Etta James All The Way

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. The flipside of the sombre subject matter is the satisfying conviction in the music – which is where the remastering becomes particularly noticeable. No longer does the brass section sound alternately muffled or harsh as it has on previous releases. Likewise, the churning Hammond B-3 organ swells with rich textures. Perhaps the most sonically evident improvements are the subtle ones, such as the supple fretwork on "Sweet Dreams," "I'd Rather Go Blind," and the jazzy percussive shuffle of "The Same Rope."

Because of her blues-based comeback in the '90s, Etta James was thought of by the general public – if she was thought of at all – as a blues singer, but there was a good deal more to the picture than that, as this two-disc, 35-track set makes clear. In many ways, James resembled a female Ray Charles in her unerring ability to tackle (and sometimes combine) all of the strands of American popular music, from rock & roll to R&B, blues, country, gospel, jazz, and pure pop and soul, while still maintaining a distinct feel and sound that was all her own, and she did this throughout a five-decade career that is impressive for its consistency.

Leonard and Phil Chess were the innovators behind Chess Records, the Illinois based label that specialised in blues, r'n'b and soul, all genres influential in the early sound of rock n' roll. This 2CD compilation includes 50 original recordings featuring some of the greatest artists of the time. Highlights include songs from John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Clarence 'Frogman' Henry, Bo Diddley, Etta James, Howlin' Wolf and more.

Whether she sings string-laden pop ballads, lively soul, or gritty electric blues, James's high-powered, enormously expressive voice displays a knack for passionate blues inflections. Emotionally charged ballads including "At Last" and "All I Could Do is Cry" find James blasting through the orchestra with unearthly wails and moans…

A selection of 55 songs which present the intensity of African American church music and R&B sounds which helped to shape Soul music in the 1960s. Includes such major stars as: James Brown, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Etta James, Tina Turner and More! Features hit singles like: "What'd I Say", "You Send Me", "Money" and "Hit The Road Jack". Fully detailed liner notes on the roots of Soul.

Nostalgia can hurt. I've just been watching "A Hard Day's Night" with my 16 year old daughter for the first time since I saw it at Derby Gaumont in 1964. It's brought back the thrills and possibilities of life that it revealed to me as an eleven year old boy; but it's also left a dull pain in my soul. Whether it's regret at being unable to relive those vital times, or the mistakes and missed chances that have passed since then, I can't tell; but it's a bittersweet sensation. This then is an appropriate time to review the 6T'S CD and re-live the first years of my and Randy Cozens' soul club: the "Hard Day's Night" of my life.

Enjoy this Compilation with the most successful Rockabilly, Pop singers like Donavan, Roy Orbison, Aretha Franklin, The Soul Survivors and many more!