Richmond based DJ Pari is the host of the monthly Soulpower dance party at Balliceaux and co-host of Midnight Soulstice on W-RIR 97.3 fm (every Friday from 11pm until 1am.) Pari spins clubs and festivals worldwide and he has worked with Soul legends like James Brown, The Impressions, Marva Whitney, Bobby Byrd, Mandrill, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and many more. For this column, he reviews five records from his collection every month - rare vinyl, common finds new and old jams.
Syl Johnson - Is It Because I'm Black (Twinight)
Syl Johnson is a Soul legend that everyone should know, but unfortunately he has never received the credit that he deserves. He's mostly known for his releases on Willie Mitchell's Hi Records in Memphis, but in my opinion, his prior output at Chicago's obscure Twinight Records trumps his more popular material. Syl was Twinight's best selling solo artist, but he also served as the label's A&R guy and producer. His second solo album, Is It Because I'm Black, released in 1970, may be his finest work. The pain and the honesty of the rather melancholic title track showcases Syl's expressive voice and superb skills on the guitar. The album also includes some heavily orchestrated deep Soul tracks and a few strong Funk numbers, on which he is backed by Twinight's house band, Pieces of Peace. On my list, this release ranks among the best Soul albums of the 1970s.
Where to get it: The original vinyl is rather pricey (often fetching more than $200 on eBay), but thanks to the Numero Group, it has been reissued as part of Syl's Twinight box set.
Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRHSLoXIlRk
Sir Guy & The Rocking Cavaliers - Funky Virginia (D.P.G. Records)
This is the definite anthem of every Soul party in the Commonwealth. Clarence "Sir Guy" Barron got his start in the vibrant music scene of Norfolk in the early 1960s. He first recorded for the S.P.Q.R. label before signing with D.P.G. Records, where he released a few sides that became local hits. His biggest success, without question, is "Funky Virginia." I've played this record all over the world, but nothing feels as good as giving it a spin right here in the Old Dominion, where many on the dancefloor proudly sing along with the lyrics - "we've got dancing girls, we've got the best in the world." The flipside of this single is "My Sweet Baby," a sweet Southern Soul ballad that a fellow Richmond Soul DJ recently chose as his wedding song.
Where to get it: Ironically, this 45 is hard to come by in Virginia. Your best bet is on eBay, if you want the original vinyl. It has also been released on the Ol' Virginia Soul Part 2 compilation CD.
Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY6PrsZTDdk
Bobby Williams - Funky Superfly (R.R. Records)
If it looks like James Brown and sounds like James Brown, it's safe to assume that it is James Brown - or not? You wouldn't be the first to mistake Bobby Williams for Soulbrother #1. I've played a few of Bobby's tunes to the legendary Bobby Byrd, who was willing to bet money that he was listening to an unknown tune by his long time friend James Brown. Williams, a Miami native, was often considered a James Brown clone. In most cases, the cloning of musical icons goes terribly wrong. But Williams pulled it off with such authenticity in both music and vocals, which he boisterously delivered. The title track of his 1974 release Funky Superfly is a favorite at our Soulpower parties, but the album is fully loaded with Funk bombs and a few deep Soul ballads that are equally enticing. If you think you've heard everything by James Brown but you still can't get enough, than this LP is for you.
Where to get it: The original pressing of this gem is almost impossible to find and would require you to sacrifice a paycheck or two. But fortunately, it has been re-issued on vinyl.
Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QI-1Su2V20
Renaldo Domino - Let Me Come Within (Twinight)
One of the unsung heroes of Chicago Soul, Renaldo Domino made his first recordings as a teenager, mainly for the Mercury and Smash labels. He hoped for his big break when he signed to Twinight Records, where he released three fantastic singles. The last one, "Let Me Come Within," is a departure from his usual Sweet Soul sound. Backed by the members of the South Shore Commission, he laid down one of the nastiest Funk tracks to ever come out of Chicago. And when I say nasty, I mean nasty - the title song means exactly what you are thinking. Which didn't exactly help to get this song airplay, and eventually, Renaldo vanished into obscurity. What remains is his legacy, and this particular record packs the floor every time I play it. People love nasty.
Where to get it: Give eBay a shot if you want the original 45. If you're not a record nerd, get the Twinight compilation released by Numero Group on both CD and vinyl.
Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G46A2CqkBp8
Archie Whitewater - Archie Whitewater (Cadet Concept)
I wish I could tell you more about this album, other than the fact that it is simply awesome. The Chess Records subsidiary Cadet Concept is known for its obscure releases, and this is certainly one of them. Little is known about Archie Whitewater, other than that this is the group's name, not the name of an individual. It's hard to categorize the music; it's Funk, it's Rock, it's Jazz and it's melodic hippy type stuff that you'll especially enjoy if you use any form of recreational narcotic. But you don't need to be stoned to appreciate this album. It's so absolutely brilliant, that it will take your mind off whatever is troubling you. My favorite tune is the eerie ballad "Cross Country." If I had to pick ten albums to take with me on a lonely island, this would be among them.
Where to buy it: Unfortunately, this masterpiece has not been reissued. Try eBay, and be prepared to dish out a lot of money. This one has been highly in demand for many years.
Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z-db8uxDQI
The next Soulpower party with special guest DJ Orb (San Francisco) is on Saturday, January 14th, at Balliceaux, 203. N. Lombardy Street. 10:30pm until 2 am.
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