Product Review

Renowned for her pre-eminence as one of James Brown's Funky Divas, Vicki Anderson's late 60s/early 70s funk 45s for King and Brownstone Records are highly regarded.

Less well known, but just as good, are the soul sides that she cut, mostly with Soul Brother #1 at the controls between 1964 and 1969. Unlike her funk outings, most of them have been overlooked, underplayed and un-reissued. This first-ever compilation of her Smash, Fontana, ABC, Federal and early King songs strives to put that right.

Vicki's fiery gospel-influence tones are backed by the James Brown bands of the time, while James Brown and Vicki's 'other half' Bobby Byrd also get a chance or two to flex a bit of vocal muscle here and there.

Wide Awake In A Dream features songs made famous by the Marvelettes, Sam Cooke, the '5' Royales, Martha and the Vandellas and Ben E King, as well as a healthy helping of Vicki's and James Brown's own compositions. Its mix of 60s dancers, and searing soul ballads will be something of a revelation to anyone who thinks that all James Brown and his artists could do was get funky.