Nathaniel Mayer - Why Won't You Let Me be Black?

Nathaniel Mayer is one of those semi-legendary Windy City soul singers and his releases from the sixties made him a local legend, his music later serving as a major influence on Detroit-based artists like the Black Keys, Dirtbombs and recent Stones Throw singing Mayer Hawhtorne. Though Mayer had a Top 40 hit in '62 with the classic "Village Of Love," for many deep soul aficionados you can't talk about the singer without mentioning his brilliant 1966 single, "(I Want) Love and Affection (Not The House Of Correction)," an up-tempo stomper that showcased his hard, bluesy tenor. Mayer pretty much disappeared from the public eye for more than 30 years and many fans assumed that he had died, but in 2004 he resurfaced again, encouraged by the local Detroit artists who were championing his music. Back in the spotlight, the singer would tour the states and performed some club dates in Europe, yet sadly he passed away following the release of 2007's Why Don't You Give It To Me? This album at hand, Why Won't You Let Me Be Black?, comes from the same two-day recording session as its predecessor, featuring the musical support of members of the Black Keys, Dirtbombs and Outrageous Cherry.

1. Dreams Come True

2. Mr. Tax Man

3. If You Would Be My Guide

4. She's Bad

5. You Are the One

6. Girl Next Door

7. Puddle

8. What Would You Do?

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