Ratpack

For some time, the best thermometer to measure the health status of black music scene worldwide is called Soulshaker, the series of compilations of Italian label specializing in black music: Record Kicks. Nick Recordkicks is the creator and director of the label, in addition to being a prestigious promoter, DJ and compiler, especially appreciated in the scene funk / soul international.

Once upon a time it was virtually unheard of for musical performers to write their own songs. That was the province of a separate breed, the professional songwriters who worked for music publishers in New York's Brill Building, or else touted their wares down the Tin Pan Alleys of the world. Essential to the whole process were the vocalists, because someone had to sing the songs.These were often under contract with a specific dance band. In the parlance of the day, these singers were often referred to as 'crooners'. The hundred tracks on this 4-CD set are mostly drawn from the 1950s and early 1960s - largely a mixture of standards from the pens of classic songwriters like Cole Porter and George Gershwin, as well as showtunes taken from musicals like My Fair Lady and Showboat.