I've got a lead to someone who is related to a guy who was a major producer of the 60's as far as R&B and soul goes, I just wondered how you'd go about getting round to the subject of records and unreleased stuff. The producer is long dead by the way. Or do I just come out and say "by the way, have you any unissued tracks"

Why don't you be honest with them, tell them you are in the know and together you could do business.

good advice mate, i would also let them know how much u love soul and r and b so its not all about the dollar !

the days when you could - if you wanted, i'm sure you personally wouldn't - pull the wool over people's eyes are long gone. first thing they, or a young relative, will do is google him. best thing you can do - was always the case anyway - is be totally upfront pete

No don't get me wrong, I was going to be totally honest, I just wasn't sure how to approach the question, like the guys Dad is long dead so I think I'll probably just ask if there's still any vinyl lying around the house. Oh I dunno, thats why I'm always giving my contacts away to other people!

I would start out by saying what a huge fan you are.... heart on sleeve stuff

Pete

A few years ago I was recording in an LA studio. It was a pretty shabby place really and shared a building with lots of other music related companies.

The plaque on the office next door said Dore Records. My heart was doing a tango! I knocked, no-one home. I don't own a label, have no intention of doing that just now, so, figuring this might be a very useful chence dicovery, I passed on the address and phone number to someone who does. Result? Unreleased goodies hit the market.

Personally I stick to my knitting.

HI Pete

As others have said, just tell them the truth, that you do this as a business, that you are interested in any records they may have and any stuff on tape. Tell them you will pay them a fair price in cash. It can only go two ways, so no harm asking

Dave

pete does it also mean if you get some dirt cheep goodys you will pass them on at same price

If you knew someone in music who is a singer and you told him your love of soul was like a big think ask him if he had done any tracks not released and try and get him to locate them for you to have.

But then as long as they don't feel your gonna end up releasing it on cd like go home and bang up copies to hand out.