Maceo Parker - 'US' (Vinyl LP Record)

$

22

Brand new vinyl record.

• Re-Issue
• Limited Edition
• Packaging: Tip-On Sleeve
• Bonus Item: 22" x 22" Poster
• Vinyl Quality: 150g

SHIPPING TIME AND RETURN POLICY:

SHIPPING: We ship within 2 business days of payment most of the time (orders place over the weekend won't be processed until the following Monday. We ship via USPS: First Class for CDs, Media Mail for vinyl, and First Class Mail International for overseas orders (orders over 4lb require Priority Mail International). Actual shipping time varies by destination.

RETURNS: We generally do not accept returns except if something is not as described, and we take care to make sure everything fits our description. Sometimes CDs or vinyl will have a "cut-out" slice or "promo punch" either in the corner or through the UPC code - we will include this in the description if applicable. If there is a problem with an item, contact us and we will figure out the best action to take. We do NOT accept returns if you decide you simply don't like the item, or have buyer's remorse - buy wisely, and ask questions if necessary. Damage incurred during shipping should be brought up with the carrier but is extremely rare as we box everything adequately, including using extra cardboard for protection.

Item Summary:

Maceo Parker was one of the most revered and loved members of James Brown's famed J.B.'s band from the late '60s to the mid-1970s. Alongside his instantly-recognizable alto saxophone solos, he occasionally performed as comedian before James Brown shows, in addition to playing MC. He was a true renaissance man.

And while other members of The Godfather of Soul's inner circle û most notably trombonist Fred Wesley û had solo albums at the advent of Brown's People Records, Maceo had to wait his turn for a couple years. By the time 1974 rolled around, this talented musician and personality could not be denied, and he burst onto the scene as a group leader with one of the most impressive albums in the People catalog: the simply titled, but deeply felt, Us.

Maceo's group (occasionally called The Macks) and Fred Wesley's J.B.'s were essentially the same unit û including guitarists Jimmy Nolen and Hearlon "Cheese" Martin, drummer John "Jabo" Starks, saxophonist St. Clair Pinckney and of course Fred Wesley on trombone. Unsurprisingly, the material here is never-endingly funky. But as shown in the song selection (presumably by Parker, with heavy-handy assistance from the Godfather himself), there are as many ballads and soul groovers as there are straight-up funk workouts.

Cases in point include the mellow, Gamble & Huff-penned "Drowning In The Sea Of Love" (with organ, most likely played by James Brown, slithering in the background) and the syrupy "Show and Tell." The album's closer is also on the slower side, going very deep and striking a chord, as Maceo and Brown talk about conditions in the Black American landscape of the day over the course of 10-plus minutes.

And there is, of course, plenty of diesel funk here as well: singles like "Soul Power 74" and "Parrty" are downright nasty grooves, known well by James Brown fans old and new. "Soul Power 74" additionally features very early proto-sampling, with a baby's cry as well as Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have Been To The Mountain Top" speech. And Maceo's take on the J.B.'s classic "Doing It To Death" is a unique version, more muted and of course featuring Maceo's gorgeous horn front and center.

Appearing at the apex of both James Brown's and People Records' power, Us is a treasured jewel in the J.B. catalog, and rightfully so.

This 150 gram vinyl LP comes in a Stoughton Jacket, housed in a custom People Records poly bag, and includes 24" x 24" poster.