From what I can tell, Norman Mapp only released one album as a vocalist – 1961’s Jazz Ain’t Nothin’ But Soul on the Epic label, an imprint of almighty Columbia Records (plus a 45 the preceding year “Fools Rush In” b/w “Whistling At The Moon” on Jaro International).
As a songwriter, however, Norman Mapp saw his songs recorded by a number of artists —
“Rock and Stroll Room” for Mickey & Sylvia (1958)
“By the River” for Wilt Chamberlain (1960)
“Mr. Ugly” for Aretha Franklin (1963)
“I Worry About You” for Marvin Gaye (1966)
The title track from Mapp’s lone album has been famously covered by Betty Carter and more recently by Esperanza Spalding, but right here you can enjoy the original version:
“Jazz Ain’t Nothin’ But Soul“
Norman Mapp (1961)
LP Musician Credits
Norman Mapp – Vocals
Dave Bailey – Drums
George Duvivier – Bass
Peck Morrison – Bass
Tommy Flanagan – Piano
Seldon Powell – Tenor Sax
Clark Terry – Trumpet
Cash Box‘s July 1, 1961 album review —
Just as its co-label, Columbia, has introduced Oscar Brown, Jr., Epic now has its own triple-threat writer-arranger-singer in Norman Mapp, who bows here in a lineup of originals (except “Moanin’”). His songs are melodically sure and have intelligent lyrics. He sings with an intimate warmth in a relaxed, natural gait. Instrumental support by Clark Terry, Seldon Powel and others is well written and gently swinging. Mapp’s got a future and this debut LP will certainly help.
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Answer Songs:
Validators of Cultural Currency
As a musical artist, you know you’ve penetrated popular consciousness when a fellow artist answers you in song – as when Pat Lundy recorded “Soul Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues” as the title track to her 1968 Columbia album, no doubt in response to Norman Mapp.
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LINK to Jazz on Zero to 180
