Chicken Fat - Mel Brown (1LP Vinyl)

When I first encountered Chicken Fat by Mel Brown, I knew I was holding something truly extraordinary – this is one of those records that stopped me in my tracks.

Mel Brown poured their soul into this recording, and you can feel every emotion in their voice and guitar work.

This recording captures Mel Brown during a transformative period in both their personal artistry and the broader musical landscape.

Musical Analysis:
The raw emotional power of this blues recording hits you immediately. Mel Brown's performance is deeply rooted in the tradition while pushing boundaries in subtle but meaningful ways. The guitar work showcases that perfect balance between technical skill and emotional expression that defines great blues. The rhythm section locks in with a groove that's both relaxed and driving, creating that hypnotic quality that makes you lose track of time. This is blues played by musicians who lived it, not just studied it.

From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.

What makes this pressing special:
Comes in a single pocket gatefold sleeve with a plain white inner sleeve.

Tracklist on the back cover is not in playing order.

[From back cover and labels]
A Verve Records release; Originally released in 1967 by Impulse! Records © 2023 UMG Recordings, Inc.

[From back cover]
Printed in U.S.A.

A Universal Music company
Distributed by Universal Music Enterprises, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

[From gatefold interior]
Recorded in Hollywood, California on May 31 & June 1, 1967
Made in U.S.A.

[From hype sticker]
Manufactured at Third Man Pressing in Detroit MI
180g Audiophile quality vinyl

Runouts are etched except 'STERLING' is stamped.

Track Listing:
A1. Chicken Fat
A2. Greasy Spoon
A3. Home James
A4. Slalom
B1. Hobo Flats
B2. Shanty
B3. Sad But True
B4. I'm Goin' To Jackson
B5. Blues For Big Bob

Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The recording captures that raw, immediate energy that defines great blues. The guitar tone has that perfect balance of warmth and bite, the vocals sit perfectly in the mix, and the rhythm section provides that solid foundation you can feel in your chest. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.

This is one of those albums that sounds better on vinyl – the warmth and dynamics just can't be replicated digitally.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: Mel Brown

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Verve Records

Catalog Number: B0036054-01

Series: Verve by Request

Release Year: 2023

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)