Carol Kaye 'Bass Catch'

Carol Kaye 'Bass Catch'

Just recently discovered a killer little EP of recordings by bass ace Carol Kaye called 'Picking Up The E-String'. The force was strong with Carol, out-funking pretty much the entire field of players and clocking up an incredible 10,000 recording sessions during her 55 year career. Responsible for laying down the low-end on hits like 'Good Vibrations' for the Beach Boys and Ray Charles' dancefloor burner 'I Don't Need No Doctor,' she was and still is the ultimate electric bass goddess.

Peter Green 'Funky Chunky'

Peter Green 'Funky Chunky'

Poor old P.G. Arguably the most naturally gifted guitarist the UK has ever produced, he never realised his full potential due to a number of setbacks in the mental health department. Having played with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and founded Fleetwood Mac, Green took a turn for the worse in the early 70's and spent the rest of the decade well and truly in the wilderness. He returned in 1979 to record 'In The Skies,' an album full of beguiling majesty, religious overtones and trademark laid-back guitar styles. Check out 'Just For You', 'In The Skies' and 'Apostle' for more outstanding fret work.

Allen Toussaint 'Last Train'

Allen Toussaint 'Last Train'

Allen 'The Southern Knight' Toussaint has gotten his nimble fingers into more musical pies than most people have had hot dinners. A towering figure on the New Orleans circuit, his compositions and writing have influenced musicians the world over. 'Last Train' is off his best solo album 'Southern Nights' from 1975, a mellow blend of soul, funk, rock and country styles that just gets better with each listen. Check out his official website for more info.

Howard Tate 'How Come My Bulldog Don't Bark'

Howard Tate 'How Come My Bulldog Don't Bark'

Bafflingly underrated singer Howard Tate released an album of taut, fat-free soul tunes back in the mid-60s that definitely deserve wider recognition. Why he isn't better known is anyone's guess (his barnet alone was surely enough) but you can get an insight into his life by reading an excellent interview with the man here.

Crosby, Stills & Nash 'Dark Star'

Crosby, Stills & Nash 'Dark Star'

Stand out track on CSN's album of the same name from 1977. Stills was the driving force behind this one. Voyage rock with a seam of understated organ and guitar parts that compliment the evocative vocal delivery like pickle does to cheese.

Thai Orchestra 'Unknown (track 1)'

Thai Orchestra 'Unknown (track 1)'

Hypnotic, mantra-funk from the East with strong psychedelic folk undercurrents. Released on the superior vinyl outlet Mississippi Records with not so much as a single (comprehensible) liner note, this album is a bomb wrapped in an enigma.

Steve Miller Band 'Sacrifice'

Steve Miller Band 'Sacrifice'

Following yesterday's post, here's more Frisco Bay action -  this time from the other end of the '70s. Sporting one of the more ludicrously proggy covers, 'Book Of Dreams' is mostly a load of bilge but 'Sacrifice' rises just far enough above the fumbling, cod fantasy to warrant a posting.