What makes an album nice? Consistency of high quality definitely helps, and to take it a step additional, some form of coherence or unity from begin to end, or a unifying idea. Fulfill these circumstances and also you’re in your solution to a terrific LP. In selecting the right Chess albums to personal on vinyl, the goal was to seek out cohesive music however steer clear – the place attainable – from compilation LPs. Not as a result of they’re not nice. Quite the opposite, in the event you get one, you’ll in all probability take pleasure in each monitor. However listening to a non-“best of” album with a persistently pleasing, unified number of songs is fairly particular – and that’s the goal right here.
One caveat, nonetheless: a terrific many Chess vinyl albums are exceedingly uncommon and possibly lacking from this record as a result of easy undeniable fact that they’ve been out of circulation for many years. A number of of them are included under within the honorable mentions part, so take this much less as a definitive record of the very best Chess albums ever, and extra of a place to begin in your journey. And for these unable to seek out these albums on their authentic format, we’ve included digital alternate options the place we will.
And, in fact, in the event you can consider any additions to this record of the very best Chess albums to personal on vinyl, tell us within the feedback part.
The 25 Finest Chess Albums To Personal On Vinyl
Gene Ammons: Soulful Saxophone
Launched in 1958 (and reissued with an alternate title, Makes It Occur, in 1967), this set collects the edges from Jug’s 1950 session that produced the primary Chess single, the wistful “My Foolish Heart,” and his different single releases from that date. All 10 tracks, largely requirements and all ballads, share the identical dreamy nocturnal feeling with Ammons’ thick tenor sound bathed in reverb, unusual on the time and transporting the listener to a satisfying, soulful spot.
Chuck Berry: St. Louis To Liverpool
The 4 hits on his 1964 comeback LP are vital and distinctive. The comedy “No Particular Place To Go,” the smart “You Never Can Tell,” the epic “Promised Land,” and the craving “Little Marie.” Nevertheless it’s the opposite tracks that present this LP’s consistency, and at the very least 4 allude to Chuck Berry‘s crime and punishment under the Mann Act. “Our Little Rendezvous,” “Go Bobby Soxer,” the cover of Guitar Slim’s “The Things I Used To Do” and “Little Marie,” the story of affection left behind. Maybe that’s why, 15 years later, rock critic Dave Marsh known as St. Louis To Liverpool “one of the greatest rock’n’roll records ever made,” cementing its place as the most effective Chess albums in historical past.
Chuck Berry: The Nice Twenty-Eight
Sure, it’s a hits bundle, but it surely’s additionally historical past: the sound of rock’n’roll shedding its coaching wheels. The very best compilation of Chuck Berry’s pioneering 28 large and small hits out there, issued initially as a double-LP on the daybreak of the CD age, The Nice Twenty-Eight was digital ever after, till 2017, when it was pressed onto polyvinylchloride as soon as once more. The whole lot right here is from the primary 9 years of Berry’s Chess output, so there’s no “My Ding-A-ling.” Likelihood is, you gained’t really feel its absence.
The Dells: There Is
The quintet DJs known as “the pride and joy of Harvey, Illinois” delivers 12 killer tracks on their 1968 debut Cadet LP that alternate between stompers and ballads. Fourteen years after forming as The El-Rays, The Dells blended doo-wop harmonies with 60s soul due to producer Bobby Miller and arranger Charles Stepney. Intertwined lead vocals by raspy baritone Marvin Junior and falsetto tenor Johnny Carter shine brightly on tracks reminiscent of “When I’m In Your Arms,” “Close Your Eyes,” “Please Don’t Change Me Now” and “Stay In My Corner,” the elongated hit single follow-up to the Motown-esque title monitor.
Bo Diddley: Bo Diddley’s Seashore Occasion
For these in search of the roots of early punk rock in Bo Diddley‘s music and attitude, this could be Exhibit A. One of the best Chess albums to start your collection with, it remains a live document of Bo’s ardour, uncooked simplicity, and energy in entrance of two,000 followers in Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina, in 1963. “Road Runner” stands out, however all the pieces crackles with rocking rhythm. Culled from two nights of recording, the second was lower quick, based on label historian Nadine Cohodas, when Bo’s sideman Jerome Inexperienced jumped offstage enjoying the maracas, and white ladies gathered round him to bop. Implementing native segregation legal guidelines, the police pulled the plug on the present.
