We continue our loook back at the music of 50 years ago…..
The second album from musical artists who were successful with their debut records are always interesting. Can they do it again? Will they change what got them there or stay with the formula? Will success allow them to invest more time and money in the project and will they use that well or squander the opportunity in a fit of ego?
In 1972, Bill Withers released “Still Bill” and although it stayed with much of what made the first record good, he was also confident enough to expand his palette a bit.
The album contains two big hits…’Lean On Me” which went to number one…and the funky classic “Use Me” in which keyboard man Ray Jackson plays some Stevie Wonderesque clavinet.
The album also includes some stellar 70’s style wah-wah guitar from Benorce Blackmon. Those two along with drummer James Gadson and bassist “Melvin Dunlap” came from the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band and lay down some tasty grooves
Some of the good tracks include “Lonely Town, Lonely Street”, “Who is He (And What’s He to You)”, “Another Day To Run” and “Take It All In and Check It All Out” which has a definite Staples Singers vibe.
This album would be worth a listen for the hits alone…but it delivers more…and allows Withers to avoid the sophomore jinx. That would come later.
I’m taking Monday off. The next musical blog will be next Tuesday.
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