To describe Jerry ‘Swamp Dogg’ Williams as one of soul music’s true mavericks is something of an understatement – in a career that stretches back to the 1950s when he modelled himself on rock and roll shouter, Little Richard, and was known as Little Jerry, Jerry Williams has penned and produced pop and country hits as well as R&B smashes; he’s also tried his hand at opera (a blues version), supplied music for TV and radio commercials and got nominated for several Grammy awards. According to the man’s website, his achievements also include being Atlantic’s first African-American in-house producer – in that role, he helmed the Commodores’ first record and persuaded Lionel Richie to drop the saxophone and sing – and producing the first ever 12-inch single back in 1971, several years before it became an accepted format. This new 24-track compilation showcases music Swamp Dogg produced for the Atlantic, Musicor, Mankind, Stone Dogg and Fungus labels in a fertile ten-year period. The variety of Swamp Dogg’s work here is astonishing, ranging from Gene Pitney’s ‘She’s A Heartbreaker’ and Gary US Bonds’ throat-shredding stomper, ‘I’m Glad You’re Back,’ to C & The Shells’ cult soul side ‘On Your Way Home’ and The Drifters’ ‘Your Best Friend.’ Also featured are rare sides by Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles, Arthur Conley, Ruth Brown, Eleanor Grant, Slick ‘N’ The Family Brick, Inez & Charlie Foxx, Tommy Hunt, Kenny Carter, ZZ Hill, Helen Curry, Little Charles & The Sidewinders, and the oddly-named, Wolfmoon (aka Tyrone Thomas). Fittingly, there are five sides by Williams himself – ‘Shipwrecked,’ ‘Your Man,’ ‘Straight From My Heart,’ ‘Run Run Roadrunner,’ and ‘Don’t Throw Your Love To The Wind.’ A sterling vintage soul collection.
(CW) 4/5