Johnny Hammond Smith and Reuben Wilson

Listen/Download Johnny Hammond Smith – NeverCan Say Goodbye
Listen/Download Reuben Wilson – NeverCan Say Goodbye

Greetings all

Welcome to the end of another week (or better yet, the beginning of a groovy weekend?).

The recent web-related crisis seems (keeping the old fingers crossed here) to have been averted for now, so steady on for now. I think I have some studying to do in the meantime.

Please to remember that the Funky16Corners Radio Show comes to you this and every Friday night at 9PM on Viva Radio. If you are unable to join us for the party at airtime, you can always subscribe to the show as a podcast in iTunes, or fall by the blog on Saturday to pick yourselves up an MP3 download of the show (or any of the 120+ other shows available in the archive).

The song I bring you today – in two different versions – is by any measure of the word, one of my all time favorites.

Written by Clifton James, made a hit by the Jackson Five and Gloria Gaynor, ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ has become one of those songs that I can listen to be performed by just about anyone. I always pick up versions when I’m out digging and always stop and listen when it shoes up on the radio or in the iPod.

The recordings I offer you this fine day are layed down by two of the masters, Johnny Hammond Smith and Reuben Wilson.

Smith’s version, from his 1971 ‘Breakout’ album is largely a showcase for saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., who did some of the arrangement on the album. The rhythm section generally comps in the background, with some groovy guitar work (George Benson) and some nice, hard –hitting drums from Billy Cobham.

Reuben Wilson’s take on the tune is not only taken at a faster tempo, but with a little more Hammond in the mix, though the lead is once again taken by the sax (Ramon Morris).

Wilson is one of the great underrated Hammond cats. Most of his better stuff came fairly late in the game, at least as far as the soul jazz/funk thing is concerned. Though he was about the same age as many of his better known contemporaries, he started recording later than most.

His Blue Note sides are excellent, and his stuff on Groove Merchant (as heard here) is worth seeking out as well.

I hope these sounds help you get your weekend off to a mellow start, and I’ll see you all on Monday.

Keep the faith

Larry

 

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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived!

The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock.

They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US).

Click here to go to the ordering page.

 

Also, make sure that you check out the links below to the Be The Match Foundation and POAC (click on the logos for more info).

 

PS Head over to Iron Leg too.