Rediscovered [Original recording reissued]

Howard Tate | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 1, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Private Music
• ASIN: B00009PY0J
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,449 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Pop music has a virtual anti-pantheon of artists foiled by drugs, tragedy, and cruel fortunes. Indeed cult R&B star Howard Tate seems to have hit some sort of fateful trifecta in the mid-'70s, not only cutting short a promising career but leading to one of the most puzzling "whatever happened to?" stories in pop music. While Tate's vibrant 1960's hits lived on in covers by everyone from Janis Joplin ("Get It While You Can") and Jimi Hendrix ("Stop") to B.B. King ("Ain't Nobody Home"), the Philadelphia native abandoned the music business, sold securities, and wrestled with addiction until a mid-'90s religious experience led to his founding/pastoring a local church--and eventually to a fateful reunion with producer/writer Jerry Ragovoy, the original partner in Tate's abandoned musical legacy. Ragovoy calls Tate "the missing link between Jackie Wilson and Al Green," and the veteran team wastes no time showing it here, whether lighting up the bluesy "Mama Was Right" and "Sorry, Wrong Number" with a sinewy tenor that's miraculously persevered decades of neglect, bringing gospel fervor to the Elvis Costello co-written "Either Side of the Same Time" and "Get It While You Can," or playfully bobbing ‘n' weaving with the Uptown Horns on "She May Be White (But She Be Funky)." The album's classic Philly soul sound may break little new ground, but just hearing Howard Tate's taut, emotion-packed voice dart and soar like it's 1968 again is more than enough recommendation. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless and priceless, July 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Rediscovered (Audio CD)

If you've come this far down the page, you already know something about the remarkable re-emergence of Howard Tate after nearly 30 years away from recording and over 20 years completely out of the public eye.

It's a wonderful story, but this new CD is not just a historic artifact of a lost artist refound. It stands on its own as a outstanding collaboration of an amazing voice, top drawer material, solid backing instrumentals and perfect arrangements and production. You may hear people say that this CD turns back time to when soul was king. I think it proves something else, that "time" is really an irrelevant concept when it comes to music.

"Rediscovered" is every bit as great as Howard's legendary "Get It While You Can." His voice is an incredible instrument. His trademark swooping falsetto is intact and the passing years have only given more color and depth to his singing. This is most evident on the slower songs, especially "Sorry, Wrong Number," the stunning "Don't Compromise Yourself," and, probably the best example, the pared-down "Get It While You Can" that closes the CD. For those who remember the original version from 1966, this rendition should bring chills to your spine.

This isn't soul, it isn't R&B, it is just flat out great!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saw him live first, CD 2nd, still impressed, July 23, 2003

By 

M. C. Foster (Cedartown, Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rediscovered (Audio CD)

I first heard of Howard Tate only two weeks ago on the set of the Late Show with David Letterman, where he was the musical guest and I was an audience member. After being very taken by his "Get It While You Can," I went out to buy the new album. Every song captures the emotion and drive that makes people turn their heads and grin, a quality that today's 'cardboard music' is missing. I strongly reccommend this CD to anyone with an ear for talent.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Howard Tate...Greatest Unknown R&B/Soul Singer, July 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Rediscovered (Audio CD)

Howard Tate was the vocal inspiration of Mark Farner, which is where I discovered him. If you like Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Al Green, and other R&B and soul greats, GET THIS ALBUM......NOW!