We Want You To Dance [2021] - 90s Ignorance [So Much Love To Give]

The last couple of days I've been catching up with some 'oldies' as there hasn't been much to shout about on the new release front.  Tomorrow will be a different story as many new releases seem to get launched on Fridays.  Today has been a bit of a broad spectrum, but I'll close with, what I consider to be, a very different, original and an impressive new album.

An oddly named artist/group 'We Want You To Dance', which I personally feel may hinder them, release a new (debut?) album '90s Ignorance'. That aside, they do have a very distinctive and refreshing sound with a fusion of soul, R&B, jazz and even a tad of hip-hop and rock. 

I have, as yet, found no info on the artist but hear British (southern English) accents, on several tracks, so guess that they are probably from UK. I also think she may be a solo artist as can only hear one voice but presume that she has a band behind her given the name. 

I can't yet decide what my favourite track is but it would be between 'Temptation', 'Do You?' and 'Dalston Nights (Look So Cute)' (which is a real mash up of genres soul, hip-hop, jazz), I may plump for the latter for it's originality. 'Industrial Chic has modern/retro rock/disco vibe (not sure if Chic in the title is a play on the 70s/80s band's name).

UPDATE - could there be a clue in the title of 'Dalston Nights' which is in East London?

I think I must be the first to listen to this album on YT as only a handful of views on some tracks and none on the others until I listened to them. I highly recommend this album if your open minded as it's the most original album I've heard this year so far, and it gets better with each play, but in no way could I describe it as a 'pure' soul album.

If any of the group members, or anyone who knows them, comes across this post then please get in touch with some further details as I'm loving this album.

It really is a different and very contemporary album so I recommend listening to the whole album. 

Listen to Full Album here

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Do You? [7A/88]

It looks like this may have already been released as a single on 3 Jul 2020.

Dalston Nights (Look So Cute) [2A/96]

It looks like this may have already been released as a single in Oct 2020.

Temptation [8B/92]

Details

Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	So Much Love To Give
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Value:	£1/£7.99

Juanita Williams - Discography

A record I've always been fond of was released in 1964 by Juanita Williams 'Baby Boy' / 'You Knew What You Were Gettin'' which I always thought was one of only two records she had released, until a few years ago when I discovered that she relased an album in 1994.  

I was even more pleasantly surprised when I discovered another album, 'It's Who I Am', by her released in 1999 which is mainly covers of jazz standards but there are two good soul tracks, a cover of Aretha's 'Until You Come Back To Me' and a superb deep soul/jazz tune called 'So Good' (which may well be a well known jazz song as all the other songs are covers, but I don't recognise it). Even All Music doesn't state who the writers are for 'So Good' or 'Please Don't Say You're Sorry Again' so it will be difficult to track down. If anyone knows please leave a comment.

It is also interesting how things intertwine as I wasn't aware, until researching her further, that she was a member of The Honey Bees (with her sister Barbara Ann Williams and  Mary 'Stegall' Lucas), mentioned in the Jack Montgomery post, who recorded the vocal version of 'Never In A Million Years' on Garrison.  This is a rare 4 figure valued record. It's the only known release for them and other that the release on Golden World she has only one other listed single which was on Wingate in 1965 with 'Some Things You Never Get Used To' / 'You Knew What You Were Gettin' on the flip again.

Discography

NB clicking on title link will open track(s) in YT on a new page, clicking on labe/cat no will open Discogs or Amazon pages for the release.

Singles

1964 - Baby Boy / You Knew What You Were Gettin' [Golden World #GW-18]

1965 - Some Things You Never Get Used To / You Knew What You Were Gettin' [Wingate #WG-08]

1976 - The Honey Bees - Let's Get Back Together / Never In A Million Years [Garrison #GAR 3005]

All of the above records are good and recommended listening.

Albums

UPDATE 22 Jul 2021 - I have been informed by a reader that the son of Juanita Williams states that these two albums are by a different singer.

