Eddie Hubbard

The Seven Brothers - Crying In The Street - Charly LP Reading the interesting sleeve notes by Dean Rudland ,accompanying this Gospel album ,he explains the amount of Gospel albums such as this that were recorded and then sold at churches or showcases around the USA ,without ever denting the music charts ,and remain obscure and rare ,often being pressed in small quantities. This album ,which was originally released on Lelan Rogers “ House Of The Fox “ label ,features the powerful vocals of Robert Sims with the title track “ Crying In The Streets “ being a powerful Gospel version of the George Perkins 1969 song ,released in the wake of Dr Martin Luther King’s shooting in 1969 .The powerful “I Had A Dream “ ,the uptempo shouters “ I’ve Been Born Again “ ,” Me And The Devil “ and the jazzy tinged “ America “ are all good examples of overlooked Black music straight from the church . As mentioned the sterling sleeve notes by Dean Rudland are really interesting,with the album being pressed on a silver / grey rippled effect vinyl .

Gene Townsel - Time Wounds All Heels - UK Charly LP Another great release from Charly Records ,with this superb album from Gene Townsel ,originally recorded at Tangerine studios in 1975 and finally released on the Dobre label in 1978 .From the opening track,the cleverly titled and Deep Soul flavoured “ Time Wounds All Heels “ ,Gene takes the listener through a very personal journey of love and heartbreak ,but delivered in a very uplifting way ,especially on the tracks “ I’m Walking Away “ and “There’s No Use Hiding “ ,which have remained very indemand tracks on the Modern / Crossover Soul scene ,with beautiful production and arrangements by Gene and Anita Mitchell ,using strings and guitar riffs to great effect . Most of the tracks are self penned by Gene ,though two Bill Withers songs are included “ Hope She’ll Be Happier “ and the medley of “ I’m Her Daddy / Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast “ ,ending with a cover of the classic “ The Impossible Dream “ .Interesting to read in the credits that Clydene Jackson was involved in backing vocals .Apparently the reason why the original album is so rare ,is because Dobre Records was a tax shelter ,and very few copies became available in the marketplace .It’s good to see this album finally reissued on vinyl ,and able to reach a larger audience.Thanks to an interview by Colin Dilnot with Gene Townsel for the inside information on this project .

Betty Harris - Soul Perfection- UK Charly A timely reissue by Charly Records ,for this wonderful compilation album by Betty Harris - Soul Perfection ,which was originally issued in the UK on the legendary Action label in 1969 .This album replicates the 16 tracks in the same order as the original release ,with Soul quality to please both Deep Soul collectors and those who like to dance ,with every track epitomising the New Orleans sound with Allen Toussaint at the helm on song writing ,production and music duties .” What A Sad Feeling “ ,” Can’t Last Much Longer “ ,and “ Nearer To You “ are beautiful ballads with Ms Harris in great voice ,while the more uptempo “ I’m Evil Tonight “ ,”Ride Your Pony “ ,” I Don’t Wanna Hear It “ ,”Trouble With My Lover “ ,and “ 12 Red Roses “ are classic 60’s Soul dancers .In more recent times the funky “ Mean Man “ ,and “ I’m Gonna Git You “ have gained a new audience of fans digging “ sister funk “ tracks . Informative sleeve notes by Dean Rudland ,some stunning label scans and beautiful bright pink vinyl complete an essential release .

King Errison - The King Arrives - Charly Records King Errison is a highly regarded percussionist player originally from Nassau Bahamas ,with a long and successful career.Early in his career he and his band were featured in the James Bond “ Thunderball “ film ,he was part of Neil Diamonds backing band for over 30 years ,and he was heralded the “ unsung hero “ of Motown by Raynoma Singleton and also Berry Gordy ,playing with Marvin Gaye ,Jackson 5 ,Diana Ross and many more of the Motown stable .He was also a member of The Incredible Bongo Band ,and recorded many solo albums which are revered for the “ breakbeats “ in Hip Hop circles . “ The King Arrives “ is a solo album cut for and released in 1970 on Wally Rokers Canyon label,famous for releases by Swamp Dogg and Doris Duke amongst others . The key track here is “ Zola “ ,also released on a 45 ,and a massive play on the Rare Soul scene of the mid 70’s ,a manic ,infectious bongo led side .The rest of the album could be described as Jazz with a Caribbean flavour ,with an array of highly regarded musicians such as : David T. Walker ,Wilton Felder ,Preston Love and George Bohannan .If you are a lover of Jazz this album is worth investigating.