Overlooked and underrated, Bobby Byrd was James Browns right-hand man for many years. He features prominently on many of JBs most famous hits, singing and playing organ. This collection features tracks from the mid-sixties to the early seventies. The best of whats here features some of the most legendary musicians in James Browns bands: Fred Wesley (trombone), Maceo Parker (sax), Fred Thomas (bass), St. Clair Pinckney (sax), Pee Wee Ellis (sax), Jabo Starks (drums), Cheese Martin (guitar), among many others. JAMES BROWN himself is featured prominently throughout, singing back-up and/or dueting with Byrd. Two STAND-OUT tracks come from a 1971 concert recorded in Paris with the original JBs group, which included BOOTSY COLLINS on bass. Seven of these songs were R&B hits, the biggest being "I Need Help," "I know You Got Soul," and "Were in Love." Four tracks were even minor hits on the pop charts. This funky CD should be regarded as more than a footnote in the discography of James Brown. While not on the same level as the Godfather himself, Bobby Byrd was a very important part of the James Brown Sound. I was at the JBs/Maceo/James Brown show at the EMP opening in Seattle earlier this year. Byrd was there, and it was a thrill to see him lead the various re-united JBs through super-charged renditions of "I know You Got Soul" and "I Need Help." If youre a JB fan, I dont see how you couldnt get into this CD in a very big way. The grooves are tight, the singing is powerful-- help give Bobby Byrd the recognition he deserves after all these years.