Southern Funkin': Louisiana Funk and Soul 1967-1975

Description

BGP returns with a foray into the unique and funky sounds that emanated from Louisiana from the late 60s through to the early 70s. The State has its own original take on black music influenced by New Orleans and tinged with the flavour of the area’s creole culture, which for a large part is separate and self-sufficient from the mainstream of American life; this makes many of these not only highly desirable, but impossible to find. As ever with a BGP compilation we have unearthed some stone rarities and dancefloor winners. The super-rare 'One Day’ by Tabby Thomas, that sells for nearly a $1000 on the infrequent occasion when it comes up for sale, is one of funk’s holy grails, and the low-down and dirty 'I Got A Groove’ by JJ Caillier also rarely surfaces. Katie Webster’s 'Hell Or High Water’ is a fine example of Sister Funk that would rock any dancefloor. As well as rarities there are several classics either via club play or sampling - such as 'Black Water Gold’ by the African Music Machine, Camille Bob’s exuberant take on Howard Tate’s 'Stop’ or Eddie Giles 'Soul Feeling’. This compilation rounds up the best releases of the important labels within in the Louisiana black music scene, such as ANLA/ Goldband, Maison De Soul, Murco and Soul Unlimited. The booklet features many wonderful pictures sourced by noted Louisiana musical expert John Broven, with the help of both the labels and Johnnie Allan, as well as an extensive and informative set of notes by compiler Dean Rudland.