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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Appraisal of album - positive, 12 Feb 2002
If they had a taste for the grandiose , the compilers at Souljazz records could have titled their latest retrospective 'The Secret History of Funk'. Such is the persuasive argument put forth, asserted in every bass and horn line, and underlined by every insistent drum pattern in this compilation of the rich musical soup of 60's New Orleans.Take Inell Young's fine teen ballad'The Next Ball Game' that sounds like somebody let the Godfather's own Funky Drummer, Clyde Stubblefield double-time the beat. Of course, New Orleans had its own grand collection of players from the legendary Smokey Johnson to 'Zigaboo' Modeliste of Al Neville's Meters. Often ignored in comparison to the session man splendour of the Tamla / Muscle Shoals / Booker T axis of 60's black American music , '..Fish Fry' showcases artists the cream of the Louisina talent. R & B legend Lee Dorsey, who did his best work with the assistance of aforesaid Meters, backed up by legendary producer Allen Toussaint. Betty Harris and Irma Thomas who help fill the gap that lies between blues shouters of the 50's and the diva's of the sixties. And Rare Groove supremo Eddie Bo, who's 'The Thang' is revealed here in all its skip-beat glory Such is the diversity on offer here that there are echoes of many styles and derivations. The effects pedal munificence of the Magnolias 'Soul, Soul, Soul' is just one signpost to what would become well -sampled pathways, as much as Huey Piano Smith's 'Little Liza Jane' is a nod to the rockin' blues of the past. Souljazz round off this quality package with informative notes and rare photos topped off with a great mug shot of Eddie Bo looking a ringer for Shane McGowan in an Afro. Maybe they could have called it 'The Secret History of Celtic Punk Sea-Shanty Soul' instead. Then again...
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~ Various Artists
See all 22 tracks on this disc
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