Previously Unreleased Takes from the Original 1959 Sessions.
Previously Unreleased Takes from the Original 1959 Sessions.
Dempsey Wright, who came out of nowhere to record a small label album in the 1970s, has been essentially forgotten for decades. However, on this Andex album (reissued on CD by V.S.O.P.), Wright holds his own with a strong supporting cast (Richie Kamuca on tenor, Victor Feldman doubling on piano and vibes, bassist Ben Tucker and drummer Stan Levey) on six swing-oriented standards and the obscure "Something for Lisa," all given Bill Holman arrangements. Wright had a quiet, appealing tone and a strong bop-based improvising style.
Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is a pioneering American soul and funk band. Formed in the early 1960s, they had the most visibility from 1967 to 1973 when the band had 9 singles reach Billboard's pop and/or rhythm and blues charts, such as "Do Your Thing" (#11 Pop, #12 R&B), "Till You Get Enough" (#12 R&B, #67 Pop), and "Love Land" (R&B #23, Pop #16). They are best known for their biggest hit on Warner Bros. Records, 1970's "Express Yourself" (#3 R&B, #12 Pop), a song that has been sampled by rap group N.W.A and others. The original line-up comprised of bandleader Charles Wright (vocals, guitar, piano), Al McKay (guitar), Gabe Flemings (piano, trumpet), Melvin Dunlap (bass), James Gadson (drums), John Rayford and Bill Cannon (both sax), and Ray Jackson (trombone). McKay left in 1969 to join Earth, Wind & Fire and was replaced by Benorce Blackmon.