By roger (217.35.87.17) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 06:08 am:

Hello Everyone.

I was on one of my C.D. buying expeditions last week and picked up a C.D. copy of "Funky Chicken" by WILLIE HENDERSON. When I bought it I thought that it was a U.S. Import, but then when I got home and read the details I thought it was Belgian. It seems that actually it hails from Spain.

My question is, and I think KevGo should be able to provide the answer. Is it a legitimate release?

Here is the link to the companies website.

http://www.vampisoul.com/english/indexe.html

The C.D. contains two untitled instrumentals, with "unknown" songwriters. The first sounds like a standard Dakar/Brunswick backing track from the late '60s early '70s, but the second is an instrumental interpretation of BILL WITHERS' "Harlem".

I would be interested to have an informed view.

Thanks.

Roger

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 08:00 am:

I'm sure Willie would be pleased to know about this, if he doesn't already. I haven't talked to Willie in quite some time, but I will try to track him down and get his insights and possibly find out about those untitled tracks.

By mike s (195.93.34.12) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 12:19 pm:

Looks a bit suspicious but they may be doing legit re-releases like Goldmine and Kent here in the UK. They also have an Erma Franklin cd/lp so may have done a deal with Brunswick.
Surprised US Brunswick (current owners) haven't put out Funky Chicken etc from Willie.
Some of the stuff that comes out in Spain,France and Italy is difficult to pin down!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 02:19 pm:

Hey Gang:
I emailed the Brunswick folks about Vampisoul and if the reissues are legit (or not) I'll let you know.

Brunswick is planning on releasing a double CD of R&B hits that will feature Willie's "Funky Chicken". A reissue of "Off Into A Black Thing" is in the works as well.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 03:56 pm:

Folks:
I just received word from the Brunswick Records office here in NYC that Vampisoul did NOT have the label's permission to reissue the Willie Henderson and Erma Franklin albums. Brunswick has ordered Vampisoul to pull the CDs off the site and the marketplace.

As I stated before, Brunswick will reissue a Willie Henderson collection and make available "The Funky Chicken" on a 40 R&B hits anthology.

Thanks for the inquiry.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By dvdmike (68.23.181.46) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 12:11 am:

Kev, what's happening with the Jackie Wilson compilation?

By roger (217.35.87.17) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 05:54 am:

Hello Again Everyone.

Thanks for the Information KevGo.

I think I shall file this C.D. along with my CamPark and Marginal C.D.s in the "Ones to re-purchase when they are available legitimately" section.

Nice music though!!

Roger

By mike s (195.93.34.12) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 08:24 am:

I bet we made their day at Vampisoul!!!