THE GOLDWAX STORY VOL. 1 (KENT, CDKEND 203)

Following the stunning James Carr's compilation, this brand new CD is dedicated to one of the most beloved imprints in the history of Soul. The singles and albums released on Goldwax between 1964 and 1971 represent the musical apex of Southern Soul. The first artists to sign to the label were James Carr and O.V. Wright, two of the finest voices ever printed on vinyl. As label founder Quinton Claunch recalls, Jim Stewart of Stax records had sent them with some great demo tapes. Goldwax soon developed an identifiable sound, particularly on their trademark deep ballads. The more uptempo numbers, like the excellent R&B mover "The Well's Gone Dry" by Dorothy Williams, may well have been out at Stax. With artists of the calibre of The Ovations and Spencer Wiggins in the track list, once again Kent records have printed a Soul masterpiece. Harboro Horace suggests the tracks 1, 3, 7, 9, 11. Which are going to be your favourites?