This two-fer reissues a pair of uptown soul great Chuck Jackson's mid-'60s efforts for Wand. Recorded at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater in 1964, Chuck Jackson on Tour captures the singer in support of his then-current single "Beg Me." Backed by Bobby Scott and his band, Jackson delivers dynamic, rousing versions of past hits like "Any Day Now," "I Wake Up Crying" and "I Will Never Turn My Back on You," but the real draw here is the well-chosen cover material: readings of James Brown's "Please, Please, Please," Ben E. ...
Read More
This two-fer reissues a pair of uptown soul great Chuck Jackson's mid-'60s efforts for Wand. Recorded at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater in 1964, Chuck Jackson on Tour captures the singer in support of his then-current single "Beg Me." Backed by Bobby Scott and his band, Jackson delivers dynamic, rousing versions of past hits like "Any Day Now," "I Wake Up Crying" and "I Will Never Turn My Back on You," but the real draw here is the well-chosen cover material: readings of James Brown's "Please, Please, Please," Ben E. King's "Stand by Me," and William Bell's "Any Other Way" prove excellent vehicles for his gruff, emotional vocals. Also noteworthy is Jackson's easy, charming between-song patter -- it's clear from the cheers and screams that he has the audience eating out of his hand, again begging the question of why his considerable talents never crossed over to greater success. Dedicated to the King!! is a soulful and respectful tribute to the music of Elvis Presley that wisely avoids the schmaltz Presley recorded upon going Hollywood in favor of the perennially vital rock & roll classics he cut at the outset of his career. Jackson sheds his trademark sophistication to get down and dirty on these ten tracks, instilling pop classics like "Heartbreak Hotel," "Jailhouse Rock," and "Hound Dog" with surprising grit and potency -- best of all is his poignant reading of "Crying in the Chapel," borrowed by Presley from R&B legends the Orioles. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
Read Less
