washerman's dog: Aretha Franklin

Monday, November 28, 2011

Simply Amazing: Aretha Franklin

I’ll bring this mini-series of posts highlighting spiritual/gospel music to a close with one of the best known, best loved and best selling gospel records of all time.

Originally released as a double LP in 1972, Amazing Grace cracked the Billboard Top Ten upon its release, making it one of the bestselling gospel records of all time. Grace was recorded in a large Baptist church with an ultra-enthusiastic, loving audience in the pews and a full, funky, band as well as the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of her mentor Rev. James Cleveland. Her voice is melismatic and intensely emotional, yet pure and controlled--as if she were directly channeling the Holy Ghost. Aretha's father, the brilliant preacher Rev. C.L. Franklin, makes a brief, proud appearance, remarking how "she has never left the church!" Highlights include the beautiful "Wholy Holy," an 11-minute, heart-stopping "Amazing Grace," and Inez Andrews's stirring song "Mary, Don't You Weep." Way more than a return-to-the-roots record, the set is an inspired gospel-soul workout that arguably showcases Aretha's strongest singing ever. (Amazon Reviews)

Don’t like gospel or religious music? Well don’t be a dill and miss this one because its about as brilliant and moving a recital of R&B vocalizing as you’ll ever hear. Regardless of the theme.

Track Listing:

01 Mary, Don't You Weep

02 Precious Lord, Take My Hand & You've Got A Friend

03 Old Landmark

04 Give Yourself To Jesus

05 How I Got Over

06 What A Friend We Have In Jesus

07 Amazing Grace

08 Precious Memories

09 Climbing Higher Mountains

10 Remarks By Reverend C.L. Franklin

11 God Will Take Care Of You

12 Wholy Holy

13 You'll Never Walk Alone

14 Never Grow Old

Listen here

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Sweet, Hot Soul: Aretha Franklin and King Curtis

Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, King Curtis, the King of Funk share the same stage in 1971. With guest appearances by Billy Preston, recently elevated into the pop mainstream with his work on the Beatles last few albums and the Memphis Horns, the roof nearly blew right off the auditorium. Here is hot soul music and R&B as tight as a drum in the sun.

Aretha

Aretha Franklin's performances at the Fillmore West were her first, and producer Jerry Wexler came up with the idea of using studio players in lieu of her regular band. Franklin had worked with King Curtis previously in the studio and the players he brought to the table included Cornell Dupree, drummer Bernard Purdie, Pancho Morales on congas, bassist Jerry Jemmont, and electric pianist Truman Thomas. In addition, the band enlisted Billy Preston to play organ and also enlisted the aid of the Memphis Horns. In other words, this was a group that could actually push the Queen of Soul out onto a ledge and was a match for her vocal power. The Memphis Horns introduced the shows each night and then brought Curtis and his band out for an opening set. And from night one, as compiled and heard on his Live at Fillmore West album, these sets were smoking, in the pocket, and greasy, with highlights like "Whole Lotta Love," "Them Changes," "Whiter Shade of Pale," and a burning cover of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)." When Franklin does walk onto the stage, she struts and goes into high gear with "Respect." Her performance on that opening night includes amazing renditions of "Spirit in the Dark" (with Ray Charles guesting), "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Love the One You're With" (also with Charles), and "Dr. Feelgood." The original album is augmented with tunes that didn't make the cut, including the oft-bootlegged "Call Me."

King Curtis

In addition to wonderful between-song banter and inside jokes, the true flow of the shows, the enthusiasm of the audiences, and raw, in-your-face performances put this set in a league of its own. Aretha Franklin and King Curtis' Don't Fight the Feeling is as saucy as it gets. (AMG)