Willie Dynamite [Soundtrack, Original recording remastered]

J.J. Johnson (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 23, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 1974
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack, Original recording remastered
• Label: Hip-O Select
• ASIN: B000BB7GHI
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,851 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Willie D.

2. Willie Chase [Instrumental]

3. King Midas

4. Willie Escapes [Instrumental]

5. Passion's Dilemma [Instrumental]

6. Keep on Movin' On

7. Make It Right

Editorial Reviews

One of the great things about Seventies blaxploitation films is that, even if they were, um, perhaps a guilty cinematic pleasure, they frequently had a kickin' soundtrack. Willie Dynamite, originally released in 1974, is no exception. The musical score and the record production were both overseen by the late J. J. Johnson, who is widely thought to be the finest jazz trombonist ever, having recorded with Count Basie, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. This time out, he's gone to the street for inspiration, crafting a soundtrack that stands with the likes of Shaft and Across 110th Street, even if the movie itself might not have. While most of the album is instrumental score, three tunes feature Martha Reeves (of Vandellas fame) on vocals, billed as Martha Reeves & The Sweet Things. The movie's director, Gilbert Moses III, also was listed as co-composer on several of the tracks. If you wanted to buy this album before this release, you could expect to pay in the three-figure range (other rare record sites and eBay auctions can confirm this). We proudly make it available for your pimpin' pleasure at a far more reasonable price. Remastered from the original tapes in 2004 by Grammy-winning engineer Gavin Lurssen, this compact disc version includes a mini poster of the original front and back covers of the album release (which makes it easier to sing along with "Keep On Movin On" and "Willie D").

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Soundtrack classic but do not over spend for it, August 16, 2007

By 

D. GERALD - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Willie Dynamite (Audio CD)

I love this soundtrack and although it might be rare you do not have to pay what these guys are asking for a used copy. You can get it for $17 brand new from the Hip-o-select website. Just ordered it last week and it arrived today. These guys trying to sell used copies for $44 and $69 for cds are trying to rip you off.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC JAZZ/FUNK SCORE FROM A MUSICAL LEGEND!!!!!!, August 29, 2010

By 

John W. Shearer "(Art Mule Snapfish)" (Richmond, Ky. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Willie Dynamite (Audio CD)

J. J. Johnson is without question one of, if not the greatest jazz/blues/funk trombone players ever. This film score is packed from start to finish with J. J.'s cool trademark style. Very imaginative and creative music from the soul of the streets. There are a great number of excellent film scores to emerge from the 60's and 70's and this stands right there with all of the very best of them. If you like hard driving and action packed jazz/funk/soul as I do, then this will be spot on for you. The film is a great cool action loaded film, however the film score at least for me, overshadowed the actual film, it is that good. Do yourself a favor and check this gem out. You can pick it up on cd or the vinyl reissue record at a very reasonable price. But the original vinyl issue release does in fact go for pretty big bucks. While it is available and not yet discontinued from print grab a copy.

John W. Shearer