Soul Voices: 60s Big Ballads - Various Artists

2020 collection.

Male soul balladeers from the '60s are particularly admired and we have many A-listers here: Roy Hamilton, Walter Jackson, Lou Johnson, Kenny Carter and Jimmy Radcliffe to name a few.

The majestic sound grew out of the first soul records which were made in New York in the 60s - three quarters of the featured tracks were recorded there - and have a timeless quality, but one which is virtually impossible to replicate nowadays.

Four are previously unissued vintage recordings. The Kenny Carter is outrageously good and is a Larry Banks song. Clarence Pinckney is largely unknown but performs well on a great Billy Terrell song, while recognized, high-quality soul vocalists Junior Lewis and Billy Watkins add substantially to the oeuvre.

Rare releases by Brooks O'Dell, Herb Johnson and Al Hibbler complement known but expensive collector's discs from Clyde McPhatter, Garrett Saunders, Jimmy Beaumont and Roy Hamilton. Overlooked CD-only old recordings have the spotlight shone on them, Walter Jackson's 'Forget The Girl' and Tommy Hunt's terrific male take on 'Don't Make Me Over' being particularly noteworthy. Throw in great tracks by Freddie Scott, Tony Mason, Garnet Mimms, Ben E King and more and it really is a must-buy soul CD.