Rich B

Can we clarify? The question really seems to be; "Are re edits and mash ups killing soul music, or damaging the 'modern' scene". So then ask, are they made as stand alone recordings that someone decides to play on the 'modern' scene or, are they made for the 'modern' scene? Because if it's the latter, I think it is those who play them on the 'modern' scene who have questions to answer not the 'artists' or people who make them. And if it's the former, well, creative types will push boundaries and are rightly no respecters of establishments are they? Or have I misunderstood the original question? p.s. Sorry just seen another post by Roger Williams that probably makes mine redundant - please feel free to ignore...

I'm with Peter, I would definitely go an see them live!

and a chip shop!

That is a nice story - clearly a decent chap.

Is it the chip shop story - or a different one?

Heard Soul Sam play it at a Whitchurch all dayer - if that counts! He played Boots Randolph in the same set if that helps to date it.

Probably made it look better - and I bet it improved it's value no end...WOL indeed!

I always thought it sounded like a white group - blue eyed soulers would be too charitable.... Had a white copy, never even heard a rumour of any kind of issue.

And I was happy with an Orange copy!

What was the other label this came out on?

Thanks for the heads up - nice album!

Sad news indeed. Spent many a happy hour in the company of George's music.

Things moved much faster back then Matt. Sometimes records only had a 'lifespan' of just a few weeks before the boot appeared. I suspect you were hearing the majority on that list as oldies by '79. Lou Ragland and Joe Hick escaped the bootleggers for a fair old time though. Off to listen to the recording now though - thanks Pete!

I think they are legal, Major Bill Smith owned the rights I believe. They are often different versions of previously issued tracks aren't they? Vocal to 'Soul symphony' by Edie Robin etc

Thanks for that, I wonder how many may have passed that copy by without realising? You also have to wonder what his release strategy was don't you?

What does it say on your copy Roger? - it definitely said 'Salvation' on mine. Think it was 'Soul of a man' on the flip but not too sure about that.

Major Bill was an early recycler!

Major Bill should have a book written about him! The stories are legion and he put many things out in the mid 70's due to northern demand. Just listened to R.T., MfM and C.W. (I recorded everything when I sold up) what a great tune it is. Thanks for reminding me! Off to track down a Rita Lee recording on you tube now to compare...

One of them is going to have a copy with green felt tip writing on it and my name scratched around the runout groove then! It may even have said Rita Lee in felt tip, and the Men from Macon was covered as the Insights by Kev Roberts, who was the first person I heard play it at the Nottingham Palais.

And the Men from Macon too - I did have all three on the yellow Charay - I seem to recall back in the day there was a view that the later white Charay's were reissues. It has been a long time since that 'day' though. My Men from Macon and Cresa Watson still had the marks from being 'covered up' when I got them, and certainly pre dated the Rita Lee copies. Same situation with the Phyliss Brown "I've got something on my mind", though it turned out there were multiple version/issues/labels of that.

It was Cresa Watson who recorded "Salvation" on Charay...or that's what I thought it said on my copy.

I think we need to be a little careful how we talk about this or we could end up with an "Elgin marbles" type situation!

I had one in '74. Purchased from Selecta and very much in the style of many boots of the time - looked just like the Edie Walker/Patience Valentine. I always assumed they originated from Mr S. Along with the Tomangoes it always seemed relatively scarce as boots go.

Sisters Love was originally issued on UK Mowest and then re-issued on black Tamla Motown due to northern demand. Can't say I have ever come across a US 45 of it.

Very sad to hear that Mary has passed - her talent will never be forgotten though!