RUTH COPELAND - I AM WHAT I AM (1971) (SOUL/FUNK/PSYCHEDELIC ROCK)
A woman born just down the road in County Durham, backed by Funkadelic/Parliament, playing a particularly soulful mix of funk and psychedelic rock. How on Earth had this escaped my attention for so long?!
Ruth Copeland, after signing for Invictus Records, co-produced Parliament's debut album, as well as writing two of it's tracks. The relationship she shared with the group then extended to her solo work, with George Clinton and P-Funk appearing on her 1969 debut album entitled Self Portrait.
No George Clinton on this record however (but he did co-write two of the tracks with her), but she is still backed by some P-Funk members, including the fantastic Eddie Hazel on guitar.
DONT YOU WISH YOU HAD (WHAT YOU HAD WHEN YOU HAD IT)
PLAY WITH FIRE (ROLLING STONES COVER)