Soul On Top is the 28th studio album by James Brown, released originally in April 1970 on King. Led by Brown and Maceo Parker, this album marks an unusually jazzy release for James Brown that delves into orchestral territories, projecting a bold and luscious big band jazz sound. The release exhibits a different side to James Brown, shunning his trademark repetitive funk for more detailed and larger arrangements, conducted and arranged by Oliver Nelson with Louie Belson’s 18-piece jazz orchestra. Brown’s piercing voice and deeply soulful register is accented by the ornate detail of the musical backing.
That’s My Desire is a rare example of a James Brown crooner, while Your Cheating Heart is a composite of blues, funk and big band jazz, performed with all the authority and pedigree of a well-known jazz standard. An excellent version of It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World follows, featuring Brown’s characteristic screeching vocals and a powerful horn section that toy heavily with the dynamics of the song. Set highlight is the incomparable The Man In The Glass—with lyrics adapted from the original poem by Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr—which features some fantastic orchestral funk and rich layers of sound from a predominant horn section that add a regal stature to the recording, befitting of the Godfather of Soul. A great, swinging version of Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag finishes things off, a joyous and upbeat arrangement that builds to a fever pitch crescendo. Overall, a broad and funky sound that is pleasing to both the discerning jazz and soul fan and one of the more impressive vocal performances from James Brown where his full range and uninhibited musicality are audible, almost as though he is feeding directly off the orchestra. A rich and exquisitely detailed sound.
Buy the LP HERE
Listen to the tracks HERE
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he’s with you, clear to the end
And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
