(Soul-Jazz) VA - Chicago Soul (2004) - 2004, MP3, 320 kbps

While principally known for it's excellent reggae compilations (the superb 100-600% Dynamite's and numerous Studio One sets), the Soul Jazz Records label has also put out a number of quite brilliant soul-r&b-blues influenced compilations too ('New Orleans Funk', 'Saturday Night Fish Fry', 'Miami Sound', etc). The latest of these is this superb set celebrating the sound of Chess Records and "the new sound of Chicago in the 1960s". Although primarily known as one the main springboards for urban blues in the 1950s (Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, etc), and the beginning of rock'n'roll as we know it (Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry), by the 1960s Chess had branched out into jazz, soul, gospel, funk and other such forms of urban black music. This lovingly compiled CD presents this era of Chess, and Chicago music especially, in all its vibrant glory. On show we have blues greats and Chess stalwarts such as Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Etta James, Buddy Guy and Howlin' Wolf contributing suitably funked up and electric works (check out Muddy Waters' superb electric-meets-psychedelic reading of "I Just Want To Make Love To You"), alongside jazz and soul contributers such as Ramsey Lewis, Little Milton, The Soul Stirrers, Laura Lee, Fontella Bass and a number of more obscure but equally impressive acts. As with all Soul Jazz releases the sound is superb, as are the extensive liner notes, and frankly this collection belongs in the home of all contemporary music fans. Sometimes history can just be so much fun. Recommended.
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