Soulfulsolutions

Can highly recommend the Cheers on Nation, great price and perfect condition for a brilliant track, good flip too!

A nice bakers dozen for the snowbound weekend Sound files on request Message any questions or to reserve Brothers of Soul – I’d be grateful – Boo 1006 Ex £150 (Red vinyl copy, mild ring wear) Four Pros – Just another girl – Carla 2531 Vg £150 SOLD (Rarer red issue, drill hole, numerous marks but plays through, ideal for Dj-ing) Fantastics – High note / That one – Copa 8005 M- £220 SOLD (Rare and fabulous local label release before Sound Stage Seven, 2 top sides here, very soulful male group dancers) Gene Chandler – Nothing can stop me – Constellation 169 WD M- £75 (Hard demo to pick with this beauty on) Mill Evans – Got to have your love – Constellation 170 WD M- £75 (Another class demo on the label, super soulful delivery, a real catchy dancer, there is a 5mm hairline from the run into the intro, its as tight as a gnats arse, so absolutely no effect on play) Tommy Navarro – I cried my life away – De-Jac 1253 Ex+ £300 (Label a couple of mm off centre) Exits – Under the street lamp / You’ve got to have money – Gemini 1004 Ex+ £85 (Gorgeous Yellow copy, 2 great sides one group harmony, the other an outstanding edgy soul grinder) Vanguards – GottA have love – Lamp 92 Ex+ £300 (Fabulous group soul, as per other tracks by this outfit a solid lead singer with stunning backing, stereo recording) Major Lance – Investigate – Okeh 7250 WD M- £100 (Comes with a glorious company picture sleeve, the only way to keep treasures like this warm) Chuck Wood – Seven days is too long – Roulette 4754 WD M- £150 (Top drawer copy of this scintillating floor filler) Velvelettes – These things will keep me loving you – Soul 35025 WD M- £75 (Some fool put 3 xol and a date on this one, other than that it’s a great copy) Rufus & Roots – Caught up – T-Jaye 777 M- £200 SOLD (Up and coming catchy 70s dancer, being played by Mr. Massey I understand) Velvelettes – Lonely, lonely girl am I – VIP 25017 M- £85 SOLD (Stunning track, a stand out number in the vast Motown catalogue) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.40 – 1st Class (up to £50 £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (up to £50, buyers risk if valued more) £7.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

A stunning Northern anthem up for grabs, this DJs delight nearly always turns up in very good condition or less, often with writing on labels, but this one is in fabulous shape, so one for the first time or an upgrade. As ever sound files on request. PM any questions or to reserve. Eula Cooper – Let our love grow higher – Super Sound 7002 M- £1250 reduced £1100 Alabama born Eula was not gifted with big recording companies on the doorstep, so she, like so many other artists had to fight her way into the music industry through childhood talent shows, high school performances and acapella whilst out and about in her teenage adopted home of Atlanta. The astute assessment of a local store owner during a shopping trip pointed her in the direction of Jesse Jones, owner of the Tragar label. She recorded a handful of releases on the Tragar label, before Jones set up the Super Sound label in 1970, and unwittingly created the opportunity for Eula to deliver her most desirable track on the Northern scene. “Let Our Love Grow Higher” was written & arranged by Tragar’s Bill Patterson with the support of the in-house team at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, a stamp of quality in anyone’s book. Typically, as with many independent labels the funding was not available to propel this immense dance track into the world of hits, the Super Sound label folded, and the Note label became Eula’s next platform to “hope these dreams will come true”. Vinyl plays play’s perfectly, just one light fingernail mark on near the run out. Labels are beautiful bar a little pin prick of white under the right-hand side credits and spindle wear on centre rim. I can’t imagine it will be easy to find another in such stunning condition. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £9.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee Eula Cooper - Let our love grow higher.mp3

Up for grabs, a stunning clutch of 60’s Northern straight out of Detroit central, boasting the best of the motor cities connections; Wingate, Myto, Solid Hitbound, Lebaron and Groovesville. Detroit 45s often beat up, so here’s your chance to land some great condition releases. You know all these tunes so no need to wax lyrical or give you the history, but I’ll add comments about condition where it’s needed. Sound files on request. Rose Batiste – Hit and run / I miss my baby – Revilot 204 Ex £400 (Original machine stamped GREY stock copy. Some sleeve marks, plays better than a dealers Ex, booms out) Edwin Starr – Agent OO-Soul – Ric Tic 103 WD Ex £350 (Just don’t see it. Some sleeve marks, plays M-, one sided) Rose Batiste – That’s what he told me / Holding hands – Ric-Tic 105 WD M- £500 (Rarest white demo on the label, very minor mark on “told”, and 2 10p sized mild red stains. Who knows maybe picked up from the rare but more common stock copies it was filed next to) Edwin Starr – Stop her on sight (S.O.S) – Ric-Tic 109 WD M- £75 (Add a rare Swedish picture sleeve for £25, you won’t ever see these coupled up) JJ Barnes – Real Humdinger – Ric-Tic 110 WD M- £75 Fantastic Four – Can’t stop looking for my baby – Ric-Tic 121 Ex+ £175 Al Kent – The way you’ve been acting lately – Ric -Tic 123 M- £50 Fellows – She’s always there / Let’s make it last – Solid Hit 110 Ex+ £300 PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.40 – 1st Class (up to £50 £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (up to £50, buyers risk if valued more) £7.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

