The Very Best of the New Birth Inc.: Where Soul Meets Funk

Performer: New Birth
Engineer: Hank McGill; John Janus; Jim Crotty; Pete Abbott
Producer: James Baker; Harvey Fuqua; Melvin Wilson; Paul Williams (Compilation)
Distributor: BMG (distributor)

Notes: The New Birth Inc. includes: Leslie Wilson, Londee Wiggins, Alan Frey, Ann Bogan (vocals); The Nite-Liters, Love, Peace & Happiness. Includes liner notes by A. Scott Galloway. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Personnel: Alan Frey (vocals, congas, percussion); Londie Wiggins, Charles Brewer, Leslie Wilson, Melvin Wilson (vocals); Carl McDaniel (guitar, background vocals); Charlie Hearndon, Kenny Hawkins (guitar); Tony Churchill (tenor saxophone, background vocals); Austin Lander (baritone saxophone, background vocals); Robert Jackson (trumpet, background vocals); James Baker (trombone, keyboards, percussion); Robin Russell (drums, percussion); Jim Hill (drums). Liner Note Author: A. Scott Galloway. Recording information: 01/18/1971-??/??/1975. Arrangers: Andre Moore; James Baker ; Charlie Hearndon; Harvey Fuqua; Richard Jones . A comprehensive package of producer Harvey Fuqua's concept, New Birth Inc. consisted of the Nightlighters, Love, Peace & Happiness, and New Birth. The Nightlighters' "K-Jee" was the first hit out the box, scoring before New Birth; the lively, festival-sounding instrumental has enjoyed an amazing longevity. It's still popular at the halftimes of football games and on classic radio shows. Love, Peace & Happiness, which featured Anne Bogan and two Wilson brothers, who also sang with New Birth, are represented by one number, a soul-dripped version of "I Don't Want to Do Wrong," the Gladys Knight & the Pips smash. New Birth is well represented. Their deep soul rendition of "Dream Merchant" still sends shivers up and down one's spine, as does "Wild Flower" and the poppish "It's Impossible," sung by Londee Loren. Attempts at disco are less pleasing, but on this package the songs "I Wash My Hands of the Whole Damn Deal," "Comin' from All Ends," and "Keep on Doin' It" are more palatable. ~ Andrew Hamilton

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