of Hathaway's live ensemble, PHIL UPCHURCH on Funky Guitar, WILLIAM WEEKS on Bass and FRED WHITE on Drums - and they are superb. HATHAWAY fans will simply have to own these - I love that guy - what a loss he was to Soul Music.

But it's the assembled voices that dominate every song - and at times - just a little too much so. I would admit that these blasting righteous tunes may not be everybody's cup of Darjeeling - but for me they and the superb extras make it an essential purchase.

To sum up - this is an exceptional release in any man's language - a rare and sought-after album complete with the A&B's of two ridiculously rare 45s and a wad of great previously unreleased material. Is it any wonder fans love Rhino as a label. Way to go boys…

PS: This release is part of Rhino's "CLASSIC SOUL ALBUM - REMASTERED & EXPANDED" Series. Most titles are first time onto CD and are rare soul albums from the Warner/Atlantic/Cotillion/Elektra vaults. The other titles are:

1. Ace Spectrum - "Inner Spectrum" (see REVIEW)

2. Blue Magic - "Blue Magic" (see REVIEW)

3. Donny Hathaway - "Come Back Charleston Blue O.S.T." (see REVIEW)

4. Leroy Hutson - “Paradise" (see REVIEW)

5. Ronn Matlock - "Love City" (see REVIEW)

6. Gwen McCrae - "Gwen McCrae"

7. Gwen McCrae - "On My Way"

8. Prince Phillip Mitchell - "Top Of The Line” (see REVIEW)

9. Prince Philip Mitchell - "Make It Good” (see REVIEW)

PPS: Please note - the "Right On Be Free" album has been reissued since 2007 (in Japan at a budget price) but without the bonus tracks. Use the Barcode provided above to get the correct 2007 Rhino CD because the extras lift it up properly. Unfortunately it's been deleted years now, so prices will fluctuate up and down…mostly up...

"Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 5" by VARIOUS (May 2019 UK Ace/Kent-Soul CD Compilation – Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 336 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

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

Just Click Below To Purchase for £6.95 (2024 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

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"...Continue To Love You..."

After a paltry 16-years of releasing rare and collectable Seventies dancefloor shufflers and arm-linking hysterics - Ace's "Masterpieces Of Modern Soul" CD Series on their beloved Kent-Soul label reaches its fifth volume in good old style (see list below for the other four British-released entries).

Amidst the 24-cuts you get four or five unreleased from 2018 and 2019 with the rest primarily focusing on American 45s between 1970 and 1976, a few deep album tracks and compilation stragglers from dates beyond. It's a good ole 'dose of soul' as Chet Ivey would say - here are your collector's top tips...

UK released Friday, 31 May 2009 - "Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 5" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 450 (Barcode 029667094924) is a 24-Track CD Compilation that plays out as follows (75:12 minutes):

1. Given My Life - MIGHTY WHITES (Previously Unreleased 1977 Dwight White recording, an 2019 Alex Palao mix)

2. L-O-V-E - LEON THOMAS (June 1973 US 7" single on Flying Dutchman FD 26025, B-side to "Boom-Boom-Boom")

3. Rainmaker - C.J. & Co. (an unissued Westbound Records recording first released the November 2018 UK CD compilation "Ain't It Amazing: The Unreleased Westbound Masters)" by C.J. & Co. on Ace/Westbound CDSEWD 165 - Barcode 029667093026)

4. How Can I Go On Without You - JOHN EDWARDS (a previously unreleased Phillip Mitchell song first issued on the January 1996 John Edwards UK CD compilation "Careful Man" on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 127 - Barcode 029667212724)

5. Your Momma Had A Baby - STREET PEOPLE (unissued Spring Records recording that first appeared January 2016 on the 12-Track VINYL LP "Masterpieces Of Modern Soul" on Ace/Kent-Soul KENT 503 - Barcode 029667004213. This is its first digital debut)

6. Lucky Fellow - THE INDEPENDENTS (from the 1973 US LP "Chuck, Helen, Eric & Maurice" on Wand Records WDS 696 - Chuck and Maurice Jackson with Helen Curry and Eric Thomas)

7. Can We Talk It Over (Edit) - EDDIE FLOYD (previously unissued, a specifically mastered 2019 edit of a 1973 Stax recording first released on the 1998 UK CD compilation "5000 Volts Of Stax" on Stax CDSXD 116 - Barcode 029667911627)

8. What Is Best For Me Is Better For You - WILL HATCHER (May 1975 US 7" single on Wand 11286, B-side of "Who Am I Without You")

9. That's The Story Of My Life - MAJOR LANCE (April 1972 US 7" single on Volt VOA-4079, B-side of "I Wanna Make Up (Before We Break Up)"

10. I'll Continue To Love You - MILLIE JACKSON (Previously Unissued 2019 Edit of a 1976 Spring Records recording)

11. Mrs. So And So's Daughter - LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY (Previously Unissued 2019 Edit of a 1974 Aware Records recording)

