Live At The Apollo 1972

For the ten years leading up to 1972, the James Brown Revue was an outright superfunk freight train, speeding around the world and crushing all competition. This dominance stretched beyond the charts, too – the group was even more dynamic and exciting on stage, a fact that kept them sleepless and on the move, as audiences demanded more. From 1963 to 1971, James Brown had released not one but three albums recorded live at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater. The first volume of the series is still rightfully revered today as one of the greatest live albums of all time. But Volumes II (1968) and III (1971 – aka Revolution Of The Mind) were no slackers either, showing James and his incredible band (with talent including “Pee Wee” Ellis, Fred Wesley, John “Jabo” Starks, Clyde Stubblefield, Maceo Parker, Lyn Collins, Bobby Byrd and many more) at the peak of their respective powers each time, playing a litany of JB hits. Because of this, it will always be a mystery as to why Volume IV, which was recorded at the Apollo on September 14, 1972, was shelved. This is in no small part because the performers and songs heard here are some of the Godfather of Soul’s (and the JBs’) strongest. But shelved it was, full of fire but languishing for decades in the Polydor vaults. Thankfully we can now put that all behind us, with the first-time-ever-on-vinyl release of this incredible concert, from more than four decades ago. One look at the tracklist will make you salivate: from instrumental JBs classics like “Pass the Peas,” “Gimme Some More” and “Hot Pants Road” to James’ own 1972 smash vocal “There It Is,” the assembled group of musical geniuses – including trombonist and bandleader Fred Wesley; saxophonist St. Clair Pinckney; guitarists Hearlon “Cheese” Martin and Jimmy “Chank” Nolan; bassist Fred Thomas; and Brown himself on organ – smash through James’ New New Super Heavy Funk with ridiculous power, control and panache. Included here, beyond the music, are in-between song introductions and banter, which bring you right into the front row.

Danny Ray - Introduction Of The J.B.'s
The J.B.'s - Hot Pants Road
The J.B.'s - From The Back Side
The J.B.'s - Wine Spot
Fred Wesley - Introduction Of James Brown
James Brown - Never Can Say Goodbye
The J.B.'s - Pass The Peas
The J.B.'s - Honky Tonk
James Brown - Introduction By James Brown
The J.B.'s - Gimme Some More
James Brown - There It Is
Danny Ray - Introduction Of Lyn Collins
Lyn Collins - Do Your Thing
Lyn Collins - Think (About It)
Lyn Collins - I'll Take You There
Danny Ray - Introduction Of Bobby Byrd
Bobby Byrd - I Know You Got Soul
Bobby Byrd - (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right
Bobby Byrd - Keep On Doin' What You're Doin'.

https://youtu.be/jl5AWbYJ-bI