Prestige All Stars, The Tenor Conclave – Analogue Productions 180g Vinyl LP
This unusual meeting of four tenor saxophone players from different “schools” was part of the Prestige Friday afternoon jam session series but far from a typical outing. The giant forebears of Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Charlie Parker inform the backgrounds of the performers on this LP — Hank Mobley, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, and John Coltrane — and other influences such as Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, and the Sonnys (Stitt and Rollins) show up, too, depending on which of the four protagonists you’re talking about.
Ike & Tina Turner – Feel Good – Pure Pleasure Records 180g Vinyl LP
“Feel Good” is quintessentially ’70s – the fuzztoned funk practically conjures up platform shoes and mile-wide collars – but it doesn’t belong to any one sound, it casually draws from Southern soul, James Brown funk, black pride, “Superfly” style and juke joint R&B, a sound that is uniquely identified with Ike & Tina. And while this contains no flat-out classics like “Nutbush City Limits” or “Proud Mary” as an album “Feel Good” undoubtedly ranks among their very best: it’s a non-stop party.
Ella Fitzgerald – Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! – Analogue Productions 200g 2LP 45RPM Vinyl LP
“…these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don’t want to miss…most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I’d definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!” Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers’ Choice Award – Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011
Jethro Tull – Benefit – Analogue Productions 180g 2LP 45RPM Vinyl LP
Donny Hathaway – Everything Is Everything – Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series 45 rpm 180g Vinyl
Dusty Springfield – Dusty In Memphis – Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series 45 rpm 180g Vinyl
Dusty Springfield shares rarified air with the top soul/R&B queens of the post-WWII era — Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and others.
Originally released in 1969, the concept for Dusty In Memphis was to take England’s reigning female soul queen to the home of the music which had inspired her. Produced by Atlantic’s Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin and engineered by Tom Dowd, the record’s highlights include “Son Of A Preacher Man,” “So Much Love,” “Breakfast In Bed,” “Just One Smile,” “I Don’t Want To Hear It Anymore” and “Just A Little Lovin'”.
Foreigner – Double Vision (Atlantic 75 Series) Analogue Productions 2LP 45RPM Vinyl
Foreigner’s Double Vision album achieved success through a combination of well-crafted songs, strong songwriting, talented musicians, extensive radio airplay, and favorable timing within the music industry.
Double Vision, released in 1978, followed up the group’s blockbuster debut with an album of FM mega-hits. Songs such as “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” and “Blue Morning, Blue Day” became radio staples and resonated with a wide audience. Lou Gramm’s powerful vocals and Mick Jones’ guitar playing were key components of the band’s sound, and their musical prowess was evident throughout the album.