Nightwind - Why Can't We

This post is LONG overdue. You see, we here at Sound Boutique had made this track the first release for our record label. While that diverted some attention and energy away from this blog it was a necessary journey for me. And, a completely enjoyable and fascinating voyage for all involved. My right hand man in all of this, Luke Holton, the creator of Nightwind, can attest to the joy it's been for us.
It started with me scoring this Nightwind original 45 from a French record dealer. I liked this b-side so much I had to have it. It wasn't the normal uptempo funk or boogie bangers that I was usually after. But, it signified a newer development in my tastes and a direction that myself and the entire Sweaterfunk crew were taking... a turn to more mellow tempos, slower burners to break up the party rockers. Also happened around the time we started turning to two step and mid tempo jams. All greatly influenced by Dam Funk coming to share his mid-tempo jams, and spawned from his original mid-tempo themed night.

Nightwind circa 1981

It wasn't until later, actually after having the 45 for some time that I realized there was a fantastic uptempo party rocking flip side to this great record. Once I realized that this was golden either side you played, I started to try to track down the artists. Spoke with Fred Walker on the phone, yes he's the sax man on the beginning of this song, and he told me how to find Luke. Spoke with Luke next and he was thrilled to hear someone was into the music had made years ago. Once he told me the tapes were still laying around somewhere it was quickly decided to make it happen and put this song to wax once again.

Nightwind circa 1979

I set a date for release and so glad I did. If I hadn't, this re-release might never have seen the light of day..you know, people get busy..life kinda takes over. Anyways, the date pushed everything along and made it happen. Also, Luke was once of the nicest guys you could do this kind of thing with..an exceptional gentleman, a real sweetheart and a creative genius. So, without his kind, loving approach, and stamp of approval this would have never happened.
Loads of amazing and exciting things have happened since we first put it back out in November of 2011. First, we sold out within less than a year (and keep in mind, almost NOBODY knew of this record). Second, Luke discovered a video the band made for a local public access channel in St. Louis. Third, more tapes were discovered with MORE amazing Nightwind material..things like 'Spaceman', and multi-tracks with stuff like 'Mr. Silky's Rap'... be sure to check out the videos down below.

Leading lady Janet Savage and Nightwind
performing on a local public access TV show 

After a surprise guest visit at Lipo for Sweaterfunk, an interview with our fam and numero uno homie Ken Maxx (K-Maxx) on KPOO and people playing this song from New york to Australia, from France to Japan, it's official Nightwind is loved universal! Luke has also told me he has taken back up his piano playing and now regularly plays solo piano at a local club. Fantastic. This has been good for all of us. Now, we're about to press up the 3rd run of the re-issue, finally press the long awaited 'Spaceman', and working on a TON of other material all found on 10 multi-track tapes. It's a frickin' dream.

Ken and Luke, the Night-Maxx connection.
Super big thanks to Ken and the legendary KPOO

The biggest thanks to Nightwind, Luke Holton, Fred Walker, Janet Savage and the music loving crowds at Sweaterfunk for loving this tune. These songs, and Nightwind in general championed Sound Boutique's existence as a record label, and now we're devoted to sharing more music via that channel.

Somewhat minor but important details about the release of these songs.
Absolute first pressing in 1982 is on Star City Records.
Second pressing on Sound Boutique is from 2011, has two styles one with center hole
punch, one without. Both are from same run in 2011. Pressing plant mistake that we went with just to see the differences.
Third pressing is a black and silver label from 2013.
Fourth pressing hopefully coming soon as the 2013 run is almost gone.

thee first pressing...and thee hardest to find.
1982

Sound Boutique's proudest moment and first
release from 2011. 

Same as first batch released in 2011, but quantity
was sent back to pressing plant to have center holes
removed like originally designed. turns out we liked both!