A stunning Northern anthem up for grabs, this DJs delight nearly always turns up in very good condition or less, often with writing on labels, but this one is in fabulous shape, so one for the first time or an upgrade. As ever sound files on request. PM any questions or to reserve. Eula Cooper – Let our love grow higher – Super Sound 7002 M- £1250 Alabama born Eula was not gifted with big recording companies on the doorstep, so she, like so many other artists had to fight her way into the music industry through childhood talent shows, high school performances and acapella whilst out and about in her teenage adopted home of Atlanta. The astute assessment of a local store owner during a shopping trip pointed her in the direction of Jesse Jones, owner of the Tragar label. She recorded a handful of releases on the Tragar label, before Jones set up the Super Sound label in 1970, and unwittingly created the opportunity for Eula to deliver her most desirable track on the Northern scene. “Let Our Love Grow Higher” was written & arranged by Tragar’s Bill Patterson with the support of the in-house team at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, a stamp of quality in anyone’s book. Typically, as with many independent labels the funding was not available to propel this immense dance track into the world of hits, the Super Sound label folded, and the Note label became Eula’s next platform to “hope these dreams will come true”. Vinyl plays play’s perfectly, just one light fingernail mark on near the run out. Labels are beautiful bar a little pin prick of white under the right-hand side credits and spindle wear on centre rim. I can’t imagine it will be easy to find another in such stunning condition. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £9.50 – Special Delivery (Fully insured) Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee Eula Cooper - Let our love grow higher.mp3

Removed

Cheers Jez, i think ive got that LP i'll take a look. Cheers, Lee

Anyone got any idea if a 8x10 inch black and white artist photo of Tony Hestor exists? If it does where can I find it??? Cheers, Lee