12. Franchise On Love - FELICIA JOHNSON & T.S.B. INC. (1980 US 7" single on Top's Records 0001, A)

13. Keep On Doin' Whatcha' Doin' (Part 1) - TY KARIM & GEORGE GRIFFIN (1980 US 7" single on Sheridan House SH-78002, A)

14. Ride The Disco Train - THE MODERATIONS (2019 Previously Unissued Dave Hamilton recording from 1988)

15. A Star In The Ghetto - FOXFIRE featuring JOHNNY ADAMS (1974 Kent recording first issued on the 2001 UK CD compilation "For Connoisseurs Only - Kent/Modern Soul Collectables" on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 196 - Barcode 029667219624)

16. Nobody's Doin' A Doggone Thing - LEE PORTER & PEACEFUL PERSUASION (1974 US 7" single on Select-O-Hit SOH 026, A)

17. Dose Of Soul - CHET IVEY & HIS FABULOUS AVENGERS (1975 USA 7" single on Sylvia S-504, B-side of "Get Down With The Geater, Part 1")

18. I Ain't Givin' Up - RAY GODFREY (2019 Previously Unissued 1971 Spring Records recording)

19. We'll Go On - EON (Previously Unissued 2019 Edit of a 1975 Scepter Recording)

20. I'll Live My Life Loving You - THE HEADLINERS (2019 Previously Unissued 70ts Recording)

21. Gotta Be Loved Pt. 2 - HERMAN DAVIS (unissued Venus V recording that first appeared January 2016 on the 12-Track VINYL LP "Masterpieces Of Modern Soul" on Ace/Kent-Soul KENT 503 - Barcode 029667004213. This is its first digital debut)

22. Hello Stranger - REGGIE MILNER (November 1970 US 7" single on Volt VOA-4048, B-side of "Soul Machine")

23. I Believe - NEW EXPERIENCE featuring ELAYNE STARR (2019 Previously Unissued Dave Hamilton recording from late 70ts)

24. I Guess God Wants It This Way - FREDDIE SCOTT (June 1971 US 7" single on Vanguard VSD-35137, A)

All tracks in STEREO except Tracks 14, 16, 20, 21 and 23, which are MONO

The 16-page booklet sports track-by-track liners notes by Soul expert and aficionado ADY CROASDEL with thanks to other long-time Ace Records collaborators - Dean Rudland, Tony Rounce, Kenny Aitchison and more. While Volt and Flying Dutchman 45 labels will be familiar sights to avid collectors - you don't often get to see 7" singles on labels like Sheridan House, Top's Records or SOH (Select-A-Hit) – but they are shown here. There are publicity photos for Brotherhood, C.J. & Co., Eddie Floyd, Will Hatcher, Major Lance, Millie Jackson and more whilst top Audio Engineer DUNCAN POWELL did the Remasters and they're punchy and full of presence.

Highlights for me are the mid-tempo shuffle of Eddie Floyd pleading his case on "Can We Talk It Over", C.J. & Co.'s slightly Disco (but in a good way) cover of The Moods single from 1970 on Wand called "Rainmaker" and a 60ts-sounding belter done by Millie Jackson in 1976 where the girly overdubs assure us that she'll "...Continue To Love..." (well, until the next Mr. Right comes along anyway). The hugely productive Kent Harris penned the sexy rhythms of "Keep On Doin' Whatcha' Doin'" (you get the 45 edit, the 12" version is almost twice as long), while Loleatta Holloway gets a deserved outing with her self-penned and catchy-as-a-cold "Mr. So And So's Daughter". And on it goes to the tenderness and ached-for freedom of silky-voiced Freddie Scott acknowledging that, "I Guess God Wants It This Way".

A cool release in a very hip series - enjoy...

Ace Records/Kent-Soul "Masterpieces Of Modern Soul" CD Series:

1. Masterpieces Of Modern Soul - released October 2003 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 222 (Barcode 029667222228)

2. Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 2 - released January 2009 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 310 (Barcode 029667231022)

3. Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 3 - released November 2011 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 364 (Barcode 029667236423)

4. Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 4 - released August 2015 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 437 (Barcode 029667243728)

5. Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 5 - released 31 May 2019 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 450 (Barcode 029667094924) 

In January 2016, a 12-Track VINYL LP was also issued simply called "Masterpieces Of Modern Soul" on Ace/Kent-Soul KENT 503 (Barcode 029667004213). It sported previously unreleased tracks, two of which are featured here on Volume 5 in digital form for the first time (Tracks 5 and 21 of this CD)

"If You're Not Part Of The Solution... Soul, Politics And Spirituality In Jazz 1967 to 1975" by VARIOUS (April 2019 Ace/Beat Goes Public (BGP) CD Compilation – Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Warriors Of Peace..."