1994 - Introducing Juanita Williams [Big Mo #10242]

1999 - It's Who Am I [Hq]

Here's a couple of reviews on 'It's Whom I Am' I came across whilt digging around:

Washington Post review

All About Jazz review

So Good

Until You Come Back To Me

Kevin Toney [1999] - So Good [Shanachie #5059]

A classy jazz/soul stepper called 'So Good' from Kevin Toney's 1999 album 'Extra Sensual Perception' released on Shanachie.

Toney was keyboardist with The Blackbyrds and went solo in 1982 when the group disbanded.  He's released eight solo albums since 1982.

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band v Queen Latifah - Hard Times

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band was formed by brothers Stony & Thomas Browner (aka August Darnell aka Kid Creole) in 1974 and has been mentioned few times recently on this blog but nothing posted by them, so I thought I'd put up two versions of this song. 

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band sound was very original at the time blending disco and big band 30s sounds akin to what Manhattan Transfer also did.

The other version is from 'The Dana Owens Album' from Queen Latifah when she turned her back on hip-hop between 2003-08 and released couple of soul/jazz albums. Don't be put off by the fact that she started out as a rapper as this girl can 'sang'. There's also a good rendition of Barbara Lewis' 'Hello Stranger' on the album.

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band [1976] - Hard Times [RCA Victor #APL1-1504] 

From the self-titled debut album. I'm fairly sure that this got plays at Blackpool Mecca by Colin Curtis along with a few other tracks from it e.g. 'Cherchez La Femme', 'I'll Play The Fool'.

Listen to Full Album here

Queen Latifah [2004] - Hard Times [A&M #B0003435-02]

From 'The Dana Owens Album'

Krishunda Echols [2012] - Mad Dog 20/20 [Neckbone]

An uptempo southern soul groover from 2012 album 'Grown & Sexy' which was also released as a single.

It appears that this is her only album (so far) which is surprising as listening to the samples (click album cover image) it's a pretty good contemporary southern soul set.

Details

Format:	Single/Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Neckbone
Cat No:	Cat No
Year:	2021
Key:	4B
BPM:	100
Value:	£1/£7.99

Santana [1992] - Somewhere In Heaven [Polydor #314 513 197-2]

I posted a live version of this by Santana tribute band The Magic Of Santana which featured ex members Alex Ligertwood and Tony Lindsay.  Here's the full 10 minute version by Santana from 1992.

This song defies classification as it has elements of soul, jazz, gospel and rock all rolled into this masterpiece. It featured on the 1992 'Milagor' album and was released as a single which unbelievable failed to chart anywhere in the world! Nearly 30 years on it still sounds amazing.

Live version featuring Alex Ligertwoood (who co-wrote the song with Carlos Santana) on lead vocals.

Here's an earier live version from 1991 featuring Tony Lindsay on lead vocals

Chaka v Luther v Aretha & Stevie - Until You Come Back To Me

This post's title says it all as I'm sure that just from the first names you know already exactly who to expect.

This is the result when muscial genius collides - Chaka Khan and Luther Vandross covering a song made famous by Aretha Franklin (who had #3 Hot 100 /#1 R&B hit with it in 1973), which was co-written by Stevie Wonder (with Morris Broadnax and Clarence Paul) who first recorded it in 1967 (but unreleased until 1977 on a compilation 'Looking Back').

Chaka Khan (Live)

Aretha Franklin & Stevie Wonder (Live)

It is such a blessing what can be found on YT. Here's Aretha & Stevie in duet on the song in 2005.

Luther Vandross (Live)

The master of interpretation Luther Vandross doing his arrangement of the song as a medley Superstar/Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do) from 'Busy Body' and released as a single in 1984 but only reached #87 on Hot 100!

Hil St. Soul (Live)

Whilst we're here it would be rude not to include Hil St. Soul's live version. It is the song that turned me onto them when it was released in 2000 from their debut album 'Soul Organic'. It's great to see they seem to be finally getting the recognition deserved albeit 20 years later!

