J. William Parker Shadowmen

For a very long time, we have been trying to re-issue this record; a true and complete album masterpiece in every sense of the word, considered by many people to be one of the greatest ever made, regardless of genre.

Recorded at Studio Somil, Rio De Janeiro in 1972, the album was produced, arranged, directed by the self-taught, Arthur Verocai. Previously he had worked on many records in various capacities, with artists including Jorge Ben, Ivan Lins and Celia, but this album gave him the chance to do his thing in it’s most pure form.

The 29 minute masterpiece, perfect in it’s arrangement and fusion of sonics, epitomises the sound of Brazil at the time; strings, guitars, pianos, break beats, bass lines, synthesizers, vocals from the wonderful Célia, Carlos Dafe and Oberdan (Banda Black Rio), plus percussion from Pedro Santos and Paulo Moura on sax. Bossa nova, samba, jazz, MPB, psychedelics and funk sit side by side effortlessly.
The album transcends the genre of Brazilian music, and infact all genres. Highlighted in part by the number of artists that have sampled from it; MF Doom, Ludacris & Common, Little Brother, Jneiro Jarel aka Dr Who Dat?, Dibiase and Action Bronson amongst others.

The original Continental version of the album now fetch around $2000. Our definitive re-issue is an exact replica of the gatefold original LP and the source master is taken from the Continental tapes, re-mastered in 2012 under Arthur’s supervision.

J. William Parker, a totally unknown folk singer from Hanoi, Vietnam, is the culmination of a rich lineage of home-recorded acid folk.

Parker starts out this record with the track Rope Around My Neck, which despite only being a minute and a half, is filled with a muffled, smoky atmosphere. One cannot help but picture him playing amongst the simple recording equipment in his bedroom while listening.

Once you hear Parker start to sing, accompanied by an acoustic guitar, the sound suddenly carries you away with the ambience of it’s chilly digital reverb. His songs are calm, romantic and warm but heavy with feeling of resignation. You can hear influences from 70s acid folk and acoustic blues, which are apparent of tracks like his uniquely crafted the cover of “Here my train is coming” by Jimi Hendrix. Other instrumental tracks like The Shadowmen or Instrumental number one invoke a sense of nostalgia within the listener with their sweet melodies.

• Fans of Nick Drake, Bert Jansch, or Ted Lucas, will enjoy the essence of modern, home-recorded, loner, acid folk captured on this record.

• Handling Note: **Please allow an additional 5 business days for this item's shipment.**
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 2/19/18
• Internal ID: JIT
• Format Detail: LP Black
• Genre: Folk

Domestic U.S. Standard Shipping: Arrives within 5-7 business days.

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Please email mark@musicrecordshop.com for more information. 

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Orders are ordinarily handled inside 1-2 business days. You will get a confirmation email upon shipment with a tracking number. 

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Please contact us with any return or exchange requests.

Email:  mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675

Return Policy

Returns are accepted within 7 days of product delivery.  

New vinyl must be unopened and unplayed, unless there is concealed damage.  

Used vinyl is graded for vinyl and jacket condition.  Please contact us directly if there is a problem. 

Signed vinyl records cannot be returned unless they are damaged or defective.

Sleeves and LP Mailers can be returned within 7 days.  

Please contact us with any return issue.

Email: mark@muscirecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675

Return Process

Contact Us: To initiate a return, email us at mark@musicrecordshop.com or call us at 314.675.8675. Include your order number and product issue.

Ship the Item: Pack the item securely for return. 

Refunds:  A refund will be issued after we receive and inspect your returned item. 

You will receive an email notification of the refund. 

Exchanges: If you need to exchange an item, please contact us.

Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone: 314.675.8675.

Return Shipping

Customers are responsible for return delivery costs except if the item is damaged. Please contact us if you need a return label.  

Email:  mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675