Black Trilogie
A Tribute to All Strong Women of Every Hue and Age.
This collection celebrates the powerful voices and indomitable spirits of women from all walks of life. From timeless classics that capture the essence of their strength to soul-stirring tracks that showcase their incredible talent, we honor the unwavering resilience and profound impact of these remarkable women.
First, we start with the revolutionary “Attica Blues” by Archie Shepp, featuring the incredible vocal talents of Jo Armstead and Albertine Robertson. Released in 1972, this powerful anthem responds to the Attica rebellion and the brutal suppression of black prisoners who courageously stood up for their rights.
As if their album “Beyond The Sun” wasn’t enough, Orgone returns with two brand new electrifying tracks on this 7″ for Colemine. “Strike” is an explosive, high-energy Union cover that embodies an unrestrained party spirit. It’s a testament to the enduring power of contemporary funk from one of the most prolific and successful ensembles in existence.
Freda Payne’s classic track, sampled by JVC Force in “Strong Island,” is a masterpiece of Motown and funk. Payne’s tremendous vocals cry out, “You got me hungry for your love but all you want to give me is the ‘Crumbs off the table’.” Laura Lee’s impassioned plea, released on Hot Wax in 1972, resonates deeply with its raw emotion and soulful intensity.
Next, we feature Millie Jackson‘s empowering anthem “You Created a Monster.” In this 1977 release, Jackson powerfully declares, “You created a monster from a shy country girl. Built her up to high-class quality, then she turned on me.” It’s a stirring testament to women’s liberation and self-transformation.
The Allergies and The Soul Motivators take us in another direction. Roy Spencer (aka Ninja Tune’s DJ Moneyshot) and Adam Volson (aka Rackabeat) combine funky fun with a golden era hip-hop vibe, creating infectious tunes that compel you to move. With Honey Larochelle’s dynamic vocals and Shahi Teruko from Soul Motivators rocking “Mindblastin,” this nine-piece, horn-infused funk explosion from Toronto is unstoppable.
Lilian Hale’s “Don’t Boom Boom” remains modern and vibrant today. This standout track is part of Florian Keller’s “Creative Musicians” sampler. Alice Russell, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with collaborations with Bah Samba, Quantic, TM Juke, Kushti, and Nostalgia 77, showcases her immense talent alongside the phenomenal Quantic Orchestra, one of today’s premier funk ensembles. Roy Ayers keeps the dance floor alive with his 1977 hit “Running Away.”
Marlena Shaw’s “Liberation Conversation” from 1969 is a timeless killer track. Record Kicks proudly presents James Brown’s original funky diva Martha High alongside Japan’s funk ambassadors Osaka Monaurail. Marva Whitney, celebrated as one of the rawest and brassiest music divas, toured with Bobby Bland and Little Richard before joining the James Brown Revue.
“Souls Come Alive” bursts forth with Monique Boggia’s electric piano intro and blistering horns, featuring May Johnson’s exemplary singing. This track’s catchy appeal is undeniable to anyone who appreciates genuine, organic 21st-century soul music. Ex-Ikette Vera Hamilton’s superb “But I Ain’t No More (G.S.T.S.K.D.T.S.)” from 1972, and Lady Wray’s soulful “Guilty” highlight the immense talent and future promise of these black female artists.
Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics aim to bring the classic sounds into the present with a fresh, modern twist. Gwen McCrae’s live performance in Paris left a lasting impression, showcasing her pure funk, gospel influences, and professionally performed hooks. Discovered in 1967 by Betty Wright, George and Gwen McCrae signed with Henry Stone’s Alston label, marking the start of their illustrious careers.
Esther Phillips, a versatile artist adept at blues, early R&B, soul, jazz, pop, disco, and country, struggled with commercial recognition due to her idiosyncratic, nasal voice. Yet, her 1974 track “Justified” remains a significant contribution to soul history.
Ann Peebles, with her powerful voice and strong attitude, defined Willie Mitchell’s legendary Memphis soul label Hi Records alongside Al Green and O.V. Wright. Her 1973 hit “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and the outstanding “Somebody’s on Your Case” from 1972 solidify her as one of the finest deep Southern soul singers of the decade.
Margie Joseph, often compared to Aretha Franklin, may not have achieved the same fame but earned a spot in the pantheon of soul cult favorites with her excellent records for Atlantic during the 1970s. Her rendition of “How Do You Spell Love” surpasses Bobby Patterson’s original with her powerful voice.
Tami Lynn’s 1972 track “That’s Understanding” is remarkable for its arrangement of strings and horns, a beautiful soul-pop production. Lynn’s backup work for the Rolling Stones, Dr. John, Wilson Pickett, and Sonny & Cher further showcases her versatile talent.
Honey Cone, comprising Edna Wright, Carolyn Willis, and Shellie Clark, was one of the best female soul groups of the early ’70s despite their brief existence. Their Northern-style soul recordings, particularly “Are You Man Enough, Are You Strong Enough” from the 1971 album “Sweet Replies,” remain iconic.
The Playlist full of Soul Sisters
- Attica Blues – Archie Shepp
- Strike – Niki Crawford, Orgone
- Unhooked Generation – Freda Payne
- Crumbs off the Table – Laura Lee
- You created a Monster – Millie Jackson
- Since you’ve been gone – The Allergies
- Mindblastin’ – The Soul Motivators
- Don’t Boom Boom – Lilian Hale
- Pushin on – Allice Russell, The Quantic Orchestra
- Running Away – Roy Ayers Ubiquity
- Liberation Conversation – Marlena Shaw
- Unwind Yourself – Martha High
- I made a Mistake because it’s only you – Marva Whitney
- Soul’s come Alive – Deep Street Soul
- Don’t call – The Jeromes
- But I ain’t no more (G.S.T.S.K.D.T.S.) – Vera Hamilton
- Guilty – Lady Wray
- My Dear – Ruby Velles & the Soulphonics
- It’s been Rainig – Gwen McRae
- Justified – Esther Phillips
- Somebody’s on your Case – Ann Peebles
- How do you spell Love – Margie Joseph
- That’s understanding – Tami Lynn
- Are you man enough, Are you strong enough – Honey Cone
A tribute to all strong women of all colors. Of all ages of many loves. Woman of the cheeky type… The shy type, the lived type… Married, needy, single, happy, headed and unbalanced. by Funkologie on Mixcloud