Alan Freed's Rock n' Roll Dance Party

Covers on all 5 LPs almost identical

Various Artists - Alan Freed's Rock n' Roll Dance Party Vol.1
WINS Records 1010

Side A
Pretzel - The Alan Freed Band
Maybelline - Chuck Berry
Out Of The Picture - The Robins
Why Do Fools Fall In Love - Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers
Your Promise To Be Mine - The Drifters
Tear It Up - The Johnny Burnette Trio
Whistle My Love - The Moonglows

Side B
We Go Together - The Moonglows
Cherry Lips - The Robins
Please Be Mine - Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers
I Love Paris - The Robins
Oh Baby Babe - The Johnny Burnette Trio
Ruby Baby - The Drifters
Roll Over Beethoven - Chuck Berry

Various Artists - Alan Freed's Rock n' Roll Dance Party Vol.2
WINS Records 1011

Side A
Push It - The Alan Freed Band
A Kiss From Your Lips - The Flamingos
She Loves To Dance - The Flairs
Candy - Big Maybelle
Money Honey - Clyde McPhatter
Lilly Maebelle - The Valentines
Hound Dog - Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps

Side B
Be Bop A Lula - Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps
The Woo Woo Train - The Valentines
Treasure Of Love - Clyde McPhatter
Cry Baby - The Bonnie Sisters
In Self Defence - The Flairs
Ring Dilly Dilly - Big Maybelle
The Vow - The Flamingos

Various Artists - Alan Freed's Rock n' Roll Dance Party Vol.3
WINS Records 1012

Side A
Teen Rock - The Alan Freed Band
Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley & The Comets
Can't We Be Sweethearts - The Cleftones
Soldier Boy - The Four Fellows
Roll With Me Henry - Etta James
Why Did I Fall In Love? - The Jacks
(You've Got) The Magic Touch - The Platters

Side B
My Prayer - The Platters
Teenage Prayer - Gloria Mann
Little Girl Of Mine - The Cleftones
Why Don't You Write Me - The Jacks
I Sit In My Window - The Four Fellows
Crazy Feeling - Etta James
Hot Dog Buddy Buddy - Bill Haley & The Comets

Various Artists - Alan Freed's Rock n' Roll Dance Party Vol.4
WINS Records 1013

Side A
Flag Waver - The Alan Freed Band
I Promise To Remember - Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers
Ivory Tower - Otis Williams & The Charms
What's Your Name - Chuck Willis
The Verdict - The Five Keys
Love, Love, Love - The Clovers

Side B
Tweedle Dee - Lavern Baker
Foolishly/Runaround - The Three Chuckles
Why Do Fools Fall In Love - Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers
It's Too Late - Chuck Willis
She's The Most - The Five Keys
Your Tender Lips - The Clovers
One Night Only - Otis Williams & The Charms

Various Artists - Alan Freed's Rock n' Roll Dance Party Vol.5
WINS Records 1014

Side A
Let's Face It - The Alan Freed Band
Earth Angel - The Penguins
See Saw - The Moonglows
Rip It Up - Bill Haley & The Comets
I Almost Lost My Mind - Ivory Joe Hunter
I'll Be True - Faye Adams
Woe Is Me - The Cadillacs

Side B
Speedo - The Cadillacs
Ice - The Penguins
You Mean Everything To Me - Ivory Joe Hunter
Rock, Rock, Rock - Jimmy Cavello & The House Rockers
When I'm With You - The Moonglows
Shake A Hand - Faye Adams
Saints Rock & Roll - Bill Haley & The Comets

The disc jockey Alan Freed is often credited for coining the phrase "rock & roll", he didn't. The phrase had been around for a long time as a euphemism for sex, particularly in the African-American community. He was, probably, the first to use it to describe a genre of music though, and it was through the popularity of his radio shows, TV Shows and 'in person' concert package tours that made it stick. His shows championed R&B, doo-wop, rockabilly and rock 'n' roll regardless of colour and race, which was ground breaking and controversial. He did a lot to promote the music of black acts to white audiences and was therefore very influential in the development of rock 'n' roll and the breaking down of racial barriers. This should be remembered over the payola scandals that ruined his career, the fact that he made money out of it through back-handers etc. is irrelevant, what he helped achieve is not.

