Bobby Womack and his 1968 breakthrough LP

Listen/Download Bobby Womack – Take Me

Greetings all

Since the end of the week is approaching, I will take this opportunity to remind you that the Funky16Corners Radio Show takes to the airwaves of the interwebs this and every Friday night at 9PM on Viva Radio. If you cannot join me at airtime, make sure to grab the show by subscribing as a podcast in iTunes, or by downloading an MP3 at the blog.

The tune I bring you today is another small building block in my extremely late, but earnest appreciation of the mighty Bobby Womack.

Womack is one of those major movers and shakers in the world of soul who I knew of forever, yet was acquainted with precious little of his music.

I have been working on remedying that situation for the last few years, picking up his records when and wherever I find them.

Womack was not only a dynamic performer (singer and guitar), but also a prolific songwriter.

He was a regular presence on the R&B charts from 1968 to 1986, though he had been active for years before that, on his own and as a member of the Valentinos.

Today’s selection was recorded in 1968 and released on the flipside of his Top 20 hit cover of the old standard ‘Fly Me To the Moon’.

Recorded in Memphis with Chips Moman at the board, where Womack had become a de facto member of the American Studios house band on guitar, ‘Take Me’ is an incredible piece of Southern soul.

A strong, mid-tempo mover ‘Take Me’ features some remarkable chord changes, guitar and horn work, and of course a great vocal by Bobby.

The song is credited to ‘Dee Ervin’, though I haven’t been able to confirm it, I think this was Big Dee Erwin, who recorded under that name (and a number of other variations as well).

Interestingly, the version of ‘Take Me’ that appeared on the 45 (the one you’re hearing today) is a different take than the one that appeared on the ‘Fly Me To the Moon’ LP.

It’s a great, great record/performance, and I hope you dig it as much as I do.

I’ll see you all on Monday.

Keep the faith

Larry

 

 

 

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