Genie Brown - A Woman Alone (1973)

A wonderful independent 1970s female soul album by the little-known Genie Brown, whose bold portrait on the cover might be considered a somewhat truthful echo of the determined tone of her singing.

Like many such productions the theme is true and respectful love, honest relationships, and here the raspy voice of Genie is acutely backed up by great musicianship. The sound is full, rich but raw, orchestrated with nice brass and guitar and just a touch of strings —which caught the ear of New York DJ extraordinaire Nicky Siano who made her track 'Can't Stop Talking' a staple of his legendary club The Gallery.

The album also includes the tracks 'You and Me', 'My First Night Alone Without You' and 'Let Me Stand in Your Shadow'.

Enjoy it!

Greg

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Both Worlds - Don'tcha Hide It (1974)

Tripped out fusiony funk – with lots of great solo work! These guys have kind of a jazz rock approach (hence the "both worlds" name) – one that makes for some tight bass and drum work, lots of choppy guitar, and spacey keyboards interlaced with some funkier horn solos.

The production is raw, which gives the record much more of an edge than you'd expect from a group like this; and even the sweeter vocal numbers come off with an strong indie feeling. Includes the massive horn-heavy jazz dance tune "Coming On Strong", plus the cuts "Solide", "Don'tcha Hide It", "Stop Turn Around", "Leavin Them Days", "It's Love", and a fantastic cover of "Freedom Jazz Dance".

Enjoy it!

Greg

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Tony Aiken & Future 2000 - Unity Sing It Shout It (1976)

A mindblower! Tony Aiken & Future 2000 were an obscure mid 70s group from New York -- all players skilled in the burgeoning club scene of the time, but who also had their roots in Caribbean music -- coming together for this unique record in a festive blend of early disco and funky styles!

The record's got a great home-grown feel -- a warm ensemble effort that's got equal parts soul and groove -- and which bubbles over with personal touches that really make the tracks stand out from the pack. Quoting the liner notes 'Unity speaks for itself in a world that's slowly pulling apart we all need to stop and think 'Unity' not just for one but for everyone 'Unity''. Includes the side-long jammer "Unity Sing It Shout It", plus the funky disco classic "Better Days", the soulful cuts "She Loves Me", "Good Things", and the great instrumental "Time Tunnel".

Enjoy it!

Greg

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