Bobbie Gentry 'The Girl From Chickasaw County - The Complete Capitol Masters' Deluxe Box Set Featuring Remastered Studio Albums And Rarities

In 1967, an enigmatic singer, songwriter and producer named Bobbie Gentry rose out of the Mississippi delta and enchanted audiences around the world with her beautiful, captivating voice and her "Ode To Billie Joe." An unconventional, beguiling song with simple acoustic guitar and sparse production, and notably without a discernible chorus, the song introduced Gentry and her style of storytelling that was very different to the confessional song writing of other emerging female singers. The song caused a lot of commotion as it shot to number one in America and knocked The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" off the top spot. When the album Ode To Billie Joe was released the following month, it topped the charts and was the only record to displace Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band from its 15-week reign. Over the next several years, Gentry, whose birthday was this past Friday, July 27, released seven studio albums and broke ground in numerous ways as one of the first female musicians to write, produce and even publish her own music. She also produced her elaborate stage shows via her own production company and was the first female singer songwriter to be afforded her own BBC TV series in the UK where she was wildly popular. She became one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 1960s and 70s, and then in the early '80s she made her final appearance and disappeared from the public eye completely, never to return.

Capitol/UMe are proud to announce that on September 21, they will release the first major retrospective of this most groundbreaking artist with The Girl From Chickasaw County – The Complete Capitol Masters, an eight CD box set that includes all seven of Gentry's studio albums sensitively remastered from the original tapes, supplemented by over 75 previously unreleased recordings including her 'lost' jazz album, outtakes, demos, rarities and an eighth disc of live performances taken from her celebrated series for the BBC. The release has specially commissioned cover art by David Downton and includes an 84-page book with a comprehensive essay by boxset compiler Andrew Batt, rare and unseen photos, eight postcards and a facsimile of her original handwritten lyrics for "Ode To Billie Joe." 

  

Gentry's seven albums for Capitol Records featured some exceptional material. She was an artist who could turn her hand to fit country, folk, soul, pop, Americana, blues and jazz, and this box set brings all the magic together. Pick outs include the classic originals of "Ode To Billie Joe," swamp funk mover "Mississippi Delta" (complete with an alternative version), classy Glen Campbell duet "Mornin' Glory," her definitive cover of "Hushabye Mountain," pop-soul triumph "Fancy," and from her final album, the melancholy "Lookin' In."

In addition, there are superb previously unreleased recordings including originals like "I Didn't Know" and "Joanne" alongside essential covers of "Conspiracy Of Homer Jones," "God Bless The Child," and "Spinning Wheel." Also included are intimate acoustic performances of "The Seventh Son," "Feelin' Good," "Seasons Come, Seasons Go" and "Belinda." For the rarities and obscurities fan, making their appearance on CD/digital for the first time are "La Siepe," Bobbie's Italian-language entry to the 1968 San Remo song festival, UK number one single "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" sung in Spanish, and a little-known duet with Kelly Gordon; "Love Took My Heart And Mashed That Sucker Flat." Lastly there's disc eight featuring live recordings from her BBC TV series, including an inspired pairing of "Niki-Hoeky with Barefootin'," and dazzling takes of "Refractions," "Ode To Billie Joe," "He Made A Woman Out Of Me," and an extended "Your Number One Fan."

Gentry's career blazed brightly for a few short years, but only now is the full extent of her artistry coming into focus. When we think of empowered female stars we think of Beyoncé, Madonna, or even Dolly Parton, but before all of them there came the girl from Chickasaw County. When she emerged in the late 60's women were just starting to make their mark in the music industry, but female identity was polarized between the light entertainment star and the confessional singer-songwriter. Gentry developed her own unique persona, which was a hybrid of both; part creative songwriter, and part musical theatre performer. A storyteller at heart, Gentry created characters and situations that were often inspired by her Southern childhood, and the media and public alike were fascinated by the contrast between her glamorous appearance and the rural simplicity of her origins. Romanticized over time, these stories have coalesced into a classic version of the American dream; a rags-to-riches story that took Gentry from the Delta backwoods to the world's most glittering stages.

Her disappearance intrigues us quite as much as what was thrown from the Tallahatchie Bridge: Why did she disappear? What has she been doing? Where is she now? But 'Where is Bobbie Gentry?' is not the question we should be asking: Gentry was a trailblazer who was years ahead of her time; a successful writer, singer, musician, performer, producer, publisher, and businesswoman. What we should really be asking ourselves is 'Who was Bobbie Gentry?' - The Girl From Chickasaw County provides more answers to that question than ever before, definitively re-appraising the musical legacy of this influential and iconic artist.

