Aretha Franklin - Soul '69

Aretha's sixth Atlantic album, characterized by an intriguing blend of her soul pipes with pop standards and jazz arrangements. Now available for the first time in years! Album Description

It should've been called "Jazz '69"...

... as that would've been a far more accurate title and might have alerted many jazz lovers to the fact that the Queen of Soul had made a jazz album. I suppose one can argue that anything Aretha Franklin does is soul but still...

According to the inner-sleeve info, Franklin finished recording this album (in September 1968) at the tail end of an eighteen month high. The period had begun with the release of "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)" in March 1967 and by the time it had ended, had included ten consecutive hit singles, seven of which were million-sellers and six topping the R&B charts. In other words, the lady was at the top of her game when she sat down at the piano surrounded by a "bevy of great musicians" to begin recording "Soul '69".

That said, the reaction to this particular piece of work was reportedly muted and I guess I can understand why. The album failed to produce any hit singles (but that has never bothered me anyway and hopefully doesn't bother anyone who reads this review) and in a second attempt to get the right folks to connect with this great music, five of the twelve songs on here were later re-released by Atlantic on a more fittingly titled album, Aretha's Jazz. They were included with three tracks from the Quincy Jones-produced Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky). I've had "Aretha's Jazz" for years and love it but I was still really happy to learn about this album and "Hey Now Hey", and a special shout out goes to my friend mackdiva for pointing both albums out to me.

Anyway, this particular album of big band arrangements and jazz instrumental improvisations was produced by Jerry Wexler and the music, especially the orchestration, was arranged and conducted by Arif Mardin. Personally, I think the album is awesome. Granted, Franklin is without peer when it comes to soul, R&B and probably even gospel but to hear her tackle jazz is a pure delight. She sounds vocally free, unfettered, unrestrained and sounds like she's enjoying every minute. It's perfect Sunday afternoon music. I love the entire album but "Ramblin'", "Today I Sing The Blues", "Crazy He Calls Me", "Elusive Butterfly" and "Pitiful" with its groaning horn refrain, will forever be my firm favourites.

If you're not into vocal jazz, I'd say approach with caution (unless you're a die-hard Aretha Frankin fan). But if you are into jazz you'll love this whether you're into Franklin or not. If you ARE a Frankin fan AND you enjoy jazz though, you'll be beaming from ear to ear. This one's an absolute winner. September 24, 2007

Aretha's underrated Jazz album from 1969.

Contrary to what its title implies this was a Jazz (not Soul) album. Producer Jerry Wexler brought some great musicians to these sessions which remain some of Aretha's most memorable ever. Listening to this album today it is easy to imagine Aretha as a natural successor to such great Jazz singers as Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. March 20, 2007

Aretha's Jazz Album

This is my all-time favorite Aretha Franklin album - and Aretha is one of my all-time favorite singers! Here she proves beyond any doubt that in addition to being a great soul and gospel singer, she was also a great jazz singer. I only wish she had made more albums like this!

If you like soul or big band jazz singing, this CD is a MUST HAVE! June 21, 2006

JUST ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC

Although this is one of the lesser known Aretha albums, it could be her best one. It could just as easily have been called Jazz 69 too, 'cause it has a jazzy flavor to it, complete with big band accompaniment, and Aretha is in her best form. She was/is quite a talent, this CD just oozes with feeling and passion. September 14, 2005

5 Stars and then some.......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'Ramblin' and 'If You Gonna Make a Fool Of Somebody' are the only probably the best songs ever recorded (in my opinion) from Ms. Franklin.

JUST BUY THIS CD AND ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! July 15, 2005

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