Dig that crazy label design!

Listen/Download – The Grand Prees – Jungle Fever MP3

Greetings all.

It occurred to me, since it was Monday and all, and most of the world is dragging themselves to work or school, that I might whip something a little crazy on you to help get you moving.

Not too long ago I was perusing a sales list and I happened upon the disc you see before you today. Since I am constitutionally unable to pass by a record entitled ‘Jungle Fever’, I clicked on the link, listened to the sample, and knew I had to grab it for my crates.

The Grand Prees (with alternating lead vocalist – Douglass Pettijohn on this side) only ever recorded one 45, which was released twice, first on Candi (in 1961), and then again on the much cooler looking Golden Grooves imprint (in 1962).

These labels (and the Barvis label) were both the work of one JJ Chavis, who operated out of Wilmington, Delaware in the early to mid 60s recording Philadelphia-area R&B, soul and gospel 45s.

Opening with a very Chips/Rubber Biscuit-like doo-wop vocalization (Mr Pettijohn I presume?), a high female voice, organ and guitar drop in, and grooviness ensues.

The whole thing is rough (not Plookie McCline ‘Gorilla Walk’ rough, but pretty rough) with the lead vocal straying off-key, and the backing, especially the male voice and the organ, verily reeks of inspiration, as in ‘these people will never be this good, on anything else again’.

Chavis worked a lot with gospel groups, and ‘Jungle Fever’ sounds like a bunch of gospel records fell on the floor and were pieced back together by someone that was good and lit.

The organist especially, sounds like someone shackled to the amen corner that was yearning to let his (or her) freak flag fly.

The flip side is your basic, yearning ballad, without much to recommend it.

That said, ‘Jungle Fever’ is worth repeat plays.

I hope you dig it, and I’ll see you all on Wednesday.

Keep the faith

Larry

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PS Head over to Iron Leg too.