3/2/26

Willie Bobo – Uno Dos Tres 1.2.3






Willie Bobo – Uno Dos Tres 1.2.3 (1966 Verve Latin Jazz Album)




Willie Bobo Uno Dos Tres 1.2.3 Verve Records 1966 album cover

Verve Records 1966 – V6-8648


notes:


“Uno Dos Tres 1.2.3” showcases Willie Bobo’s unique Latin jazz style, 
blending boogaloo, soul, and jazz grooves. Released in 1966 on Verve
 Records (V6-8648), this album features vibrant percussion, lively horns, 
and intricate arrangements that have influenced generations
 of jazz and Latin music enthusiasts.


credits:


Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Bobby Brown 
Arranged By – Arturo O'Farrill (tracks: B5),
Clarence Henry (tracks: A2, A3), 
Cornet - Mel Lastie* (tracks: A1, A4 to B2, B4)
Bass – Bobby Rodriguez, Jon Hart
Bongos, Guiro – Oswald Martinez*
Congas – Carlos Valdes*
Cornet – Mel Lastie*
Guitar – Sonny Henry
Percussion – Jose Mangual, Victor Pantoja


Recorded January & April 1966 at Van Gelder Studio,
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Engineer [Director Of Engineering] – Val Valentin
Producer – Creed Taylor


tracklist:


A1 Boogaloo In Room 802
Written-By – Hart*, Lastie*
2:30
A2 Come A Little Bit Closer
Written-By – Hart*, Boyce*, Farrell*
3:05
Written-By – Weinstein*, Randazzo*
3:15
A4 I Remember Clifford
Written-By – Golson*, Hendricks*
2:03
A5 Rescue Me
Written-By – Smith*, Miner*
3:05
Written-By – Lennon-McCartney
3:00
B1 No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)
Written-By – Burland*
2:45
B2 Fried Neck Bones And Some Home Fries
Written-By – Lastie*, Bobo*
2:50
Written-By – Jern*
3:05
B4 1-2-3 (Uno, Dos, Tres)
Written-By – White*, Madara*, Borisoff*
2:34
B5 Night Song
Written-By – Strouse*, Evans*
2:40
B6 The Breeze And I - From Suite "Andalucia"
Written-By – Lecuona*
3:12










Santana live, Woodstock performance.





Santana Woodstock 1969 – Live Performance & Vinyl Info  Blues & Soul



Santana Woodstock 1969 live vinyl record cover Columbia Records

Columbia records 2017 ‎– 88875195551


 notes:


The Historic Santana Woodstock Performance

Santana’s groundbreaking performance at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair 
in 1969 marked a turning point in rock history. Their fiery fusion of Latin rhythms
 and rock electrified the festival crowd and earned them worldwide recognition.
 Capturing this legendary moment, the Santana Woodstock live vinyl release has 
become a prized collector’s item among music enthusiasts.
Details of the Santana Woodstock Vinyl Release
This release showcases the classic Woodstock 1969 Santana performance,
 including iconic tracks that define the band’s early sound. The record was issued 
by Columbia Records and is highly sought after by vinyl collectors 
for its authentic live energy.

credits:


   Bass Guitar – David Brown 
    Drums – Michael Shrieve
    Keyboards – Gregg Rolie
    Lead Guitar – Carlos Santana
    Lead Vocals – Gregg Rolie
    Percussion – José "Chepito" Areas, Michael Carabello
    Supervised By, Mixed By – Eddie Kramer

Recorded  At The Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Saturday, August 16, 1969

 Tracklist:


A1 Waiting 4:49
Written By – Santana Band
A2 Evil Ways 4:00
Written-By – S. Henry
A3 You Just Don't Care 4:46
Written-By – C. Santana*, G. Rolie
A4 Savor 5:23
Written By – Santana Band
A5 Jingo  5:31
Written-By – B. Olatunji*
B1 Persuasion 2:52
Written-By – G. Rolie*
B2 Soul Sacrifice  11:35
Written-By – C. Santana*, D. Brown*, G. Rolie*, M. Malone*
B3 Fried Neck Bones And Some Home Fries 6:41
Written-By – M. Lastie*, W. Correa [aka W. Bobo]*





      link









3/1/26

The Soulful Strings – String Fever 1969





The Soulful Strings – String Fever (Cadet Records, 1969)





