Record Reviews

MACEO PARKER ~ SOUL CLASSICS MOOSICUS 1201 (Barcode: 4017425120127) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Soul Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is a live album by American Soul / Funk vocalist / saxophonist Maceo ParkerFind albums by this artist, who performs a set of classic Soul hits accompanied by bassist Christian McBrideFind albums by this artist, drummer Cora Coleman-DunhamFind albums by this artist and the fabulous German WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, one of which is announcement, one is an original by Parker and the rest are arrangements of classis Soul / Funk / Pop songs. The album is mostly an entertaining reminder of the great times, when Soul music enjoyed its greatest glory, and the role of Maceo Parker as a member of groups that accompanied such musicians as James BrownFind albums by this artist or PrinceFind albums by this artist. But for the Jazz enthusiasts, the album offers brilliant work by the WDR Big Band, which swings brilliantly and offers many excellent instrumental soli. Overall, this is a nice reminder of the Soul era, packaged with some excellent Big Band arrangements and performed by one of the best European Big Bands, so what more can we ask for to have some fun!

Updated: 10/02/2026Posted: 08/02/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MITCH RYDER ~ SOCKIN` IT TO YOU: THE COMPLETE DYNOVOICE / NEW VOICE RECORDINGS RPM 549 (Barcode: 5013929554924) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1966 - 1967 Released: 2020 This is a 3CD set reissue of the entire early recording legacy by the American vocalist Mitch RyderFind albums by this artist and his group The Detroit WheelsFind albums by this artist, who can be credited for inventing the White Soul genre, but sadly received only marginal recognition over the years. The set includes the first three albums Ryder recorded with his group: “Take A RideFind albums with this title”, “Breakout…!!!Find albums with this title” and “Sock It To MeFind albums with this title”, his solo album “What Now My LoveFind albums with this title” and the complete collection of recorded material that did not appear on these albums, including those released as 45s. Almost all the material was recorded in just two years (1966-1967) and was released on the DynovoiceFind albums on this label and New VoiceFind albums on this label labels owned by producer Bob CreweFind albums by this artist. Ryder was blessed with an incredibly gutsy / throaty voice and a great singing talent and his music was every bit as expressive as that performed by the Afro-American Rhythm And Blues performers, who enjoyed an artistic peak at the time. He was also a great performer on stage. In retrospect it is really interesting to compare his version of the songs written and performed by such great singers as James BrownFind albums by this artist, Sam CookeFind albums by this artist and others. But the bulk of his material was original and written by Crewe, and it stands the test of time brilliantly. Despite the fact that Ryder received relatively little recognition for his pioneering artistry, he influenced many American musicians of later generations, most notably Bruce SpringsteenFind albums by this artist, Ted NugentFind albums by this artist, Winona RyderFind albums by this artist and others. For music lovers not familiar with this material, this wonderfully remastered, well researched and excellently put together collection is a golden opportunity to close a gap in their education and visit a great document of music history. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 14/08/2021

CD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend