"A young man who is a red hot rhythm and blues singer with a difference that is gonna be greatly dug by all who tune an ear to the variegated tones and shades of this album". - From the "Green Is Blues" original liner notes, 1969
Legendary Al Green's debut album for Memphis' Hi Records GREEN IS BLUES - originally released in 1969 - is celebrated this July with a special digital edition release.
Demon Digital is issuing a special 40th Anniversary Edition with a digital booklet annotated by writer, DJ & Ace Records' compiler extraordinaire Tony Rounce, including the original liner notes.
First appearing in the summer of '69, GREEN IS BLUES was the album that launched a collaboration of Al Green's soul-singing brilliance and the skillful co-writer/producer Willie Mitchell. Green and Mitchell hold a unique position in the history of soul music; their finest compositions were achieved through their shared musical wisdom and craft. There is no denying that Green and Mitchell set a benchmark for the genre, and this release pays testament to this.
GREEN IS BLUES combines one of the most soulful and refined voices in history along with magnificently tight arrangements, production and tough backing from the Hi Rhythm section. The release features Green's first (non-album) Hi single and several bonus tracks including his amazing reading of The Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand". Other highlights include the second single "One Woman", the funky "Get Back Baby" and classic "The Letter", later used as a sample by Notorious B-I-G in "Long Kiss Goodnight".
July 13th sees the release of GREEN IS BLUES available as a digital deluxe package for the first time, including a full downloadable digital booklet. Coupled with this release, the brand new MOST SAMPLED compilation will be available, featuring a selection of Al Green's tracks used as samples over the years by the likes of Massive Attack, Jay-Z, Mary J Blige and many more, this is an essential collector's edition for any discerning music fan!
Both releases will be available on iTunes, eMusic, Amazon MP3, 7Digital, Tesco Digital, and HMV Digital.
