Cane & Able ... The Best Of ...

Cane & Able were a Canadian band consisting of:

Frank Abel, Frenchie Thompson (vocals), George 'Apache Slim' Alford (trumpet), Worthington 'Doc' Brown (bass), Arthur W. 'Blinky' Bostic (percussion), Billy 'Chilly Willy' Ellis (sax), Norris 'Ricky' Ridguard (trumpet, trombone, vocals), George Pee Wee' Carter (drums), Garland 'Eddie' Edwards (guitar).

They released 2 albums in 1972 'Relating A Message To You' recorded in Paris and 'Cane And Able' and about 5 45s.

The majority of 'Relating A Message To You' album is funk / psychedelic funk but there are a couple of killer soul tunes. 'Cane And Able' album is pure funk.

I've selected what I regard as their best tracks, 2 tracks from 'Relating A Message To You' and 2 sides from their 5 45s.

Cane & Able [1972] - Relating A Message To You [Epic EPC 65265]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.75

The title track of their 1972 album 'Relating My Message To You'. This has got Curtis Mayfield written all over it but was written by Frenchie Thompson.

Cane & Able [1972] - Sweet Burn [Epic EPC 65265]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.1

Superb group deep soul harmony cut from 'Relating A Message To You'.

Cane & Able [1972] - Tired Of Bad News [Epic (FR) EPC 8090]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.85

Deep 'n sweet soul harmony.

Cane & Abel [1970] - California Dreaming [GRT (CA) 1202-01]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.4

A sort of jazz/funk crossover version of the Mamas & Papas classic.