Artist: Gene McDaniels Title: Natural Juices Year: 1975 Label: Ode Format: Vinyl LP
I was lucky enough to stumble across this (damn near) extinct Gene McDaniels LP about a month ago. Puzzled because this is the one McDaniels record that I had ZERO knowledge of…so I bought it w/o hesitation.
Truthfully, I hated this record up until two days ago. For those who know their history, then you should know all about McDaniels classic Headless Heroes of the Apocolypse, which is considered by many to be one of the best soul/funk LP’s…EVER. Anyway, being a huge fan of that record myself, I put Natural Juices in a pair of shoes that it could not fill. So after not listening to it for a solid three to four weeks, I finally revisted the record and fell in love w/ it. It’s not Headless Heroes, but it’s still a good album…pretty rare, but if any of you can dig it up…purchase it, it’s worth every penny. This was Gene McDaniels final album as an artist (1975), he went on to produce for the remainder of his career.
This record was produced by McDaniels, however…he brought in the likes of Bob James for the keys, and Idris Muhammed on the drums.
One Comment
I interviewed his son London once for a story. This record is cool, but a lot more conventional than Headless…or Outlaw. And you’re right…pretty rare.