Hot Chocolate - Hot Chocolate (Co-Co Cleveland, 1971; Soul Brother, 1999)

Today's post features a reissue of a ridiculously rare early 1970s funk album, the self-titled first and only LP by Hot Chocolate. Not to be confused with Errol Brown's British pop band of the same name, this aggregation was based in Cleveland, Ohio and led by the multi-talented Lou Ragland, who had previously been involved with doo wop and soul groups during the 1960s. In addition to his singing talents, he is also an accomplished guitarist as well as producer, engineer, and record label owner, and it was on the Co-Co Cleveland imprint (established by Ragland and friends Lymon Moffatt and Leonard Jackson) that Hot Chocolate's 45s and this album were originally released.

UNFORTUNATELY NOT IN THE RECORD FIEND ARCHIVES

Although this tight funk outfit may have been created as outlet for Ragland to show off his guitar chops, the tracks on which he sings ably demonstrate why many of his vocal records are highly regarded in Northern Soul circles. Nevertheless, the focus on Hot Chocolate is clearly instrumental as demonstrated by his handling of both lead and rhythm guitar (presumably accomplished by overdubbing) as well as occasional percussion instruments. The other two members of the trio included bassist George Pickett and drummer Tony Roberson, who deserve recognition as a truly fine rhythm section. In case you're wondering about the artwork on the album cover above, that's Ragland on the left, Pickett in the middle, and Roberson on the right.

Despite the fact that it's not in the same mind-expanding bag as Funkadelic, this is still a damn good straight-ahead funk LP with an esteemed reputation that is well-deserved. The vocals on the opening cut might be slightly repetitive, but hey, "Ain't That a Groove"? "So Dam Funky" is exactly as described, just don't forget to add an "n" while you're getting down to it. Contrary to its title, "Sexy Moods of Your Mind" is a little too sophisticated to be porn soundtrack music and compares favorably to Little Beaver's more elegant recordings. "Messin' with Sly" rounds out the threesome of instrumentals on the LP's first side and, with its effective quote of "Sing a Simple Song," stands out among the numerous Sly & the Family Stone tributes that were common at the time. Side B will appeal to those who have a preference for soul since "We Had True Love" and "What Should I Do" both emphasize Ragland's silky-smooth vocals, although not completely at the expense of the other musicians. But if you're looking for another superb instrumental, "What You Want to Do" gives up the funk quite nicely.

LOU RAGLAND TODAY

1. Ain't That a Groove
2. So Dam Funky
3. Sexy Moods of Your Mind
4. Messin' with Sly
5. We Had True Love
6. What You Want to Do
7. What Should I Do