Format Details: Jewel Case
Description
Change and innovation are often tricky subjects to take in one's stride, and nowhere was this more apparent than in the hyper-activity of musical creativity unleashed in the black American music circles of the early 60s. The move from R&B into the richer pastures of soul took time, effort and sometimes courage in the face of critics who saw it as "selling out". It seems incredible that this all took place over three decades ago because its impact was so dynamic that it has endured to influence and inform nearly all popular music that has emanated ever since. As a result, none of these records sound antique in the same way, as say, records from the 30s or 40s would, simply because the imprint of their innovation is still actively with us! Technological advances might improve the hi-fi, but that nebulous factor that really sells a record still has to come from strictly non-technological sources! The second volume of THE BIRTH OF SOUL is as dynamic and essential as the first, and a cross section of the widest possible range of sides which illustrates the inexorable inroads that gospel music made during this transitional period. Not all the records were commercial hits, so their particular influence would have been less immediate and apparent, but when records like Ray Charles' What I Say and Maxine Brown's sublime All In My Mind broke out in all markets, the record industry could have had no more lingering doubts about the direction post-rock'n'roll music seemed likely to take! This series of albums also, and most importantly in my view, takes into account the vast geographic areas of the United States, which we on our tiny island, tend to overlook. We sometimes forget that a trend that was growing in Chicago might well have taken a few months to filter down into the musical consciousness of places like New Orleans. But, this diversity of regional influences is well illustrated - from the Deep South Soul of Benny Spellman and his compelling Lipstick Traces and Willie Tee with his heart-tugging Always Accused, to the Northern sophistry of Major Lance and , and the unique and uncategorisable Spring by Birdlegs & Pauline and Their Versatility Birds! (Who came from, of all places, Sauk City, and made this sublime example of the Sauk City Sound!) Not only are highly respected veterans like Soloman Burke and Gene Chandler included here, but artists who didn't enjoy a great deal of success but nevertheless made superb sides that pushed the frontiers of black American musical tradition into a much wider landscape. The Serenaders, Betty Harris, Eddie & Ernie and the Wallace Brothers didn't see that much chart action, but they garnered enough followers amongst the more progressive soul fans to ensure that their contributions would never be forgotten. Other artists are represented here in their early days, before fame and fortune was bestowed upon them. Kenny Gamble (as vocalist, yet to become renowned song-writter), the Manhattans (before hitting pay-dir
Tracklisting
Z.Z. Hill
Wilson Pickett
Willie Bollinger / Willie Walker
William Bell
William Bell
Wee Willie Walker
Warren Raye & The Infernal Blues Machine
Walter Jackson
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
