Willis 'Gator Tail' Jackson - Mellow Blues (1970) [vinyl]

In the early 1970s, work became scarce for Willis. He was recording for the extremely dubious Paul Winley and his records were not publicised well. He was rescued from plans to leave music by Don Schlitten, who recorded him for Muse in 1973 and 1974. Then he made a couple of Disco albums for Atlantic, the first of which was his second hit album. And he was back on the road again, with a succession of recordings for Muse that were as good as anything he’d made. Indeed one, “Bar wars”, is among the greatest classics of Soul Jazz. This LP finds Willis in good form backed by an assortment of accomplished players, a bluesy affair, enjoy!

UpFront Records, UPF-184, 1970

Recorded 1970 in New York, NY

Musicians:

Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone

Dave "Baby" Cortez - Organ

George Benson, Sterling McGee - Guitar

Earl Williams - Drums

Kako - Conga

Tracks:

A1. Mellow Blues (Winley, Winley} (10:14)

A2. Funky Sterling (Winley, Winley} (7:27)

B1. Cryin' (Winley, Winley} (8:43)

B2. Groove On (Winley, Winley} (9:19)

Credits:

Co-Producer, Composer - Ann Winley, Paul Winley

Engineer - Tom Owen

Art Direction - David Lartaud