These five records are taken from his 'Rock n' Roll Dance Party' radio shows aired during his time at WINS in New York in the mid to late 1950's. They feature the cream of R&B, doo-wop and rock 'n' roll artists performing live backed by the Alan Freed Band (featuring saxophonists Sam 'The Man' Taylor and Big Al Sears). Each one sounds like it's a complete show (and probably is) with all of Alan Freed's introductions included and a very excited audience. They are a real slice of history and an absolute joy to listen to. If you ever see them I strongly advise you to buy them, you won't regret it.

Here's just a small sample of the greatness of Alan Freed's Rock 'n Roll Dance Party (there's lots more to find on YouTube). Play loud.......

Arthur Alexander - The Greatest

Arthur Alexander - The Greatest
Ace Records - CDCHD 922 - 1989

Tracks:
01 - Anna
02 - You're The Reason
03 - Soldier Of Love
04 - I Hang My Head And Cry
05 - You Don't Care
06 - Dream Girl
07 - Call Me Lonesome
08 - After You
09 - Where Have You Been
10 - A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues
11 - Don't You Know It
12 - You Better Move On
13 - All I Need Is You
14 - Detroit City
15 - Keep Her Guessing
16 - Go Home Girl
17 - In The Middle Of It All
18 - Whole Lot Of Trouble
19 - Without A Song
20 - I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
21 - Black Night

Arthur Alexander is quite rightly seen as a pioneer of the country-soul sound. In 1961 he recorded 'You Better Move On/A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues' at a fledgling Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Producer Rick Hall was convinced he had a hit and shopped it around to the major record companies in Nashville but none were interested. So he played it for influential DJ Noel Ball, who was a scout for Dot Records. He agreed with Hall's conviction and sent a copy to Dot's president Randy Wood, who gave it the go ahead. By early 1962 'You Better Move On/A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues' was heading up the Billboard charts, peaking at 24 after Arthur appeared on American Bandstand. This started a run of highly influential (if not overly successful) singles and albums for Arthur on Dot throughout the early sixties.

This CD contains the best of the recordings made by Arthur during his time at Dot Records, 1961 to 1965. The music is a glorious mix of R&B, country, early soul and pop which may explain why he didn't have great success. The American music industry was still very segregated at the time and music that had crossed divisions tended to fall down the cracks. This was not the case in the UK, most of the singles were released on the London label in the UK, but the market was limited. However, many that did buy the singles were in bands themselves and Arthur's songs became staples of the beat groups. Most famously 'You Better Move On' was covered by the Rolling Stones, 'Anna' by the Beatles and 'A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues' by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates.

Incidently, Rick Hall had a 2% lease deal on the master of 'You Better Move On/A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues'. This amounted to $10,000 which was enough to begin construction of a new Fame Studios where he would record two dozen million selling singles including Aretha Franklin's first major hit 'I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)'.

Here for your listening pleasure is Arthur singing 'You Better Move On', 'Anna' and 'Soldier Of Love'. Enjoy, you'll hear nothing better all day................

The Rolling Drunks

The Rolling Drunks - Rolling Drunks

Side A
Snake Woman Walk
Hot And Sticky
Don't Tell Your Pa
Hot Fruit Baby
Hot Hot And Ready For Love
Rollin' And A Tumblin'
Messing With The Kid
Midnight Rambler (Live)

Side B
Blank

In the late 80's and early 90's The Rolling Drunks were legendary in the Bournemouth & Poole area, filling venues to capacity and beyond. Their brand of high octane blues and R&B never failed to win audiences over. In fact they were so popular that if you didn't arrive early to gigs, you often couldn't get in. I remember arriving a bit late for a gig at The Winston Churchill in Wimborne and not being able to park within walking distance of the place! Recently they have reformed and play occasional gigs around the area. Unfortunately, I missed their come back gig in 2013 and then got ill soon after so I haven't been able to see them this time round, but if they come to a town near you go and see them you won't regret it.

This cassette I bought at one of their gigs (Mr.C's I think) around 1989 or 90 and I've played it to death. I'm surprised it still works considering it lived in my car for years, but it does and it's still great. Seven of the eight tracks are studio versions of their songs they played live at the time, you can hear six of them here along with a bonus one from somewhere else.

