The Rhythm Machine + James Reese And The Progression

The Rhythm Machine : The Kick
James Reese And The Progression : Let's Go (It's Summertime)
From The Funky 16 Corners (Stones Throw, 2001)

Since saturday you can listen and discover the compilation Texas Thunder Soul 1968-1974 on soulsides. Oliver is talking about the Kashmere Stage Band, they feature in these compilation. In 2001, Stones Throw released a good compilation, The Funky 16 Corners, with rare funky grooves of the Kashmere Stage Band among others. I propose you two tracks, each other was released in 1970 ---perhaps--- and one another in 1969. The compilation owes it name to a famous track of The Highlighters Band. The Highlighters Band, who soon became The Rhythm Machine, performed "The Funky 16 Corners" in 1969, a classic funk. The Highlighters disbanded after they were recording at Chess Records in 1970. You can read more and interesting informations about the band if you click here.

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Though the band [The Rhythm Machine] recorded three singles and an LP, their strength was touring. "We couldn't understand why we could draw", [James] Boone [the bass player] now marvels, adding. "It was unbelievable, man. I couldn't understand it. If we had a big record, we would have made it. But were more into surviving ont he road than we were trying to be in the recording business."

James Reese, a trombonist who showcased his organ playing abilities on his recorded debut, earned his keep as a public school band director and toured in the off-season with Motown stars such as The Temptations and Diana Ross and various independent big bands. (from The Funky 16 Corners)