Lady Soul (CD - 1968)

Personnel: Aretha Franklin (vocals, piano); Ralph Burns (conductor); Jimmy Johnson (guitar); Frank Wess (flute, tenor saxophone); Seldon Powell (tenor saxophone); Haywood Henry (baritone saxophone); Mel Lastie, Joe Newman, Bernie Glow (trumpet); Tony Studd (bass trombone); Spooner Oldham (piano, electric piano, organ); Warren Smith (vibraphone); Tommy Cogbill (bass); Roger Hawkins, Gene Chrisman (drums); Cissy Houston, Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin, Ellie Greenwich (background vocals).

Recorded at Atlantic Recording Studios, New York between February 16 and December 20, 1967.

Includes liner notes by David Nathan and original release liner notes by Jon Landau.

Personnel: Aretha Franklin (vocals, piano); Carolyn Franklin (vocals, background vocals); Cissy Houston (vocals); Jimmy Johnson , Eric Clapton, Joe South, Bobby Womack (guitar); Seldon Powell (flute, tenor saxophone, horns); Frank Wess (flute, tenor saxophone, wind); King Curtis (saxophone, tenor saxophone); Haywood Henry (saxophone, baritone saxophone); Joe Newman , Bernie Glow, Melvin Lastie (trumpet); Tony Studd (trombone, bass trombone); Spooner Oldham (electric piano, keyboards); Warren Smith (vibraphone, background vocals); Gene Chrisman, Roger Hawkins (drums); Ellie Greenwich, Erma Franklin, The Sweet Inspirations (background vocals).

Recording information: Atlantic Recording Studios, New York, NY.

Aretha's Franklin's position as soul music's premier female vocalist was consolidated by this album. Her strident reading of Don Covay's 'Chain Of Fools' set the tone for a collection on which the singer unveiled several stellar original compositions and reinterpreted a batch of classic songs. Franklin's gospel roots were clearly displayed on the anthem-like 'People Get Ready' while her interpretation of 'Natural Woman' showed both vulnerable and assertive qualities. Lady Soul captures a performer at the peak of her power, restating her ability to take material and make it uniquely her own. minimize