JAMES CARR
A Man Needs A Woman (Goldwax/Kent; CD)
     If you ever hear anything more intense than James Carr's gravely Otis-like voice then let me know instantly. Carr's late '60s Goldwax recordings are at the crux of southern/deep/country soul; just listen to the final track - the godlike previously unreleased version of the Johnny Cash hit 'Ring Of Fire' to hear him smoke like the barrel of a cherished shot gun!
     On this CD Carr's original 1968 follow-up to You Got My Mind Messed Up is augmented with a generous amount of bonus material, extending it to a staggering 24 cuts.
     He never made it, and his life was a misery, but Carr had something. Something most don't have, and can only dream of: a voice that could deliver 'pure' emotion. Superlative! 
www.acerecords.co.uk 
Jon 'Mojo' Mills

CARLOS MALCOLM
Bustin' Outta The Ghetto (BGP/Ace; CD)
     New York street funk and ska and reggae rhythms blend together on this wonderful 1970 album from neglected Jamaican musician Carlos Malcolm (who was one of the innovators in the evolution of Jamaican music!) Many funk fans know the highly groovy 'Bustin' Outta The Ghetto', but the album from which it sprang has been a rarity for way too long. Caribbean rhythms work with Ramsey Lewis styled jazz piano and an interesting usage of mouth organ whilst the tempos sway between funk and ska. Not so unlike Jackie Mittoo in places, soulful, jazzy and funky. And worth bustin' out to anyday.
www.acerecords.co.uk
Jon 'Mojo' Mills

VARIOUS ARTISTS
LA's Silver Soul: Lee Silver's Symphonic Productions (Kent; CD)
     21st Century's 'Coming Right Back', one of the finest floor fillers to be heard on this superb anthology of forgotten producer Lee Silver help purport his legacy. Silver worked closely with The Pentagons who achieved a modicum of success in the early '60s. From the middle part of the decade through to the '70s he recorded and produced a wealth of discs with conglomerations of various members and associates. Earlier sides have a hint of doo wop about them, whilst later tracks like the wonderful 21st Century track have more of a big Motown feel. But these are by no means mere knock offs; gentle strings, assured performances and a deft production prove that Lee's touch was golden rather than silver. Wonderful. Keep it coming…
www.acerecords.co.uk
Jon 'Mojo' Mills