Faye Hill & The Hill Sisters [1973] - Gonna Get Even / You Came To Me In The Rain [Blue Dolphin #711]

This is the last of only 3 singles released by the Hill Sisters, Faye, Mary & Cathy. 

Discography

1971 - Oh My Love, Sweet Love / My Lover [Space #45-309]

A: A lovely sweet soul harmony outing sounding similar to The Lovelites

B: Mid-tempo Northern soul/Crossover

'My Lover' was witten by Mel Alexander (who owned Kris and co-owned Space with James Jackson) and it was previously released on Kris #R-107 by B.B. Carter in 1965. James Jackson wrote 'Oh My Sweet Love'.

Both sides are available for download from Numero Group.

1971 - Just In Case (You Change Your Mind) / My Kind Of Guy [Choice #1001]

A: Northern Soul

B: ?

Both songs were written by Vincente Love who owned the Hollywood label and this is the only listed release.

1973 - Gonna Get Even / You Came To Me In The Rain [Blue Dolphin #711]

A: Crossover

B: Sweet soul harmony

Faye Hill wrote 'Gonna Get Even' and John Copage is credited with the flip, with the producer being Marc Copage (who had a quite horrendous record played on NS scene 'Who Can I Turn To'). Discogs has linked to him but he was only 11/12 in 1972 so surely it couldn't be the same person.

Fay Hill

Faye dropped the 'e' from her name and released a gospel album ('This Is A Blessing') in 1981 on WFL (Wireless For the Lord) backed by her sisters who included another family member, Rita. A 12" single of two tracks from the album was pressed in limited qualtity to promote the album on Christian radio stations. Both are good early 80s modern soul tracks. 

1981 - I Know Who You Should See / Any Load You Can Handle [WFL #WFL 2005]

Here's a couple of the better tracks from the album:

This Is A Blessing

I Don't Know You

In 1987 she released a secular album, 'Island In My Mind', on Bouvier imprint PPL, Bouvier also released material on The Band AKA.

She re-recorded Gonna Get Even for this album.

You Can Bet, I Love You

Electronic Lover

Let Me Know

The tracks above are OK (?), but the ones below are for lovers of 'that' sparse late 80s electro/funk sound.

X-Rated-Love

Island In My Mind

Space-Age-Woman

Take Me

Faye Hill & The Hill Sisters [1973] - Gonna Get Even [Blue Dolphin]

Mega rare and now in-demand is this 70s crossover outing on Blue Dolphin written by Faye Hill.  Only 3 listed on Popsike the last one selling in 2017 for £3.5k.

This was one of only 4 singles listed for the Holywood based label. Their first two single were released as The Hill Sisters, and the final one pushed Faye to the front billed as Faye Hill & The Hill Sisters. 

As luck would have it some nice person (soulmessenger) has posted it on YT only today!

Faye Hill & The Hill Sisters [1973] - You Came To Me In The Rain [Blue Dolphin]

Mid-tempo deep soul ballad.

The Ledgends v The Lovelites [1970] - Gotta Let You Go [Red Balloon #RB-01 / Uni #73081]

Several members of The Legends were members of the original Notations who were formed in 1969 and consisted Cliff Curry, Curtis McCormick, Carl McPhan, Brian Taylor & Lee Dees. They recorded 'Trying My Best To Find Her' / 'Gonna Get Ready' on TAD #205 the same year. 

After this record Clifford Curry left taking the group name. Two groups emerged, a new Notations formed of Curry, LaSalle Mathews, Jimmy Stroud & Bobby Thomas, and The Ledgends consisting of Curtis McCormick, Carl McPhan, Lee Dees from the previous Notations along with Lamar Greer and Lenny O'Dell.

The Ledgends released three 45s all in 1970. I did a post on the goup some time ago here.