2nd Sound Boutique pressing. We decided to
redesign to contrast from 2011 version

This second run was released in 2013

You can still get a copy of this record by going here...
http://soundboutique.bigcartel.com And make sure to peep all the videos here..






For the sake of still selling our track and Luke actually getting his royalty we're NOT sharing the mp3. You can hear the whole tracks via these youtube posts. We hope you will support Nightwind and Sound Boutique Records by buying a copy of the vinyl. thank you.







Oh yeah, and this test pressing of the 2011 version...

release deadline was so close to the record release party,
we only had the test pressings available! They are now ridiculous RARE!

McIver - Trying To Be True

Been waiting to post this one up. Not gonna be a long story here as I don't know anything about this artist. This has been getting a lot more exposure recently, and painfully that coincides with higher prices. It's well worth getting more notice, but may be slower catching for most peoples tastes. It took a while for the hook and backing vocals to grow on me.

This is quintessential modern soul. Written by Richard Turner and affectionately the publishing is credited to 'Turner-you-on' music. It's also a prime example of mid 80's modern soul sound. Smack dab in 1985 to be precise. This is also a New York city record that makes me wonder what the club scene was really like in NYC during the mid eighties. There was so much going on in punk, funk and emerging hip hop cultures. I can see how this subtle groove fell by the wayside. But, I can also easily imagine a New York club getting it as thoroughly as the folks in THIS clip.

Far as I know this is a premier 45 for us. Earlier this year when I got it, I couldn't even find it on youtube. Often times that's a huge compelling factor in what I purchase. If it's not really uncovered yet, I'm liable to snatch it up before it really gets expensive. I also checked around and couldn't find this on any other blogs. So, another world wide premier for you here on Sound Boutique. We work hard and dig deep to share goodies like this with you. We hope you enjoy.

McIver - Trying To Be True

Tony Comer and Crosswinds - Take Me Higher

Wow. Been far too long since I've posted here. It's been a turbulent year for me so far. Been a turbulent last 3 years really. I've been heavy involved with my family and taking care of my Moms and Pops. They've been trading back and forth amongst each other with life threatening illnesses. Most of my year thus far has been caring for my Mother in and out of the Intensive Care Unit. So, in relation, this tune has a lot of meaning and special feeling for me. Miraculously my Mom was finally released a week ago, and I'm overjoyed. Yes, things have been better and, Yes, I've gone back to the Gospel music fountain once again. Something a bit of a theme for me, admitting that Gospel music is the one music that pierces through to my heart when times have been hard. It has been a style of music that has been a never ending source of both enlightenment and entertainment.


This is one of two Tony Comer Lp's that I'm familiar with. They are both really excellent albums and worth seeking out. They are both heavy 'commercial' attempts for bridging Gospel with Soul and attempting a stab at a mainstream ear. Hard for me not to notice the parallels with this LP and Earth Wind and Fire sound, as they both seem to be championing big, full, feel-good soul. Huge arrangements and large and lovely majestic messages. This is truly something unique of the late 70's early 80's soul. I think we'll have to follow up with more from Tony Comer and the Crosswinds camp, again mostly because the other LP is also so excellent. And, additionally a juicy 12 inch called 'Don't Give Up" both boasts an uplifting message and a hard head-nod beat in a modern soul feel.
Hallelujah I'm Back!


Tony Comer and Crosswinds - Take Me Higher

Act III - Love Power

I am in love with this tune right now. Seriously. Effin' lovin' this shit. There's nothing smoother and funkier to me these days. It's crazy how I get fixed on a tune. If you were around me, you'd probably have to hear this shit several times a day right now.
This is an example of excellence for as late as 1987. Unbelievable to me that this tune is so charismatic of such older styles yet, even with it's heavy late 80's production, complete with Kenny G style sax solo, it's a hot tune. I kinda wished the beginning of the tune would just go on forever. I suppose it would be handy to pull off a re-edit. But, for now the sax solo is intact.
To me, this is what modern soul is all about. We all need a little more 'Love Power' wouldn't you agree? This is one kind of power that rarely gets abused.
I don't have any further info on this group. And, it's a shame. I would really hope someone could chime in with some additional knowledge, because I feel as though I've seen this groups name before. I would really like to know more about them. My guess is L.A. area and probably still kickin' around.


