Originally issued in 1961 on Savoy Records and at the dwindling tail end of Nappy Brown's initial R&B career, Coal Miner was a huge record which belonged, sound-wise at least, to his peak, some years prior. With its honking sax and sleazy Fever-esque bass line, the song probably arrived a little too late in the day to seriously trouble the charts at the time but nowadays it sounds perfect for the R&B set and is Nappy's signature record on the Mod and Popcorn scenes, and beyond.
A few years ago, a previously unheard take of Coal Miner was uncovered, a little longer and with slightly more off-kilter percussion and sax refrains - and dig that triangle! Still keeping the stomping, rasping, honking feel of the released version in place, but amplifying the quirkiness no end, this take was probably deemed a little too unconventional for release, but again it has fast become the version today. We are pleased to finally offer up this version on 45rpm vinyl for the first and what will also probably be the last time ever! Backed up with the original Savoy take, as released, which is still an incredible sound in its own right.
The label has been named "Saxco" in tribute to the late and very, very great bandleader, songwriter and arranger Sax Kari, whose long and largely unsung career enhanced that of many other artists. Sax passed away just over a year ago, with little to no tribute or fanfare in the mainstream media, and not even much noise made in R&B circles. We can only recommend further investigation into Sax's long and winding career, and would say that any 45 bearing his credit is one worth listening to.
Limited Run - only 500 copies pressed !!!