Exciting Wilson Pickett CD

Recorded in Memphis, Tennessee and Muscle Shoals, Alabama in 1965 and 1966. Originally relased on Atlantic (8129). Includes liner notes by A. Scott Galloway.

Let's be frank--Wilson Pickett's voice could strip the chrome off a Buick. Gritty, raw, and capable of emphatic shrieks and woeful moans, Pickett's voice is, in some ways, the paragon of Southern soul style. More consistent and packed with hits than its predecessor, IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR, THE EXCITING WILSON PICKETT showcases the man's formidable vocal talents to the point of near perfection.

Two Chris Kenner songs--the blazing, dance-floor-filling "Land of 1000 Dances" (a certified soul classic) and the sprightly groove-laden "Something You Got"-- kick off the set. Pickett co-wrote much of the material here with Stax staff member Steve Cropper, among others. The timeless "In the Midnight Hour" (presented here in its single version) and the mid-tempo jam "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)" are two such collaborative highlights. The great Don Covay-Ronald Miller tune "Mercy, Mercy" and Robert Parker's driving "Barefootin'" are included here, too, making THE EXCITING WILSON PICKETT the soul man's most solid and satisfying studio album.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Wilson Pickett's deep soulful gritty voice helped establish him as one of the premier singers on the 1960's Memphis/Muscle Shoals era. Wilson Pickett's highest charting hit 'Land Of 1000 Dances' is joined by the R&B classics '634-5789' and 'In The Midnight Hour'. Collectables. 2002.

Personnel: Wilson Pickett (vocals); Chips Moman, Jimmy Johnson , Steve Cropper (guitar); Andrew Love, Charles "Packy" Axton, Charles Chalmers (tenor saxophone); Floyd Newman (baritone saxophone); Gene Miller, Wayne Jackson (trumpet); Joe Hall , Isaac Hayes, Spooner Oldham (piano); Al Jackson, Jr., Roger Hawkins (drums).

Liner Note Authors: Bob Rolontz; A. Scott Galloway.

Recording information: Memphis (05/12/1965-05/08/1966); Muscle Shoals (05/12/1965-05/08/1966).

Photographer: Nick Samardge.

Unknown Contributor Role: John Peck.

Personnel: Wilson Pickett (vocals); Steve Cropper, Jimmy Johnson, Chips Moman (guitar); Charles "Packy" Axton, Charlie Chalmers (tenor saxophone); Floyd Newman (baritone saxophone); Gene "Bowlegs" Miller (trumpet); Joe Hall, Spooner Oldham, Isaac Hayes (piano); Donald "Duck" Dunn, Tommy Cogbill (bass); Al Jackson, Roger Hawkins (drums); John Peck.

The Memphis Horns: Andrew Love (tenor saxophone); Wayne Jackson (trumpet).