Chapter 3 Part 4 - more Life and Soul Reviews
Grooving with you - Guest reviews by John Nightingale 2001/02
Grooving with you – Respected Soul Collector John Nightingale took the reins for a feature called Grooving with you where he reviewed some of his favourites and then current sounds. Dated around 2001. Over to John-.
A review of various 7" and 12" singles from my collection mainly from the Seventies to start, with the odd Sixties, Eighties and Nineties tracks added for good measure. In this section I will try to steer clear of the more predictable reviews of sounds that are already reasonably well known and offer alternative records that you may enjoy or not as the case may be. This is all new to me so please bear with me if I don't go into great depth about the Artist, Label and genealogy of each track, I haven't got my full train spotter's badge yet but I am working on it, sad man that I am.
Johnny Bristol - Sho Like Grooving With Ya - Atlantic
· Ignore the completely naff title on this one, take it from me this is a little gem. From the very start of the Sly Stone sound-a-likey guitar riff you can tell this is going to be a good-un with it's swirling string arrangement and Bristol's trademark rich vocal and smooth delivery. This 70's mid tempo mover is ideal for today's discerning dance floor aficionado's and deserves to become a monster. As far as I know it is not particularly hard to find but if you see it snap it up while it's still cheap. Top class groover.
Carl Simms - House of Love - Paula
· Another recent acquisition for me and like JB above from the 70's and fast becoming a bedroom monster in the Nightingale household (did that just come out right?) With Carl's classic spoken delivery intro this slow to mid tempo offering is at times reminiscent of Bobby Womack at his best. I really cannot praise this enough it is almost Modern Soul perfection, just waiting to be unleashed on an unsuspecting public. Again like the last not hard to find although it could end up hard once reserves start to dry up so get it while you can. Essential.
Freddie Hubbard ft Jeanie Tracie - You're Gonna Loose Me - Fantasy
· A dreamy horn solo starts this one off with an understated jazzy vibe as you would expect from Mr Hubbard. It's when Jeanie Tracie starts her excellent vocal work that this one takes off, her pleading to her man who is in the process of breaking her heart as they always seem to do. Don't expect another "friends" from Jeanie this is a totally different vibe, mellower with a hint of jazz funk and after a few plays it's a real grower. This should also go down well on modern dance floors given a few plays a little harder to find than the previous two but well worth the trouble of finding it. A summer sensation in the making.
Dee Heron - Total Satisfaction - UK Promo 12" - Original mix
· Released in 1995 the former Driza Bone lead vocalist really excels on this up and coming 12 inch. Already getting plays, I'm told, and a possible rival to Driza's classic "Pressure" (yes it's that good). I picked my copy up in a second hand record shop a couple of weeks ago for next to nothing, without really knowing what it was, only later to find out about the Driza Bone connection. The record itself is instant in its appeal and very similar to the earlier DB cuts of the same period. With prominent piano and guitar accompaniment the vocal cuts in from the outset. Dee is on top form insisting that they ain't gonna stop until she receives total satisfaction. The original mix is a great mid tempo floater but if you like a touch of soulful garage there are a couple of good garage mixes on the 12 as well this really is essential listening. A UK product to be proud of.
Gil Scott Heron - A Legend In His Own Mind - Arista
· What can I say Gil's a bit of a hero for me, his music is usually a little too jazz/blues oriented for the Modern Soul scene, this outing is one of the exceptions I think. Trademark gruff vocal's and clever lyrics tell the tale of a man who thinks he is "God's gift to women, a legend in his own mind, on a day god wasn't giving up a thing". This may still be a little too jazz for some but a steady two step beat makes this an ideal alternative to the same old.... Easy enough to find on compilations of the great man's work, I recently picked it up on a seven inch but would really have no idea whether it is hard to find or not though I would be surprised given the label and Artists popularity. Highly recommended he 'de man.
Danny Bell - My How You've Changed - Artco
· If you like Richard Caiton and Eddie Kendricks then you'll love this. A lavish production for this independent label release, with swirling strings and full orchestral sound, in fact everything but the proverbial kitchen furniture. All this is topped off with Danny boys pitch perfect falsetto delivery, sounding not unlike the musical version of the chocolate that melts in your mouth not in your hands. Believe me this really is a Treat, but probably not to everybody's taste. Danny our hero tells the tale of how he meets up with an old child hood sweetheart and reminisces days long gone. A little on the obscure side this one, but worth finding if at all possible. Class act.
