Marvin Gaye

INCLUDES 4 BONUS TRACKS

Known throughout the mid- and late ‘60s as “The Prince of Motown”, Marvin Gaye won the hearts of countless fans for his soulful crooning. One of the reasons he became the topselling male vocalist for Tamla/Motown Records was his insistence on having things done exactly the way he wanted. Blessed with a mellifluous tenor and a three-octave vocal range, Gaye was one of the most consistent and enigmatic of the Motown hitmakers. Long unavailable on vinyl, this quintessential collector’s edition includes the legendary singer’s magnificent debut LPfor the Tamla label, The Soulful Moods Of Marvin Gaye, plus 4 bonus tracks, consisting of singles from the same period.

The album was recorded over two weeks and was issued on June 8, 1961. It features more jazz than soul, and had a much different sound than Gaye’s subsequent albums. Gaye’s true artistic longing was to make his mark as a smooth crooner. Where many in the Motown stable had to be coached through their all-purpose shows at the Copacabana and other supper clubs — the label’s way of claiming mainstream legitimacy — Marvin yearned for this level of artistry and acceptance. This is the material upon which his soul kingdom and unique personal style were built.

PERSONNEL:

MARVIN GAYE, lead vocals, piano and drums.
Probable personnel:

Eddie Willis (guitar)
James Jamerson (bass)
William “Benny” Benjamin or Richard “Pistol” Allen (drums)
Dave Hamilton or Jack Ashford (vibes)
Norris Patterson (saxophone)
Herbie Williams or Russell Conway (trumpet)
Paul Riser (trombone)
Wanda Young, Georgeanna Tillman, Wyanetta Cowart, Katherine
Anderson (backing vocals).

Recorded in Detroit, Michigan, between 1961 and 1962.

SIDE 1
01. (I’M AFRAID) THE MASQUERADE IS OVER
02. MY FUNNY VALENTINE
03. WITCHCRAFT
04. EASY LIVING
05. HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN
06. HITCH HIKE (*)
07. TAKING MY TIME (*)

SIDE 2
01. LOVE FOR SALE
02. ALWAYS
03. HOW HIGH THE MOON
04. LET YOUR CONSCIENCE BE YOUR GUIDE
05. NEVER LET YOU GO
06. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS
07. MR. SANDMAN (*)
08. I’M YOURS, YOU’RE MINE (*)

(*) BONUS TRACKS