Willie Tee [2022] - The First Taste Of Hurt / I'm Having So Much Fun [Gatur #G-557]

Another Record Store Day 2022 release out of New Orleans is yet another crossover classic. this time from Willie Tee. (aka Wilson Turbington)

There are 2 versions of "The First Taste Of Hurt" released on 3 different 45s:

1/ Gatur 557 Green label organ version c/w I'm Having So Much Fun

2/ Gatur 509 Green label organ version (same as 1/ 557)  c/w Funky, Funky Twist

3/ Gatur 509 Blue label piano version c/w Funky, Funky Twist

Dates are a bit sketchy with 45Cat stating 1968 for Gatur 557 and 1970 for the other two releases, with Discogs stating 1969 and 1972 respectively.

The hardest version to find is the piano version on blue 509, followed by the 557 version with the different flip which is also in-demand.  The more 'common' issue is the green 509 which are currently selling at around £350+.

The RSD 2022 release is a reissue of the first release on Gatur 557 which is now commanding around £2k. It's a shame they didn't reissue the Gatur 509 piano version along with "I'm Having So Much Fun"! It's another that has been reissued by Grapevine, in 2002 and these are selling for almost £100.

You may or may not be aware that Joss Stone recorded a version in 2012 on her "Soul Sessions Volume 2" album, It was included a a bonus track. 

RareSoulMan, renown rare soul record dealer John Manship, waxed lyrical about the piano version:

"THE VERSION TO OWN - Not only because it is significantly rarer than the green label release, more importantly a totally different version to the green label release even though the labelling carries the same release number 509 release number and oddly master number 1005 also .

This release is even more unimaginably brilliant, thoughtfully considered, a softer take, with a different vocal, than the muscular Hammond organ propelled version on the later green label release; was preceded by mesmerising piano and horn alchemy, brought down into an awesome flood of beseeching Northern Soul, sublimely filled with warnings of impending "hurt".

Preeminent New Orleans Northern Soul with few comparisons; Willie knew he had written something very special, indeed lyrically remarkable, unadulterated Soul poetry drenched in the irony of karma. One of the greatest records ever to emerge out of The Crescent City, we think inexplicably revamped and re-promoted by Willie Tee. But he knew he had written a gem but he didn't feel it carried enough "funk" to capture the public's attention. So he abandoned his first draft and re-recorded it for release on the more familiar green Gatur label take. Leaving the original "session" adrift, to be discovered by dedicated European Soul Scholars and DJ's who still swoon in its soulful purity today.

For me no superlative is too strong, to clothe this record in, utterly brilliant, frustratingly rare and seldom if ever encountered in anything but poor condition."

Willie Tee recorded some fine tune. His Discography was posted in 2020 check it out.

Willie Tee [1972] - The First Taste Of Hurt [Gatur 509] Blue

Willie Tee [1972] - The First Taste Of Hurt [Gatur G-557]

Willie Tee [1972] - I'm Having So Much Fun [Gatur G-557]

Joss Stone [2012] - First Taste Of Hurt [S-Curve]

Joss Stone recorded a version for her Soul Sessions Vol. 2 album in 2012 - it was included as a bonus track.

Details

Rating:	9
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Crossover / Reissue
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Gatur
Cat No:	G-557
Date:	23/04/2022 / 1968/69
Value:	£11 / £2k