It was maybe over a year a go I first heard knowingly this 'out', courtesy of Butch at the 100 Club. I say 'out' because I had heard it, in the comfort of my own home on my PC. It didn't set anything on fire back home on the pc; but out loud in a club it all made sense. This is a fantastic bit of 'soul' that needs to be heard loud out to be fully appreciated or indeed at home, but not on pc, please.

Anyway, I tracked the band down not literally; the US would've been hard enough but thinking of going to Thailand would not have been top of the list for me or any one else!

I have been sitting on this info for a while now and as time marches on; it is unfair that this story (in words and pictures), very, very brief that it is, remains only in my hands...so

Salt & Pepper 'Man Of My Word'

I have been in contact with Steve Jarrell (saxophonist) of Salt & Pepper for a while...and...for starters 'Linda' was the plug side!...well over to him for the very short, but very interesting story...

Hey Dave,

Me again. Do you know the story of Salt & Pepper? We were all service guys based at Utapao Airfield, Thailand in 1969-70. The 6 piece group consisted of Ed Mobley, lead vocals, me (Steve Jarrell), lead vocals and sax, Tony Nardi, keyboards, Dan Sullivan, Bass, B.T. Bailey, drums and Jim Plummer, guitar.

We formed the group and played the service clubs and on weekends we played in Bangkok and Jack's American Star Bar and also at Charlie's Hideaway in Pattaya Beach, Thailand.

We recorded the songs that Ed had written and put them on Toni's custom label. We were the first Americans to ever record in Southeast Asia. The record became hit in Bangkok and received airplay on the Armed Forces Radio Network.

I still keep in touch with Tony. Tony keeps in touch with Ed. I have talked with Jim a couple of times. Dan Sullivan passed away a few years ago and B.T. is unheard from since the all left Thailand. It was a great experience. I will attach some photos of the group for you. Thanks again for your interest and please keep in touch.

Best wishes,

Steve

////////////

Hi Dave,

I looked in my basement and I was only able to come up with one copy of the Salt and Pepper 45. And, of course, I want to hang on to that one. I will look for more and if I can stumble across a couple, I will send you one. I am amazed that the record made it's way to England. I don't think we printed by about 500 copies. The year I think was 1969. The label was Tony's and we didn't have any distributor so I don't know how you guys heard it. I am truly amazed! Thanks for contacting me and stay in touch.

Are you into beach music? Not beach boys but Carolina Beach music. Check it out. Also go to youtube and type in Steve Jarrell and the Sons of the Beach and check out some of my other stuff. I'm still performing regularly.

All the best,

Steve

/////////////

P.S I will be sending Steve a link to this thread; please contact him about the record etc; but don't embarrass him or you by trying to buy his copy I already tried that and it didn't work ;-)

Edited November 14, 200915 yr by Dave Abbott

Tonys other label was "Boss Rock" this was the first 45 the "Cheques" put out,along with another two on Tonys other label "Heatwave"..........

Right, thanks for clearing up, I wasn`t at home to re-check when I posted "Big Stone".

Marc

Hi Friends,

It is a pleasure to be here! I was reading some of the posts. I sang background and played sax on the records. I can't remember if any of the other guys sang too. We did the old technique of "pinging" track to track back and forth. I am sure the machine was a 2 or 4 track recorded. The studio was Sri Kruong (sp) in Bangkok. I remember we had fun with the Thai engineer. We would move our mouths and not sing and he would start shaking wires like something was wrong with the equipment. We all got a big chuckle out of that.

The photo is Jim Plummer, guitarist, with a stuffed monkey. We had a bungolow off base and that was part of the decor, early ghetto.

Also, in the bottom picture is Clifford Curry, Otis Williams of the Charms and me.

Thanks again and hope to hear from you soon. And yes, Marc Forrest in Germany is a good friend of mine.

All the best,

Steve Jarrell

Salt & Pepper

Hi Steve, great to see you on here my friend!

ATB

Marc

Hi Steve.

We are extremely honoured to have you on here.

I wish you could have been at Lifeline all nighter two weeks ago to see the dance floor rammed to 'Man of My Word'.

A truly great tune!

Hi Steve..........Glad to see you on here,great photos and info you have supplied,

Tony said you was the showman of the band with your slick routines ,

he also said it was you starting the rap on the intro to "Man of my word"

Dave f...........

Dave,

A little tid bit about Tony. He is a master at the B-3 Hammond Organ. I just thought that I would add that for all of you keyboard fans. He's probably to humble to talk about it, but I don't know of any better.

