Product Review

Ray Dobard's Music City operation was at the heart of the Bay Area's black music scene from the 50s onwards. By the 1970s his shop and studio were places where aspiring funk, soul and jazz groups would go to attempt to find fame and fortune. Few did, but some great music was laid down, the best of which is here.

The CD contains 17 tracks, 15 of which are previously unissued, and are a great view into a lost era of Bay Area music. The best known artists are Two Things In One and Darondo. Two Things In One were a big local attraction who released several singles on Music City, now very sought-after by funk DJs and collectors. Dorando has been lionised in recent years for his Music City 45 Didn't I and also appears with the Al Green-styled Gimme Some, lifted from the vaults. We have also turned up an unreleased cut by the Houston Outlaws, a version of their Westbound B-side Got To Keep Loving.

Elsewhere we have out-and-out funk from Vic Green - whose singles as Big Vick Hammond have made him a cult hero - and unknown acts such as Chuck Thurman, the Soul Sensations and Dry Ice. Jazzy grooves come from Charles Doc Williams and Al Tanner, hip folk funk from Bob Carson and the black consciousness message behind the Soul Messengers.

The booklet features in-depth notes from Bay Area expert and Music City historian Alec Palao, and an introduction by compiler Dean Rudland that places the music in its contemporary context.