This is a cheapie only issued on 45 in UK on United Artists. It's from her
1979 album 'Love Explosion' recorded in London and not released in US and is, of course, a cover of
The O'Jay's Philly classic which should need no introduction suffice to say
Tina does it her way.
Bobby Wilson released one album and four singles (2 on Henry Stone's Chain
label and 2 on Buddah, plus another released only in Brazil) but the quality of his work is outstanding with many
of his records played on UK Modern Soul scene.
From a comment from his son on a
YT post in 2010, I believe he died in Nov 2009.
Some additional interesting anecdotes are that the backing group was The Jones Girls and Honey who also worked with Leslie Uggams and Larry Santos.
Vernon Bullock was a co-writer of the songs (with Bobby Wilson), arranger and producer and sang backing vocals. He co-founded New Birth with Harvey Fuqua, formed from The Nite-Liters who Fuqua was a member of. He also wrote and performed on The Younghearts 1973 album 'Do You Have The Time' on 20th Century and Livin' Proof's self-titled album on Jupar in 1978. Earlier, in the 60s, he wrote many songs for Motown artists such as Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Jr. Walker (What Does It Take), Gladys Knight & The Pips, Isley Brother (Tell Me It's Just A Rumor Baby), Four Tops, The Originals and Chuck Jackson and many other afterwards (he has 325 writing/arrangment credits on Discogs).
The album has been reissued on CD 3 times in 1992 in UK/Europe and 2013
in US and Japan. I don't think it has ever been reissued on vinyl. There
are about a dozen vinyl copies currently for sale on Discogs (Feb 2021)
ranging from £20-£75 which is excessive you should get a decent one for
around £30/£40. Curiously there are none available in UK - obviously they
must be in demand here and get bought up quickly?
NOTE Discogs links NS tune 'Feels Good' / 'Let Me Down Slow' on Volt in 1967 to him but having
checked BMI I don't think it's the same artist. There is also another
record from 1964 'Nobody's Fool' / 'My Letter' on Boyd, again i don't
believe it's the same artist but these two records are linked to each other
via BMI i.e. IPI# 00136652081 for these two and IPI# 00207109305 for the
Bobby Wilson listed here).
Another voice that I never tire of is Jackie Wilson. His soul sides from
mid 60s to mid 70s are amongst some of the best records made.
I'll lead with the B side which is a mellow (Sam Dees penned) track which came out on the flip to another
wonderful tune, his cover of Aretha's 'It Only Happens When I Look At You'
only released in UK & Turkey on 45, but is on his 1976 album 'Nobody But
Me'.
The price of this one is climbing and is now approaching £200. I can't
remember what I paid for my copy but it was nowhere near that price, but I
wouldn't want to sell this great double-sider!
Jackie Wilson [1977] - Just As Soon As The Feelings Over [Brunswick (UK)
#BR 43]
Jackie Wilson [1977] - It Only Happens When I Look At You [Brunswick (UK)
#BR 43]
Another beauty from Willie Hutch taken from his 1979 'Midnight Dancer' album
on Whitfield. The 45 issue is a tough one to find, it isn't even listed on
Discogs (only same sided promos which don't contain this track) and there's only one
listed on
Popsike.
I just love Willie Hutch's music; the name of the blog was inspired by his
1977 album track 'Soul Strut' from 'Havin' A House Party' which is a much
overlooked tune.
Here's another overlooked tune from 'Concert In Blues' (1976) and only released
on 45 in Italy as flip to 'Party Down'.
Tearra (aka Teah Louise) released this and another 45 as promos only
with the intention of recording an album ('Great Love') which didn't
materialise as she got married and left the business at the request of her
husband before completing the album. Apparently only 500 copies were
pressed making this now a rare and sought after record easily fetching well
into four figures if and when it comes up for sale (only a dozen or so
are listed on
Popsike).
It was reissued by Soul Junction in 2017 and even that is currently listed for sale for between £50-£80.
Tomorrow's Wish [1990] - My Love With You [Coastal #CL 1010]
This uses the same backing track as 'Just Loving You'. This is a much
cheaper way to own it as this 12", released in 1990, sells between £15-£20.
Although released in 1990, I believe it was recorded in late 70s but never
released at the time.
It was posted on YT by Emandolynn Music in 2015 who had this to say:
"Tomorrow's Wish was a Atlanta, Georgia unisex group consisting of two
females and one male lead, who recorded several R&B singles in the
late 70's, but never released. A few years later, they went on and
recorded a full gospel album under Glory Bound Records in the 80's. The
group disbanded shortly after, and never recorded again. Lester Carr, lead
singer, is now traveling with The Tams."
The last few days I've been trying to keep abreast of the best new
releases, of which there have been many, so today I'm focusing on Modern
Soul which hasn't had much of a look in lately. I've already posted a dozen or so.
