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LP
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SOULG 001LP
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A proper reissue of Minnie Riperton's debut album Come To My Garden on GRT, originally published in 1970. Her name came to prominence with the highly influential Chicago band Rotary Connection, forerunners of the rock n' soul crossover. In addition to their own recordings, including their 1967 debut album Rotary Connection, the band is notable as the backing band for Muddy Waters on his 1968 psychedelic blues album Electric Mud. Standing on her own, Minnie cut a series of sublime albums moving in a more soulful way. Opening track "Les Fleur" is a shiny cover of a Ramsey Lewis -- who is musical assistant and contributor here -- classic number penned in 1968, literally a cornerstone for contemporary hip-hop and R&B being sampled by the likes of Jurassic 5 feat. Nelly Furtado, Damu the Fudgemunk, Dr. Octagon, and Cut Chemist, among others. Produced by Charles Stepney (already in with Rotary Connection and subsequently behind the desk with Earth Wind & Fire), the album benefits from its lushy orchestral arrangements, pushing the vocal duties of Minnie even forward (her five-octave vocal range, enabled her to sing in "whistle register" nevertheless). The jazzy soft-pop feel overall will mark comparison with Stevie Wonder, Riperton's future employer/mentor. Fully licensed. 180 gram, clear vinyl.
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LP
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SOULG 004LP
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Soulgramma present a reissue of Chakachas' self-titled album, originally released in 1972. Gaston Bogaert aka Tito Madinez (percussion) was the leader of this Belgian band often mistaken for an Afro-American combo, due to their music and unmistakable aesthetics. Released in 1972 on local Blue Elephant imprint, their self-titled album is still regarded as a rare groove bonafide bin, able to make it even in the States. Featuring the talents of Kari Kenton (vocals) from Cuba; Victor Ingeveldt (saxophone) a Dutchman from Liege, Charlie Lots (trumpet), Christian Marc (piano), Henri Breyre (guitar and backing vocals), and Bill Raymond (bass guitar) Chakachas were soon labeled as the continental answer to US Latin funk champions. Full of exciting dance parts and DJ friendly breaks, Chakachas is still worth your feverish attention. Fully licensed. 180 gram vinyl.
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LP
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SOULG 002LP
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Soulgramma present a reissue of Betty Harris' Soul Perfection, originally released in 1969. Soul singer Betty Harris -- mainly known for her Jubilee and Sansu recordings -- was born in 1939 in Orlando, Florida. As a teenager she worked as a mate for Big Maybelle who encouraged her to start singing. First recording was released in 1962, her major hit was a cover of Solomon Burke's "Cry To Me" in 1963. Taken at a slower pace, Harris' rendition turned the song into a Billboard Hot 100 number 23 hit and soon became a deep soul classic. A total of three further singles including a reissue of "Cry To Me" were released on Jubilee with "His Kiss", which was released on January 4, 1964, another deep soul ballad, reaching the lower part of the Billboard Pop and R&B charts. In 1964, Betty Harris switched record labels to Sansu, a New Orleans label, where she was produced by Allen Toussaint. Her recordings with Sansu produced ten singles and Toussaint raw yet sophisticated Southern soul arrangements behind Harris' rich, distinctive vocal, are considered prime specimens of the classic soul era. Soul Perfection, originally licensed on UK label Action in 1969, was in fact a collection of her previous works on Sansu, a rare groove affair rapidly in demand between a crowd of obsessive fans all over the world. Harris retired from performing in 1970 to raise a family and made an occasional return in 2007 with the album Intuition. 180 gram vinyl.
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