Ruth Brown - Sweet Baby of Mine

Lesser known, but great record by Ruth Brown who gave Atlantic Records a string of hits in the 50's.

Clifford Brown - George's Dilemma

Clifford Brown and Max Roach from 1955. Probably my favourite of "A study in Brown" with a wonderful rhythm.


 

Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers - At the Birdland

Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers at the Birdland from February 1954, now 60 years ago. I had the chance to see Art Blakey performing live in Cologne Germany in the long closed jazz club Subway on Aachener Strasse. To my amazement, after the show, Blakey sat in an aisle, splitting the box office revenue with the club owner. That was probably what he'd done his whole lifetime. Quite unthinkable nowadays.

Anyway, the track is great and the famous announcement by Pee Wee Marquette alike (remember Cantaloop by us3?). Horrible though is the cover, but Spotify doesn't offer the original record to listen to and therefore not the cover art. Find it here.

Major Harris - Love won't let me wait

In the summer of '75, Major Harris landed a hit with the ballad "Love won't let me wait". Formerly a member of the Delfonics, he later joined them again when his solo career lacked success. Notorious backing vocals were provided by Barbara Ingram.

Candi Staton - Here I am

Candi Staton will release a new CD, Life Happens, in May this year. From 40 years ago, 1974, comes her  "Here I am again" .

Oscar Brown Jr.- Dat dere

Oscar Brown's debut record, sin & soul from 61 "is a true classic" says allmusic.com. What else can I say.


 

Betty Everett and Jerry Butler - Let it be me

I just learned that this beautiful song is a cover of a song by french chansonnier Gilbert Bécaud, "J'appartiens" from the mid-50's. Also covered by the Everly Brothers, the Everett/Butler version however is THE definitive version.

Miles Davis - Ascenseur pour L'échaffaud (Générique)

That was the first jazz record I ever bought after watching Louis Malles film on TV and liking its soundtrack. The record was backed with a soundtrack for Les femmes disparaissent featuring Art Blakey and I liked that stuff too.

Will Downing - Turn off the lights

First track from the new album Euphoria by Will Downing.  Excellent track for those who like Quiet Storm stuff.



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Babs Gonzales - Professor Bop

From the end of the 40's, Professor Bop by Babs Gonzales, which allaboutjazz describes asthe consummate hipster. He is supposed to have worked with Sonny Rollins, Wynton Kelly, Art Pepper during that time. Professor Bop was used by now famous German TV-Entertainer Dr. Goetz Alsmann as a radio show theme song.

Bobby Bland - 36-22-36

Bobby Bland as a starting point. 36 - 22 - 36 is from the early 60's and has a fantastic groove. A true five star song.