The Ace (USA) Story
The Ace (USA) Story – Volume 5 (Ace)
Here we are at fifth and final volume of Ace (UK’s) visitation through the history of its namesake – Ace Records, originally of Jackson, Mississippi. Originally released on vinyl by Ace (UK) this set now includes numerous bonus cuts (9 on this volume alone). The original Ace label – founded in 1955 by Johnny Vincent – was home to countless classic blues, R&B and rock’n’roll gems. This release alone includes the likes of Huey”Piano” Smith (“Educated Fool”), Frankie Lee Sims (“Well Goodbye Baby”), Eddie Bo (“Roll ‘em Back”), Sugar Boy Crawford (“Jockomo”) and many others. The sound as always is top notch and the liner notes chock full of pictures, sleeves and detailed track information. The best idea of course is to pick up all five volumes. (24 tracks) acerecords.co.uk
Dan Penn
Dan Penn – The Fame Recordings (Ace)
From the vaults of Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama we are served up twenty-four tracks from one of the legendary architects of Southern Soul. This collection finds the young Dan developing his craft but whether he’s performing an aching ballad, mid-tempo groover or a straight up soul stormer Dan Penn delivers. His smooth, smokey voice wrapping tales of love, deep feelings and passion with a hickory smoked edge. Of course it is important to mention here that his principal song-writing partner Spooner Oldham and his masterful keyboard work were a key ingredient in the sound of Southern Soul and Spooner is credited with co-writes on all but five of the tracks included. Add Rick Hall’s Fame Studio and the incredible musicians who played there and there can be no argument that this is the kind of music that makes anyone with an ounce of feeling in their soul stop and give it a good listen. The accompanying booklet provides great detail into the sessions, songs and Penn himself. Kudos to Alec Palao and Dan Penn for a superior collection. (24 tracks) Buy HERE!
Gil Scott-Heron
Gil Scott-Heron – The Revolution Begins (The Flying Dutchman Masters (BGP)
Groundbreaking, hugely influential, timeless and mind-blowing recordings on the Flying Dutchman label by the late, great Gil Scott-Heron. Hip-hoppers, rappers, funky blues people, hipsters, jazzers, ethno-musicologists, academics, community leaders, social activists and plain ol’ music fans everywhere cite Scott-Heron as a “got to” guy when discussing the power of music to educate, instigate and initiate change. I remember catching Gil Scott-Heron on TV numerous times around the time that these influential recordings were made and it was pretty much impossible not to feel the passion and power of the music. His music opened new doors for me as it did, I’m sure, for countless others. And the groove? Well, the groove was in the heart and thankfully Scott-Heron’s massive heart and soul live on in his recordings so that we too can live, love and learn even though he is now long gone. (3 discs and 51 tracks) Buy HERE!
