James Brown & The J.B.’s - Doing It To Death - Mini-LP Papersleeve CD Replica

Mini-LP Papersleeve CD Replica

This Elemental Music reissue presents the acclaimed early 1973 LP Doing It to Death by The J.B.’s. The legendary supporting cast of musicians behind JAMES BROWN earned a reputation as the tightest, best-drilled instrumental ensemble of the funk genre. Although the name J.B.’s is most often associated with the three hornmen who led the band (Maceo Parker, Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, and Fred Wesley), Doing It to Death also featured the original J.B., James Brown himself, who produced the 5-song album, composed and arranged all the tracks, and performed as the lead vocalist. Lodged in a deep groove between the band’s debut LP Food for Thought (1972) and the more complex and at times political Damn Right, I Am Somebody (from 1974), Doing It to Death is one of the greatest groove jams of all time and marks the return of Maceo Parker to the group. Among the highlights of this essential funk release are the record’s title track, “Doing It to Death” (a long vocal jam that topped the R&B charts in 1973), and the provocative “You Can Have Watergate Just Gimme Some Bucks and I’ll Be Straight” (whose groove is interestingly teased two times before it arrives in full form). This incredible album is a perfect example of how James Brown’s funk machine could stop the world when they hit a groove.

Tracklist:

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE J.B.’S (0:25)
2. DOING IT TO DEATH [Parts 1 & 2] (12:11)
3. YOU CAN HAVE WATERGATE JUST GIMME SOME BUCKS AND I’LL BE STRAIGHT (0:15)
4. MORE PEAS (13:46)
5. LA DI DA LA DI DAY (5:39)
6. YOU CAN HAVE WATERGATE JUST GIMME SOME BUCKS AND I’LL BE STRAIGHT (0:15)
7. SUCKER (8:10)
8. YOU CAN HAVE WATERGATE JUST GIMME SOME BUCKS AND I’LL BE STRAIGHT [Parts 1 & 2] (6:29)

Personnel and Credits:

James Brown - lead vocals, organ (on track 4) Fred Wesley – trombone, vocals Maceo Parker – alto saxophone, flute, backing vocals St. Clair Pinckney – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Eldee Williams – tenor saxophone, backing vocals Darryl “Hasaan” Jamison – trumpet, backing vocals Jerone “Jasaan” Sanford – trumpet, backing vocals Isiah “Ike” Oakley – trumpet, backing vocals Jimmy “Chank” Nolen – guitar, backing vocals Hearlon “Cheese” Martin – guitar, backing vocals Fred Thomas – bass, backing vocals Charles Sherrell – backing vocals (on track 4) Johnny Griggs – tambourine & backing vocals (on track 4) John “Jabo” Starks – drums, backing vocals Danny Ray - MC introduction (on track 1) Recorded at International Studios, Augusta, Georgia, January 29, 1973 (tracks 1 & 2), and at A&R Studios, New York, June 2, 1973 (tracks 3, 4, 6 & 8). Unknown recording date and place for tracks 5 & 7. All compositions by JAMES BROWN. Produced & arranged by James Brown. Mixed at Advantage Studios, N.Y.C., by Bob Both.