This song was written by two members Carl McPhan and Curtis McCormick. It was also recorded by The Lovelites the same year on their album 'With Love From The Lovelites'.

McCormick also wrote both sides of The Notations first single and The Softiques - 'Bashful (I'm That Kinda Girl)' / 'Two Kinds Of Boys', The Lovelites - 'Who You Gonna Hurt Now', as well as The Symphonics  'Guilty' / 'When I Grow Old', Billy Stewart - 'What Have I Done' with Fred Cash (The Impressions).

The Ledgends [1970] - Gotta Let You Go [Uni #73081]

The Lovelites [1970] - With Love From The Lovelites [Uni #73081]

Lee Williams & The Cymbals v The Pretenders - It's Everything About You (That I Love) [Carnival]

A song written by Joe Evans (a jazz saxophonist who owned Carnival) and Edward 'Sonny' Bivins who was a member of The Manhattans who also recorded for Carnival in the 60s. Both, coincidentally, died in 2014, Evans aged 97 and Bivins was 78.

Carnival was based in New York originally in 1962 but moved to Newark, NJ in 1963. The company ran between 1962-74, however sporadic releases started appearing again in 1980 (from The Pretenders release here) to 1985. 

The label was doomed when The Manhattans left for Deluxe in 1969 as the  company was running on a shoe string and relied on the Manhattans selling records. It has been said that Joe Evans was unhappy that they left as he had groomed them from nothing and they left when the company needed them.

Lee Williams & The Cymbals [1968] - It's Everything About You (That I Love) [Carnival #CAR-537]

The Pretenders [1980] - It's Everything About You (That I Love) [Carnival #CAR-560]

This is a 'modernised' take of the song by The Pretenders originally released in 1980. It was reissued on Family Groove, both as 7" and extended 12" in 2016/17 respectively and  has also been reissued by Kent on TOWN 172 in 2019.

The original currently sells for between £200-£300.

The flip side I Call It Love is claimed to have been released three times on the label, 2 slow versions and the fast version,  in 1970 slow version (CAR-550), 1974 slow version? (CAR-560) and on this fast version in 1980. However there is some confusion over the dates as 560 is listed at 1980 on Discogs but 1974 on 45Cat, so unless there were 2 releases on 560, both slow and fast versions I don't know if this is correct.

The Temprees [2019] - That's Why I Love You [Kent Select #CITY 067]

This one is 'right up my street', a previously unissued track from the vaults of We Produce by The Temprees put out by Kent Select in 2019. 

The Kent release also has the original version of 'Trippin' On Your Love' by The Staple Singers on the A side, which was originally album only ('This Time Around') from 1981. It was covered in the 90s by Kenny Thomas, A Way Of Life and Arthur Miles.

The Temprees were formed in the mid 60s as The Lovemen and included Larry Dodson who left to join The Bar-Kays in 1970 before they were signed to Stax and had released anything.

They had a couple of tunes played on NS scene in the mid 70s 'At Last' and 'I Found Love On A Disco Floor'.

Ray Pettis [1969] - Together Forever / Think It Over [Dee Dee #73173]

Brian Pinches does it again, posting yet another record of sheer quality, a crossover gem with a respected deep soul cut on the flip (A) side, and this is still a 'cheapie' (£15-£30).  

Check out Brian's YouTube channel as he is constantly posting great stuff.

Ray Pettis was a member of The Gems in the 50s and released a number of solo recodings in late 50s and early 60s which were mainly doo wop, but as the 60s progressed he recorded several soul tunes. This record was released on Bobby Robinson's (The Gems) Dee Dee label from Chicago. He released another on the label as Ray (The Rev) Pettis in 1970 a soul/funk A side 'Hello There Pretty Baby' with a deep soul B side 'I Don't Care'.

There's more info on Ray Pettis on Sir Shambling.

