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In 1969 James brown recorded a Jazz record called Soul on Top. The godfather of soul called up Louie Bellson to put together the band and ask his long time friend Oliver Nelson to arrange for this jazz recording.

Fast forward to September 2006, I receive a call from musician extraordinaire, bass phenom and all around great cat Christian McBride to be apart of the big band for JB at the Hollywood Bowl for the debut performance of the Soul on Top recording. I was ecstatic and immediately talk to cats who had performed with the godfather of soul before.

While in NYC I spoke to Bill Stewart at the 55 bar. He had played with JB, via the Maceo Parker Band, after JB's release from prison. Stewart said the godfather of soul approached him and stated "your hands come up to high to play my music." Steve Jordans experience with two godfather performances on the David Letterman show prompted him to repeat to me "Just watch him."

NAMM show 2007 was really great for those who like to sweep. For two days Friday and Saturday the Brush Circle was in full sweep mode at the Carl Fischer Booth .