Check out their Facebook page here for more info, videos and upcoming gigs. But meanwhile, here's a reminder of (or an introduction to) how good they were live as they perform 'Midnight Rambler' at The Malt & Hops, Bournemouth Christmas 1989 ..... (unfortunately, the video doesn't work on iPads etc, if you want to see it look on a PC, sorry).....

Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley - CHESS Records - GCH 8026
Originally released 1958

Side A
Bo Diddley
I'm A Man
Bring It To Jerome
Before You Accuse Me
Hey! Bo Diddley
Dearest Darling

Side B
Hush Your Mouth
Say Boss Man
Diddley Daddy
Diddy Wah Diddy
Who Do You Love
Pretty Thing

Where would we be without Bo Diddley, it hardly bears thinking about. There are very few bands that do not owe a direct or indirect debt to him. Along with Chuck Berry his music influenced a generation of beat groups and British R&B groups who in turn influenced US garage bands, who all went on to influence psychedelia and rock in all its many forms on both sides of the Atlantic. It's safe to say the musical landscape of the last 60 years would have been very different without the 'Bo Diddley Beat'.

Bo signed to Chess in 1955 and his first release 'Bo Diddley/I'm A Man' was an instant success reaching No.1 in the US R&B charts. His third single 'Pretty Thing/Bring It To Jerome' was also released in the UK in 1963 and got to No.34 in the charts, giving a certain bunch of long haired musicians from London a name for their new band. This is Bo's first album, released by Chess Records in 1958 and is made up entirely from the A and B sides of singles released between 1955 and 1958. There's not a bad track on it, it's all top notch R&B and should live in everyone's record collection. If you don't already have it, get yourself to your nearest record dealer and buy a copy, it's essential listening!

Here are my two favourite tracks from the album, 'Dearest Darling' and 'Who Do You Love' and a live version of 'Bo Diddley' performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1955......

Tell Mama

Etta James - Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
CHESS Records - 2001
Original Release CADET Records - 1968

Tracks:
Original Album:
01 - Tell Mama
02 - I'd Rather Go Blind
03 - Watch Dog
04 - The Love Of My Man
05 - I'm Gonna Take What He's Got
06 - The Same Rope
07 - Security
08 - Steal Away
09 - My Mother In Law
10 - Don't Lose Your Good Thing
11 - It Hurts So Much
12 - Just A Little Bit
Bonus Tracks:
13 - Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
14 - You Took It
15 - I Worship The Ground You Walk On
16 - I Got You Babe
17 - You Got It
18 - I've Gone Too Far
19 - Misty
20 - Almost Persuaded
21 - Fire
22 - Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (alternate)

Despite having a string of hits for Chess between 1960 and '63, by 1967 Etta James had not had a significant seller for four years. Leonard Chess always believed in his favourite female singer, so he sent Etta to Rick Hall's Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama to see if they could work the same magic for her that they had for Aretha Franklin. In August 1967 Leonard went with a pregnant Etta, her Boyfriend and two poodles to the first of four sessions at Fame. The results were some of the finest work she ever recorded. The first release from these sessions was the hard sockin' single 'Tell Mama' backed with the sublime 'I'd Rather Go Blind'. 'Tell Mama' a reworking of Clarence Carter's 'Tell Daddy' was a top ten R&B hit and 'I'd Rather Go Blind' became a blues/soul classic. The original Queen Of Soul was back. The album was released in January 1968, went to number 21 in the R&B chart and produced another single 'Security'. Her take on the Otis Redding classic got to 11 in the R&B charts. Subsequent singles from the sessions, 'You Got It' and 'Almost Persuaded' didn't do quite so well, in fact none of her future singles ever charted so high.

For me the songs Etta recorded at Fame Studios captured her at her best. From the upbeat, hard driving, gutsy dance tunes of 'Tell Mama', 'Watchdog' and 'Fire' to the heart wrenching soul of 'I'd Rather Go Blind', 'The Love Of My Man' and 'Steal Away' and all points in between she was rarely better.

Enjoy both sides of the single 'Tell Mama'/'I'd Rather Go Blind' and the downright funky 'Fire'.....