Steve

Dave,

A little tid bit about Tony. He is a master at the B-3 Hammond Organ. I just thought that I would add that for all of you keyboard fans. He's probably to humble to talk about it, but I don't know of any better.

Steve

Steve,yes Tony told me about his collection of old keyboards and cars,also talking about the old days with "Salt & Pepper and the "Cheques",Tony said he wrote the music first for "Man of my word" and Eddie added the words after,Tony is a real gent and like you say quite humble about it all,Tony said he would love to come over with you guys to the Uk and play at a weekender or something,here`s Tony and his wife having a beer in my front room at the weekend,it was quite a surreal moment for me

Dave f................

Are the Cheques on Hip "Sweet Sally Brown" the same group as the Cheques on Heatwave? I seem to recall that Hip was a Memphis label, possibly Stax-related.

Yes that`s the the one,but i know Tony had nothing to do with

the 45 (see my earlier post),he said it was Stax that approched them..........

Dave f.......

Errrr.....very interesting reading and all that......and don't want to cause offence to anyone, BUT, am I the only one who thinks this record is pants?

Phil.

I just found Jim Plummer in Maine, USA. Jim was the guitar player in the band. I haven't seen Jim since 1970 when we left Thailand. I directed him to the site here and the interest that you all have about "Salt & Pepper" and he is estatic! He comment was "I want be able to sleep a wink tonight". Thanks to you all, four of us out of the six are back in touch and are thinking about a reunion. We would somehow like to do it there for you all since it was the interest of this group that has re-united us. I am saddened that our bassist Dan Sullivan has passed. He would have loved this! If we do a reunion, Tony will probably kick bass pedals on the keys. Dan will be there in spirit. As we say in the South, "Thanks Ya'll".

Steve

I just found Jim Plummer in Maine, USA. Jim was the guitar player in the band. I haven't seen Jim since 1970 when we left Thailand. I directed him to the site here and the interest that you all have about "Salt & Pepper" and he is estatic! He comment was "I want be able to sleep a wink tonight". Thanks to you all, four of us out of the six are back in touch and are thinking about a reunion. We would somehow like to do it there for you all since it was the interest of this group that has re-united us. I am saddened that our bassist Dan Sullivan has passed. He would have loved this! If we do a reunion, Tony will probably kick bass pedals on the keys. Dan will be there in spirit. As we say in the South, "Thanks Ya'll".

Steve

That is Absolutely Fantastic, Steve!!

Best

Dave

Great read. And a killer record. Easily in my top 3 records I need

Errrr.....very interesting reading and all that......and don't want to cause offence to anyone, BUT, am I the only one who thinks this record is pants?

Phil.

I'm not being funny Phil, but was that really necessary?

I haven't seen you post your thoughts up on any of the other threads that have discussed this tune. Including, I might add, the Burnley allnighter lookback.

Everybody knows that 'pants' is my favourite word, but even I would refrain from using it on a thread that isn't so much about the record but more about the story behind the group and how the recording came about.

Not to mention the fact that one of the artists is on here. A bit disrespectful don't you think?

As for the record itself, it is far from pants!

An incredible touching story and surely what it is all about -great pics and commentry -id love the sight to focus more on stuff like this as opposed to whos playing what [yawn yawn]surely its about the creators of the music ?

WELCOME TO THE SITE AND DAVE FANTASTIC STORY -KEEP THE PICS AND COMMENTRY COMING!!!

BAZ A

PS I THINK MAN OF MY WORD IS A INCREDIBLE RECORD SOUNDED AWESOME AT LIFELINE LOUD !!!

Errrr.....very interesting reading and all that......and don't want to cause offence to anyone, BUT, am I the only one who thinks this record is pants?

Phil.

Yes, probably.... and indeed, totally unnecessary...

When you start releasing records of your own as good as this Phil maybe you can start criticizing the artists online !

Thought you would love it being a fan of the ultra-rare !

Edited November 18, 200915 yr by Lobster Madras

Sounds very "Grazin' In The Grass" (Willie Bobo version) in parts - which is no bad thing. Always loved the funk driven Northern sound anyway - like it.

I was thinking exactly that - Grazing in the grass meets Tighten Up...in a cupboard

Yes, probably.... and indeed, totally unnecessary...

When you start releasing records of your own as good as this Phil maybe you can start criticizing the artists online !

Thought you would love it being a fan of the ultra-rare !

Why is it ok for everyone else to voice their oppinion on here and not me? I said I wasn't trying to upset anyone, I just don't get the record and I'm entitled to my opinion. No one gives a s**t about people slagging William Powell's singing, just because he isn't on the forum. I suppose you would all be saying what a wonderfull record it is if he were. Maybe he is, and you've all upset him. And the fact is, I'm in to Northern Soul, and to me Man of My Word isn't.

Phil.

Why is it ok for everyone else to voice their oppinion on here and not me? I said I wasn't trying to upset anyone, I just don't get the record and I'm entitled to my opinion. No one gives a s**t about people slagging William Powell's singing, just because he isn't on the forum. I suppose you would all be saying what a wonderfull record it is if he were. Maybe he is, and you've all upset him. And the fact is, I'm in to Northern Soul, and to me Man of My Word isn't.

Phil.

Phil, I like "Man of my word" - vocals are great and the rhythm is tight and very catchy.

WIlliam Powell to me is just a thumping monotonous dirge where the singer just sings the title a hundred times over. There I've said it now, and I'd say the same if William was on here. Point is we all like different things.

Edited November 18, 200915 yr by Steve G

Why is it ok for everyone else to voice their oppinion on here and not me? I said I wasn't trying to upset anyone, I just don't get the record and I'm entitled to my opinion. No one gives a s**t about people slagging William Powell's singing, just because he isn't on the forum. I suppose you would all be saying what a wonderfull record it is if he were. Maybe he is, and you've all upset him. And the fact is, I'm in to Northern Soul, and to me Man of My Word isn't.

Phil.

Take no notice Phil, it's a bloody forum not a kindergarten, if you don't like it you are perfectly allowed to say so, I also found it as dull as ditchwater, 20 years ago this would have never been played because it wouldn't have been deemed good enough - not as a Northern Soul record anyway, not saying it's a bad record but it's not a good Northern record.

Why is it ok for everyone else to voice their oppinion on here and not me? I said I wasn't trying to upset anyone, I just don't get the record and I'm entitled to my opinion. No one gives a s**t about people slagging William Powell's singing, just because he isn't on the forum. I suppose you would all be saying what a wonderfull record it is if he were. Maybe he is, and you've all upset him. And the fact is, I'm in to Northern Soul, and to me Man of My Word isn't.

Phil.

the man has a point, he is implying he does not like the record, albeit the forum isnt about whether or not the record is good or total shite, but i do wonder if the william powell slagging brigade would tell him on here his record was 'pants'......I doubt it

btw it took about 10 plays for me to sort of like it nice story though

Pants refer to trousers in American so it probably means sweet FA to Mr Jarrell anyway.

ps. awesome record both sides!

Edited November 18, 200915 yr by mulf

the man has a point, he is implying he does not like the record, albeit the forum isnt about whether or not the record is good or total shite, but i do wonder if the william powell slagging brigade would tell him on here his record was 'pants'......I doubt it

btw it took about 10 plays for me to sort of like it nice story though

I would have thought anyone who prefers this to William Powell was the victim of a cruel medical experiment.

I don't know that this particular thread is the correct place to state that you think the record is substandard.

When the artists behind the music have taken the time and effort to come into our world I think it's actually really bad manners to stroke one's own ego by stating that you consider their work to be "pants" in what is in essence a conversation between strangers.

This thread is a way of welcoming one of the artists who provided the music that keeps our scene going. Who could blame them for feeling confused when the elation of finding out that forty years after that music is made it is appreciated half a world away turns to something else when there are dissenting voices.

Yes, it is a forum and differences in opinion are what makes it hang together, but there are ways of doing things which sometimes leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

For what it's worth I think it's a really good record and one which stands out when played in clubs. It has presence and that's important. If you've ever sat down and played one hundred obscure and unknown soul records one after the other you'd appreciate that this is actually more than a pretty good record: the singing is truly excellent and the whole thing has a personality and charm all of its' own.

I don't know that this particular thread is the correct place to state that you think the record is substandard.

When the artists behind the music have taken the time and effort to come into our world I think it's actually really bad manners to stroke one's own ego by stating that you consider their work to be "pants" in what is in essence a conversation between strangers.

This thread is a way of welcoming one of the artists who provided the music that keeps our scene going. Who could blame them for feeling confused when the elation of finding out that forty years after that music is made it is appreciated half a world away turns to something else when there are dissenting voices.

