SoulfulSolutions

Major label biggie up for grabs, a wonderfully emotive track.... Brenda Jones - Big mistake - Mercury 73482 WD M- £750 Superb slab of femme crossover that glides along on outstanding lyrics. Very much in-demand, , made harder to find due to the equally collectable funk flip "super stroke). Playing surface is spot on, labels clean no writing. Paypal by friends or add 4% for your own reassurance please, or I can send details for bank transfer. Postage: £8.50 - Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee Brenda Jones - Big mistake.mp3

A wonderful slab of Michigan greatness up for grabs! Message any questions or to reserve Ann Perry – That’s the way he is / Instrumental – Theoda 120 NM Offers Released twice on Theoda Moore’s small but collectable namesake label, once in Detroit and then in Los Angeles. This is the original release in all its “pristine holed up in collectors box for 30 plus years” glory. This masterpiece by Ann is a powerhouse performance, and so in the mould of all the desirable femme Detroit rarities. Even the instrumental flip filled floors for many years, but the vocal of course is the far superior side to play. Where will you ever in 2018 (50 days to go) or beyond find such a succulent example of northern quality in such condition? ARP and Bell Sound stamped first issue. Open to best offer over £500 by 9pm on Tue 13 Nov or an offer I can’t refuse in between! PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £7.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee Ann Perry - That's the way he is.mp3

A nice semi-know Michigan 45 up for grabs….. Message any questions or to reserve Main Attraction – I got love for my baby / What do I wish for – Cindy 001 M- £400 2 very tidy funky edged dancers from this little-known Flint, Michigan outfit, proving that group harmonies work in all sorts of productions. There were a few groups going by this name, one female, another male on RCA in the mid 80’s, another male group releasing on the Violet label but no obvious connections. So, this is potentially a one-off for the members, Tim and brother James Powell, Clyde and brother Falandis Nolan, Van Taylor and I J Reed, who was manager of Hunt’s Determination, and whose daughter the label was named after. It appears to be a private press using Nashville Records around about 1973, and the flip “What do I wish for” a Chi-lites track cut in 72 at the Record Barn Studio. Quite hard to find and a popular spin for those who are astute enough to already have a copy. Nice clean copy, the usual private pressing light pop here and there but otherwise condition, condition, condition. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (up to £50) at buyers risk £7.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee Main Attraction - I got love for my baby.mp3 Main Attraction - What do I wish for.mp3

A very nice slab of R&B up for grabs! Message any questions or to reserve? Otis Lee – Hard row to hoe – Quaint 1-1 M- £900 I don’t think there is much to go on with this Artist, other than his role in the Hamburg based funk-soul band Mandrake in the late 70s. He had one other release on Quaint 2-2, “Baby I love you”, this time the label was blue instead of mustard, yep that’s my take on it, not orange, not yellow, but Dijon! Utterly captivating R&B, covered by Gary Spencer as Lee Blackmore & Soul Searchers in the early 90s, this simply mooches along, wheelin’ n’ dealin in cute lyrics, plucked strings, pulsar horns and catchy keys, just imagine this being sung live in some bluesy deep south liquor joint. Darrell Johnson and former Capitol Records A&R Executive Jack Chartoff launched Great Mandella Productions in January of 1968, building a multi-track recording studio and offices in Studio City on the site of Foto Kem, a major motion picture facility. The pair signed several artists including Otis Lee, releasing singles, EP's and LP's on Great Mandella, Quaint, Peace and Gloryland records labels. Johnson was President of Quaint, which pressed only 1000 copies of “Hard row”. Top end copy of this 1969 LA release, not a blemish in sight, therefore I am confident to proclaim; condition, condition, condition! PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £8.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