Dangerous Doo-Wop

Various Artists - Dangerous Doo-Wop - DDW 801

Side A
King Odom 4 - All Of Me - LISTEN
Flairs - My Hearts Crying - LISTEN
Crowns - Hey Pretty Baby - LISTEN
Chords - Sh-boom - LISTEN
Robins - White Cliffs Of Dover - LISTEN
Larks - Lucy Brown - LISTEN
Eldoradoes - Go Little Susie - LISTEN
Artie Wilkins - Darling Patricia - LISTEN
Velvet Angels - I'm In Love - LISTEN

Side B
Bachelors - Baby - LISTEN
El Tones - Lovin' With A Beat - LISTEN
Flairs - Love Me Girl - LISTEN
Hearts - Girl Around The Corner - LISTEN
Poets - Vowels Of Love - LISTEN
Blisters - Shortnin' Bread - LISTEN
Del Chords - Say That You Love Me - LISTEN
Monograms - My Baby Dearest Darling - LISTEN
Flamingos - Let's Make Up - LISTEN

This is volume one of this amazing series (4 LPs) that feature some of the best doo-wop to be found. No filler in this album, every track is great and to prove it there's a link to a YouTube clip next to each track listed above. Being a bootleg however, there is no information on any of the tracks and in fact not all of the artists or tracks are listed correctly. I've done some research and compiled a very brief history of the groups and tracks listed.

The King Odom Quartet from New York formed in 1947 and recorded under a variety of variations of their name until 1953. 'All Of Me' was recorded for the Derby label in 1950 as the King Odom Four.

The Flairs were the in-house vocal group for the Bihari brothers' Flair label of Los Angeles. They recorded under many names and had within their ranks Richard 'Louie Louie' Berry and Young Jessie. Both tracks included here were released in 1954, 'My Heart's Crying' was released as the Chimes and 'Love Me Girl' as the Flairs.

Arthur Lee Maye had a dual career, not only was he a singer he was also a professional baseball player. 'Hey Little Girl' was recorded in 1957 with the Crowns for the Bihari brothers' RPM label.

'Sh-boom' is probably the most famous song on this compilation. Recorded by the Chords in 1954 for Atlantic subsidiary Cat, the record was quickly covered by the clean-cut white vocal group the Crew Cuts who had a big pop hit with it. This is the best version.

The prolific Robins hailed from Los Angeles, their best known recordings were made for Savoy and Spark Records. This fantastic, upbeat version of 'White Cliffs Of Dover' was recorded in 1961 for Lavender Records and was one of their last releases.

Recorded for The Apollo label of New York in 1951, 'Miss Lucy Brown' was originally recorded as 'Suntan Brown Baby' by the Norfolk Jazz Quartet in 1938. The Larks got national exposure for the song, singing it on the Perry Como TV show.

The Eldoradoes are the El Dorados of  'At My Front Door' fame but with a different lead singer. 'Go Little Susie' was recorded by Those Four Eldoradoes for the Academy label in 1958.

Artie Wilkins and the Palms from Chicago released only three singles. The excellent 'Darling Patricia' was their first, released on the States label in 1956.

'I'm In Love' by the Velvet Angels is the only acappella song on this album. The Velvet Angels were the Diablos of Detroit moonlighting from Fortune Records. 'I'm In Love' was released in 1963 on the Medieval label.

Dean Barlow and the Bachelors recorded only two singles for the New York label Earl in 1956. 'Baby' was their second and last release.

The El Tones are the possibly only white vocal group on this album. Formed in Brooklyn, 'Lovin' With A Beat' was the B side of their only single 'Like Mattie', released on the Cub label in 1958. A little bit more about the El Tones can be found here.

Lee Andrews and the Hearts are probably best remembered for 'Long Lonely Nights' on Chess from 1957. 'Girl Around The Corner' is the B side to their follow up single 'Tear Drops' and features Thomas 'Butch' Curry on lead.

The Poets were from L.A. and featured, future jazz vibraphonist, Roy Ayers in their line up. Released in 1958 on the Flash label, 'Vowels Of Love' is the B side to their only single, the Halloween themed 'Dead'.

'Shortnin' Bread' released in 1963 on Liberty may be the only release by the Blisters, no other info can be found.

The Del Chords' 'Say That You Love Me' is the B side to 'Help Me' which was issued by Louisiana label Jin in 1960. I can't find anything out about the group.

