Product Notes
Continuing Harmless's policy of exploring all areas of Black Music we now turn our attention to the much under-explored area of U.S. independent Funky Soul and Gospel music which is currently one of most exciting areas of record collecting. One of the greatest labels for funky Gospel releases was undoubtedly Jewel Records from Shreveport, Louisiana founded by Stan “The Record Man” Lewis in 1963 from his original tiny record store, Stan's Record Shop. From such humble beginnings sprang a recording empire which also included the Paula, Ronn and Soul Power labels. Jump forward some 50 years to 2012 and suddenly the Jewel Gospel catalogue is being fiercely mined by collectors across the planet due to the sheer amount of quality funky Gospel records which are still being found. We invited serious DJ's, Record Collectors and all round funky Gospel addicts, the UK based David Hill and US based Greg Belson, to compile 2 CD's of the best funky Gospel and Spiritual Soul from the Jewel archives. Added to this combination we also have collector and historian Chris Menist on sleeve notes duty for the 16 page booklet which also includes a variety of label and album scans. Also, as a timely inclusion, we're also delighted to include one of the rare records which made it into John Peel's legendary 7” record box – the sensational “No More Ghettos In America” by Stanley Winston – proof positive that Jewel's funky Gospel sound found supporters right across the spectrum! Expect the usual Harmless superlative packaging and Radio and Press onslaught. This release should be in all serious Black Music collections!