CARLA THOMAS
Gee Whiz (Stax)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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As a longtime fan of all things Stax, this album holds a special place in my musical heart. When 18 year old Carla Thomas recorded the single "Gee Whiz" for Jim Stewart's Satellite Records, she set in motion the development of what many (including myself) consider the greatest soul label of all time, Memphis' legendary Stax Records.

Satellite would become Stax, but the hit would go to Atlantic, which had a national distribution deal with Stewart and his partner Estelle Axton. The album would be labeled Atlantic as well, but it was largely the strength of the hit that allowed the Stax label to establish itself independently of its better known distributor, first as the outlet for singles and ultimately as a great album label as well.

As an album, Gee Whiz is typical of R&B LPs of the era, with the exception of the four tracks (including the title cut) penned by the teenaged singer. Thomas' youth was deceptive. As the daughter of local legend Rufus Thomas, she had been involved in the business since childhood and was a veteran performer by the time she made her solo breakthrough. The rest of the album is a collection of jazz, pop and R&B standards (including one penned by Rufus himself), but Carla Thomas managed to put an individual stamp on each one by virtue of her remarkable pipes. Her performances give the album musical as well as historical value, and it's a key addition to any collection of sixties soul.

Track List:

Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes) * Dance With Me * A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening * Your Love Indeed * Fools Fall In Love * To The Aisle * (I'm Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over * A Love Of My Own * Promises * It Ain't Me * For You * The Love We Shared * Promises (alternate version)

© 2002 - Shaun Dale