CD REVIEWS - REVIVAL CORNER

LAURA LEE - Supreme Soul Diva - BACKBEATS BACKBART002

Laura moved from her mother's gospel group to Chess Records in the early 60s. She signed with Holland/Dozier's Hot Wax label in 1970 and charted with gritty gems including Women's Love Rights, Wedlock Is a Padlock and Rip Off. These tracks are among the 20 dynamic gems included in this selection, which also features some searing soul balladry.

HONEY CONE - Scorching Soul Trio - BACKBEATS BACKBART 005

Honey Cone were Edna Wright, Shelly Clark and Carolyn Willis, who stepped out from the shadow of the Supremes in Detroit in 1970 to sign with Hot Wax, scoring hits with Want Ads, While You're Out Looking for Sugar and Stick Up, all of which are included on this superb soulful reissue, with 22 tracks including an ear-grabbing range of beat and ballads from the trio.

TOMMIE YOUNG - Shreveport Soulstress - BACKBEATS  BACKBART 003

This Southern Soul lady first came to our attention in the early 70s, with fine 45s and a collectible album on Stan Lewis's Soul Power logo, part of his Jewel/Paula empire in Shreveport, La. This is the first CD reissue of her music, with 16 tracks including her great version of That's How Strong My love Is and the belting Hit and Run Lover.

BENNY SPELLMAN - Fortune Teller - SHOUT 78

Benny Spellman was first heard as the 'answering' voice on Ernie K-Doe's1961 million-seller Mother In Law before going on to score solo hits on Minit Records in New Orleans with soul classics including Fortune Teller and Lipstick Traces (also covered by the O'Jays), produced by Allen Toussaint.  Benny's career is traced in the collection, which also includes unissued material from the mid-60s and tracks recorded for Alon and Sansu - don't miss the funky in-demand Sinner Girl.

CLARENCE CARTER - The Fame Singles Vol. 1 - KENT CDKEND 376

Clarence was a 'club favourite' back in the day, with many a mid-60s dancefloor buzzing to Tell Daddy, She Ain't Gonna Do Right and cult-hit Looking For A Fox. This CD presents 24 tracks from the first phase of his career, also including deep soul gems Dark End of the Street, The Feeling is Right and Slip Away - and how could we forget Funky Fever!