Release Date: 12 April 2019
Label: Soul Music Records / Cherry Red
Packaging Type: Brilliant Case (Jewel Case size, Holds 2 CDs)
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 5013929088238
Description
SoulMusic Records is very proud to present "Me & Mrs Jones," a 31-track 2-CD retrospective saluting the artistry of distinctive soul'n' jazz song stylist Billy Paul, spanning ten studio albums he recorded between 1969-1985.
Philadephia-born Billy developed his unique style as a jazz vocalist in the late '50s, performing at local venues on a regular basis, cutting his first full album in 1967 which was released the following year by emergent-producer Kenny Gamble on his newly-formed Gamble Records label.
In 1971, with the creation of Philadelphia International Records, Billy became one of the label's flagship artists with eight studio and one live album released between 1971-1979. .Named after his 1972 Grammy-winning global hit, "Me & Mrs. Jones," this anthology features all of Billy's thirteen US charted singles for PIR including 'Thanks For Saving My Life' and 'Am I Black Enough For You' as well as 'You're My Sweetness' (from a 1979 "Best Of Billy Paul" collection) and "New Day, New World Comin'" (from 1977's PIR album, "Let's Clean Up The Ghetto"); plus three tracks from Billy's 1985 "Total Experience" LP..While known as a primo balladeer with his rich baritone style - evident on key cuts on Disc Two such as 'When Love Is New', 'This Is Your Life', 'I Was Married' and 'I Think I'll Stay Home Today'.
Billy's powerful stance as key 70s message music purveyor is in full evidence on Disc One, focusing on uptempo cuts such as 'The Whole Town's Talking', Billy's funky take on Elton John's 'Your Song' and a standout version of the Paul McCartney/Wings hit, 'Let 'Em In'.
In a personal reflections commentary, SoulMusic Records founder David Nathan notes that in sequencing Disc One, he became aware of the timeless and timely lyrical messages in many of Billy's '70s recordings featured here, including 'False Faces', 'Let The Dollar Circulate', and 'We All Got A Mission'. .Liner notes by renowned US writer Kevin Goins include quotes from Dexter Wansel; plus first class artwork from Roger Williams.
Tracklisting
Kevin Ayers
Wrath
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Tigertailz
The Fall
Billy Paul
Billy Paul
Billy Paul
Billy Paul
Billy Paul
Billy Paul
