The late 60’s and 70’s saw all manner of cabaret bands in the UK; from local acts content to keep away from the searching spotlight of fame, to those bands who actively sought the spotlight, touring all across the UK, and, crucially, spending time and money self-producing albums to sell at performances, hoping to snag that bigger ticket. This second volume from Licorice Soul – subtitled ‘Rare funk, rock, soul & jazz from the UK cabaret scene’ – digs ever further into this smoky world of forgotten entertainment, collecting together some true gems and incredible works from a selection of original cabaret artist albums, most commercially available here for the first time. Musically, it’s amazing, stretching from weird glammed out funk-rock like Mythology’s “Easy Livin'” & Frazer Mark’s “Sundance”, to obvious then-current hits like “Long Train Running” (the glamourosly named New Jersey Turnpike), “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” (Graham Walsh), and “Superstition” (Brass Foundry – check those drums!), to less than obvious covers like Heads Together’s take on Kool & The Gang “Funky Stuff” and ABC Hit Band’s “Super Strut”. In between, there’s stomping jazz, screaming soul and out and out show tunes, all performed by bands who lived for the music, the nightlife and the adulation. Well, that, plus maybe the promise of fame, too. As either CD or social document, this is a sterling job by Licorice Soul – full liner notes are present including band biographies – and an amazing bit of musical history. Don’t miss out.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Darren Wall
