Various Artists – Fantasy / Stax, Wattstax – The Living Word
The fabled R&B colossus Stax Records was nearing the end of its glorious run when it took the cream of its roster to California for a massive concert recorded and filmed at the LA Coliseum on August 20, 1972. Billed as "the black Woodstock," more than 110,000 attended this event, thanks to tickets that were only $1. The Staple Singers, Bar-Kays, Albert King, Eddie Floyd, Carla and Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, the Soul Children and Isaac Hayes were on the bill, as well as comic Richard Pryor who was emerging as a powerful satirical voice and incredibly funny character — and Rev. Jesse Jackson. The Staples performed dynamic gospel-tinged fare with a topical tone like "Respect Yourself" and "I'll Take You There," while Rufus Thomas combined madcap commentary, graceful moves and bluesy vocals on novelty hits "The Breakdown," "Do the Funky Chicken" and "Do the Funky Penguin." The Soul Children's "I Don't Know What the World Is Coming To" brilliantly blended social concern with fiery singing, and King put plenty of funk and grit into his biting guitar licks and vocals on "Killing Floor," "Angel of Mercy" and "I'll Play the Blues for You." Sadly, the optimistic air that pervades the Wattstax concert soon faded with the demise of Stax. Thankfully, this record takes us back to a happier time and a special event that reaffirmed music's healing and inspirational qualities.
