1619 Bad Ass Band

Description

Mr Bongo presents a reissue of the self-titled album by the group 1619 Bad Ass Band, originally released in 1976 on the ultra-rare TSG Records label, specialized in tax fraud. Formed by Khalid Abdul Shalid, this record is the only album by the group and has since become a mythical piece, highly sought after by collectors and DJs, ranking among the most coveted albums of the rare soul scene of the 1970s. This soul-funk gem from New Jersey captures the raw energy of funk and underground soul from the mid-1970s. Its journey began in relative obscurity, following its release on TSG, one of the many American labels engaging in tax fraud at the time. These labels exploited loopholes in the tax system by inflating production costs to deduct them from their taxes, with commercial success never being their goal. Records were often pressed in extremely limited quantities, with little or no promotion or distribution, and in many cases, the artists were even unaware that their music had been released. While the release of the album by 1619 Bad Ass Band plunged the group into obscurity, it later became a must-have reference for collectors and DJs. Unfortunately, as is often the case with such albums, the group never received the recognition it deserved at the time. Musically, the album offers a unique experience and a varied sound palette that will appeal to a wide audience. From the enchanting and dreamy ballad "Rain," capable of melting the hardest hearts, to the raw and punchy funk of "Love To Love," it reveals the full depth and versatility of the group. Among the standout tracks are the catchy and airy "Just From You," rich in strings, and "Nothing Can Stop My Loving You," with its soaring synth lines that will delight modern soul enthusiasts. Each track on this album is a success, and it is scandalous that the group never received the recognition it deserved upon its initial release. In addition to the TSG Records version from 1976, the album was reissued in 1978 with a different cover on another fraudulent label, Graham International. Both versions have since become highly sought after by collectors, and over time, the album has gradually gained the notoriety it has always deserved. This reissue by Mr Bongo offers a wider audience the opportunity to discover an exceptional record, a true testament to the overlooked richness of the underground soul and funk scene of the time.