Act III - Love Power

Sound Advice - Keep On Getting Up

Just excellent modern soul. Strong as hell and layered with bubbling synth bass. This is a monster little 45, and I owe thanks for mine courtesy of earcave. Tons of good ish on that site, and often times very reasonably priced. Back to the track, which is a duet of sorts and keeps twisting and turning throughout. There's been some talk of a 'Duet' night being held at Sweaterfunk, but no word yet. I know we'd all be excited to bust some of the great duets we've all been collecting. We could call it 'Duet Fluid' or 'Let's Duet'.... We'll see..

This would definitely be one of my contributions. I don't know who the singers are but they carry the tune well. A bit later than my usual tastes for this sound, 1986 in fact, but surprising and pleasing nonetheless. Just an example to keep ears wide open. And, to Keep on Getting Up !!!


Sound Advice - Keep On Getting Up

Danny Williams - Rat Race

I don't think I've heard a more delectable 45. Whispering backing vocals, sneaky horns, smooth wah-wah and general unpredictability make this a prime example of the unique qualities of Bay Area funk and soul. Quite possibly one of the best local 45 I've ever laid ears on, popping and bumping along representing both sloppy and smooth. It's free-ness and tight syncopation make for a magical combination. Listening to it, it's hard to know what to expect, but by the time the whole song comes together, it's over. I know, I know...I've done a lot of genre-fying lately, and yet again, I'm gonna have to hit you with it again. It's a tune that's often labeled 'cross-over' perhaps because 'northern' and 'modern' soul dj's played it out when branching their sets out. It does definitely 'cross-over' into something new, or perhaps some other sound sphere. But, I think it's more aptly defined as 'free soul' or 'indie soul' because it just sounds more...well..free. It's tone and structure steers well out of the way of commercial sound and is independent in nature. Like many others and true to funk 45 form, the flip is an upbeat northern number "All Those Lies". Also, a quality tune and probably more appropriately coined 'cross-over', but not nearly as tasty as "Rat Race".

There's two major traits I'm noticing with Bay Area sound in this particular era, both with this and the previous 'Soft Touch' post.
1. There's incredible tightness, yet the overall vibe is sloppy and free sounding. Almost effortless and relaxed yet obviously complicated. (This seems to be quite prevalent in many Bay Area funk and soul artists.)
2. The mood and approach is all about capturing the purest of 'Superfly' feeling, like the slickest, smoothest pimp music you've ever heard, yet the messages are positive and socially conscious.

It's all contributing to making me extremely proud of this area and its rich musical history. On a side note - Ive been enjoying another local purveyor, collector and DJ - Kid Inquisitive and his fantastic site, check it out here
www.soulpersuasion.blogspot.com
It's well worth your time. Lots and lots of other interesting Bay Area stuff.
I quested for this "Rat Race"45 for a good long time. When I asked, I either got the 'never heard of it', or had to silently watch it disappear for thousands of dollars on ebay. Now, like a good collector and in true blue 'soundboutique' fashion, I'm sharing it with you. Hopefully you won't have to pay as much as I did. I assure you, it IS worth it. But, please don't rub it in if you found it in mint condition for a dollar.


