Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign (1967)

 

Information

The 2nd compilation of blues music released by the late Alber King. I favor this electric blues sound more than most and find myself reaching for this record often. Besides, what a badass he was. Not only did he influence Stevie but he also wailed on a guitar made for kings, pun intended. 

Born Under A Bad Sign

Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967)

 

Information

There are no words that I can write that haven't already been written. What I will say is as a child I stopped whenever I heard her voice on the radio. The power behind it just demands your entire attention, it gets into your bones and makes you move. The band of course is super tight as to be expected, as are the back-up singers, which will undoubtedly include you moments into the 1st track. It's hard to believe that this was already her 10th release, because the power on this record definitely felt like a debut statement. But that's what happens with a voice like hers. So grab this and someone close and get into it. 

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

B.B. King - Completely Well (1969)

Information

 

King has a slew of records from his prolific career and I like to take them slow and easy, just like his playing. By the time this record came out, He had been professionally playing for nearly 30 years, and it clearly shows in this set. The tracks are super tight, and the band sounds warm and comfortable, and King's playing and voice are nothing short of perfect. This collection is most notable as his breakthrough album, with one of his best charting singles, and the most covered song in his catalog. A song which went on to earn him his first of many Grammy Awards, and setting him up for another coupe of decades worth of work ahead of him. Let start the week & month off right with some easy-going beautiful blues music. 

Completely Well

Kaleidoscope - Tangerine Dream (1967)

 

Information

Released the same year as psychedelic heavy hitters, and often lumped in with them as well as one the leading pioneers of the genre, Kaleidoscope sadly failed to make a lasting impression on the young hippy types. This record has some tasty jams and all of the right elements of what should've been a hit. If only it was released in July of '67, instead of November, the music world might have been a different place, and they may have been the giants casting shadows on the rest of the planet. Take this for a ride. 

Tangerine Dream

Noah Howard - The Black Ark (1969)

 

Information

Way back in the day I used to go to this place in Evanston Illinois, called Pick-a-Cup Coffee Club on Friday nights, without fail. The baristas and I would proceed to get overly caffeinated and completely stoned out of our skulls, because at 7 PM on the dot, about 20+ musicians would get into a circle and blastoff into outer space. Despite the array of drums, percussion instruments, sometimes saxophones, etc... this group was so tight they could start and stop on a drop. Howard's 3rd recording as a leader takes me back there, every time I put it on. There's cacophonous moments, but as soon as Howard blows a phrase order comes back and the band is in sync again. Damn I miss that place. Pour yourself a cup of tea/coffee and feel the music.

The Black Ark