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.
I've only recently become aware of Joss Stones's version of Willie Tee's crossover gem. I've posted Wilie Tee's version before in the
Willie Tee Discography
and on a
specific post
on the record itself as there are a few different variants of the
recording, but any excuse to re-post Willie Tee's best recording, and that's saying something as he has recorded some incredible tunes.
Joss Stone [2012] - First Taste Of Hurt [S-Curve #0731521011]
Released only on Deluxe Editions of 'The Soul Sessions. Vol. 2' with 4 bonus tracks in 2012 and only the US got a limited edition vinyl release which is now selling for over £200!
Live in Sau Paulo 2012
Gatur #509 Blue label
The 1005 mix GR-1672-B with Funky, Funky Twist on the
flip
A 'softer' version piano rather than organ, the rarest and best
version.
Gatur #509
The 1005 mix with Funky, Funky Twist on the flip
GR-1672-B-R / 1005-2
Gatur #G-557
The 1003 mix with I'm Having So Much Fun on the flip.
Willie Tee's real name is Wilson John Turbinton. He was born 6th Feb 1944 and died from colon cancer 11 Sep 2007 aged 63 and spent most of his life in New Orleans. There's a tribute page on SoulSource when news of his death was announced.
I'm not going to list the discography as there is a fairly comprehensive one over at (Soulfulkindamusic).
There is an error in the Discography: Nola 732 Caught You In A Lie / Holdin' Out is Robert Parker not Willie Tee. Also, some of the dates may be incorrect e.g. according to 45Cat Gatur 509 is 1969, 511 is 1971, G-557 is 1970 and 701 is 1968. There are also a couple of previously unreleased 45s that have surfaced in 2016 and 2017 on Super Disco Edits Flambeaux imprint that are not listed. So I may decide to relist and correct.
I've not included his early pre-1965 material i.e. 2 45s on A.F.O. (1963/63) and 1 on Cinderella (1963)). He played piano for The Wild Magnolias (a native American Mardi Gras indian band) in the early 70s and this funky material has not been included. In addition I have omitted his recordings with The Gaturs, which is mainly funk, as this is a soul site, but links included below.
With the inclusion of the links above, this post now includes the total known / listed output for the Gatur label (i.e. 12 45s - 4 by The Gaturs and 8 by Willie Tee). The label was based in New Orleans and owned by Ulis Gaines (Willie Tee's cousin who also had a stake in Nola) and Willie Tee (Wilson Turbinton) which is how the name was derived Ga(ines)Tur(binton). Albums Willie Tee released 2 solo albums in the 70s 'I'm Only A Man' 1970 and 'Anticipation' 1976, and another with his brother Earl Turbinton in 1988 'Brothers For Life'. I've added all album tracks to bottom of this post and provided links to sound clips to those tracks not released on 45s as they will have already been posted. There are also 2 compilations: The Gaturs Feat. Willie Tee - Wasted from 1994 (which includes all Gaturs 45s and a couple of Tee's later 45s.) CD 15 tracks LP 10 tracks The album includes the Gaturs tracks above (except Swivel Hips Pt. 1 & 2) plus the following 9 tracks: Nobody Can Be You I'm Gonna Make You Love Me (CD only) One Thrill Fool (CD only) First Taste Of Hurt - see below Funky, Funky Twist - see below Man That I Am - see below Sweet Thing - see below Concentrate - see below Get Up - see below Teasin' You from 2002 CD 20 tracks / LP 15 tracks and covers most of his earlier 45s with the notable exception of First Taste Of Hurt (which IS included in the Gaturs CD above, but NOT on LP). All tracks included below. Footnote Willie Tee also wrote Margie Joseph's classic 1969 crossover track One More Chance on Volt. Also UK's Joss Stone recorded a version of 'First Taste Of Hurt' on her Soul Session Vol. 2 in 2012.
Willie Tee [1965] - Teasin' You [Nola N-708]
Willie Tee [1965] - Walking Up A One Way Street [Nola N-708]
Willie Tee [1965] - Thank You John [Atlantic 45-2287]
Willie Tee [2965] - Dedicated To You [Atlantic 45-2287]
Willie Tee [1965] - I Want Somebody (To Show Me The Way Back Home) [Atlantic 45-2302]
R&B Dancer
Willie Tee [1965] - You Better Say Yes [Atlantic 45-2302]
R&B stroller
Willie Tee [1966] - Ain't That True Baby [Bonatemp 401]
Bonatemp was a New Orleans label which was a subsidiary of Nola. There are only 6 45s listed: 801-804 between 1963-65 and 401-402 from 1966.
Willie Tee [1966] - You Gonna Pay Some Dues [Bonatemp 401]
This track was 'reissued' (bootlegged?) on Sonic Wax as a single sided 45 SWD 009 around 2010 as 'You Got To Pay Some Dues'.
Willie Tee [1967] - Please Don't Go [Nola 737]
Willie Tee [1967] - My Heart Remembers [Nola 737]
Willie Tee [1967] - Close Your Eyes [Hot Line 910]
No sound clips available but these 2 tracks appeared on the 'Teasing You' compilation.
Willie Tee [1967 - I Heard Everything You Said [Hot Line 910]
Willie Tee [1968] - I Peeped Your Hole Card [Gatur 701]
By far his rarest 45. The producer Ulis Gaines was Willie Tee's cousin who was a partner in Nola and Gatur. The title refers to a hidden card (hole card) in a poker hand.
