Jerry Butler, one of soul music's most iconic voices, has released countless unforgettable tracks over his illustrious career. Now, fans and new listeners alike can enjoy four incredible albums from this soul legend—three of which are making their CD debut! These albums showcase Jerry's evolution as an artist, transitioning from his early days at Vee Jay Records to a more mature and sophisticated sound, cementing his place as a timeless figure in the genre.
1. Soul Artistry – A 60s Soul Masterpiece
Soul Artistry is a stunning album that marks Jerry Butler's brilliant leap forward in the soul genre. Produced by Jerry Ross with arrangements by Jo Renzetti and Jimmy Wisner, this album highlights Jerry’s emotive, yet never over-the-top, approach to singing. It’s not your typical pop or radio soul—Soul Artistry is a deep, introspective collection of tracks that showcase Jerry’s masterful crooning skills. The album features standout tracks like “You Walked Into My Life,” “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” “Some Kind of Magic,” “The Way of Love,” and “Why Did I Lose You.”
2. Mr. Dream Merchant – The Evolution of Jerry Butler
In Mr. Dream Merchant, Jerry Butler continued his transformation, moving away from his early Vee Jay recordings into a sophisticated sound that solidified his place in the world of soul. The album blends poise with emotion, featuring beautiful collaborations with the up-and-coming duo of Gamble & Huff. Tracks like “Mr. Dream Merchant,” “Lost,” “Beside You,” “The Way I Love You,” and “I Come To You” showcase Jerry’s ability to combine vulnerability with soul. This album is a true masterpiece for fans of classic soul.
3. Soul Goes On – Deeper Soul With a Fresh Twist
Soul Goes On is a deeper exploration into Jerry Butler’s soul artistry. Back in Chicago and working with the brilliant arranger Arthur Wright, Jerry created a record that brings a fresh energy to the genre. The album is a fantastic blend of original tracks and soulful renditions of classics by Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Jesse Belvin. Highlights include “Never Give You Up,” “Respect,” “Ain’t That Good News,” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.” The track “Yes, My Goodness, Yes”—a collaboration with Bobby Womack—adds a special touch to this must-have album.
4. Ice Man Cometh – A Soul Classic
Ice Man Cometh is one of Jerry Butler’s most influential albums, where he collaborated with young producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. This album marked a significant turning point in Jerry’s career, as it blended his signature deep voice with a new, groovier sound. Tracks like “Hey Western Union Man,” “Never Give You Up,” “Lost,” and “Only The Strong Survive” perfectly capture Jerry’s ability to reinvent himself while still maintaining the essence of his powerful voice. This album truly represents a new era in soul music, expanding Jerry’s reach to a whole new generation of fans.
Experience Jerry Butler’s Timeless Soul Today!
For the first time ever, these four iconic albums are available on CD, offering both new listeners and longtime fans a chance to experience Jerry Butler’s incredible journey through soul music. From the deep grooves of Soul Artistry to the revolutionary sound of Ice Man Cometh, these albums remain as vital today as they were in their original release.
No comments:
Post a Comment