Bgp

Alright - Black American Dance Music From Disco [CD]

Coryell Larry: Barefoot Boy [CD]

This is an exciting glimpse into the world of black American funk, jazz and soul from the early 70s. The music has a political agenda, even when it isn't overtly preaching a message. <br/><br/>Recorded after the 60s dream had ended, during the era of Watergate, the oil crisis and financial crash, there is a schizophrenic edge to the music here. There are tracks about trying to get things right, but also about partying as a way to forget. <br/><br/>Street funk from Oliver Sain, Dave Hamilton, Billie Sha Rae is showcased alongside the jazzier sounds of Oliver Nelson, "Groove" Holmes and Harold Alexander. There is also the first flowering of disco with the Fatbackrelated 'Mucho Macho' (we feature the previously unissued extended version) and Chet Ivey tracks. <br/><br/>The compilation features many sides to be released on CD for the first time, including two Detroit funk gems from the vaults of Dave Hamilton. Another first release is 'Chains' from Gil Scott Heron's college group Black And Blues.

Otis Johnny and Friends: Watts Funky [CD]

This CD kicks off a brand new BGP series which looks at the obscure and wonderful from different areas of American black music. The first collection digs into the West Coast studio scenes that produced so much great street funk and ghetto soul in the late 60s and early 70s. We'd argue the CD presents a compelling case to demonstrate California was the most creative US state as a source of soul music.<br/> <br/>Focusing mainly on Los Angeles and San Francisco, the music ranges from the sweet harmonies of the Ballads' 'Butterfly' to the relentless groove of ZZ Hill's 'Think People'. <br/><br/>As well as previously unreleased masters by Eleanor Rigby, Chucky Thurmon and Choice Of Colors, "California Soul" includes the superrare 'Strike' by Union and Little Johnny Hamilton's 'The Git Down' from the rare Watts USA label. There are floor-fillers by Warm Excursion, Brenda George and Little Denise. <br/><br/>Housed in a glorious sleeve featuring a Bill Ray shot of sharply dressed youths at the Watts Tower, it includes a detailed note housed in a fully illustrated booklet. <br/><br/>1. IF SHE WANTS TO GO - Choice Of Colors 2. JUST AIN'T MY DAY - Entertainers IV 3. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET - Brenda George 4. STRIKE - Union 5. THINK PEOPLE - ZZ Hill 6. THE GIT DOWN (PART 1) - Little Johnny Hamilton & The Soul Pack 7. THE GIT DOWN (PART 2) - Little Johnny Hamilton & The Soul Pack 8. THE FEELING - California Soul Explosion 9. THE MAN (Y'ALL KEEP ON WATCHING YOU) - Jesse & Anita 10. SATURDAY - Saint Charles 11. WHEN I HAD YOU BABY - Soul Sensations 12. BUTTERFLY - The Ballads 13. FUNKY WITH MY STUFF - The Natural Resources Unlimited 14. I'M GONNA SPEAK OUT - Eddie Horan 15. CHECK ME OUT - Little Denice 16. HANG UP (PT1) - Warm Excursion 17. PICKIN' COTTON - Johnny Talbot & De-Thangs 18. TUNED IN TURNED ON - Al Robinson 19. IS IT WORTH IT ALL - Eleanor Rigby 20. THE SNEAK (VOCAL) - Douzer 21. YOU DON'T KNOW - The Medallions 22. EARTHQUAKE - Rulie Garcia

New Don Rendell Quintet: Roarin' [CD]

Smith Lonnie Liston & The Cosmic EC: Expansions [CD]