Some of our favorite work ever from the legendary Hank Ballard – a key figure in early R&B, and a singer who cut some big hits with his group The Midnighters – but one who also continued to do some wonderful work for King Records long after his hits – most of which is included in this wonderful set! The package focuses on years that might be deemed "lost" for Hank – a time when he was past the dance hits of the early part of the 60s, and yet to rise as part of the James Brown universe at the end of the decade – although still, in some way, already strongly in the JB side of the spectrum with cuts like these – deep soul gems, funky numbers, and the kind of rough romping tunes that draw from R&B, but have more of a 60s vibe here. CD features 26 cuts in all – including "Poppin The Whip", "Here Comes The Hurt", "Funky Soul Train", "Do it Zulu Style", "Dance Till It Hurtcha", "Let's Get The Show On The Road", "Annie", "Unwind Yourself", "Which Way Should I Turn", "I'm Just A Fool", "Get That Hump In Your Back", "Just You Just You", "A Winner Never Quits", "Somebody's Got To Help Me", and "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show". CD

Funky, soulful, and completely sublime work from keyboardist Gene Harris – working here with some great help from Jerry Peters on arrangement and production – in a style that makes the album one of Harris' most compelling sets of the 70s! The backings are full, but tight too – and in addition to Gene's own sweet work on keyboards, the set's also got some massive drums from Harvey Mason and James Gadson – both of whom really help things crackle at the bottom! Other instrumental highlights include more keyboards from Jerry Peters, tenor from Azar Lawrence, and trombone from George Bohannon – plus guitar from Lee Ritenour too. There's a bit of vocals on the set – mostly a soul chorus sort of mode that works perfect with Peters' groovy arrangements – and titles include "Love For Sale", "Theme For Relana", "Rebop", "Zulu", and "Soft Cycles". (Jazz, Soul) CD

Righteous soul from The Free Movement – a mixed male/female harmony group with a feel that's similar to The Fifth Dimension or The Friends Of Distinction, but a bit hipper! The group have a sunny feel that's quite nice – soaring harmonies reaching to the top of the groove on the best cuts, rolling around in a positive, soulful style that still holds up strongly over the years. Arrangements are by Michael Omartin, Jimmie Haskell, and Toxey French – and the record includes their hit "I've Found Someone Of My Own", plus "Son of The Zulu King", "Where Do We Go From Here", and "The Harder I Try (The Bluer I Get)". LP, Vinyl record album

... LP, Vinyl record album