An under-recognised output of the legendary Hi Studios in Memphis, produced by Willie Mitchell, this album is a real gem of firing southern soul. Johnny Robinson, an Alabama native, made the switch to secular singing a few years prior to this recording, and echoes of the very best soul singers of this era can be heard in his extremely heartfelt, passionate singing. The production has this typical southern raw and soulful quality, and be it swinging ballads such as 'We Are Going To Make It' or 'Slip Away', or groovy numbers such as 'Kansas City' or 'Funky Feet', you're in for a treat.What a cover, too!Enjoy it!GregLink in comments...
A killer bit of modern soul – one of the standout classics from the best years of Arista! Richard Evans produced and arranged this excellent set of smooth soul grooves for Linda Williams. Linda plays keyboards and sings, and the album was recorded in 2 different sessions – one in LA, and one in Chicago. The album's got a nice jazzy sound, with a similar feel to the Breakwater LPs on Arista at the time. Linda's voice is as wonderful on this set as on anything we've heard from her, and with her depth of talents on the piano & keys, and on the songwriting tip, she's a real creative force at the top of her game here! Tracks include "No Love, No Where, Without You", "Oh Honey", "Loving You Forever", and the great groover "Elevate Our Minds", which is worth the price of the record alone!Enjoy it!GregLink in comments...
One of the more open-ended sessions that Brother Jack cut for Atlantic – with less of the tight larger soul arrangements that the label usually saddled him with, and that makes for a great, groovy LP! David Newman plays a variety of saxes, and the group also includes a young Melvin Sparks on guitar. Tracks are longish, and the album includes the magnificent originals "Duffin 'Round", "Esperanto", and "More Head" – as well as stunning versions of "Sunny" and "But It's Alright"!Enjoy it!GregLink in comments...
Don Thompson's only known LP on Brunswick is a rather unique funky ode to love and booty-shaking, with a sense of the beat that's totally compelling. Don's sound is rich and full, with fuzzy keyboards and clean drums, horn breaks so funky that they have to be heard. His raw masculine voice does the rest on this essential LP of late 1970s funky soul. Most noteworthy are the joyful floorfillers 'Hang Loose' and the title track, as well as the great 'Please Don't Make Yourself At Home'.Enjoy it!GregLink in comments...
An under-recognised output of the legendary Hi Studios in Memphis, produced by Willie Mitchell, this album is a real gem of firing southern soul. Johnny Robinson, an Alabama native, made the switch to secular singing a few years prior to this recording, and echoes of the very best soul singers of this era can be heard in his extremely heartfelt, passionate singing. The production has this typical southern raw and soulful quality, and be it swinging ballads such as 'We Are Going To Make It' or 'Slip Away', or groovy numbers such as 'Kansas City' or 'Funky Feet', you're in for a treat.