I really love a CD compilation like this - clever choices by knowledgeable types - discoveries by still-learning baby-boomers like me.

Using their Beat Goes Public label - Ace Records of the UK has been down this digital road before. But I have to say that this is a superb addition even by their lofty standards - a genuinely thoughtful exploration of why Jazz musicians began embracing and reflecting in both music and words what Soul and Rock musicians had been airing since the mid Sixties. Those staggeringly productive and explosive years saw in an era of huge social change – and what comes screaming off every entry here is the feeling of great players no longer satisfied with the confines of mere Saxophone expertise and phrasing – it was get on board, shout to the rooftops man or forever be that brooding young man in the corner – or worse - the establishment's kicking-boy.

Long time associate to Ace - DEAN RUDLAND has penned some killer liner notes before, but he's excelled with this musically angry yet hopeful little brute of 75 and half minutes featuring often lengthy tracks culled from three beloved labels - Milestone, Prestige and Muse Records. There's a lot worth tooting your horn about here, so let's get to those warriors of peace, Hard Bop, Modal and Jazz Fusion and the righteous moments their inspired celestial bodies brought to us, most over 50-years ago...

UK released 26 April 2019 - "If You're Not Part Of The Solution... Soul, Politics And Spirituality In Jazz 1967 to 1975" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Beat Goes Public (BGP) CDBGPD 308 (Barcode 029667084123) is a 10-Track CD compilation that plays out as follows (75:30 minutes):

1. If You're Not Part Of The Solution, You're Part Of The Problem - JOE HENDERSON QUARTET (from the 1970 US live LP "At The Lighthouse" on Milestone Records MSP 9028)

2.  Black Feeling - JOHNNY HAMMOND SMITH (from the 1970 US LP "Black Feeling" on Prestige PR 7736)

3. Celestial Bodies - CATALYST (from the 1973 US LP "Perception" on Muse Records MR 5025)

4. John Coltrane - CLIFFORD JORDAN QUARTET (from the 1975 US LP "Night Of The Mark VII" on Muse Records MR 5076)

5. H.N.I.C. (Head Ni**er In Charge) - HAROLD VICK (from the 1974 US LP "Commitment" on Muse Records MR 5054 - a 1967 recording)

6. Towhid - JOHNNY LYTLE (from the 1973 US LP "People & Love" on Milestone MSP 9043)

7. Bitches Brew - EDDIE JEFFERSON (from the 1974 US LP "Things Are Getting Better" on Muse Records MR 5043 - a MIles Davis cover)

8. Africans Unite - GARY BARTZ NTU TROOP (from the 1973 US LP "Juju Street Songs" on Prestige 10057)

9. Warriors Of Peace - AZAR LAWRENCE (from the 1974 US LP "Bridges Into The New Age" on Prestige 10086)

10. Let's Make Peace, Stop The War - FUNK, INC. (from the 1972 US LP "Chicken Lickin'" on Prestige 10043)

The 20-page booklet with DEAN RUDLAND liner notes gives pride of picture place to the ten rare and sought-after LP sleeves as well as musician breakdowns for each cut – huge names like Victor Feldman playing vibes with Harold Vick, Bernard Purdie playing drums for Johnny Hammond Smith whilst also highlighting hidden heroes like Steve Weakley and his guitar work on the “What’s Going On” vibe to Funk, Inc.’s “Let’s Make Peace, Stop The War”.  Long-time Audio Engineer NICK ROBBINS has handled the Remasters and every track is kicking reflecting their original quality production values.

It opens with a winding monster – former Blue Note Records stalwart Joe Henderson and his 11 and half-minute live version of the compilation's title track "If You're Not Part Of The Solution, You're Part Of The Problem". Recorded at The Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, California in September 1970, Ron McClure provides the funky bass-line ably abetted by pianist George Cable and trumpeter Woody Shaw punching in sexy solos as the night's groove took them. Philly legends Norman Harris and Pat Gleeson provide guitar and synths for the Weather Report-ish feel to "Celestial Bodies" from Catalyst while Harold Vick gets radical and street with his "H.N.I.C." - head brothers in charge - or words to that affect.

From his duo of socially conscious platters - 1972's "The Soulful Rebel" and 1973's "People & Love" - Rudland picks the Islam-themed "Tawhid" from the latter where producer Orrin Keepnews brings out the best in the five players involved including Marvin Cobell on Tenor Sax and Betty Glamann on Harp. The murderous, sickening and farcical communist conflict far away and ripping both countries apart (Vietnam and the USA) permeates into the final duo - Azar Lawrence's "Warriors Of Peace" and Funk, Inc.'s "Let's Make Peace, Stop The War". It's kind of disturbing that half a century on, it feels like there's been some change for sure, but the message is still disturbingly relevant.

A great listen and an eye-opener, well done (as ever) to all involved...