The Monograms from Indianapolis only released one single under that name, and one as the Turbans. 'My Baby Dearest Darling' was the B side of 'Please Baby Please' released on the Saga label in 1957.

The Flamingos are easily the most famous and prolific group on this album and surely need no introduction, even if doo-wop is not your bag you will know 'I Only Have Eyes For You'. 'Let's Make Up' is the B side of 'The Ladder Of Love' released by Decca in 1957.

Bunker Hill

Bunker Hill - Hide And Go Seek Parts 1 & 2 - 1962
STATESIDE Records - 45SS-135 - Originally MALA (US) - 451

In 1962 David Walker was singing gospel with the Mighty Clouds Of Joy, when he met Link Wray's brother Vernon. Vernon convinced David to go into the studio with Link and the Raymen and record some of the wildest r&b ever put on wax. When it came to releasing the first single, 'Hide And Go Seek', David was understandably worried about using his own name for fear of losing his main gig with the Mighty Clouds Of Joy by singing secular music. Vernon came up with the name Bunker Hill and a legend was born. 'Hide And Go Seek' did quite well reaching 33 in the US Billboard charts but the next two singles, 'Nobody Knows' / 'Little Red Ridin' Hood And The Wolf' and 'You Can't Make Me Doubt My Baby' / 'The Girl Can't Dance' although now cult classics, went nowhere. 'Friday Night Dance Party' from that session has since been discovered and released by Norton Records, but that's all there is. David went back to recording gospel music and after rejoining and leaving the Mighty Clouds Of Joy a few times he left the gospel world for good in the late sixties. Some reports say he died in the early eighties others say he's still living in Washington D.C. but either way his music will always live on with lovers of wild rock 'n' roll and r&b.

Here's his three best songs, 'Hide And Go Seek - Parts 1&2', 'The Girl Can't Dance' and 'Little Red Riding Hood And The Wolf'. Play Loud................

The Soul Of Ike & Tina

Ike & Tina Turner - The Soul Of Ike & Tina Turner - KENT - 014
Originally Released On KENT (US) 1964-1966

Side A
Goodbye So Long
If I Can't Be First
Chicken Shack
I Don't Need
I Wish My Dreams Would Come True
Hard Times
Flee Flee Fla

Side B
It's Crazy Baby
Gonna Have Fun
Am I A Fool In Love
Something Came Over Me
Hurt Is All You Gave Me
Don't You Blame It On Me
I Can't Believe What You Say

This is a compilation of tracks Ike & Tina recorded between 1964 and 1966 for the Bihari brothers' KENT records of L.A. Containing upbeat r&b and a few ballads, these tunes are definitely geared towards the dance floor. Their big hit 'A fool In Love' is revisited with 'Am I A Fool In Love' and the very similar sounding 'Hard Times' which features Tina testifying at the start. 'It's Gonna Work Out Fine' (their other big hit) is also revisited with 'Something Came Over Me' featuring Ike's vocals and tremello heavy guitar. Unfortunately none of the tracks on this album crossed over into the Billboard chart's top 40, which was always Ike's goal, but today they are considered classics.

All the tracks on this album are great but for me the best are three tracks below, 'I Can't Believe What You Say', 'Chicken Shack' and 'Flee, Flee, Fla' enjoy....

Pure Genius

 

Ray Charles - Pure Genius - The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959)
Luxury Box Set 7 CD, 1 DVD & 80 Page Hardback Book
RHINO Records - R2 74731 - 2005

If there was an award for the best designed box set ever, this would surely win it as it really is a thing of beauty. Designed to look like a vintage portable record player with the Ray Charles single 'Mess Around' on the turntable, this set contains 7 CDs, 1 DVD and an 80 page hardback book. The first 6 CDs contain every track Ray released on Atlantic records, both studio and live and even includes the album 'Fathead' by David 'Fathead' Newman that Ray played piano on. Disc 7 contains a rehearsal session with Ahmet Ertegun from 1953, recording session outtakes from 1958 and Ray's arrangement suggestions for 'The Genius of Ray Charles' album also from 1958. Most of the tracks on this disc were previously unissued at the time. The DVD contains previously unissued footage of Ray performing 9 tracks at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival and an interview with Ahmet Ertegun from 2005. The book contains essays about Rays time with Atlantic, the sleeve notes from all his Atlantic albums and a comprehensive discography/sessionography.

