Atlantic R&B 1947 - 1974 Volumes 1-8 - Ray Charles,Ben E. King,Otis Redding,Solomon Burke,Miscellaneous Performers Album Review

Ray Charles

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Album Review

Re-issue of a 1991 release, charting the evolution of Atlantic's R&B immense back-catalogue, from the post war era to early seventies.

Atlantic Records was formed in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson. The label endeavoured to popularise the wealth of black music on the scene - Jazz, Soul, and R&B. Initially set up as a Jazz label, it eventually diversified towards R&B in 1949 with Stick McGhee's groundbreaking song, and Atlantic's first hit, Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee, disc 1 track 6.

This definitive collection has been around for some time, but its well worth re-visiting. Unless you're of a certain age or an aficionado, many of the names on the early discs will not be familiar, except for early stars Professor Longhair - Mardi Gras In New Orleans, Joe Turner - The Chill Is On and Ruth Brown - Teardrops From Eyes, all on disc 1.

By 1952, we see the emergence of luminaries Ray Charles, with a steady The Midnight Hour, Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters with an early classic stomp Money Honey- disc 2. There's also a sparkling version of Shake Rattle and Roll by Joe Turner. Up to 1957, disc 3, its much of the same roster of artists, added to by superb doo-woppers The Cardinals - The Door Is Still Open, and male-female songbirds The Cookies. Highlight here is a soulful classic, Drown In My Own Tears by Ray Charles. Up to 1960, the same acts continue, though we see the arrival of future legends - Ben. E. King Stand By Me (though it wouldn't make the top spot in the UK until 1987 via a jeans advert), and UK translated hits Yakety Yak and Poison Ivy by The Coasters, and little known Solomon Burke.

It could be said that by 1961 up to 1965, Atlantic was now displaying a roster of what would be called 'Soul' artists, with Solomon Burke, Ben. E. King, The Drifters , Esther Phillips, and Otis Redding - Mr. Pitiful, being their commercial success. Doris Troy pops up here too: she would eventually sing her heart out on Pink Floyd's The Great Gig In The Sky ( Dark Side Of The Moon ). Star tracks on disc 5 is the 60s instrumental anthem Green Onions by Booker T., and The Drifters' Under The Board Walk. Disc 6, contains some of the best mix of popular soul on the scene, equally matching Motown's collective.

The hits just pour out : When A Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge, 634-5789 / Mustang Sally / In The Midnight Hour- Wilson Pickett, Hold On I'm Coming / Soul Man - Sam and Dave, Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd,

Fascinatingly, the emergence of what would be called Northern Soul surfaces on Don Covay's swinging gem See-Saw. Aretha Franklin also makes a showing. Top track on this, is arguably one of the best Soul / Northern Soul anthems - Arthur Conley's infectious Sweet Soul Music.

Disc 7 and 8, contain global sellers by Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, with other highlights coming from King Curtis with the unique soul blast of Memphis Soul Stew, and heart-wrenching ballad Patches by Clarence Carter, eventually covered by soul-troop The Chairmen Of The Board, and the sophisticated singing of The Spinners on I'll Be Around.

Eargasmic collection.

Elly Roberts