It seems truly fitting the initial batch of releases from Warner Brothers archives should include the music Of Charles Wright And The Watts 103rd street Rhythm band since Wright and his pioneering group can in retrospect be considered Warner Bros. Records' first successful R&B act.
From 1967-1971, the multi-faceted Wright and his seven-man band scored nine hit singles for the label, four of which- "Do Your Thing", "'Love Land" "Express Yourself" and "Your Love" - also made a huge dent on the nations Top 20 pop charts, plus five others of which are included in this exciting compilation of the group's earlier work In all, the team (which was brought to Warner Bros.' by comedian Bill Cosby, who was then a Warner’s recording artist himself) released a total of six albums during their stint with the company.
These groundbreaking records helped lay the foundation for FUNK as an essential musical ingredient in the R&B sound of the '70's.
Essayist John Morthland states in his comprehensive liner noes which accompany the 16 track compilation, "...Wrigbt and his crew were ultimately one of the important and most influential acts of their time...Along with Sly And The Family Stone, they ushered in the era of the seff~contained soul/funk band" Greg Geller, Warner Bros.' Records Vice President of A&R and the man behind the Warner Archives project, explains that the inclusion of the bands work as one of the first R&B reissues in the series was prompted by the legacy of great music Charles and the Band made so early in the company’s involvement with R&B music.
Charles Wright And his band were very active with the label, so their music seemed like a logical place to begin with regard to the extensive R&B catalog we have. Personally, Says Geller, I've had a longstanding love of their music and a strong desire to see it recognized for the influence it had on so many '70's, as well as various contemporary artists.
For the Mississippi born Wright, who has lived in Los Angeles since his early teens' the Warner Bros.' retrospective came as welcome news. The multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer and writer notes, "When I found out about the compilation, I was delighted. Deep within my soul, I knew it had to happen sooner or later I'm just happy to be able to enjoy the resurgence of this music, especially since so many other artists has capitalized off of my musical styles, they all claim my music is a little different from all the rest.
According to Wright, part of the difference may have been the result the entire rhythm seceion being lcft-handed.' You could say we came about the music from our own original perspetive.
The talented bandleader. who names Coasters' guitarist Adolph Jacobs, James Brown, Otis Redding and Antonio Carlos Jobim among his musical influences, explains that consistent live performing in and around Los Angeles helped hone the band's skills and built their reputation as formidable "funkateers". The band actually played steady in a place called the Haunted House, a Hollywood night spot where - performed for two-and-a-half years....with lines around the block every weekend.
Included in their compilation are three previously unreleased sides, "Keep Saying'", "Tell Me What You Want Me To Do" and a cover of Otis Redding's "Sweet Lorene"; the group's first Keymen single, "Spreading Honey"; three tracks culled from Wright's early '70's album for ABC Dunhill, "Doing What Comes Naturally," "Ninety Day Cycle People" and "One Lie", one single only track, "I Got Love" and the groups biggest hits, including Express Yourself which was revived ~ the rap group NWA in their "Straight Out Of Compton" album.
This particulair song bas also been covered by Solo, Naughty By Nature and several other rap artists. "Express Yourself" featuring Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, has also become a favorite for motion picture sound tracks, as well as a classic television commercial. The song was featured in "Come Back Charleston Blue" in 1972, "Cops And Robersons" 1993, "Adams Fantily Values 1994, "Panther" 1995 and is currently featured in "The People versus Larry Flynt". Their version of the song was also featured in a NIKE commecial for the basketball playoffs in 1994, "Express Yourself" will also be the feature song in 'Burger King’s " 1997 summer campaign.
A prolific writer Charles Wright still writes while he and the band continues to do selective performances. As a self motivated author, Wright has also written a vivid account of his life. His story begins in the cotton fields of Mississippi ' and eventually wound it's way through the intricate world of show business.
Wright says his goal is to finish the book during the later part of '97.
I can hardly believe this, he says, "it’s been twenty six years since we first released "Express Yourself" yet the song adds more meaning in my life on a daily basis, this could only happen under the watchful eyes of God all mighty himself"
--Warner Brothers Press Release
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