Review : Syl Johnson - Is It Because I'm Black

Mississippi born, blues and soul artist Syl Johnson began his solo career recording and producing hits for Twinight Records, Chicago in the late 60s. Previously he had played harmonica and sang with Blues artists Magic Sam, Billy Boy Arnold, and Junior Wells - even touring with Howling Wolf for three years from 1959 - 62.

Released as it was in 1970, Is It Because I'm Black? was a product of the heightened racial and socio-economic problems in the US at the time. This was not to be the only Syl Johnson LP with a message, but it was the most rounded and thematic whole about race and class.

The desperate titular track is a cry of frustration through Johnson's soulful vocals at prejudice and it's poisonous effects on its victims. Concrete Reservation takes the message to the money with a tale of what poverty means to people stuck in the ghetto. Walk A Mile In My Shoes is a funky plea for understanding between people of all colours and social standing. Sounding somewhat like an aggressive Nina Simone at times, I'm Talking About Freedom demands action of the downtrodden to claim their 'God-given' right of America's favourite noun; 'Freedom'.

For all its political rhetoric and down-trodden destitution, Is It Because I'm Black is not without it's groovier moments. A cover of The Beatles - Come Together adds a dash of rock to the record and the closing track, Right On, dares you not to dance while it crackles with the sounds of horns and a 'live' party atmosphere. The track is a celebration of the African American culture of the time (with reference to the Funky Chicken and a nod to the attitude of Black is Beautiful).

Best heard on vinyl, Is It Because I'm Black is a pleasing mix of Soul and early Funk with an important if at times over-earnest message - over-earnest as only our US cousins can do it, God bless them.

4 Stars - Soul/Funk Classic