The High Keys [1966] - Let's Take A Chance [Verve #VK 10423]

Here's yet another flip side to a Northern Soul classic which is now the 'preferred' side.  The played side back in the day was 'Living A Lie', 'broken' at The Torch, but was still being played at Wigan in the mid/late 70s. This side, I suppose, you would describe as a beat ballad and what a superb soulful tune, far superior musically to 'Living A Lie'.

The High Keys had a hit with their first single in 1963 (#47 Hot 100) which was a latin/R&B version of Doris Day's 1962 hit (not for this blog!). As far as I can tell they only released four singles, the first three on Atco in 1963-64 and then this one on Verve in 1966.

There appear to be several variants, two promos light blue and yellow, and two stock copies black and dark blue. They all seem to sell for similar amounts, currently around £600 mark.

This side was written by Richard Pitts (who, if it's the same person, was a member of The Velours ('I'm Gonna Change') who later became The Realistics and then The Fantastics) and  Winston Willis who was a member of the 50s group The Solitaires. Willis also co-wrote 'Living A Lie' with Gerald Harris and George Kerr, the latter produced both sides.

Troy Keyes, who the group took its name from, was also a member of The Velours briefly between 1958-60, and went on to record around 4 solo singles in the late 60s/early 70s and also a duet with Norma Jenkins. Several of his records have also been played on NS scene, but I won't clutter this post with them and may feature them in a separate post.

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Verve
Cat No:	VK 10423
Year:	1966
Key:	N/A
BPM:	88
Value:	£600+ (approx.)