Yes, it is a forum and differences in opinion are what makes it hang together, but there are ways of doing things which sometimes leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

For what it's worth I think it's a really good record and one which stands out when played in clubs. It has presence and that's important. If you've ever sat down and played one hundred obscure and unknown soul records one after the other you'd appreciate that this is actually more than a pretty good record: the singing is truly excellent and the whole thing has a personality and charm all of its' own.

Yes you're right that it's the wrong thread to discuss the merits of the record (unless of course you say you like it) so why not someone open a thread in Look At Your Box instead?

I don't know that this particular thread is the correct place to state that you think the record is substandard.

When the artists behind the music have taken the time and effort to come into our world I think it's actually really bad manners to stroke one's own ego by stating that you consider their work to be "pants" in what is in essence a conversation between strangers.

This thread is a way of welcoming one of the artists who provided the music that keeps our scene going. Who could blame them for feeling confused when the elation of finding out that forty years after that music is made it is appreciated half a world away turns to something else when there are dissenting voices.

Yes, it is a forum and differences in opinion are what makes it hang together, but there are ways of doing things which sometimes leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

For what it's worth I think it's a really good record and one which stands out when played in clubs. It has presence and that's important. If you've ever sat down and played one hundred obscure and unknown soul records one after the other you'd appreciate that this is actually more than a pretty good record: the singing is truly excellent and the whole thing has a personality and charm all of its' own.

sycophants .... ive heard hell of a lot better that didnt warrant all this talk on a thred , just an opinion

Edited November 19, 200915 yr by steptoe

What about, if you cant say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

I think its a fantastic record, and blew my socks off when first heard it down the 100 club.

It's nice to be nice

I was thinking exactly that - Grazing in the grass meets Tighten Up...in a cupboard

That's a recipe for success to my ears.

sycaphants .... ive heard hell of a lot beter that didnt warant all this talk on a thred , just an opinion

You are of course entitled to your opinion.

Like it or not this is one of the biggest records on the scene at the moment. On top of that we have one of the members of the group that recorded it taking the time to come on this forum to give us an insight into its rather unusual history and other recollections of his time in the industry. As lovers and collectors of Rare Soul this is as good as it gets basically.

How many times has that happened on this forum? less than a handful probably. The rest of the time we're subjected to threads that are too often dreary and banal.

Given such a coup it seems laughable that some members think the thread is the ideal place to give their negative opinions on the record.

I wouldn't be surprised if that as a result of such comments Steve told us to stick it where the sun don't shine. Which would be a shame as we'd potentially miss out on a lot of valuable first hand knowledge about the music we all love from someone who was responsible for making some of it.

just can't help themselves

someone goes to a lot of time and effort in pushing out decent interesting info

and what do they get in return

members posting crap insults that they can't even spell right

Dave, thanks a lot for sharing the story, and Steve, great to hear from one of the members behind this fantastic soul record!

This (Man of my word) has been one of my favourite tunes since I got an mp3 some years ago.

And hearing Butch play it «live» at Oslo Soul Experiences 6 years anniversary this year, made it even better.

That's a recipe for success to my ears.

Yeah - I mean YES it is, big time, but not Northern?

sycaphants .... ive heard hell of a lot beter that didnt warant all this talk on a thred , just an opinion

I think the Sweeney brothers say it all, respect costs little,

You obviously read as bad you write, another example of people dragging this fantastic resource down.

Fairly shameful mate, hope you are happy.

Why is it ok for everyone else to voice their oppinion on here and not me? I said I wasn't trying to upset anyone, I just don't get the record and I'm entitled to my opinion. No one gives a s**t about people slagging William Powell's singing, just because he isn't on the forum. I suppose you would all be saying what a wonderfull record it is if he were. Maybe he is, and you've all upset him. And the fact is, I'm in to Northern Soul, and to me Man of My Word isn't.

Phil.

You didn't say anything on the Burnley look back when we were all discussing Butch playing it.

Where was your opinion then Phil?

You didn't say anything on the Burnley look back when we were all discussing Butch playing it.

Where was your opinion then Phil?

Sorry Joan, but it wasn't mentioned on that thread. And believe me, I wish I hadn't voiced my opinion on this one. No wonder lots of people say to me that they daren't post on this Forum. God, all I said was I don't get the record, I wasn't insulting anyone.

Phil.

Hello to all you folks. I'm Tony Nardi (along with my wife, Karla). I was keyboardist and leader of both Salt & Pepper and the Cheques, and co-author of Man of My Word.

