James Brown

180 gram audiophile quality vinyl

gatefold sleeve

4 stars all music guide

The godfather of soul found himself dipping into jazz on this classic but lesser-known album, Soul On Top (Verse By Request Series). Now getting a proper reissue treatment it is sure to convert many new fans to his abilities across the six sizzling tracks from this 1969 album, which includes the classic 'It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World' and a new version of 'Papa's Got A Brand New Bag'.

Brown provides the vocals to a 18-piece big band set up that was led by drummer Louis Bellson and arranged by Impulse! star Oliver Nelson. Brown always said he was a jazzman at heart and this goes some way to proving that, with saxophonist Maceo Parker adding plenty of vital swing.

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. That's My Desire
• A2. Your Cheatin' Heart
• A3. What Kind Of Fool Am I?
• A4. It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World
• A5. The Man In The Glass

• SIDE B
• B1. It's Magic
• B2. September Song
• B3. For Once In My Life
• B4. Every Day I Have The Blues
• B5. I Need Your Key (To Turn Me On)
• B6. Papa's Got A Brand New Bag