The Tramp Years

by Lowell Fulson

Overview

The first of a planned series of three compilations devoted to Fulson's '60s Kent sides, this focuses on the chronological middle (and commercial peak) of his Kent output. "Tramp" itself, possibly Fulson's most well-known song (certainly to the pop and soul audience), leads off the disc, whose 24 tracks span 1966 to 1969. Much of the material shows Fulson to be one of the masters of blues-soul crossover (and one of the first to explore that sub-genre), his work the equal of somewhat more renowned artists working the field, like B.B. King, Albert King, and Little Milton. There's a loose and lean feel that sets this off -- in a good way -- from the beefier, more disciplined blues-soul outings recorded by Stax and some other labels. Possibly because this series is so thorough in its coverage, the material is not always top of the line; some of the outings are routine, going through the blues motions in songwriting if not performance. Still, more often than not this is a pleasure, both for Fulson's relaxed vocals and his contrasting stinging, fluid guitar licks. Half of the dozen of the tracks are previously unissued, including "It Takes Money," a song recorded right after "Tramp"; Fulson expressed annoyance in interviews that Kent withheld this from release. As another bonus for the committed collector, four songs ("I'm Sinking," "Blues Pain," "What the Heck," and "Price for Love") are presented in extended versions from their original issue. ~ Richie Unterberger

Product Details

Release Date:	05/16/2000
Label:	Ace
UPC:	0029667175524
Rank:	79278

Tracks

1. Tramp
2. I'm Sinking
3. No Hard Feelings
4. Get Your Game Up Tight
5. Goin' Home
6. Two Way Wishing
7. Back Door Key
8. Make a Little Love
9. I Wanna Spend Christmas With You, Pt. 1
10. I Wanna Spend Christmas With You, Pt. 2
11. The Thing
12. Everything That I Took Away
13. Lost Lover
14. It Takes Money
15. Don't Bother Me
16. Little Girl
17. Hobo Meetin' (Tramp Meetin')
18. Blues Pain
19. What the Heck
20. The Sweetest Thing
21. Lovin' Touch
22. Price for Love
23. Blues Soul
24. Pico

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Lowell Fulson   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Jimmy McCracklin   Composer
Joe Josea   Composer
Lowell Fulson   Composer
Fats Washington   Composer
Bill Lazerus   Composer
Jimmy Holiday   Composer
Nick Robbins   Mastering
Mike Akopoff   Composer
Jules Taub   Composer