Baby Huey
The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend (Rhino)
Recorded 55 years ago in 1970, this is the only solo album by funk icon James "Baby Huey" Ramey, and it's become something of a legendary record among fans of soul and hip-hop. Produced by the great Curtis Mayfield, it's easy to see/hear why it's been passed along so enthusiastically as the years have past.
"Produced and released by Curtis Mayfield, the album pays tribute to Baby Huey following his untimely death," the press release states. "The album features captivating covers of Sam Cooke’s 'A Change Is Going To Come' and John and Michelle Phillips’ 'California Dreamin’,' as well as a Mayfield original, 'Hard Times,' later sampled by A Tribe Called Quest and Ice Cube."
The band is as tight as hell, and extended jams like "Mama Get Yourself Together" sound utterly joyful. Huey's take on the aforementioned "A Change Is Going To Come" is devastating, especially with the hindsight of knowing that Huey would be dead within months of recording it.
The record stands as a tribute to a great man, and this reissue is a timely reminder of his talent and stature. The lacquers have been cut from the original analog masters by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, and he did a fine job.
