Sunday, June 28, 2009

Jaisùn: Keepin' It To Myself (Jett Sett)

Jaisun McGillian was born in San Antonio Texas, daughter of a New York jazz singer. In 1966 she moved to Los Angeles and became a member of the World Famous Platters. Later she joined Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. Her album is produced by legendary Motown writer and producer William "Mickey" Stevenson. The single "I Fall In Love Everyday" was a hit in 1977 but the best effort is definitely this side. Recently she wrote and directed "The Anatomy of a Woman Abused", a play based on her life.
keepin' it to myself

Band Of Thieves: City Slicker/I'm In Love (Ovation)

Super Funky Soul from an obscure Midwest group that originates from lead singer and keyboard player Napoleon Crayton, assisted by arranger Herb Pilhofer. This is their premier and only album. If you want to save money, a reissue should be available on the market.
city slicker
I'm in love

The Seven Souls: I'm No Stranger (Italian CBS)

This is the original top side of the Northern Soul monster "I Still Love You". It was written by saxophonist (and lead singer in this occasion) Henry Moore and by guitarist Bob Welch, who later reached success with Fleetwood Mac. An ace double sider, produced by Larry Williams. The Italian copy is highly collectable for the amazing picture of the band.
I'm no stranger

Jon Lucien: Search For The Inner Self (Ampex)

The debut record of this cult artist native of the island of Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands. Produced by Beau Ray Fleming (Zulema, Mandrill, GQ), the song is driven by the percussion of Bernard Purdie. For those interested, it is a long time Paul Weller's favourite too.
search for the inner self

Shirley & The Shirelles: Never Give You Up (Bell)

A classic side written by Philly Soul masters Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Jerry Butler and interpreted by of one the most famous female vocal groups of all times. It was cut in 1969 when Doris Coley had left and they were a trio.
never give you up

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Mel & Tim: Forever And A Day/It's Those Little Things That Count (Stax)

Mel Hardin and Tim McPherson were cousins from Holly Springs, Mississipi, who traveled to Chicago where they were discovered by Gene Chandler. With the big hit 'Backfield In Motion' behind them, in 1972 they recorded in Muscle Shoals the second album, written and produced by Phillip Mitchell. The good tracks are too many to mention so I have selected a couple as appetizer.
forever and a day
it's those little things that count

Leon Ware: Journey Into You (Gordy)

The title says it all: we are treated with a tonic massage of astonishing soul music. Leon Ware had several great LPs but try to find this one because it is probably his best. Year 1976 was so special for Leon, he had written the 'I Want You' album fo Marvin Gaye plus his debut for Berry Gordy's label. Immense!
journey into you

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Spyder Turner: I've Been Waitin' (Whitfield)

Taken from the album 'Music Web' (1978) and produced by Norman Whitfield, this powerful dancer is getting popular between modern soul lovers. Skilfully arranged with strings, horns and female backing vocals, it should easily find a place next to Motown's best efforts of the period.
I've been waitin'

Sundray Tucker: If It Was Me (T.K.)

Written and produced by Clarence Reid on the legendary T. K. Records, this lovely early 80s groover has received attention over the last months. Sundray, a Philadelphia singer, also performed under the name Cindy Scott and her most notable single was the Northern Soul classic 'I Love You Baby' on Veep.
if it was me

Friday, June 19, 2009

Patti York: He's Coming In The Morning (United Artists)

I found this record, a midtempo female dancer simple but rather infectious, several years ago, after reading about it in a magazine. If my memory serves me right, it was a Blackpool Mecca spin. Patti had another record on United Artists that is much more common.
he's coming in the morning