King Curtis

Gerardo A · February-7th-2008, 02:27 AM

I've only heard one album of his ("King Soul!", a.k.a. "The New Scene of", a jazz one), and I've loved it for a long time, the kind of music that makes me shout of approval. On second thought I also have the tenor trio with Jimmy Forrest and Oliver Nelson. But what else can you guys recommend from him?

Squaredancecalling Steve · February-7th-2008, 02:51 AM

Some of King Curtis' best work was with the GREAT Lieber & Stoller group, The Coasters. It's not jazz, but the King's solos on Yakety Yak, Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart, Baby That Is Rock'n'Roll and many others are fabulous.

Dr Dave · February-7th-2008, 08:50 AM

The title track is simply amazing.

Gentle Giant · February-7th-2008, 08:54 AM

New Scene is a great album. I wish I knew all the sessions he played on, no doubt I have a lot of his work without knowing it.

Chris D · February-7th-2008, 09:54 AM

"Live at the Fillmore West" smokes. It was recorded just before his murder.

Root Doctor · February-7th-2008, 09:58 AM

In addition to what Dr. Dave and Chris recommend, I'd add:

Squaredancecalling Steve · February-7th-2008, 01:36 PM

Although my favorite Curtis is his work with Coasters (I see my 2-CD comp above is now selling for fancy prices!), I like both of these a lot, too. Champion Jack Dupree is a salty old dog and the concert recording is a hoot. The comp has Soul Twist, Soul Drag and his other better known instrumentals.

Gerardo A · February-8th-2008, 03:20 PM

Thanks gentlemen, your recommendations are very useful.

PHILLYQ · February-9th-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris D

"Live at the Fillmore West" smokes. It was recorded just before his murder.

Second that, great version of 'Memphis Soul Stew' on it.

MRS · February-9th-2008, 02:14 PM

Fillmore West is one of the greatest recordings of all time, period. I found it on vinyl for three dollars looking for Ornette records when it was still long oop. Each track is a treasure. When he says "Ko-nell Dupree" I get chills.

MRS · February-9th-2008, 02:18 PM

And the "I Stand Accused" is brilliant. So is the "Ode To Billie Joe".

Squaredancecalling Steve · August-3rd-2008, 05:45 PM

As I mentioned on the WAYLT thread at the time, I was a bit less enthusiastic about the Fillmore date than the others here.

But I am looking forward to this one, recorded in 1961, due out in a couple of weeks:

John L · August-4th-2008, 12:50 PM

I only recently realized that King Curtis was a hell of a singer too, although he rarely exhibited that side of his talent.

There was a trivia question on a blues BBS not long ago for the identification of the powerful R&B singer on King Curtis' recording of Something You've Got. I thought about it a long time and finally guessed Freddie Scott. To my astonishment, it turned out to be King Curtis himself. God only knows why he didn't sing more often.

Chazro · August-4th-2008, 01:08 PM

Aretha Franklin - Live At the Fillmore West - W/King Curtis and his band backing her up is one of the greatest live recordings. By anyone. Ever.

Hudson Boy · August-11th-2008, 10:36 AM

I agree that the Live at the Fillmoe West album, with Curtis and Ray Charles, is a great one. I still have my vinyl copy.

I remember listening to radio staion WBAI in New York the night after King Curtis was killed. The program host, Bob Fass, said that the person responsible for the crime shoud be be locked up in prison until he's learned to play the sax as well as Curtis.

Squaredancecalling Steve · August-23rd-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John L

I only recently realized that King Curtis was a hell of a singer too, although he rarely exhibited that side of his talent.

No fewer than four vocals by King Curtis on this one, including What I Say and The Twist. Recorded live at Small's Paradise in 1961, not great sound but this record is smoking! This is the King Curtis record I've been looking for!