BLACK HEAT
Declassified Grooves (Label M)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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There were a lot of factors that kept Black Heat from being big winners in the early 70s funk sweepstakes, but the quality of the music wasn't one of them. That fact is easily born out by the sounds on Declassified Grooves, which reissues their first two albums in a double CD set.

The original records were produced for Atlantic by Label M honcho Joel Dorn, and they've been resurrected here by his son, Adam, who may be better know by his name d'turntable, Mocean Worker. When it comes to uncovering seminal funk beats, there aren't many better ears aren't many better ears around than Adam Dorn's, and he's found some good ones hear. Bumpin' bass, whirling wah-wah and punchy horns, along with some of the best soul vocals ever found in a funk band, are more than enough reason to get a hold of this set. There's a bonus for those who do, though, in the form of the inimitable David "Fathead" Newman, a longtime friend of Joel Dorn's, who was brought aboard to provide tenor sax and flute solos. Solid soul *and* Fathead! You gotta go get it and getcha funk on!

Track List:

Disc One (Black Heat): The Jungle * Chicken Heads * Street Of Tears * Barbara's Mood * Chip's Funk * Wanoah * You'll Never Know * Honey Love * Send My Lover Back * Time Is Gonna Catch You

Disc Two (No Time To Burn): No Time To Burn * You Should've Listened * Check It All Out * Love The Life You Live * Super Cool * M & M's * Things Change * Rapid Fire * Times Have Changed

© 2001 - Shaun Dale