Ty Karim: The Complete Ty Karim - Los Angeles' Soul Goddess (1965-1980)

A tall, elegant and emotionally dynamic singer, Ty Karim was a local legend on the L.A. soul circuit, although she never really received her due on a national level despite having released several powerful dance tracks on various small labels from the mid-'60s through the early '80s. Most of her releases, which included the Northern Soul favourite 'Lighten Up Baby,' were produced by her second husband Kent Harris, whose own singing career was all but over when the two met. Harris devoted his creative energy to Karim's career, wisely featuring and giving full reign to her husky voice on their productions, many of which originally appeared on Harris' own Romark imprint. A 12" collaboration with George Griffin, 'Keep on Doin' Whatcha' Doin',' in the early '80s was a hit in the U.K. and brought Karim a good deal of attention in Europe. Karim died in 1983, and aside from serious fans of soul and R&B, her impressive body of work was all but forgotten. Such a shame, as she was a hell of a great talent, starting out in the '60s with upbeat Northern Soul groovers, then moving into the '70s with material that was even deeper, and a bit more sophisticated laidback numbers that really show a maturation in style, and which are filled with wonderful twists and turns. Ty's vocals have a burning quality that's quite surprising, given her kittenish look on the cover, making the whole package a really wonderful journey in soul. And although most of the tracks here were recorded by tiny indie labels, they often have a very full, spacious approach to production - one that's really trying to hit the heights of Detroit or New York at the time. A good number of these cuts weren't issued at the time, and together with the rare singles, they really go a long way towards filling in the gaps in Ty's too-short career on record. Titles include 'I Ain't Lying', 'Natural Do', 'You Really Made It Good To Me', 'Help Me Get That Feeling Back Again', 'All at Once', 'Only a Fool', 'Lightin Up' (the the '70s remake of 'Lighten Up Baby'), 'I Ain't Lying', 'You Just Don't Know', 'I'm Leavin' You', and 'Don't Make Me Do Wrong.' Ty was along with so many other artists such as Sandi Sheldon, Bettye Swann or Dee Dee Warwick, a marvellous artist who never broke through to the mainstream. However the quality of her music is undeniable and this set is essential for fans of '60s and '70s soul music. Thanks to Daniele for this one!! http://www.allmusic.com/, http://www.dustygroove.com/

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