We are totally humbled, honored, and grateful for the appreciation we're getting after 40 years! As for Phil, no hard feelings man. I don't like everything I hear either. Like Steve said, four of the original members want to come to Europe and play some gigs - sometime in 2010. We couldn't have imagined this in a million years. This is a whole new world for us (the Northern Soul scene) and we are very excited to be part of it.

Of all that I've read, the only fact that hasn't already been corrected is that "In the Groove" is not an instrumental. It has vocals. It was the first one recorded by The Cheques back in 1967 on Boss Rock label. This was Not My label, but the label used by the little recording studio in Shreveport, Louisiana. Subsequent recordings were on my Heatwave Label. Until we got a recording contract with Stax records out of Memphis. Since we were "white", we didn't get to be on the Stax label, but instead we were on their subsidiary label "Hip". This was reserved for their white acts. Shortly after we landed this recording contract, Mike Ventimiglia (the charismatic singer) was shipped to Vietnam. Stax did not let us play the music on the stuff they did. They used their own studio band and we could only do the vocals - which was 90% Mike. We all kind of lost enthusiasm for it because of that. The Cheques were all GI's (except for the bass player, Sammie Ryland) stationed at England Air force base in Alexandria, Louisiana. A few months later, I got shipped to Thailand and formed Salt & Pepper.

When I got out of the military in 1970, I knew music was going to be my life. And it has been. It has always been my main occupation and I've managed to work steady all these years. God willing, I'm not done yet. Eddie Mobley and I have stayed lifelong friends. He's sang with me on many occasions over the years, and even sang at my daughter's wedding in Fort Collins, Colorado, this summer. He sounds as good as ever, and the magic was still there between us. It was a thrill! Nobody sings like Eddie.

I recently came over and met Dave Fleming. We really can't say enough about Dave and his wife. They are wonderful folks! We understand a bit more about the soul scene there, because of Dave and his fabulous collection. What a treat!

Thanks again to all of you - hope to stay connected.

Tony & Karla Nardi

Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA

hi Tony, thanks for the information - hope you guys can get something going!

And Welcome!!

best

Dave

Hello to all you folks. I'm Tony Nardi (along with my wife, Karla). I was keyboardist and leader of both Salt & Pepper and the Cheques, and co-author of Man of My Word.

We are totally humbled, honored, and grateful for the appreciation we're getting after 40 years! As for Phil, no hard feelings man. I don't like everything I hear either. Like Steve said, four of the original members want to come to Europe and play some gigs - sometime in 2010. We couldn't have imagined this in a million years. This is a whole new world for us (the Northern Soul scene) and we are very excited to be part of it.

Of all that I've read, the only fact that hasn't already been corrected is that "In the Groove" is not an instrumental. It has vocals. It was the first one recorded by The Cheques back in 1967 on Boss Rock label. This was Not My label, but the label used by the little recording studio in Shreveport, Louisiana. Subsequent recordings were on my Heatwave Label. Until we got a recording contract with Stax records out of Memphis. Since we were "white", we didn't get to be on the Stax label, but instead we were on their subsidiary label "Hip". This was reserved for their white acts. Shortly after we landed this recording contract, Mike Ventimiglia (the charismatic singer) was shipped to Vietnam. Stax did not let us play the music on the stuff they did. They used their own studio band and we could only do the vocals - which was 90% Mike. We all kind of lost enthusiasm for it because of that. The Cheques were all GI's (except for the bass player, Sammie Ryland) stationed at England Air force base in Alexandria, Louisiana. A few months later, I got shipped to Thailand and formed Salt & Pepper.

When I got out of the military in 1970, I knew music was going to be my life. And it has been. It has always been my main occupation and I've managed to work steady all these years. God willing, I'm not done yet. Eddie Mobley and I have stayed lifelong friends. He's sang with me on many occasions over the years, and even sang at my daughter's wedding in Fort Collins, Colorado, this summer. He sounds as good as ever, and the magic was still there between us. It was a thrill! Nobody sings like Eddie.

I recently came over and met Dave Fleming. We really can't say enough about Dave and his wife. They are wonderful folks! We understand a bit more about the soul scene there, because of Dave and his fabulous collection. What a treat!

Thanks again to all of you - hope to stay connected.

Tony & Karla Nardi

Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA

Hi Tony. Welcome to the site, thanks so much for posting. Who were all the vocalists of the Cheques? Thanks in advance.

No wonder lots of people say to me that they daren't post on this Forum.

And he's not kidding.

Sorry Joan, but it wasn't mentioned on that thread.

Sorry Phil, but yes it was because it was me who was talking about it!

