James Brown - Live at the Apollo
No, not the latest woke comedy act on the venerable TV show, but a seminal work of art capturing James Brown (and the uncredited Famous Flames) at a point in time, from "Please, Please, Please" to "Night Train", two or three years before "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)". This was recorded in one night in late 1962 (paid for by JB himself I seem to recall) in the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. It's one of several high watermarks in a quite exceptional career.
As I was growing up, there was a battered copy in the house, obviously bought by an older sibling (though I never knew, or asked, which one). It's cover, an Impressionist watercolour of the front on the theatre, with the awning declaring "Presents - In Person! The James Brown Show" still takes me back to that small council house, even now. The record was also a little battered but the sound captured on in was wild and that includes the audience! The women were going crazy! James and co. run through a medley of hits, following the standards of the Chitlin' Circuit (a string of entertainment venues featuring comedy and music by, and for, African Americans). And that meant keep it short, keep it moving, keep 'em engaged and give 'em a show they won't forget. Oh boy, does this show deliver! God, I wish I could have been there.
Best track? Well, individual tracks isn't the point. The record is only around 30 minutes long and is basically one long medley. And that's perfect. So why not just listen to the whole damn thing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3hnm4Shybg&list=OLAK5uy_ncWqay8kj4z85sSpuMzIQSLCgOjkpoeEcUpdated to add:While you're at it, watch this. James Brown & The Famous Flames, live on the T.A.M.I show 1964. Fuck me!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-E0X2JxCs4