R & B great Johnnie Taylor recorded on the classic Stax/Volt label. Born in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, in 1938, Taylor began performing in Memphis after honing his vocal skills in gospel groups. Taylor played a major role in releasing popular songs for Stax Records. His biggest hits “Who’s Making Love” and “Disco Lady” propelled him into an international spotlight. Taylor died in 2000.
Live At The Summit Club was recorded in September of 1972 in Los Angeles as part of the powerful film Wattstax. This live performance shows Taylor in his element where spontaneous musical occurrences allow him to control an audience and his band. Steeped in thick blues, funk, and R & B this release remains a classic.
These polyrhythmic beats, brass, and greasy funk riffs find this recording as a testimony to the power of these musicians. Taylor performs the Jimmy Hughes ballad “Steal Away”, the Porter/Haynes tune “Little Bluebird”, and the Booker T. Jones/William Bell composition “Hello Sundown”.
Bell renders an incandescent version of his song “Who’s Making Love” that remains just as powerful 50 years later. “Stop Doggin’ Me”, a great blues tune, sounds as if time forgot Johnnie Taylor in all his glorious talent. How could this recording remain buried for years? The performance ranks as a timeless gig amid a tense political climate.
“Jody’s Got Your Girl and Gone” marks the final song in an exhilarating set. Live At The Summit Club represents a glimpse of Stax’s legendary community. Johnny Taylor’s musical talent is bottled and preserved in this inimitable recording.