{"product_id":"norman-connors-mr-c","title":"NORMAN CONNORS - Mr. C","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLP - Limited Edition 140g Vinyl, First Ever Vinyl Reissue,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-end=\"814\" data-start=\"105\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"124\" data-start=\"105\"\u003eNorman Connors'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-end=\"132\" data-start=\"125\"\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e is a masterclass in sophisticated modern funk and boogie-infused soul that was way ahead of its time. Originally released in 1981, the album finds the renowned jazz drummer\/producer at a creative crossroads, boldly diving deep into street-level boogie-funk without losing his soulful, jazzy touch. What once might have puzzled jazz purists now delights soul\/funk aficionados; it has quietly become a cult favourite and now, nearly 45 years later, \u003cem data-end=\"587\" data-start=\"580\"\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e sounds fresher than ever. Brimming with infectious heavy funk, lush arrangements and soul-stirring performances, it's an album that flirts with perfection, ensuring its enduring significance in the boogie\/jazz-funk-soul canon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-end=\"1343\" data-start=\"816\"\u003eFrom its opening moments, \u003cem data-end=\"849\" data-start=\"842\"\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e makes one thing clear: this is \u003cstrong data-end=\"899\" data-start=\"881\"\u003eNorman Connors\u003c\/strong\u003e at his funkiest. The majority of the album is a straight-up party: think dancefloor-ready beats complemented by punchy horn riffs and slick early-80s boogie vibes. There’s heavy use of synths and drum-machines, demonstrating \u003cstrong data-end=\"1137\" data-start=\"1125\"\u003eConnors'\u003c\/strong\u003e gleeful embrace of contemporary funk trends. Each track shines in uniquely thrilling fashion, showcasing \u003cstrong data-end=\"1255\" data-start=\"1243\"\u003eConnors’\u003c\/strong\u003e versatility and happy knack for blending genres whilst crafting unforgettable melodies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-end=\"1920\" data-start=\"1345\"\u003eIrresistible thumper \u003cem data-end=\"1378\" data-start=\"1366\"\u003eShe’s Gone\u003c\/em\u003e opens the album with a dyno-Rhodes electric piano groove and a seriously thick boogie-funk rhythm. Lush string accents and horn stabs weave through the funky bassline, while the vocals (handled by a young \u003cstrong data-end=\"1601\" data-start=\"1584\"\u003eBeau Williams\u003c\/strong\u003e) soar with gospel-tinged emotion. Over four decades later, it endures as a masterpiece. Living up to its name, the shimmering \u003cem data-end=\"1740\" data-start=\"1728\"\u003eParty Town\u003c\/em\u003e brings deep Electro-Funk energy by layering bubbling synth bass and shiny lead synth lines. The groove is downright addictive, a brisk, brass-kissed jam that implores you to move.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-end=\"2582\" data-start=\"1922\"\u003eUp next, the sophisticated funk of \u003cem data-end=\"1972\" data-start=\"1957\"\u003eKeep Doin’ It\u003c\/em\u003e is a low-slung post-disco glider, propelled by a sleek vibe, leaning into the late-night boogie sound. Funky guitar, tight drumming (with \u003cstrong data-end=\"2123\" data-start=\"2111\"\u003eConnors’\u003c\/strong\u003e jazz-honed chops in the pocket), and smooth vocals urge you to “keep doin'” whatever it is that's working. \u003cem data-end=\"2245\" data-start=\"2231\"\u003eStay with Me\u003c\/em\u003e works a bit of island flavour into the mix, riding a thick Caribbean groove complete with tropical percussion and an upbeat tempo that could almost be calypsoul. The fusion of Caribbean rhythm elements into an R\u0026amp;B context demonstrates \u003cstrong data-end=\"2493\" data-start=\"2481\"\u003eConnors’\u003c\/strong\u003e willingness to experiment with global sounds while keeping things soulful and danceable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-end=\"3119\" data-start=\"2584\"\u003eSide B opens with the sassy funk-deluxe workout \u003cem data-end=\"2649\" data-start=\"2632\"\u003eAnyway You Want\u003c\/em\u003e, dripping with that soulful strut. Bringing a real quiet storm swagger, \u003cem data-end=\"2740\" data-start=\"2722\"\u003eSing a Love Song\u003c\/em\u003e slows the tempo ever so slightly into a sexy, swaying jazz-funk gem, featuring a young \u003cstrong data-end=\"2843\" data-start=\"2828\"\u003eGlenn Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e on lead vocals. The arrangement is elegant, built on warm keys and an undeniable groove. The celestial \u003cem data-end=\"2970\" data-start=\"2947\"\u003eLove’s In Your Corner\u003c\/em\u003e is all about soulful uplift. Featuring the legendary \u003cstrong data-end=\"3039\" data-start=\"3024\"\u003eJean Carn's\u003c\/strong\u003e powerhouse vocals soaring over a brass-kissed driving funk, it's an R\u0026amp;B burner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-end=\"3465\" data-start=\"3121\"\u003eThe refined, jazzy instrumental \u003cem data-end=\"3160\" data-start=\"3153\"\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e is a slinky, smooth, funk-filled mid-tempo groove, with sax and warm keys gliding effortlessly. \u003cstrong data-end=\"3268\" data-start=\"3257\"\u003eConnors\u003c\/strong\u003e combines jazzy arrangements into the post-disco\/boogie framework one last time, and the result is sublime. It’s sophisticated and cool and, as a finale, \u003cem data-end=\"3429\" data-start=\"3422\"\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e wraps up the album in classy style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"3944\" data-start=\"3467\"\u003eOn release, \u003cem data-end=\"3486\" data-start=\"3479\"\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e flew under the radar but time has been exceptionally kind to this record. DJs, collectors, and soul connoisseurs alike have since rediscovered its magic. As ever, this crucial reissue has been lovingly remastered by \u003cstrong data-end=\"3720\" data-start=\"3703\"\u003eSimon Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e, cut by engineer of the year \u003cstrong data-end=\"3768\" data-start=\"3750\"\u003eCicely Balston\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong data-end=\"3794\" data-start=\"3772\"\u003eAbbey Road Studios\u003c\/strong\u003e, and pressed to perfection by \u003cstrong data-end=\"3844\" data-start=\"3825\"\u003eRecord Industry\u003c\/strong\u003e in Holland. \u003cstrong data-end=\"3875\" data-start=\"3857\"\u003eNorman Connors\u003c\/strong\u003e was something truly extra. He was a visionary. And \u003cem data-end=\"3934\" data-start=\"3927\"\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e is proof.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be With Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Vinyl","offer_id":54782870356313,"sku":"SDZ-26143","price":31.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0588\/3455\/0945\/files\/NORMANCONNORS-Mr.C-LP-Vinyl_AUG29.webp?v=1750426950","url":"https:\/\/spindizzyrecords.com\/products\/norman-connors-mr-c","provider":"Spindizzy Dublin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}