The Soulful Strings String Fever 1969 Cadet Records vinyl album cover 

Cadet Records 1969  LPS 834


notes:


The Soulful StringsString Fever is a rare late-1960s instrumental 
soul and jazz album released on Cadet Records in 1969. Blending 
lush orchestral arrangements with funky rhythm sections, the group 
created a distinctive crossover sound that sits between soul, 
easy listening, and jazz-funk.
Often overlooked compared to their earlier hits, String Fever remains
 a sought-after LP among vinyl collectors and fans of cinematic soul grooves.


credits:


    Cello – Cleveland Eaton (tracks: A1, B2)
    Flute – Lenny Druss* (tracks: A1, A2, A3, B5), Richie Fudali* (tracks: A2, A4, B4)
    Guitar – Cash McCall (tracks: A4), Phil Upchurch (tracks: B2, B5), 
    Ron Steele (tracks: B3), Sam Thomas (tracks: B1)
    Harmonica – Jeff Carp (tracks: A3, A4, A5, B1, B4)
    Producer, Arranged By, Conductor – Richard Evans (2)
    Viola – Bruce Hayden (tracks: A4)

Record Company – Cadet Records
Recorded At – Ter Mar Studios
Engineer – Dave Purple


tracklist:


A1 Zambezi
written by Evans, Hathaway
A2 Wildwood
written by Upchurch
A3 Chocolate Candy
written by Upchurch
A4 High Rises Blues
written by Evans
A5 It's Cold Duck Time
written by  Harris
B1 The Voices Inside
written by Evans, Upchurch
B2 Valdez In The Country 
written by Hathaway
B3 A Love Song 
written by Evans
written by  Evans
B5 1974 Blues
written by Harris










   

2/28/26

The Soulful Strings Play Gamble & Huff





The Soulful Strings Play Gamble & Huff – Album Review & Tracklist





The Soulful Strings Play Gamble and Huff 1974 album cover featuring orchestral soul artwork

Cadet Records 1970 ‎– LPS 846


notes:


The Soulful Strings Play Gamble & Huff is a 1974 instrumental soul album
 that transforms the iconic Philadelphia soul sound into sweeping orchestral 
arrangements. Performed by The Soulful Strings, this release pays tribute
 to the legendary songwriting and production duo Gamble & Huff, whose 
work defined the sound of 1970s soul and R&B.
Released during the peak of the Philly soul era, the album blends rich string 
harmonies with tight rhythm sections, offering elegant interpretations of 
some of the most influential compositions of the decade. It stands as a unique
 crossover between easy listening, soul, and early disco-era orchestration.
The group comprised various members of Cadet's house band – such as
 Phil Upchurch (on guitar), Charles Stepney (organ, vibraphone), Lenny Druss (flute), 
Cleveland Eaton (bass, cello), Morris Jennings (drums), Bobby Christian
 (vibraphone, percussion) and, later, Billy Wooten, in place of Stepney.
 Sol Bobrov and Bruce Hayden were among the eponymous string players. 
Other contributors included Johnny Griffith and Donny Hathaway, 
both on keyboards, and jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby


credits:


Phil Upchurch  Guitar
Cash McCall  Guitar
Morris Jennings Jr.  Drums
Richard Evans  Bass
Cleveland Eaton  Bass & Cello
Charles Stepney  Organ & Vibes?
Bobby Christian  Vibes?
Billy Wooten  Vibes
Richie Fudali  Flute
Lennie Druss  Flute
Sol Bobrov  Violin?
Bruce Hayden  Viola

Composed By – Kenny Gamble And Leon Huff
Jerry Butler (tracks: A1, A4)

Produced & Arranged by Richard Evans (1970 Cadet Records)
Recorded at Tel-Mar Studios, Chicago, July/August 1970
Engineer – Malcolm Chisholm

tracklist:


