1. JOHNNY LYTLE-"The Man" Constellation C-145 1965
Drummer/vibraphonist Johnny Lytle has a small selection of moddy/moody jazzy instrumental 45's and this one is probably my favorite as it's a perfect mix of vibes, horns and Hammond. This was his fourth sibgle, and his only one on the Constellation label.
https://youtu.be/j7oGsY69apY?si=Oe8CCSfrZL_z9lfn
2. MERL SAUNDERS QUINTET-"Soul Grooving" Galaxy 755 1967
My pal Jennie Wasserman hipped me to this funky little horns versus organ instrumental groovy many years ago and I am still on the hunt for it. There's some wonky sax on it that gives it a funky uptown feel as well as an incredible guitar solo immediately followed by a wailing Hammond solo.
https://youtu.be/kLi2qgF5fWg?si=wh1hejIIjY_rt_Ya
3. HOLLYWOOD FLAMES-"I'm Gonna Stand By You" Symbol 215 1966
Here's one I know absolutely zip about. It's a mid tempo call and response soul groover with a distinctly Motown feel to it with the handclaps and female backing vocals. I really dig the atmospheric organ that trills along with the melody during the vocal parts.
https://youtu.be/d0wU-Ony1ho?si=VSM1PxozXZBfyCbj
4. TED FORD-"You're Gonna Need Me" Sound Stage 45-2604 1968
This uptempo horns driven floor filler came to my attention in the late 80's on my first Northern Soul compilation CD ("Up All Night 30 Northern Soul Classics"). The arrangement and delivery betray the '68 release date and it always reminded me of a more sophisticated/well produced Robert Parker side.
https://youtu.be/AK4mB0n6Af4?si=LKdrnLbEvTcNxNiI
5. THE MIGHTY MARVELOS-"Talkin' Bout Ya Baby" ABC 11011 1967
Previously known as The Marvelos (and their 1965 hit "I Do"), this was the flip of their first single under their new moniker. It's a fast paced number playing to the band's intricate backing vocal strengths with some sharp brassy backing.
https://youtu.be/T24ZgxbXbIE?si=Z0EiyTFU043xAyD1
6. BENNY GORDON AND THE SOUL BROTHERS-"What Is Soul" RCA Victor 47-9194 1967
This cover of Ben E. King's powerful 1966 hit is re-interpreted by by Benny Gordon and company the following year and was their third single of an eventual four 45's on the RCA Victor label. Though not as vocally strong as the original the congas and the funky Stax style horns make it an interesting version nonetheless!
https://youtu.be/ohZ_my03fbw?si=DHYuK27YsPMSP7Th
7. CHUCK BRADFORD-"You're Going To Miss Me (When I'm Gone)" Fire 505 1961
I will pretty much snatch up anything I find on the Fire label and this one is no exception. Powered by a "Last Night" style style groove (complete with a honky sax solo) it's an excellent party record that I know absolutely nothing about!
https://youtu.be/-u8A62LqY0g?si=9r1_rUeRrGoDbt-N
8. L.H. & THE MEMPHIS SOUNDS-"Out Of Control" Hollywood 1122 1968
Here's an recent discovery of mine that was yet another anonymous release that was the brainchild of Memphis sax player Charles "Packy" Axton , son of Stax records co-founder Estelle Axton. Though not as gritty as some of his other releases (ie The Packers or The Martinis) it's a half decent, hard driving mid tempo number that was recorded after Axton returned to Memphis from his Los Angeles soujourn. Interestingly it's not an instrumental, does anyone know how the vocalist is?
https://youtu.be/Jzn-o_efFPQ?si=7jZqBVVLIWo371ru
9. MICKEY & SYLVIA-"Baby You're So Fine" Willow 45-2300 1961
This track was dropped one year before the pair found stardom with their smash "Love Is Strange" (a re-release of a 1958 recording). This tune was their first track for the Willow label and it's a driving saxophone versus piano instrumental that is positively infectious!
https://youtu.be/k8-V5wqjogI?si=raIj2S9rg-T71ic3
10. JACK MONTGOMERY-"Dearly Beloved" Scepter SCE 12152 1966
This MEGA expensive baritone soul ballad has a Motown style backbeat, falsetto backing vocals, vibes and strings making it a Pensioner Soul must have and driving it's price into the ridiculously un-affordable zone. Regardless of it's in demand status with the geriatric floor shuffling set it's nothing short of brilliant.
https://youtu.be/XjALToNE0bc?si=VyQr3OD9-o_OxUsP
All scans c/o 45cat.com
No comments:
Post a Comment