Exclusive! Inside a new collection of unreleased Arthur Lee songs: “The music covers his wide-ranging taste and adeptness…”
2024-07-19
Unearthing the Lost Gems: Arthur Lee's Timeless Love Songs Unveiled
In a remarkable turn of events, High Moon Records has announced the release of a captivating collection of unreleased Love songs, curated from the personal archives of the legendary Arthur Lee. This unprecedented trove of recordings, spanning the final 15 years of Lee's life, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the creative genius of one of music's most revered and enigmatic figures.
Rediscovering the Essence of Love
Preserving the Legacy
The story behind this remarkable collection is one of dedication and reverence. In a Memphis hospital in 2006, after a long battle with leukemia, Arthur Lee entrusted his wife, Diane, with two CDs he had personally compiled, asking her to oversee their release after his passing. This act of foresight and trust has now blossomed into a remarkable musical treasure trove, aptly titled "Arthur Lee Is Love Just To Remind You."Sourced from Lee's extensive archive of tapes, this collection showcases the breadth and depth of his artistry. From the haunting strings and brass-adorned productions reminiscent of the iconic "Forever Changes," to the soulful piano-driven tracks that evoke the spirit of Ray Charles, the music on this album is a testament to Lee's versatility and creative vision.
Collaborating with the Legends
The album features contributions from the band "Baby Lemonade," whom Lee had anointed as his "new Love" in 1993. Their stellar musicianship can be heard on half of the album's tracks, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional resonance to the recordings.In a poignant gesture, the current Love band, led by Johnny Echols, was recently booked into the legendary Sunset Sound Studio, where the band had recorded their first three albums. There, they recorded a final instrumental track for one of the songs on the CDs that Arthur had given to Diane. This session, produced by Joe Blocker, who played drums with Love in the mid-'70s and was a lifelong friend of Arthur's, marked the 60th anniversary of Arthur and Johnny's first studio collaboration.
Capturing the Essence of Love
The music on "Arthur Lee Is Love Just To Remind You" is a testament to Lee's enduring artistry and the timeless appeal of his band, Love. From the haunting strings and brass-adorned productions to the soulful piano-driven tracks, the album offers a glimpse into the creative mind of one of music's most revered and enigmatic figures.The inclusion of contributions from the "Baby Lemonade" band and the involvement of the current Love lineup, led by Johnny Echols, adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotional resonance to the recordings. The session at Sunset Sound Studio, where the band had recorded their first three albums, further solidifies the connection between the past and the present, ensuring that the essence of Love is preserved for generations to come.
A Lasting Legacy
The release of "Arthur Lee Is Love Just To Remind You" is a momentous occasion for music lovers and fans of the legendary band Love. This collection of previously unreleased recordings not only preserves the legacy of Arthur Lee but also offers a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of his artistry and the enduring impact of his music.As the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of these lost gems, the anticipation is palpable. The promise of discovering new facets of Lee's creative genius, coupled with the involvement of the band's past and present members, ensures that this album will be a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the timeless beauty and enduring influence of Love's music.