Don Julian & The Larks...Shorty The Pimp

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

Shorty the Pimp was to have been a blaxploitation movie around 1973, but was never released due to various problems; supposedly, only one rough cut of the movie now exists, rumored to be in the hands of director Quentin Tarantino.

This is the soundtrack album that would have accompanied the project, performed by journeyman Los Angeles soul band Don Julian & the Larks. The soundtrack was canceled along with the film, though most of this made it onto official releases (usually on the Money label). Released or not, this is damn rare stuff, and aside from its appeal for blaxploitation collectors, it's pretty respectable early-'70s soul-funk on its own merits. Although this is heavily derivative of Superfly-era Curtis Mayfield (there's even a parody called "Super Slick") and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"-era Temptations in its marriage of accomplished harmonies, intricate guitar and horn arrangements, and street-smart lyrics, it's well executed.

On "Brother What It Is," they get into some Rahsaan Roland Kirk-like flute and jazzy grooves, while "Just Tryin' to Make It, Pts. 1 & 2" is a slow-burn instrumental reminiscent of Booker & the MG's doing "Summertime"; "I Love You" is a beautiful minor-key soul ballad with a cha cha feel.

There are also covers of chart hits by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, the Staple Singers, and the like, since Don Julian & the Larks were to have played a lounge band in the movie itself. Some of these are superfluous, but some are more enjoyable than you'd expect; the version of "The Look of Love," for instance, is smooth and spooky.


DON JULIAN & THE LARKS...SHORTY THE PIMP



DON JULIAN & THE LARKS...MESSGE FROM A BLACK MAN



DON JULIAN & THE LARKS...SHOW AND TELL



DON JULIAN & THE LARKS...THE LOOK OF LOVE



DON JULIAN & THE LARKS...CHECKOUT YOUR MIND

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

Now i want to know why they pulled it, so far i can't find anything, but i did find out that Don Julian and The Larks had a role in the movie

[KnightD12]

Judging by the music, sounds like it would have been a fun movie.

[Edie Antoinette]

This is just plain.....SMOKIN'!!! SoleBaby7pimpinator!!!! I love this!!!!

They pulled it? Oh well. Now I'm intrigued as to ..why.

You are the best at research and execution!!!! "Shoity The Pimp..he walked with a limp" LOL!!!!