Artist Photo wanted, anyone help? Seen the DISCOGs snap! Cheers, Lee

Another handful of collectable Soul LPs up for grabs, no duffers here, all contain great tracks, some issued on 45, others unissued. More to follow over the next week or so. Cover graded first & vinyl second, always conservative and satisfaction guaranteed St = Stereo, Mo = Mono (Mono’s the harder to find in most cases) Full track list and label photos on request Freda Payne – How do you say I don’t love you anymore – MGM 4370 (St) M-/M- £40 (Immaculate condition, longest album title in the world, Freda covers O.C. Smith’s “On easy street”, or was it hers in the first place? “Sad, sad September” another fine outing) Freda Payne - On easy street.mp3 Barbara McNair – The real Barbara McNair – Motown 680 (St) Ex-/Ex+ £45 SOLD (The gorgeous Barbara - faultless, smooth and soooo heavenly. ”Forget you ever met me baby”, “It happens every time” and “If you can want” “The hunter…” and then some. Top seam on the cover top seam is taped neatly and the bottom seam has a fine split, but nothings going to fall apart. This a classic album full of great tracks and only letting it go as I have pulled a Demo copy) Platters – Going back to Detroit – Musicor 1125 (St) Ex+/Ex+ £30 (Great version of “Why do you wanna make me blue”, the title track has the same backing as Johnnie Mae Matthews “Lonely you’ll be”. “With this ring” sauntered along with the panache the Platters bring. Also includes the Driftersesque “Run while its dark” a Platters 65 release on the Entrée label. Stunning vocals throughout, regardless of lead) Walter Jackson – It’s all over – Okeh 12107 (Mo) Ex/Ex+ £30 SOLD (Walt knocked out some of the prime beat ballads to be found on the Okeh label, emphasised by the title track, “That’s what mama said” with all the instrumentation and belting horns you’d expect from the Latin edged output. A nice version of the uptempo “Lee cross” with its jazzy feel, and the big band fronter’s “Then only then” and “I don’t want to suffer”. Rarer monaural) Major Lance – Greatest hits – Okeh 12110 (Mo) Ex/Ex+ £30 (What can you say about the Major, just superb, captures the Okeh spirit right through, big orchestral style backing with that spicy Latin tinge, sublime. “Monkey time”, “Sometimes I wonder”, “Hey little girl”, “Rhythm”, “Gotta get away”, and the canasta intro’d “Matador”. There all there, a fine collection of Major’s regular and often overlooked tracks on Mono. Top label has a price sticker on the run out edge and bottom seam a short split on the pocket end) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £3.50 – Regular 1st Class (Up to £50) £5 – 1st Class Signed For (Up to £50) UK Special Delivery on request Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Few with juicy reductions PM any questions or to reserve Brothers of Soul - I’d be grateful - Boo 1006 Ex £180 now £150 (Rarer red label VINYL copy, ring wear, otherwise loos and plays great) Brothers of Soul - I'd be grateful.mp3 Moses Dillard – Pretty as a picture – Mark V 40-26 Ex+ £375 now £320 SOLD (“I’ll pay the price” may be the trophy piece from the his 2 mid-60’s releases the words “Dillard”, “Showmen”, “Mark V” and “Greenville” are synonymous with 60’s soul quality) Moses Dillard & Showmen - Pretty as a picture.mp3 Jimmie Johnson & Lucky Hearts – Let’s get a line – Stuff 401 £60 now £45 SOLD (Party atmosphere on this funky dance floor packer) Jimmy Johnson & Lucky Hearts - Let's get a line.mp3 PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.25 – Regular 1st Class (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £7.50 – Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Another handful of collectable Soul LPs up for grabs, no duffers here, all contain great tracks, some issued on 45, others unissued. More to follow over the next week or so. Cover graded first & vinyl second, always conservative and satisfaction guaranteed St = Stereo, Mo = Mono (Mono’s the harder to find in most cases) Full track list and label photos on request Maxine Brown – Out of sight – Epic 26395 (St) Ex/Ex+ £75 Canadian SOLD (Mike Terry, a name synonymous with hall of fame Detroit classics, produces and arranges the entire album, casting a watchful eye and finishing touches to Maxine’s tremendous performances. Filled with winners, the classy “Don’t leave me baby” using the backing from Willie Kendrick’s awesome “What’s that on your finger”, the super dancer “Just give me one good reason”, the infectious “Sugar Dumplin’, an edgy cover Hebb’s of “Sunny” and a gloriously femme version of the Temps “I wish it would rain”. This would be up for a bit less but it’s a Canadian copy with Maxine’s signature on the back cover, gotta be a rare combination to own) Frank Dell – Yesterdays people – Guinness 36001 (St) Ex/M- £50 SOLD (What a fella, luscious vocals on all these tracks, with the 2 Valise champs “He broke your game wide open”, that guitar intro still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up knowing what’s coming, and the underrated “Baby you’ve got it”, a punchy dance floor filler with superb girly backing vocals. Cover has a cut out on one corner, and a minor crease in another) Charlie Rich – Best of – Hi 418 (St) Ex+/Ex+ £30 SOLD (As is the tradition of Northern Soul, it turns up tracks by artists you wouldn’t associate with a Soul output, Narvel Felts – “Girl come back” – Renay would be another example of a renowned Country singer being picked up by the scene’s entrepreneurial DJs. Charlie Rich is an apex artist in that genre, so we could shake our heads thinking we’re hearing things when the fantastic “Don’t tear me down” appears like a steam train on this LP, all the qualities of a top Northern beat ballad and never released on US 45, a crying shame) Dee Dee Warwick – I wan’t to be with you – Mercury 21000 (Mo) Ex-/Ex- £25 Canadian SOLD (This girl can belt them out, and with no group around her for moral support like the Motown girls, perhaps this young black American was the answer to Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark and Helen Shapiro to name the crème. Some excellent tracks here, notably the emphatic floor filler “Worth every tear I cry”, the catchy “We’re doing fine”, a subtle cover of “I’m gonna make you love me”. Cover has a slight split top and bottom on sleeve side, still solid though. Uncommon Canadian Mono copy) Isley Brothers – Tamla Motown presents – MFP 50014 (St) Ex/Ex £15 UK (As is the way of