This post has been prompted by a recent post on Soul Source as a new
version of this song, originally recorded in 1977 by Gloria Jay, by Sandra W. LeCounte (on Stage SP-5065) was
unearthed a few years ago languishing deep in the collection of Paul
Capon. It was 'believed' to be the only known copy at the time but at least one more has surfaced since. It was sent to John
Manship to auction and thankfully John has uploaded it on YT for the world
to hear. This is the only listed release for both singers.
I've just noticed that there is another copy up for auction on Manship's site ending 3 Mar 2021 so it will be interesting to see what the end price is. It will be the usual battle of rarity over quality as Gloria Jays' sells for no more than £150-£200 and in my view is a superior version.
Gloria Jay [1977] - Know What You Want [Stage Productions #STM-1008-4]
Here's the better, known version which is some tune, a superb late 70s stepper. It was reissued in 2017 on Melodies International. You can read about how Gloria Jay (Jennings) came to make the record on Melodies website. It also appears that there are still copies available for £10.
Here's a real treat for those who like 'vintage' soul, courtesy of 'Plumby' (Steve Plumb) who has just uploaded a podcast featuring the first 12 issues on Gary Cape's Hit And Run label. Many are now sold out but if you're interested in any of them then you can contact Gary on his facebook page.
From Steve:
"Hit & Run #1 - Quality Crossover, Modern & Northern Soul dancers from the first 12 x 45 releases.
Welcome to the first of a series of mixes combining the best of the 'Hit & Run' Record Label's 45 releases.
The first mix contains the killer Crossover Soul, Modern Soul & Northern Soul dancers from the first 12 x 45 releases from 2007-2011.
The second mix will contain the killer dancefloor tunes from the second batch of 14 x 45 releases from 2020-2021 and
the third mix will contain the quality Deep Soul, Sweet Soul, Group Soul & Southern Soul sides from ALL 26 releases (up to Feb 2021)"
Previouly unreleased. She's aka Mashaá and sang lead vocals on Gino Soccio's disco hit 'Try It Out' in 1981. There's some info about her on SoulExpress.
I'm getting ahead of the curve on this one as it has just been announced that this
will be the 5th release on Paul Mooney's One World label following this month's release of Michelle David 'Yes I Am'. Her next single on the label will be 'Good Good Good' (both already posted here.) which is scheduled for April 2021 along with Sean Oliver.
This tune was a modern soul floor filler around 1999/2000 and 'crossed
over' to NS dancefloors. It was only available on CD album ('Solitaire') or
12" EP so this will be the first time on 7" vinyl.
The album was released
in Canada (he was based in Toronto), UK & Japan but the 12" was issued in Canada only. I'd imagine that this will 'fly off the shelves' as it was a huge sound at the time.
A lot of 'soul' music produced in the 80s just doesn't seem to stand the
test of time. I guess they were experimenting with 'electronics'
(synths, drum machines and computers etc.). Some who grew up in that era like
that sort of stuff, but a lot of it just leave me cold. I suspect it's because I
grew up in the Philly era with full and lush productions using real
musicians and much of the 80s recordings sound very sparse and synthetic in
comparison.
Whilst this track, released in 1986, does have 'electronic' elements it is
saved by Booker Newberry's deep and soulful vocals and the saxophone.
The song was co-written by Philly 'legends' Len Barry & John Madara along
with Terry Price, so that gives it some additional 'pedigree'.
This, somehow, completely passed me by when it was released 3 years after
his massive hit with 'Love Town' and I've only just 'discovered' it.
It was released as 7" & 12" and is more or less his last single release,
although he did record an album in 1996. It sounds to me like there are
elements of Luther Vandross in it as I detect hints of/similarities with 'Never Too Much' in
places.
'Life's A Game Of Give And Take' is the same
song as 'Heavy Love Affair'. The former was released on a
2007 edition of 'In My Lifetime'
(disc 2 The Love Man Sessions, March-July 1979, Previously
Unreleased). The song was retitlted to Heavy Love Affair when 'In My
Lifetime' was released in 1981.
Gaye wasn't happy with the final result of the album and accused Motown of
meddling with it to rush release it. After the album was issued he asked to
be released from the label and CBS bought out his contract. You can read the full story on Wiki
Heavy Love Affair (John Morales Extended Mix) (unreleased)
Rare 11:20 min extended mix by John Morales
I suspect it's a 'blend' of Heavy Love Affair and Life's A Game Of
Give And Take
Life's A Game Of Give And Take
This is the version on 2007 edition of 'Im My Lifetime'
Heavy Love Affair
This is the final version released on 'In My Lifetime' in 1981
This track was recorded in 1972 for the album 'You're The Man' which was a
studio album, originally intended to be released in 1972 as the follow-up to
'What's Going On' as another socially conscious album. However, following the release of the
title track as a single, Gaye cancelled its release, partly due to the song's reception, but also owing to the fact that Gaye's
political views were different to those of Berry Gordy.
