Conceived and produced by
Bobby Manuel, a former guitarist/writer for Stax Records, this reunion contains new recordings by former Stax artists. "Hey Rufus" has party ambience and a funky track. Thomas' voice, due to health and age (82), has lost its boisterous quality; Rufus recorded the song just before having heart surgery in July 1998. The late Ollie Nightingale's "Another Man's Name" is a drown-your-sorrows-in-booze barroom number with universal appeal.
Rance Allen delivers his unique brand of gospel/soul on "Frontline," a moving social commentary piece. The Mad Lads' "Last Thing on My Mind (Somebody, Somewhere)" is a jewel. Revamped, the group features John Gary Williams, his brother Richard Williams, William Brown, and his brother
Bertram Brown (formerly of
the Newcomers and Kwick). Bertram leads instead of customary lead J.G. Williams, and delivers a tearjerking performance spiced with well-placed falsetto shrieks. On the rump-shaking "Body Fine,"
the Bar-Kays clone Cameo's incessant beats, vocals, and attitude. Original Temprees Jasper "Jabo" Phillips, DeJuan "Del" Calvin, and Harold "Scotty" Scott are known for recording heart-throbbing ballads. Here they represent on "Just In Time," a mellow, jazzy concoction that would be equally at home on a
Kenny G set.
Sir Mack Rice sang baritone for the Five Scalders and the Falcons (the latter with
Wilson Pickett), cut solo releases, and wrote street-inspired soul tales. Rice composed and recorded "Mustang Sally" on Blue Rock Records before Wilson Pickett's more famous remake. Rice's "Tricky Dick" stands out with clever lyrics and a strong vocal from Rice, who's no spring chicken. Ex-
Soul Children member J. Blackfoot's "Uptown Lady" is typical
Blackfoot, compelling and well executed.
Blackfoot doesn't mess around in the studio; he gives you the real deal every time.
Ben Cauley was primarily a trumpet player at Stax. He suffered a stroke and is difficult to understand when he speaks; his vocal, however, on "Let's Get It Together," a positive cooker with a message to unite, gives no indication of any vocal problems. Luther Ingram's "If Loving You Is Wrong" defined him as a deep soul singer. He recorded "How Sweet It Would Be" some years ago, but this version was never released. It's good to hear his gripping, soul-drenched voice again. 926 East McLemore ends with "Drum Island," played by the Stax Rhythm Section; "Drum" is a hard-to-categorize jubilant instrumental that features scorching solos from
Ronnie Williams (organ) and
Steve Potts (drums). Bobby Manual (guitar) and John Williams (bass) complete the instrumental section; it's a tribute to the late Al Jackson, Jr., who played drums for
Booker T. & the MGs and on countless Stax sessions. ~ Andrew Hamilton