Barbara Lynn: Movin' On A Groove
Born Barbara Lynn Ozen in Beaumont, Texas in 1942, Lynn was unusual in that she a) wrote her own songs and b) played guitar (left-handed). Most of her best material was recorded between 1962 and 1968 on the Atlantic sub-label, Jamie Records and several of the tracks subsequently became cult favourites on the Northern Soul circuit.
This is a compilation of wonderful soul music from the criminally underrated and critically ignored Barbara Lynn. In the seventies, she made a "comeback" of sorts and produced some quality disco-soul records, which have also become collectible rarities. She still plays live gigs and there is an excellent recording of her playing live in Blackpool in 2012.
I'm A Good Woman is a punchy, brass-driven number in the "my man gone done me wrong" style popular with female African-American soul artists in the late sixties to the mid-seventies. This led the way quite considerably. It crackles with soul-funk energy.
Movin' On A Groove dates from 1976 and has considerable status as a soul rarity. It is full of upbeat, funky rhythm and has a soulful vocal attack. Check out the bass-congas interplay in the middle. Good stuff. It cooks from beginning to end.
You Left The Water Running is the first Northern Soul classic in this collection. It is as melodic, catchy and vibrant as you would expect. It has a real Sam Cooke feel about it and is simply a corker of a song that should have been a huge hit. The sound quality is excellent, as indeed it is throughout the whole album. I cant reiterate enough that this is quality soul music. When you think of some of the soul material that was successful in the sixties and seventies it beggars belief that Barbara Lynn's offerings failed to make much impact.
