This incarnation of the famous soul band was formed by Bill Pinkney recruiting an Atlanta group called The Teals, right before a European tour when original members left. On returning to the US The Teals broke with Pinkney and continued under the name of The Original Drifters. This 1978 recording is the only one by them and is a stomping dancer.
A North Carolina record, issued in 1974. This is the first of four releases only by the Music-GO-Round label. Little Doc's vocals are powerful and the backing band, The Rhythm Express, do their job. Luv it!
I used to play this record massively many years ago when I purchased a copy after listening to it somewhere. Recently I saw it in a list selling for £75 so I pick it up again, discovering that it still sounds very good. The Spaniels started their career in the '50s and had a long and successful career. This single is a one-off for Buddah and was recorded in 1969. At that time the group consisted of the great Pookie Hudson, Charles Douglas, Alvin Wheeler, Alvin Lloyd, and Pete Simmons.
Written and produced by Don Julian, a talented singer, musician, writer, arranger, producer and performer, this is a West Coast record. Set at a slow pace the song is characterized by great vocal harmonies and clean arrangements. Karen Small had another valuable single on the same label titled "Hey Love".
This is the original version of Vivilore Jordan's Stafford classic on Task. The record comes from Memphis and has a strong Southern feeling, with deep vocals and a funky guitar pushing the song all over. A long time favourite of mine.
A superb 12" from Philadelphia, produced by Billy Butler and arranged by Al Johnson, two old foxes with a pedrigree. Based on a catchy melody, it has written 'hit' on it but unfortunately things went different. Raved by top dj Soul Sam, a man with good taste.
This extremely soulful version of Curtis Anderson' s rarity on Brown Bag has received a lot of attention on the modern scene. It was issued in the late 80s on a 12" and like the Crosswind track of the previous review shows us how many good tracks come from that period.
Probably the best track from the classic album "Love Is Stronger" (not forgetting "Lonely Room"), this small masterpiece is starting to get the attention it deserves. The band was a trio that featured the brothers Melvin and Leslie Wilson plus Ann Bogan from Michigan. A real grower produced by Harvey Fuqua.
Another fine record from this tiny label operating in Chicago. I have the red label but a cream coloured copy exists too. The song is built up on a solid drum pattern, with simple but good vocals. Occasionally played out, it is very appreciated by the crossover brigade.
Eddie Bo passed away on March 18, 2009. As a tribute to his unbelievable career nothing can be better than this record. Issued in 1965, it sums up all the ingredients of Eddie's work. Led by a funky guitar that explodes in a wild solo near the end, this is the cream of New Orleans Soul. Rest in Peace, Eddie.