The Artwork Farmer-Benny Golson Jazztet: Meet the Jazztet
If solely as a result of it consists of three high Golson compositions – “I Remember Clifford,” “Blues March” and “Killer Joe” – this 1960 LP is price having. Add to that a number of well-chosen requirements and buoyant performances by the entrance line of trumpeter Farmer, tenor saxman Golson, and trombonist Curtis Fuller, plus a rhythm part that features a 20-year-old McCoy Tyner on piano, Farmer’s brother Addison on bass, and underappreciated Lex Humphries on drums, and you’ve got a necessary onerous bop album. The longer LP model of “Killer Joe” consists of Fuller’s solo, edited out of the Argo 45; for these struggling to seek out the unique, the recordings have been later issued as a part of The Full Argo Mercury Classes.
Aretha Franklin: Songs Of Religion
The Queen Of Soul was 14 when these songs have been recorded dwell at her father’s church in Detroit, accompanying herself on piano, already possessing assured mastery of this materials whereas the congregation spurs her even increased. Launched on a small label in 1956, Chess reissued the recordings for the primary time in 1965, nonetheless a few years shy of Aretha’s breakthrough; it will later re-emerge below varied titles, amongst them The Gospel Soul Of Aretha Franklin and Aretha Gospel. However there is no such thing as a mistaking the voice on this LP – it’s the identical absolutely fashioned, musically clever voice that might stun the world in 1967.
Ahmad Jamal: Chamber Music Of The New Jazz
1958’s … At The Pershing LP is commonly cited as a significant jazz LP, however its 1956 predecessor can pretty declare to be the most effective Chess albums on supply. Chamber Music… helped launch Chess’ Argo imprint as a jazz label, and this model of Jamal’s trio featured a piano, guitar and bass line-up. Past their subtle, quietly pleasing sound, Jamal’s minimalist use of area turned extremely influential on Miles Davis and arranger Gil Evans. Two years later, the Argo LP was groundbreaking in a number of methods, not the least of which was gross sales, because it stayed on the charts for over two years. An uncommon dwell lounge recording, its reputation stemmed not simply from “Poinciana,” but additionally the extra typical band line-up and the exquisitely spare contact exhibited all through.
Etta James: Inform Mama
Noting the success Atlantic Data had by sending Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin to Muscle Shoals, Leonard Chess appropriately figured it will work for Etta James as properly – and he was proper. Not solely did she get hit singles, she put down a dozen emotive tracks that made it seem to be the home band was created only for her, leading to the most effective Chess albums from the label’s soul interval. The title music and a canopy of Otis Redding‘s “Security” were hits off Tell Mama, and tracks like “I’m Gonna Take What He’s Received” stand with the very best soul music of the period. And, in fact, there’s “I’d Rather Go Blind.”
Etta James: Etta James
Grammy-nominated when launched on Chess in 1973, this largely darkish, offended set may need been focused to rock followers, however its rage stays common, and it was fuelled by Etta’s personal struggles with dependancy and the regulation. “God’s Song,” one among three wonderful Randy Newman covers, is a mind-blower, however every bitter monitor strikes a nerve, notably the “Superfly”-ish opener, “All The Way Down,” and “Only A Fool” (which includes the refrain of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “I Pity The Fool”) and the misleading desperation of “Lay Back Daddy.” The one respite – form of – is the pleading finale, Otis Redding’s “Just One More Day.”
The Ramsey Lewis Trio: The In Crowd
The industrial and standard apex of the trio – Lewis on piano, Eldee Younger on bass and cello and Purple Holt on drums – was captured dwell for this 1965 Chess LP earlier than a responsive viewers at Washington, DC’s Bohemian Membership. Aspect One kicks off with an unedited model of the title music, their greatest single, a jazz cowl of Doby Grey’s pop hit. Lewis finds the blues in most songs however Holt’s mild contact and Younger’s sturdy basis (plus his cello work on “Tennessee Waltz”), and his vocally urging the proceedings alongside, additionally stand out on this Grammy-winning and No.1 R&B chart LP.
Laura Lee: Love Extra Than Satisfaction
Beginning out as a member of Detroit gospel’s famed Meditation Singers (which recorded for Chess’ Checker imprint), Laura’s secular output for Chess deserved extra consideration. Her solely Chess LP, this 1972 compilation was culled from sides recorded in Chicago and Muscle Shoals, and launched after she started making hits for Sizzling Wax. The 2 Curtis Mayfield covers (which have been on the identical single) and Kenny Rogers’ “But You Know I Love You” work properly. The terrific “Dirty Man,” Lee’s greatest Chess single, and the sturdy title music, her last Chess launch, showcase her earthy, daring Southern soul vocals and enhanced sympathetic manufacturing. Moreover recognition, all that’s lacking is the equally good follow-up to “Dirty Man,” “Uptight Good Man,” although you’ll discover that – and Love Extra Than Satisfaction itself – on the 2006 assortment Very Finest Of Laura Lee.