THE GIRL FROM CHICKASAW COUNTRY – THE COMPLETE CAPITOL MASTERS

DISC 1 – ODE TO BILLIE JOE

1. Mississippi Delta                                                              

2. I Saw an Angel Die                                                                          

3. Chickasaw County Child                                                 

4. Sunday Best                                                                                      

5. Niki Hoeky                                                                                        

6. Papa, Woncha Let Me Go to Town With You?                           

7. Bugs                                                                                                   

8. Hurry, Tuesday Child                                                                      

9. Lazy Willie                                                                                         

10. Ode to Billie Joe                                                                                           

BONUS TRACKS                   

11. The Seventh Son [Demo]*          

12. I Saw an Angel Die [Demo]*                              

13. Niki Hoeky [Demo]*                     

14. Papa, Woncha Let Me Go to Town With You? [Demo]*        

15. Hurry, Tuesday Child [Demo]*                                                   

16. Mississippi Delta [Alternate version]*                                      

17. Sunday Best [Alternate take]*                                                   

18. Show-Off  [Stereo version]*                                      

19. La Siepe [Original 7"]                                                                   

20. La Citta E' Grande [Original 7"]                                                                 

DISC 2 – THE DELTA SWEETE

1. Okolona River Bottom Band                                                          

2. Big Boss Man                                                                                   

3. Reunion                                                                            

4. Parchman Farm                                                                               

5. Mornin' Glory                                                                                  

6. Sermon                                                                                              

7. Tobacco Road                                                                                  

8. Penduli Pendulum                                                                          

9. Jessye' Lisabeth                                                                               

10. Refractions                                                                                    

11. Louisiana Man                                                                                                

12. Courtyard                                                                                      

BONUS TRACKS                                   

13. The Seventh Son [Band version]*                                                              

14. Feelin' Good [Demo]*                                                                 

15. I Didn't Know [Demo]*                                                                

16. Morning to Midnight [Demo]*                                                    

17. Refractions [Demo]*                                                                   

18. Louisiana Man [Demo]*                                                              

19. Sermon [Demo]*                                                           

20. Morning Glory [Demo]*                                                                              

21. Jessye' Lisabeth [Demo]*                                                                           

22. Courtyard [Demo]*                                                                      

23. Louisiana Man ['The Tom Jones Show' 06/07/1968]*           

24. Ode to Billie Joe ['The Tom Jones Show' 06/07/1968]*      

DISC 3 – LOCAL GENTRY   

1. Sweete Peony                                                                                 

2. Casket Vignette                                                                               

3. Come Away Melinda                                                                       

4. The Fool on the Hill                                                                        

5. Papa's Medicine Show                                                                   

6. Ace Insurance Man                                                                         

7. Recollection                                                                                    

8. Sittin' Pretty                                                                                      

9. Eleanor Rigby                                                                                  

10. Peaceful                                                                                         

11. Here, There and Everywhere                                                     

BONUS TRACKS

12. Hushabye Mountain [Original 7"]

13. Skip A Long Sam [Ode to Bobbie Gentry]

14. Conspiracy of Homer Jones*                                                     

15. Sweet Peony [Alternate Version]*                                            

16. Cotton Candy Sandman [Demo]  *                                             

17. Hushabye Mountain [Demo]*                                                   

DISC 4 – BOBBIE GENTRY & GLEN CAMPBELL

1. Less of Me                                                                                    

2. Little Green Apples                                                                   

3. Gentle on My Mind                                                                    

4. Heart to Heart Talk                                                                    

5. My Elusive Dreams                                                                    

6. (It's Only Your) Imagination                                                   

7. Mornin' Glory                                                                                              

8. Terrible Tangled Web                                                                                

9. Sunday Mornin'                                                                          

10. Let It Be Me                                                                               

11. Scarborough Fair/Canticle                                                    

BONUS TRACKS

12. All I Have to Do Is Dream [Original 7"]

13. Walk Right Back [Original 7"]

