CALVIN ARNOLD - Funky Way - Venture Recordings 1967-1969 - LP - Vinyl

LP - Black Vinyl

This is the first album of Mickey Stevenson’s Venture material. Funky Way was the label’s first release and a hit in 1967, despite limited airplay due to having the word “funky” in the title. It went on to become an early funk classic, covered by Rufus Thomas for Stax, Tommy Strand for Fame, Jimmy Bee for Kent, Ray Johnson and others.

Though mainly recorded in Los Angeles, Calvin Arnold was a southern soul singer from Atlanta, Georgia and the material is in that vein – there are Mighty Hannibal produced tracks, recorded in Atlanta. Apart from the eight released sides, Mickey Stevenson’s tapes have provided five previously unreleased numbers including the up-tempo mover ‘Your Love Is Too Much’ and the superb southern funk grooves of ‘Trying To Fly My Kite (In Rainy Weather)’ and ‘Fool Me Baby’.

Tracklist: 

Side One
1. Funky Way
2. Tryin' To Fly My Kite [In Rainy Weather]
3. Snatchin' Back
4. Your Love Is Too Much
5. You Got To Live For Yourself
6. Messin' With The Old Folks Home
7. Mama-In-Law

Side Two
1. Lovely Way To Go
2. Fool Me Baby
3. Scoobie Doo
4. Mini Skirt
5. Mo Jo Hannah
6. Just A Matter Of Time