Crumbs Off The Table- Laura Lee

 Admittingly, I was introduced to "Crumbs Off The Table" via Andy Smith's third Document album. Since then I've collected a feast of her funky singles, but I always keep coming back for more "Crumbs". Her niche is often described as women's soul music, recognized for being fiercely proud and demanding emotional consideration, but in a much sexier way than Helen Reddy's feminist roar could have ever been sung. Enjoy.


Crumbs Off The Table


Sound familiar?

Released in 1971, A year before "Crumbs Off The Table", I view "Women's Love Rights" as the soul sister's "I Am Woman".

I Want Some Satisfaction - Betty Bibbs

Betty Bibbs produced a few brassy singles from the mid to late sixties. "Pounds of Soul", "Who's Gonna Take Care of Me" and this 45, "I Want Some Satisfaction", are all perfectly suited for strutting on the dancefloor. Solid soul. Enjoy.


I Want Some Satisfaction

Teenage Sonata - Sam Cooke

Here's a sweet mash-up of Sam Cooke Vs. Studio One (The Motown of Jamaica). Released in 2006, "Teenage Sonata" is great listening for soaking up new memories or reflecting on old ones. All rhythm and blues originates from Sam Cooke's angelic, gospel-honed voice. Sam Cooke is to soul music what Buddy Holly is to rock, or Hank Williams is to country. He embodies everything that's honest and pure with roots R&B. An appreciation of Cooke's discography is as relevant as an appreciation of the Beatles library, in my most humble opinion. Enjoy.




Teenage Sonota


I've said it before and I'll say it again, "there never will be another voice like the Sam Cooke".

Jimmy Bowman Swings At The Golden Fox

It comes on in a clean, sharp arc of sound. The soul-encompassing beat of yesterday's jazz plus echos of sweet nostalgia...whipped into the perfect musical mixture by the Jimmy Bowman Duo. These are merely three songs, but it's all here, as played at the Golden Fox in Minnesota. Jazz rhythms rock deep, powerful and haunting. Calypso is a special , joyous sound. So pour yourself your favorite cocktail, sit back and relax to these ultra-groovy, retro beats.

Jimmy Bowman Swings At The Golden Fox



Jimmy Bowman covered some premium tracks on this 60's lounge LP. "Calypso Blues", "Spinning Wheel", and Bobby Darin's "Long Line Rider" are all uniquely smooth interpretations. "Mama Look A Boo Boo" is particularly enjoyable for any Harry Belafonte fans. Enjoy.

Choking To Death From The Ties That Bind - Swamp Dogg

Swamp Dogg (aka Jerry Williams Jr.) went from 11 year old piano-playing prodigy to becoming one the most eccentric blues singers of his generation, or any for that matter. His progressive style was slightly ahead of its time, like a freaked-out Frank Zappa of funky blues.
Plus Dogg has a penchant for absurdly titled songs such as "I've Never Been To Africa And It's Your Fault", "The 1965 King Size Nicotine Blues" or this 1973 single "Choking To Death From The Ties That Bind". Perhaps that's because, according to Swamp Dogg,  "Black music didn't start 'til 10 at night until 4 in the morning and I was in bed by then.. . . If you strip my tracks, take away all the horns and guitar licks, what you have is a country song." Enjoy.


Choking To Death From The Ties That Bind

My musical highlight of 2011 was seeing Swamp Dogg and William Bell perform at the Smithsonian Folk Life Rhythm & Blues Festival last summer. It's nice knowing that some of the greats are still alive and grooving.