Although Oakland is only a few miles from San Francisco, it is a world away in most regards. Oakland is notorious for its murder rate, car theft, and phyfe side shows these days. There is a huge art community that moved in, lured by the cheap rent; however, there are very few opportunities for people. Another depressing aspect is that there are few places for musicians to play. When I lived there in the mid 90's I watched 3 venues close their doors. About all that was left were the punk club on Gilman street and the Stork Club.

When you hear this track you get the impression that things were not so bad in 1980.

Heaven Sent & Ecstasy - I'm A Lady (LeBaron Edit)

This impossibly rare record from 1980 by Heaven Sent & Ecstasy is perhaps the only album released on Oakland's Jameiko's Records and Publishing. It was conceived as a soundtrack to the religious film Scrolls, The Book Of Life. The tracks were written and the album was produced by Barbara J. Trotter. This is a highly sought out modern soul record and can be considered a digger's holy grail. There are five upbeat boogie tunes mixed in with four ballads and a rock song. All the tracks have a raw sound with a lot of energy. It is really amazing that this is the only record that the group produced.

mp3: Heaven Sent & Ecstasy - I'm A Lady
mp3: Heaven Sent & Ecstasy - Satisfaction to the Bone Nitty Gritty Naked Bone