WHP

Historical and exclusive live performance from the almighty Chicago soul singer, Curtis Mayfield. By 1972 the German TV show Beat Club would let famous artists stretch out and play more than just the usual one or two hits. In this case, Mayfield recorded an hour of music in a TV studio for the producers to select from. Most of this performance was lost in someone's vault for many years. The concert is from early 1972 and predates his masterpiece Superfly. You'll find several tracks from his two earlier acclaimed solo albums as well: Curtis and Roots. An astonishing performance you don't want to miss. Personnel: Curtis Mayfield - guitar, vocals; Craig McCullen - guitar; Joseph "Lucky" Scott - bass; Tyrone McCullen - drums; "Master" Henry Gibson - percussion, congas, bongos.

On September 1, 1978, the musical trio Codona graced the stage in Willisau, Switzerland, just before their eponymous debut on ECM. This Swiss FM broadcast immortalised their performance, featuring Collin Walcott on sitar, Don Cherry on trumpet, and Nana Vasconcelos on percussion. Together, they spun a mesmerising tapestry of sound. The opening piece, 'New Light,' spans 16 minutes and evokes pure joy with its enchanting melodies and rhythmic intricacies. Codona's magical encounter showcases the seamless interplay of three masterful musicians and this record captures a moment of musical transcendence that continues to resonate to this day.

The 1974 season finale of the Chicago based Soundstage series came billed as "Dr.John’s New Orleans Swamp". A wild southern party featuring the cream of New Orleans music scene. Some sort of Louisiana soup bone including Earl King's downhome blues, Professor Longhair's colorful creole pianism, The Meters's swampy, gritty grooves and Dr. John himself with his special mix of funk, blues, psychedelia and African music. Gumbo is ready! Are you?

This is Marvin Gaye's legendary appearance at the Budokan theater in Tokyo in November 1979. A wonderful performance with the great singer backed by a fine, sensitive band and a concert tracklist featuring various gems such as "Save the Children" and "Inner City Blues" from his masterpiece "What's Going On" as well as other smash hits like "I Want You" and "Let's Get it On". A true Live-Soul experience!

This is tenor sax giant Pharoah Sanders caught live in France in summer 1971, when the man was still in full post-Coltrane mood. At the head of a strong quintet featuring: Lonnie Liston Smith - piano, Cecil McBee - bass, Jimmy Hopps - drums, and Lawrence Killian - congas, Pharoah delivers two very intense yet serene versions of his milestone piece 'The Creator Has A Master Plan' and 'Let Us Go In The House Of The Lord,' a traditional gospel hymn arranged by Lonnie Liston Smith. This is deep spiritual music kissed by the sun of a splendid southern France summer.

This is the one and only Sade caught live for Veronica's Rock Night TV broadcast on September 21, 1984 in the Netherlands, just a few months after the release of her first single "Your Love Is King". Sade is backed here by her original group, an elegant, super tight line- up featuring all four members appearing on her outstanding debut album "Diamond Life" plus a two piece brass section and percussion. Needless to add that 1984 was a crucial year in Sade's career. That was when the world suddenly discovered her highly sophisticated, soulful sound world. Now, if you want to catch the whole energy of such discovery, these high quality live recordings are the right stuff to start with.