Another valuable track from the Windy City, hidden on the b side of a heavy funk number. Starting with the chorus sung by female backing vocalists, the song is a solid modern soul record. I guess Richard Starr was a white guy.
An instant favourite of all those who had the opportunity to listen to this 1979 New Orleans recording. The song literally grows on you and reaches its peak with a storming sax solo. Premium was a studio identity used by Isaac Bolden, the man behind Soulin' Records.
A single that has created some buzz recently (and the price consequently rose). The Windy City were a harmony quintet, lead by Stevie Robinson. The album "Let Me Ride", besides the super sexy girl on the cover, is a collection of the typical smooth sounds Chicago Soul lovers go mad for.
Sharing the same backing track with Love Affair's modern soul classic "I Can't Stop Loving You", this UK only 45 has a cult following. Bobby McClure had a couple of hit singles in 1965. In the 70s he worked in an Illinois jail as a corrections officer.
Written by Jeff Perry, the song was originally played by Jackie Wilson on his magic album "Beautiful Day". This version is more on the up-beat and is driven by a strong bass line. It was recorded right before Major Lance returned in the US and signed for the Playboy label.
Almost disco (Vince Montana style is unique!) but still very soulful. This was originally played in the 70s but recently the other side is become huge in the scene. Some years ago we had the pleasure to interview Karen Dempsey and Allison Hobbs (read more here http://www.mediafire.com/?wwl0njwyfjz).
Frankie Beverly's the Butlers released this fab 45 in 1966. It sold pretty well locally but did not reach success on the national charts. It is an urgent piece of uptempo soul music that, despite the title, evokes dark atmosphere.
The flip is a classic Northern Soul mover while this side is an intense ballad. Both were produced by Jimmy Holiday and are premiere league West Coast soul. The group had other singles on Era, Deville and Tangerine.
A title apt to the season! Written by master Clarence Reid, produced by Chocolate Perry and Willie Clarke, it came out in the mid-70s. The arrangements are simple but very effective, with that wind blowing in the back. A superb Southern soul production.
With a long career behind them, the Manhattans are one of the great vocal groups of soul music history. In 1969 they moved from Carnival to King Records' DeLuxe subsidiary, where they stayed for 4 years. Known as sweet soul masters, in this case they deliver us a classy dancer.
