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

T.A.X.I.E. [2023] - Dance / Taxie Band [Epsilon #EPS 022]

Epsilon Records owner Yann Vatiste tells us that in May 2022, whilst on a trip to California in search of new sounds, he met up with recording engineer Steve Fuji and arranged a meeting with Woody Whittaker, Ronnie Arch, Wayne Chatman and his wife Loma.

They were members of 70s group Taxie (T.A.X.I.E which stand for Talented Artist Xclusively In Entertainment) a seven piece group consisting of five males and two females. We believe that Brian Whittaker was another member (and probably the brother of Woody unless it is Woody's real name as one of the songs included Brian and Woody on writing credits) and Perri with the the other female member being Ivy Reeves.

They released just one single on their own Archwoods Productions in 1979. A boogie funker "Rock Don't Stop" (with Perri on lead) and the smooth and soulful mid tempo "I Think I'm Falling In Love With You" (with Ivy Reeves on lead) which sells for big bucks. The last one to sell on Discogs sold for £650 with only one currently listed for sale for almost £600. 

It was reissued on 12" by Melodies International in 2015 and both sides are included with another eleven unissued tracks on "The Best of Taxie" digital compilation in 2020 by the group  themselves on Archways Productions.

Epsilon reissued both sides of their only single in Dec '21 but with alternate mixes. The two tracks presented on the new Epsilon single are "Dance" / "Taxie Band" which are both previously unissued in any format which we would describe as modern soul / disco / boogie funk. 

They are ready to go now from Epsilon and also available digitally.

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

Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Disco / Boogie Funk
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	None
Date:	16//06/2023
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£17.50 UK / £22.50 Rest of the world

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Bobby Baker [2023] - Everything Has Got To Be Alright / Inst [Epsilon #EPS021]

The second of two reissues by Epsilon is a 1980 Davida recording "Everything Has Got To Be Alright" by Bobby Baker who was  former member of The Coasters (or on of it's offshoots).

The song was written by label co-owner David V. Andrews and produced by Andrews, Baker and the other label owner David Futch. Andrews also provided backing vocals with Delores Williams (aka LaVern Baker) and Patrice Rushen was on keyboards.

Available now on vinyl and digitally from Epsilon Records.

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

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl / Digital
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS021
Date:	28/04/2023
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£17.50 / £3

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Dana V. Andrews [2023] - Mr Justice / Inst [Epsilon #EPS020]

Another UK based reissue label, Epsilon, also has a pair of 7" vinyl releases hot off the press.  Yann Vatiste has uncovered a couple of songs written by Dana V. Andrews. The first, "Mr Justice" recorded by himself in 1976 on his own Davida label and the other,  "Everything's Has Got To Be Alright" recorded by Bobby Baker, also on Davida.

In 1973 aged 23, Dan V. Andrews moved to L.A. in search of fame and fortune as a songwriter. He met David Futch in 1975 and they formed a record and publishing company, Davida, that recorded R&B and Gospel music. They worked with the gospel group Highland Park Community Choir from Highland Park, MI, who had a song nominated for a Grammy Award in 1976.  The label released just five (listed) singles.

​He recorded "Mr. Justice" in 1976 as a result of the social injustice he saw in the world hoping for it to be a rallying call to unite and vote for responsible, fair, politicians who had helping the people foremost in their hearts.  He also wrote the other Epsilon release "Everything’s Got To Be Alright" recorded by Bobby Baker  because he had faith that eventually right will win out over wrong.

Available now on vinyl and digitally from Epsilon Records.

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

Details

Rating:	7.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Boogie
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl / Digital
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS020
Date:	29/04/2023
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£17.50 / £3

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Renaldo Domino [2023] - I Love My Girl / I'm Hip To Your Game [Epsilon #EPS 019]

Back in Jan 2021 we did a full feature on Renaldo Domino so are very pleased to see that the latest release from Yann Vatiste's Epsilon label are two sides of his first single released on the tiny Arnell label, "I Love My Girl" / "I'm Hip To Your Game" in 1967.

However, Yann has informed us that, unfortunately, the quality of the original Arnell master tape wasn't of sufficient quality to use (as we stated in the feature a couple of years ago it was a low budget production) so it is the later 1968 Smash release that has been used, which to be fair is probably the better version.

