Straight From the Heart With Ann Peebles

Anne Peebles: Trouble, Heartaches and Sadnessand Somebody’s On The Case
From: Straight From The Heart (Hi, 1971)

So, over the weekend I finally got my hands on a copy of the Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings album, Naturally, and let me be the 999th blogger to tell you how good it is. Enough people far more talented and in tune than me have covered the record before so I’ll leave it there.

However, what with that and the sun finally making it’s way to this island’s shores, I found myself well in the mood for some more top drawer female soul. Flicking through my collection it dawned on me that I don’t listen to Ann Peebles work nearly enough so, in way of an apology, I’m dedicating today’s post to her. Ann, please forgive me for my fickle past.

Born at the end of the 1940’s, Ann grew up with a background in gospel singing which was no doubt part of the reason she possessed such a powerful voice in such a petite frame. Having toured the club circuit she was spotted by trumpeter Gene “Bowlegs” Miller and was soon signed to Willie Mitchell’s Hi Records. While reasonably successful (most notably for her massive single I can’t stand the rain), Ann never really enjoyed the level of success her talent and quality of output deserved. You can read a really rather thorough biography here.

A stablemate of Al Green , Ann benefited from having the genius production of Mitchell to assist her strong vocals. Mitchell’s trademark organs and horns were put to good use on Ann’s 1971 album, Straight From The Heart. Ann’s voice definitely has some similarities to Tina Turner’s in it’s raw passion but I find it more versatile, varying from pure power to heartbreaking soul.

The first track I have for you today is the heart wrenching Trouble, Heartaches and Sadness. From the introduction of the sublime falling horns onwards this has the Hi Records top quality stamp all over it. Ann’s voice is full of a kind of aching pain and passion that, correct me if I’m wrong, you just don’t really get anymore. The whole production of the track is beautifully controlled with the horns being layered delicately over the most subtle of organs and a blissed guitar.

The second track, Somebody’s On Your Case, is a more upbeat number, this time starting with a pure funk guitar riff and squealing horns. Ann’s voice here is in pure contrast to the previous track, offering a more considered, laidback quality. This track is carried by the headnodding guitar groove as Ann chastises some woman foolish enough to even look at her man. Once again the production of Mitchell displays how ahead of the game he really was.

Great news for all you people who dig this underrated gem of an artist, she’s still going strong and, as coincidence would have it, just about to start an Acoustic Soul Tour…………