14. Sunday Mornin' [Alternate version]*

15. Let It Be Me [Without strings]*

16. Scarborough Fair/Canticle [without strings]*

17. Love Took My Heart and Mashed That Sucker Flat [Duet with Kelly Gordon] [Defunked, 1969]

18. Fool on the Hill [Japanese language version] [Original 7"]

19. No me quiero enamorar [Spanish Language 'I'll Never Fall In Love Again'] [Original 7"]

20. En Todas Partes [Spanish Language 'Here There and Everywhere'] [Original 7"]

DISC 5 – TOUCH 'EM WITH LOVE

1. Touch 'Em with Love                                                                 

2. Greyhound Goin' Somewhere                                              

3. Natural to Be Gone                                                                   

4. Seasons Come, Seasons Go                                                   

5. Glory Hallelujah, How They'll Sing                                        

6. I Wouldn't Be Surprised                                                           

7. Son of a Preacher Man                                                                            

8. Where's the Playground, Johnny                                         

9. I'll Never Fall in Love Again                                                     

10. You've Made Me So Very Happy                                                                       

Bonus Tracks                      

11. More Today Than Yesterday*                                                            

12. Spinning Wheel*                                                                      

13. Touch 'Em with Love [Stereo version]*                                          

14. Glory Hallelujah, How They'll Sing [Alternate take]*

15. Seasons Come, Seasons Go [Demo]*                                             

16. Suppertime*                                                                                              

17. God Bless The Child*                                                                              

18. Since I Fell For You*                                                                 

19. Save Your Love For Me*                                                                       

20. Here's That Rainy Day*                                                                         

21. Stormy [Ode To Bobbie Gentry]

22. This Girls In Love With You                                                   

23. Windows of the World [The Best of Bobbie Gentry: The Capitol Years]

DISC 6 - FANCY

1. Fancy                                                                                                                

2. Delta Man                                                                                     

3. Something in the Way He Moves                                        

4. Find 'Em, Fool 'Em and Forget About 'Em                          

5. He Made a Woman Out of Me                                             

6. Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head                                   

7. If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody                            

8. Rainmaker                                                                                      

9. Wedding Bell Blues                                                                    

BONUS TRACKS                               

10. In the Ghetto [I'll Never Fall In Love Again (UK)]

11. Fancy [Mono radio edit]*                                                                     

12. Apartment 21 [Original 7"]

13. Away In A Manger [The Christmas Sound of Music, 1969]

14. Scarlett Ribbons [The Christmas Sound of Music, 1969]

15. Circle 'Round the Sun*

16. Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head [Alternate take]*

17. Wedding Bell Blues [Alternate take]*

18. Apartment 21 [Without strings]*

19. Scarlett Ribbons [Alternate version]*

20. If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody [Live on 'Top Of The Pops']

DISC 7 - PATCHWORK

1. Benjamin                                                                                       

2. Interlude 1                                                                                     

3. Marigolds and Tangerines                                                      

4. Interlude 2                                                                                    

5. Billy the Kid                                                                                    

6. Interlude 3                                                                                    

7. Beverly                                                                                                            

8. Interlude 4                                                                                    

9. Miss Clara/Azusa Sue                                                               

10. Interlude 5                                                                                   

11. But I Can't Get Back                                                                

12. Jeremiah                                                                                     

13. Interlude 6                                                                                  

14. Belinda                                                                                                         

15. Mean Stepmama Blues                                                                          

16. Your Number One Fan                                                                           

17. Interlude 7                                                                                  

18. Somebody Like Me                                                                 

19. Lookin' In                                                                                     

BONUS TRACKS               

20. Smoke [The Best Of The Capital Years, 2007]

21. Joanne*

22. Salome Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear*

23. Benjamin [Alternate take]*

24. Belinda [Alternate version]*                                                               

25. Smoke (Demo)*

26. The Girl from Cincinnati [Original 7"]

27. You and Me Together [Original 7"]

DISC 8 – LIVE AT THE BBC

1. Mississippi Delta [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/03/1968]*                           

2. Papa Won't You Let Me Go To Town With You [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/03/1968]*

3. I Saw An Angel Die [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/03/1968]*

4. My Dog Sargent [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/03/1968]*1.15    

5. Ode to Billie Joe [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/03/1968]*            

