Here is another solid track from Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson titled "Racetrack France". This funky gem was released on the duo's 1977 album Bridges which features a number of other greats songs including "Hello Sunday! Hello Road!", "Under The Hammer", and "We Almost Lost Detroit". Overall just another must-own release from the legendary soul-funk duo.
Here is a great version of Marvin Gaye's soulful 1971 classic "Inner City Blues" by the German band leader and musician James Last. This funky and interesting rendition of the song was included on James Last's album Voodoo-Party, which was also released in 1971. The Voodoo-Party record represents one of Last's more obscure and funkier records. On this rendition of "Inner City Blues", Last does a nice job here giving the song a bit more of a laid back vibe led by the song's choir-style vocals that are very reminiscent of The Joubert Singers' Paradise Garage classic "Stand On The Word". James Last deserves much credit here for successfully taking an all-time Marvin Gaye classic and making it his own. Enjoy!
One track I've listen to a lot lately has been Coke Escovedo's funky gem "I Wouldn't Change a Thing". This soulful cut was originally released off of Escovedo's 1976 album "Comin' At Ya!". The track has an overall "feel-good" groove, along with a few superb breaks, that nicely compliment the song's catchy chorus and melody. I find that it's the perfect song to listen to at the end of the night or after a long day. Definitely a true gem!
Here is one of the "feel-good" soul gems of the century in Mark Cappani's mid-seventies cut "I Believe in Miracles". This soulful track was originally released back in 1974 as a 45RPM single on Capitol Records. Around the same time the Jackson Sisters released their own version of the track, which had a more uptempo disco feel. Even though the Jackson Sisters version of the track is probably more fitting for the dancefloor and is great in it's own way, it's hard to come across a more soulful gem than Cappani's original version of the song. Recently the superb funk and soul label Jazzman has released a reissue of the track as a 45RPM single. The perfect type of record that should be included in everyone's record collection. Enjoy!
