Charles Earland – Soul Story

My introduction to Charles Earland was his album Black Talk! (1969). In the fall of 2012 I was reading Michael Chabon’s Telegraph Avenue. Around that time Chabon had an essay in Rolling Stone where he talked about what he calls “backbeat jazz,” also known as soul and acid jazz. The essay totally validated my musical taste. He listed what he considers classics of the genre and Black Talk! was on his list. Since then I have purchased every Earland record I have found crate digging.

Soul Story is a collection of Earland originals and covers. Earland is an organ player who leans toward sophisticated yet funky arrangements. He has some beautiful sidemen on the album – the guitar and woodwinds are particularly tasty.

His cover of the schmaltzy movie theme “Love Story” is an excellent example of the Earland approach. He starts with a slow intro with Jimmy Vass’ flute vaguely stating the melody under a spooky vocal by Earland. It then slowly transitions to a guitar and organ vamp. Finally, the melody arrives with an entire band arrangement. The melody is then toyed with by various soloists. All the while Earland provides a funky foundation. He gives his own mighty solo too. The end result is a fancy and funky stew.

I dig Earland’s elaborate take on the 60s organ trio concept by expanding it with horns and percussion. This is a solid entry in the soul/acid jazz canon. Unfortunately, this album is not on streaming services

Tracklist
A1 Betty’s Dilemma 8:12
A2 Love Story 10:10
B1 One For Scotty 6:55
B2 My Scorpio Lady 2:20
B3 I Was Made For Love Her 2:50
B3 Happy Medium 4:10

Charles Earland – organ, vocals
Gary Chandler (tracks A1 & A2), Virgil Jones (tracks 3–6) – trumpet
Clifford Adams Jr. – trombone (tracks B1-3)
Jimmy Vass – flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone (tracks A1 & A2)
Arthur Grant – tenor saxophone, flute (tracks B1-3)
Houston Person – tenor saxophone (tracks A1 & A2)
Maynard Parker – guitar
Jesse Kilpatrick Jr. (tracks A1 & A2) and Billy “Kentucky” Wilson (tracks B1-3) – drums
Buddy Caldwell – congas, tambourine (tracks A1 & A2)
Arthur Jenkins – congas (tracks B1-3)