6. Mornin' Glory [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 07/27/1968]*3.15       

7. Sunday Best [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 07/27/1968]*                   

8. Hurry Tuesday Child [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 07/27/1968]*    

9. Nikki Hokey / Barefootin'  [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/10/1968]*

10. Penduli Pendulum [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/10/1968]*                    

11. Ace Insurance Man [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/10/1968]*   

12. Chickasaw County Child [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 08/10/1968]*          

13. Recollection [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 07/16/1969]*                  

14. Sweet Peony [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 07/16/1969]*               

15. Refractions [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 07/16/1969]*                   

16. Greyhound Goin' Somewhere [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 07/16/1969]*

17. Cotton Candy Sandman [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 07/16/1969]*          

18. Open Your Window [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 02/01/1971]*  

19. Mother Nature's son [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 02/01/1971]*

20. Mr. Bojangles [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 02/01/1971]*                               

21. Your Number One Fan [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 02/01/1971]*            

22. He Made A Woman Out of Me [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 03/08/1971]*            

23. Billy the Kid [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 03/08/1971]*  

24. Wailing Of The Willow [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 03/08/1971]*              

25. Belinda [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 03/08/1971]*                           

26. Circle 'Round The Sun [Live on 'Bobbie Gentry' 03/08/1971]*             

*Previously unreleased

Pianist Connie Han Brings Jazz into Neo-Noir Territory On Mack Avenue Records Debut CRIME ZONE

With her debut Mack Avenue Records album CRIME ZONE (available October 12), next generation Los Angeles pianist Connie Han has created an edgy blend of modern and traditional jazz. Han’s parents, both practicing classical musicians, instilled an appreciation for music and a strong work ethic in Han very early on, enrolling her in piano lessons at the age of five.

“Learning the piano as a child was a gift. By the time I became interested in jazz at the age of 14, I had great technical proficiency on my instrument allowing me to focus all of my energy on the more sophisticated elements of jazz music. More importantly, I was able to tackle the social equation of learning how to play with others. It takes a lot of time and patience to internalize the essence and heartbeat of jazz.”

The 22-year-old’s connection to jazz began at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts where she met and was mentored by drummer Bill Wysaske, who produced CRIME ZONE and has also become the musical director of her trio. Han shares her LACHSA alumni status with several major players in the entertainment industry such as Josh Groban, Jenna Elfman, Christina Milian and GRAMMY® Award-nominated jazz pianist and composer Gerald Clayton. After a three-week stint at UCLA, Han immediately began her professional piano career at 17-years-old; a step that Han believes gives her an overall edge against most players her age.

“Because I never received training from a formal jazz piano teacher, most of my musical perspective actually came from interacting with a professional drummer when I was just a youngling, trying to hang on for dear life. I think that experience has given me a unique edge which informs the heavily percussive elements of my playing.”

CRIME ZONE features Han’s in-the-groove working trio which includes Wysaske on drums and Edwin Livingston on bass. She’s also enlisted the considerable talents of guest players tenor-saxophonist Walter Smith III and trumpeter Brian Swartz for the album.

Recently signed to Mack Avenue Records after her independently produced 2015 album, The Richard Rodgers Songbook, Han has seized this opportunity: the pianist’s upcoming release highlights a powerful statement that is a mix of respect and knowledge of the past, combining an exciting and innovative vision for her musical future.

CRIME ZONE opens with “Another Kind of Right,” a tune Han wrote in tribute to the Freddie Hubbard tune, “One of Another Kind.” Han states, “the bridge is a very tough, swaggering Freddie Hubbard style of playing. Bill Wysaske arranged and curated a lot of what goes on there. It was his idea to transition from acoustic piano to Rhodes at my solo, giving the music a breath of fresh air. It’s definitely inspired by that post-bop, pre-fusion sound straight out of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.”

The expansive title track featuring the swinging sax accompaniment of Smith III, which winds to a stoop midway through before restarting with a lively interplay between Han, exemplifies much of the style and aesthetic thrust that the pianist wants her debut to embody.

“This record is really meant to be a statement about being rebellious but within the tradition,” Han explains. “It’s provocative and fresh in its own way, while still having one foot in the past and honoring the jazz tradition. The title, CRIME ZONE, reinforces how I hope to brand myself as an artist, which in the end is being a provocateur of creative music.”

The title track demonstrates the futuristic visual and aesthetic element that Han has brought to the zeitgeist surrounding CRIME ZONE, one that draws its inspiration from films like Blade Runner and the 1988 Japanese animated film, Akira. “Not only does jazz capture the rebellious spirit of cyberpunk culture,” says Han, “but also the forward-thinking essence of science fiction. These traits are important to my musical philosophy as well as my style as an artist and person.”

The up-tempo “Southern Rebellion” is a Han original in C minor that features the pianist's speed and stamina. It’s a tune she wrote which was focused on challenging herself to not think like a piano player. Han explains, “I had been listening to a lot of early '70s Elvin Jones with Dave Liebman and Steve Grossman, where the harmony is more free since there isn't any piano to dictate the harmony. That concept heavily guided my melodic inspiration for 'Southern Rebellion,' while my tough post-bop piano influences like Kenny Kirkland and McCoy Tyner informed it's rhythmic angularity and aggressiveness.”

