The Upsetters featuring Jimmy Wess
Jimmy Wess featuring The Upsetters was a R&B/soul ensemble active in the late 1960s, best known as the former touring band for Otis Redding.
The group hailed primarily from Baltimore, Maryland, and consisted of the following members: Vocals: Jimmy Wess; Saxophone: Lee Foy; Guitar: Barry Sachs; Trumpet: Harry Hoehn; Bass: Howard Ridgley; Drums: Danny O'Day; Organ: John F. Baseman.
Their most significant release is a tribute to their former bandleader, recorded after his death in 1967: We Remember Otis (1969): An LP released by ABC Records featuring covers of Redding's hits, such as "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" and "Down Home". "We Remember Otis" (Single): Also released on ABC Records in 1969. The group also had a recording association with Columbia Records during their career.
We Remember Otis
A1a Sweet Soul Music
Written-By – O. Redding, A. Conley
A1b Respect
Written-By – Otis Redding
A1c Satisfaction
Written-By – M. Jagger, K. Richards
A1d Shake
Written-By – Sam Cooke
A2 I Can't Turn You Loose
Written-By – Otis Redding
2:14
A3 Always In The Wrong Place At The Wrong Time
Written-By – White, Madara, Gilmore
3:40
A4 Down Home
Written-By – B. Sachs, L. Foy
1:58
A5 Don't Mess With Cupid
Written-By – Parker, Floyd, Cropper
2:03
B1 Tossin' & Turnin'
Written-By – M. Rene, R. Adamo
1:54
B2 The Memphis Sound
Written By – L. Foy
Written-By – B. Sachs
1:52
B3 (Sittin' On The) Dock Of The Bay
Written-By – O. Redding, S. Cropper
2:38
B4 Don't Be Cruel
Written-By – E. Presley, O. Blackwell
2:20
B5 It's Growing
Written-By – W. Robinson
2:30
B6 Grab This Thing
Written-By – B. Sachs, L. Foy
2:15
We Remember Otis is a 1969 soul and funk tribute album dedicated to the late Otis Redding. It features vocal performances by Jimmy Wess backed by The Upsetters, a Baltimore-based group that served as Redding’s touring road band during his concerts across the United States.
Teh album was conceived, arranged, and produced by John Madara and includes covers of Redding's major hits alongside original compositions and medleys of Southern Soul and Funk, often characterized by the "Memphis sound".
Listeners of We Remember Otis generally praise the album's authentic soul sound, particularly Jimmy Wess's vocal performance and the tight musicianship of The Upsetters.
The album holds high user ratings across different listings, ranging from 4.5 to 5 out of 5 stars based on community feedback. Buyers frequently describe the record as an "All Time Classic" for soul enthusiasts, noting that original 1969 pressings are becoming increasingly difficult to find in good condition.
Reviews highlight the album as a high-value tribute that successfully captures the "Memphis sound." The vocal work by Jimmy Wess is often singled out as "out of this world" and deeply emotive. Fans of Otis appreciate the group's ability to recreate the energy of Redding's live shows, which is expected given they were his actual road band.