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*

 

 link

 

 

 

 

Willie Mitchell – Soul Bag (Hi Records SHL 32050)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Willie Mitchell Soul Bag – Hi Records SHL 32050 Review 

 

 

 

 

Hi Records 1968/69   SHL 32050

 

 

 notes:

Willie Mitchell – Soul Bag: Memphis Soul Jazz at Its Finest

Few instrumental albums capture the unmistakable sound 
of Memphis quite like Willie Mitchell's Soul Bag. Released 
on Hi Records SHL 32050, this outstanding LP finds the
celebrated saxophonist, arranger, producer, and future 
architect of the legendary Hi Records sound delivering a
n irresistible blend of soul, jazz, blues, and rhythm & blues.

Long before producing Al Green's greatest recordings, 
Willie Mitchell had already established himself as one of 
Memphis' most sophisticated bandleaders. Soul Bag perfectly
 demonstrates his gift for combining polished horn arrangements, 
infectious grooves, and tasteful improvisation.

Supported by some of Memphis' finest studio musicians, 
Mitchell creates a warm, elegant instrumental album that 
bridges the worlds of jazz clubs and soul dance floors.

credits:

Recording studio:
Although Hi Records did not print recording details on 
the original LP, Soul Bag was almost certainly recorded at:
Royal Recording Studios (Hi Recording Studio)
1320 South Lauderdale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

By 1969, Willie Mitchell was producing virtually all of 
his own Hi Records sessions there, and Royal Studios 
had become the home of the distinctive Hi instrumental sound.

Recording period: Most likely late 1968 to early 1969
Engineer: Probably Willie Mitchell (no engineer is credited on the original LP)
Arrangements: Willie Mitchell
Producer: Willie Mitchell
Supervised by: Joe Cuoghi

Leader

Willie Mitchell – trumpet, bandleader, arrangements

Rhythm Section

Teenie Hodges – guitar
Leroy Hodges – bass
Charles Hodges – organ, piano
Howard Grimes – drums

Additional musicians (possible)

Archie Turner – piano on selected tracks
James Mitchell – saxophone
Memphis Horns members on selected horn overdubs:
Andrew Love – tenor saxophone
Wayne Jackson – trumpet

tracklist:

A1  Apollo X
    Songwriter Love*, Jackson* 
A2 One Mint Julep
    Songwriter  Toombs*      
A3 I'm A Midnight Mover
    Songwriter  Womack*, Picket*     
A4 Cherry Tree
    Songwriter  Love*, Jackson* 
A5 Young People
    Songwriter  Love*, Jackson* 
A6 Blue Blue Light
    Songwriter  Chalmers 
B1 Everyday People
    Songwriter  Stewart*     
B2 Knock On Wood
    Songwriter  Floyd*, Cropper*     
B3 Grand Slam
    Songwriter  Hodges*, Mitchell*      
B4 Honey Pot
    Songwriter  Jackson*, Love*, Dunn*, Newman*, Hayes*, Cropper*      
B5 Hawaii Five-O
    Composed By  Stevens* 
B6 Set Free
    Songwriter  Love*, Hodges*, Jackson* 

link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Willie Mitchell – Ooh Baby, You Turn Me On (Hi Records HL 12039)

 

 

 

 

 

 Willie Mitchell – Ooh Baby, You Turn Me On (Hi HL 12039) Review

 

 

 

Hi Records  1967 ‎– HL 12039

Notes:

First pressing with original title
Few producers left a greater mark on Memphis soul than Willie Mitchell.
 Best known for producing the legendary recordings of Al Green, Mitchell 
also enjoyed a successful career as a saxophonist, composer, arranger and 
recording artist. Released on Hi Records as HL 12039, Ooh Baby, You Turn Me On
 perfectly captures the sophisticated Memphis soul sound that made 
Hi Records famous during the 1970s.
Unlike the hard-edged soul emerging from other Southern studios, Mitchell 
favored elegant horn arrangements, silky rhythm sections and understated 
grooves. Every track reflects his remarkable ability to blend soul, funk, jazz 
and rhythm & blues into a polished yet deeply emotional sound.
Recorded at the legendary Royal Recording Studio, the album showcases the
 unmistakable Hi Records house band. The musicians create a warm atmosphere
 filled with tasteful guitar work, subtle keyboards, deep bass lines and the
 relaxed drumming that became synonymous with Memphis soul.
Mitchell's saxophone remains the centerpiece throughout the album. 
Rather than overpowering the arrangements, his playing complements each
 song with melodic phrasing, expressive solos and refined musicianship. 
The result is an album equally appealing to soul enthusiasts, jazz listeners 
and collectors of vintage vinyl.
Today, Ooh Baby, You Turn Me On remains one of the overlooked gems in 
Willie Mitchell's extensive catalog. Original Hi Records pressings continue 
to attract collectors who appreciate classic Memphis productions and 
the timeless sound that helped define an era of American soul music.
Whether you're discovering Willie Mitchell for the first time or 
expanding a Hi Records collection, this LP

credits:

First pressing with original title.
Recording period: 1966–1967
Studio: Royal Recording Studios, Memphis, Tennessee 
(later known as Royal Studios)
Producer: Willie Mitchell
Arranger: Willie Mitchell
Recording Engineer: Ray Harris 
(Hi Records' principal engineer during this period)
Producer – Joe Cuoghi
Probable Personnel
Horns
Willie Mitchell – trumpet, bandleader, arrangements
James Mitchell – tenor saxophone
Additional Memphis horn players (uncredited)
Rhythm Section
Teenie Hodges – guitar (probable)
Bobby Emmons – Hammond organ
Joe Hall – piano
Al Jackson Jr. – drums (likely on many tracks)
Larry Finch – bass (possible on later sessions)
Additional musicians
Hand percussion and additional horns on selected tracks (uncredited).
Research indicates that Willie Mitchell used a stable Memphis studio band 
which gradually evolved into the famous Hi Rhythm Section heard on 
Al Green's recordings a few years later. Early Hi sessions commonly 
featured combinations of:

Willie Mitchell
James Mitchell
Bobby Emmons
Joe Hall
Al Jackson Jr.
Reggie Young (on earlier Hi sessions)
Teenie Hodges (increasingly after 1966)
Leroy Hodges
Charles Hodges (beginning around 1967–68)

tracklist:

A1        Ooh Baby, You Turn Me On
Written-By – Love*, Hodges*, Thomas*, Mitchell*
2:00
A2        Soul Finger
Written-By – Cauley*, Cunningham*, Alexander*, King*, Jones*, Caldwell*
2:15
A3        Cleo's Mood
Written-By – DeWalt*, Fuqua*, Woods*
2:21
A4        Slippin' & Sliddin'
Written-By – Collins*, Bocage*, Smith*, Penniman*
1:56
A5        Soul Serenade
Written-By – Ousley*, Dixon*
2:15
A6        Willie's Mood
Written-By – Hodges*, Mitchell*
2:17
B1        Sunny
Written-By – Hebb*
2:32
B2        Pearl Time
Written-By – Williams*
2:27
B3        Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
Written-By – Brown*
2:12
B4        Respect
Written-By – Redding*
2:05
B5        Have You Ever Had The Blues
Written-By – Jennings*, Logan*, Price*
2:10
B6        Toddlin'
Written-By – Love*, Miller*, Mitchell*
2:04

 

 

 

 

link 

 

 

 

Willie Mitchell – It's What’s Happenin’ (1966)

Willie Mitchell – It's What’s Happenin’ (Hi Records 1966) – Rare Soul Review

HI RECORDS 1966                                      HL 12031 

notes:

If you’re passionate about 60s soul, Memphis groove, and rare vinyl gems,

 Willie Mitchell’s It’s What’s Happenin’ is a must‑hear classic from 

the golden age of Hi Records.

This LP captures the vibrant spirit of mid‑60s soul and R&B, blending 

instrumental flair with groove‑driven rhythm that characterizes 

Mitchell’s early work. It stands out as both a collector’s treasure 

and a snapshot of Memphis’s rich musical history.

credits:

leader Willie Mitchell

band :  Hi Rhythm Section

The Hi Rhythm Section was the house band for hit soul albums 

by several artists, including Al Green and Ann Peebles, on

 Willie Mitchell's Hi Records label in the 1970s. The band 

included the three Hodges brothers, Charles Hodges (organ), 

Leroy Hodges (bass), and Mabon "Teenie" Hodges (guitar), 

together with drummer Howard Grimes (or Stax Records 

legend Al Jackson, Jr. on most singles until his death in 1975).