Motown groups, they were brilliant in their own right, but liked to cover their stable mate’s tracks, so this album does what it says on the tin and presents us with a glorious array of big hitters including “Sad Souvenirs”, the mesmerizing and unreleased until the dawn of the TMG Box Sets “My love is your love” (my reason for picking up this LP), the edgy “Little miss sweetness” and “Got to have you back”. Top quality vocals throughout, rich and graceful, bold and forceful, something for every re-worked track. Small sticker residue on top right corner) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £3.50 – Regular 1st Class (Up to £50) £5 – 1st Class Signed For (Up to £50) UK Special Delivery on request Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Back with a bang and some crackers found lurking after the festive season As ever sound files on request, but some added where 45's are lesser known PM any questions or to reserve Brothers of Soul - I’d be grateful - Boo 1006 Ex £180 (Rarer red label VINYL copy, ring wear) Ernest Franklin – At last – Chi-Land 809 Ex+ £300 (Very rare independent Chicago crossover, "The Minister Franklin" yep a preacher it would appear, reminds me of the backing from Ida Sands - Start all over again) Ernest Franklin - At last.mp3 Joe Bataan – Gypsy woman – Fania 447 WD M- £125 SOLD (Minter – none in better shape, white demo too, top notch Latin - vocals, horns, drums, handclaps the whole shebang but not messy, just so infectious and rare in this form, what an artist) Volcanos – Take me back – Harthon 146 M- £250 SOLD (Very hard to pin down number from this quality label. Stunning off the radar Philly dancer and so much better than their messy “It’s gotta be a false alarm”. Last decent copies for sale through Nev in 2015, and me last year, this is my keeper I’m letting go, clearly doesn’t show up often) Volcanos - Take me back again.mp3 Anna Raye – I’ve got love – Lock 724 Ex+ £200 (Catchy under the radar crossover, mellow, classy, even a hint of sultry. Lively funk on the flip, talented girl!) Anna Raye - I've got love.mp3 Moses Dillard – Pretty as a picture – Mark V 40-26 Ex+ £375 SOLD (“I’ll pay the price” may be the trophy piece from the his 2 mid-60’s releases the words “Dillard”, “Showmen”, “Mark V” and “Greenville” are synonymous with 60’s soul quality) Betty Harris – Trouble with my lover – Sansu 480 Ex £60 SOLD (Sultry, slick and standout R&B killer, drill hole) Jimmie Johnson & Lucky Hearts – Let’s get a line – Stuff 401 £60 SOLD (Niche funk edged dancer, not common at all) Jimmy Johnson & Lucky Hearts - Let's get a line.mp3 Rose Battiste – I just can’t leave you – Thelma 102 WD M- £200 SOLD (Classy Detroit femme, hard white demo, 3xol, the issue seen at 250 on a dealers list last week or so, Bargain) Perfections – Girl you better hurry / Get on down – Tri-City 328 M- £250 SOLD (Scorching double sider) Joe Moore - I Ain’t / I’ve Got My Sweet Baby - Verve 10566 M- £50 SOLD (Much harder stock copy, drill hole, 2 great tunes, “I Ain’t” the slick stunner) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.25 – Regular 1st Class (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £7.50 – Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Another handful of collectable Soul LPs up for grabs, no duffers here, all contain great tracks, some issued on 45, others unissued. More to follow over the next week or so. Cover graded first & vinyl second, always conservative and satisfaction guaranteed St = Stereo, Mo = Mono (Mono’s the harder to find in most cases) Full track list and label photos on request Esquires – Get on up and get away – Bunky 300 (St) Ex/M- £25 (Riddled with superb tracks, dancers, group harmonies, sweet vocals and beat ballads. The title track sets the scene, plus neat covers of Mill Evans “When I’m Ready” Tou-Sea and the Puzzles “My sweet baby” Fat Back, plus the respected “How could it be”. Chicago through and through, Bill “Bunky” Sheppard and Tom-Tom Washington the studio team and Mill Edwards complimenting the Moorer family, including Betty of “Speed up” fame who left in 65 as key members. Mildly dinked corners, but otherwise a great cover, and liner notes by one E. Rodney Jones, President of the National Association of TV and Radio Announcers. Wow, all this included on a single slab of vinyl) Dobie Gray - Sings for “In Crowders” - Charger 2002 (St) M-/M- £25 (The 60’s pop crowd adorning this colourful cover suggests an all too common ploy for a commercially viable black Artist like Dobie, clean, sanitized and aimed at the white market. This should not take anything away from the vocal quality delivered by Dobie on all the tracks, let alone the floor fillers “In crowd” and “See you at the go-go”. I only just removed the shrink wrap) O.C. Smith - At home - Columbia 9908 (St) Ex/Ex+ £20 SOLD (“Colour him father”, talk about emotional songs one of my all-time favourites. Inconspicuous LP, all the drams in the noted track. Light wear around one corner, but nothing more) Gene Chandler – Just be true – Constellation 1423 (Mo) Ex/M- £40 (Early 60’s tracks from the Duke, emphasised by the inclusion of his second Constellation outing “Pretty little girl”, a very collectable 45 that now achieves 3 figures. Other stand out amongst earlier Vee-Jay recordings is “From day to day” a perky uptempo dancer released in 1963 as the first on the Constellation label. Sublime vocals as you would expect. Minimal wear on the top and bottom edges and blue starry label design) Tyrone Davis - Turn back the hands of time - Dakar 9027 (St) M-/M- £25 (Massive album, ranked by MTV as one of the best Soul LPs of its time. Not surprising for this Greensville boy given the involvement of a list of Chicago’s who’s-who, household names like Jack Daniels, Johnny Moore, Don Davis, Carl Davis, Willie Henderson…. The list goes on, oh and the classy Bab’s Acklin and Eugene Record on some backing. So classy, the title track was included in the Hugh Grant & Julianne Moore romcom “Nine Months”. My old fave from Tyrone “I’ll be right there” just superb, and I just can’t quite place the backing track on “The waiting was not in vain”, sounds familiar? Original with small customs snip on pocket side and I removed the shrink wrap.) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £3.50 – Regular 1st Class (Up to £50) £5 – 1st Class Signed For (Up to £50) UK Special Delivery on request Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

