Chess Soul: A Decade of Chicago's Finest

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Various Artists
Chess Soul: A Decade of Chicago's Finest

[ Chess Records / 2 CD ]

Release Date: Monday 20 April 1998

This item is only available to us via Special Order. We should be able to get it to you in 3 - 6 weeks from when you order it.

European import. A stunning musical document. Soulful indeed

Like me you probably instantly think of blues deities when Chicago's mighty Chess records comes to mind. Undoubtedly, the brothers Chess built the foundation of their label on exactly the kind of artists that first spring into your subconscious, however from the early 60's on it wasn't the blues that were pulling in the serious greens. With the Cadet, Checker and Chess labels the brothers, expertly assisted by A&R supremo Roquel 'Billy' Davis, scooped up a constant string of surefire soul scorchers, maybe not as familiar as the Stax and Hi Records releases of the time but no less potent.

Probably the most obviously populist amongst the 45's spread across the two delightfully heart wrenching discs is Fontella Bass' 'Rescue Me' which is a classic for sure but is also easily matched by Jackie Ross' 'Take Me For A Little While'. Mitty Collier rightfully romps home with the most riddiculous artist name award while Maurice and Mac also score big points for their emotion packed and superbly titled 'You Left The Water Running'. Laura Lee's 'Dirty Man' shows a streak of 1967 grrrl power that would have the Spice Girls dirtying up their britches. As for Ramsey Lewis' killer instrumental 'Wade In The Water' - if your head ain't nodding you've got no chance of a rhythm rebirth.

Gene Chandler, Big Maybelle, the heartbreaking Irma Thomas, Etta James, The Dells and Sugar Pie Desanto all join the ranks on this stunning document that also plots the progression of soul through its' creative and popular peaks. Big horns, bigger strings - broken hearts and emotions in rehab - 'Chess Soul' has it all in spades. Prepare yourself to be happy to be sad, if you know what I mean.
[Eight Ball]

Tracks:

Disc 1:
Jan Bradley - Mama Didn't Lie
Billy Stewart - Strange Feeling
Cookie & The Cupcakes - I've Been So Lonely
Sugar Pie DeSanto - Soulful Dress
Johnny Nash - Love Ain't Nothin
The Kolettes - Who's That Guy
Tony Clarke - Ain't Love Good, Ain't Love Proud
Mitty Collier - I Had A Talk With My Man
The Gems - I Can't Help Myself
Fontella Bass - Don't Mess Up A Good Thing
The Radiants - Voice Your Choice
Jackie Ross - Selfish One
Tony Clarke - The Entertainer
Billy Stewart - I Do Love You
James Phelps - Love Is A Five Letter Word
Fontella Bass - The Soul Of A Man
The Knight Brothers - Temptation 'Bout To Get Me
Etta James - Do I Make Myself Clear?
Jackie Ross - Take Me For A Little While
The Valentinos - What About Me?
Mitty Collier - I'm Satisfied
Bobby Moore - Searching For My Love
Etta James - Only Time Will Tell

Disc 2:
Fontella Bass - Rescue Me
Bobby McClure - I'm Not Ashamed
Jo Ann Garrett - Stay By My Side
Billy Young - Have Pity On Me
Ramsey Lewis - Wade In The Water
Gene Chandler - I Fooled You This Time
Big Maybelle - Don't Pass Me By
Andrea Davis - Lonely Girl
Gene Chandler - To Be A Lover
Barbara Carr - Don't Knock Love
Eddie & Ernie - I Believe She Will
Marlena Shaw - Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Denise LaSalle - A Love Reputation
Laura Lee - Dirty Man
Fred Hughes - I Can't Make It Without You
The Radiants - Hold On
Irma Thomas - Good To Me
Maurice & Mac - You Left The Water Running
The Dells - Oh What A Day
Little Milton - Baby, I Love You
Etta James - Losers Weepers
The Dells - Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation