Things Gonna Get Better: Street Funk And Jazz Grooves 1970-1977 Various Artists (BGP Various)

£12.56

Genre:
Funk
Label:
BGP
Format:
CD
Catalogue Id:
CDBGPD 297

Civil rights and riots, afros and Watergate. Jazz and funk adapt to the realities of the 1970s.

This is an exciting glimpse into the world of black American funk, jazz and soul from the early 70s. The music has a political agenda, even when it isn’t overtly preaching a message. Recorded after the 60s dream had ended, during the era of Watergate, the oil crisis and a financial crash, there is a schizophrenic edge to the music here. There are tracks about trying to get things right, but also about partying as a way to forget.

The 1960s had been a period of hope, but a spate of assassinations, the war in Vietnam and the collapse of the post-WWII economic boom chipped away at this. Black American music was at a period of creative strength, while constantly being buffeted by the changes within the music business. The major labels were intent of dominating not just white pop music but every part of the business; it was no accident that the biggest soul label of the decade, Philadelphia International, was ostensibly a subsidiary of the mighty CBS Corporation.

“Things Gonna Get Better” examines what was going on in the margins. Independent producers, small labels and the remaining jazz independents released music that mattered, sometimes commenting on the world around them, while others created a soundtrack with which to dance away the real world troubles.

We have music from established names such as Funkadelic and the Fatback Band (masquerading as Macho), collectable 45s from Billy Sha-Rae, Chet Ivey and Idris Muhammad, and established floor-fillers by Oliver Sain and Lonnie Liston Smith. We also present previously unheard masters by Ruby Delicious, Dave Hamilton and Clarence Coulter (the man behind the rare 45 by Prophet & the Disciples).

I’m especially pleased by the jazz tracks we have found. Oliver Nelson is behind his own synth-dominated ‘Skull Session’ and Richard “Groove” Holmes’ ‘125th St And 7th Ave’, while master drummer Bernard Purdie gives us a great take on the Dramatics’ ‘Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get’.

All in all, 20 tracks of vibrant funk, soul and jazz that will keep any party going.

Dean Rudland

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Track listing

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Side 1

  • 01 Preview A Joyful Process - Funkadelic

  • 02 Preview St Louis Breakdown - Oliver Sain

  • 03 Preview Dose Of Soul - Chet Ivey & His Fabulous Avengers

  • 04 Preview One Man's Loss - Vernon Garrett

  • 05 Preview Payin' Dues - Ruby Delicious

  • 06 Preview 125th St And 7th Ave - Richard "Groove" Holmes

  • 07 Preview I'm A Believer - Idris Muhammad

  • 08 Preview A Chance For Peace (Single edit) - Lonnie Liston Smith

  • 09 Preview Skull Session - Oliver Nelson

  • 10 Preview Mucho Macho (Extended version) - Macho

  • 11 Preview Shorty The Pimp - Don Julian & The Larks

  • 12 Preview Push On Jesse Jackson - The Pace-Setters

  • 13 Preview Music For The Brothers - The Solicitors

  • 14 Preview Do It - Billy Sha-Rae

  • 15 Preview Things Gonna Get Better - Clarence Coulter

  • 16 Preview Soul Meeting - Don Williams & The Exchange

  • 17 Preview Tite Rope - Harold Alexander

  • 18 Preview Chains - Black & Blues

  • 19 Preview Whatcha See Is Whatcha You Get - Pretty Purdie & The Playboys

  • 20 Preview What's The Matter With The World - Dave Hamilton

Delivery & Returns

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We offer free P&P to UK addresses. For all other territories packaging is free and postage is charged on a weight basis.

We use Royal Mail First Class for UK deliveries and standard Air Mail for all other territories, very large orders will usually be sent via parcelforce. You may cancel your order at any time prior to your order being dispatched by emailing us at orders@acerecords.com ensuring that you quote your name, address and order reference number or by telephoning +44 (0) 208 453 1311 between 9am and 5pm GMT/BST, Monday to Friday. Please note: As music downloads are dispatched immediately after purchase, there is no possibility of cancelling these orders.

In the event that any products supplied to you by us are damaged or defective, we agree to replace or repair the damaged or defective products or refund the amount you paid for such goods (including postage & packaging) providing you notify us (either via post at or e-mail: orders@acerecords.com ) and return the goods within 28 days of purchase. Physical goods should be sent back to us in the same condition you received them to: “Returns” Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the e-mail address above including a copy of your notification.

You have the right to cancel your order within seven days of purchase, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). If you choose to cancel your order, full payment will be returned to you. Returned items should be sent to: “Returns” c/o Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the email address: orders@acerecords.com including a copy of your notice of cancellation and order number.

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