King Curtis

 

Greetings all.

The new week is upons us, and I thought we’d get things started with something hot.

A few years ago I was out digging at a local fall-back spot (I say fall-back because although it is a record store, it rarely has anything good, but sometimes you just gotta get your dig on) and I happened upon a slightly beat, quite old (at least as old as I am) King Curtis album.

King Curtis was one of the most important soul players of the 1960s, as a bandleader, and as one of the most prolific sidemen in the Atlantic studios.

His albums – especially the Atlantic stuff – are plentiful and usually inexpensive, and always worth picking up when you find them.

The album in question predated his own signing with Atlantic (though he had already been all over the Coasters Atco 45s), and was recorded for Bobby Robinson’s Enjoy label in 1962.

Recorded with the Noble Knights (then composed of Ernie Hayes (organ), Billy Butler (guitar), Jimmy Lewis (bass) and Ray Lucas (drums), the LP is composed of instrumentals, with five of its eleven tracks featuring ‘Twist’ in the title.

Unlike a lot of twist cash-in sets, King Curtis had a shit-hot band, displayed to great effect on today’s selection, a cover of Ray Charles’ classic ‘What’d I Say’.

Led by Billy Butler’s guitar, the band sets off at top speed, tearing into the tune.

Oddly enough, as far as I can tell, King Curtis himself does not appear on this track at all.

The title track of the LP, ‘Soul Twist’ was a #1 R&B hit in 1962.

These sessions – which also include a stellar version of ‘Sack’o’Woe’ – have been reissued on CD.

I hope you dig the track, 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).

 

PS Head over to Iron Leg too.