From working with music Titans such as Charlie Parker and Lightnin’ Hopkins in the 40s, founding the EmArcy jazz label in the 50s and discovering Janis Joplin in the 60s, Bob Shad has had an incredible influence. This handpicked selection gives you a little taster for the diversity of Bob Shad’s Sound from the early 70s when he turned to Deep and soulful Jazz alongside labels like Flying Dutchman and Strata East. Drenched in modal Fender Rhodes keys, spiritual sax and flute solos, deep percussions and funky beats, these albums have slowly been rediscovered by a new generation of DJs, hip hop producers and vinyl junkies all around the world.
From Afrique‘s cult classic “House of the Rising Funk” and its funky wah wah frenzy to Hadley Caliman‘s deep jazz Flute ode; From one of Clark Terry‘s famous Mumbles (Shad produced the original with Oscar Peterson) to Jack Wilkins’ “Red Clay” sampled by both A Tribe Called Quest and Chance the Rapper. A Soul Music lover, Shad also excelled in soul divas and produced Ellerine Harding, Maxine Weldon and of course the mighty Alice Clark, whose original album on Mainstream exchanges hands for around 400$ these days.
To close the compilation in style, Carmen McRae, one of Shad’s long time collaborators, gives a soulful, conga-led version of the classic Feelin’ Good a song made famous by Nina Simone. A superb minimalist version showcasing the unique sound of Bob Shad, a passionate, spirited and fiercely independent record producer who lived for the music. Some of the Greatest music, which no doubt will continue to get sampled and inspire new generations of artists.