We won't regurgitate the previous article here, just summarise, so if you wish to learn more about the artist then visit "Renaldo Domino - Discography". He recorded some great songs with that Chicago mid/late 60s sound, sadly none of them dented the R&B charts.

Domino is a nickname given to him as his voices was 'as sweet as sugar' and Domino was the name of a sugar brand in the US. His real name is Renaldo Jones and after retiring from music when released by Twinight in 1971, he made a comeback in recent years with several singles. 

His first single was as Renaldo Domino & The Orientations and are the two songs released by Epsilon, with the above caveat. The songs were written by two obscure writers, Melvin Johns who wrote the A side and the B side with Nate Taylor, and produced by William Sandy Johnson (who also worked with LaShawn Collins and Wendy Woods, both of whom have seen action on NS dancefloors) and a J. Parnell.

I believe that this is the first ever vinyl reissue for either side, although it appears "I'm Hip To Your Game" was released on a 'dodgy' looking CD "The Best of Northern Soul, Vol. 4" issued by Malibu Public Library in 2019.

Available now from Epsilon Records £17.50 incl. UK P&P or £22.50 worldwide.

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

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Northern Soul / Reissue
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS 109
Date:	03/02/2023
Price:	£17.50 (UK) or £22.50 (worldwide) incl. P&P

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

James Hale [2022] - Could It Be Joy / Changing My Memories [Epsilon #EPS 017]

Get your orders in now for the next two 7" vinyl releases from Yann Vatistse's Epsilon Records. They are due for release on 20 Dec 2022.

The first to feature consists of two sides from James Hale, who I must confess I've never heard of previously. I suspect that these are two previously unissued songs as there is no trace of them and he appears to have mainly been a writer/arranger/producer/engineer most active in the 90s, so perhaps these are demo recordings. The A side sounds like an 80s recording. All will be revealed shortly when Yann posts the bio.

At present, until promos are received, there is only a short sample of "Could It Be Joy" to give you a flavour, although you can listen to full versions of both sides on Epsilon website.

Available to pre-order on vinyl now from Epsilon and also available digitally now for £2 per track.

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

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist. 

Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Deep Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl / Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Date:	20/12/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£17.50 / £2

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Natural Impulse [2022] - Let's Get Together [Epsilon #EPS 018]

The second forthcoming 7" vinyl release from Epsilon is a previously unissued song by Natural Impulse.

Natural Impulse were an eight-piece group from San Francisco formed by Richard Ramos in the 70s and included Jess Gonzalez, Michael Baldwin, Ladee Bianca, Andrés Soto, Hank Oden, Tom Fuglestad and Geoff Glibas.

They self-released just one single in 1978 "Time Is Right" / "She Went Away" on their own label Natural Impulse, presumably a private press. Both sides were picked up and reissued by Soul Junction and flipped, with "She Went Away" being the lead side. In 2010 the label also issued another two songs by them "We're Gonna Make It Through" / "Make It Or Break It (Radio Edit)".

The song featured on the new Epsilon single is "Let's Get It Together" and an extended version which were recorded in 1976 and found on a reel-to-reel tape by Ramos and have been carefully remixed and remastered by Steve Fuji for this release.

The vinyl is available to pre-order from Epsilon for release on 20 Dec '22, but digital copies can be downloaded now where you can also listen to full versions of both sides. 

Be sure to grab this one as I think it will fly off the shelves and then be listed for multiple times the face value on Discogs within days of them being sold out!

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

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist. 

Details

Rating:	8.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl / Digital
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS 018
Date:	20/12/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£17.50 / £2

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Black Smoke Band [2022] - I'll Keep Searching / Get'n Off [Epsilon #EPS 016]

​The Black Smoke Band were from Dunn, NC, comprising of five members: Norwell McNeill (lead vocals), Bobby Moore (bass guitar), James Jacobs (lead guitar), Joe McLaughlin (keyboards), Ronnie Brewington, (drums).

The band members met whilst in their teens playing local bars, dance halls and night clubs and gigging with other local acts and all began recording music prior to the band’s two releases.

Yann Vatiste's Epsilon Records has reissued their second, and last, single "Get'n Off" / "I'll Keep Searching" but has switched the sides around leading with the original B side modern soul track, relegating the funky original A side to the B side.

Yann writes:

"A moody, funky, and compelling arrangement that eschewed the ubiquitous disco sound of the period and created a gritty masterpiece for lovers of hard edged soul music. 

