[134] James Brown – Soul Pride: The Instrumentals, 1960-1969

I think I enjoy these mostly instrumental and wholly impressive session jams even more than the familiar tunes that made Brown a household name.

The whole thing, almost two and a half hours of freewheeling music, sounds like the soundtrack to an exceptional action movies with adrenaline and passion informing every note.  I can almost see the movement and color on the screen as Brown drives his buddies on in these late night recording binges, wailing occasionally or leading from the keyboard as every instrument imaginable takes its turn in the spotlight, adding its piece to the story.

This is the good stuff – artists performing for other artists, having fun, showing off.  The result could have been masturbatory but instead manages a wide-eyed “look what I can do” vibe as everyone shines, everyone soars.

There is so much joy in Brown’s music, and this is never more evident than in these 36 tracks spanning a decade.  You could throw this album on at almost any party, with almost any crowd and make your guests happy.

Whether it is hot horns, raging guitars or wandering electric piano riffs there is always something cool happening, technically excellent, subjectively pleasing regardless of the time or place or players.

The one constant is Brown, his recognizable aesthetic and legendary work ethic.

Next Week:  James Brown and the JB’s – “Sex Machine”

Owned before blogging? No. (11 of 134 = 8%)
Heard before blogging? No. (19 of 134 = 14%)
Recommend? Yes. (110 of 134 = 82%)