 Many recordings also used The Memphis Horns - Wayne Jackson 

and Andrew Love - of Stax fame, usually with Willie's brother 

James Mitchell arranging.The recordings were made at 

producer Willie Mitchell's Royal

Recording Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.

recorded in june 1966 

royal studio, Memphis, Ten,

engineer : Ray Harris

Supervision: Joe Cuoghi

tracklist:

A1 What Now My Love

Written-By – Sigman*, Becaud*

2:07

A2 The "In" Crowd

Written-By – Billy Page

2:03

A3 Hot Cha

Written-By – Woods*

2:21

A4 Taste Of Honey

Written-By – Scott*, Marlow*

2:19

A5 Secret Agent Man

Written-By – Sloan*, Barry*

2:17

A6 Blueberry Hill

Written-By – Lewis*

2:32

B1 Bad Eye

Written-By – Willie Mitchell

2:22

B2 634-5789

Written-By – Floyd*, Cropper*

2:10

B3 Honky Tonk

Written-By – Doggett*, Butler*, Scott*

2:20

B4 Wooly Bully

Written-By – Samudio*

1:58

B5 Java

Written-By – Toussaint*

1:55

B6 Shadow Of Your Smile

Written-By – Mandel*, Webster*

2:00

link

 

           

Willie Mitchell

 

 

 It's Dance-Time With Willie Mitchell

 

 

Hi Records 1965  – SHL 32026

 

 

 credits:

    Engineer – Ray Harris 
    Supervised By – Joe Cuoghi


track list


A1 Introduction    0:50    
A2 Buster Brownie    2:12
Young, Mitchell    
A3 Ram-Bunk-Shus    2:07    
Millinder, Mundy, Glover
A4 Poinciana    2:09    
Simon,Bernier
A5 Morning After    2:12
Talley, Forrest    
A6 Since I Met You Baby    2:11
Hunter,    
A7 When My Dreamboat Comes Home    2:12    
Friend, Franklin
B1 Twine Time    2:10
Williams, Rice    
B2 In The Mood    2:08
Garland,    
B3 Wiggle Rock    2:05
Young, Mitchell    
B4 Woodchopper's Ball    2:08
Bishop, Herman,    
B5 Fever    2:13
Davenport, Glover, Pearl, nath    
B6 Apple Jack    2:09
Harris,

 

 

link

 

 

 

Ann Peebles – I Can't Stand The Rain

 

Hi Records 1973    – XSHL 32079

notes:

I Can't Stand the Rain is the fourth studio album by American
 Memphis soul singer Ann Peebles. It was released on the Hi label
 in 1974 and was her highest-charting record on the Billboard 200,
where it reached no. 155 and spent 7 weeks.

credits:

    Ann Peebles – vocals
    Howard Grimes – drums
    Charles Hodges – Hammond organ
    Leroy Hodges – bass guitar
    Mabon "Teenie" Hodges – guitar
    Wayne Jackson – trumpet
    Jack Hale – trombone
    Ed Logan – tenor saxophone
    Andrew Love – tenor saxophone
    James Mitchell – baritone saxophone
    Archie Turner – piano
    The Memphis Strings – string section
    Charles Chalmers, Donna Rhodes, Sandra Rhodes – background vocals

Recorded    1973
Studio    Royal Recording Studios, 1320 South Lauderdale, Memphis, Tennessee
Producer    , Engineer : Willie Mitchell


tracklist:
A1        I Can't Stand The Rain
Written-By – A. Peebles*, B. Miller*, D. Bryant*
2:29
A2        Do I Need You
Written-By – A. Peebles*, Darryl Carter, D. Bryant*, G. Arendt*
2:32
A3        Until You Came Into My Life
Written-By – A. Peebles*, D. Bryant*
3:10
A4        (You Keep Me) Hangin' On
Written-By – B. Mize*, I. Allen*
2:39
A5        Run, Run, Run
Written-By – A. Peebles*, D. Carter*, D. Bryant*
2:34
B1        If We Can't Trust Each Other
Written-By – E. Randle*
2:50
B2        A Love Vibration
Written-By – A. Peebles*, B. Miller*, D. Bryant*
2:45
B3        You Got To Feed The Fire
Written-By – A. Peebles*, B. Miller*, D. Bryant*
2:20
B4        I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down
Written-By – E. Randle*
2:44
B5        One Way Street
Written-By – A. Peebles*, D. Bryant*
2:51

link

 

 

 

Al Green – Let's Stay Together

 Hi Records 1972– SHL 32070

credits:

 
 Rhythm section
    Howard Grimes - drums
    Al Jackson Jr. - drums
    Leroy Hodges - bass guitar
    Charles Hodges - organ, piano
    Teenie Hodges - guitar

