Record Reviews

MAGGIE BELL ~ SUICIDE SAL ANGEL AIR 201 (Barcode: 5055011702011) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2006 2nd album by one of the best UK female voices of the 1970’s - Maggie BellFind albums by this artist. Recorded with her regular touring band this album is much tighter and focused than the debut and with the addition of one Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist (who happened to be in the studio when this albums was recorded) adding a few guitar solos, this is her best work ever. Being as versatile as she was, she felt at ease singing heartbreaking blues ballads and up tempo rocky numbers, all done with flair and absolute dedication. As a female vocalist she had no competition on the local UK scene at the time and easily compares to the best US Rhythm And Blues and soul vocalists (Janice JoplinFind albums by this artist, Aretha FranklinFind albums by this artist, etc.). This is a magnificent example of the female vocal rock of the era and is definitely worth being re-discovered.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARETHA FRANKLIN ~ TAKE A LOOK - THE COMPLETE ON COLUMBIA SONY 886979313125 (Barcode: 886979313125) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1960 - 1966 Released: 2011 American singer Aretha FranklinFind albums by this artist, one of the true divas of the music scene and the Queen of Soul, as she was crowned in the late 1960s, is mostly known for her legendary recordings on the AtlanticFind albums by this artist label, where the majority of her great hit singles and albums were released during her peak decade (1967-1976). However, before she signed with Atlantic, she spent seven years with ColumbiaFind albums by this artist records (1960-1966), where her initial career was shaped. She recorded eleven fabulous albums for Columbia, one of which was actually never released and sees the light of day for the first time in this Box Set. Columbia envisaged Franklin primarily as a Jazz singer, and the entire production, arrangements and choice of repertoire for her albums was aimed at that direction, at least initially blind to her potential as a Rhythm And Blues and Soul genius she truly was. But Franklin was always a superb singer with extraordinary sensitivity and amazing talent and the Columbia recordings are all absolute gems, which sound even better in retrospect. Accompanied by the best Jazz players of the period (the list of credits reads as the who´s who of the Jazz scene at the time), both in combo and orchestra formats, she performs beautifully singing Jazz, Blues, Gospel and some early (for her) Pop and Soul material, with the successive albums clearly showing the slow metamorphosis of her musical persona towards her true vocation. Produced by some of the most legendary music producers of the time, such as the John HammondFind albums by this artist, Clyde OtisFind albums by this artist and others, these are true gems, which prove to be absolutely timeless. This wonderful Box Set includes all the eleven albums Franklin recorded for Columbia, remastered and expanded with a plethora of bonus tracks. It also includes a DVD with Franklin´s 1964 TV show and a beautifully researched and designed booklet. It is an individually numbered limited edition release. This is a wonderful piece of music history, which should make any owner of a serious music collection proud. Hopefully all these sets will find good homes, as they surely don´t make music like this any more. Respect!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD+DVD 12 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JOANNA KNITTER ~ ARETHA ALLEGRO 041 (Barcode: 5901157049414) ~ POLAND ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is an album by Polish vocalist Joanna KnitterFind albums by this artist and her band called Blues & Folk ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which comprises of keyboardist Artur JurekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Krzysztof PaulFind albums by this artist, bassist Adam ZuchowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr GoraFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, this s a tribute album to the American Soul / Rhythm And Blues Diva, singer / songwriter Aretha FranklinFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen songs either written by or associated with Franklin’s repertoire. Normally I’d have dismissed such enterprise without even giving it a listen; I mean Polish vocalist singing classic / untouchable songs, probably with a terrible Polish accent and accompanied by a bunch of anonymous musicians. But luckily for me I have heard several earlier recordings by Knitter and decided to give the album a chance, which turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. Of course there is nothing innovative or original as far as the music is concerned, but Knitter is an incredible vocalist, with a lovely husky / throaty voice, which she uses very effectively, her accent is not bad at all and her feel for the Blues / Soul is pretty astonishing, as if she was born Black at heart. And to top things up, the guys in the band turn out to be ass-kicking instrumentalist, who can play great guitar licks, soulful Hammond and piano accompaniment and the rhythm section pushes the music strongly forward. In short this is a great Blues / Soul album, which stands proudly shoulder to shoulder with anything recorded across the pond, and with the American music market’s head deeply stuck up the Hip Hop behind, this music sounds more American than anything made in the America these days. In short, as usual, never dismiss an album before you hear it, as nice surprises can happen. Hats off to Knitter for making my ass dance in the chair when I listened to this album, which I hope will happen to everybody listening to it. I surely appreciate to courage to face this challenge – you did well Lady!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 09/08/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend