From Bob Marley to Phil Collins, Black Ensemble Theater puts the needle on the “Hitt Records”

Photos provided by Aaron Reese Boseman

Stores that sell vinyl, CDs and cassettes might not be as common anymore, but no amount of streaming or online engagement can replace the feeling of physically browsing the bins or interacting with an expert employee.

For those longing for a similar experience or are merely curious what all the fuss was about, “Hitt Records” is the ideal show to see at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center through Sunday, January 26.

The world premiere musical revue is written and directed by the esteemed venue’s longtime Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks, who really pulled a rabbit out of a hat as a last-minute replacement for “A Gamble On Huff: The Story Of Gamble And Huff.”

Despite not being part of the regularly scheduled programming in this “Season Of Affirmation: Protection, Leadership, Power,” it fit right in with those principles thanks to the tale of brothers James and Charles Hitt, played respectively by Vincent Jordan and Dennis Dent, who run the vintage Hitt Records stop where they pass on a near encyclopedic knowledge of the artists they sell to their nephew Vincent (Destin Warner) and random customers.

As each browser comes and goes, the owners share fascinating facts about their potential purchases, and perhaps more importantly, a live example of what they’ll be hearing after cracking open on the shrink wrap.

The track list features its fair share of superstars and classics, including a medley from reggae ambassador Bob Marley, the blue-eyed soul side of rocker Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight,” vocal group The Temptations’ latter day comeback “Treat Her Like A Lady” and local gospel greats The Staple Singers’ “Let’s Do It Again.”

Even so, “Hitt Records” shines some much-deserved light on less obvious but nonetheless influential artists and one of their vital selections, such as Quincy Jones protégés The Brothers Johnson’s “Stomp,” Shalamar’s “Footloose” soundtrack selection “Dancing The The Sheets,” queer pioneer Sylvester’s “Mighty Real” and the severely underrated Alexander O’Neal’s “Fake.”

In every single case, the supporting cast comprised of Lyle Miller, Michael Lunder, Rhonda Preston, Qiana McNary, DeVaughn Loman, Dwight Neal, Trequon Tate, Jaitee Thomas and Britt Edwards are just as entertaining as they are loving in the true to form tributes.

It adds up to almost two hours where audiences of any age have a chance to be schooled on how these defining moments in R&B and disco have since spilled over into pop and hip-hop, through regardless of how they are classified, “Hitt Records” makes sure to convey the limitless power of musical perfection.