Danny Williams - Rat Race

Blue Feather - Shadows Of The Night

Dutch Boogie funksters Blue Feather had always been a favorite of mine. Ever since I went mad for boogie stuff and did my research all over the internet, they've been on that list of stuff I'm seriously after. I recall I may have been hipped to them via tiny little sound clips, extremely low in quality via the Boogie Times site. I ransacked every album and artist page listening to every sound sample on that site. It's a good place to start as well. They were popular and favored more for the slightly earlier stuff, like "Let's Funk Tonight" which was a big hit for them. Yet, that stuff, circa '82, was more of a funk disco sound, and less synthesiser and drum machines. This particular song, and the rest of the LP by the same name is just the opposite. This LP from 1985 is drenched in heavy synth, drum machine, and fat synth bass lines. All the while still maintaining their smooth vocal prowess and soulful almost easy rock style.
This is just the first track from the LP, although I highly recommend the entire album. "Funky Nights", "Feelgood", and "This Night We Stick Together" are all gems from the LP.
It might not be to taste for most. And, in fact this falls into my current project of 'blue-eyed boogie' stuff. But, a good example of some white guys with a whole lot of unpretentious soul can do. They might not be that crafty but, they are going for what they know. That my friends, is what heart and soul are all about.

This same LP has been re-issued by the PTG folks and they make quality shit. Their re-issues as well as this particular release are ALL highly recommended. You can check them out here... www.vinyl-masterpiece.com
I'm not ripping the whole LP, but you may be able to find it elsewhere on the net.
I'm only suggesting that until you find an original or grab the re-issue.

Enjoy this Dutch Boogie Dopeness!


Blue Feather - Shadows Of The Night

Ivan Neville - Dance Your Blues Away

Friday Nite Special: Well, it's a Friday night here in not-so sunny California and I feel like embellishing you with a sure fire treat. Those of you grazin' through music blogs on a Friday nite. Just a little treat for my peeps out there.. hope you enjoy.

This little 45 is a two title belt holder. It's got the title of being quite possibly the rarest Meter's related 45 AND the title belt of one of the finest boogie tracks ever made. Its completely smooth, sultry and slick as fuck. It completely encapsulates the true boogie sound. It's not funk, it's not modern, it's not soul, it's not disco..it's utterly Boogie. Thus holding the title belt for the quintessential boogie tune. It shows the direction the Meters/Neville Brothers could have been headed at the time, if under the command of Ivan. 'Dance Your Blues Away' is an ode to positivity, (free your mind of all your troubles) and the diversity among people and crowds as well (from cowboy boots to a 3 piece suit). It's delicate syncopation also illustrates how boogie wanted to separate itself from funk and disco, branching off into something new, something unknown. Totally charming. It's on Cookie Records from 1979 and rare as shhhhht. There's also an even rarer picture sleeve for it, although it's artwork only and no actual picture. Happy hunting folks. That's if you HAVE to have it like I did. Big thanks to Jon Blunck for hipping me to this track and hopefully completing my Meters collection for once and all.

Ivan Neville - Dance Your Blues Away

Skye - Ain't No Need

The Last time I heard Cool Chris play out he spun this treasure. I simply love this tune, and speaking of anthems mentioned in the last post here's another one. Again, excellent modern soul. All killer no filler. The night was the Sweater Funk B-day Bash for Jon Blunck. Cool Chris was the guest and played an amazing set. It was similar to his previous Sweater Funk appearance but nearly a year later with a far more developed crowd. The house was packed, the mood was right and the soul crowd was in attendance. Chris' set bounced all over the place yet came together perfectly. From playing with him many, many years ago, it has always been a pleasure to hear him out. 

Anyways, onwards with the music. This release on the Ananda label has two versions, the regular and the dance mix. I really dig both and badly need a remix with both mixed together, but the regular version has more of a song structure to it. There are more build ups and verse, bridge and chorus separation. I believe the 'dance' version is just the loop of the last few minutes of the regular song, and was marketed towards the disco crowd. It works, but the true winner here is the a side, the regular version. Here it is for you to enjoy in it's original form. One of the greatest soul tunes ever, and a strong favorite of mine. Big thanks to Cool Chris for bringing it out. 

P.S. I think there is also a 12" version of this release.. anyone have it? 

Skye - Ain't No Need