A very nice demo up for grabs! Message any questions or to reserve Jimmy Armstrong – I won’t believe til I see it – Jet Set 798 WD M- £500 This out and out stomper from 1967 has all the hallmarks of a fabled Shrine label release, much like Lada Edmund Jr, the Epsilons on HEM and a couple by Jackie Wilson. Raynoma Singletons (Miss Ray) own Ramitary Music Corporation was behind the publishing rights, the other half Eddie Singleton shows off his writing and production prowess all in one go, and Dale Warren, an unsurpassed musical arranger coveted by the Thomas Circle set up, guided the majority of the latter and more seriously rare and in-demand tracks to another level. Jimmy Armstrong, I guess he's just a "Mystery" (boom boom), but its sad that his 2nd Shrine release due on 105 was blocked when "I Believe I'll love on" was handed to Jackie Wilson, and as much as adore Jackies vocals and stature, that sooooo wrong, just imagine even one copy of 105 on that eternal flame logo. Surely there are too many connections to not believe, ok.... just think, that this Washington DC based Jet Set label was a stable partner of Shrine, operating in the same time span and sharing key, influential and talented staff. Top end copy, with just a single superficial line on the vinyl, does not affect play. Just this single blemish stops me saying condition, condition, condition! PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £7.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Nice major label release up for grabs….. Sound file on request Message any questions or to reserve Brenda Jones – Big mistake – Mercury 73482 WD M- £750 Superb slab of femme crossover that glides along on outstanding lyrics. made harder to find due to the equally collectable funk flip "super stroke”. Awesome, in-demand dance floor filler. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £8.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Another gorgeous in-demand 45 up for grabs….. PM any questions or to reserve Jackie Edwards - I feel so bad - Island 3006 Ex+ £650 SOLD This is Jamaican influenced soul at its absolute best, a real heart wrencher, built on smooth haunting vocals, flatulent (in a nice way) horns, angelic strings culminating in a crescendo that screams pent up EMOTION. Never enough superlatives to describe this track, simply genius, as is Jackie. UK label in its first release format. Vinyl is Ex+ and plays just as good, just very-very light and hardly discernible signs of use in the form fine sleeve marks. A previous owners name on this copy, which seems to be the way as the few I have seen have a name on the label, my keep copy has Eddie on it! A tiny sticker (231) above Island Music text, so possible been catalogued into a Radio Station library at some point. Jackie Edwards - I feel so bad.mp3 PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £8.50 - Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Another gorgeous and hard to find 45 in great shape…. Philly this time Sound file on request PM and questions or to reserve Informers - Baby, set me free / A hard way to go - Blackjack 1402 Ex £800 SOLD The first release of “Hard way to go” was on J-Rude, but only when it was re-released a short time later on Blackjack was this stunning pairing brought together for all to hear. Hardly ever seen for sale. The most intriguing fellow is the bass singer Henry Smith whose deep harmonies work perfectly with the unidentified but versatile leads clear vocals. I’m sure the other members James Marshall, Timothy Jenkins, Roy Walker and Danny Todd contributed massively to these great compositions, echoed by the lyrics of “Set me free” which are brilliant and these 2 differently paced tracks would see any floor filled. The group were undone in 67 by drafts to Vietnam. When Marshall and Jenkins returned their Group name was being used, so they changed to the Fabulous Performers releasing a couple more 45s in a short-lived renaissance. A lovely copy. Both sides show very minor signs of use with a couple of light marks, hence visual grade of Ex. Both sides play through Ex+, labels are clean, just a hint of ring wear on the flip. I'm off to footy so will pick up any PMs later today in order received. Informers - Baby, set me free.mp3 Informers - A hard way to go.mp3 PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £8.25 - Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Fantastic, like pieces in a jigsaw seeing footage of more and more of these rare soul artists in action

Over to the east coast and the Carolinas to be precise, another gorgeous and hard to find 45 in great shape….. PM any questions or to reserve Moses Dillard & the Dynamic Showmen – I’ll pay the price – Mark V 20-66 Ex+ £750 SOLD Born in Greenville, South Carolina, this prolific Otis Redding discovery could boast a remarkable career. Not only did he lead the Dynamic Showmen in his early days, he teamed up with James Moore, forming Moses and Joshua. His hits on Mala during 66-67 included “My elusive dreams from” and “Get out of my heart”, then in 68 he recorded with the Sons of Moses on their monster instrumental “Soul symphony” on Coral. Moses was also a renowned session guitarist for the Muscle Shoals set up, and acts like James and Bobby Purify, Oscar Toney Jr and Mighty Sam, and then again front man for the Tex-Town Display in the 70’s. The 2 Mark V releases came out of the Mark V Studio in Greenville, which saw its fair share of acts pass through the doors, in fact Greenville was a hot bed for Soul talent, also the origin of one Martha Star, and Club Jamarta featured all the top bands in the area such as the Moses and his Dynamic Showmen and the Nomads of Mo-Groov fame. The Dynamic Showmen “Melvin Burton”, “Garland Paylen” and “James Boyce” who later married and managed Ann Sexton were superb backing for their brilliant front man, and whilst “I’ll pay the price” may be the trophy piece of these mid 60’s releases the words “Dillard”, “Showmen”, “Mark V” and “Greenville” are synonymous with 60’s soul quality. Vinyl is M- on both sides, bar a single small smudge on the top side (between 8 and 9 o'clock, 1/2 way through surface, it does not affect play at all. Labels M- and clean. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £8.50 - Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee Moses Dillard & Showmen - I'll pay the price.mp3

