Open Web Player
I'm sure that I'm not the only one who was dubious about the validity of this collection. If you had told me that Seattle had been home to a thriving soul music scene in the 1960s and 1970s I would have been skeptical of such a claim. Then again, as the many soul music compilations that have been reissued by labels such as the Numero Group have proved, there were many soul hotbeds scattered around the United States during the '60s and '70s, and Seattle was indeed one of the most interesting. As the liner notes tell us, the city was home to more than 20 live-music clubs specializing in funk and soul. Listening to this excellent compilation of Seattle bands from that era is a revelation. From inventive cover tunes to dynamic original material, this album more than impresses.
Never mind the fact that you probably haven't heard of any of these recording artists, there are plenty of excellent songs awaiting your discovery, everything from sweet soul with a pop foundation, to psychedelic funk numbers and songs with soul-jazz flourishes. Of the handful of cover songs on here, the cover of the Meters' classic "Cissy Strut" by the Johnny Lewis Trio is particularly striking. This version was recorded live in a local club and features some outstanding Hammond B-3 playing. The Overton Berry Trio offer a surprisingly striking cover of the Beatles' "Hey Jude". Another unlikely winner is a version of the much-covered "Louie Louie" by the Topics, saved from irrelevance by a funky arrangement that includes a 2-minute bass solo! The album closes with a version of the New Year's standard "Auld Lang Syne", that also gets a very funky makeover, courtesy of Black on White Affair. Speaking of Black on White Affair, they have two other songs on this collection and they are also quite good, especially the percolating "Bold Soul Sister, Bold Soul Brother." According to the liner notes, this group nearly got signed to Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label, only to have the deal fall apart. Among the other songs that really strike me are the deliciously catchy "Little Love Affair" by Patrinel Staten, and the funky horn jam "Nothing in Common" by Broham. But give me another month with this fabulous collection and I'll probably have another new favorite or two.
The fact that this album was compiled and released by the Light in the Attic label is another sure sign that you are getting a quality collection of music. The CD comes with a 24-page booklet that is packed with information about each artist, as well as a short essay about the Seattle soul music scene written by Robert Nesbitt. This is one of the delightful discoveries that will please fans of '60s and '70s soul music.
Top reviews from other countries
Biffertron
the other review is way off, check this album for yourself!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2015