Jackie and the Count!

Listen/Download – Jackie Wilson & Count Basie – Uptight (Everything’s Alright) MP3

Greetings all.

The 2015 Allnighter/Pledge Drive has finally finished, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who took the time to stop by and donate, and especially to the DJs who dug into their crates and provided mixes.

This is always a favorite time of year, not only because I get to dig (right along with you) all the new sounds, but because of the good folks that show their love for Funky16Corners.

So thanks again, and let’s get going on the new year!

Don’t forget the drawing for 2015 Allnighter Donors (open until the end of next week).

The good folks at Secret Stash Records have sent along some very groovy promos as incentives for you good folks to donate to the 2015 Allnighter/Pledge Drive.

We have two pairs of two 2-record sets comprised of rare and unreleased material from the legendary Chicago soul labels Mar-V-Lus and One-Derful Records!

At the end of next week I will randomly select two winners from the list of this year’s donors to receive these incredible prizes. All you need to do (unless you’ve already kicked in, in which case you’re already eligible) is click on the Paypal button and donate at least $5.00USD to be entered for a chance to win.

All the names will go into a hat and one of the little Corners will select the winners, who will be announced in this space as well as notified via e-mail.

So get to clicking!

 

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I thought it would be cool to close out the week with something extra groovy.

Jackie Wilson was one of the true giants of the classic soul era, and was all over the charts for more than a decade.

During his long, fruitful run at Brunswick Records, he recorded a pair of 45s backed by none other than the mighty Count Basie.

Like most other big band jazzers, the Count found himself struggling for relevance in the pop market of the ate 60s, and as a result was recording a wide variety of pop material in a number of different settings.

During 1967 and 1968, Basie and his band recorded an LP (‘Basie’s In the Bag’) and a few 45s under their own name, and another LP (‘Manufacturers of Soul’) and 2 45s alongside Wilson.

The album with Wilson was composed entirely of contemporary soul/R&B covers, including today’s selection, a version of Stevie Wonder’s 1965 hit ‘Uptight (Everything’s Alright)’.

The arrangement (by jazz vet Benny Carter) is brassy and hard-hitting, keeping the big-band-isms to a minimum and letting Jackie do his thing. There’s plenty of punch for the dance floor, and Jackie is in fine form.

This record had some minor chart action in Philadelphia, with the pairing’s take on ‘For Your Precious Love’ making it into the Top 40 in a number of markets.

It is very cool, indeed, and I hope you dig it.

Have a great weekend.

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.