Stunning re-issue
collection of soul, funk and jazz gems from oft-overlooked Manhattan
label.
Perception Records was
set up in the late '60s by its president Terry Phillips and Boo
Frazier. Initially more focused on jazz, the pair also branched out
into the potentially more lucrative soul and funk markets with the
launch of Today Records. A business venture that ran until both
label's demise in 1974. The fact that their time in the music
industry turned out to be short lived in no way diminishes the
quality of the music they released. Thanks to London based reissue
label, BBE Records, who have lovingly compiled a best of both labels,
we can all now savour these delights without having to take out
mortgages for original vinyl copies.
Though the late '60s
was a fertile period for soul and jazz, starting a label must have
been a daunting possibility given the towering giants of Motown,
Stax, Blue Note, Impulse and Verve, not to mention the nascent Philly
sound, quietly awaiting its moment 100 miles away in Philadelphia.
Manhattan was of course a completely different place to what it is
now, a fact reflected in the music contained on this superb
collection. This is music made before mayor Giuliani's clampdown on
crime, before disco, before hip-hop's ascent and domination, and
before a New York-led, global obsession with bling and status. Its a
collection that evokes that era well and provides an insight as to
what great taste Phillips and Frazier had, along with showcasing a
fantastically varied wealth of talent.
Click over the jump for more on The Best Of Perception And Today Records.
