King Curtis – "Live At Small's Paradise" (side 2) (1968) скачать в хорошем качестве

King Curtis – "Live At Small's Paradise" (side 2) (1968)

King Curtis – "Live At Small's Paradise" (side 2) (1968) King Curtis's "Live at Small's Paradise" is a masterclass in soul-jazz saxophone, a vibrant snapshot of a legendary performer at the peak of his powers. Recorded in 1966 at the iconic Harlem nightclub, the album crackles with the raw energy and infectious groove that defined Curtis's live shows. It's less a polished studio production and more a sweaty, exhilarating party captured on tape. From the opening notes, it's clear this is no ordinary live album. The atmosphere is palpable, with the audience's cheers and applause weaving seamlessly into the music. Curtis's tenor sax is the star, of course, but the supporting band, tight and responsive, provides the perfect foundation for his soulful improvisations. The setlist is a mix of Curtis's signature tunes and popular hits of the day, all given his distinctive treatment. "Soul Serenade," a Curtis classic, is transformed into a sprawling, emotionally charged epic, showcasing his ability to blend bluesy grit with elegant phrasing. "What'd I Say" is a rollicking, high-energy workout, driven by a relentless rhythm section and Curtis's fiery solos. The band also tackles contemporary hits, and they bring an exciting edge to the standards. What truly sets "Live at Small's Paradise" apart is the sheer joy and spontaneity of the performance. Curtis's playing is both technically brilliant and deeply expressive, conveying a sense of unbridled passion and infectious enthusiasm. He effortlessly navigates complex melodies and improvisations, weaving together blues, jazz, and R&B into a seamless whole. The interplay between Curtis and his band is electric, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The recording itself, while not pristine, captures the raw energy of the performance perfectly. The slightly rough edges add to the album's authenticity, transporting the listener to the heart of Small's Paradise on that memorable night. You can practically feel the heat of the club and hear the clinking of glasses. "Live at Small's Paradise" is more than just a live album; it's a testament to King Curtis's enduring legacy as one of the greatest saxophone players of his generation. It's a must-have for any fan of soul-jazz, and a reminder of the power and excitement of live music. The album stands as a vibrant document of a musical era, and a showcase of a performer who could command a room with his horn and his soul. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B1 Pots And Pans Written-By – Charles Rainey*, Cornell Dupree, Curtis Ousley, Melvin Lastie B2 The Shadow Of Your Smile Written-By – Johnny Mandel, Paul Francis Webster B3 Road Runner Vocals – King Curtis Written-By – Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier & Brian Holland* B4 Something On Your Mind Written-By – Cecil McNeely B5 Soul Theme Written-By – Curtis Ousley ----------------------------- Tenor Saxophone, Saxello – King Curtis Baritone Saxophone – Willie Bridges Cornet – Melvin Lastie Guitar – Cornell Dupree Piano – Paul Griffin Drums – Ray Lucas Electric Bass – Charles Rainey* ----------------------------- Engineer [Recording] – David Braithwaite, Joe Atkinson, Bobby Wright* Liner Notes [Wlib, New York] – Jack Walker Design [Cover] – Loring Eutemey Photography By [Cover] – Lee Friedlander Supervised By – Tom Dowd Label: ATCO Records – SD 33-198 Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Repress, Stereo Country: USA Released: 1968 Genre: Jazz, Funk / Soul Style: Soul, Funk