Funk my Soul

Mike James Kirkland may be a new name to some of you, and to many of you, only through a recent archaeological find in “Hang on in there”, a throwback to Marvin’s “What’s going on”, although made independently (and prior to) that particular milestone. Well here is his follow-up LP from 1973, “Doin’ It Right” the slightly scruffier partner to “Hang On In There”, but just as intensely satisfying.  Socially and romantically inclined mellow jellow from the top drawer.

This is a @320 vinyl rip of the original Bryan LP including covers

Tracks
A1 Got To Be Right 3.55
A2 It’s Too Late 4.10
A3 O Me O My (I’m A Fool For You Baby) 4.20
A4 You Put It On My Mind 3.50
B1 Doin’ It Right 8.15
B2 Love Is All We Need 4.15
B3 Love Insurance 2.57
B4 The Only Change 4.55

Review by Trakbuv

For me, one of the great discoveries of the 1990s was Mike James Kirkland’s “Hang on in there” - and the subsequent awesome CD. It was also significant in making me aware of the possibility of many musical losts being found by Indiana Jones wannabes - rescued from the catacombs of obscurity to finally reach the public spotlight. And sure enough, his follow-up LP from 1973 surfaced a few years later on 12cm of shiny joy. What I hadn’t realised was that Michael James Kirkland packed some pedigree in his punch. He had been lead singer for Mike & the Censations and had existed as Bo Kirkland as part of a duo that some may recall. But more on that later. Born 1949 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, his early gospel roots secured his part in the local gospel act, the Seven Seals, along with his two brothers, Walter and Robert (the latter would prove to be pivotal to his future musical career). They later moved to Los Angeles around ‘56, following an inter-racial incident with one of his brothers. In Mike’s own words, they were lured by the prospect of racial harmony, “a promise that has not been kept”. His early influences were the well-turned out ‘supper club’ jazz singers of the day (Dinah, Nancy, Brook, Nat, etc) before finding inspiration in Sam Cooke. Mike’s soft mellifluous tones are a clear and respectful nod to Sam’s exquisite style.

Mike’s first foray in a recording studio was a result of a wager by his brother Robert. While enduring the praises of Motown by a group of friends, he said he could cut a song every bit as good by Christmas. This was the August, but sure enough, as Santa stepped off his sleigh in the winter of ‘65, Mike & the Censations had recorded “Victim of circumstance” (a telling title) released on Robert’s Bryan label. A sombre, creative, almost doo-wop number, it made the top 50 of the R&B Charts.  The similarly slanted, yet more beautiful “There is nothing I can do about it” scored even higher whereupon they signed a brief deal with MCA records. Other significant cuts I’d urge you seek out are “Gonna try and get you back” and “The straw (that broke the camel’s back)”.

Pricked by the more politically conscious early seventies, Mike started to mix his tender romanticism with social commentary. The result was the adorable “Together” ballad A-side and “The prophet” message B-side single, again released on Bryan in 1971. It’s natural progression, the glorious “Hang on in there” LP followed in 1972.  Then came Bryan Records catalogue no. 9007 - “Doin’ It Right” was released in 1973. The recipe is pretty much the same as, if rawer than, its predecessor, with a similar line-up of musicians, and most tracks written by Mike. Mike has noted that there is a distinction between the way the two albums were produced, mirroring the two approaches to be found back in the day as he saw it. “Hang on” fell into the “refined, jazzy, well-produced” category, whereas “Doin’” adopted a “more earthy , natural sound” with both Mike and Robert wanting a more ‘live’ atmosphere.

Kicking off with the busy, streetfunk of “Got to do it right”, and its countering girl chorus - this opener is pure bliss. Then it’s a couple of covers (both apparently popular with his live act) - “Its too late” is given a slight boost in beat, but still a great revision. “O me O my” is very good as well, exposing the fragility in his voice appropriately, except for the fact that I’m soo smitten by Aretha’s version (and not forgetting Lulu’s original). Then its back to a Mike original, the mellow “You put it on my mind”. The eight minute breakdown on the title track earns and burns every second, the histrionics conveying a desperation in its message - a man trying to save a failing relationship. Stupendous. “Love is all we need” is a nice inclusion with a Southern Soul feel maybe reflecting his roots. “Love Insurance” is pleasant shaker, although lacking enough punch and direction to really qualify as one of the singles to be released off the album.

Mike later changed his name to Bo Kirkland to avoid confusion with Michael Jackson who had just turned solo. And the first single release under his new moniker, “Grandfather Clock”, was met with critical praise (great lyrics by the way) and reached #80 R&B in 1975. This was the prelude to him joining forces with ex-Ikette Ruth Davis and the release of “You’re gonna get next to me” in 1976 - and the rest, as they say, is history. Wow ! Please take the opportunity to check out some of his illustrious musical career, but in the meantime, savour some of this adaptable gents slick style right here.

There is an excellent biography available here

Buy it from Dusty Groove or Ebay or Groove Collector.

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