Roosevelt and the Seven C's - We Were Always Sweethearts - Rondo
· Easily my favourite record of the last six months or so. A stunning piece of crossover soul with a tasty deep funk instrumental on the flip. There is a definite Latin feel supplied by the distinctive horn riff that could have been supplied by those good ole boys from Tijuana. All this combines with a relatively simple vocal arrangement to deliver an outstanding cut above the average. A vinyl delight to truly lust after. Like Danny Bell a little on the obscure side, but well worth the hunt, leave no stone unturned in your search for this one. Essential.
Donna Washington - Save All Your Love For Me - Capitol
· A cracking double sider from the eighties this one with "Save All" the slightly stronger of the two sides. This had a familiar sound from the very first play Donna's powerful vocal performance combining well with a relentless beat and full production. The flip "'scuse me while I fall in love" has a slightly more disco feel not unlike some Parlet offerings but without the wacky lyrics. Either side of this single would grace any dance floor it's just a pity I haven't got a 12" version. Not particularly hard to find and still cheap. Classy tune.
Paulette Reeves - Let Me Wrap You In My Arms - Blue Candle
· How come I've never heard of this lady until now? This piece of delectable southern fried soul is as they say, "to die for". Sounding not unlike a cross between Barbara Lynn and Millie Jackson it just gets better and better each time I play it. From the moment Paulette starts her rap style intro this develops a chugging contagious groove that truly is 70's soul heaven. It really is the best five pounds I've spent in a long, long time I won't have a bad word said about it. Essential.
Reviews by John Nightingale for Life and Soul promotions 10/05/01
Hello again and thanks for taking the time to read the sad ramblings of a self confessed Soul addict. These ten records are all from the Seventies and all available on seven inch releases so without further ado: -
Bobby McClure - You bring out the best in me - Island What a corker to start off with, this is a UK only release on 7" (I am not sure whether it appears on an album at all perhaps someone out there can tell me) the backing to this is exactly the same as the Love Affair's classic Modern Soul anthem "I can't stop loving you". That in itself is enough to recommend this record but to top it off with Bobby's exquisite vocal treatment of this version (totally different lyrics) is what makes this record highly sought after in some circles. At a fraction of the price of the Love Affair version this is a must have if you like your Soul slow to mid tempo and with a side order of smooch. As a bonus the flip side isn't too bad either Daybreak by Daybreak a mid tempo disco offering in a Chic-esque style that is rather catchy in it's own way. Nice.
The Mob - I dig everything about you - Colossus Well this blue eyed soul band must have swallowed a whole Gene Chandler on the day that they recorded this little gem. This record is just great and will appeal to both Northern and Modern enthusiasts because it quite simply has got the lot. I first heard this on an Urban compilation album compiled by Fat boy Slim no less (let's hope he never does a remix) and have loved it ever since. Great harmonies and a faultless vocal combine with a backing that is just so good to dance to. This record deserves to be and has the potential to be a massive tune. Cool.
Catherine Miller - Don't waste your time - Tyson A slightly rawer sound on this crossover nugget. Again a mid tempo offering of the highest calibre that should appeal to those dancers who don't want to go at 100mph to the latest stomper all the time. Catherine tells all her girl friends not to waste their time with her man, 'cos he's in love with her, over a simple but effective backing. This is a great little record highly recommended by me for what that's worth. Sassy.
Spirit of Love - Power of your love - Birthright. Seventies Gospel on the soul scene well you can take it from me that it "Suits you sir". If you like The Sounds of Blackness and other similar contemporary Gospel outfits then you will almost certainly like this. These guy's were just years ahead of their time on this outing that would not be out of place in the late Eighties. A mid to uptempo number that has soul to spare. Righteous.
Guitar Red - Share your love - Mod Art Now here's a thing a record that I'm sure a lot of you will hate but by the same token a lot of you will love it (as I do). This is slightly reminiscent of Guitar Ray's "you're gonna wreck my life" and if you don't like that then forget this. A haunting if off the wall backing that is certainly distinctive if it's nothing else, with a falsetto vocal that really sets this apart from the norm. My wife hates this record but what does she know, you can't expect her to have good taste in everything now can you? Spooky
Jerry Butler - I don't want nobody to know - Motown This record was one of the biggest bonuses of last year for me. I bought the record on the strength of the other side "Chalk it up" but for me this is far and away the better of the two sides. Typical Jerry Butler big production with a vocal that is smoother than Dr Slick from Smoothesville Arizona US of A fresh from his doctorate in advanced flannel. Jerry tries to convince us that he chucked his girl but we all know that that is just one big porker. The tune fair belts along with blaring horns wah wah guitars et al. It's tailor made to be a rare groove monster, I don't know whether it has ever had any plays on that scene but I'm sure it would be more than well received if it did. Groovy.
Carl Graves - Heart be still - A&M Very Lew Kirton this one, also covered by Jackie Moore and Lee Garret but for me this is the best version. A great mid to uptempo dancer that has probably been overlooked because it ain't that rare at all. Why should that matter it's a good little record that could catch on at any time check it out for yourself. Sweet.
Betty and Angel - Honey coated lovin' - Everyday Crossover R&B now there's a thing and you get two great sides for the price of one. "Honey coated lovin'" is ideal for today's Northern scene an incessant dancer with a great hook, I'm told that it is already popular to say the least, and it seems to be rocketing in price to match its popularity. The flip is a much mellower affair sweet soul to make your hair curl. Gritty.
Lenny Welch - I thank you love - Fig Touted as the next big thing by some last year, it still doesn't seem to have taken off in the way many thought it would (yours truly included) A slowy this one but what a record. It sends shivers down my spine and stands the hair on the back straight to attention, dripping with soul and oozing heartfelt emotion. A winner in anybody's book, forget about whether it's big or not just get it, a great record. Smooth.
Willie Hutch - Get ready for the get down - Motown I've had this record on tape for years (from Soul Train on Radio Piccadilly in the mid seventies) and all that time it has remained one of my favourite soul records of the era all that time. Last year I finally managed to obtain a copy on seven inch for a ridiculously low price, Bargain. It starts off in a barely restrained party type atmosphere and just builds and builds. Hutch with his typically laid back vocal over the funkiest of grooves excels himself on this his ultimate party piece. It really is a must, if you don't like it so what you've only lost a couple of quid and you can't even buy a pint for that nowadays. Funkin'
Reviews by John Nightingale for Life and Soul promotions 27/06/01
Third Instalment
Hello again peeps it's time for some more reviews so Mr Ashley tells me so here's another ten from the seventies and eighties for you delectation:
Rance Allen - The truth is marching on - Capitol.
Oh what can I say about this one it's basically a gospel record but please don't let that put you off. This is a powerful mid to uptempo dancer of the highest calibre and would grace progressive Northern and Modern soul dancefloors alike. A Seventies stomper in which Rance gives a enpassioned vocal display that simply makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand straight to attention, I'm sure that you know what I mean. It's not particularly rare and well worth tracking down.
Tomorrow's Edition - Part time love - Atlantic
A great example of an eighties mid-tempo groover. Sort of in a Bridge vein from the same label with a similar lavish production and tempo. I nearly didn't buy this because of the name of the group (sounds a bit too like a boy band kinda thang) don't let it put you off. If you like that early Eighties sound when they still used real instruments etc then this is for you, a compelling dancer.
Mill Edwards - I found myself - Cutlass
Slowing the pace right down for this slice of Crossover magic. A real slow intro, that picks up from the first chorus to allow the shufflers amongst us to strut our stuff without fear of a coronary. Our man Mill singing to his baby telling her that until he found her he hadn't found himself. An excellent piece of soul music, that should be in everyone's collection.
Gloria Gaynor - This Love Affair - Polydor
An extremely catchy dancer from Mrs Gaynor and again this one will grace the dancefloors of Northern and Modern venues alike. I'm told by Steve Jefferies that this one is already gaining big interest from the Northern boys and its price is starting to reflect that interest already, get it while you can.
Brenda and the Tabulations - Don't give up the love - A Major
Another from the Eighties this starts with that annoyingly typical mid-eighties synthesiser sound, however Brenda’s strong vocal delivery gets you past that in no time at all. I must admit, that when I first played this I dismissed it as pretty average fare. It was only because I needed a filler for a tape that I was doing for myself, that it got any further attention at all and well what do you know it just snuck up on me in no time flat. When you do get past that synth sound this is quite a strong song in it's own right and a good dancer to boot.
Gloria Jay - Know what you want - Stage Productions
Easily my personal favourite of this batch this is perfect SOUL music. A slow to mid-tempo killer, that is perfect for any Modern Soul venue. This really is two step heaven and I can't praise it enough. If you know it you will understand what I am saying, if you don't, get yourself aquainted with this potential monster now. It really has the lot a perfect soulful vocal a bit of a message and a two step beat to die for.
Patrick Alley - Groove Feeling - Persist
A Seventies rarity, and probably the hardest to find in this batch. Another classy dancer with a naff title and label (Yellow pink and silver!!) don't let it put you off this is a great dancer and all it takes is a few plays at the right venue and this will go huge. Lyrically it's never going to win any awards it's just really nice to dance to, couple that with the smooth vocal from Patrick and a hint of scarcity and you're on to a winner. One to watch….
Joe Simon - Who was that lady - Spring
After a stunning intro that will pull the punters onto the dancefloor at a rate of knots, this crossover killer develops into a luscious piece mid-tempo excellence. It's from the soundtrack of the film Cleopatra Jones although I don't think it made it to the album, (if I'm wrong let me know.) You could never cover this up it's just got Joe Simon written all over it and is quality from start to finish. I am told that it is harder to find than you would expect but there is a collectors market for film scores etc so happy hunting with this one I'm sure you will not be disappointed.
Bobby McClure - I got a good woman - Vanessa
Bobby is one of my favourite artists of the moment and this is just class. Again it's a slowy, in a very Al Greene style with the haunting Hammond organ bubbling all over the track. Bobby's delivery is faultless with a strong hook but simple lyric this is just great. It shouldn't be too hard to find so what are you waiting for.
A perfect record to end a soul nite on.
Norwood - Don't let love - Magnolia
Another dreaded Eighties tune and again this is lush. Just think of By All Means crossed with Will Downing and you'll get the picture. This Norwood chap is a bit of a good singer with another strong song that has a very danceable beat. Again this one crept right up on me without warning and is now a regular on the turntable at Nightingale Towers. Highly recommended.
That’s it for now hope you get as much enjoyment out of these records as I do. That is if you manage to track them down all are worthy purchases so good luck and Happy Hunting.
John
Fourth Instalment
Well talk about badger and goad, that Mike Ashley chappy is harsh taskmaster indeed. As if it's not taxing enough, finding the time to buy the records, then recording them onto CD, so that I can listen to them in the car, now I've got to write about them again so that you lot can listen to them as well. So here goes with the next batch with a more Seventies bias than the last couple of reviews and for me this is the most consistent batch so far with everyone a winner in my book.
Wilson Williams - Groovy Feeling - ABC Well what can I say? This was a new one on me until a couple of weeks ago and it's a corker. Wilson delivers a faultless slab of mid tempo seventies soul heaven. This record is quite simply a monster in waiting with its smooth floating style beat and laid back vocal. It's just a shame that my copy is a one sided demo so there's no B-side.... If you do see this and have still not heard it just buy it you won't be disappointed.
David Geddes - Wise up girl - Big Tree This uptempo Seventies dancer was a delight when I bought it blind a couple of weeks ago (so I thought I've actually had it on tape for a while and not realised what it was no wonder it sounded familiar!) This will definitely be getting a play when I next do a spot of DJ-ing. It wasn't expensive at all under a tenner but it has the lot really. I don't know if it was ever played out anywhere but it certainly has that Mecca/Cleethorpes feel to it. It kind of reminds of Alfie Davidson - Love is a serious business, it's in a similar groove.
