Chess Soul: A Decade of Chicago's Finest

Like me you probably instantly think of blues deities when Chicago's mighty Chess records comes to mind. Undoubtedly, the brothers Chess built the foundation of their label on exactly the kind of artists that first spring into your subconscious, however from the early 60's on it wasn't the blues that were pulling in the serious greens. With the Cadet, Checker and Chess labels the brothers, expertly assisted by A&R supremo Roquel 'Billy' Davis, scooped up a constant string of surefire soul scorchers, maybe not as familiar as the Stax and Hi Records releases of the time but no less potent.

Probably the most obviously populist amongst the 45's spread across the two delightfully heart wrenching discs is Fontella Bass' 'Rescue Me' which is a classic for sure but is also easily matched by Jackie Ross' 'Take Me For A Little While'. Mitty Collier rightfully romps home with the most riddiculous artist name award while Maurice and Mac also score big points for their emotion packed and superbly titled 'You Left The Water Running'. Laura Lee's 'Dirty Man' shows a streak of 1967 grrrl power that would have the Spice Girls dirtying up their britches. As for Ramsey Lewis' killer instrumental 'Wade In The Water' - if your head ain't nodding you've got no chance of a rhythm rebirth.

Gene Chandler, Big Maybelle, the heartbreaking Irma Thomas, Etta James, The Dells and Sugar Pie Desanto all join the ranks on this stunning document that also plots the progression of soul through its' creative and popular peaks. Big horns, bigger strings - broken hearts and emotions in rehab - 'Chess Soul' has it all in spades. Prepare yourself to be happy to be sad, if you know what I mean.
[Eight Ball]