Various Artists

Takin' Care Of Business - Soul, R&b And Garage From The Vaults Of Rampart Records 1963-1971 - Rsd Release

Label: Vampisoul

Genre: 60s / 70s Rock / Pop / Progressive / Kraut

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East LA is much more than an area located east of the Los Angeles River. Inhabited almost exclusively by Chicanos with their own way of life, there is not enough space allotted here to explain the East LA culture. Suffice it to say that back in the 60s, lowriders cruised Whittier Boulevard in old Chevys that had been customized so much that they looked as if they were from outer space yet only sit a few inches from the ground. They needed a soundtrack and it was provided by local groups like Thee Midniters, Cannibal & the Headhunters, The Blendells, The Premiers, The Ambertones and dozens others. These bands would play high school dances, union hall parties and supermarket openings; anywhere they could get a group of teenagers together and make some noise.

There was a market for Chicano music ever since Richie Valens struck with ‘Come On, Let’s Go’ in 1957. In the 60s, East LA garages, where the bands rehearsed, were mined by record companies searching for the new sounds. Each of the bands could excel at ballad singing, as well as hard-hitting, Rolling Stones-influenced rock & roll and highly authentic soul music. One of the movers and shakers of this scene was a fellow named Eddie Davis, who started his Faro label around 1958. Faro issued mostly pop-oriented records, but also Richie Valens-influenced rockers like ‘So You Want To Rock’ by Chick Carlton & The Majestics. Davis formed other labels as well, like Linda and Rampart. Davis’ music enterprises really took off in 1964, when ‘La La La La’ by The Blendells, ‘Farmer John’ by The Premiers and ‘Land Of 1000 Dances’ by Cannibal & The Headhunters all became hits. All three songs were licensed to larger companies: Warner Bros, Reprise and Date, respectively.

This compilation consists of tracks from Eddie Davis’ family of labels and it is evidence of the wonderful music that was made at that place, at that time, with a solid emphasis on the groove.