(Blues, Soul) CD

A really tremendous album from the legendary Gil Scott-Heron – and a set that stands as one of his greatest statements from the 70s! The record is a wonderful example of Gil's work in two different styles – sweet mellow jazzy soul, and harder heavier protest poetry – the latter from his roots as a writer in touch with the streets, and the former part of a brilliant new direction that he was taking on the Flying Dutchman label. Side one features classic jazzy tracks recorded with Brian Jackson – like "Free Will", "The Middle Of Your Days", "Speed Kills", and "Did You Hear What They Said?". Side two moves over to a much sparer sound – and has Gil reciting some of his poetry with very heavy percussion, and a very righteous approach. The wisdom and knowledge of those pieces is a perfect example of the kinds of issues that were haunting black America in the early 70s – especially on the tracks "No Knock", "The King Alfred Plan", and "Sex Education: Ghetto Style". CD version features 8 bonus tracks – alternate versions of some of the heavier-duty tunes on the album, some of which are quite different than the originals! Also includes new notes and photos! CD

A pretty deep collection of old school Rhythm & Blues recordings in a 3CD set – one billed as Classics, another as Dance Craze cuts and the third highlighting rarities – excellent stuff from legends such as Big Mama Thornton, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, Ruth Brown, Dave Bartholomew, Wynonie Harris, TV Slim, Little Richard, Wilbert Harrison, The Dominoes, Louis Jordan and many more! The antology covers material from the years 1945 to 1959 and features 51 tracks on 3CDs. "I'm Ready" by Fats Domino, "Kansas City" by Wilbert Harrison, "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean" by Ruth Brown, "Ain't I Talking To You Baby" by Sheri Washington, "That's Right Baby" by Piney Brown, "Who Drank My Beer, While I Was In The Rear" by Dave Bartholomew, "Speedoo" by The Cadillacs, "Speedoo" by The Bobbettes and more. CD