Fugi

It's a cryin' shame Fugi didn't get his proper respect. His insanely dope album was finally released in 1997 after being recorded by Chess Records in the late 60's. Here are a couple tracks including the title track. By the way, Black Merda was his backing band for this recording...

Tony Jackson

Great groover here, Tony Jackson with "Cause My Baby." The Searchers

Ramsey Lewis

Posting an old classic since I haven't in a long time. This one never strays to far from me, a perfect sunny day listen you can let ride all the way through. For anyone who hasn't heard Ramsey, check out his vast catalog- he's a pioneer and has made a long career in stretching the possibilities within jazz piano. This record is one of my favorites along with Sun Goddess, Mother Nature's Son from '68 is an all instrumental reworking of select tracks off the Beatles' White Album. He collaborated with famous Cadet/Chess producer/composer Charles Stepney to create a truly amazing record full of both acoustic and electric piano, great funky drum beats and original arrangements. You will recognize every track whether you're a Beatles fan or not, then let these two take you on a ride that keeps steam the whole way through the album. Here's the feeler "Rocky Raccoon" below followed by the rest of the album...

Mother Nature's Son

The Charmels

In the soul mood today, and after Ted's last couple post about Wu-Tang- figured I'd post the C.R.E.A.M sample that blew them up. The Charmel's "As Long As I Got You" is a beautiful track itself, and ridiculously good if it's the first time you've heard it...

Joann Garrett

"It's No Secret" by Joann Garrett of her record Just For Taste from '69. Cool instrumentation with her voice makes this a unique track...

Willie Mitchell

Here's some happiness for your old man winter blues wherever you are. Cheer up, you're almost through it. Mr. Mitchell is here to save you. Willie unfortunately passed away recently, I've been listening to him- digging through the vast amount of grooves he blessed us with. I'm going to give you three of my favorites, and two are covers of unlikely tracks that he distinctly made his own. First is his cover of the Young Rascal's "Groovin'" from the album above. Most of you will recognize it immediately due to the fact it is one of the most seminal samples of all time used by the Wu. Next is the track "20-75" which is rich with style and Willie's signature touch. Lastly is a cover of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" that is infectious to say the least...

Gloria Walker & The Chevelles

"You Hit the Spot Baby"- 1968

Willie Bobo

"Fried Neckbones & Some Home Fries" -1966

The Invincibles

"My Heart Cries" 1965

Astors

"In the Twilight Zone" by the Astors. Stax Records, 1965

Here

The Coasters

Doesn't get much better than The Coasters. Songs such as "Down in Mexico" and "Smokey Joe's Cafe" are among my favorites, here's "Bad Blood" from '61.

Yakety Yak

The Ascots

Smooth soul by The Ascots, "She's So Indifferent to Me Now" from '78.

Mr. Furlly

Greg Perry

"Come On Down(Get Your Head Out Of The Clouds)"- 1975

Lulu Reed and Freddy King

"You Can't Hide"- 1963

Purple Image

Whelp, prepare to get your mind blown. Purple Image's S/T release from '70 is a heavy psych/funk/soul crasher that defies all convention during the early 70's. Purple Image somehow combines the raw funk of Parliament, the distorted guitar of Jimi and the smooth harmony of the Stylistics into their one and only album. Here's the whole album below, but check out "Living In The Ghetto" if you're skeptical...

Why

King Coleman

The Jam. "Down In The Basement"

Merry Clayton

She sang on the original, then she did her own version. "Gimme Shelter"- 1970

Al Wilson

Psychedelic soul from '71...

Isley Brothers

Today Was A Good Day. The Isley Brothers with "Footsteps In The Dark" off Go For Your Guns from '77...

Labi Siffre

"Doctor Doctor"- 1975 off Happy...