Grits & Soul is the eighth studio album by American musician James Brown. The album was released in August of 1964 by Smash Records. Brown does not sing on the album; he was sidestepping his contract obligations with King Records. Instead, Brown plays keyboards. This is the first known recording of Maceo Parker, seen on the right of the album cover, at this point on baritone saxophone. Nat Jones, at left on the cover, is one of four Kinston, NC musicians performing on the album, with Maceo Parker's brother Melvin on drums and Robert Knight on trumpet.Bryan, Sarah. "Really Is Hard to Beat," Oxford American. 20 Nov. 2018."
Chart performance
The album debuted on Billboard magazine's Top LP's chart in the issue dated April 10, 1965, peaking at No. 124 during a ten-week run on the chart. Track listing All tracks composed by James Brown as "Ted Wright"; except where indicated
Personnel James Brown – organ McKinley "Mack" Johnson, Teddy Washington, Ron Tooley, Joe Dupars, Robert Knight – trumpet Wilmer Milton – trombone Nat Jones – alto saxophone, arrangement St. Clair Pinckney, Eldee Williams, Al Brisco Clark – tenor saxophone Maceo Parker – baritone saxophone Bobby Byrd or Lucas “Fats” Gonder – piano, organ Les Buie – guitar probably Sam Thomas – bass Melvin Parker, Obie Williams, Nat Kendrick – drums
Charts
Chart (1965) Peakposition US Billboard Top LPs124 References