Willie Tee [1968] - She Really Did Surprise Me [Gatur 701]
This is such a rare record that I cannot find a label scan nor a sound file for the flip side. The track was released on a 2002 compilation Willie Tee - Teasin' You which I have got somewhere so may try to upload to YouTube and link at some point. I think there are a also few tracks on the CD that didn't get a 45 release.
Here is what John Manship posted about the record:
"Willie Turbinton a highly esteemed Northern Soul icon, an artist who gave so much material for the British Soul fan to feast upon. Most all his own creations, and all offering the NS scene a quality 45 or album to chase.
Here is his rarest 45, on his own label with himself rattling the piano rhythms. In typical Willie Tee style, his pleading vocal style is so easy to pinpoint to him and only him. Decorating his accusing voice with the compulsory girl-group verse or two. Just like in "First Taste Of Hurt" he exposes the hurt hidden inside the lady of his intent. But unlike "First Taste Of Hurt" this disc is unicorn-rare, considered a "Rarest Of The Rare" which very few DJ/Collectors have ever owned.
So once again immerse yourself the sound of New Orleans from one of it's greatest ever Black artists. A highly accomplished man with a gift of conveying real-emotion, carving a tapestry of life situations, serving them up woven into a Rare Soul dance arrangement.
What a talent Willie Tee was.. here he is with not only his most elusive Gatur recording but also his best.
Do not pass by, it is doubtful we'll ever be able to offer this 45 in flawless condition again..
All record collectors don't need reminding of this century's heartbreaking New Orleans human disasters, weather that obliterate people homes & possessions. Is there another super-clean Gatur 701 out there to find? "
Willie Tee [1968] - I'm Only A Man [Capitol 2369]
Willie Tee [1968] - Walk Tall (Baby, That's What I Need) [Capitol 2369]
Originally recorded by Cannonball Adderley Quintet in July 1967, which was sampled by A Tribe Called Quest for Footprints in 1990 on 'People's Instinctive Travel And The Paths Of Rhythm'
Willie Tee [1970] - Reach Out For Me [Capitol 2892]
His version of the well known Bacharach & David song covered by many.
Willie Tee [1970] - Love Of A Married Man [Capitol 2892]
Willie Tee [1972] - Man That I Am [Gatur 511]
Willie Tee [1972] - Sweet Thing [Gatur 511]
Willie Tee [1972] - Teasing You Again [Gatur 512]
Willie Tee [1972] - Your Love, My Love Together [Gatur 512]
Willie Tee [1976] - Look Out World [United Artists UA-XW910-Y]
Willie Tee [1976] - I'd Give It To You [United Artists UA-XW910-Y]
Willie Tee [1980] - Concentrate [Gatur GS-8001]
Willie Tee [1980] - Get Up [Gatur GS-8001]
Willie Tee [2016] - Run Around [Flambeuax SDE18]
A previously unreleased track from 1976.
"Not often you dream about finding some old Willie Tee reels, stuffed in an old New Orleans studio. But that's what happened! Almost destroyed by hurricane Katrina its amazing they survived. We at Super Disco Edits felt it our duty to preserve such a musical legend as Willie Turbinton. "Run Around" is the first of two releases salvaged and restored. The 45rpm contains two mixes. One sublime lush produced horn laden version, with a more sparse mix on the B-side for the kats who like it a bit harder."
Willie Tee [2017] - Don't Get Caught [Flambeuax SDE23]
A previously unreleased track from 1976.
"The second and last instalment of the unissued willie tee discovery. A weird piece of music that we guess was really just a jam session between the musicians during studio takes for the "Anticipation" lp on United Artist records. The song wasn't fully finished as was missing many many bars of music.. But we couldn't let such a great groove go to waste. So we used our imagination and got together a long enough slice of new orleans funk for you all."
Willie Tee [1976] - Misery Loves Company [Crazy Cajun 2041]
Not one of his better sides!!! Sound a 'lil bitty' country to me!
Willie Tee [1976] - Sick & Tired [Crazy Cajun 2041]
No sound clip available.
Album Tracks not on 45: Willie Tee [1970] - I'm Only A Man [Capitol ST 199]
This is a 'random' track that I found. The comment from the person that posted it reads: "A touching solo version of a beautiful song that Willie wrote for his friend Joe Zawinul".
Joe Zawinul & Willie Tee
Joe Zawinul was a jazz pianist with Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis and founded Weather Report. 'Can It Be Done' was the lead track on the 1984 Weather Report album Domino Theory.
There are 2 versions of this great crossover track released on 3 different 45s:
1/ Gatur 509 Green label organ version c/w Funky, Funky Twist
2/ Gatur 509 Blue label piano version c/w Funky, Funky Twist
3/ Gatur 557 Green label organ version (same as 1/ 509) c/w I'm having So Much Fun
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+.
Just found this ... read what Raresoulman John Manship has to say about the track:
"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 number1005 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 [1972] - The First Taste Of Hurt [Gatur 509] Green
Willie Tee [1972] - The First Taste Of Hurt [Gatur 509] Blue
Willie Tee [1972] - The First Taste Of Hurt [Gatur G-557]
The flip sides:
Willie Tee [1972] - Funky, Funky Twist [Gatur 509] This is the same on Green and Blue issues.
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.
