About night people, gamblers, drug dealers and late night ladies.
Black Trilogie
This curated mix captures a fragment of the despair and raw energy from the ghettos of that era. Inspired by the gritty narrative of Terminal Bar (trailer at the end of this post), this compilation delves deep into the soul of urban struggle.
Brother Soul, a powerhouse group from the Bronx, drew inspiration from the electrifying sounds of James Brown and the early grooves of Kool & the Gang. Under the guidance of producer Bill Moore, Brother Soul released four captivating 45s throughout the early 1970s. Their 1974 gem, “Cookies,” stands as a delectable hit, resonating with the fervor of the times.
Hailing from Houston, Texas, The Soul Brothers Inc. were arguably the city’s most pivotal funk/soul ensemble from the late ’60s until their dissolution in the mid-’70s. In 2010, Tramp Records celebrated their legacy with “The Story of the Soul Bros. Inc.”
Renowned primarily for his exquisite saxophone prowess, Oliver Sain was also an accomplished songwriter, bandleader, drummer, and esteemed producer. Meanwhile, Clarence Reid, spotlighted as the Artist of the Quarter by Funkologie on Facebook, further enriched the soul landscape.
In 1971, Les McCann and Eddie Harris joined a stellar lineup—including Wilson Pickett, The Staple Singers, Santana, and Ike & Tina Turner—for a historic 14-hour concert in Accra, Ghana. This monumental event, held before over 100,000 attendees, was immortalized in the documentary film Soul To Soul, later released on DVD with an accompanying soundtrack in 2004. Les McCann, known for discovering Roberta Flack, contributed “Hustle to Survive” from 1975 to this rich tapestry.
Though Lee Dorsey’s 1978 album “Night People” teeters on the edge of disco, its smooth sophistication showcases his undeniable vocal prowess, transforming what might seem a mere curio into a testament to his enduring talent.
Steve Marriott’s debut solo album from 1976, “Marriott”, features a dynamic fusion of British and American influences. With former Humble Pie colleague Greg Ridley on bass, tracks like “Pusher’s Thang” and “I’m Hungry” from the stellar compilation Ancestor’s of Rap highlight the nascent soul and funk rhythms of the late ’60s and early ’70s.
In 1976, Aura ascended as Hawaii’s premier funk band, commanding the stage at The Point After, Honolulu’s most coveted nightclub. “Magic Lover” exemplifies their explosive brass, rock-solid groove, and gritty bass lines, elevated by the powerful vocals of Beverly and Christine Mendoza.
The Wild Magnolias, a Mardi Gras Indian tribe and funk sensation from New Orleans, Louisiana, released two critically acclaimed albums in the mid-’70s. Their single “Smoke My Peace Pipe (Smoke it Right)” even made it onto the Billboard Black Singles chart.
“The Bookmaker” graces the outstanding “Blaxploitation (70’s Groove Sensations)” sampler, while “Kidnapping” by Karl-Heinz Schäfer shines on the eclectic Mood Mosaic series. Isaac Hayes’s “Pursuit of the Pimpmobile” from the 1974 film Truck Turner is a nine-minute opus of soulful intensity.
Shorty The Pimp, a towering figure of raw, unbridled aggression, dominated South Central in 1973. His soundtrack, crafted by Don Julian & The Larks, is a rare gem of the blaxploitation genre. People’s Choice’s “Big Ladies Man” remains an all-time classic funky 45, a testament to the group’s enduring influence despite their limited discography.
Although often overlooked in the annals of Motown, Dave Hamilton was a foundational member of The Funk Brothers, contributing his talents from 1959 to 1962. After departing the group, Hamilton embarked on a solo journey that further cemented his legacy. Edwin Starr’s “Hell Up in Harlem” [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], his final album for Motown, features the compelling track “Big Papa,” penned by Freddie Perren.
The Playlist
- Cookies – Brother Soul
- Girl in the Hot Pants – Soul Brothers Inc.
- Booty Bumpin’ (The double Bump) – Oliver Sain
- I get my kicks – Clarence Reid
- Got to Hustle to Survive – Les McCann
- Night People – Lee Dorsey
- Late Night Lady – Steve Mariott
- Grand Theft – Chocolate Milk
- The Pusher’s Thang – Bobby and Doborreh Wiliams
- I’m Hungry – Johnnie Morisette
- Your wasting my Time Pt.1 – Billy Garner
- Magic Lover – Aura
- Smoke my Peace Pipe (Smoke it right) – The Wild Magnolias
- The Bookmaker – Evert Verhees, Bert Vershueren
- Kidnapping – Karl-Heinz Schäfer
- Pursuit of the Pimpmobile – Isaac Hayes
- Shorty the Pimp – Don Julian & The Larks
- Big Ladies Man – People’s Choice
- Take care of your own Business – Dave Hamilton
- Big Papa – Edwin Starr
About night people, gamblers, drug dealers and late night ladies. by Funkologie on Mixcloud
Related Links
Blaxploitation (70’s Groove Sensations)
Mood Mosaic (Series)
This Mix is inspired by Terminal Bar