Horn section
    Wayne Jackson - trumpet
    Andrew Love - horn, tenor saxophone
    Ed Logan - horn, tenor saxophone
    James Mitchell - bass, baritone saxophone, arrangements
    Jack Hale, Sr. - trombone

Vocals
    Al Green - vocals
    Charles Chalmers, Donna Rhodes, Sandra Rhodes
background vocals, arrangements

Recorded at Royal Recording Studios, 1320 S. Lauderdale,
Memphis, Tennessee.
    Willie Mitchell - producer, engineer
    Willie Mitchell & Terry Manning - mixing engineers
    Peter Rynston - mastering engineer

 

 

 

link

Willie Mitchell ‎

 

 Willie Mitchell's Driving Beat

 

 

 

Hi Records ‎ 1966 – HL 12029

 

credits:

producer: Joe CuoGhi
engineer: Ray Harris

tracklist:

A1        Everything Is Gonna Be Alright
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:22
A2        Nick-O-Demus
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:06
A3        The Time Ain't Long
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:18
A4        The Champion - Part 1
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:15
A5        I'm Moving On Now
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:22
A6        Stone Face
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:04
B1        That Driving Beat
Written-By – Willie Mitchell
2:06
B2        The Champion - Part II
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:15
B3        Doing The Stroll
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:22
B4        Pep Talk
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:07
B5        Fat Cat
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:17
B6        Smiley
Written-By – W. Mitchell*
2:04

link

Willie Mitchell ‎– Last Tango In Paris

 

Hi Records 1973 ‎– 45-2237

Crédits

    Producer – Willie Mitchell



 Tracklist

A Last Tango In Paris 3:15
Written-By – Gato Barbieri
B Six To Go 2:17
Written-By – Mabon Hodges*, Willie Mitchell

link

Willie Mitchell ‎– Solid Soul

 

Hi Records 1967 ‎– SHL 32025

credits:
producer : Joe Cuoghi
arranger : Willie Mitchell

tracklist:
   
A1     Prayer Meetin'
Written-By – J. Smith*
A2     Grazing In The Grass
Written-By – H. Philemon*
A3     Windy
Written-By – Friedman*
A4     Sunrise Serenade
Written-By – Carle*, Lawrence*
A5     The Horse
Written-By – J. James*
A6     Groovin'
Written-By – Brigati*, Cavaliere*
B1     San-Ho-Zay
Written-By – F. King*, S. Thompson*
B2     Up-Hard
Written-By – A. Miller*
B3     Monkey Jump
Written-By – DeWalt*
B4     Strawberry Solo
Written By – Hodges*Written-By – Mitchell*
B5     Hideaway
Written-By – Thompson*
B6     Willie-Wam
Written-By – Grimes*, Michell*

upl

Willie Mitchell ‎– Bum Daddy

HI RECORDS 1968     V SINGLE 45-2147

 

Recorded in Memphis.


 Tracklist

A     Prayer Meetin'     2:12
Jimmy Smith

B     Bum Daddy     2:25
Mabon Hodges, Willie Mitchell
 

 

UPL

 

WILLE MITCHELL HOLD IT!!!

 

HI RECORDS 1965                                      SHL  32021 

credits:

 Engineer – Ray Harris 

    Supervised By – Joe Coughi

tracks list:

A1         Hold It     2:20    

A2         Percolatin'     2:26    

A3         Night Train     2:02    

A4         You Can't Sit Down     2:02    

A5         The Dog     2:10    

A6         The Crawl     2:01    

B1         20-75     2:13    

B2         Rinky Dink     2:03    

B3         Last Night     2:18    

B4         Mashed Potatoes     2:04    

B5         Last Date     2:02    

B6         Watermelon Man     2:13

link

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WILLIE MITCHELL ROBBIN'S NEST

HI RECORDS 1970                                           SHL 32058

 tracks list:

A1 Robbin's Nest 2:36
A2 On The Other Side 2:47
A3 Last Date 2:41
A4 This Guy's In Love With You     2:21
A5 Tails Out 2:19
A6 Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head 2:27
B1 Wade In The Water 3:05
B2 Turn Back The Hands Of Time 2:48
B3 Greasy Spoon 3:28
B4 Chilly, Chilly 2:43
B5 Sing A Simple Song 2:58
B6 Sleepy Lagoon 2:2

link

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