1.
Marvelle & Blue Mats “Mellow Man” Dynamic Sound
All aspects of this track make it a
winner, so many soul records have most of the key ingredients but
one vital ingredient is missing. Great production but a weak vocal,
vice versa. The sax is particulary strong on this record. A new
edition to my box so I haven’t got every word off by heart
yet but it won’t be long !!
2. Frederick Hymes III “Time ain’t gonna do me no favor”
Fab Vegas
This is real top draw stuff, if only
all soul records were this good. Date wise probably around 1970
with a x-over feel but this record just gets better and better with
every listen. Forget all the KFC hype this is the real deal. As
not featured in The Northern Soul Top 500 !!
3. Willie Mason and the Kingsmen “Why” Ka La Ma
This is probably the lesser known version
of the track made legendary at all-nighters by the Nat Hall take.
Nat Hall may win in the production department but personally I find
this version more soulful and gritty. Could have been recorded in
a garden shed but its got plenty of soul and then some. It did get
plays at Top Of The World courtesy of Guy Hennigan.
4. Tom Emanual and Ron Experience “Why (the knower)”
Golden Three
This is a fantastic piece of New York
soul and still relatively unknown. The label is a subsidiary of
yem-ma-ya which itself sounds obscure enough !! A massive priece
increase is just around the corner on this so get one quick, that’s
if you can find it. Pace is mid-tempo and again it’s the strong
male vocal and sparse backbeat that make this fit nicely into my
spot. The horns make an entrance about half way.
5. Four Arts “Who do you think you are” Shee
Staying in New York for this group
sound. “The other record on the label” is what most
people would comment but I find Little Nicky Soul a tad to fast
and would choose this track every time.
6. James Knight and the Butlers “Baby please pretty please”
Cat
Another relatively unknown record here.
It’s probably more likely to be picked up by the funk guys
but it oozes soul. Unlike my usual horn led preferences this is
a guitar track but it really works and sounds pretty much unlike
any other record in my selection. A real juxter position for all
you architects out there.
7. Rooservelt Matthews Billy Ball and Upsetters “You got me
diggin you” King
Practically every body in town on the day this record was cut get
a mention on the credits. I probably paid a fair bit over the odds
for this record but you live and learn and hey kids don’t
forget “it’s a jungle out there”. This does’t
put me off keeping this record firmly in my all time top five and
I doubt it will be leaving for a long time. Mid-tempo magic with
one of the best vocals you will ever hear. I’ve heard rumours
funk collectors go for the other side but I wouldn’t know
about that, comments please ??Ubu.
8 . Talmadge Armstrong and the Escotts “Gigi / Give it up”
Spindletop
The first review where I credit both sides. Give it up probably
edges it for me. Practically walking pace for this side but the
passion and the soul are so evident.
“How many times must I forgive you for doing me wrong ?”
It doesn’t get much better for the poor guy all the way through.
Soul with feeling.
9. Don Gardner “Somebodys gonna get hurt” Tru glo town
Dave Rimmer turned “My baby likes
to boo ga loo” into probably a 30-50 record but even now this
other record on the same label can be picked up relatively easily
for between 10 and 20. Even cheaper if your lucky on the mighty
bay. 10 times more soulful than “My baby…”so it’s
a crime it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves
10. Bobby Long and the Dealers “Gotta have love” Old
Town
This sits somewhere near the back of
my play box but something keeps making me play it. Nice group harmonies
and a sound that sounds late sixties but I have been informed it
is a lot earlier than it sounds?
city you live in?
Nottingham
how long you have been collecting?
About 4 years collecting soul.
most heart stopping find on a digging
session?
Still waiting.
top spots for record hunting?
Every place you get to seems that bit better than the one you just
came from.
ebay. good or evil?
It has its ups and downs.
motown or stax?
I’ve got more records on Motown than Stax so it must be Motown
sneakers or shoes?
Shoes for dancing, leather soles of course.
creole or gumbo?
Never heard of these 2 artists, what labels did they record on ?
favourite tipple?
A nice cup of tea, no sugar.
where can people see/hear you play?
'Cool Off' events alongside site owner Martin and partner in crime
Dave.
dylan_czabaniuk@hotmail.com
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