Little Beaver
Willie George Hale, more commonly known by his stage name Little Beaver, was born on August 15, 1945, in Forrest City, Arkansas. He is recognized as an influential American R&B, soul, and funk guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Little Beaver gained prominence for his contributions to the music industry, particularly in the 1970s, and has been celebrated for his distinct guitar style and smooth vocal delivery.
Little Beaver moved to Florida during his teenage years, where he began to develop his musical career. He initially recorded for various labels before establishing himself in the music scene. His early influences and experiences in Florida shaped his musical style, which blends elements of R&B, soul, and funk.
Throughout his career, Little Beaver achieved notable success with a series of hits that showcased his talent as both a guitarist and a singer. He became well-known for his ability to merge traditional R&B sounds with funk rhythms, making his music appealing to a broad audience. His work frequently involved collaborations with other artists and contributions to various projects, further enhancing his reputation in the industry.
Little Beaver remains an iconic figure in the genres of R&B and soul. His contributions to music have left a lasting impact, and he continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike for his work and artistry.
Black Rhapsody
Written-By – W. Hale
4:08
A2 Blues For Mama
Written-By – W. Hale
3:44
A3 Hit Me With Funky Music
Written-By – W. Hale
3:54
A4 Loosen Up
Written-By – W. Hale
3:25
A5 Summertime
Written-By – Heywood, Gershwin
3:11
B1 Just My Imagination
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
6:25
B2 Never Can Say Goodbye
Written-By – Clifton Davis
5:40
B3 Let's Stay Together
Written-By – A. Green, A. Jackson, W. Mitchell
3:05
Label: Cat – 1602, Cat – LP-1602
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Jazz, Soul, Instrumental
Style: Jazz-Blues, Soul
Black Rhapsody, released in 1974 by Little Beaver (Willie George Hale), is a highly-regarded instrumental album in the soul-funk and blues-jazz fusion genres. It is praised for its laid-back, mellow groove, excellent guitar work, and influential tracks that have been widely sampled by hip-hop artists.
Starting with an introduction dedicated to his idol, Wes Montgomery, the first half is a collection of laid-back original songs, and even with no singing, it is a record that shows Beaver's style in full swing, from covers of soul classics by the Temptations, the Jackson 5, Al Green, and others.
Reviewers consistently highlight Little Beaver's "top tier" talent and "unparalleled guitar talent". His style is described as rhythmic, smooth, and blues-inspired, often using wah-wah and a compressed sound that adds to the album's unique vibe.
Despite the album title and cover art (featuring Hale in black leather), the music is noted for being surprisingly mellow, sunny, and relaxed. It has a "good groove throughout the whole album," ideal for a casual listen or a "night on the town".
This album is unique in Hale's discography as an all-instrumental collection, a deliberate choice to showcase his prowess as a musician rather than a singer. It includes original deep funk tracks as well as soulful covers of hits by artists like Al Green, The Temptations, and the Jackson 5.
Many tracks from Black Rhapsody have been sampled by notable hip-hop artists, including Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, and Slum Village (the track "A Tribute To Wes" was sampled for "Conant Gardens"). This speaks to the album's lasting impact and the quality of its core grooves.
Some user reviews mention potential issues with sound quality on certain CD or vinyl pressings, describing the audio as "flat" or having a "weird" sound for some instruments. However, others praise specific reissues (e.g., the orange vinyl edition) for having great, dynamic sound.
Overall, the album is considered an under-rated classic in the funk and soul genres, a "total perfection" for connoisseurs of the style.