Ebonee Webb

The second album, released in 1979 by Memphis-based funk and soul group Ebonee Webb. Arranged by Japanese composer and arranger Chikara Ueda, who explored a wide range of musical styles, including Brazilian music, the album boldly transforms traditional folk songs from across Japan, such as “Soran Bushi,” “Hanagasa Ondo,” and “Tanko Bushi,” into disco tracks. This extraordinary and unconventional work brings together powerful grooves and distinctive Japanese-language vocals, and is now receiving its first-ever vinyl reissue.

Ebonee Webb is a funk and soul band from Memphis, active mainly in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Emerging from the local Beale Street scene, the collective developed a sound blending funk, soul and disco. After starting out under the name Ebony Web, Ebonee Webb enjoyed notable success in Japan accompanying Rufus Thomas, which led to several recordings for that market, including Disco Otomisan and Memphis Soul Meets Japanese Folk Songs. In the early 1980s, the band also released R&B/funk albums on Capitol Records and had a few tracks chart on the US R&B charts. The line-up here is Michael Winston (leader, lead vocals), Thomas Brown (electric guitar, vocals), Gregory Davis and Patricia Henderson (keyboards, vocals), Charles Liggins Jr. (percussion, vocals), Glynn Flowers (electric bass, vocals) and Donald Roby (drums, vocals), with guest saxophonist Jake H. Concepcion.

Japanese reissue by King Records for the Sound Fuji archive project, first vinyl reissue. Newly cut from a 96kHz/24bit transfer of the original master tapes. Sleeve, obi and liner notes follow the original edition. Originally released June 21st 1979 on Seven Seas (GP-723).