Little Milton: Grits Ain’t Groceries
All 4 of Little Milton’s sturdy soul-blues Checker LPs might make this record, and this last one, launched in 1969, might high the record of his finest Chess albums. His voice is in high kind, with a convincing versatility on tender ballads reminiscent of “I’ll Always Love You,” rave-ups just like the Titus Turner traditional title music, and stone blues like “Did You Ever Love A Woman.” Milton’s guitar cuts to the bone (hearken to “I Can’t Quit You”) and the horn part completely punctuates every monitor due to Gene Barge’s preparations. Albums like this helped Chess stay a drive amongst blues followers into the 70s.
Little Walter: The Finest Of Little Walter
He was the person who reinvented the wheel, which you’re not imagined to do. However Little Walter‘s virtuosity gave the harmonica a new dimension and he forever changed its sound and role in the blues. A case can be made that the sound he produced separated Chicago blues from all others. We’re speaking concerning the authentic 1957 LP, although most subsequent collections will embody the hits: “My Babe,” “Blues With A Feeling,” “Juke,” “Mean Old World” and extra – giving a era (or three) classes they’re nonetheless digesting.
MJT+3: Daddy-O Presents MJT+3
A exceptional and clever onerous bop 1957 debut on Argo from a younger Chicago quintet noteworthy much less for its virtuoso soloing than its sympathetic and harmonic interplay, however there’s no mistaking the virtuosity of the gamers right here: Paul Serrano on trumpet, Nicki Hill on sax, Bob Cranshaw on bass, Walter Perkins on drums and Richard Abrams on piano. Abrams’ work is very adventurous and he wrote the 5 originals on this disc.
James Moody: Cookin’ The Blues
This dwell San Francisco date from 1961 (reissued in 1998 at At The Jazz Workshop) showcases Moody on alto, tenor, and flute, and his septet, plus vocal pioneer Eddie Jefferson, excelling on two choices. Moody’s skill to make his small teams sound like large bands is on show right here, however he takes a lot of the solos and every one shines with inventiveness and surety on the most effective Chess albums from the label’s jazz secure.
The Moonglows: Look, It’s The Moonglows
One in every of many advantages of vinyl: the 2 sides of this LP have totally different intentions. Ballad-heavy Aspect One appears supposed as a soundtrack to uninterrupted romance. The try and replace the style with strings doesn’t terribly detract from the harmonies, and possibly labored in addition to any Frank Sinatra album. The minimal instrumentation on Aspect Two, beginning with the ’58 hit “10 Commandments Of Love,” reveals the group’s “blow-harmonies” at their finest. The solar was setting on the doo-wop period when this 1959 album got here out, however this assortment of recordings beginning in ’57 stays a tribute to the human voice as a musical instrument, and the most effective Chess albums from its first decade.
Billy Stewart: Unbelievable
You gained’t discover a happier marriage of soul music and The Nice American songbook. The longer model of Stewart’s good hit single remodeling of “Summertime” on this 1966 Chess album has an prolonged vocal vamp within the center. Whereas the opposite 11 requirements right here aren’t as radically re-imagined (although “That Old Black Magic” additionally will get particular remedy), they’re all nonetheless splendidly reworked by Stewart’s distinctive soulful scat, and the swinging preparations by Phil Wright present an ideal setting, at occasions pushing Stewart to indicate his jazz chops.
The Violinaires: Groovin’ With Jesus
This gospel group’s eight earlier Checker LPs contained their fantastic singles and different tracks carried out within the custom of the nice quartets of the mid-Twentieth Century. And if you could find any of them, seize them. By 1971, issues had modified – and so did the group. Led by dynamic vocalist Robert Blair, The Violinaires adopted funkier preparations for this report and seemed to the pop charts, embracing lyrics with social issues and stretching the lengths of the tracks. Their five-minute tackle Buddy Miles’ “We Got To Live Together,” for instance, owes a lot to Sly & The Household Stone. Additionally they cowl George Harrison‘s “My Sweet Lord,” Hair’s “Let The Sunshine In” and Ocean’s “Put Your Hand In The Hand.” Whereas the six- minute-plus “Take Me” hearkens again to extra conventional fare, this adventurous gospel-funk mission neatly balances the secular and the non secular.
