Search - O.V. Wright :: Giant of Southern Soul - 1965 - 1975

Deep and dark soul

Dr.D.Treharne | Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom | 11/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a marvellous attempt to create a coherent view of the recordings that O.V.Wright made for Backbeat records- and includes both "A' and "B' sides. The most striking points about the material is how well it was chosen. Most views of Wright's work concentrate on the dark and emotional side of his output. Here is an attempt to show the width of what was recorded at this time, from the sanctified sound of "I don't want to sit down" ( Sister Rosetta Tharpe?) and the frankly sensual "Slow and Easy". Of course "the hits" are there as well "Eight men and four women" and "Ace of Spades", but it's the lesser known stuff that I've been reprogramming, a marvellous version of Johnny Copeland's "I was born all over", Brook Benton's "I'll take care of you" (nod to Bobby Bland as well!) and the desperation of "When you took your love from me". It'd be difficult not to mention the part that Willie Mitchell played in all this. The material was well chosen, but the arrangements that he provided both here and on the "Hi" material add so much to the moods that are on display. Add the sparseness of the arrangements to what someone else ( but I can't recall who!) described as "his whippet thin voice" and this adds up to something special. It good to be reminded how much neglected material was being created in "deep soul" at this time, and this collection is a good reminder of the breadth of what O.V.Wright did. If you're even remotely interested in "soul" then this collection is a must have!"