Jerry Richardson

There are a good few fine 45s on Memphis bandleader Ray Franklin’s Chris label including ones by Joe Perkins, Jimmy Williams and Eddie Mayberry. But the superb double sided deep soul killer ListenPeace Of Mind  / ListenThing Of The Past by Jerry Richardson is one of the very best. “Peace” uses pretty much the same rhythm track as the equally tasty cut by Jimmy Williams but with the addition or remix of a guitarist who lays down some fine bluesy licks. “Thing” also utilises an existing rhythm track, this time from the great Joe Perkins, but again the guitar fills give it a new dimension. Richardson’s very well toned vocal is just right too. On his first Chris release Richardson was joined by the lower range of Sam Savage for a Sam & Dave styled uptempo romp.

I’m pretty sure that Richardson’s next 45 was for Chips Moman’s Entrance label. And while the tracks weren’t quite up to the standard of the Chris release, Richardson’s voice is as expressive as ever on a couple of charming melodic country influenced numbers. This change of style continued for Richardson’s final 45 for Chess which was cut at Malaco. This 45 seems to have been sadly overlooked and deserves a better fate – as ever the great Mississippi studios provide a lush sympathetic backdrop for Richardson emotive vocal.


Discography

Doing our thing together / Inst ~ CHRIS 006/7 (1970?) (Vocal duet with SAM SAVAGE)
ListenPeace of mind / ListenThing of the past ~ CHRIS 1017/8 (1971/2?)
What would we do without music / I can’t see the sun for the rain ~ CHESS 2156 (1974)

As J LEE RICHARDSON

We can make it together / Next door love ~ ENTRANCE 7509 (1972)

 

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