People's Choice - Let Me Do My Thing

While it seems it's open season for HATERS on reissues, let me divulge a retort. And, at the same time also file a grievance against said hatred. For starters, news flash.. EVERYBODY, and I mean everybody wants originals if possible. duh! Even folks that are just starting out in collecting..they want the original release. They might have not yet paid all the dues that lifetime collectors have, but still they want the original article. But, let's look at how quintessential RE-ISSUES are. They have in fact numerous times throughout several genres, and decades of music paved the way for what we know now..and brought to light hoards of quality music to the top. So much music would be lost without reissues.. from 60's dutch garage punk, to countless poor condition and almost impossible rocksteady from Jamaica, it's stunning when you look at the scope of all that is out there BECAUSE of the reissue market. I personally take offense to people downplaying, hating, and dismissing reissues especially now that I myself am behind some of that action with Sound Boutique Records.

The most critical part of reissues (in my eyes) is that it creates a situation where the artist can regain some of the income surrounding the popularity of a record. After all it's THEIR music, and originals trading hands amongst collectors for anything from $25 to $200 still yields absolutely $0 to the artist. That equation does not sit right with me. So, even though royalties are pennies compared to what a true deep collector 7 inch might trade hands for, it's still better than nothing.
Not to mention reissues help folks discover music, and define peoples interests. Like they have done for me time after time.

Here's the situation way back when for me personally. I was a young mod kid, must of been about 14-15 years old. I was trying to find more soul that I liked, and all I had was what I found.. Jr. Walker, Chuck Berry, Mary Wells, and Mose Allison 45's here and there. There was an incredible mostly 45 store, legendary in fact... that was huge for me.. called BAYTOWN records in Albany..but that's another story. A very important story to share, but another time.
We were learning about mod style and mod music, that is... American R&B, blues and Soul as mod kids. I had some vintage stripped 4 button shirts and Hush Puppy shoes and often taking my pants to the tailor to get them pegged.

Cover art on all the volumes looked like original works of art,
all creating incredible scenes of Soul music scenarios.

We were also sorting out and finding the music we wanted to identify with. While I was fresh to the culture of digging, and green to the ways of all the music I would eventually discover... Compilations aka Reissues were key in the development of my tastes. When you look back now, over all the years of collections, compilations, and reissues, the amount of releases back then pales against whats come out since. With all the years gone by, and folks like PPU, Numero, Now and Again, Stones Throw, Ace/Big Beat, Luv N' Haight etc.. its mind blowing. Just an endless sea or cool stuff to explore.
Back during this adolescent time for me it was 4 main groups of comps that shaped things for me.. Bam Caruso lead the way into psych, Funky People lead the way into JB's funk, Charley opened the door to rare groove, and these soul comps SOULIN' were likely the first comps I ever bought. There's also the Ultimate Breaks and Beats, but that is also deserved of an entire other post. So, yeah, maybe 5 comps.. 5 reissue groups.
I took a chance on the first one, the first SOULIN' compilation... based on the incredible cover art, and obscure track listing on the back. Strangely enough I bought all of them at tower records of all places. Once I dropped that needle on the grooves I was sprung, the heavy and rough soul that I really quested for did exist. It was southern soul, it was northern soul, it was instrumentals and funky tracks. It was dance music at it's finest to me. At the time I had an inkling about Kent Soul record comps and the immense amount of Northern Soul on those releases, but this was more dear to me. The stuff on SOULIN' was funkier, grittier, tough, soulful, and so irresistibly danceable.
After hearing this first SOULIN' and instantly being hooked (and enlightened I might add) I rushed back the very next day to get the rest of the volumes they had. I bought all of them, which at the time was the remaining two.. volume 4 was to come a bit later.

Soulin' comps were put out by Moonshine Records
and features a woman takin a taste from a bottle. 

They were all so incredible. I've lived by the depths of what was on here.. brought tapes of all of them to parties and people cut loose and spun about on the dance floor. So. In my experience compilations and reissues are pinnacle in harvesting tastes.. developing the ever growing 'map' of music, and also equally important in developing a scene to surround the love of the music.
So, for folks who shun on 'reissues'... please.. go get a life. Without them, most of us wouldn't know shit. I've said this a million times and its been proven to me a million times over... no one person knows EVERYTHING. Comps and reissues of the past are all the doors that have been opened  by others before you. For those in the hip hop community that claim to know everything, you're only fooling yourself.. Ultimate Breaks and Beats taught you a TON. And, without them you probably wouldn't know HALF the shit you do. And, they also were some of the first reissues AND comps I knew about.  So, don't get it twisted, they too were COMPS.
So, onto sharing this excellent, and very common People's Choice 45.. just ONE of the many varied treats on the SOULIN' series.
Maybe I'll share more of them in the future too.. I'd really like to know who these folks were.. who put them together and how they came about. They must have been 1984 or 1985 when they came out? I'm not sure. Very early tho. Also would like to know more about these amazing covers.. the painted scenes of clubs and bars with musicians pouring out of the windows or patrons hanging around. Just incredible.


