Willie Mitchell – The Hit Sound Of Hi SHL 12034 LP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Willie Mitchell – The Hit Sound Of (Hi Records SHL 12034)  Rare Soul Instrumental LP Review 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Records 1967 ‎– SHL 12034

 

 

 notes:

Willie Mitchell – The Hit Sound Of (Hi Records SHL 12034)
Few musicians shaped the unmistakable Memphis soul 
sound like Willie Mitchell. Long before becoming the 
celebrated producer behind Al Green's greatest recordings,
Mitchell established himself as one of the finest trumpeters, 
bandleaders, arrangers and producers of the 1960s.
Released by Hi Records as SHL 12034, The Hit Sound Of captures 
Mitchell and his accomplished orchestra performing a collection 
of soulful instrumental interpretations of contemporary hits.
 Blending southern soul, rhythm & blues, jazz and pop 
influences, the album showcases the polished horn 
arrangements and tight rhythm section that would
 soon define the legendary Hi Records sound.
Recorded in Memphis, the LP demonstrates Mitchell's remarkable
talent for transforming familiar melodies into sophisticated
 instrumental performances. Rich brass sections, crisp guitar
 work and deep grooves make this album a favorite among
 collectors of classic instrumental soul.
For collectors of rare soul LPs, early Hi Records releases and
instrumental R&B, this album is an excellent addition to any vinyl collection.

credits:

Recording sessions

The Hit Sound Of Willie Mitchell is not a single-session album.
 It compiles instrumental recordings made between approximately 
1966 and early 1968, including several previously 
released Hi singles and newer studio recordings.
Nearly all tracks were recorded at Hi Recording Studio (Royal Studios) 
in Memphis under Willie Mitchell's supervision while he was 
simultaneously becoming Hi Records' principal producer.

Probable session personnel
Hi Records rarely printed complete musician credits on LP jackets 
during this era, and no surviving AFM sheets have been published 
for this album. Based on Hi Records documentation and the
 musicians regularly employed by Willie Mitchell during 
1966–1968, the lineup is believed to have been:

Leader
Willie Mitchell – trumpet, bandleader, arranger
Rhythm section
Teenie Hodges – guitar
Leroy Hodges – bass
Charles Hodges – organ, piano
Howard Grimes – drums
Additional or earlier personnel (depending on recording date)
Reggie Young – guitar (appears on some earlier 1966 sessions)
Bobby Emmons – organ
Tommy Cogbill – bass
Al Jackson Jr. – drums on some earlier Hi recordings
Horn section
James Mitchell – tenor saxophone, horn arrangements
 Fred Ford - Tenor Saxophone 
Andrew Love – tenor saxophone
Charles Chalmers – baritone/tenor saxophone
Gene "Bowlegs" Miller – trumpet
Wayne Jackson – trumpet
Ben Cauley – trumpet
These musicians formed the evolving Hi Rhythm Section and 
Memphis horn unit that became the signature
 Hi Records sound during the late 1960s.

Recording studio
Hi Recording Studio (Royal Studios)
Memphis, Tennessee
Recording engineer: Ray Harris
Custom tube recording equipment
Famous for its warm drum sound and close-miked
 horn arrangements developed by Willie Mitchell.

tracklist:

A1 Mercy
Written-By – Ray Harris (3)
A2 Treat Her Right
Written-By – R. Head*
A3 When A Man Loves A Woman
Written-By – Wright*, Lewis*
A4 Land Of 1000 Dances
Written-By – C. Kenner*
A5 So Rare
Written-By – J. Sharpe*, J. Herst*
A6 Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White
Written-By – Louiguy
B1 Searching For My Love
Written-By – Robert Moore
B2 Barefootin'
Written-By – R. Parker*
B3 Winchester Cathedral
Written-By – G. Stephens*
B4 Shotgun
Written-By – DeWalt*
B5 Misty
Written-By – E. Garner*, Burke*
B6     Sticks And Stones
Written-By – T. Turner*

 

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