Norma Jean & Ray J’s “Raising Hell” is one hell of a rare nugget. Released on the Hep-Me label in 1974 out of New Orleans, way ahead of its time and polished for soul delivery. Deffo a left field album of pure raw soul & as good as anything else around for that period it has a magic all of its very own. Norma Jean Wright and Raymond Jones recorded this gem before they signed up as lead singer and keyboardist for the Chic ensemble. The same duo who later hooked up to form State Of Art, releasing a one-off magical LP entitled “Community” in 1991 that i will review later at some stage. Norma also recorded her only single album in 1978 on Bearsville and an expanded verion on Edsel in 2011 with extra tracks. The new Orleans stamp is all over this wonderful album with that lazy funky style only that city can produce in its artists. Ray J gives a great performance on Dr John’s “Right Time Wrong Place”. it really is a great all round soul album that will have you spellbound, it did me digging it out after so many years!
AMM
The Tasters!
27 comments:
Soul is what I see!
Thanks, AMM!
Rare and a great cover! Thanks for review, P.
Thank you for another rarety MM.
cheers,ELtel
Thanks for this gem, AMM. I can't wait to review this album.
Just love rare soul cheers AMM
I remember hearing this album donkies years ago, it's unusual but pretty good, thanks for the review AMM
Thanks AMM. Know nothing about this one so eager to review.
Not sure if I have it so asking for it with thanks!
thanks for another rare album for review AMM
A new one to me AMM, so thanks for the review and the education :)
BigD
Thank you mate - solid review
Uuh, "Raising Hell" sounds nice ;) Thanks a lot mate ✌🏻☮️
New to me. Great tasters.
How could you not want to check this out? Thanks.
Looks good, AMM. Thank you.
So glad I met you. Where else would I hear this? This is nice.
Yes Indeed, Great Review, Thank U!
Nice review AMM many thanks
yes produced by great Senator Jones! thanks AMM
Herman Ernest was a very in demand drummer throughout his brillant career (died from cancer awhile ago). The congo player listed as Albert is Albert "Uganda" Roberts, who accompanied Professor Longhair on almost all of his recordings (and also passed away about 5 years ago). Ray J never hit it really big in NO. He signed on with Senator Jones as his manager/producer, and that was the kiss of death for a bunch of NO musicians. Jones was a very affable, smooth talker who made big promises, but frequently delivered little to no results. Allen Toussaint wanted Ray in his stable, and Allen probably could have made him into a major star, but Ray decided on Jones instead.
This is a real diamond in the rough, AMM. Nice find, my friend.
I would love to hear this album. Thanks
@Pmac
many thanks for the info pmac...now start writing that book!...please?
Thank you AMM fantastic review
The write-up convinced me without hearing the tasters!
Cheers!
Bill(b3will@msn.com)
Thanks for the review AMM it's new to me appreciated
New names for me once again great news to see another rarity reviewed,thanks AMM
The comments are full of great information and the tasters are excellent. Thank you AMM.
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