Centaura (Feat Jewel Bass) - Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawd - LP (1979) Equity - LP (2013) Numero - Rare Soul/Funk (FLAC)

 Whilst i love Jewel Bass and her recordings as a solo artist, within groups such as Centaura / Carbon Copies and as a featured (but often uncredited) vocalist in her work with Natural High, Sho-Nuff, and Freedom, very little is known about her other participation in Centaura apart from they came from Birmingham, Alabama. Aside from this album , the group seem to have little other recording output. A 45 was released by them in 1981 ‘Centauraland’ / ‘Why Can’t We Love’. Recorded at Lockett’s Recording Studio in Birmingham ALA, produced and arranged by Centaura and released on their own Centaura label.  Jewel Bass is known for singing backup on countless Malaco recordings since 1969 and with her own band, with only a handful of 45,s released. She started singing in church, influenced by her uncles who sang in a gospel group. After joining an R&B band that toured the East Coast, she began singing for Malaco Records in Jackson, Mississippi. Over the years, she recorded with Bobby Bland, Johnny Taylor and Benny Latimore. Along the way she recorded on her own to great success with such hits as “Mr. Big Stuff” in 1972 and “Sugar Britches,” which was recorded in 1976. Since the 1990s, she has toured the world with her own band, These Days. Among the fan favorite songs, often requested at their concerts is “Let Your Love Rain Down On Me,” which Jewel originally recorded in 1979. One powerhouse of a voice and this album is as soulful as it gets! Still no CD release for this gem.

AMM

                                                                      The Tasters!