Part of Jazzman’s limited Holy Grail’ series, LaVice And Company’s Two Sisters From Bagdad is a legendary lost Detroit album of jazz and gospel infused funky soul. Originally intended for a stage production, only a handful of copies were sold during the show’s short 2-week run at Detroit’s Bethel A.M.E. church. The compositions are uniquely spiritual, funky, and soulful with gospel vocals, spoken word, and deep organ grooves. Standout “Thoughs Were the Days” would later be featured on Numero Group’s “Good God” A Gospel Funk Hynmal” comp. From Ernest Garrison, composer/arranger for the album: “The play was the story of two sisters who met their earthly demise very early in life and were joined together in Heaven… one of the sisters became pregnant and the two were kicked out of Heaven and had to go to Hell. Of course, the Devil took a liking to the other sisters while Jake [an agent from Hell] was wrestling with this thing called LOVE.”
Recommended – Full Listen
Act One
A1 Happy & Blessed
A2 Two Sisters From Bagdad
A3 Fantasy
A4 Good-By Suzy
Act Two
B1 Thoughs Were The Days
B2 Expecting
B3 Mr. Devil
B4 Satan Baby
B5 Yes I Do
B6 Two Sisters From Bagdad (Instrumental)
Arranged By, Music By, Lyrics By, Conductor, Producer – E. J. Garrison
Backing Vocals – Carrie Louise*, Debra Atkins, LaVice Hendricks
Backing Vocals, Written-By – Rhodie McAdoo
Bass – Hernando Saunders
Bongos – Ted T. Garrison
Drums – Leslie Daniels
Flute – Keith Edwards (7)
Lead Vocals – Brenda L. Walker (tracks: B2), Calvin Floyd (tracks: B1), Carrie Louise Hendricks (tracks: B3), Debra Atkins (tracks: B5), E.J. Garrison* (tracks: A2, A3)
Organ – Bob Meloche
Producer – Michael Wilson (23)
Saxophone – Ronald Fairnot
Trumpet – Ken Peterson, Pierre Hendrix
Vocals – The Intimates Of Soul (tracks: A1, A4)