The Bronx, New York, the birthplace of Hip-Hop, and “The Shoals”, Alabama, the birthplace of W.C. Handy, “Father of the Blues,” both carry great historical significance in the world of music. While DJ Kool Herc and Coke La Rock were laying the foundations of a cultural phenomenon in New York, Grammy award-winning producer Rick Hall and the infamous “Swampers” were continuing to pump out hit records from a small town in Alabama.

Fast forward to 2013 and Parallel Thought’s latest release FAME. Parallel Thought, whose members have roots in both the Bronx and Muscle Shoals, brings together the unique sounds of these two musical meccas in a 40+ minute mix. Traditional Hip-Hop techniques are applied to music solely sourced from The Shoals, creating a masterful weave of breakbeats and samples. Additional original drum breaks recorded at Fame Studios capture the Muscle Shoals Sound, highly sought by iconic artists such as John Lennon, Aretha Franklin, and most recently, The Black Keys and The Civil Wars.

With FAME, Parallel Thought pays tribute to the South Bronx pioneers of hip hop’s origins while showcasing the rich musical history of The Shoals.

Track List:
Muscle Shoals Horns – Where I’m Coming From
The Rose Brothers – Freeky Lover
Mosley & Johnson – Classy Blue
The Rose Brothers – Burglar
Ed – Scratchy
Muscle Shoals Horns – Hustle To The Music
The Fame Gang – Grits & Gravy
Muscle Shoals Horns – Addicted To Your Love
Muscle Shoals Horns – Who’s Gonna Love You
Born To Get Down Born To Mess Around
George Jackson – Fast Young Lady
Latimore – Dig A Little Deeper
Prince Phillip Mitchell – If We Get Caught (I Don’t Know You)
Roy Lee Johnson & The Villagers – The Dryer (Part One)
Cry Of Love -Peace Pipe
Millie Jackson – A House For Sale
Arthur Conley – Aunt Dora’s Love Soul Shack
The Del Rays – Windy and Warm
Jimmy Cliff – Inside Out Upside Down
Traffic – Tragic Magic
Traffic – Shoot Out At The Fantasy Factory
Willard Posey Reunion – Cissy Strut
The Staple Singers – Who Do You Think You Are (Jesus Christ Superstar)
Jim Capaldi – Its Alright
Jim Capaldi – Low Rider
Sunshine – Dream Selection
The Villagers – Laugh It Off
David and The Giants – Super Good Feeling
Millie Jackson – Go Out And Get Some
Dee Dee Bridgewater – My Lonely Room
Johnnie Taylor – I Am Somebody
Dee Dee Bridgewater – He’s Gone
Bob Dylan – Serve Somebody
Roscoe Robinson – What Color Is Love
Bettye Swann – I Can’t Let You Break My Heart
The Tams – Laugh It Off
Spooner & The Spoons – Wish You Didn’t Have To Go
Bobby Marchan – Funny Style
George Soule – Get Involved
Clarence Carter – Put On Your Shoes & Walk
Travis Wammack – You Better Move On
Little Richard – Greenwood Mississippi
Brothers Unlimited – Take Me Back
The Osmonds – One Bad Apple
George Jackson – Find ‘Em, Fool ‘Em And Forget ‘Em
Lowell Fulson – Lady In The Rain
Art Freeman – Slippin Around With You
Clarence & Calvin – Thread The Needle Demo
Etta James – Tell Mama
Terry & The Chain Reaction – Keep Your Cool
Maurice & Mac – Why Don’t You Try Me
George Jackson – Search Your Heart
David & The Giants – Ten Miles High
Wilson Pickett – Ninety-Nine And A Half
James Barnett – Keep On Talking
Boz Scaggs – I’ll Be Long Gone