James Brown

INCLUDES 2 BONUS TRACKS

This quintessential collector’s edition presents one of the Godfather of Soul’s most sought after records: Try Me! Known as the “Smoking Gun” LP because of its iconic album cover, this masterpiece is the second studio album credited to James Brown and the Famous Flames. It was originally released by King Records (12-635) in 1959.

As with most of Brown’s pre- 1970’s studio albums, it contains previously released material: a collection of singles, B-sides and outtakes from his first album, Please Please Please (King 1959). This sensational album helped define the primal nature of soul. It offers a solid introduction into this man’s special brand of musical feeling, his passionate style, intense delivery and R&B innovation. In addition, this newly remastered LP also includes 2 bonus tracks, consisting of hard to find sides from the same period. The foot-tapping rhythms, spine-tingling stylings and sentimental mood renderings so typical of his early performances can be heard here. Without a doubt, this is the material upon which James Brown’s kingdom was built.

PERSONNEL:

JAMES BROWN, lead vocals, plus:

The Famous Flames: Bobby Byrd, Johnny Terry, Sylvester Keels & Nashpendle Knox (backing vocals);
Alvin “Fats” Gonder (piano); Nayfloyd Scott (guitar); Clarence Mack (bass);
Edison Gore (drums); Wilbert “Lee Diamond” Smith, Ray Felder (tenor sax);
George Dorsey (alto sax); Clifford Scott (tenor sax); Reginald Hall (drums);
Cleveland Lowe & Ray Felder (tenor sax); Ernie Hayes (piano);
Kenny Burrell (guitar); Carl Pruitt (bass); David “Panama”Francis (drums),
among others.

Recorded in Cincinnati, New York, Miami and Los Angeles between 1956 & 1961.

SIDE 1

01. There Must Be a Reason
02. I Want You So Bad
03. Why Do You Do Me
04. I’ve Got to Cry
05. Strange Things Happen
06. Fine Old Foxy Self
07. Messing with the Blues
08. Try Me
09. Night Flying *

SIDE 2

01. It Was You
02. I’ve Got to Change
03. Can’t Be the Same
04. It Hurts to Tell You
05. I Won’t Plead No More
06. You’re Mine, You’re Mine
07. Gonna Try
08. Don’t Let It Happen to Me