Freddie McCoy - Peas 'N' Rice (1967) [re-rip>flac]

Throughout the sixties Freddie McCoy was an active vibraphonist for the Prestige label releasing seven LPs in all. In many ways he was severely overlooked; both critics and radio stations alike didn't give him the airplay or the recognition he well deserved. Despite this he still laid down some great funky cool grooves, many penned by him and others covering contemporary R&B and pop tunes. This album "Peas 'N' Rice" was released in the middle of his short-lived career, and by now he had developed a set formula in compositions and playing. Many of these sides have now become underground collector's items among acid jazz and rare-groove enthusiasts. What makes this LP stand out is the inclusion of Joanne Brackeen, Wally Richardson and Wilbur "Dud" Buscomb to nominate a few of the band members. Together they weave an elaborate mixture of Soul Jazz tunes. Joanne Brackeen joined Freddie on Funk Drops (1966), again on this date and his last three albums for Prestige Records: Beans & Greens (1967), Soul Yogi (Prestige, 1968) & Listen Here (1968) as did Wally Richardson. McCoy's vibes blend beautifully with Joanne's piano playing. Equally Richardson adds his distinctive touch and flavour here and there. The Trumpets of Buscomb and Williams act as a great backing to Freddie's vibes whilst a changing array of drummers keep a tight pace. Very entertaining and worth listening to regularly, Enjoy!

Prestige Records, PRST 7487, 1967

Recorded 6^th October, 1965 (#B4); 10^th April, 1967 (#A2,A3,A5,B1,B2)

& 4^th May, 1967 (#A1,A4,B3) at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Freddie McCoy - Vibraphone

Wilbur "Dud" Buscomb - Trumpet (#A2,A3,A5,B1,B2)

Edward David Williams - Trumpet (#A2,A3,A5,B1,B2)

Joanne Brackeen - Piano (#A1-B3)

Wally Richardson - Guitar (#A2,A3,A5,B1,B2)

Charles L. Wilson - Piano (#B4)

Steve Davis - Bass (#B4)

Eustis Guillemet - Bass (#A1,A4,B3), Electric Bass (#A2,A3,A5,B1,B2)

Ray Lucas - Drums (#A2,A3,A5,B1,B2)

Kalil Madi - Drums (#A1,A4,B3)

Rudy Lawless - Drums (#B4)

Tracks:

A1. Peas 'N' Rice {Freddie McCoy} (3:27)

A2. Summer In The City {John Sebastian, Mark Sebastian, Steve Boone} (2:44)

A3. Huh! {Freddie McCoy} (4:05)

A4. 1-2-3 {John Medora, David White, Len Barry} (4:10)

A5. One Cylinder {Freddie McCoy} (3:05)

B1. Call Me {Tony Hatch} (3:33)

B2. Lightning Strikes {Freddie McCoy} (2:54)

B3. My Funny Valentine {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (6:14)

B4. You Stepped Out Of A Dream {Nacio Herb Brown, Gus Kahn} (4:55)

Total Time: 34:39

Credits:

Producer - Cal Lampley

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Arranger, Conductor - Dave Blum
Design - Mary Jo Schwalbach

Liner Notes - Walter Cat (June, 1967)