Ce début d'année semble lancé sur les voies de la réédition et ce n'est pas moi qui vais faire dérailler le train. Après avoir frappé très fort avec le coffret consacré à l'immense Syl Johnson, le label Numero Group propose pour janvier "Telling The Truth" de Willie Wright.
Sorti en 1977, l'album de ce chanteur originaire de Boston est à des lieux du disco dominant de l'époque. La pochette contient d'ailleurs un avertissement en guise de préambule:
"This is not a disco record. It's designed for ADULTS of the world. TEENAGERS, this album may be too lyrically heavy for you, especially if you're into fast music. YOU WILL, however, enjoy this record if you're into GUITARS!"
Il est vrai que sa soul teintée de folk lorgne davantage vers Jon Lucien, Terry Callier voire Nick Drake. Pas de quoi attraper des sueurs sur la piste: tout au plus en remettant une bûche au feu.
Willie Wright - Lady Of The Year
On Heavenly Sweetness' blog, reissue are on top these days.
You surely know how dope is the box "Complete Mythology" about the great Syl Johnson. Numero Group is back this month with another one. Released in 1977, "Telling The Truth" by Willie Wright is very far from disco music. It even contains the following warning:
"This is not a disco record. It's designed for ADULTS of the world. TEENAGERS, this album may be too lyrically heavy for you, especially if you're into fast music. YOU WILL, however, enjoy this record if you're into GUITARS!"
That's true. His music reminds me more of Jon Lucien, Terry Callier or Nick Drake than Sylvester. You won't sweat while listening. Altough you're putting too much log in the fireplace.
Hello,
RépondreSupprimerI'm writing to let you know that soul music's "mystery man," the enigmatic Willie Wright, famed for his funky 1970 cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “Right on for the Darkness,” has just released a new album, his first in 35 years. His 1977 classic, "Telling the Truth" was re-issued last year by Numero Group in Chicago. The re-issue got very positive response from soul fans and new listeners; "Good Morning America" featured one of the tunes ("I'm So Happy") from it on May 7, 2011, and the first pressing of the re-issue sold out in a matter of weeks. All of this inspired Willie to ease temporarily out of retirement, assemble a new band with some old friends in Burlington, Vermont, and create this collection.
The new album, all recent, original compositions by Mr. Wright, is called “This is Not a Dream.” It was released by Green Coil Records in Burlington, Vermont, U.S.A. on April 24, 2012. You can hear all the new tunes here: http://www.myspace.com/willie_wright and see some videos and read the complete liner notes, as well as buy the CD directly from the artist at www.williewrightmusic.com He is now 73, living in Providence, Rhode Island, and copes with advanced Parkinson's, but can still make arrestingly beautiful music with his characteristically thoughtful lyrics. His "smooth as warm butter" voice is still powerful, although at the same time it now reveals a more fragile and emotional side than in his early career.
Given that he is not able to gig or tour in support of the album, we are depending on reviews and word of mouth to promote it - please give a listen and let us know what you think.
Thank you
Bob Green
Green Coil Records
www.greencoilrecords.com