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 Soul / Black Music
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Dirty Laundry
Various |
  US-0333
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Black Americans are not only a large proportion of Country Music's listeners, but have also contributed enormously to the tradition. For outsiders it might seem that the Afro-American contribution started and ended with Charly Pride - they couldn't be more wrong!. If you take a closer look at the relationship between black artists and Country Music you'll find a great undiscovered world out there: Black Country.
Artists include: The Pointer Sisters, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Solomon Burke, Ella Washington, Joe Simon, Bobby Powell, Arthur Alexander, Candy Staton, Betty Lavette, Roscoe Shelton, Stoney Edwards, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Earl Gaines, Etta James, Johnny Adams, Bettye Swann, Freddie North, Otis Williams, Bobby Jonz, and more.
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Hits and Misses
Muhammed Ali and the Ultimate Sound of Fistfighting
Various |
 US-0314
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On this CD there are 22 songs by and about Muhammed Ali. Well and lesser known soul, funk, brazil and reggae musicians meet former Ali opponents and, as to be expected, even "The Greatest" himself at times swapped his boxing gloves for a microphone.
When Cassius Clay renamed himself in Muhammed Ali, when the heavy weight champion refused to do his military service in Vietnam and expressed radical black ideas, his influence surpassed the boxing ring. Ali was just a good a sport idol as a pop rebel, with his self-confident, sharp-witted and crafty manner.
Artists include Tom Russell, Trio Madjesi, Jorge Ben, The Alcoves, Sir Mack Rice, Orchestre Malebo, The Best Ever, Bette McLaurin, Dennis Alcapone, Page Scherer, Eddie Curtis, Don Convay, Liberated Brothers, Big Youth, Mr Calypso, Verne Harrell, J.W. Grashopper & The Butterfly, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, Pupi y su Charanga and George Foreman.
CD of the Week/Daily Telegraph 8.11.03
"For an idea of the extraordinary breadth of Muhammad Ali's appeal, you won't do much better than this hugely entertaining compilation of musical tributes from around thw world. Vintage Afro-pop sits beside Jamaican DJ toasting, doo-wop and salsa beside calypso and smouldering Southern funk.
Mark Hudson, Daily Telegraph
"a wonderfull compilation!"
Andy Kershaw, BBC Radio 3
“..... an outburst of song and celebration across a variety of genres.”
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Black & Proud -
The Soul of The Black Panther Era Vol. 1 & 2
Various |
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Since the late 1950s the Afro-American struggle for civil rights, equality and freedom had mainly followed the tactics of peaceful resistance. The majority of black youth in the ghettos, however, was fed up with being submissively peaceful. They felt frustrated by the government‘s stalling tactics, by wide-spread poverty, de facto segregation and the realisation that they would not be able to stop white police terror and racism if they carried on demonstrating with bibles in their hands. ?Black Power? became the new slogan and in 1966 the ?Black Panther Party? was born to take on those issues in a more radical way.
By 1968 there were about 5000 Black Pathers patrolling American cities. Not only did they protect blacks against police violence, they also set up breakfast places for school children in the ghettos and organised donations of food and clothing.
The white political establishment was horrified and declared war on the “the biggest threat to the national security of America” (Edgar Hoover, chief of the FBI). By the early 1970s the Black Panthers were almost defeated and most of its leaders dead or in prison.
Poets, musicians and pop stars such as Gil Scott-Heron, The Last Poets, the Staple Singers, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye had strongly supported Afro-Americans in their struggle and had given voice to “Black Power”. Since the late 1960s the lyrics of numerous soul, funk, reggae and hiphop songs had been inspired by the struggle of the Black Panthers.
"Once, soul was about more than just fast cars and flash jewellery. Here's a sizzling blend of Black Panther politics and late-60s, early-70s genius with a splash of reaggae and early rap too."
"The long Afro-American struggle for civil rights, peacefully, and later more radically by the Black Panthers, had such a profound influence on the shaping of black music that these compilations are a must for serious soul music collectors."
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Overcome Vol. 1 and 2
Various |
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These two albums feature the cream of modern gospel greats. Stupendous voices touched with the spirit, pulsating with throbbing passion and infused with sanctified possession and heartfelt testifying, backed by wailing electric guitars, pulsating organs and wild percussion. Dynamic infectious rhythms and slow ballads. Personal testimony and congregational call and response. Raw and emotional, this is religious ecstasy laid bare. Gospel at its very best.
Overcome Vol. 1
Artists Include
Rev. Cleophus Robinson, Prince Dixon, Southern Gate Singers, Bishop Billy Robinson, Campbell Brothers
Overcome vol. 2
Artists include
The Millenium Celebration Choir, Inez Andrews, Otis Clay, Rev. T. L. Barrett, Rance Allan Group
"A (welcome) revelation!"
BLUES & RHYTHM March 2001
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Down and Out -
The sad soul of the black south
Various |
 US-0275
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Fresh out of Valium? This record will do just as well. A horribly compelling grab-bag of 70s jukebox hits covered by South Texas Moravian, Bohemian and German bar bands. The Ellinger Combo sound stoned out of their brains droning out the anti-hippy anthem "Okie From Muskogee". Joe Patek's Orchestra are a righteously groove free oompah band hilariously lurching their way through Hank Williams's "Fraufein". Even more of a nightmare, Adolf Hofner. And His Pearl Wranglers transform "I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time" into a threat from a manic depressive. In some ways a wonderful collection, but if you identify with this music, just don't move into my neighbourhood.
Artists Include:
Jimmy Brosh & his Happy Country Boys, Ellinger Combo, Joe Patek & Orchestra, Adolph Hofner & his Pearl Wranglers, The Red Ravens, The Fayetteville Flash, Central Texas Sounds, Ray Krenek & Orchestra, Henry Tannenberger & Orchestra, Leroy Rybak's Swinging Orchestra
"This is a collection of deep soul which rivals the already legendary Dave Godlin CD for musical quality and soulful integrity. Do listen to it, but be warned; hear too much of it in one sitting and you may contemplate taking the Ede Robin option."
Mike Atherton, BLUES 'N' RHYTHM
"When a soul compilation opens up with George Perkin's "Crying in the Streets", you know it's gonna be a blast. And this collection of screaming, soul-drenched, anguished heartbreak certainly is."
"I am simply amazed at the quality of this compilation and the thoroughness of the sleevenotes. Clearly a labour of love."
Steve Hobbs, BLUES & SOUL
"Hardcore, real-thing 60s-style deep Southern soul, made for the local market. A few big names and acres of wonderful obscurities. Another exemplary Trikont compilation."
"Another excellent new compilation from the Trikont people."
Andy Kershaw, BBC RADIO 1
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