Together Forever

Think It Over

Ed Robinson [1971] - Temptation's Bout To Get Me [Atco #45-6812]

There are several versions of this Jimmy Diggs song, originally recorded by The Knight Brothers in 1965, who Diggs was a member of. Billy Stewart also recorded it and it was released on a posthumous album 'Remembered' in 1970 (he died in a car crash on 17 Jan 1970).  

Both great versions (and there are others (Aesops Fables (1968), The Rascals (1969), The Age of Reason (1969), The Rationals (1969), Paris Pilot (1969), Susan Carter (1970)), but it is Ed Robinson's smoother and mellower 70s version that appeals most to me. 

It defies 'categorisation', it could be deep, beat ballad, modern, does it really matter as it's just a damn fine piece of music!

Don Thomas [1973] - Train Keep Moving [Cal State #CS-3202]

A tune that has been gaining popularity on the Sunday Soul Scene is another flip side to a Northern Soul classic (Don Thomas' 'Come On Train') sounding very similar to Brook Benton's 'Rainy Night In Georgia'.  In fact when I first heard it played by Johnny Manship I wandered over the the decks to see if it was Brook Benton. As a result of exposure it has subsequently more than doubled in price.

It was released twice, as the flip to 'Come On Train' as 'Train Keep Movin'' on NUVJ and again on Cal State as 'Train Keep Moving'. They were both released in 1973 but don't know which came first.

This one is difficult to categorise as it dosen't really fit in any of the normal 'pigeon holes' as it's not deep, northern, crossover or modern or even a lowrider in the true sense. Just accept it for what it is, a quality soul tune.

Nolan Chance [1969] - I'll Never Forget You [Thomas #TH 802]

From Nolan Chance (real name Charles Davis) who brought us the Northern Soul classic 'Just Like The Weather' in 1965 is this superb soul cut from 1969 on Chicago's Thomas label joint-owned by Eddie Thomas and Curtis Mayfield.

Chance joined The Dukays replacing Gene Chandler in 1962 when Chandler left for a solo career. A year later he joined The Artistics. 

His total solo ouput was two 45s on Constellation ('She's Gone' (a early 60s ballad) / 'If He Makes You (He's Free To Take You)' (R&B/Northern) & 'Just Like The Weather' (NS classic) / 'Don't Use Me' (a popcorn/R&B NS tune) (both 1965), this one on Thomas (1969) c/w 'I'm Loving Nothing' (a deep soul ballad) and his last on Scepter (1972) 'Sara Lee' (a ballad) / 'I'd Like To Make It With You' (another ballad).

Dena Barnes [1967] - Who Am I (You Ought To Know) [Inferno #1020]

This has 'suffered' from being on the flip to her classic 'If You Ever Walk Out Of My Life' which was hammered to death in the mid 70s.  As we've all mellowed over the years the 'preferred' side now is 'Who Am I' which was probably deemed too slow back in the day, but this is a superb soulful mid-paced Northern Soul dancer.

Peabo Bryson [1978] - Feel The Fire [Capitol #4573]

A stone cold soul classic, that he wrote himself, which seemed to pass the general record buying public by as it only charted on US R&B charts, reaching #13 in 1978. 

Now 40 odd years later it still sounds as good as ever. Below I've posted him perfoming it live on 'Ladies Request' concert, which was also released as a DVD in 2005 and has been posted here if you want to view the whole concert.

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Capitol
Cat No:	4573
Year:	1978
Key:	12A
BPM:	62
Value:	£2-£5

Nobody's Children [1976] - Shardarp / I Wish I Had A Girl [Toeholt #14810]

This is the only known release for Nobody's Children who were a funk band from Florida who released this record in 1976 on Chet Davenport's Toeholt label. 

Most of the label's output (around 9 45's) was released by Davenport himself, including two versions of another modern/crossover favourite 'I Can't Get Over You' initially released as Traffic Jam and then as Chet Davenport.