A handful of collectable Soul LPs up for sale each night over the next week or so, no duffers, all contain great tracks, some issued on 45, others unissued. Cover graded first & vinyl second, always conservative and satisfaction guaranteed, St = Stereo, Mo = Mono (Mono’s the harder to find in most cases), Full track list and label photos on request. Archie Bell & Drells - Tighten up - Atlantic 8181 (St) M-/M- £40 SOLD (Includes “A thousand wonders”, “When you left heartaches began”, two massive tracks, prime copy in top condition) Archie Bell & Drells - I can’t stop dancing - Atlantic 8204 (St) Vg+/Ex+ £12 (Title track is a dancefloor filler, includes a cracking take of Billy Butler’s “Sometimes I wonder”, Minor split on top right cover and deletion hole on edge, vinyl spot on) Incredibles - Heart & Soul - Audio Arts 7000 (St) M-/M- £35 (I remember peeling the polythene of this, like new, “There’s nothing else to say” an anthem on the scene and “Miss treatment” a current play all over the UK) Jackie Wilson – Whispers – Brunswick 754122 (St) M-/M- £35 SOLD (Amazing vocalist, covers the whole range, notable tracks include “Whispers”, “Just be sincere”, “I don’t want to lose you”, then there comes “My heart is calling” same as the Magnificent’s on Dee-Gee (can’t remember if he’s the lead on that?) and then the surprise package “Only your love can save me” not the Bettye Lavette ballad but an uptempo dancer, a hidden gem in his massivo catalogue) Jackie Wilson – Whispers – Brunswick 754122 (St) Vg+/Ex £20 (Ditto the previous entry, a 2nd copy but the cover has some edge wear, otherwise fine) Jackie Wilson - Nobody but you - Brunswick 754212 (St) Vg/Ex £12 (Includes “It only happens when I look at you”, which you won’t find on US 45 and steadily increase in demand and value as the years go by. The cover has a split seam at the top, deletion hole and small stain, BUT the vinyl is a great play Ex or better) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £3.50 – Regular 1st Class (Up to £50) £5 – 1st Class Signed For (Up to £50) UK Special Delivery on request Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Lada Edmund on Japan a thing of beauty