Can't get away from the west coast, yet another stunner from the far side, the sort you promote in lights on a nearby Hollywood hillside….. *** I sold this a short while back, but latterly accepted its as trade against a bigger want for the original buyer, so its back on the market *** I'll leave the information in as it makes great reading for those who are interested. Hayes Cotton – Black wings have my angel / I’ll be waiting – Resist 504 M- £2000 SOLD The passing of Hayes Cotton Jr. in Nov 15 was without doubt a sad moment for his proud family and friends, but the man done good. Would you believe that this highly revered Northern Soul artist cherished the world over for 2 45’s and a single album release part designed Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport, at which I had the pleasure of passing through, nearly missing a flight after choosing a stroll through this massive complex having ignored the complimentary tram system put there for a reason! From his humble beginnings in Mexia, Limestone County, Texas, Hayes Junior, yep, his Dad was Hayes too, set his sights on fulfilling all his childhood dreams. Graduating through Woodland High and Prairie View University he earned a very respectable Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, this opened doors and opportunities for him, relocating to California to take up a role in the aerospace industry. His talent recognised, he moved on to become one of the first black American civil engineers in the Federal Aviation Administration, teaching airport planning for an amazing 25 years. Every civil engineer needs to let off steam, Hayes not only did this in the company of his cherished family, but also in the recording studio, he had a unique voice so why not? He won a contest for unsigned talent on R&B radio station KKBT “The Beat” in Los Angeles and became an overnight celebrity in Hollywood. His song “Secret Lover” also the title of his album was a popular tune played over the airwaves of L.A. for several years and was re-recorded by various recording artists. With his mounting fan base, Hayes became a regular guest of the KKBT “Morning show”, not just for his vocals but his wisdom and general knowledge. His earlier 60s recordings, which he wrote and sung were unearthed, eventually being picked up by our Grateful scene. The rest is our history and Hayes legacy. This Northern R&B rarity, with credits emanating from the Florence community south of LA, is one of 2 fabulous 45 releases by this awesome man, the earlier Claire label release I let go some years ago, but this Miles Grayson produced gem was reserved for a special occasion. It may be a little-known fact but there is an alternative take titled “Black wings has my angel” appearing on Resist and Acetates, however this version benefits from the harmonica intro. As a civil engineer, I guess we should expect he was going to tinker with various versions of his recordings much like he would his airport plans, always seeking perfection. Mint minus vinyl, dead wax stamp (maybe ALCO someone will know?), just very light background on run in heard through headphones, hardly discernable through speakers. Clean labels but top side glued marginally off-centre. You'll never need to upgrade even if your could! Fully insured UK postage included, overseas to be discussed. I would be consider part trade / cash, but as a word of caution my wants list is fairly short and succinct. I particular I want back "Bob & Gene - Sailboat - MoDo" and a few others, just ask if interested. PayPal by friends or add 4% please, bank transfer available. Cheers, Lee Hayes Cotton - Black wings has my angel.mp3 Hayes Cotton - I'll be waiting.mp3

Okeh! here’s another fine example of delicious west coast release in tip top condition Message any questions or to reserve Chubby Checker – You just don’t know (what you do to me) – Parkway 965 WD M- £1100 SOLD Chubby was a commercial success, so it comes as no surprise that his catalogue would contain a dream Northern monster like this, CLASS! Vinyl condition is mint minus, clean labels, just a little ring wear on the ridge. Chubby Checker - You just don't know.mp3 PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Fully insured special delivery on me. Overseas on Request. Cheers, Lee