The album
'You're The Man' was posthumously released on March 29, 2019, on vinyl and digital, and April 26, on CD, through
Motown/Universal to celebrate what would have been Gaye's 80th birthday on
April 2, 2019. The album includes the single of the same name, as well as the intended
original full album plus some other songs Gaye recorded at the time.
15 of the 17 songs had not previously been released on vinyl, but most
have been available on CD compilations over the years.
Where Are We Going? has been included on the following compilations:
2001 - The Very Best Of Marvin Gaye
2001 - Let's Get It On Deluxe Edition (alternate mix)
2004 - Icons
2005 - Gold
2006 - Soul Legends
2006 - The Marvin Gaye Story
2008 - Soulklassiker
???? - The Marvin Gaye Essentials (Bootleg)
2010 - Let's Get It On (Rarities Edition)
'Where Are We Going?' /' Woman Of The World' was released on a 4 track 12" on 27 May 2014 with Donald Byrd's
versions of the two songs on the flip side (on a Blue Note label). It was originally only available from Blue Note Authorized Dealers designated as part
of Blue Note's 75th anniversary celebrations.
There are currently only 2 for sale on Discogs for £72-£82.
Alternative Version 2001
An 'alternate' version was released on the 2001 reissue of 'Let's Get It
On' Deluxe Edition on 'Working The Groove' disc.
This is a bit of an oddity for a couple of reasons. It was released on his
1976 'funk' album which contains probably one of his best known records 'Get Up Offa That Thing'. All the tracks on the album except for this one,
and a blues/jazz number Home Again are hard funk, which is probably why
it has been overlooked for so long.
It was only released on a 45 in Venezuela as a white label promo with this
as the A side and 'Get Up Offa That Thing' relegated to the B side! Only
four have ever sold on Discogs with the price ranging between £50-£75. There
are only two on Popsike, the first selling for only £30 (Ex) in 2016 and another
in 2018 for £158.
It was written by (credited to) his wife Deirdre and his daughters, Deanne
and Yamma, and St-Clair Pinckney who was a member of the J.B.'s.
A modern soul classic from gospel artist Donn Thomas (Not the same artist who
recorded the NS tune 'Come On Train'). This track is album only from 'You're The One' released 1981. As far as i am
aware he didn't release any singles.
An album only Philly style modern soul dancer from 1978 album 'Law And
Order'. This is the sort of tune that crosses over from Modern rooms to the
main Northern room.
Love Committee were a Philly group which evolved from The Ethics.
Taken from his 1979 album on Mad May titled 'Just A Few Facts Of Life',
which is his solitary release. I would guess that this is a private
press as there is nothing else released by label, artist or any of the
writers or producers. Although, if it's the same person, the arranger was
Jeremy Wall
who co-founded jazz/fusion band Spyro Gyra in 1978.
Although it's got a Philly feel about it, the album was recorded at Mark
Studios, Clarence, NY. This would tie up with Jeremy Walls as Clarence is
just outside Buffalo where Walls moved to after attending Columbia College.
Further investigation shows that
Mark Studios
is indeed a custom recording service which is still in existence, so the
theory that it is a private press probably holds true, which would make this
album pretty rare, supported by the sales prices (two available for
£90-£125).
A great piece of latin modern soul by Azteca from their 1973 album 'Pyramid
Of The Moon'.
Azteca
were formed by ex Santana members Coke & Pete Escovedo in 1972 which included
their sister Sheila (Sheila E).
Suberb 70s modern soul tune. Presumably, from the 'sparse' label, this looks like a private press which is believed to be out of Las Vegas. This ticks both boxs for collectors i.e. quality and rarity.
The flip side is by a different artist Marrietta Canovas & Jorge Herrada - 'No Le Llames Por Mi Nombre'.
Two great Modern Soul sides from Essex IV from 1975. The only release for group (under this name at least) and label. Arranged by Rich Rome around the time he started The Ritchie Family. Also 'My Reaction To You' was written by Ronnie Love. I'm not sure if it's the same Ronnie Love (as there are a few - one recorded for Dot and the other D-Town in early 60s) who had his one and only release played in late 70s 'Let's Make Love', it even got a UK release on Grapevine in 1978. I distinctly remember Richard Searling spinning it at Wigan at the time.
Essex IV [1975] - My Heart Just Can't Take It [Windmill #W-2001]
Essex IV [1975] - My Reaction To You [Windmill #W-2001]
