This really is an absolute gem of a collection from New Orleans......The Barons. Loved by the Northern Scene and collectors alike even though this is the only collection of their superb work from 15 released 45,s & unreleased. the Barons are certainly one of the most overlooked groups of all time, as this excellent compilation of their 1960s and 1970s singles makes clear. Grafting Louisiana funk to Motown soul, a bit like the Temptations meeting the Meters and tossing in a bit of doo wop, as well, the Barons turned out high quality soul that featured solid songwriting and deadly production. That they're not a household name seems criminal. Everything here is top drawer, but the tracks produced by the "Creole Beethoven," Wardell Quezergue, are worth pointing out, particularly the set opener, "Making It Better," and "Gypsy Read Your Cards for Me," which sounds a bit like the Impressions gone bayou. Other highlights include "I'm So Lonely," the title track, "Society Don't Let Me Down" (which wouldn't have embarrassed Norman Whitfield as a production) and the jangly "No More Tears," but truthfully, every track here is a gem, and if the world were fair, the Barons would be every bit as familiar to listeners as the Four Tops or Stevie Wonder. Members were Lloyd Shepard, Carl Matthews, Ronnie Robertson, Clement Smith, James Youngblood. Not to be confused with the Barons Of Soul(philly) or the Barons from Little Rock Oklahoma. Funky Delicacies did a great job here. I remember buying the Jay Boy release many moons ago for a great twofer both featured on here. Wonderful New Orleans soul & great dancers to die for!..They disbanded some time in the 1970,s after recording 45,s for a multitude of southern labels including N.O. Gamma , one of my fave labels. The CD & Vinyl copies of this album are long deleted which is a crying shame, another talented group who should have been huge!
AMM
The Tasters!
30 comments:
Thank you AMM For The Barons Album
A brilliant review, this is an absolute gem - thanks
Oh yes, very nice thank you
Thanks for the review. Nice tasters.
many thanks for this review AMM
Wardel Quezergue, "the Creole Beethoven", unbelievable composer, arranger and musician. Good friends with his son Brian (also a musician) and his wife. Before he died, Wardel finished, and recorded, his magnum opus, an opera about the Catholic faith amongst slaves. Sadly, its never really been officially releaased, but its stunningly beautiful.
Looking frward to this one. Raise your glass to Wardel, gents.Thanks, AMM.
Wonderful - another New Orleans treasure! Thanks for review, P.
Looks excellent thanks a lot AMM!
I'd compose a symphony of gratitude for you if I could. 🎼
Thanks, AMM!
many thanks for this review AMM
Nice one yes please and thanks AMM
Great write up preface, AMM
I'Missing This Funky Deli,So Thanks Again For Another Fine Share !
Nice Review Thanx AMM
Cheers
Tel
Excellent review
Thanks AMM. Sounds like the music business let them down.
Looks interesting, nice review, thank you.
Again, here is a wonderful article, thank you very much for this little treasure AMM.
Pierre
thanks for the flac AMM
The adventure begins to discover the Barons. The review is great and the tasters excellent. I get to enjoy a new group in my mind. Thank you AMM.
Nice review AMM many thanks Reb
Thanks for the review AMM I only got to know this album a year back or so, my jam is If You Want To try it
Your record collection never ceases to amaze me.
Listening to the tasters I'd like to hear the rest ... many thanks
Thanks for the review. I hope you are doing well
Great review and tasters elucidate(get me!) a request for this excellent album!
Cheers!
Bill
Life would be barren without the Barons :)
Many thanks for the review AMM
BigD
Thank you mate. - another beauty review
Three great tasters MM, thank you.
cheers,ELtel
Many thanks for the info,new for me
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