Just the one example of a very sought after west coast oldie in tip top condition Message any questions or to reserve Virginia Blakly – Let nobody love me - Mojo 101 M- £1500 SOLD The scene is deprived of any information about this one hit “Northern” wonder, with only a Betty Willis release accompanying Blakly on this short-lived label. Oddly co-writer Jackie Avery was heavily involved in writing for other labels in Macon, Georgia around the late 60’s, so his presence on this Mojo outing appears to be a one-off or rare outing to a west coast label. This is a hugely desirable oldie, as rare as it has ever been, with a vinyl condition to die for, mint minus and clean labels, just the minor spindle wear, which I’m obliged to state, but that looks much better in the hand than under light. Virginia Blakly - Let nobody love you.mp3 Flash Off Flash On PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Fully insured special delivery on me. Overseas on Request. Cheers, Lee

A clutch of white demos up for grabs! I can provide label scans and sound files on request Message any questions or to reserve Impressions – Sometimes I wonder – ABC 11135 M- £50 (Not only a demo, but west coast press too, rare format specially in this condition) Gino Washington – Like my baby / I’ll be around – Atac 6404 M- £150 SOLD (2 gorgeous dancers on this lovely west coast release) Temptations – Beauty is only skin deep – Gordy 7055 Ex+ £25 (Audition copy, badge logo, 2 x on flip) Temptations – I could never love another – Gordy 7072 Ex £20 (Pennant logo, light bubbles in vinyl visible, DNAP) Edwin Starr – Way over there – Gordy 7078 M- £35 (Arrow logo, storming tune, captures the brilliance of Edwin so well) Bill Horton – I wanna know – Kayden 403 M- £250 (Silhouettes lead gives us ra soul on his last outing, hard Philly piece, nice group deep soul flip, light label wear, but M- vinyl) Supremes – You can't hurry love – Motown 1097 M- £30 (Map design, anthem of anthems!) Tommy Tate – I’m taking on pain – Okeh 7242 M- £150 SOLD (One of the best beat ballads around, just superb and in great condition too) Major Lance – Investigate – Okeh 7250 M- £75 (Class stamped all over this pounder, in top condition and comes with a hard to find company picture sleeve (Ex) Larry Williams – I am the one / You ask for one good reason – Okeh 7280 Ex £150 (Different style to the Major, much grittier vocals on both tracks, brilliant, graded Ex due to small writing light wear on both labels, and visible light lines and marks, but don’t be put off it plays M-) Carstairs – He who picks the rose – Okeh 7329 M- £75 HOLD (Stunning copy of this edgy dancer) Implements – Look over your shoulder – Philips 40473 Ex+ £250 (Superb mid-tempo, which seldom comes to market, it’s not common and no one wants to sell, labels not sharp white, but clean) Implements - Look over your shoulder.mp3 Deon Jackson – I’ll always love you – Shout 254 M- £40 (Slick crossover dancer) Miracles – Mickey's Monkey – Tamla 54083 Ex £35 (Twin Globes logo, audition copy, small innocuous stain on label. Infectious tune) Isley Brothers – That’s the way love is – Tamla 54154 Ex £25 SOLD (Block letter logo, expect nothing less form the Isleys, superb uptempo dancer) Sugar Lumps – Won’t you help me – Uptown 735 Ex £40 (Girl group who backed Sugar Boy Crawford at Peacock) Monitors – Since I lost you girl – VIP 25039 Ex+ £25 SOLD (Harry Fuqua and Johnny Bristol heavily involved in this awesome dancer) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.25 – 1st Class Regular (up to £50) £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (up to £50) £7.