The mission of The Department of Afro-American Research Arts and Culture to identify the global significance of the creative contributions pioneered by an international diaspora of Blackness
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Monday, June 9, 2008

Garfeel Ruff - The Hitter (1979)





1. The Hitter
2. Distant
3. Don't Count On Me
4. Golden Time Of Day
5. Bring On The Love
6. Jump Street
7. Street Hustlin'
8. You're In Good Hands
9. I Wish You Well
10. Fortune

Blaxploitation.com
Ron 'Superfly' O'Neal starred in this late obscure, depressing blaxploitation film from 1979 about a failed bare knuckle fighter and hustler. The music has a very well-produced, clean sound and features tracks from Raul Da Souza alongside the original film music from Garfeel Ruff. The originals are good late 70's funk, generally slow tempo with deep bass and a strong horn section. This album can be found fairly easily, invariably still sealed and quite cheap, so obtain a copy if you can.

Provided by Tony
Link to movie review
Christopher Leitch - The Hitter (1979)

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Taj Mahal - Brothers (1977)


1. Love Theme in the Key of D
2. Funky Butt
3. Brother's Doin' Time
4. Night Rider
5. Free the Brothers
6. Sentidos Dulce (Sweet Feelings)
7. The Funeral March
8. Malcolm's Song
9. David and Angela

Not My Review
Taj produced, wrote and arranged this soundtrack from the late 70's film. It has a strong Caribbean feel to the percussion and Taj's voice is strong and fluid as ever. The synopsis from the cover is as follows: "He was nobody, a black man in a white man's prison. She was somebody; a notorious, beautiful radical, black professor. Their love story caused a national convulsion. This film is that story. And it happened." I've never seen the flick myself, but I love the record. Nice simple cover graphics are well chosen.


Link to movie review
Arthur Barron - Brothers (1977)

Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee - Book Of Numbers (1972)




1. Walk With The Lord (Vocal by Pat Kessee)
2. Riding To Bookers
3. Blue's Last Walk
4. Eldorado
5. Stompin' At Booker's
6. Poor Little June Bug
7. I'm So Glad (Vocal by Barbara Massey)
8. Cracker Cops
9. Blueboy's Holler
10. Moog montage: the clan, no way out, chase down

Blaxploitation.com
A low-key soundtrack to a film starring Philip Michael Thomas, later of Miami Vice. The album features a country and western motif and much harmonica. Take the time to listen more closely and you'll discover a great smooth funky soul vocal track, "I'm So Glad", and an interesting moog and guitar instrumental.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Various Artist - Honey Baby, Honey Baby (1975)


1. Titles And Openings (feat. Weldon Irvine)
2. Honey Baby Theme (Friends Of Distinction)
3. (A Song For Diana) Hey, Hey Star (vocals by Zulema and Friends Of Distinction)
4. Just Can't Say Goodbye (vocals by Zulema)
5. Salt Chase
6. Baalbeck
7. Nowhere (feat. Nat Adderley Jr., Friends Of Distinction and Tender Loving Care)
8. Honey Baby Theme (instr.)

Blaxploitation.com
This soundtrack features Friends of Distinction and Weldon Irvine. It's a good album, full of clean mid 70's funk instrumentals and strong vocal numbers. It's a lush, full orchestral sound, clean but featuring big beats. "Title Theme and Openings" starts the LP in strong funk style.