Mainstream Funk: Funk, Soul, Spiritual Jazz 1971-1975

Wewantsounds continues its collaboration with Bob Shad's venerable jazz label Mainstream Records, and present a selection of 12 turntable-friendly tracks recorded between 1971 and 1975 and showcasing the label's superb blend of Spiritual Jazz, Funk and Soul by the likes of Buddy Terry, Sarah Vaughan, LaMont Johnson and Johnny Coles. Most of the tracks are released on vinyl for the first time since their original release in the early 70s. The 2-LP set comes with gatefold sleeve featuring never-seen photos from the Mainstream vaults and new liner notes by UK journalist Paul Bowler. Mainstream Records is one of the key independent jazz labels of the early 70s, together with Flying Dutchman, Strata East, CTI and Black Jazz. Founded by legendary label man Bob Shad (who had been head of A&R at Mercury Records and set EmArcy in the 50s), the label concentrated on Psychedelia in the 60s before switching back to Shad's jazz roots in the early 70s, signing a new crop of jazzmen fed on John Coltrane and Miles' electric experiments. Thus was born the cult Mainstream "300 series" with its distinctive artwork and outstanding music from which this selection is largely drawn. Giving their chance to many young jazz players and a few old friends, Shad recorded some of the most exciting jazz of the early 70s, mixing spiritual influences with funk and soul. It is interesting to note the Mainstream sessions included many of the hottest session players of that time such as Ron Carter, Eddie Henderson, Airto, Mtume, Earl Palmer, Mickey Roker, Merl Saunders, Cedar Walton to name but a few.

Tracklisting

1. Sarah Vaughan - Inner City Blues 
2.  Buddy Terry – Quiet Afternoon 
3.  Blue Mitchell – Last Tango In Paris
4.  LaMont Johnson – M’Bassa
5. Prophecy – Betcha Can’t Guess My Sign
6. Dave Hubbard – Family Affair
7.  Sugar Billy – Super Duper Love Pt. 1
8. John White – Right Off
9. Mike Longo – Matrix
10. Barry Miles – Little Heart of Pieces
11. Johnny Coles – Betty’s Bossa
12.  Pete Yellin – It’s The Right Thing