I'd Rather Go Blind by Martha High - Freestyle Records [FSR7074] FLAC download included with physical items

I'd Rather Go Blind

Martha High

A 2 track soul single (7m 28s) — released September 3rd 2012 on Freestyle Records

#soul #soul

Legend is a word so overused in the music business that it has lost it's much of original meaning. But Freestyle Records feels wholly justified in describing our latest signing as precisely that.

Martha Highs' impeccable soul credentials are beyond question, and for the uninitiated, here is a potted history of the ladies incredible musical history!

A member of The Jewels, who, in 1964 became part of The James Brown Revue, touring all over America on a relentless schedule of one-nighters, alongside Vicky Anderson and other stalwarts of that incredible live phenomenon that was beautifully captured on tape and released by Smash Records on the 1967 release Presenting the James Brown Show.

After a year and a half, and two 45s produced by James Brown, The Jewels disbanded but Martha continued to be a part of the live James Brown show for the next 30 years! She's fondly remembered by fans as the jet-black sister with glowing blond hair!

She also recorded a solo album, for Salsoul Records in 1979, also produced by Soul Brother Number 1, which added a touch of soulful disco to her enviable array of singing talents.

In 2000, Martha was invited to tour with ex JB sax master Maceo Parker, cementing her reputation as THE soul sister to augment any genuinly super funky live show.

After featuring on Freestyle mainstays Speedometers' 2011 album 'The Shakedown', and touring with the band, leader Leigh Gracie and Martha formulated the idea for her to record an album on which she would re-interpret some classics, and give a new angle to some more contemporary funk & soul compositions.

'Soul Overdue' is an incredibly apt title for a project that has been over 40 years in the making, and it shows that Martha's' voice remains undiminished, her youthful vocal clarity and style quite simply dazzles as she shows a host of young pretenders the way it should be done!

And as a tantalizing teaser for what is to come, we here at Freestyle are immensely proud to release a 45 single sampler to whet your appetite for the forthcoming album.

Unable to choose between the raucous funk fuelled version of 'No More Heartaches' and the tender, gentle and touching rendition of Etta James' 'I'd Rather Go Blind', we opted to put these very different, but equally fantastic tracks on a Double A side single - it's a double whammy no genuine soul and funk fan could possibly resist!

Brilliant! The legendary James Brown Diva is in very safe hands backed by Speedometer and lends her incredible vocals not only to classic Etta but the massive dance floor stomper on the flip. Welcome back Martha High!! - DJ Philster Funkalicious.co.uk

Seriously punchy horn riffs and and a funky blast of a vocal - it's dangerous stuff indeed!!! - Ginger Tony Solar Radio

The energy of No More Heartaches is brilliant! - Oscar Smith Shock Radio

Her credentials unassailable, her voice still strong as ever, this is a fine return to form. Could have been cut 40 years ago! - Christopher Lawyer 88. 1 KDHX FM

Two fantastic versions of two fantastic song by one fantastic vocalist! - Pete Hawley Soultime on Tameside Radi

HELL YEAH!!! - Toon EASTSIDE RADIO

Soul heaven! - Sean Smith Tokyo Jazz Notes blog

Great version of 'I'd Rather Go Blind', and 'No More Heartaches' is a real cooker! Can't wait to play it out! - Richard E Further Out Recordings

An epic vocal performance and a true all time classic for soul music lovers! - ASH SELECTOR Solar Radio

Very strong contemporary funk with a classic vocal sound. Martha sounds as great as ever! - Phil Straub WRSI-FM 93-9

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