Hi All,

I've just been listening to an extended (5 min) version of Billy Stewart's 'Summertime' on You Tube. Does anyone know if this is an LP version, or simply an unreleased studio edit, or anything at all about it. If you haven't heard it, go get an earfull, it's stunning.

Thanks a lot

John

It is deffo off the album and what a fabulous track it is too i think it is over 4 mins long,Summertime LP or unbelievable LP both on chess.Lots more horns etc than the 7" version.

Edited July 7, 201113 yr by smudger

'Summertime' is a truly awful record. One of the worst crimes ever committed in the name of soul music, in fact. Always was, always will be.

Billy Stewart is great when he's not teaching old standards new tricks, but not so hot when he's doing little other showing off his range of vocal effects.

'Secret Love' is even worse. Lovely B side, though...

'Summertime' is a truly awful record. One of the worst crimes ever committed in the name of soul music, in fact. Always was, always will be.

Billy Stewart is great when he's not teaching old standards new tricks, but not so hot when he's doing little other showing off his range of vocal effects.

'Secret Love' is even worse. Lovely B side, though...

The backing music is great though...

'Summertime' is a truly awful record. One of the worst crimes ever committed in the name of soul music, in fact. Always was, always will be.

Billy Stewart is great when he's not teaching old standards new tricks, but not so hot when he's doing little other showing off his range of vocal effects.

'Secret Love' is even worse. Lovely B side, though...

Tony,

I don't really want to get into whether or not any particular individual likes the record. I don't care. We're all different and that kind of discussion never comes to any sort of worthwhile conclusion. Personally I love it, but that's of no consequence, 'cos my opinion isn't worth a bean to someone else. I just want to know where it came fom.

Cheers

John

It is deffo off the album and what a fabulous track it is too i think it is over 4 mins long,Summertime LP or unbelievable LP both on chess.Lots more horns etc than the 7" version.

Thanks a lot Smudger. I'll get the searchparty out.

John

'Summertime' is a truly awful record. One of the worst crimes ever committed in the name of soul music, in fact. Always was, always will be.

Billy Stewart is great when he's not teaching old standards new tricks, but not so hot when he's doing little other showing off his range of vocal effects.

'Secret Love' is even worse. Lovely B side, though...

Tony

As you know I trust your musical instincts implicitly, but here you are just plain wrong.

Two great records - and Secret Love a great dancer - and his version of 'Fly Me To The Moon' as well. Absolute winner!

Now dig out your Disco Gold LPs please!

Dean

The backing music is great though...

Agreed, would have made a fantastic instrumental..... :yes:

There is a french p/s on the bay which may be the same version there is a sound sample on the listing check it out

PM'd ya

Appears on various Label Variations, guessing on Catalogue for a while. Would this be true of the LP Extended Version.

Was it Available throughout the same period and if so which Album.

Hi John, I've got the extended version on the "Chess 50th Anniversary Collection" double CD collection and it clocks in at 4 minutes 57 seconds. I agree that it is a far better mix than the 7" release, but then again, when is that not the case? I also prefer the (more complete) Lp mix of Ramsey Lewis's "Wade in the water". I also have to say that I rate Billy Stewart very highly as a vocalist and "Summertime" is one of my favourites by him. You should also check out the flip "To love To love" and his wonderful version of "Old Man River".

Best,

Dave

Hi,

To all who have provided information, especially those who agree with me, (though I still respect the views of those that don't), thank you very much. I have 45s of the various Billy Stewart tracks that have been recommended. They are all tremendous, in my view. The extended Summertime would be an interesting addition, so I'll see what I can unearth.

Again, as is normal, ask a question, and the passion and knowledge of Soulies comes at you from all corners. Fantastic.

