Label:Funkstick Music – FS0001
Country:UK
Used LP 1984
Disc:EX/NM (flat, dead stock copy)
Jacket:VG+ (slight wear only, dead stock copy)
Horace Knower was born in Sri Lanka and moved to the UK in the mid-1960s, where he worked for an automobile manufacturer and as a porter in a historic mansion, while continuing to compose music as his life's purpose. This album was recorded privately from 1983 to 1984 with the cooperation of John Cain and Robert Sheppley, and all the songs are originals by Horace. However, due to issues with the release, it was a surprising album that had been lying dormant for nearly 40 years without being seen by anyone. It has a wide range of songs, from danceable ones such as the bluesy DIY soul "London Town Blues" and the machine funk-style "The Happiness Trail" that swells around the cheap sound of the rhythm box, to the melancholy mellowness of "California Rain" that reminds us of The Mamas & the Papas' signature song, blues, and ballads. The exquisite DIY feel and bluesy atmosphere are irresistible. Horace Knower continued to make music throughout his life and released other works. In 2009, he was diagnosed with cancer and digitized his discography. This LP seems to have been unearthed in recent years. We were lucky enough to have a small amount of valuable dead stock, Don't sleep.
スリランカに生まれ60年代半ばにイギリスに渡り自動車メーカーや由緒ある邸宅でポーターとして働きながら音楽を生きがいに作曲を続けていたミュージシャンHorace Knower。本作はJohn CainとRobert Sheppleyの2人に協力を得ながら全曲Horaceのオリジナルで83年から84年に録音されプライベートで制作されたもののリリースの問題もあり40年近くほとんど人目に触れず眠っていたという驚きの一枚。ブルージーなDIYソウル”London Town Blues”やリズム・ボックスのチープな音を軸にウネるマシーン・ファンク調”The Happiness Trail”のダンサンブルな曲からThe Mamas & the Papasの代表曲を思い起こさせる哀愁のメロウネス”California Rain”やブルース、バラードまで幅広い構成。絶妙なDIY感とブルージーな雰囲気を感じてみてください。Horace Knowerは生涯音楽制作を続けこれ以外にも作品を発表、2009年に癌を伴いディスコグラフィーをデジタル化。近年このLPが発掘されたようです。貴重なデッドストックを少量譲って頂きました。
A1 - Surrender Darling
A2 - London Town Blues
A4 - Woman Woman
B1 - The Happiness Trail
B2 - California Rain
B3 - Tumbling Down
