"Best of King Curtis collects the bulk of King Curtis' singles for Capitol, plus selected album tracks. Although he didn't have many hits while on Capitol -- only "Soul Serenade" hit the charts -- this collection demonstrates the depths of Curtis' talents, showcasing his stabs at jazz and blues in addition to his trademark R&B. Instant Soul remains a stronger introduction, but for fans that want to dig a little deeper, The Best of King Curtis is an excellent purchase." (Stephen Thomas Erlewine/AllMusic)
King Curtis in his pre-Atlantic Soul days...Fully into the Twist dance craze of the early 1960's...but with class.
Rhythm & Blues had past it's best days...awaiting the advent of Soul & Funk...This safe ground of jazz covers and well played originals was as good as it got. at the time...and well recorded with guys that were so talented they continued to play as greats into the groovier, rootsier future... It's what a Bluesman would have playing in his elevator ! Here as flac or mp3@320 - My rip & full scans - Gus
Repost with my newer rips & full scans...plus another compilation
"Curtis Ousley (February 7, 1934 – August 13, 1971), who performed under the stage name King Curtis, was an American saxophone virtuoso known
for rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, blues, funk and soul jazz. Variously a bandleader, band member, and session musician, he was also a
musical director and record producer. Adept at tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone, he was best known for his distinctive riffs and solos such
as on "Yakety Yak", which later became the inspiration for Boots Randolph's "Yakety Sax" and his own "Memphis Soul Stew"
Curtis was killed on August 13, 1971, when he was stabbed during an argument with a pair of drug dealers he discovered on the steps outside his Manhattan apartment. Curtis was attempting to carry an air conditioner into his apartment when Juan Montanez refused to move from the entrance. A fight ensued and Montanez stabbed Curtis. Curtis later died at Roosevelt Hospital. In March 1972, Montanez was sentenced to seven years for second-degree manslaughter, but was released in late 1977 for good behavior.(Wiki)
I'm a guitarist...but my fave instrument is the Saxophone ! Of course I love all the great jazz masters and have their albums...too many to mention. KIng Curtis became a hero of mine many moons ago ...and many important recordings were hard or impossible to get back in the day. I now have most of them. Back in 1994 a really good compilation was released covering most of his career on a small independant label 'Razor & Tie'. I tried to get a copy but it soon became unavailable. Fortunately I later picked up this copy on the net, I know not from where or whom, but a big Ta is long overdue...So here it is for you guys...It's a great mix and an even better listen. And thumbs up to Anon for a reminder that we had no King Curtis here at Chitlins. We have now ! Cheers - Gus
The above was posted back in June 2016. I have since acquired a used CD copy and decided to post a new rip with scans in flac & mp3@320. It was the second version I bought as the first CD was damaged and 2 tracks were unplayable .
I have also included a compilation of King Curtis that I made years ago from original vinyl sources from my own albums (as flac & mp3@320) 'King Curtis Collection' ...and I think it is as good (if not better !) than the one Razor & Tie released...Judge for yourselves. Some of the tracks overlap but that shouldn't spoil the listening experience - Cheers Gus