Bobby Hutton - Watch where you're going - ABC Another one from the ABC vaults, a great double sider this one with "Loving you, needing you" as the official A side "Watch" is the better of the two for me, although both are great. Watch where you're going has been picking up plays recently and rightly so. This is a classy mid tempo effort that has all that you would expect from Mr Hutton. A great vocal delivery and lush production complete with kitchen sink et al. I'm told this is quite hard to find on issue but I've got to say I picked it up easily enough, once I knew I needed it, a must.
Sandy and the Pebbles - My Foolish little heart - Mercury Most of you will know the other side of this one "My kinda fellow" which is the more immediate dancer of the two for sure. The thing is that "My foolish little heart" is just one of those that creeps up on you. Almost two step meets sixties a beautiful record that just gets better the more I play it. Put the two sides together and you've got Crossover heaven from the group that went on to become Pat Sands and the Pebbles.
Virgil Henry - I'll be true - Colossus Oh yes, now where do I start with this one, when I first got my copy through the post I was worried about the amount of surface scratches on it especially toward the end of the record, and it does pop and hiss a bit, but after playing it a few times I'd have it even if Torville and Dean had just done a show on it. This record is just great, again it's mid tempo (can you see a pattern here yet) and oh so soulful Virgil's falsetto puts me in mind of Little Anthony although a touch rawer in style. I have quite a few things on this label now none of them particularly expensive but not a bad one amongst them so far, and this with the IAP Co has got to be my favourite. Class.
David Morris - Snap, Crackle and Pop - Plush This boy's a bit of a favourite of mine Mr Morris who incidentally was the David of A Brother's Guiding Light and ..fame it shows too. Sounding quite a bit earlier than "Getting together" and "Midnight Lady" this one comes with a far sparser arrangement, clear crisp vocal and haunting Hammond weaving in and out of the track. Mid tempo again with a good dance beat if you like the other records by him then you'll like this, I know I do.
Moments - Rain in my backyard - Stang A great group the Moments, they seldom can do any wrong, and for me this is one of their finer moments (no pun intended.) A recent Radio spin for Ian Levine on Jazz fm, this record should be played out more often. It's not rare, it's not expensive, it's just a great record that floats along with that distinctive Moments falsetto group vocal interplay. Lovely.
Eddie Horan - The ups and downs of a love affair - MGM Back to the out and out dancers with this one. Not quite as instant as the David Geddes track this is non-the less a cracking slice of seventies dance heaven. This really would go down well on any liberal minded dancefloor and quite a few that aren't so liberal as well I've no doubt. Still relatively cheap coming in under a tenner but if it takes off, as it should if there is any justice; it will not stay at that price for long.
Willie Fisher - Put your lovin on me - Tigress An old favourite to finish off with and classic Modern Soul to boot. I have had this for years on a Goldmine CD but it's only since I've bought a "real one" that I've realised just how good this record truly is. Great vocal superb arrangement catchy chorus what more could you ask for, dripping in Soul and oozing class from every groove. Most of you will know it if you don't just go and buy it it's great, I love it, you won't be disappointed. Essential.
Reviews by John Nightingale for Life and Soul promotions 10/12/01
Fifth Instalment
I had heard that you all missed me, well now I'm back, with my tongue firmly placed in my own cheek. Raring to go with another healthy slab of SOUL music for the discerning punter (that's you by the way.) It's been a while since the last lot of reviews so I don't really know where to start with this lot. Firstly I'd like to thank all the people who have sent me tapes and CDs recently, they are a never ending source of records that I need, want, must have so if you see something here that you have taped for me please take it as a compliment to your impeccable taste. Again there is a strong Seventies flava to the selections and I'll make no apologies for that, I just hope that there is something in there for you.
Barrett Strong - Is it true - Capitol
A great record to start off with. Easily one of my personal favourites in the last few months, this is quite simply wonderful. From the distinctive punchy start this record kicks in from the word go, swirling violins, choppy guitars, wonderful vocal all at an almost perfect mid-tempo pace that is sure to make this a dance floor winner every time. I have always loved his "Man up in the sky" but this is far better for me, absolutely tremendous.
