Sunday, May 28, 2006

Desmond Dekker RIP 26th May 2006

In case you haven't heard, one of the true greats of reggae / rock steady died recently. Full BBC story here. Desmond's own site here. The latter hasn't yet been updated but serves as a reminder of what the man contributed...

James Hunter - Contemporary British Blues

Whist listening to Paul Jones' RnB set on Radio 2 last week I heard "Riot In My Heart" by James Hunter from his "People Gonna Talk" CD. I'd not heard this before and it sounded similar to Georgie Fame circa 1966 to my ears. Digging back it appears Mr Hunter was also aka "Howling Wilf" and hails from Colchester. He's worked, according to his website, with Van Morrison and Doris Troy, amongst others. Not bad recommendations to my mind.

I've not heard the rest of the CD, but reviews appear to put it in the 1960s RnB vein along with a mix of big band and ska - may be worth a look. Feel free to come back and post comments if you've heard or bought this and let us know what you think.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Atlantic R&B CDs

Whilst having a little browse in a local branch of a well-known chain I came across a CD entitled Atlantic R&B Volume 2. I thought I'd check out the series on Amazon and you can see the results from this to Atlantic R&B . Running from 1947 through to the mid-70s this series contains a high number of classics you probably already own. However at the time of writing they were coming in at £3-33 each, which seems fine value to me - plus free delivery on all UK orders over £15. The first volume include Willis Jackson "Gator's Groove". If I remember correctly this artist also recorded "Later for Gator" (or similar) which I think was one of the early jump blues played at Jamaican sound systems which then formed the basis of Ska. I stand to be corrected on this latter point...

Anyway, have a look at this series and you'll also find other recommendations along a similar vein from other Amazonians - enjoy

Monday, May 01, 2006

Funky 16 Corners Blog

Whilst browsing for Johnny Otis "Watts Breakaway" (I can't find my Epic seven) I came across this blog. I've not had a chance to look properly but it seems this guy posts up details of his soul and funk singles and biogs about the artists. I just listened to his link to Dean Cortney "Rubber Neckin'" (not the Elvis tune...) and that is seriously down home southern funk and on Verve - nice

As a complete aside I had the media player on random and was listening to Mongo Santamaria doing a nice boogaloo / latin version of Booker T's "Hip Hug Her", which I picked up on Latin Dance Party Vol 2: