The Berkeley Item - #89 (News from Fantasy Jazz)

“HAMPTON HAWES Trio," SHELLY MANNE/"My Fair Lady," SONNY ROLLINS/"Way Out West," ART PEPPER “Meets the Rhythm Section," “The Poll Winners" (Kessel, Manne, Brown), CANNONBALL ADDERLEY “In San Francisco," CHET BAKER/"Chet," BILL EVANS/"Waltz for Debby," WES MONTGOMERY/"Incredible Jazz Guitar," and “THELONIOUS MONK with JOHN COLTRANE."

Singer JOHNNIE TAYLOR, who died 5/31 at the age of 62, will be the subject of a 3-CD box ("Lifetime") due for release on Stax at year's end. The set, to be compiled and annotated by LEE HILDEBRAND, will serve as a multi-label overview of Taylor's career, from his early gospel recordings with the Soul Stirrers for Specialty to his classic Stax “Soul Philosopher" hits, and also including selected tracks made for labels such as Vee-Jay and Malaco. http://www.fantasyjazz.com/catalog/taylor_j_cat.html

One of Volt's two new releases is by a talented newcomer, the other by “the granddaddies of r&b harmony":

“Can You Feel Me?" is the solo debut by 22-year-old Detroit singer ENCHANETTE; it was produced by hitmaker MICHAEL POWELL (who's also worked with Anita Baker, Regina Belle, and Aretha).
http://www.fantasyjazz.com/catalog/enchanette_cat.html

“Reminiscing" is the latest from THE DELLS, who collaborated with producers FRED PITTMAN and PRESTON GLASS. Group spokesman CHUCK BARKSDALE admits to “braggin' on" the album: “It's the kind of music people have not had the pleasure of listening to in a long time."
http://www.fantasyjazz.com/catalog/dells_cat.html

The Dells, incidentally, who are celebrating their 48th anniversary this year, will be honored in Chicago this Friday (6/23) as Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White proclaims “Dells Day." Early birds can catch the group on the top-rated talk show “Chicago," with Art Norman.