Search - Preston Love :: Omaha Bar-B-Que

Deeply funky soul reissue

soundandimage | omaha, ne United States | 10/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is one of a surprisingly large number of deeply funky releases that appeared in the late 60s and throughout the 70s by older players--usually associated with either blues, jazz or early rock n' roll. For years, these albums have been treated with disdain by those who collect the artists' work as commercial sellouts and were so obscure that they were practically unknown to funk fans. This has started to change as funk collectors dig deeper, and they have been schooled by years of digging out oddities with an open mind. Original copies of OMAHA BAR-B-Q now sell for as high as $....
Omaha native PRESTON LOVE is not a straight R&B player. He came up playing in the big bands of Nat Towles, Lloyd Hunter, Lucky Millinder, and Count Basie. This album was recorded in 1969 with Love's best friend Johnny Otis and Otis' regular band, which by this time included the blistering guitar playing of his 14 year old son Shuggie Otis. Shuggie was only months away from the start of his solo recording career which culminated in some beautiful Sly Stone influenced music such as the recently re-released "Inspiration Information."
This album is proof positive that Love's blues-drenched soul alto is the perfect vehicle for a funk record. "Pot Likker" and "Chili Mac" are sure to keep you dancing with their tight funky grooves. On the lush, psychedelic "Cream Dream" Preston displays the beautiful tone and soulful creativity that have caused fans and fellow musicians to marvel for years, and Shuggie Otis positively BURNS on every cut. Cookin' up an Omaha Bar-B-Q is Preston Love's specialty...but this soulful funk feast will be just as delicious no matter where you are."