Mantis [2023] - Love Was Born For Me / Do We Have A Love [Epsilon Records #EPS023]

Epsilon Records have just announced their latest release, a new single by Modesto, CA, group Mantis. You may recall that they released another single from the group in May '22 "When I Love You (vocal & inst)", which was  a new song recorded in 2021. 

The latest release consists of two previously unreleased recordings from 1976. The A side. "Love Was Born For Me", is an up-tempo song with that 'spacy' 70s sound much loved by the modern soul scene, whilst the flip, "Do We Have A Love", is a deep and sweet soul ballad that will more than likely appeal to the Lowrider scene as well as others.

The single is available to buy now digitally and on 7" vinyl from Epsilon Records website.

Mantis was formed by former students from the Ivy League Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. They played together in the college sponsored traveling band called the Green Dream consisting of students taught by Robert (Bob) Northern (aka Brother Ahh) who worked with many of the jazz greats including Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, and many others.

When they graduated they decided to set up their own group and take a shot at stardom, much to the dismay of their parents as you may imagine after such a costly education! They self-released just one single on Smoke "I Know (You Really Want Me)" / "I Wish You Would Start (To Love Me)". We guess that it may have been a private press as no other material has surfaced on the label. The A side is an in-demander on the lowrider scene fetching well into three figures on original vinyl and has featured on at least three CD compilations in the last 20 or so years.

Another single was released in 1982 on Oakland Smoke which was more than likely related to Smoke as the same producers and engineers are credited. It was by Debravon Lewis (aka Fizzy Quick) who, around the same time, was also a member of Bridge ("Crying For Love" fame). She later released a self-titled album for Motown in 1986.

The Mantis group members have stayed in touch to this day and, Epsilon's Yann Vatiste tells us, Zoom each week and gives us a rundown of what they are doing today. All have found 'proper' jobs probably much to the satisfaction of their parents.

Allen Atkins (vocals / keyboards)

Became a university economics professor and still plays music occasionally with a small trio in his home state of Arizona.

Baxter Fullerton (vocals / vocal arrangement)

Got involved in banking and the stock market, still sings occasionally for fun.

Alvin Harrison (guitar/ vocals)

Started an advertising agency in California, retired at 44, still releasing new music today.

Vernon Stewart (vocals /drums)

Is in the transportation industry, but has been in many local bands and is still gigging in Houston Texas.

Rocky Whitaker (vocals / conga)

Involved in college sports promotions and still performs in Charlotte North Carolina.

Paul Ungar (bass/ keyboards / BG vocals)

Became a music lawyer and continues to play in a band that does charitable performances.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Sweet Soul / Previously Unreleased
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital / 7" Vinyl
Label:	Epsilon Records
Cat No:	EPS023
Date:	20/07/2023
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£3 / £17.50 (UK incl. P&P) / £22.50 (Int'l incl. P&P)

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved