Thursday 2 October 2008

GALT MACDERMOT - 'Lady, You Look Good To Me'

Boomp3.com
Artist: Galt MacDermot and his Mid Manhattan Rhythm Section
Track: Lady, You Look Good To Me (from the Shapes of Rhythm LP)
Label: Kilmarnock
Catalog#: K-1001
Format: Vinyl, 12”
Released: 90’s Reissue (originally 1966)
Country: Canada
Credits: Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie – Drums, Jimmy Lewis – Fender Bass, ‘Snag’ Napoleon Allan – Rhythm Guitar, Galt MacDermot, Pianist & Composer.

At the time of this recording Bernard, Jimmy and ‘Snag’ where thee three musicians to work with in New York. They could regularly be found in the studios around the middle of Manhattan putting together backgrounds to inspire and support the popular singers of the day. It was with these men that MacDermot decided to cut Shapes of Rhythm in 1966.


Legend has it, enterprising New York rap producers and record collectors, knowledgeable that MacDermot had released limited runs of Kilmarnock Records, sought out the producer at his Staten Island home. One of the first was Ghetto Professional V.I.C., of The Beatnuts fame. He called the composer out of the blue inquiring about Shapes of Rhythm and was informed that MacDermot still had original copies in his basement. MacDermot invited him to his home, beginning a mutually beneficial relationship. V.I.C. bought records and distributed them to collectors and producers in New York City. And MacDermot learned about hip hop through V.I.C. and the friends he brought with him, notably JuJu, one of The Beatnuts key members and Lord Finesse. By 1995, previously unheard MacDermot gems, circulated throughout New York. Take a look at www.galtmacdermot.com he’s is a bit of a legend really and still going strong. He even composed ‘Hair’ the musical for Christ sake!

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