The Stax/Volt Revue • Volume 2 — Live In Paris

The Stax/Volt Revue Volume 2: Live In Paris

A thrilling document of classic Southern soul at its live best, The Stax/Volt Revue Volume 2: Live In Paris captures some of the greatest performers from the legendary Stax and Volt labels during their celebrated 1967 European tour. Recorded at the Olympia in Paris in March 1967, this ten-track collection brings together Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, Sam & Dave and Otis Redding, showcasing the extraordinary vocal talent, musicianship and infectious energy that made the Stax sound internationally renowned.

The 1967 Stax/Volt Revue was an important moment in the label's history, taking the distinctive Memphis soul sound to enthusiastic audiences across Europe. Stax had developed a reputation for a rawer, more rhythmically driven approach to soul music, built around the remarkable house band Booker T. & the M.G.'s, the punchy arrangements of the Memphis Horns and the songwriting and production talents of Isaac Hayes, David Porter and Steve Cropper. This live recording captures that musical identity in front of an appreciative Parisian audience.

The album opens with three performances from Carla Thomas, one of the defining female voices of the Stax catalogue. Known affectionately as the Queen of Memphis Soul, Thomas brings warmth, personality and effortless vocal control to 'I Got My Mojo Working', 'Let Me Be Good To You' and her much-loved early hit 'Gee Whiz'. Her performances demonstrate the expressive, gospel-influenced style that helped establish her as one of the label's most important artists.

Eddie Floyd follows with three energetic performances, including his enduring soul favourite 'Raise Your Hand'. His versions of 'Something You Got' and 'But It's Alright' add further rhythmic drive, highlighting the gritty vocal delivery and infectious groove that became his trademark. Floyd's association with Stax also produced the classic 'Knock On Wood', one of the most recognisable soul records of the 1960s.

The atmosphere builds further with Sam & Dave, whose powerful vocal partnership and exhilarating call-and-response style made them one of the great soul duos of the era. 'Soothe Me', 'You Don't Know Like I Know' and 'You Got Me Hummin'' showcase their extraordinary chemistry, combining gospel intensity with tight, dancefloor-ready Southern soul arrangements.

Closing the collection is Otis Redding with a commanding performance of 'Try A Little Tenderness'. One of the defining recordings of his career, the song builds from a restrained, soulful introduction into an explosive climax, demonstrating the emotional power, vocal intensity and remarkable stage presence that made Redding one of the greatest performers in soul music.

Originally released in 1967 as Stax 722, this volume provides a fascinating companion to the other recordings documenting the Stax/Volt European tour. With performances from four major artists and the unmistakable backing of the Memphis musicians, it captures an important chapter in the international story of American soul.

An essential live soul recording for fans of Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, Sam & Dave, classic Memphis soul, Southern soul and the legendary Stax Records catalogue. A superb snapshot of the sound, spirit and excitement of 1960s soul music.

Tracklist

1. Carla Thomas – I Got My Mojo Working – 4:44

2. Carla Thomas – Let Me Be Good To You – 3:04

3. Carla Thomas – Gee Whiz – 3:51

4. Eddie Floyd – Raise Your Hand – 3:38

5. Eddie Floyd – Something You Got – 3:04

6. Eddie Floyd – But It's Alright – 2:52

7. Sam & Dave – Soothe Me – 3:40

8. Sam & Dave – You Don't Know Like I Know – 3:19

9. Sam & Dave – You Got Me Hummin' – 3:43

10. Otis Redding – Try A Little Tenderness – 5:00