Anyway, lets leave it there.

Hi Tony. Welcome to the site, thanks so much for posting. Who were all the vocalists of the Cheques? Thanks in advance.

Hi Tony and Karla.

Lovely to have you on here.

Hi friends,

Please don't give Phil a hard time about his comments about our record! I've heard better and I've heard worse. Just remember, we were six young guys sent to a foreign country to fight a war. We had all played in bands before the military and we all had a love for soul music. We weren't trying to be hitmakers or anything like that. Just 6 homesick guys that bonded through the music. We brought a little joy to those around us and a whole lot of joy to ourselves. Nothing more, nothing less. The fact that many of you like the record is quite an honor.

Phil, it doesn't upset me at all that you don't agree. That's o.k. You are an honest guy and I can apprecitate that. I hope that we come to England some day and you and I can sit down and have a beer together. I think that it would be the beginning of a great friendship. So ya'll lighten up on my buddy!

Regards,

Steve Jarrell

I'm not being funny Phil, but was that really necessary?

I haven't seen you post your thoughts up on any of the other threads that have discussed this tune. Including, I might add, the Burnley allnighter lookback.

Everybody knows that 'pants' is my favourite word, but even I would refrain from using it on a thread that isn't so much about the record but more about the story behind the group and how the recording came about.

Not to mention the fact that one of the artists is on here. A bit disrespectful don't you think?

As for the record itself, it is far from pants!

Well said Joan, i think your right the thread has evolved it's more about the group the history and our interst beyond the record Incidently i haven't heard it yet but this is certainly a heart warming thread:thumbup:

DJ

Hi Tony. Welcome to the site, thanks so much for posting. Who were all the vocalists of the Cheques? Thanks in advance.

Lead Vocalist was Mike Ventimiglia. He sang the lead on every song. The rest of us (Tony Nardi, Matthew Joshua or Wayne Pagels, Sammie Ryland, and Chuck Parrino) sang back up vocals.

The lead singer was Mike Ventimiglia. He sang all the lead vocals. The rest of us ( Tony Nardi, Matthew Joshua or Wayne Pagels, Sammie Ryland, & Chuck Parrino) sang back-up vocals.

Hi friends,

Please don't give Phil a hard time about his comments about our record! I've heard better and I've heard worse. Just remember, we were six young guys sent to a foreign country to fight a war. We had all played in bands before the military and we all had a love for soul music. We weren't trying to be hitmakers or anything like that. Just 6 homesick guys that bonded through the music. We brought a little joy to those around us and a whole lot of joy to ourselves. Nothing more, nothing less. The fact that many of you like the record is quite an honor.

Phil, it doesn't upset me at all that you don't agree. That's o.k. You are an honest guy and I can apprecitate that. I hope that we come to England some day and you and I can sit down and have a beer together. I think that it would be the beginning of a great friendship. So ya'll lighten up on my buddy!

Regards,

Steve Jarrell

Pure Class.

Hey Steve & Tony

I can only thank you both for being part of what has truly become one of my favourite records of all time, even in the short time I've been aware of it. I remember approaching the DJ the first time I ever heard 'Man Of My Word'.

My only regret is that I'll never own a copy, but everyone I've ever played it to has been blown away by the track. It is as near perfect a soul record as they come. Simple, laid back groove, gritty vocals, great sax hook. What's not to like?!

Such superlative records are very few and far between. It's a shame you never cut more since I'd love to hear what the rest of your repertoire was like!!

Much thanks.

Matt.

Edited December 5, 200915 yr by mattbolton

Hey Steve & Tony

I can only thank you both for being part of what has truly become one of my favourite records of all time, even in the short time I've been aware of it. I remember approaching the DJ the first time I ever heard 'Man Of My Word'.

My only regret is that I'll never own a copy, but everyone I've ever played it to has been blown away by the track. It is as near perfect a soul record as they come. Simple, laid back groove, gritty vocals, great sax hook. What's not to like?!

Such superlative records are very few and far between. It's a shame you never cut more since I'd love to hear what the rest of your repertoire was like!!

Much thanks.

Matt.

Hi Matt,

Thank you so much for the nice post. Once again, I am truly amazed that this record would show up after 40 years!

Best wishes,

Steve Jarrell

Salt & Pepper

Did anyone come up with a scan on this one, I'd love to see the label.

Is this the same group, I was watching it on the bay aad was gonna ask before bidding on it then totally forgot about it and Adys post just reminded me

Doh forgot to add piccy