Benny Gordon and the Soul Brothers – What Is Soul?
Benny Gordon
Listen/Download Benny Gordon and the Soul Brothers – What Is Soul?
Greetings all
I’ll assume that we’re all ready to launch ourselves into the new week, so I though I’d get things rolling with something upbeat and groovy.
If today’s selection sounds at all familiar, it might be because it is a cover of a Ben E. King tune, which was featured in this space early last year.
The original is cool not only because of Ben E’s great vocal, but is also sought after because of that sweet Bernard Purdie drum break at the beginning.
The version I bring you today is by an old Funky16Corners favorite, Benny Gordon and the Soul Brothers.
As featured in this space (as well as in a couple of mixes over the years) Benny Gordon (and his cousin Sammy, of Hiphuggers fame) were perfect examples of the kind of hardworking, journeyman soul performers I love to feature here at the Corners.
They hailed from the Carolinas, but did most of their recording and performing up New York City way.
Their take on ‘What Is Soul’ was released in 1967 (a year after the OG), and while it features a small break (nothing compared the OG) what drew me in was Benny’s vocal.
The arrangement and production is a little more restrained than on the original, but Gordon’s lays down a passionate, soulful performance.
Gordon and the Soul Brothers laid down just about two dozen 45s (and two rare LPs) between 1964 and 1973 but never had any chart success.
I hope you dig the tune, and I’ll see you all on Wednesday.
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).
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