Muddy Waters: At Newport 1960
Documenting Muddy Waters‘ triumphant debut in front of a largely white audience, you can easily pick up the growing enthusiasm of the crowd, band, and Muddy himself as the set barrels forward. Film of the performance shows Muddy dancing with harp ace James Cotton during the reprise of “I’ve Received My Mojo Working,” and the viewers screams come by means of on the report, too. Otis Spann’s piano additionally stands out, but it surely was Muddy who took center-stage and by no means surrendered it.
Muddy Waters: The Muddy Waters Woodstock Album
Muddy’s neglected last Chess LP, from 1975, additionally tops the record of the very best Chess albums recorded through the one of many label’s late 60s all-star jam classes. Initiated by The Band‘s drummer, Levon Helm (who also plays some bass), this included fellow Band-mate Garth Hudson, Paul Butterfield (who shines on harp), Muddy’s pianist Pinetop Perkins, guitarists Bob Margolin and Fred Carter, and Howard Johnson on sax. The session, captured in upstate New York, finds Muddy relaxed and blissful, because the studio chatter between songs reveals. The combination of classics reminiscent of “Kansas City” and “Caldonia,” plus originals (together with a pair from Muddy) show everybody’s versatility inside this cohesive, rootsy set.
Sonny Boy Williamson: Down And Out Blues
One other nice function of vinyl is liner notes. Along with 12 landmark tracks that collected his first seminal singles, this 1959 Chess LP options an essay by famend Chicago author Studs Terkel, who completely summarizes the essence of Sonny Boy’s artwork, writing, “With a background, rock’n’roll in nature, we hear a dozen short stories. In a number of instances, the year, the place, the hour – all down as a piece of court reportage.” Amid literary references, Turkel compares Sonny Boy‘s mastery on Aspect One to the benefit with which Corridor Of Fame pitcher Rube Wadell may strike out sandlot youngsters. “Then,” he continues, “on the second side, he pours it on.”
Howlin’ Wolf: Moanin’ At Midnight/Howlin’ Wolf
Followers have debated without end which of Howlin’ Wolf‘s first two Chess LPs is superior, Moanin’ At Midnight (from ’49) or “The Rockin’ Chair Album” (so dubbed due to the duvet picture). Each will rank among the many finest Chess albums in any critical assortment. Proponents of the second report level to the tracks that turned blues requirements: “Wang Dang Doodle,” ‘Spoonful‘, “Little Red Rooster” and “Back Door Man.” Adherents to the debut may counter that Wolf by no means sounded extra engaged and menacing than on that report. Neatest thing is to get them each.
Honorable Mentions
Among the finest Chess albums are at present nigh-on unattainable to seek out of their authentic vinyl pressings. Listed below are only a few that dedicated collectors will do properly to seek out.
Etta James: Rocks The Home
Her 1964 dwell LP, on which she’s backed by a small group versus her extremely produced studio efforts, deserves to be on any finest Chess albums record.
Jimmy McCracklin: Jimmy McCracklin Sings
The terrific and prolific West Coast blues singer lower one LP for Chess which was launched in 1962. Jimmy McCracklin Sings included his ’58 hit, “The Walk,” and 11 different nice R&B tracks.
The Dells: Musical Menu/Love Is Blue
Each of those Cadet LPs are rarities that every have a full complement of hits and powerful album cuts that merge doo-wop with 60s/70s-era soul.
Rotary Connection Cadet Idea LPs
Minnie Riperton, who made her debut as a Chess artist singing with The Gems, later joined Rotary Connection as lead singer on this experimental psychedelic soul/rock group famous for radical reworkings of well-known songs. They recorded six LPs for Cadet Idea (Rotary Connection, Aladdin, Peace, Songs, Dinner Music, and Hey, Love), and nonetheless take pleasure in a cult following.
Checker/Chess Gospel LPs
Largely recorded within the 60s, Chess and Checker gospel LPs are very onerous to seek out, however well worth the search in the event you can afford them. Some highlights: Reverend CL Franklin, Aretha’s father, who was a non secular and political chief out of Detroit, launched an astounding 57 sermons on Chess which are massively standard with the gospel set. The post-Sam Cooke Soul Stirrers additionally had a number of Checker and Chess LPs, together with one among secular songs, and a tribute to Cooke with the marvelous monitor “Slow Train.”
Chess Comedy LPs
Chess launched LPs by two legendary comedians: Mothers Mabley had at the very least 14 Chess albums and Pigmeat Markham launched at the very least 15. Seize ’em if you could find ’em.
Observe the Chess Data Important playlist, for extra traditional Chess.
