VA - Classic Mellow Mastercuts Vol 1-3 (1991-1994)
Aquilino Neadstine
VA - Classic Mellow Mastercuts Vol 1-3 (1991-1994)
If you are a fan of soul, funk, and disco music, you might have heard of the Classic Mellow Mastercuts series. These are compilations of rare and classic tracks from the 70s and 80s, selected and compiled by Ian Dewhirst, a veteran DJ and music historian. The series was launched in 1991 by Mastercuts, a UK-based label that specialized in reissuing and remixing old-school gems. The first three volumes of Classic Mellow Mastercuts are considered to be some of the best collections of mellow grooves ever released, featuring artists like Luther Vandross, The Gap Band, Maze, Jean Carn, Earth, Wind & Fire, and many more.
In this article, we will take a closer look at each volume and highlight some of the tracks that make them so special. We will also provide links to the Discogs pages where you can find more information and purchase the CDs or vinyls if you are interested.
Classic Mellow Mastercuts Volume 1 (1991)
The first volume of Classic Mellow Mastercuts was released in September 1991 and featured 12 tracks of soulful bliss. The compilation starts with Luther Vandross' "She's So Good To Me", a smooth ballad from his debut album Never Too Much (1981). The song showcases Vandross' silky vocals and impeccable production skills, as well as his ability to write catchy hooks and melodies. The track was also sampled by De La Soul on their hit "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)" (1991).
Another highlight of the first volume is Keni Burke's "Risin' To The Top", a funky groove from his third album You're The Best (1982). The song features a catchy bass line, a jazzy piano riff, and Burke's soulful vocals. The track was a huge success on the R&B charts and became a staple of quiet storm radio shows. It was also sampled by numerous hip-hop artists, such as Doug E. Fresh, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, and Big Daddy Kane.
The first volume also includes classics like The Gap Band's "Outstanding", Maze's "Joy And Pain", Leo's Sunshipp's "Give Me The Sunshine", Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love", and Lowrell's "Mellow Mellow Right On". These tracks showcase the diversity and quality of the mellow genre, ranging from funk to disco to jazz to soul. You can find the full tracklist and more details on [Discogs].
Classic Mellow Mastercuts Volume 2 (1992)
The second volume of Classic Mellow Mastercuts was released in 1992 and featured another 12 tracks of mellow magic. The compilation starts with Patrice Rushen's "Forget Me Nots", a disco-funk anthem from her seventh album Straight From The Heart (1982). The song features Rushen's signature keyboard skills, a funky bass line, a catchy chorus, and a saxophone solo. The track was a hit on both the R&B and pop charts and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It was also sampled by Will Smith on his hit "Men In Black" (1997).
Another highlight of the second volume is Gwen McCrae's "Keep The Fire Burning", a disco-soul gem from her sixth album On My Way (1982). The song features McCrae's powerful vocals, a driving rhythm section, a horn section, and a guitar solo. The track was a club favorite and reached the top 10 on the R&B charts. It was also covered by UK house group The House Crew in 1995.
The second volume also includes classics like Rene & Angela's "I'll Be Good", Mtume's "Juicy Fruit", Teena Marie's "Behind The Groove", Phyllis Hyman's "You Know How To Love Me", and Change's "The Glow Of Love". These tracks showcase the influence of disco, boogie, and electro on the mellow genre, as well as the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and vocoders. You can find the full tracklist and more details on [Discogs].
Classic Mellow Mastercuts Volume 3 (1994)
The third volume of Classic Mellow Mastercuts was released in 1994 and featured 12 tracks of mellow gold. The compilation starts with Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much", the title track from his debut album Never Too Much (1981). The song features Vandross' smooth vocals, a funky guitar riff, a horn section, and a keyboard solo. The track was a smash hit on the R&B charts and became one of Vandross' signature songs. It was also covered by Mary J. Blige on her album My Life (1994).
Another highlight of the third volume is Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis' "You're Gonna Get Next To Me", a soulful duet from their only album Bo & Ruth (1976). The song features Kirkland's and Davis' harmonious vocals, a laid-back groove, and a saxophone solo. The track was a hit on the UK charts and became a rare groove classic. It was also sampled by UK garage group Artful Dodger on their hit "Please Don't Turn Me On" (2000).
The third volume also includes classics like The Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt", Jean Carn's "Don't Let It Go To Your Head", Earth, Wind & Fire's "Reasons", Freddie Jackson's "Rock Me Tonight", Anita Baker's "Sweet Love", and Al Jarreau's "We're In This Love Together". These tracks showcase the evolution and sophistication of the mellow genre, as well as the influence of jazz, pop, and gospel. You can find the full tracklist and more details on [Discogs].
Conclusion
The Classic Mellow Mastercuts series is a must-have for any fan of soul, funk, and disco music. The series features some of the best tracks from the 70s and 80s, selected and compiled by Ian Dewhirst, a master of the genre. The series also showcases the diversity and quality of the mellow genre, as well as its impact and legacy on modern music. If you are looking for some smooth and groovy tunes to relax and enjoy, you can't go wrong with Classic Mellow Mastercuts.
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