Album of the Day

Howard Tate got his start singing gospel in a Philadelphia group that also included vocalist Garnet Mimms, who eventually introduced him to producer Jerry Ragovoy. That partnership resulted in three albums, the second of which is this fine 1972 self-titled set for Atlantic Records; if less well-known than his earlier work for Verve, the collection is an equally effective showcase of Tate's talents. Along with several songs by R&B hitmaker Ragovoy, the dozen tracks include a distinctive version of Bob Dylan's “Girl From the North Country” and a Curtis Mayfield-esque closing number, “The Bitter End,” penned by Howard himself. Top session players frame the alternately sweet and gritty vocals perfectly here, and any fan of funky '70s soul should check out HOWARD TATE.