Sporadically great JB
Phil S. | USA | 05/21/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I think a better combo would have been the other period live album, "Revolution of the Mind" - but let's hope that one is waiting for bigger and better reissue plans -as in, a "Deluxe" edition, with an actual remix and additional songs.
The 1970 release is the well-known overdubbed live/real live set, of which the studio segment is preferred. Perfectly mixed and full of fire, it's JB with the '70 backup including Clyde Stubblefield on drums and Bootsy Collins on bass. Astonishing, over the top vocals cap a mesmerizing listening experience, although the eroticism might not fit all listening *venues*.
The actual live set, apparently a heavily-edited production with more technical tweaks, has three real standouts: I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing, Licking Stick - Licking Stick, and If I Ruled The World. Sound balance is poor - very light bass and mostly inaudible audience; someone correct me, but the *band* sounds out of tune, in spots. Wierd.
It appears this project was to be a real "Homecoming" event, live in Augusta Georgia in October of 1969...but something went wrong.
The studio jazz set is a nice contrast: a small combo supporting a relaxed singer, doing some very impressive work on standards like All The Way and Willow Weep For Me. It's something mainly for the James Brown collector; an oddball...that's fine with me.
(No notes; no sessiongraphy)."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1