The Bernard Purdie Collection Vol. 2
The first mix of tracks featuring the great drummer Bernard Purdie concentrated on his contributions to soul and jazz; this mix is more eclectic. There is still great soul (even today, I still adore Cheryl Lynn’s “You’re The One”) and jazz (Herbie Mann, Gene Ammons), but there is also material that comes from a rock and folk tradition, by the likes of Robert Palmer, Steely Dan and Cat Stevens. And then there is a fantastic slice of gospel from Marion Williams, and a long-unreleased masterpiece by Dusty Springfield.
It’s worth mentioning that Purdie is doing drumming duties here for another fne drummer, Grady Tate, a man with a voice so wonderful that it is good that he did not limit himself to beating the skins.
Some have commented that they cautious about believing any claim Purdie makes about tracks he has played on, referring to Purdies’ reported boast about having played overdubs on early Beatles tracks. He certainly did overdub Pete Best in the sessions for the Tony Sheridan album on which the pre-Ringo Beatles played. His claim to have played on early Beatles records requires verification.
On almost all songs on the two mixes Purdie has received official credit. Where possible, I have verified these on Discogs.
As always, the mix is timed to fit on a standard CD-R, and includes home-skinned covers.
1. Cornell Dupree – Teasin’ (1974)
2. Joe Cocker – I Get Mad (1974)
3. Robert Palmer – How Much Fun (1974)
4. Steely Dan – Deacon Blues (1977)
5. Cat Stevens – 100 I Dream (1973)
6. Grady Tate – Sack Full Of Dreams (1969)
7. Dusty Springfield – In The Winter (1974)
8. Cheryl Lynn – You’re The One (1978)
9. Roy Ayers – Melody Maker (1978)
10. Herbie Mann – What’s Going On (1971)
11. Quincy Jones – Oh Happy Day (1969)
12. Letta Mbulu – Music Man (1976)
13. Joe Bataan – I’m No Stranger (1972)
14. Freddie McCoy – Funk Drops (1966)
15. Marion Williams – Wicked Messenger (1971)
16. Ronnie Foster – Sweet Revival (1973)
17. Hummingbird – Fire And Brimstone (1976)
18. Hall & Oates – I’m Just A Kid (Don’t Make Me Feel Like A Man) (1973)
19. Gene Ammons – Feeling Good (1969)
20. Mongo Santamaria – Baby What You Want Me To Do (1968)
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PW = amdwhah
thanks
Love your mixes, have to say BP Vol 1 has been my favourite so far, really looking forward to this one; many thanks for all the trouble you go to, much appreciated.
Beautiful mixes. Just want to point out a couple of glaring omissions however!
“Rock Steady” by Aretha Franklin, that drum break, with those high hat drops that became essential for every drummer to learn, that’s a must, one of his best.
Also, earlier this year my buddy and I (who are both drummers) decided to listen to Aja and settle who is the funkiest, greatest drummer on that album! We both agreed that, against the stiffest of competition, Purdie won hands down. But I picked “Deacon Blues”, whereas he picked “Home At Last”. I was gratified that you picked “Deacon Blues”! I have to admit, however, that – like “Rock Steady” – the beat that Purdie plays on ” Home At Last” is a seminal beat, a game changer, and a very influential performance.
But I think “Deacon Blues” has got the edge!
Anyways, those two omissions aside (and with Purdie, we could list a million songs!), I’m really excited to dig into these collections!
Mike, Rock Steady does feature on Volume 1, for the very reasons that you mention.