Previously unreleased 1970 session shows the mature side of soul songstress, Carla Thomas…
Carla Thomas – Sweet Sweetheart – Stax/Craft Recordings #CR00882 – Limited edition (1000) translucent light blue stereo vinyl – ****
Carla Thomas, the daughter of soul legend, Rufus Thomas, had an early start to her own stalwart career. Raised in Memphis, the home of Stax Records, the iconic R & B label, that rivaled Motown Records, for sheer talent and output, Carla was singing out in the public at age 10.
Noted for a charming vocal talent, at an early age, she provided hits such as, “Gee, Whiz, Look at His Eyes,” and “B A B Y,” while earning the moniker as, “Queen of Memphis Soul.”
Craft Recordings, for the recent Record Store Days, has issued a previously unissued 1970 session, recorded at American Sound Studio, in Memphis. Only a few singles saw the light of day at that time. Now in a limited edition translucent light blue vinyl, the eleven tracks show a more mature Carla, who was 28, at the time this recording was made.
The songs are a mix of gospel, pop , and hits made famous by white artists. Opening with James Taylor’s, “Country Road,” and closing with Ray Stevens’ “Everything is Beautiful,” Carla shows a mature pop side to balance her “young girl,” sweet voice. She covers the Gibb Brothers’ “To Love Somebody,” as a ballad, while giving a gospel read to “Heaven Help the Non-Believer,” and two versions of “I’m Getting Closer to You,” with background singers and full production values. The title track has a country feel, with the nice addition of horns.
There is a “kindness vibe” throughout this session, and Carla certainly earns the Sweet Sweetheart album title name. 55 years later, at age 82, Ms. Thomas is still with us, living in Memphis, and actively involved with the Artists in Schools Residencies. With this special release, 55 years later, it’s time to honor her legacy,
—Jeff Krow
Carla Thomas – Sweet Sweetheart
Tracklist:
Side 1:
Country Road, I Loved You Like I Loved My Very Life, I’m Getting Closer to You, To Love Somebody, Hi De Ho (That Old Sweet Roll), Heaven Help the Non-Believer
Side 2:
Heavy Load, Sweet Sweetheart, I Think I Love You Again, Everything is Beautiful, I’m Getting Closer to You (Version #2)