REDUCTIONS on listings from earlier this week, will leave for a short while at these prices before boxing up again! As ever sound files on request PM any questions or to reserve Curly Myrick – It be’s that way – Q Records 105 M- £500 now £450 SOLD (Fantastic copy, but as ever I’m obliged to mention a very mild & short-lived edge lift, no effect on play, and the flip “Nothing word song” plays neatly through a tiny, tiny indent on the intro) Sidney Barnes – You’ll always be in style – Red Bird 10039 WD Ex £150 now £130 SOLD (Classic belts and braces dancefloor filler) Jimmie Johnson & Lucky Hearts – Let’s get a line – Stuff 401 £75 now £60 SOLD (Niche funk edged dancer, not common at all) Rose Battiste – I just can’t leave you – Thelma 102 WD M- £250 now £200 SOLD (Classy Detroit femme, hard demo, 3xol) Perfections – Girl you better hurry / Get on down – Tri-City 328 M- £275 now £250 SOLD (Scorching double sider) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.25 – Regular 1st Class (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £7.50 – Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee 😉

Across the board, 60’s, crossover, 70’s, R&B and funkier edged, some rare, some less so, and for the talent pickers some obscure, it’s all here, a QUALITY set, you’ve just got to pick yours out! As ever sound files on request PM any questions or to reserve 1) Tony & Tyrone – Please operator – Atlantic 2458 Promo Ex £175 (Nice red and white promo) 2) Demures – Raining teardrops – Brunswick 55284 Ex+ £750 (Rare Stock Copy, 4-5 few light pops after intro otherwise superb) 3) Ernest Franklin – At last – Chi-Land 809 Ex+ £300 (Very rare independent Chicago crossover, "The Minister Franklin" reminds me of the Ida Sands - Start all over again backing track) 4) Fuller Brothers – Stranger at my door – GD&L 2003 Vg+ £250 (Rarer local west coast label. Plays loud and clear but with light surface noise, 2xol, ring wear) 5) Spider Turner – I’ve got to get myself together – Good Time 1019 Ex £800 (Only a couple of small light marks, so only a short way off M-) 6) Anna Raye – I’ve got love / Anna’s thang – Lock 724 Ex+ £200 (Catchy under the radar crossover, mellow, classy, even a hint of sultry. Lively funk on the flip, talented girl!) 7) Rita Dacosta – Don’t bring me down – Pandora 7050 Ex+ £800 (Awesome) 8) Curly Myrick – It be’s that way – Q Records 105 M- £500 (Very mild & short-lived edge lift, no effect on play, and the flip “Nothing word song” plays neatly through a tiny, tiny indent on the intro) 9) Sidney Barnes – You’ll always be in style – Red Bird 10039 WD Ex £150 (Classic belts and braces dancefloor filler) 10) Edwin Starr – Agent OO soul – REO 8871 Ex £30 (Canadian variant) 11) Jimmie Johnson & Lucky Hearts – Let’s get a line – Stuff 401 £75 (Niche funk edged dancer, not common at all) 12) Durettes – Sweet sweet love – SVR 1006 NM £250 (Beautiful minter, coupled with the Perfections – I love you my love) 13) Rose Battiste – I just can’t leave you – Thelma 102 WD M- £250 3xol (Classy Detroit femme, hard demo) 14) Perfections – Girl you better hurry / Get on down – Tri-City 328 M- £275 (Scorching double sider) 15) Joe Moore - I Ain’t / I’ve Got My Sweet Baby - Verve 10566 M- £60 (Much harder stock copy, drill hole, 2 great tunes) 16) Georgia Soul Twisters – Look out (I’m gonna blow your mind) – Waxwing 1010 Ex £1400 (Topside has one fingernail line and a couple of light marks DNAP, flip, again couple of light marks and one scuff that DNAP. Otherwise deep shiny lustre and plays Ex+) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.25 – Regular 1st Class (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £7.50 – Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee 😉

A stunning piece of Chicago artistry up for grabs As ever sound file on request PM any questions or to reserve Devotions - Do do de dop / Can you explain it - Nation 61165 Ex+ Offers Piecing together information for solo artists and groups that release only one known outing, not an uncommon occurrence on the scene, it’s nigh on impossible. That said, a lack of provenance is sometimes a good thing for the mystique of an artist, group or their record. One such group is the Devotions and their superb double sider on Nation. We know Butch spun “Do do de dop” covered as “Lovers plea” by “The Magictones”, and Steve Walls, who’d bought a copy blind from the ever-issuing spring at “Soul Bowl”, whispered the real details to Butch as he spun it one night, Butch went quiet apparantly. Northern folklore at its best. Even my turn to "Soul Harmony Singles Book", courtesy of legends Jeff Beckman, Jim Hunt and Tom Kline with its 16,000 listings doesn’t reference the artists, correct flip side, label number and year of release, which tells me that in 1998, even though big UK names contributed to the books content, there was still very little definition to this 45, even if a handful of copies sat in the hands of the artists, family, collectors and DJ’s. The Devotions were James Rushing, James Whitlock, McKinley Norris and brothers Ed and John Berryman, all from DuSable High located in the Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The group had signed for the Salem-Nation Record Co. Inc, based on South Wentworth Avenue, and whilst theirs is a 1965 release, it’s hard to decipher what releases on this relatively strong label run came in what order. Looking at the likes of Tammy Levon, Jackie Beavers, The Cheers (highly recommended double sider), Silk and Leontine Dupree it’s my guess that the 65 outing was an early release on the label, the question is why didn’t we ever see more from this fine group of guys. When the labels are studied in greater depth, the name “J. Byrd” appears on both sides writer credits. This is highly likely to be “James (Jimmy Early) Byrd” who worked at Boston’s black radio station WILD between 1960-1970. Byrd was known for launching the careers of many R&B legends, and maybe in this and other cases providing the tracks for young aspiring artists to launch their career. He was best known for keeping the peace in Boston the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The Mayor of Boston wanted to cancel a James Brown concert fearing rioting and it was Jimmy who led the charge that convinced the City to let show proceed. He demonstrated the power of black radio during one of America’s darkest moments. The 45 itself remains rare, sought after and often talked about, and if you’re like me a title like “Do do de dop” may be the signal to ignore! but as we find out the composition, arrangement and lyrics on a track may turn out to be far superior than that in the window display - title. 2 classy sides, full of youthful harmonies and classic horns, one out and out mid to up-tempo dancer the other “Can you explain it” a sublime beat ballad. Just 4-5 very light ticks after the top side intro prevents me going M- on this. Opening offer £1700. Will close on 9.30 PM on Weds 29 Nov 17, but I may close early if an offer suits. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: Special Delivery or Overseas Tracked and Signed Included Cheers, Lee 😉

