The Very Best Of Black Jazz Records

Black Jazz Records was another of my favorites labels from my early days in jazz radio, and it still remains a favorite of mine today. As a small, privately owned independent with spotty distribution, Black Jazz nevertheless carved out a prominent place for itself during its five year lifetime from 1971 to 1976. Founded by pianist, Gene Russell, Black Jazz built a roster of artists from the Afro-centric mode that invoked a more political and spiritual tone than the majors of the period, placing it with Strata-East, Nimbus, Tribe and the Black Saint/Soul Note labels as contemporaries. Ironically, Gene Russell himself was one of the label's weaker artists, although he certainly demonstrated a great gift for A&R by recruiting such diverse talents as bassist Henry Franklin (a.k.a. The Skipper), guitarist Calvin Keys, fellow pianist Walter Bishop Jr., organist Chester Thompson, and the brightest stars of the label, Doug and Jean Carn who produced among the finest recorded output for the label. Other stable-mates included Cleveland Eaton, Roland Haynes, Rudolph Johnson, and vocalist Kellee Patterson, as well as soul/jazz/funk group, The Awakening. Because of the labels poor distribution, many of its roster suffered an unfortunate lack of exposure which resulted in them going largely unnoticed by the record buying public who were unable to easily find their recordings. However, it has been stated that Doug and Jean Carn outsold both Dave Brubeck and Ramsey Lewis at one point in the mid 70's. Given the times, I can believe the claim over Brubeck whose career was in a slump, but Lewis was enjoying renewed popularity with his 70's output and was quite successful. I personally find this claim difficult to believe given the circumstances, but if it is true, I can't think of a more deserving pair than the Carns, as their three LP's for Black Jazz are among the finest recordings not only of the label, but of the period as well. Do yourself a favor and give it up for their, 'Infant Eyes,' 'Spirit of the New Land,' and 'Revelation.'

The Black Jazz label has now been re-established as an on-line vendor featuring competitively priced mp3 downloads of full length albums and individual tracks from their catalog via Black Jazz Records. Its new owner, James Hardge has made some of the more popular titles available via retail stores, but the distribution is still limited as before, so your best bet is the on-line store. In this weeks mix, I am featuring selections from the label that represent what is widely considered to be 'The Best of Black Jazz.' In years past, there has been a 'Best Of' compilation floating around from which the core of these tracks are drawn, but I have added a substantial amount of additional material to make it what I believe is truly 'The Very Best of Black Jazz.' I would liked to have showcased more of the excellent Doug and Jean Carn recordings within, as I cannot say enough about my love for their three releases, but in the interest of fairness, it only seems upright to go purchase them for yourself if you are interested in hearing more of their offerings. That's the move that would obviously benefit you, the label, and the artists, and I know it's what readers of Birds With Broken Wings will ultimately do. Believe me, I wouldn't intentionally lead you astray. Enjoy the sounds!

The Very Best Of Black Jazz Records, Pt.1

1) Mode For D.D./The Awakening
2) What Was/Henry Frankiln
3) Eglise/Roland Haynes
4) Aunt Lovey/Calvin Keys
5) Feel Free/Doug and Jean Carn
6) The Highest Pleasure/Rudolph Johnson
7) Powerhouse/Chester Thompson
8) Soft Spirit/Henry Franklin
9) Summertime/Walter Bishop Jr.
10) Infant Eyes/Doug and Jean Carn


The Very Best Of Black Jazz Records, Pt.2

1) Diswa/Rudolph Johnson
2) Keeper Of My Soul/Walter Bishop Jr.
3) Slinky/The Awakening
4) Soul Village/Walter Bishop Jr.
5) Theme For JoJo/Henry Franklin
6) Trip One/Chester Thompson
7) Shawn Neeq/Calvin Keys
8) N'Dugu's Prayer/Walter Bishop Jr.
9) Aicelis/Ronald Haynes
10) Contemplation/Doug and Jean Carn

To download Part 1, click here, and for Part 2, here.