Nobody's Children lead singer (songwriter, arranger, producer and sax & keyboard player) was Willie Travis aka El' Willie who was a member of The Original Drifters in the early 70s prior to forming Nobody's Children

El’ Willie re-recorded 'Shardarp' in 2018 for Cannonball. He then re-recorded his own version in 2019 and in 2020 the original version with the original flip side 'I Wish I Had A Girl' were both issued by Twilight records.

This is a 'unicorn rare' record, only two have been listed on Popsike, the last one sold in Nov 2020 for £3,317, the other sold just shy of £2k in Jul 2015. I think I'm right in saying that Soul Sam began spinning this around 2014.

Nobody's Children [2020] - Shardarp / I Wish I Had A Girl [Twilight #ASHP-522-20]

Short samples only of these I'm afraid.

Nobody's Children [1976] - Shardarp [Toeholt #14810]

Original version released 1976

El' Willie [2018] - Shardarp II [Cannonball #CBLL-018]

Cannonball remake released 4 Apr 2018 (Vocal & Instrumental  samples only)

El' Willie [2019] - Shardarp (3000 the Rebirth) [Twilight]

El' Willies version from  'El' 19 Smooth as Silk 8' album released Jul 2019 on Twyilight.

Out Of Sights [2021] - For The Rest Of My Life / My Womans Love [Big Man #BMR 1004]

A reissue of two sides from the Out Of Sights (Out-Of-Sights) was released 13 Feb 2021 on Mark Bicknell's Big Man label, the 4th release to date. Originally released on Cleveland label Saru, named after the owners (Chuck Brown and Frank Key) mothers Sara & Ruth.  

The top side was the first release on the label in 1969 and is a rare as hens teeth. The flip was originally released as the B side to 'I Was Wrong' in 1971. They released two other 45s on the label. 

Numero Group has previously reissued 'For The Rest Of My Life' on their Boddie imprint in 2014 with 'Tears Don't Care Who Cries' on the other side, which is another great, soulful Northern Soul/Crossover tune. Note that these are demo takes recorded prior to signing for Saru that were found in the Boddie vaults. 'Tear's', especially, is a different, much better, take to the funky take that was issued on Saru. This reissue seems to be hard to find now with none currently for sale on Discogs, with the last one selling for £100.

Other notable releases on the label include a one-off by The O'Jays (who were from Canton, Ohio) in 1971, just before they joined Gamble & Huff at Phildelphia International, and Bobby Dukes' wonderful crossover tune  'Just To Be With You'. The song was also recorded on Saru by Elements (S-1224), (which going by Cat. No. was the issue before Bobby Dukes' version) and was reecently reissued by Numero Group in 2019 (but appears to be Japan only).

Interestingly, The O'Jays also recorded a version of  'Just To Be With You' on 45 and on album titled 'Superbad', both released on Little Star. The album also included the two sides of their Saru 45.  The same album also appeared on other labels with different titles but was essentially the same tracklist.

Out-Of-Sights [2021] - For The Rest Of My Life [Big Man #BMR 1004]

Out-Of-Sights [2021] - My Womans Love [Big Man #BMR 1004]

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Big Man
Cat No:	BMR 1004
Year:	2021
Value:	£20

Bunny Sigler & Andy Kravitz [2021] - You Can Feel It! [A To The K Productions]

Bunny Sigler was much loved on the UK Northern Soul scene for several records released on Parkway 'Girl Don't Make Me Wait', 'Follow Your Heart', 'Sunny Sunday', as well as some earlier releases on Decca, in the 60s. 

He joined Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International in the 70s and later moved to Salsoul's Gold Mind subsidiary. As well as recording, he also wrote and produced for many artists and is credited with discovering Instant Funk. Sadly he is no longer with us, he died of a heart attack in 2017 aged 76.

A new album of previously unreleased material, titled 'Can You Feel It!', has just been made available on BandCamp. It was recorded, mixed and produced by Andy Kravitz with the material being written and recorded between 1992-96.

NB use '>>' to skip through all tracks on album