Bobby McClure - Doing it rite on time - Hi
This one evaded me for quite some time; I don't know why as I don't think it is particularly rare it's on Hi for god's sake. Mike Ashley first put me onto this one; apparently he bought it as a new release that's how old he is!! Ever since he first played it to me, I needed this record and it took me 18 months to find one. Bobby is one of my favourite artists and this record is one of his best for me basically this is a Southern Soul Disco offering, more of a dancer than most of his outings "Doing it" mixes the laid back southern style with the (then) new Disco style. Don't let the disco tag put you off this because while it may be in a disco style it sure ain't disco, it is however a rather wonderful piece of soulful dance music. Lyrically it may not be in a Sam Dees league but old Bobby promises to "make yo backbone whine baby" whatever that means and I'm sure my backbone whines at the most mundane requests from my tired old body nowadays.
The Ellingtons - Spider - RCA
Not sure exactly when this was made but at a guess I would say probably early Seventies with more of a Northern Soul feel to this outing by the Ellingtons. Basically this is a Morality tale, a warning to all you ladies out there to beware of the Spider a euphemism for the Devil himself spinning his evil web to ensnare you all. A great hook line on this one "Spider, spider spins his web of evil tighter" I personally love it to bits and as it falls into the gap in between Northern and Crossover Soul it isn't that easy to pigeon hole and I for one like that. Again it's a mid tempo dancer, but I'm sure you have noticed my preference for that pace already probably not for everyone this time and not too common either at least that's what they told me when I bought it, but I for one am glad that I did.
OC Smith - I'm so glad I fell in love with you - Motown LP track.
Well you could have knocked me over with a feather when I first heard this one for me it's the best record I have bought this year (and I have bought some good records) and the rest of the Album ain't bad either. This is great, think rich deep vocal, think slick polished production, think floater, think absolutely wonderful, think marvellous "shoo be doo pow" backing. To be honest I could prattle on about this record all day long and not do it justice I think by now you'll have guessed that I am a fan. Essential purchase, just get it.
Milt Mathews - You and me and love - H&L
I suppose it is to be expected that I'm going to like every record that I list here but this is getting ridiculous. Another essential purchase and again relatively easy to pick up from the Hugo and Luigi stable. More of a Modern Soul dancer this one and slightly more uptempo then the rest so far, it fair romps along, well for a modern record that is. Big sound, big vocal big time record.
Light Drivers - Dreams of a shoeshine boy - Gemini
Wonderful, wonderful soul record that comes complete with the classic line "So I slap a little water on my kisser, get down on the corner, Shoe Shine Mister?" what would he think of today's instant wax shine eh? Not exactly what you'd call a dancer this one although the flip "Operator" is more of a dancer just a lovely soulful song that most of the Crossover boys and girls should go for.
Crème de Cocoa - Leading Lady - Venture.
Two excellent sides here, "Leading lady" is the more obvious, a mid tempo dancer and fine example of Seventies group soul heaven. The only slight downside for me is the slightly cheesy end to the track but even that is growing on me. The other side "Mr Me and Mrs You" is just a brilliant soul record, forget categories and pigeon holes, if you like your music to have soul to spare this one is for you. I guess it's a ballad really but a soulful ballad in the Philly traditions of Messrs Pendergrass and Levert and that is high praise indeed.
The O'Jays - Shattered Man - Trip
Me I'm a sucker for that Norman Whitfield sound and this record fits that bill to a tee, slightly psychedelic, with intricate group vocal interplay's from Eddie and the boys I just love it. It is very Temptations and slightly funky and most wonderful. A good dancer too with all the changes in tempo that virtually guarantee that it will be a dancefloor winner. The label Trip, I'm told is a re-issue label, the original label being Saru. I've seen loads of these for sale on Saru, but this is the only one I've seen on Trip (and it's a nice multi coloured swirling pattern label to boot.) Why anyone would want to re-licence a record that wasn't a hit is beyond me if you see either they shouldn't be more than a fiver or so and well worth it at that.
Mandrill - (My Girl) My kind of girl - Arista
I'm told that this was a bit of a play for Robin Salter at Stafford well for my money it's about time the dust was wiped from it's grooves and the record given another airing. Highly infectious eminently danceable this is a winner all round. Much more of a dancer than their classic "Too Late" and just as good. From the start of the Bass plucking intro right through to the end it just floats along and is so right for now, how could you not dance to this.
Reviews by John Nightingale for Life and Soul promotions 25/06/02