Zoro The Drummer

1. Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 (Atlantic) 8 CD Box Set
Do what cha gotta do, sell what cha you gotta sell, or borrow a hundred bucks from a friend, but get this. Wow!! This is the meaning of R&B. Atlantic Records has been one of the most important labels in contemporary music since the 40s, they have been an integral part of R&B from the very beginning and continue to make an indelible mark on music. Along with a few other labels they also paved the way for rock n’ roll. This is an unbelievable collection of all their R&B hit singles from 1947-1974, it’s as if they had a magnet for finding talent and genius. Many of the legends of soul music mentioned in this chapter are here, and Atlantic had plenty of them on their unbelievable roster. Their catalog features some of the most enduring music and recording artists of this century, this is a great overview of that era.

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2. The Complete Stax / Volt Singles 1956-1968 (Atlantic) 9 CD Box Set
This box set defines Memphis soul, which was one of the most influential sounds of that era. These songs created a major force in African-American music from the early 60s until 1975 when the label collapsed. All the hits are here from the Stax legendary roster. This music had a distinctive blend of blues, country, and soul. The down home gritty feel in which it was played added to its splendor. The approach to the drumming found here is so simplistic and full of heart that you can’t help from wanting to emulate its feel. A milestone in recorded music.

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3. Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971(Motown) 4CD Box Set
This box set features many of the wonderful hits from Motown’s famed Detroit studios appropriately dubbed “Hitsville.” All the monsters of soul are here. I consider this an absolutely essential collection, an anthem of American popular music. This is pop music in its finest hour, Motown really had it going on!!

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4. Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings (Rhino) 4CD Box Set
Aretha is one of the most dynamic African-American female singers to emerge out of the 60s. Along with Ray Charles, her role was pivotal in the secularization of gospel. Considered a musical genius, her writing, self-accompanied piano playing, arranging, and vocal abilities were chilling! Her original vocal style encompassed gospel, soul, and pop and has influenced singers in all genres of music for three decades. “The Queen of Soul” is exactly what she is. This box set interweaves a gold mine of grooves by some of the greatest R&B drummers of all time. Includes Bernard Purdie, Ray Lucas, Roger Hawkins, Quinton Joseph, Sammy Creason, Rick Marotta, Ed Greene and Bruno Carr. These masters were the epitome of tasteful playing. Her finest songs and most ground-breaking work was on the Atlantic label and this collection contains all of her classic hits from that period. The tracks were produced by such legendary producers as Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, Arif Mardin, Quincy Jones and Curtis Mayfield. The production and engineering were ahead of their time; the arrangements and orchestrations were some of the best ever recorded, and the session musicians she used were magnificent. This is classy soul!!

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5. Beg, Scream & Shout; The Big ‘Ol Box Of 60s Soul (Rhino) 6 CD Box Set
A great six disc set covering a general overview of the 1960s soul music era. 144 tracks by 144 various R&B legends and one hit wonders. Only one track per artist was selected as well as many hard to find rarities and b-sides. These are some of the best songs that sum up a very important musical decade. That makes this is a perfect starting place if you are anxious to get indoctrinated in the soul sound. This is a beautifully heartfelt collection put together by true fans of soul music!

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6. Ray Charles, Birth of Soul (Rhino) 3CD Box Set
Ray Charles is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. It’s absolutely imperative to get familiar with all of his hits that are on this Atlantic collection to thoroughly understand his immense contribution to popular music. This is sophisticated soul to say the least!

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7. Sam Cooke, Man and His Music (RCA) 1CD Compilation
Sam Cooke is one the most important figures in soul music history, both as a singer and prolific songwriter. He wrote such classics as “Twistin’ the Night Away,” “Only Sixteen,” ”Chain Gang,” and “Another Saturday Night.” He became one of the most beloved vocalists of all time. Pop stars such as Rod Stewart and Steve Perry of Journey credit him as their biggest influence. His impassioned vocals defined the meaning of soulfullness. His unique style was attributed to his early gospel roots and the time he spent as a member of The Soul Stirrers. He had an untimely death at 34 years of age. This is the best single CD compilation available covering his seminal work.

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8. Crescent City Soul: The Sound of New Orleans 1947-1974 (EMI) 4 CD Compilation
This is the greatest collection of music that I have ever come across that best depicts the sound that came from New Orleans (and believe me I’ve looked). It was the official CD collection of the 1996 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The music is incredible and the liner notes are outstanding. Little Richard, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Dave Bartholomew, The Meters, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas. These are just some of the key artists featured here. Their contribution was monumental. Collectively they were the musical architects who helped to shape the sound of rock n’ roll and R&B. If you truly want to understand the connection between New Orleans and all other American music you need to study the evolution and influence that is revealed on each of these tracks.

9. The Very Best of Curtis Mayfield (Rhino) 1 CD Compilation
Curtis Mayfield was one of the most diverse talents to emerge upon the R&B world. His contribution to black music was immense, beginning with the Chicago-based Impressions (legends in their own right). He developed a unique style of funky guitar playing that to this day is emulated throughout the world. In addition with that he has written and produced huge hits for several R&B legends. Along with Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Isaac Hayes, Curtis was instrumental in the birth of the concept album. This collection strings together some of his best solo work, including some key tracks from the seminal Superfly (1972, Curtom) soundtrack.

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10. Hi Times, The Hi Records R&B Years (HI) 3CD Box Set
This box set covers the classic material put out by the Hi label. Whereas the Memphis based Stax / Volt sound ruled the 60s, just across town and a decade later, Hi Records would dominate the 70s. They unveiled one of the most distinguished voices in soul music, none other than the reverend of soul himself, Al Green. The label’s heartwarming sound embodied the characteristics of southern soul, and further defined the importance of Memphis as a never-ending source of inspiration for the creation of original American music.

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Recommended Media/ Literature Guide
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