ALBERT COLLINS - THAW OUT

Been far too long since I've featured an instrumental of any sorts around here. This is one primal slab of molten hot lava from the blazing Texas guitarist. Dig the organ!

As Albert was known as the 'ice Man", this was another of his records to feature a 'cool" name (the previous record to this was called 'Frosty").

A great one from the last blast of an era of electric blues that essentially ended in the mid-sixties. And what a blast it was.

from 1964...

ALBERT COLLINS - THAW OUT

JOHNNY TALBOT - WHATCHA WANNA DO

(originally posted 2/9/11)

This hot shot record has quickly become one of my favorite bay area releases; Johnny Talbot (real name Tolbert) was born in Texas but moved to Oakland at a young age. He has had a long career and is known mostly for his blues/ funk sides (as well as being a staple of the local live scene). Here. on this early release, we find him churning out a fantastic uptempo r&b scorcher that starts in fifth gear and doesn't let up for two and a half minutes.

from 1964...

JOHNNY TALBOT - WHATCHA WANNA DO

GWEN OWENS - I LOST A GOOD THING

originally posted 10/16/09

Hailing from Detroit, Gwen Owens was apparently still a teenager when this track was cut. Talk about precocious, with a seasoned voice like this!

She cut a few more records on her own (some of which sell for massive bucks, but this one is my personal fave), then went on to work as a session backup singer, lead a group in the 70's and today, she is "back home" teaching music and singing at her church (in Los Angeles). Great to read that she is still singing.




2020 Update: Gwen's daughter, Xiantoni Ari, is active in the Los Angeles soul scene, with several releases and a fantastic live set. In fact, I had the pleasure of playing this song about two years ago. She does an amazing job singing this song; must make mom very proud!

A MASSIVE record!

from 1967...

GWEN OWENS - I LOST A GOOD THING

SAM DEES - SOUL SISTER

From Birmingham, AL, Sam Dees journeyed to Nashville as a young man to begin recording (of which this is one of his earliest sides) in the mid '60's. Sam later recorded for Atlantic in the 70's and appears to be somewhat active in music to this day.

 This is one of those records that isn't messing around; high octane, earthy, and pounding.

 from 1969...

SAM DEES - SOUL SISTER

JACKIE WILSON - THE WHO WHO SONG + SINCE YOU SHOWED ME HOW TO BE HAPPY

(originally posted some time in 2008)

My personal favorite records featuring the legendary Mr Wilson are those he recorded with Chicago soul production/ arrangement/ songwriting wizards Gerald Sims, Carl Davis, and Sonny Sanders. These records were capturing the cutting edge of a harder soul sound that was perfectly suited to Jackie's powerful vocals. This double sider is pure dynamite; both sides are performed at a blazing tempo and delivered with pure excitement.

from 1967...

JACKIE WILSON - THE WHO WHO SONG + SINCE YOU SHOWED ME HOW TO BE HAPPY

BETTY LAVETTE - I FEEL GOOD ALL OVER

(originally posted 7/27/09)

While it's a wonderful thing that Betty has had a career renaissance in recent years with excellent new recordings and extraordinary live performances, her mid to late 60's releases are simply unbeatable. This is the type of record that could easily be used to demonstrate what soul music is for someone who hasn't a clue. "I Feel Good" is an intense, pounding and swirling number; the kind of things that makes me go wild over 45's.

from 1965...

BETTY LAVETTE - I FEEL GOOD (ALL OVER)

LILLIAN DUPREE - HIDE & SEEK

(originally posted 7/13/09)

This seems to be the only record that this Detroit singer cut (at least under this name...) and what a favorite it is! I'm a complete sucker for any record that has a groove like this, and the first time I heard it I was hooked within the first five seconds.

from 1965...

LILLIAN DUPREE - HIDE & SEEK 

RONNIE MILSAP - A THOUSAND MILES FROM NOWHERE

Several years before he became one of the first of the country-pop crossover hitmaking acts, Ronnie Milsap began his career deeply rooted in rock and soul, releasing several singles in that bag. This, his own composition tucked away on a b-side, is my fave. His vocal performance is incredible, the band is raw, and there's some blistering, swampy guitar work.

from 1968...

 RONNIE MILSAP - A THOUSAND MILES FROM NOWHERE