Music
stream this unreleased otis redding recording of “mr. pitiful” from the forthcoming otis redding – live at the whiskey a go go: the complete recordings #soundcheck
There’s no question that we’re now in the middle of a second golden age of soul. Between Samm Henshaw, Sam Dew, The Heavy, Charles Bradley, and dozens of other acts, the sounds that first came out of Stax and Motown in the 60’s have proven themselves as necessary now as when they first took shape. But there’s one artist who will always stand above all: the great Otis Redding.
Though his career spanned a mere 6 years before his tragic death in 1968, Redding’s work for Stax continues to define soul. His legendary run at Hollywood’s Whiskey A Go Go between April 8th and 10th 1966 has been dusted off and remixed and remastered from the original 4 track tapes to be released in its entirety this October as Otis Redding – Live at the Whiskey A Go Go: The Complete Recordings. The unreleased recording of his signature song “Mr. Pitiful” shows Otis and his backing band in peak form, the horns constantly on the verge of cracking, as they flutter at breakneck speeds. Redding’s voice is powerful and unrestrained as he turns a criticism that his songs are too sad into a joyous celebration.
By Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK contributor
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