Guitar – Phil Upchurch
A2 Together
Flute – Lenny Druss
A3 I've Got A Groove
Featuring – Richard Evans 
A4 Beside You
Guitar – Cash McCall,Viola – Bruce Hayden
A5 Turn Back The Hands Of Time
Guitar – Cash McCall
B1 One Night Affair
Flute – L. Druss Guitar Roland Faulkner,
Marimba – Billy Wooten
B2 Silly, Silly Fool
Flute – Lenny Druss Vibraphone – Billy Wooten
B3 I Can't Stop Dancing
Flute – Lenny Druss Guitar Phil Upchurch,
Vibraphone Billy Wooten
B4 Deeper In Love With You
Flute – Cliff Davis,Vibraphone Billy Wooten
B5 Never Gonna Give You Up
Guitar [1st & 3rd] – Phil Upchurch;
Guitar [2nd] – Roland Faulkner, 
Violin – Sol Bobrov










2/27/26

Errol Garner – Ready Take One

 



Errol Garner – Ready Take One (Unreleased Jazz Compilation Review)






Errol Garner Ready Take One album cover

LEGACY RECORDS 2016                 LGCY 536332


notes:


Ready Take One is a compilation album of previously 
unreleased Erroll Garner recordings. 
Errol Garner Ready Take One is a remarkable collection of unreleased jazz 
recordings by the legendary pianist Errol Garner. Spanning sessions from 
1967 to 1971, this compilation showcases Garner’s signature swing style 
and improvisational brilliance, offering both longtime fans and new
 listeners a chance to experience previously unheard gems.

credits:


    A&R – Henry Towns
    Art Direction, Design – White Bicycle
    Compilation Producer – Steve Rosenthal
    Compilation Producer, Liner Notes – Geri Allen
    Executive Producer – Susan Rosenberg
    Mastered By – Vic Anesini
    Producer – Martha Glaser
    Producer [Original Recording Produced By] – Martha Glaser
    Product Manager – Tara Master

Compilation Producer, Mixed By – Peter Lockhart
Mixed By – Kabir Hermon, Steve Rosenthal
Mixed at – Studio E

14 previously unreleased songs including 6 original compositions.
Originally recorded 1971: A1, A2, B1, B2, C4; 
1969: C2, D3. 1967 - the other tracks.

tracklist:


A1 High Wire 3:47
A2 I Want To Be Happy 3:01
A3 I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) 5:03
A4 Sunny 3:19
B1 Wild Music 5:07
B2 Caravan 6:24
B3 Back To You 5:26
C1 Night And Day 4:25
C2 Chase Me 2:57
C3 Satin Doll 5:52
C4 Latin Digs 5:28
D1 Stella By Starlight 4:50
D2 Down Wylie Avenue 5:30
D3 Misty 4:5






Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963)





Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963) – Debut Album Review & History




Presenting Dionne Warwick 1963 album cover featuring Dionne Warwick

Scepter Records 1963 ‎– SPS 508


notes:


Presenting Dionne Warwick is the debut studio album by Dionne Warwick
released in 1963 on Scepter Records and produced by Burt Bacharach and 
Hal David. Featuring the breakthrough single “Don’t Make Me Over,” 
the album introduced Warwick’s elegant, emotionally precise vocal style and 
marked the beginning of one of the most successful singer-songwriter
 partnerships in pop and soul history. Blending pop sophistication with 
soul and orchestral arrangements, Presenting Dionne Warwick laid the 
foundation for a career that would define adult contemporary 
and crossover soul music for decades to come.

credits:


Dionne Warwick – lead vocals
Burt Bacharach – arrangements, conductor, producer
Hal David – producer, lyricist
Johnny Pate – arrangements 
Claus Ogerman – arrangements 
Robert C. Baker – recording engineer
Uncredited session musicians – orchestra and rhythm section

(New York City)
Producer
Burt Bacharach Hal David

 Tracklist:


