Mainstream Modern Soul 1969-76 / Various

UK collection. Mainstream and its subsidiaries IX Chains and Brown Dog were very classy New York labels owned by veteran produced Bob Shad. Formed in 1964 as a jazz label, it diverged into rock and soul, re-launched itself in 1970 as strictly jazz again but assimilated soul and funk until its demise in mid-1976. IX Chains and Brown Dog were strictly soul until some of the cornier excesses of disco crept in in 1976. Tracks by Ellerine Harding, Nia Johnson and of course Sarah Vaughan have jazz elements in soul numbers, while the Steptones and the Dramatics are where soul moves close to disco without ruining a good song. Lenny Welch's 'A Hundred Pounds Of Pain', The Fantastic Puzzles' 'Come Back' and Linda Perry's 'It's All In The Back Of Me Now' were big on the progressive Northern Soul scene of the 70s but most of the in-demand items have found favor in later decades. Almeta Lattimore's gorgeous 'These Memories' and Calvin Arnold's chugging southern soul burner 'Satisfy My Woman' could have been made for the soulful mid-tempo era of Crossover Soul. Big ticket items like 'We're Not Too Young To Fall In Love' by the Jackey Beavers Show and Randolph Brown's 'It Ain't Like It Used To Be' have more of a beat but retain their soul quotient and contributions from Words Of Wisdom, Charles Beverly and Lee Bates are usually below the radar but are tremendous soul songs. Soul ballads from McArthur, Sarah Vaughan and a killer version of 'When Something Is Wrong With My Baby' by Jackey Beavers vary the pace, while J. G. Lewis and Bobby Earl Williams provide tracks that are too long neglected. Two previously unheard Linda Perry soul dancers could very well seal the deal for the discerning fan. The audio, all from master tape, is exemplary and apt for the clever and subtle productions.