One of the things that sets Han apart from most of her contemporaries is her skill on the always distinctive Fender Rhodes. As the title suggests, another Han original “Grüvy,” she playfully taps into that super tasty, laid back Rhodes flavor, one that recalls the playing of Bob James, but also nods again to Han’s musical education. “It’s an instrument that has always been a part of the consciousness of my piano heroes, like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. I wouldn’t say it has a pop vibe but it’s definitely more mainstream,” says Han.

She acknowledges the influence of another one of her heroes, Joe Henderson, by covering his “Shade of Jade” which was originally recorded on his Mode For Joe album. Han explains, "The concept for the entire arrangement is actually based on just four bars of Joe Chambers' polyrhythmic comping on the head of the original recording.”

On CRIME ZONE, Han has staked her claim as a fresh new voice on jazz piano, one whose sense of visual style might even draw audiences who normally wouldn’t listen to straight-ahead jazz. “Even though jazz is meant to be fearless in its creative limits, I strongly believe in preserving the musical foundation,” Han states. “As a new artist, I want to show that it is possible to create infinite fresh ideas without having to deconstruct the building blocks of the jazz language. To me, that language is universal.”

Connie Han · CRIME ZONE

Mack Avenue Records · Release Date: October 12, 2018

Contemporary jazz keyboardist Mark Etheredge turns to the crowd to help realize his vision for “Love Planet”

Taking his concept of connectivity one step further as a follow up to his first contemporary jazz instrumental album, “Connected,” keyboardist Mark Etheredge plans to enter the recording studio this fall to bring his optimistic vision for the world to life musically. Reteaming with two-time Grammy winning producer-guitarist Paul Brown, “Love Planet” is a thematic endeavor espousing kindness, respect, compassion, justice and the power of love. To help bring the project to fruition, one that is expected to include guest appearances by several luminaries along with an ensemble of first-call session players, Etheredge launched an Indiegogo campaign offering a bevy of enticing premiums.   

Like 2016’s “Connected,” which was powered by the title track that peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard chart, the pianist-keyboardist has composed an album worth of new material comprised exclusively of originals that he depicts as smooth, funky, jazzy and will even have a touch of gospel. Etheredge’s utopian world view spins on the axis of peace, where inclusion and hope reign.   

“Growing up, my parents would tell me that basically, everyone is born good. I heard opposing viewpoints on that message over time, but I still believe it’s true. And it’s totally inclusive: we are all part of the ‘Love Planet,’” said Etheredge about the inspiration behind the title track of the collection he plans to drop in February preceded by a radio single the month before.

Even in demo form, the set’s sophisticated groove with a nocturnal feel on the piano-piloted “Resonance” bodes to be a radio single. The San Francisco-based Etheredge explains, “Wikipedia states: ‘In physics, resonance is a phenomenon in which a vibrating system or external force drives another system to oscillate with greater amplitude at specific frequencies.’ I think as humans, we all have opportunities to resonate with each other - to be in tune and find peace with each other - if we want it enough.” 

“You&Me&Us” contemplates coexistence while addressing a number of “Love Planet’s” key motifs. Etheredge ponders, “How can we coexist peacefully with one another? Perhaps if ‘you and me’ think not just about one or the other’s wants or needs, but instead consider a third way - ‘us’ – that focuses on our shared interest in which we both benefit. Can we be kind? Can we be respectful of all the beings in the world? Can we practice compassion and justice? Can we be loving?”

  

He describes “Slow Train” by using a quote attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that was based on an older writing from abolitionist minister Theodore Parker. “‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,’ said Dr. King. For me, it’s a strong message of hope - that together - we can get through challenging times.”

Scheduled to be recorded in Los Angeles, “Love Planet” is expected to consist of nine songs when complete. To get there, Etheredge’s newly-initiated crowdfunding campaign provides a variety of perks that allow supporters to contribute to the process and score unique keepsakes and collectibles. Opportunities include autographed CDs, digital wallpapers, a studio session photo book, a canvas print of the album cover art, t-shirts and pillows branded with the “Love Planet” logo, and the unforgettable experience of attending all the recording sessions. To view the offerings, please visit https://bit.ly/2uWxQLZ. 

  

The tentative track listing for “Love Planet” is:

“Groove City”

“Resonance”

“Love Planet”

“You&Me&Us”

“Untethered”

“Elated”

“Slow Train”

“On The Flip Side”

“We’ll Make It Through”