Another seriously hard to find 70’s original As ever sound file on request PM any questions or to reserve Aggregation – A child is born / Can you feel it – Charity 3109 Ex+ Offers (see below) Ron Carter a notable Jazz legend, described the formation of the Aggregation as “Just a bunch of black guys coming together with nothing creative in the naming of the group”. All these guys were a part of the Alabama A&M Marching Band, they included Ron, Larry "Skip" Glover, Arthur Wade, Eddie Scott, Edmond White and Michael Cornelius. These were their only 2 tracks, recorded in 1970 at Charles "Toot" Snoddy’s Acoustic Loop Sound Lab in Huntsville, Alabama. The group went from playing fraternity parties to warming up crowds for Archie Bell and the Drells and the Isley Brothers. Ron described their business plan to get a record deal at Stax as simply "Let's just go up and sit in the lobby until someone asks us what we want.”. According to Al Bell, executive and co-owner of Stax this never panned out because they "sounded too much like the Bar-Kays." Aggregation held together through 1974, until the usual rubbish intervened in a potential career, kids, marriage, missing money, a familiar story! Fabulous double sided hard-nosed edgy soul, polished musicians and we get the message even if the tracks are short on lyrics , floor fillers in the right room. This is the rare original not the Numero Group reissue. Very light discolouration on the labels, just like the few examples that have surfaced. Plays M- with minimal visual marks on vinyl. Best offer of £400 gets it, will let in run until 9pm on Thu 23 Nov unless an offer hits the mark. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £7.50 – Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee 😉

Changing tack from the 60’s to some lovely 70’s these next few days, here’s my first offering, As ever sound file on request, PM any questions or to reserve Georgia Soul Twisters – Loo out (I’m gonna blow your mind) – Waxwing 1010 Ex £1400 Originating from Lyons, Georgia, The Georgia Soul Twisters were very active on the live music scene, seeking opportunities to gig when and where they could, touring the southern states in winter, migrating north in the summer. This nomadic existence may explain why they had only 3 releases and on 3 different labels, yet a decent repertoire for live performances. With 10 group members, the manager and no doubt the odd groupie, they probably needed the equivalent of a Greyhound bus to get around. It’s not clear who they were, but their manager was Mose “Pop” Braziel, an influential figure in the bands recordings. “Pop” knew people, industry people, arranging a deal with Jimmy Liggins, owner of Duplex Records, but here’s the odd thing, their debut 45 “Soul shing-a-ling dance”, recorded in Dallas, appears on a one-off Duplex label design from LA. It ties in though with Liggins living in LA, even though his long running label varied in design, addresses and Duplex distributors covering California, Tennessee, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida. Liggins, a massive figure in the 50’s R&B world, passed away in Durham in 1978, 2 decades after setting up Duplex and still working in Music at a College. Their second release “You shot me (through the grease)” was recorded in Tampa circa 67’ and issued on the New York Mainstream label, this too, came courtesy of Pop’s links with another R&B giant Dave Crawford. The band recorded their third and final recording “Look out (I’m gonna blow your mind)” at a small central Florida recording studio in the early 70s. Pop died, aptly, in Lyons in March 1969 aged 64, so he never got to open doors for what was a private recording, so it was self-financed and self-released, and no doubt done with Pop in mind. This belts and braces edgy soul dancer remains elusive in its original form and well under the radar. Shows only minimal signs of use, topside has one fingernail line and a couple of light marks DNAP, flip, again couple of light marks and one scuff that DNAP. Otherwise deep shiny lustre and plays Ex+. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £9.50 – Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee 😉

