Stormy Monday

180gm vinyl LP pressing. When Lou Rawls (1933-2006) entered the recording studio in LA in February 1962 to record his first album, 'Stormy Monday' in collaboration with Les McCann's combo, hardly anyone could have guessed what success and popularity the black singer, songwriter, producer and film actor would achieve in the coming decades. In 1966 he made his breakthrough with Love Is A Hurtin' Thing and reached the top of the R&B charts. But besides the song selection and Lou Rawls' goose-bump producing voice, the small combo of Les McCann - also known as Ltd. - must be credited for the incredibly coherent production. Part of the recordings were made during a night session, which must be regarded as one of the gentlest and most relaxed recording sessions in history. With 'Stormy Monday' Rawls and McCann turn away from the then popular 'Neo-Gospel' or 'Soul-Jazz'. Their wonderful arrangements are reminiscent of the great R&B of the early 50s. The result: pure electricity! In other words: one of the most beautiful cool Jazz/Blues albums of it's time!