REVIEW: Mr. Len and Natasha Diggs Present Brunswick Records Soul Box

 

Founded just after the turn of the 20^th century, Brunswick Records began life a manufacturer of phonographs and phonograph machines.  Home to Al Jolson and Duke Ellington for a time, Brunswick operated primarily as a Jazz and Orchestral label for most of the early century.  Starting the late 50s and continuing through into the 70s, legendary names like Jackie Wilson and The Chi-Lites recorded under the label’s banner.  During that time, the roster which included Barbara Acklin, Young-Holt Unlimited and the Lost Generation cranked out chart topping and hip shaking, funk, soul and R&B.  These songs, enjoyed in their time, found new homes and audiences as drum brakes, loops and samples.  Through this lens, a new collection of tunes, curated by soundscape extraordinaires Mr. Len (Company Flow/Dirty Disco Squares) and Natasha Diggs (Mobile Mondays), comes the Brunswick Records Soul Box, a 10 record box of 45s.
Packed with tracks throughout the R&B/Soul days of Brunswick Record, the Soul Box packs a hefty punch.  Tracks from Young-Holt Unlimited, Barbara Acklin and the like, provide the perfect soundtrack for house cleaning, party prep or just a leisurely Saturday drive.  This collection would be just as welcome at the next family cook-out of as the score to Quentin Tarantino’s next exploitation crime epic. It is that funky!  Mixed with mid-tempo gems from Willie Henderson and Tyrone Davis along with disco classics from Vaughn Mason and Crew (Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll), this box of soul is set to please.  Deep divers will enjoy Johnny Jones’ psychedelic soul cover of Purple Haze and the buttery soul of Sidney Joe Quails (How Can You Say Goodbye).  Standout tracks include: Are You My Woman by the Chi-Lites, I Can’t Do My Thing by Barbara Acklin, Soulful Football by Willie Henderson and Talking the Teenage Language by Lost Generation.
While diggers and lovers of deep soul and rare groove might have these songs randomly scattered across several mixes from the era, the Soul Box collects most of these for the first time in one place.  The Soul Box can also serve as a excellent introduction to those seeking something deeper that the Motown Sound or Stax imprint.  For those looking for grooves beyond the titans of the time, Mr. Len and Natasha Diggs provide an excellent collection that will remind some and educate others.  The Brunswick Records Soul Box is a recommended buy all around for lovers of soul and R&B and grooves of all kinds.
Various Artists: Brunswick Soul Box (curated by Mr. Len and Natasha Diggs)
Rating: 4/5