A1 This Empty Place 2:55
Written-By – Bacharach & David*
A2 Wishin' And Hopin' 2:55
 Written-By – Bacharach & David*
A3 I Cry Alone 2:37
Written-By – Bacharach & David*
A4 Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah 2:40
Written-By – A. Wrubel*, R. Gilbert*
A5 Make The Music Play 2:25
Written-By – Bacharach & David*
A6 If You See Bill 2:58
Written-By – L. Dixon*
B1 Don't Make Me Over 2:58
Written-By – Bacharach & David*
B2 It's Love That Really Counts 2:16
Written-By – Bacharach & David*
B3 Unlucky 2:25
Written-By – L. Shockley*, B. Banks*
B4 I Smiled Yesterday 2:25
Written-By – Bacharach & David*
B5 Make It Easy On Yourself 2:40
Written-By – Bacharach & David*
B6 The Love Of A Boy 1:59
Written-By – Bacharach & David*




 
 

 

2/26/26

Mary Wells – Vintage Stock (1966)





Mary Wells – Vintage Stock (1966)  Motown Soul 
Compilation Review & Tracklist




Mary Wells Vintage Stock 1966 compilation album cover

Motown ‎records 1966 – MT 653




notes:

  
Released in 1966, Vintage Stock is a compilation album by Motown star 
Mary Wells, gathering together recordings from her productive early
 years with the label. Issued after her commercial peak at Motown,
 the album serves as both an introduction for new listeners and a 
convenient collection for fans who wanted her songs in one 
affordable package. Though not a studio album in the traditional sense,
 Vintage Stock captures an important moment in soul music history 
and preserves the sound of one of Motown’s most distinctive female voices.
Mary Wells was one of Motown’s first breakout artists, helping the Detroit 
label move from a small R&B company into a mainstream pop powerhouse. 
Best remembered for her smooth yet playful vocal style, she became known 
as “The Queen of Motown” in the early 1960s. Her success laid the groundwork
 for later stars such as Diana Ross and Martha Reeves, and her recordings helped
 define the polished, crossover-friendly “Motown Sound.”
Vintage Stock was released as part of Motown’s budget compilation series, 
aimed at repackaging previously recorded material for the growing LP market.
 By 1966, Mary Wells had already left Motown for 20th Century-Fox Records,
 but the label continued to capitalize on her popularity by issuing collections of her earlier work.
Rather than presenting a unified artistic statement, the album functions as a curated 
overview of Wells’ recordings from her Motown period. It draws from sessions recorded 
between 1961 and 1964, when she was at the height of her chart success. 
The title Vintage Stock suggests that these songs were already being framed as classics, 
despite being only a few years old at the time of release.



credits:


Lead vocals by Mary Wells
Background vocals by and The Rayber Voices, 
The Love Tones, The Temptations, The Supremes
Martha & the Vandellas, and The Andantes
Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers

Released November 1966
Recorded 1962-1964

  tracklist:


A1 The One Who Really Loves You
Written-By – Wm. Robinson*
2:26
A2 When I'm Gone
Written-By – Wm. Robinson*
2:13
A3 He's The One I Love
Written-By – Wm. Robinson*
2:37
A4 Two Lovers
Written-By – Wm. Robinson*
2:47
A5 Guarantee (For A Lifetime)
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland*
2:19
A6 Honey Boy
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland*
2:56
B1 My Guy
Written-By – Wm. Robinson*
2:44
B2 Everybody Needs Love
Written-By – E. Holland*, N. Whitfield*
2:52
B3 You Beat Me To The Punch
Written-By – R. White*, Wm. Robinson*
2:43
B4 I'll Be Available
Written-By – Wm. Robinson*
2:36
B5 One Block From Heaven
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland*
2:26
B6 Goodbye And Good Luck
Written-By – R. White*
2:14









2/25/26

Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery – The Dynamic Duo




Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery – The Dynamic Duo (1966 Jazz Album Review)



 
Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery The Dynamic Duo 1966 Verve jazz album cover

Verve Records 1966 – V6-8678

 

notes:


Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery joined forces in 1966
 to create The Dynamic Duo, one of the most celebrated 
collaborations in modern jazz history. Released on Verve Records,
 this album brought together two masters of their instruments:
 Hammond B-3 organ and electric guitar.
Blending soul jazz, hard bop, and orchestral arrangements, 
The Dynamic Duo stands as a landmark recording of the 1960s, 
showcasing both virtuosity and mainstream appeal.
Recorded in New York City in 1966, The Dynamic Duo pairs the 
blues-driven organ style of Jimmy Smith with Wes Montgomery’s 
signature octave guitar technique. Unlike their earlier small-group 
sessions, this album features lush big-band arrangements that 
frame the duo in a more cinematic soundscape.
The project was arranged and conducted by Oliver Nelson
whose orchestrations give the album a sophisticated and 
dramatic edge while leaving plenty of space for improvisation.

credits:

    
    Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Flute [Alto] ,
     Jerry Dodgion (tracks: A1, A2, B2)
    Arranged By – Oliver Nelson
    Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Flute [Alto] ,
     Danny Bank (tracks: A1, A2, B2)
    Bass – Richard Davis (2) (tracks: A1, A2, B2)
    Bass Trombone – Tony Studd
    Drums – Grady Tate
    Flugelhorn – Clark Terry (tracks: A1, A2)
    Flute [Tenor], Flute [Alto], Clarinet  Jerome Richardson (tracks: A1, A2, B2)
    Guitar – Wes Montgomery
    Organ [Hammond] – Jimmy Smith
    Percussion – Ray Barretto (tracks: B1 to B3)
    Saxophone, Clarinet – Phil Woods (tracks: A1, A2, B2)
    Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Bob Ashton (tracks: A1, A2, B2)
    Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland (tracks: A1, A2, B2), 
    Melba Liston (tracks: A1, A2, B2), 
    Quentin Jackson (tracks: A1, A2, B2), Richard Hixon* (tracks: B2)
    Trumpet – Clark Terry (tracks: A1, A2, B2), Ernie Royal (tracks: A1, A2, B2), 
   Jimmy Maxwell (tracks: A1, A2, B2), Joe Newman (tracks: A1, A2, B2)

 Producer – Creed Taylor
 Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Director Of Engineering – Val Valentin
13 (Death March) recorded September 21, 1966.
Down By The Riverside and Night Train recorded September 23, 1966.
James And Wes and Baby, It's Cold Outside recorded September 28, 1966.
Recorded at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

tracklist:


A1 Down By The Riverside 10:00
A2 Night Train
Arranged By – Oliver Nelson
Written-By – Jimmy Forrest, Lewis C. Simpkins*, Oscar Washington
6:30
B1 James & Wes
Written-By – Jimmy Smith
8:05
B2 13 (Death March)
Arranged By – Oliver Nelson
Written-By – Gary McFarland
5:21
B3 Baby, It's Cold Outside
Written-By – Frank Loesser
5:50









 

2/24/26

Don Patterson – Mellow Soul (1967)




Don Patterson – Mellow Soul (1967, Prestige Records)  Soul Jazz Album Review





Don Patterson Mellow Soul album cover 1967 Prestige Records

Prestige records  1967‎– PRST 7510



notes:


Don Patterson’s Mellow Soul (1967, Prestige Records) is a soulful jazz 
organ album that perfectly blends groove, blues, and hard bop elegance. 
Recorded with an outstanding lineup featuring Cedar Walton and 
Billy Higgins, this session stands as one of Patterson’s most accessible
and melodic recordings. Mellow Soul captures the warm, swinging
side of soul jazz while maintaining the sophistication of classic modern jazz.


credits:


David Newman (tenor sax, flute)
Don Patterson (organ)
Billy James (drums)

recorded:

Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, 
NJ, May 10, 1967
Producer Cal Lampley


tracklist:


All compositions by Don Patterson except as indicated



A1 Hump Snapa Blues 5:00
A2 Music To Think By 4:00
A3 Darben The Redd Foxx 4:55
            (James Moody) 
B1 Mellow Soul 6:40
B2 Head 6:05
            (David Newman)
            (Jack Strachey, Eric Maschwitz)