Released in 2005 shortly after Ray's death in 2004, this box set is a fitting monument to the man they called 'Genius'. However, I think this set can also be seen as one of the last hurrahs of the luxury CD box set. The industry at the time was in decline, the value of CDs were dropping rapidly and it would soon no longer be viable to spend so much time and money creating works of art such as this. In fact this set was released again in 2012 in a much more basic form with no DVD. At the end of the day it's the music that counts not the packaging, but a little luxury doesn't hurt now and then.

Just in case you needed a reminder of why everyone needs Ray's music in their life, here's 'Tell The Truth' from 1959..........

Rocky Roberts And The Airedales

Rocky Roberts & Les Airedales - Monkey, Bird & Riviera - 1964
BARCLAY Records 80233 S

Side A
T. Bird (Bird)
I'll Take Care Of You (Blues)
Looking For A Love (Bird)
Non Ho L'Eta (Yes Yes My Love) (Slow)
I Got Money (Monkey)

Side B
Monkey A Valbonne (Monkey)
My Tears (Bird)
Somebody Mentioned Your Name (Slow)
Mov' On (Monkey)
Shout PT 1 (Monkey)
Shout PT 2 (Bird)

After leaving the US Navy, Rocky (Charles) Roberts decided to settle in Europe to be a singer with his band the Airedales. Clad in sharp suits and shades, with all the latest dance moves they became an instant success. Their brand of high energy R&B and soul cover were very popular in Europe, particularly Italy where Rocky went on to have solo hits. In fact their sound is not dissimilar to the live albums of another US ex-serviceman, Geno Washington. This album, recorded live in person at Club du Valbonne in the south of France, is typical of their output and is great. Handily they note the dance required for each song (which I've replicated above) so you don't end up looking a fool at your local disco.

Here's Rocky and the boys performing 'T. Bird' in 1966.......

Go, Go Go, Go Gorilla Go......

The Ideals - The Gorilla / Mo Gorilla - 1963

The Ideals were a vocal group from Chicago who may or may not have included Major Lance in their line up at one time. When this song was recorded the line up was Reggie Jackson, Leonard Mitchell, Robert Tharp and Sam Stewart with the lead vocals of Eddie Williams, the backing band was the Outlaws. Released to cash in on the monkey dance craze by local label Concord, it was soon picked up for national distribution by the Cortland label. It never troubled any nation charts but it did earn the group their first national tour. The version I have (shown above) is a reissue by Norton Records on banana yellow vinyl and backed with their follow up single 'Mo Gorilla'.

So put on your dancing shoes and dance the Gorilla.......

At Home With Screamin' Jay Hawkins

At Home With Screamin' Jay Hawkins - EPIC LN 3448 - released 1958 

Side A
Orange-Colored Sky
Hong Kong
Temptation
I Love Paris
I Put A Spell On You
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Side B
Yellow Coat
Ol' Man River
If You Are But A Dream
Give Me My Boots And Saddle
Deep Purple
You Made Me Love You

This is Screamin' Jay Hawkins' first album and is one of my all time favourites. A gloriously insane collection of schlock horror, standards, show tunes and even a spiritual. Standout tracks are the dance floor friendly 'Yellow Coat' and the song that would become his calling card 'I Put A Spell On You'. 'I Put A Spell On You' was originally intended to be a ballad but he and the band had a few drinks during the recording session and the result has been described as "the most extreme expression of possessiveness ever heard on record". In fact his maniacal howls and screeches caused the record to be banned by many radio stations as being too cannibalistic. The version on this album, however, has the grunts and snarls at the end of the track removed to protect delicate listeners. Few could ever match the power of his voice and delivery and almost all covers are sung as a ballad, the one notable exception being Arthur Brown. Jay has been quoted as saying that he really wanted to try opera singing but no one would take him seriously. That's the opera world's loss but the rest of the world's gain.

He reprised 'I Put A Spell On You' and 'Yellow Coat' for the 1991 film of the Chester Himes novel "A Rage In Harlem", both the book and film are well worth searching out.

Here is my favourite track off the album, 'Yellow Coat' and the essential full version of 'I Put A Spell On You'......