Various Artists: Even More Original Raw Soul

Sometimes when things get a little too heady you have to go back to the source.And, as far out and involved as things can get on the jazz-funk tip, the seemingly inexhaustible supply of hard-to-find rare groove sides is an always dependable source of enjoyment. Look at them as the steak and lobster of the groove scene. They are doing they are guaranteed to be at least moderately enjoyable. When people put their minds to it, it’s guaranteed nonstop fun. Even More Original Raw Soul, (Instinct, EX371-2, 51:46) is an almost automatic winner, if for no other reason than the inclusion of cuts by the Pharaohs and Bobby Byrd-precursors of Earth Wind and Fire and the gravelly voiced JB funk pioneer, respectively. “The Pharaohs Love Y’All,” essentially a group chant over a classic soul funk four chord figure, is a rousing introduction to the set, while Byrd’s “On the Move” and “Back from the Dead”-well, if you have heard him on stuff like James Brown’s “Get Up and Get Involved” you know that his sandblasted vocals can clear anybody’s sinuses. The really good news, though, is that the rest of the cuts match and sometimes even top these locked-in workouts. Check out Tony Cook’s “Teeny Bopper,” Push’s “Flute Tune” and “Eddie’s Thing” for maximum enjoyment.

Originally Published October 1, 1998