Bif Fish Muscle Shoals

Recorded at the renowned 'Fame Recording Studio' in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, during the summer of 2022, the album features twelve of Texas’ greatest hits, and two covers ('Would I Lie To You' by Charles and Eddie and 'Save The Last Dance' by The Drifters) - reimagined and laid bare. Stripped back to their bare bones, guided by the soulful voice of Sharleen Spiteri, accompanied by the delicate piano lines of Spooner Oldham, the songs simply shine in this format and prove their worth as sheer standalone timeless classics.

THIS MONTH’S COVERMOUNT CD tips the wink to Sticky Fingers, and celebrates the R&B and roots nuggets spawned by little old Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Stars: Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Gregg Allman, Bettye Lavette, Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell and more!

Herbie Mann - Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty (1969) {2013 Japan Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series 24bit Remaster WPCR-27426}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 257 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 89 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 12 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit remaster
© 1969, 2013 Embryo / Rhino / Warner Japan / WEA | WPCR-27426 | Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series
Jazz / Soul Jazz / Flute

Features 24 bit remastering and comes with a mini-description. Although it followed a formula similar to the hugely successful Memphis Underground, Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty stands on its own as a superb example of the fusion of jazz with '60s soul music, a genre that Herbie Mann stood atop at the time of its release. In addition to Mann band members Roy Ayers, Miroslav Vitous and Bruno Carr, the recording employs the Muscle Shoals rhythm section that had played together on numerous soul hits of the '60s, including those of Aretha Franklin. Standout cuts include the title track, with the its horn-driven groove; Sharrock's "Blind Willy," featuring a jew's-harp hook; and a smoldering version of Lennon & McCartney's "Come Together." Throughout the album, Mann's solos wail through the upper register of the flute, while Ayers finds interestingly funky passages on the vibes.

The second in a series of albums drawn from livestream concerts Lucinda Williams presented to benefit independent music venues hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lu's Jukebox, Vol. 2: Southern Soul – From Memphis to Muscle Shoals is the sort of album so well-suited to her gifts that one wonders why she didn't do this sooner. As a performer, Williams has never shied away from showing off the influence of vintage blues and R&B, and for this LP, she covers nine classic soul tunes from the 1960s and early '70s, with two ringers added for seasoning: a lean and swampy take on Bobbie Gentry's "Ode to Billy Joe" and a slow, sensuous reimagining of her own "Still I Long for Your Kiss." This material was cut live in the studio with Williams' road band, and they approach this music as true fans who happen to have some ideas of their own.

Some places retain a quiet magic. This magic doesn’t announce itself, but you do feel it nonetheless. It’s in the air and among the denizens as if they’re keeping a secret they can’t wait to share—but hold onto tightly nonetheless. You can count Muscle Shoals, Alabama among those mythical places…

New Orleans-based band the Revivalists left their home base in the Big Easy to record their surprise new EP, cutting tracks in another Southern city famous for its musical contributions. Made in Muscle Shoals, recorded at Fame Studios and out now, combines the group’s anthemic, uplifting brand of roots rock with the northwest Alabama’s trademark gritty soul on reimagined versions of the Revivalists’ songs, one choice cover, and one new track.

As the title suggests, this is the definitive edition of Etta James' Tell Mama long-player. For this single-disc release the original album is augmented with five previously unissued tracks – documented during James' four Muscle Shoals sessions circa '67-'68. The question of why a rural Alabama town became a conduit for some of the most memorable and instantly identifiable grooves may still be up for debate. The evidence exists in droves and Tell Mama could certainly be considered exhibit A. These sessions feature the same impact that would redirect several first ladies of soul. Notable among them are Dusty Springfield's Dusty in Memphis, Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) and to somewhat lesser acclaim, Jackie DeShannon's Jackie. Tell Mama showcases some of the unique and admittedly darker qualities of what might best be described as R&B noir. "I'd Rather Go Blind," "Steal Away," "I'm Gonna Take What He's Got" all exemplify the essence of the blues – making the best of a bad situation.