Romark Records: Kent Harris Soul Sides

Romark Records: Kent Harris Soul Sides

• Romark Records ~ KENT Harris' Soul Sides
• Product type: Abis Music
• Brand: Kent

Kent Harris' remarkable and long-lived career has never been fully documented. This CD spotlights Romark, his main soul label. It showcases most of the twenty or so 45s that were issued; none are common and all have musical value.<p>Harris continued his soul productions into the 80s, several appearing on the Sheridan House imprint. We have included some alternate versions of the more soulful numbers from that period.<p>Kent's tape collection also revealed previously unissued recordings including O' Malley Jones' <i>Pay And Be On My Way</i>, a stomping instrumental called <i>South Central Slide</i> and Larry Atkins' version of Towana's <i>Help Me Get This Feeling Back Again</i>. Larry Atkins' Northern Soul rarities <i>Have Mercy On Me</i> and <i>Ain't That Love Enough</i> are here, as is the magnificent soul vocal group performance by the Lon-Genes on <i>Dream Girl</i>; a super-rare mid-tempo beauty that is yet to have its day.<p>Early soul/R&B comes from Donoman, Eddie Bridges and the Ike & Tina-inspired Phillips Sisters, while Kent Harris' sister - the accomplished Marcene 'Dimples' Harris - has a side of each of her three Romark releases featured.<p>Blues fans will be happy with Ray Agee, Cry Baby Curtis and Jimmy Preacher Ellis' offerings while the Fran-Cettes, Kent Harris' wife, Ty Karim, and Faye Ross will please female soul fanciers. The breadth of Harris' productions is impressive, it also featured modern soul dancers and even a shade or two of funk (check Out Marcene Harris' <i>Work It Out</i>) sneaking into the mix.<p>The extensive booklet explores an area of Los Angeles' black music that has never before been fully charted.