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Big list, Nice variety of soul, R&B and crossover, nothing too expensive and some reductions from previous listings. I can provide label scans and sound files on request Message any questions or to reserve Macar Brothers – Little girl – Aircraft 001 Ex- £100 (Under the radar crossover, superb tune, on this label air time will surely follow (boom-boom!), writing on label) Robert Taylor – So much love / Packing up your love – Alteen 8624 Ex+ £50 (Chicago double sider on the very collectable Alteen label, both may have been released on the Sonic label?) Funky Sisters – Do it to it – Aurora 165 Ex+ £40 (Label fold on title credits) Deborah Swisher – You’re so good to me – Boom 60001 WD M- £25 Lovelettes – Can’t forget about you / Don’t forget poor me – Cap City 117 Vg+ £25 (2 great sides, surface noise in and out, but the tracks come over strong) Norma Jenkins – Me myself and I – Carnival 528 Ex £25 Radiants – Ain’t no big thing – Chess 1925 Ex- £25 dh Radiants – Whole lot of woman – Chess 1939 Ex+ £15 dh Red Beans and Rice – That driving beat – Chiswick 0037.0773 M- £25 (German release on silver label, comes with Ex picture sleeve) Buster and Eddie – Can’t be still – Class 1518 M- £40 (Proper 2nd issue, red label, a good one for the box if you are waiting for pink or white) Voices Inc. - Thinkin’ - Columbia 43535 WD Vg+ £75 (Surface has some marks, but they are generally superficial with the odd light pop, this in your face femme dancer plays loud and clear, label has small rub on inner rim, ideal for DJ-ing) Mill Evans – I’ve got to have your love – Constellation 170 WD Ex+ £50 (Brilliant dancer on a rarer demo, just the finest hairline split on the run in, no more than 10mm, does not affect play at all, very compact and tight, buy with confidence) Rare Pleasure – Let me down easy – DJM 10738 Ex £50 Bobby Bland – Ain’t nothing you can do – Duke 472 Ex £15 (Superb) Little Sonny - Wade in the water - Enterprise 9021 WD Ex £50 Kim Weston – A thrill a moment – Gordy 7041 M- dh £60 Lawrence and Arabians – I’ll try harder – HEM 1002 M- dh £75 (Out and out thumping dancer) Junior Wells – It’s all soul – Hit Sound no# Ex+ £25 (I have images of this guy strutting around the stage “Jaggeresque” pursing those lips for this soul banger. Feint ink print on label) Larry Saunders – On the real side – London 10469 Ex+ £75 Chubby Checker – You just don’t know – London 10557 M- £25 (Been a filler for me all those years waiting for the US Parkway to come along, Chubby does proper Northern) Kent Meade - Funky to me - Magic Carpet 6000 DJ M- £40 (This is great) Brothers Grimm – Looky, looky – Mercury 72512 WD Ex £40 (Slightly grubby label, plays Ex) Intruders - But you belong to me - MusicVoice 504 WD Ex £25 Cheers - Two loves / Never again - Nation 7859 Ex £75 (Sticker removed, left a small tear and residue, plus inner rim wear on label. 2 great Chicago sides play M-) Major Lance – Investigate – Okeh 7250 WD M- £70 (Lovely demo copy, with original company picture sleeve) Carstairs – He who picks a rose – Okeh 7329 WD M- £70 (Gorgeous copy of this high-octane floor filler, demonstrating the range of soul and R&B styles recorded by Okeh as times and tastes changes) Gypsies – Jerk it / Diamonds rubies gold and fame – Old Town 1180 Ex+ £15 (Pale blue label release, stunning 2 sider, uptempo dancers on both sides, if you don’t know “Diamonds…” you don’t know what you are missing) Beverly Ann – You’ve got your mind on other things – RCA 2655 M- £30 (UK issue on Maximillion series, with 2 on the flip, the Exciters – Blowing up my mind and Ray paige – Ain’t no soul) Don Gardner – Cheatin’ kind – Sedgrick 3001 M- £40 (The one that came with the LP, legit re-issue) Deon Jackson – I’ll always love you – Shout 254 WD M- £50 (Smooth crossover from this timeless artist) Brenda Holloway – When I’m gone – Tamla 54111 WD Ex £40 Sugar Lumps – Won’t you help me – Uptown 735 WD Ex £50 (Horn laden girl group, nice on demo) Fred Hughes – You can’t take it away – Vee Jay 703 Ex £25 (Stunning slowed down version of Azie Mortimer’s powerhouse Okeh outing, minor label grazes) Velvelettes – Needle in a haystack – VIP 25007 M- dh £30 (Early number on this Motown subsidiary, harder west coast pressing with delta number in stunning condition) Maxine Brown – Let me give you my loving – Wand 1128 Ex+ £75 (Majestic vocals on this gorgeous track) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.25 – 1st Class Regular (up to £50) £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (up to £50) £7.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee Jean Wells – Don’t come running to me – ABC 10745 Ex £60 SOLD (The bestest version to my ears, sublime femme soul)