This 1969 recording of Soul on Top -- James Brown fronting drummer Louis Bellson's big band -- is no novelty. It's a signpost at the crossroads of jazz and soul. Brown croons ''That's My Desire'' with grace, and his signature screams sound like added horns on a boogaloo version of Hank Williams' ''Your Cheatin' Heart.'' Five extended tracks, especially ''Papa's Got a Brand New Bag,'' make this especially thrilling.
Image credit: James Brown: David Redfern / Redferns / Retna Ltd.
'SOUL' MAN Brown
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.