Sound 88% Ken Kessler HIFI News 

 

A 1964 live set from the peak of Chuck Jackson's career! With intensified versions of some of his early hits plus strong takes on other R&B anthems, On Tour--here in the rare stereo mix--documents one of soul's legendary voices hard at work! 

 

In the original liner notes for Chuck Jackson on Tour (1964), Bob King describes Jackson as "a man with pent up talent". Consequently, this LP is the sound of that talent erupting all over the stage of the famed Apollo Theater, the same venue where Jackson had been discovered a few years earlier. Jackson leads the airtight band through raw, sweat-soaked versions of his hits “I Wake Up Crying” and “Any Day Now,” giving the audience their money’s worth and more.

 

He also includes well-chosen covers, like Marvin Gaye’s “Stubborn Kind of Fellow,” Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” and the King of the Apollo himself, James Brown’s “Please Please Please.” In a true testament to his ability, he makes each of these songs his own, infusing every line with deep emotion. If you only know him from his smoothly-orchestrated studio recordings, Chuck Jackson on Tour will give you an entirely new take on this legendary performer. 

 

uptown soul great Chuck Jackson's mid-'60s efforts for Wand. Recorded at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater in 1964, Chuck Jackson on Tour captures the singer in support of his then-current single "Beg Me." Backed by Bobby Scott and his band, Jackson delivers dynamic, rousing versions of past hits like "Any Day Now," "I Wake Up Crying" and "I Will Never Turn My Back on You," but the real draw here is the well-chosen cover material: readings of James Brown's "Please, Please, Please," Ben E. King's "Stand by Me," and William Bell's "Any Other Way" prove excellent vehicles for his gruff, emotional vocals. Also noteworthy is Jackson's easy, charming between-song patter -- it's clear from the cheers and screams that he has the audience eating out of his hand, again begging the question of why his considerable talents never crossed over to greater success

 

Working from the original Wand analog reels, Sundazed has mastered this explosive album in the rare true stereo mix for an immersive listening experience.

 

Pressed at R.T.I. on gorgeous 180 gram vinyl, put this platter on the hi-fi and turn it UP!

 

Selections:

 

Side A:

1. Billie Baby

2. Any Other Way

3. Any Day Now

4. Please Please Please

5. Stand By Me

Side B:

1. Stubborn Kind of Fellow

2. I Wake Up Crying

3. Beg Me

4. I Will Never Turn My Back On You

5. I Don't Want To Cry

6. Chuck's Soul Brothers Twist