Norwell’s gruff, captivating vocal and some stellar guitar work were all laid over a tight, rolling beat accompanied by strong horn stabs.

The pleading, emotional dynamics of the record work brilliantly with its strutting, insistent pace. Delivering both emotionally and musically it was to be the group’s swan song, but left ample evidence of the talent that lay within them as a band."

The original single must be pretty scarce as none have ever sold on Discogs, which also lists their first single, "Skate Board" (a solid funk cut) / "Starting My Life All Over Again" (a sweet soul tune showcasing Norwell McNeill's) from 1977, yet neither are listed on 45Cat. There are only two listed on Popsike with one of the sellers claiming that only two known copies exist! One sold in 2012 for a snip at $115 (but it was graded G-) with the other selling in 2021 having a price of $1,000 but best offer was accepted, so who knows what it actually went for? There are also only four copies of their first single listed which have sold between $400-$800.

Both of their singles were recorded in 1977 at Arthur Smith's Studios in Charlotte and both released on the group’s own label, Black Smoke Productions which were private pressings via QCA Mastering Studios in Cincinnati, OH.

The group went their separate ways in 1978, although all of the members continuing to perform in and around North Carolina for many years afterwards. 

Drummer Ronnie Brewington passed away, but the other four original members of the group are still actively making music, with Norwell McNeill and Bobby Moore remaining in regular contact today.

Bobby played with Kool & The Gang for a brief spell, alongside other well known acts. Joe McLaughlin continues to run his own studio, and has a large back catalogue of previously unheard material recorded both before and after the Black Smoke years.

Order online from Epsilon website.

Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / 70s Funk
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS 016
Date:	08/08/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£17.50 incl UK shipping £22.50 incl worldwide shipping

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Jerone Roy [2022] - Hey, You Got Me In A Daze [Epsilon #EPS 015]

The latest single from Epsilon is released today from Jerone Day with "Hey, You Got Me In A Daze" vocal and instrumental. 

Originally released as simply Jerone on Money Mountain Records in 1976 and it was the only release on the Oakland based label, so likely a private press. Only one has ever sold on Discogs for just shy of £500 and I can find none listed on Popsike which indicates its scarcity.

The song was written and arranged by Al Roy (who I'm guessing is Jerone?).

Available now to download or order on 7" vinyl from Epsilon

Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Reissue
Format:	Single
Media:	7" / Digital
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS 015
Date:	29/06/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£17.50 / £2

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Mantis [2022] - When I Love You [Epsilon #EPS014]

Yann Vatiste's Epsilon Records releases a brand new recording by Mantis who are a 70s band from Modesto, CA, who released just one single ("I Know (You Really Want Me)" / "I Wish You Would Start (To Love Me)") on Smoke in 1976 which I suspect is a self-release/private press as it's the only release on the Oakland based label. The A side is an in-demander on the lowrider scene fetching 3 figures on original vinyl and has featured on at least three CD compilations in the last 20 or so years.

Their new song "When I Love You", recorded in 2021, comes with an instrumental flip side and is available digitally and on 7" vinyl via Epsilon website where you can also view some vintage photos of the group.

The vocals are by Rocky Whitaker and the song was produced by Alvin Harrison, both original members of the group.

I Know (You Really Want Me) [1976]

Details

Rating:	8.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	New Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital / 7"
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS014
Date:	21/05/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£2 / £17.50 + P&P

Funk Junction [2022] - What Will I Be / Let's Try It Again [Epsilon #EPS013]

After a year of negotiations Yann Vatiste has licensed two tracks by Funk Junction for the latest release on Epsilon. The previously released, but extremely rare, "Let's Try It Again" along with an unreleased funky dancer "What Will I Be".

"Let's Try It Again" is an ultra obscure sweet soul song released on Fos-Glo in 1980 by a San Francisco group called Function written by group member James Green. Yann managed to track James down who directed him to the group's manager and label owner Warren Foster.

Foster owned Fos-Glo with Ron Bell who was a member of Masterplan ((The Girl In) Clinton Park) aka The Windjammers (Poor Sad Child) aka The Emotions. Foster also worked with Little Stanley (Lippitt), Bill Griffith, Butch Tavares & Tavares Brothers, Con Funk Shun and Lenny Williams.

