09 Sep 2019
The Dells – 1971 – Freedom Means

1971 was a huge year for Soul Music – especially American Soul. Marvin Gaye’s staggering “What’s Going On” on Tamla (which many argue is the greatest LP every made in any genre and they might be right) – Aretha Franklin’s right-on Grooveathon “Aretha Live At...
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02 Sep 2019
Shuggie Otis ‎- 1971 – Freedom Flight

AllMusic Review by Thom Jurek 1971’s Freedom Flight is perhaps, in its own way, every bit as adventurous and regal as Shuggie Otis’ masterpiece, Inspiration Information. Produced by Shuggie’s father, R&B legend Johnny Otis, the album features seven stellar, genre bending cuts, most of which were written...
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23 Apr 2018
Geoffrey Stoner – 1973 – Watch Out

A very rare, overlooked 1973 LP, fet. Philip Upchurch on guitar,  includes the superb ‘Bend Your Head‘,  killer tune with attitude! Never released on CD. G.Stoner is a singer/songwriter who (with the help of some excellent musicians) gives most of his tracks a soul/funk/r&b-treatment, sometimes with...
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05 Jan 2018
Eddie Floyd – 1971 – Down To Earth

The bold, ambitious Down to Earth represents Eddie Floyd’s most daring break from the classic Stax sound. Produced and arranged in collaboration with the great Steve Cropper, its muscular soul sound draws heavily on psychedelic rock sensibilities, favoring extended jams, mutating tempos, and thick, bubbling rhythms. Cropper’s scorching guitar is...
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09 May 2017
Barbara Mason – 1968 – Oh How It Hurts

Barbara Mason’s second and final LP for Arctic Records was released three years after her first. The Arctic label released 60 records before folding; 14 were Mason releases. Jimmy Bishop, a Philadelphia DJ, owned the label and included “Yes, I’m Ready” on this collection to...
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