Hank Crawford More Soul

An hour of previously unreleased live music from Ray Charles in his prime. During this era he was touring with a big band including saxophonists David "Fathead" Newman and Hank Crawford, as well as background singers the Raelettes. The fidelity is excellent, and the set includes Charles standards like "One Mint Julep," "I Got a Woman," "Georgia on My Mind," "Hallelujah I Love Her So," "I Believe to My Soul," "Hit the Road, Jack," "Unchain My Heart," and "What'd I Say." Yet most fans will probably much prefer the more compact, small-combo arrangements of the studio versions. The horn charts offer an interesting contrast, but these live performances may be a little too stagey for optimum results, with some detours from hard R&B into popular standards.

This album captured the event that more or less shouted the existence of the CTI label - previously little-known outside of musician circles - to the world. Along with veterans such as Stanley Turrentine and Hank Crawford, the album showcased the playing of Billy Cobham - about to emerge from the Mahavishnu Orchestra in a big way (stealing most of that band's energy and excitement with him when he left) - and comparatively new talents such as George Benson. Not all of the music has aged well - "Blues West" was definitely of its time, though it's still a great showcase for Benson's guitar and Freddie Hubbard's trumpet and, perhaps a little less enduringly so, Hubert Laws' flute. But "Fire and Rain" (a great jazz take on James Taylor's song), "Red Clay," and "Sugar" need no justification for a return visit four decades after the fact, with solos and explorations that will always stand the test of time.

Charles Williams - Stickball (1972) {P-Vine Japan PCD-23934 rel 2007}
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© 1972, 2007 Mainstream Records / P-Vine Japan | PCD-23934
Jazz / Soul Jazz / Jazz Funk / Saxophone

Full-on funky backings for saxophonist Charles Williams – a set that almost has him in the same territory as Stanley Turrentine during his late 70s years on Fantasy Records, or Hank Crawford over at Kudu! The style here is a bit more lush than some of the other Mainstream Records dates of the time – full backings arranged and conducted by Ernie Wilkins – always plenty darn soulful, and built around a mix of strings and jazzier instrumentation – set up with the care and precision of a hip soul soundtrack, and topped by well-crafted alto sax solos by Williams. Other players include Chris Woods on baritone sax, Bubba Brooks and Frank Wess on tenor, Don Pullen on organ, Paul Griffin on electric piano, David Spinozza on guitar, and Ray Barretto on congas.

Various Artists - CTI Records: The Cool Revolution [4CD BoxSet] (2010) {Masterworks}
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© 2010 Masterworks / Sony Music / CTI | 88697 76821 2
Jazz / Fusion / Soul Jazz / Brazilian Jazz

Remastered for the first time using the original two-track analog tapes, this brand new 4-CD set celebrates the vintage years of CTI, when a distinctive style and sound were born. Over 5 hours of music showcase all the major artists on the CTI roster, both in solo performances and in the unforgettable collaborations that made each CTI album so distinctive. Includes a lavishly illustrated 20-page, LP-sized booklet containing rare photos, plus new liner notes by noted jazz critic Dan Ouellette with comments by CTI artists and enthusiasts.