Epsilon plans to release some more tracks licensed from Foster in the coming months.

Available on 7" vinyl from Epsilon.

Details

Rating:	7.8 / 8.5
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern/Funky Soul / Sweet Souk
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS013
Date:	12/04/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Value:	£17.50 UK / £22.50 non-UK (incl. P&P)

Keni Lewis [2022] - B'ae Brother [Epsilon #EPS012]

One of very few solo singles by Keni Lewis (Kenneth St. Lewis) has been reissued on vinyl 7" by Epsilon. The pretty obscure "B'ae Brother" (only 3 listed on Popsike and never sold on Discogs) was recorded in Washington D.C, in 1969 as his debut solo single which had vocal and instrumental sides.

As far as I can tell he only released another two solo singles in the early 70s (both Northern/Modern Soul in-demanders ("Drug Traffic" / "Whats Her Name" 1970 and "What's Your Sign" / "Ain't Gonna Make It Easy" 1973) and another in 1977, "Record City", as Keni St. Lewis.

He was a member of several 60s groups The Dreams (D.C. Sound), The Cairos, The Enjoyables (both on Shrine) and The Chancellors (Cap City) all of which had limited success except on Northern Soul dancefloors. 

However, he is best known for his songwriting skills and has 400+ credits on Discogs, with the most recognisable when teamed with Freddie Perren on several hits for Tavares e.g. "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel", "Don't Take Away The Music" in the mid 70s. He also penned several songs for artists on Eddie Singleton's, now legendary, Shrine label in the mid 60s such as D.C.Blossoms, The Cairos, Shirley Edwards, The Counts and The Cavaliers as well as established artists like Billy Butler, Gene Chandler, The O'Jays, The Sylvers, The Coasters and more. 

Available now from Epsilon.

Incidentally a superb Northern Soul dancer from him (?), "Not The Marrying Kind", was unearthed on an unreleased acetate which was bootlegged in 2016 and also appeared on white test press copies around 2007. Pete Smith pressed up 150 copies with Mark Lloyd "When I'm Gonna Find Her" (UK Parlophone 1966) on the flip. He sold approx. 30 and then passed them on to John Manship to sell (SoulSource). The acetate is believed to have been found/owned by Allan Kitchener and Rob Thomas and Andy Rix played it out.

To throw in a little curved ball. The song was released by Federal Green in 2018 as Leroy Taylor (who released a single on Shrine (another unreleased turned up later) and  "Oh Linda" on Brunswick in 1967). They sound the same to my ears and I heard Richard Searling say that he believed that it may have been a song written by Keni Lewis for another artist. So is the singer on the acetate Keni Lewis or actually Leroy Taylor, I would guess Leroy Taylor is the singer and perhaps the acetate had the writer's name on it which is why it was originally thought to be Keni Lewis?

Details

Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Northern Soul / Reissue
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS012
Date:	12/03/2022
Value:	£17.50 (Incl UK P&P)

Allison & The South Funk Boulevard Band [2022] - Pay Before You Lay / It's Love [Epsilon #EPS 010]

Yann Vatiste (aka DJ Camembert) has been industrious in recent weeks and releases, probably, one the best singles on his Epsilon imprint. Two good crossover sides from Allison & The South Funk Boulevard Band, "Pay Before You Lay" / "It's Love".

Allison Lewis' real name was Leroy Robert Alician Lewis Jr. who also used various aliases such as Allison, Bobby Al Lewis and Leroy Lewis mainly on writing credits.

He was a member of Houston group who backed Archie Bell & The Drells, The T.S.U. Toronadoes (named after the university where they were formed i.e. Texas State University and a General Motors car model).

He became the main writer of the groups songs after their first two singles writing songs such as "Getting The Corners", "Work On It", "I Still Love You", "Got To Get Through To You", "Only Inside" and "Flight Too Many" as well as co-writing others.

When the group split up in 1971 he formed Allison & South Funk Blvd. with two other members Jerry Jenkins (bass) and Nelson Mills (horns) and some new members and released a single "What Happen to Association" / "Turn On With Music" in 1971 on Ovide, the same label as T.S.U. Toronadoes and Archie Bell & The Drells. They later become South Boulevard Funk Band and released a single "Skying High Getting Off On Your Loving" & "Be Together" on Captain Funk Records (presumably a self press as it is the only single listed for the label) and two albums on Crazy Cajun, a self-titled album on 1977 followed by another in 1978 billed and titled Allison & South Boulevard Funk Band from which these two sides are taken.

Allison wrote an autobiography under the name Al Lewis in 2013 titled "The Hidden Man: The Story of An Unfulfilled Dream" which has been reviewed, and recommended, by rare soul connoisseur Dave Thorley.

The leader for it on Amazon  reads:

"What does Leroy Lewis, (leader of the mid-60's group "The TSU Toronadoes" who recorded the music for "Tighten Up" behind Archie Bell & the Drells), Allison Lewis (founder of Allison & South Funk Blvd and the writer of the funk classic "Skyin' High") and Al Lewis (pastor and founder of Restoration UMC and the Imani New Life Recovery program) have in common? Find out in this detailed autobiography. This is the story of the man behind it all the dream that burned within."

The single is available on vinyl (only) from Epsilon. Check out Yann's website for some great vintage photos.

Details

Rating:	8.7
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Crossover
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	EPS 010
Date:	31/01/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Value:	£17.50 (incl. UK P&P) or £22.50 (incl. worldwide P&P)

Ray Williams & The Majortones [2022] - Girl Don't Leave Me [Epsilon # EPS 009]

You may be familiar with the song title as it was recorded by Ray's elder brother Lil Major Williams in 1978 (although Discogs lists it as 1975, see below) on Williams III Records and later got reissued on Palladium in 1979. Lee Jeffries' Sonic Wax also reissued it more recently in Jun 2020. 

All versions had "Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)" on the flip (which personally I prefer). You can ignore the prices on Discogs as one on Williams III sold recently for almost £2k and, curiously, the reissue tends to sell for even more, but I found an article on SoulSource which suggests that perhaps the Palladium issue may have been first, but consensus seems to be Williams III was the original but conjecture is that perhaps it was a private press after Palladium? 

Yann Vatiste at Epsilon has confirmed that Williams III was issued first as a private press (Williams III referring to Major Williams Sr., Lil Major Williams and his brother Garland Williams) and the masters were given by Joel Johnson (A-Ball Productions Sound Masters studios, Houston) to Palladium to re-press. Also, the Palladium issue was not registered until 1982 (25th May to be precise) so Yann believes that it was released in 1982 and not 1979 as stated on Discogs!

This is a new version of "Girl Don't Leave Me" re-recorded by Ray Williams with The Majortones who were the band behind Lil Major Williams. There is a short version and an extended version.

Here is some background which Ray (via Yann Vatiste at Epsilon) has provided:

As a young kid I always wanted to be a musician especially with my brothers. My Dad, Major Williams Sr, started it all with my brother Lil Major Williams and Garland Williams. They would travel and play music at venues all over Texas and surroundings States.

I myself stared playing the snare drum in Junior High school and eventually started playing with the Majortones Band which was my dad and brothers group. I remember the first time I ever sat behind a set of drums it was like a dream come true. We were playing at this club in Houston, called the Green Parrot. Garland which was the drummer at the time, I think he got sick or something happened, that's when my dad came to me and said this your time Ray. I was so scared, keep in mind I was only 11years old, anyway I played that night if it had not been for the bass player (Fox was his name) telling me how to work the foot pedal and high hats snare we wouldn't have made he just kept telling me to stay on the one, at that time I was wondering what was the one lol. As time went by I started really getting the hang the thing call music.

Little Major was a big James Brown fan, so we played a lot of Brown's music and if I  tell you we were tight and right.

Major wrote Girl Don't Leave in 1978 (NB Discogs lists as 1975) and I can't remember the real reason for the title of song but it did really good lot's of air play.

As time went on Lil Major, Garland and my dad passed away. That's when I started managing The Majortones Band and to this Day it's still going strong.

I re-wrote "Girl Don't Leave Me" and released it a few years ago which was the best thing I could have ever done.

I feel like it's my time in the music industry, I've been playing for over forty years and I'm still in love with it and still having lots of fun. 

The single is available now on 7" vinyl £17.50 incl. postage UK or £22.50 incl. postage rest of the world or £2 for download from Epsilon.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Northern Soul / Modern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	7"/Digital
Label:	Epsilon
Cat No:	None
Date:	07/01/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Value:	£17.50 (UK) / £22.50 (elsewhere) / £2