One short of a magical dozen, but soul quality prevails, look carefully and don't miss a trick PM any questions or to reserve Tony & Tyrone – Please operator – Atlantic Promo Ex £200 (Unmistakable spoken intro, then powerhouse vocals on this fantastic oldie, nice on red and white promo) Fuller Brothers – Stranger at my door – GD&L 200 Vg+ £275 (Smooth recognisable soul harmonies from this versatile Group, the Soul Clock release is getting some serious attention as the more readily available release, but here’s the rarer local west coast label. Plays loud and clear but with light surface noise, 2xol and ring wear, much more £ in M-) Lovations – Later baby – Cap City 13 Vg+ Plays Ex+ xol £250 SOLD (Stunning girl group crossover, so classy, if you can put up with some light grubbiness, X’s on the label, and surface marks, you’ll be rewarded by a M- player, reduced accordingly) Anna Raye – I’ve got love – Lock 724 Ex+ £200 (Catchy under the radar crossover, mellow, classy, even a hint of sultry. Lively funk on the flip, talented girl!) Anna Raye - I've got love.mp3 Sidney Barnes – You’ll always be in style – Red Bird 10039 WD Ex £150 (Monster dancer, what an artist) Edwin Starr – Agent 00 Soul – REO 8871 Ex £40 (This Canadian “OO” copy will be a lovely addition to any Ric-Tic / REO collection) Jimmie Johnson & Lucky Hearts – Let’s get a line – Stuff 401 Ex £80 (Niche funk edged dancer, not common at all) Ray Algere - In my corner - Tou-Sea 126 WD Ex £85 SOLD (So soulful, great backing, triumphant horns and a beat that gets you angling for the floor) Ronnie McCain – This time I’m gone – Triode 116 M- £300 SOLD (On the rise methinks, this catchy crossover dancer is rising in popularity, light mark on vinyl, DNAP) Rose Battiste – I can’t leave you – Thelma 102 WD M- xol £250 (The way to own it, great white promo from this household Detroit label, 3 xol) Joe Moore - I Ain’t / I’ve Got My Sweet Baby - Verve 10566 M- £75 (Much harder stock copy, drill hole, 2 great tunes, “I Ain’t” the slick stunner) PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £1.25 – Regular 1st Class £2.50 – 1st Class Signed For (At buyers own risk for items over £50) £7.50 – Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee 😉

Another fine example of Northern heritage PM any questions or to reserve Rita Dacosta – Don’t bring me down – Pandora 7050 Ex+ £800 This pounding New York dancer demonstrates the quality and rarity that inspires collectors and DJ’s to still seek these 45s out. In terms of quality, with the prolific Bert Keyes at the helm, fronted by Rita’s stunning vocal, backing girls, horns and that driving beat that's always "flying high", this still causes emotions to run and run. In terms of rarity, I can’t find any historical reference to the Pandora Record Label other than physical evidence of the 45 itself, and them there are only occasional examples that surface. The audition of this track at the Casino circa 74-75 is interesting because the Pandora release was registered for copyright on 11 Sep 68, so it’s rise to fame was only 6 or 7 years after its first US release, and a year before Mohawk in 69. It must have been a truly small and local run in this format to have remained so rare after being so new way back then. Incidentally, I’ve no idea whether the copy spun at Wigan was on Pandora or Mohawk, but somebody will? Irving Spice was part owner of Mohawk Records, which hosted the likes of Dion & The Belmonts, The Demensions, Bobby Comstock and Buddy Lucas. He and his partners Monte Freed and Jack Waltzer were put out of business after being named by the Federal Trade Commission in their payola enquiries in late 59, early 60. Irv surfaced again though, reactivating the Mohawk record label and launching Spice Productions, credited on Rita’s Mohawk label, whereas Pandora credits Weybridge Productions. More investigation needed! The lovely Rita Dacosta leaves no firm trail behind her, only one other single release “You and nothing more” on Tower Records and an LP collusion with the somewhat off putting “Cedar Walton Trio” on the NY Finite Label in 76, so, remarkably she was still around and performing at the time she was being heralded at the height of the Northern scene. Surely, musically its out of keeping and so far advanced with virtually everything else in the Mohawk catalogue? A fabulously rare local release that shows only light signs of its age, with superb playback. PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £8.50 - Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee

Can anyone help with a scan of the write up in a 2008 Manifesto magazine from Soul Sam about this 45 "Aggregation - A child is born - Charity", appears he broached it then, but it was in his top 5 in 2012. Any information appreciated. Lee

Another beaut up for grabs PM any questions or to reserve Narvel Felts – Girl come back – Renay 400 Ex- £500 SOLD Beautiful track, wistful midtempo, peaks as Narvel pleads forcefully with the “girl” he wants to “come back” and troughs as he lets the thought sink in – go on girl get back!, Just brilliant, filled by woodwinds and male backing on deep bass line, this wonderfully rich dancefloor filler saw some action a few years back and remained rare ever since. Memphis release on a label that boast Ken Williams and the Jades, I wonder whether they are one and the same as those we know. White label but not necessarily a demo, so maybe an issue. Some light crackle on the run in, feint background in early part, the occasional light pop, label wear and sticker remnant, but otherwise plays loud and clear, bright and bushy tailed, ideal for a big room. Narvel Felts - Girl come back.mp3 PayPal as friends or add 4% or bank transfer please. Postage: £7.50 - Special Delivery Overseas on Request Cheers, Lee 😉