Hypnotized

Review byTrakbuv How do you start to write about something that ended virtually before it had begun. Linda Jones: born 14 December 1944, died 14 March 1972, both in Newark, NJ. Singing in public from the age of six, she was surrounded by a family that all performed in Church, sometimes referred to as ‘The Jones Singers’. Later plucked from making pies in a factory, she greatly impressed the legendary songwriter/arranger George Kerr who promptly released‘Take The Boy Out Of The Country’ in 1965 on Atco Records. Several singles later, her unbridled assault of songs appeared to cut no ice with the public at large. George then had the inspired decision to give her ‘Hypnotised‘. An excerpt from an interview with George Kerr: “I remember when she recorded ‘Hypnotized’. We were in the studio and she said ‘let’s run it down’. She was really learning the song but I told the engineer to hit the record button. I got goose bumps on my arm when she sang that song. It was one take, that was it. She wanted to straighten it out because she had sung the word ‘hyp-mot-ized’ rather than ‘hypnotized’ but I wanted to keep it just the way it was and boy, did she curse me out.” Amazing. That single take – warts and all – provided one of the great singles of the sixties – released on Loma records in 1967, it is a charismatic mix of the playful tones of Barbara Mason and the crystal clear phrasings of Sam Cooke – this has all the hallmarks of a classic record – regardless of genre. Let’s get George Kerr to take the story up: “I lost faith in the record, I couldn’t give it away”. Several months passed when he got a message to contact Jerry Ragovoy (head of Loma Records). “The record you gave me is a hit. The booking agency has been calling us every day asking if we can get Linda Jones to do some shows and we’re selling 15,000-20,000 copies of this record !” exclaimed Jerry. George elaborates: “I was shocked. I called Linda and she couldn’t believe it ! She started screaming and before I knew it, she and I were crying !” The single peaked at no.4 in the Billboard Black Music charts and no.20 on the Pop charts. The hit was followed by the pleading ‘What’ve I Done (To Make You Mad)’, peaking at no. 8 and 61 in the Black Music and Pop charts, respectively – again perfect foil for the unrestrained Linda Jones. They decided to follow up with another gorgeous ballad in the form of ‘Give My Love a Try’ – this time glancing the Pop charts at no.93, but still making waves with the soul fraternity – reaching no.34 on the Black Music charts. The supporting album is certainly no three track wonder, and showcases her vocal prowess in all its raw glory. George Kerr again: “We only did three takes on the songs and I always ended up using the first one. She was quite something, always so full of energy. The best way to describe her performance in the studio is to say she was in love with the microphone, so at ease. We would turn down the lights in the studio and just listen. Linda did everything with no effort…” Her spirited attack of tracks like ‘I can’t stop lovin’ my baby’, ‘I can’t stand it’ and particularly ‘You can’t take it’ are literally exhausting when fully appreciated. ‘Seeing is believing’ is possibly the best example of the impassioned cauldron in her voice, a blend of all the greats – recalling Debbie Taylor and Lorraine Ellison, among others. Also special mention for‘If only (we had met sooner)’ to the modern soul/two-step cats out there. This album is pure emotional heaven given the carefully arranged confines of George Kerr’s production – akin to watching a boxer throwing himself around a ring with only the ropes to contain that energy. The lady was blessed with a unique thirst for singing, with George skillfully providing an overflowing cup. And in capturing that energy in a single take, he allowed us to savour the awesome thunder of her live stage presence. Sadly, she passed away shortly after completing one of her many captivating live shows. She was only 27.