Soulful Christmas

The standards are great but just because it's the holidays doesn't mean we don't need soul. Here are handful with soul to sprinkle on your egg nog. Good God!

James Brown: Soulful Christmas

The Godfather's holiday thank you to his fans.

Donny Hathaway: This Christmas

I guess you could call this a classic by now. It's certainly one of my favorites and you won't find a voice much smoother than the great Mr. Hathaway. From the 1971 self titled release.

Ike & Tina Turner: Merry Christmas Baby

We lost Ike Turner this year and as tribute I give you one of the toughest, in-your-face versions of this Baxter-Moore classic (see previous post). That beat is relentless and Tina really belts it out.

John Legend & Stephen Colbert: Nutmeg

I don't know how many of you saw the Stephen Colbert Christmas Special, but I'm still laughing! A definite highlight was John Legend's Al Greenesque jam to his favorite spice.

Lennon Lives

It's hard to comprehend that 28 years have passed since the tragic killing of John Lennon. His music and the music of The Beatles are still very much alive and with next year's eventual release of the remastered albums and digital release there are no signs of slowing. Here are a few soulful covers as tribute to my favorite songwriter.

Joe Bataan: This Boy

Arguably one of Lennon-McCartney's first "great" songs cooly delivered by the amazing Joe Bataan. That bridge gets me every time. Get it on Bataan's 1972 release Sweet Soul

Jackie Robinson: In My Life

This is a tune I often turn to to remind me of John Lennon's genius. It never fails to move me and Jackie Robinson's sweet vocals captures the nostalgia of the lyrics. You can find this track on Trojan's uneven Beatles Tribute Box Set.

Donny Hathaway: Jealous Guy

A touching rendition of one of John Lennon's greatest solo tunes. Get it on Donny Hathaway's 1972 Live release or also on fellow blogger Oliver Wang's Soul Sides, Vol 1 compilation.

George Benson vs. Donny Hathaway

George Benson: The Ghetto/El Barrio

Here's the guitar virtuoso's cover of Donny Hathaway's classic groove. Mr. Benson really gets with the Latin vibe but it's at the 5 minute mark where he really takes off to Cuba with a flourish featuring his signature guitar style and scatting vocals. The man is smooth. This track can be found on Mr. Benson's 2000 release Absolute Benson on GRP

Donny Hathaway: The Ghetto

This is Donny's incredible live version from his 1972 Live! album. This is truly one of the greatest live soul recordings ever. Recorded at the Troubadour in Hollywood, you really feel as your in the middle of the intimate crowd who play just as large a part on this record as any of the musicians. This version showcases the dynamic band as well as Donny's command on the electric piano not to mention his ability to work an audience into a frenzy.

Young, Gifted & Black

It's the tail end of Black History Month and I can't help but think of the many great tunes that came out of the civil rights movement in the 60's. Am I Black Enough For You, Give More Power to The People, We're A Winner, Be Real Black For Me, & of course Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud just to name a few. But there is one that always stands out to me: Nina Simone's To Be Young, Gifted & Black released in 1969.

Nina Simone: To Be Young, Gifted & Black

Co-written with musician Weldon Irvine, Y, G & B was an homage to Nina's friend playwright Lorraine Hansberry (Raisin In The Sun) but soon became an anthem to express the pride in the achievements of African-Americans. Being a white kid from the 1970's suburbs, this song certainly wasn't written to speak to me, but I think anyone can see how empowering this song is. Nina Simone was one of a kind and you'll be hearing a lot of her around here. Her fragile, wavering voice backed by the small but strong choir really tells the story.

Donny Hathaway: To Be Young, Gifted & Black

Donny Hathaway was a true master of soul with a voice that flows over the listener like warm molasses. Most well known for his duets with Roberta Flack, Donny ultimately proved to be a tragic figure in music commiting suicide in 1979. Here is his cover of Ms. Nina's song from 1970's Everything Is Everything.


Bob & Marcia: Young, Gifted & Black

Bob & Marcia's version also from 1970 was the first that I ever heard and has quite a different feel. Still just as powerful, it has a much more upbeat and celebratory vibe. Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths were both well known reggae stars when their rendition of Young, Gifted & Black hit the UK Top Ten. Here's another bit of trivia for you, Marcia later joined Bob Marley's backup singers The I-Threes.