Description
The key area for post war R & B and soul in Texas was Houston of course, and the king of black music there was Don Robey. He was the first Afro-American to make a hugely successful entertainment business in the US, which at its height was a multi-million dollar enterprise covering record labels, clubs, a booking agency and a huge publishing empire. He was well known for a “robust” management style, using both legal and other means to enforce his will in an unforgiving world, and although many people got on his wrong side at the time, his legacy of gospel, blues and soul music is almost unparalleled, rich in variety and quality. This LP shines the spotlight on some of the lesser known artists associated with Robey from 1964. None of the tracks included here has ever seen the light of day on vinyl since their 45s were originally issued.
The C&C Boys: Clarence Carter and Calvin Scott, two blind artists with soul to spare…Here they are in full flow singing in unison on the mid-tempo ‘My Life’ but it is the fantastic cover of the Valentinos’ It’s All Over Now’ that is the highlight of the LP. Clarence kicks off the song in fine style but when Calvin cuts in with his high pitched gospel wailing, the song reaches a whole new level. Where has this cut been all my life and why has it taken fifty years before a reissue? Believe me, it’s worth buying the LP just to hear this one track. One to grab while the grabbing’s good. Fred Rothwell Blues & Rhythm
Complete with a nostalgic, vintage-feel sleeve, this delightful 14-track compilation is filled to the brim with obscurities that might even challenge a pub quiz team made up of Northern soul anoraks: all are deeply obscure. When the most famous names are new Orleans legend Ernie K-Doe and Clarence Carter, you know it’s not going to duplicate much of what’s in your library. Marvelous stuff. Ken Kessler Hi Fi News
