10 essential
records
Here are 10 albums from my collection that I absolutely love.
It was a bit challenging to narrow it down to exactly 10 because I have so many diverse favorite albums. This list may also change from time to time. However, these are generally my all-time favorite albums. Below, you can find more details about each of these albums.
Sam Dees – The Show Must Go On
When I first came across this album, I immediately became a fan. Sam’s voice resonated with me right from the start, and to this day, I still experience the same enchantment as that initial listen. It has earned a special place in my collection, boasting two copies. This marks the sole full album recorded by the legendary Sam Dees, renowned for his songwriting prowess on other records but truly stepping into the spotlight here as a lead star!
Dees’ approach is simply captivating – a touch of rootsiness with subtle southern soul elements, coupled with a righteous and progressive feel, reminiscent of the Curtom vibe. It’s the perfect blend for Dees’ upfront delivery of the lyrics and the compelling message embedded in his music. The lyrics themselves are sublime – thoughtful words that transcend standard clichés, skillfully interweaving the personal and political in a way that few other records have accomplished. This distinctive quality has turned it into a timeless gem, a cherished part of my collection for years. And if I had to pick a favorite track, it would undoubtedly be “Troubled Child.”
Herbie Hancock – Headhunters
This album never bores me.I almost listen to it every day; I find it delightful to play in the car, but the ultimate experience is, of course, on vinyl, allowing me to relax in the chair and drift away with Herbie. I’m a big fan of this man, and truth be told, any album from Herbie could have made it to this spot. However, this particular album holds something truly special for me. Favorite track: Watermelon Man.
Roberta Flack - Quiet Fire
When it comes to female soul vocalists, Roberta Flack always holds a prominent place on my list. I also adore her collaborations with Donny Hathaway; the two form an exceptionally dynamic duo. This recording captures an early stage in her career when Roberta truly comes into her own as a vocalist, solidifying her distinctive style. Her voice exhibits a crystal-clear tone and impeccably controlled phrasing, seamlessly balancing a jazzy sensibility with the emotive power of her gospel roots.
One standout track for me is “Black Moses,” a personal favorite that showcases Roberta Flack’s vocal prowess and the overall excellence of this collaboration.
Donny Hathaway – Donny Hathaway
Every album by Donny could easily make it onto this list, in my opinion, as he has consistently produced exceptionally good albums. Personally, I find this album to be the most beautiful, mainly due to the enchanting track: “A Song For You.” There are few singers comparable to Donny, as he effortlessly combines profound emotion with remarkable musicality. Once again, on this album, he skillfully blends soul with a gospel sound. It’s truly disheartening that this musical genius left us so soon.
Ramp – Come Into Knowledge
This album stands out as one of the all-time greats. A masterpiece blending moody soul, ethereal vocals, and jazzy vibes, all crafted under the watchful eye of the legendary Roy Ayers! The name Ramp is derived from the anagram Roy Ayers Musical Productions, and in a sense, the group encapsulates all the brilliance that Roy had been cultivating on his solo albums throughout the ’70s – presented here at an even higher level of excellence! What sets this group apart is their distinctive dual-female vocal style, harmonizing in a way reminiscent of Roy’s own albums but taken to a new level of completeness. The intricate jazzy instrumentation, heavily featuring vibes and keyboards, provides solid support.
Almost every track on the album is nothing short of fantastic. There’s a peculiar, off-kilter vibe throughout the record that’s utterly amazing and has held the fascination of soul enthusiasts for years. It’s a captivating fusion of mellow and upbeat, intricate and straightforward, creating a truly exceptional listening experience
Roy Ayers – Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Here’s another gem from Roy Ayers! This album stands as one of Roy Ayers’ most significant achievements, a work that delves deep into his musical repertoire. The entire album is an incredible fusion of mellow, jazzy soul, showcasing Roy at a pivotal moment in his career. He refines his earlier funk style, infusing it with a delightful R&B smoothness, adopting a slightly slicker approach while steadfastly remaining on the righteous path. In doing so, he opens up a whole new dimension in soul music.
The record is graced with a delightful electric vibe, not only from Roy’s signature vibes but also from the Fender Rhodes and Arp contributions by Phillip Woo. The remarkable energy of the entire ensemble adds to the album’s allure. A standout is the title track, the landmark “Everybody Loves The Sunshine,” a timeless tune that continues to solidify its status as a classic with each passing year. Also my favourite track.
Nina Simone – High Priestess Of Soul
This is a classic piece from Nina Simone, and the album undeniably lives up to its title! I’ve always seen Nina Simone as the high priestess of soul, especially during her remarkable tenure with Philips Records in the ’60s. She transcended jazz and even the folk influences she initially explored, venturing into a new, righteous territory that laid the groundwork for numerous other influential singers to follow. What I appreciate most is how Simone skilfully blends raw, rootsy elements with the sleeker soul inflections of the ’60s, making the album a treasure trove of exceptional tunes.
The Stylistics – The Stylistics
This album stands as a masterpiece of harmony soul! Undoubtedly one of the greatest in the genre and a cherished gem from The Stylistics, and let me tell you, it’s a personal favorite! In the realm of vocal soul, this record truly elevated the standards during the ’70s. It propelled beyond the somewhat delicate ballad style prevalent in the late ’60s, embracing a smoother, more mature sound that was flawlessly produced yet retained the emotional depth of its predecessors.
The credit for the brilliance of this album goes to the maestro Thom Bell. His production and musical vision played a pivotal role in propelling The Stylistics to heights that few groups of this kind were reaching at the time. A standout track is their seminal extended version of “People Make the World Go Round,” clocking in at a substantial 6 minutes – a length that was quite uncommon for that era that’s also my favourite song of this album.
Andy Bey – Experience And Judgment
A compact man with an extraordinary range! This gentleman can sing an impressive four octaves high, and that’s what makes this album so powerful. It exudes spirituality and depth. This collection represents one of Andy’s rare solo ventures from that era and continues the groove with significant contributions from the mighty William Fischer. Fischer not only wrote some of the tracks but also played keyboards, although Bey is undeniably the primary creative force behind the album. A noteworthy inclusion is a remake of “Celestial Blues,” a track Bey famously recorded with Gary Bartz.
The Supreme Jubilees – It'll All Be Over
One of the most beautiful gospel albums ever made. This album was released in 1980, but in my opinion, you wouldn’t guess that – it could easily have been released in the 60s or 70s. There are two songs on it that I truly consider favorites, namely “It’s All Be Over” and “Do You Believe.” It’s the only album these guys have ever recorded. When I listen to this album, I hear a group of guys who genuinely mean and believe in what they are singing and playing. It’s not overproduced or glossy; instead, it has a raw feel to it that only adds to the heart and soul invested in recording these songs.
More essentials