All the best

John

John, I've always loved Summertime since hearing it going over the golden gate bridge listening to KPOO 89.5 and must say thanks for the recommendation, this long version is great and right on time with the weather too

The LP version on Summertime/Unbelievable is 4:12 long but the extended alternate version which I also have is 4:54 long and is on the double album on vinyl and CD Billy Stewart One More Time which has 2 tracks unreleased previously and loads of other tracks,so they must have had access to the chess master tapes which I assume is where they found the extended version. I will try and put that version on refosoul later today if I can figure out how to do it.This double album has a lot of info. on it and lists all the musicians that recorded on each of billy's tracks including dates etc.

But it does not mention that it is an alternate take and only refers to it as on the Summertime LP,I think One More Time was released in Europe perhaps Italy as I know they were particularly fond of him over there.

So sorry if I caused any confusion!,as an aside to this he did appear at my local nighter in the late sixties The Attic in Doncaster but that night was advertised as Jnr. Walker and the All Stars so loads of people (older brother included) who had already seen Jnr. went to the Manchester Wheel and missed him.He also appeared at the Retford Broken Wheel on the same tour. Aaahhh ! those were the days I'll have to ask Joe Lakin or Alan Taylor if they know why it wasn't advertised as Billy Stewart as both used to be resident DJ 's at the Attic.

Edited July 8, 201113 yr by smudger

The LP version on Summertime/Unbelievable is 4:12 long but the extended alternate version which I also have is 4:54 long and is on the double album on vinyl and CD Billy Stewart One More Time which has 2 tracks unreleased previously and loads of other tracks,so they must have had access to the chess master tapes which I assume is where they found the extended version. I will try and put that version on refosoul later today if I can figure out how to do it.This double album has a lot of info. on it and lists all the musicians that recorded on each of billy's tracks including dates etc.

But it does not mention that it is an alternate take and only refers to it as on the Summertime LP,I think One More Time was released in Europe perhaps Italy as I know they were particularly fond of him over there.

So sorry if I caused any confusion!,as an aside to this he did appear at my local nighter in the late sixties The Attic in Doncaster but that night was advertised as Jnr. Walker and the All Stars so loads of people (older brother included) who had already seen Jnr. went to the Manchester Wheel and missed him.He also appeared at the Retford Broken Wheel on the same tour. Aaahhh ! those were the days I'll have to ask Joe Lakin or Alan Taylor if they know why it wasn't advertised as Billy Stewart as both used to be resident DJ 's at the Attic.

Hi Smudger

Don't worry about causing confusion, we now know there are at least 3 versions of this song, so that's an increase in knowledge. How sad - even more research to do on another otherwise totally boring day at work . I am told that Billy Stewart appeared at the King Mojo here in Sheffield, but I was still at school (just), had no money, and no idea. A couple of my slightly older mates went in the days just before it closed, but I had no chance. That was perhaps the same tour when he appeared in Doncaster. I should be seeing Joe next Friday and Sunday at the Horti and Washington, so I'll try to remember to ask him.

Thanks again for all the info and chat, it's been great mate.

John

John, I've always loved Summertime since hearing it going over the golden gate bridge listening to KPOO 89.5 and must say thanks for the recommendation, this long version is great and right on time with the weather too

Cheers for that. It looks like there are 3 versions of this brilliant song, so there's a bit of searching to do . Have you seen the You-Tube clip that, after a still photograph or two, eventually runs some live performance footage. It looks like American TV stuff, possibly Night Train or something similar. The quality's poor, but you get the feel of it.

John

oh yeah the one with the cowboy hats? So many great songs and he started out as Bo Diddley's drummer i'm told

oh yeah the one with the cowboy hats? So many great songs and he started out as Bo Diddley's drummer i'm told

That's the one. Quite corny by today's measures, but the class comes across. Wonder if it's been releaseed on DVD somewhere, like so much other old footage has over the last few years.

SUPERB JOHN

BRI PINCH

SUPERB JOHN

BRI PINCH

Eyup Bri, glad you like it too. If I can get a vinyl copy it might get a spin at t'Wesh. Should go down well.

Sithee soon.

John