People's Choice - Let Me Do My Thing

Movie Special - 20 Feet From Stardom

On the surface its a music documentary. But, once you get past the first layer of this onion its completely something different. In fact, its more like a surgical slice right through everything you know as music today. It dissects pop and soul music and examines the back bone of super star performers and countless recordings by looking at back up singers and their incredible stories, contributions, and roles they played. Yet, the layers run even deeper still... it offers a look into the political side of music, the roles of women in music and the personal stories of some contemporary artists. It truly is so much more than your average music documentary. It's just damn excellent.
Hearing the vocals isolated on multi tracks is the glass bottom on the fishing boat. I was floored to hear the backing vocals in ways I've never had the chance, yet heart broken to hear some of these stories. Some stories tragic and some incredibly inspirational.

The movie features Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Gloria Jones, Claudia Lennear, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill, The Waters Family, Tata Vega, Mable John, Janice Pendarvis, Lynn Mabry, David Lasley, Patty Austin, Edna Wright and fucking countless others. Now for us, more educated soul afficianadoes we know that technically these aren't all 'back ground' or 'back up' singers. And, some were parts of incredible groups like Parliament/Funkadelic or Honey Cone. But, it doesn't really matter, this story is about more than just that, it's about soul singers in general. That appears to be the 'backbone' of this story. It is more about the stories and paths of a handful of soul singers and some of them have been back up singers. Like I said before, more importantly its a look into the window of soul and rock and pop music.

Yes, that's Luther Vandross singing for David Bowie.

Luther honoring Lisa Fischer

The amazing Merry Clayton

The always bad-assiest Ikettes.

It's really about those folks that are just behind the limelight, have walked right beside it, and even been in it, but now still aren't household names. In a lot of ways it's a look at fame. It's a documentary about unsung singers, or lesser know heroes of music.
For that exact reason this movie gets the highest praise from us. Discovering singers or musicians on a big screen is a welcome thing, and why this movie completely won my heart. Plus I absolutely love these women soul singers that are speckled throughout the movie. They are indeed some of my favorites, worthy of worship, and damn deserving of some credit and shine!

Merry at an amazing moment listening to her isolated
backing vocals on 'Gimme Shelter'

Luther has always loved and valued backing vocals.

R&B's first action figures. 

For those of us that have 45's by Gloria Jones and Able Mable, and LP's by everyone from The Waters to Merry Clayton..they are ALREADY heroes in our world. We already know about these vocal beauties. We're already fans. But, this movie opens the door to a wider audience and folks that maybe don't know. Plus the artists get some much deserved respect and wider appreciation! You can't be mad at that. It does drift into a 'We Are The World' kinda vibe, and of course has the stereotypical 'oldies concert' feeling at the end. But, even though a bit mainstream, it's still a heart felt journey and a beautiful movie. It's few movies that get rated this high on Rotten Tomatoes and for good reason. Definitely gets the stamp of approval from Sound Boutique.
Go see this.

These backing singers got to fuel the 'sounds' of a revolution.

Bold Soul Sisters.

Phil Spector and Darlene Love - A complex relationship: Phil helped make
Darlene a legend, yet he also stole stardom from just outside her reach. 

YOU HAVE BEEN PROPERLY WARNED. DON'T MISS.

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!

The Black On White Affair - Bold Soul Sister, Bold Soul Brother

Welp, I just spend the last 45 minutes hammering out a lengthy post here and good ole blogger didn't save and froze up. So, as I'm writing this 'second' version I don't know what you're gonna get. I'll try an replicate what I already said..but, coming into this over a year after having had a regular routine of posting here, I've forgotten that its best to work offline and post final product to avoid losing a great deal of time, effort and content.
Anyways.. I think I was saying.. This 45 had eluded me for quite some time. Surprisingly it never turned up for me, not even after several ventures up to the Seattle area where it hails. My Mom, rest in peace, was doing what she does..labor organizing to be specific..go mama! and I would visit her there and got to dig around Seattle. So, it's a marvel I had not put my hands to a copy yet.
Anyways, here it is FINALLY and I'm pleased. Two banging sides. Fudge dipped heavy funk from A to B side. Both sides are equal 'Monster Funk'. New category duly noted.

This song opens with some of the most lethal and crunchiest drums I've heard. This song also paves the way into 'Wheedle's Groove' a compilation of Seattle funk and soul. Wheedle's Groove was also the starting point for the Light In The Attic label and championing the West Coast funk and soul digging and collecting scene. I think once people learned there was a rich history and still so many nuggets to be found it kinda exploded.
The movie by the same name should be mentioned here as well, probably one of few if not the only documentary that focuses on the artists, the producers, the local history and the stories of discovery. It's amazing and if you haven't seen it, you really NEED to. I'm surprised I haven't mentioned it yet here at SB, but if I have then it most certainly deserve several rounds of praise and multiple mentions.

The Black On White Affair were an early incarnation of Robbie Hill's Family Affair, and the reason I mention it like that is I'd like to post a Robbie Hill song here as well. For those of you who know me, you may have heard about the theft of my records last year. One of the stolen 45's was my beloved Robbie Hill 'I Just Want To Be (Like Myself)' 45. Once I get that back into the collection, I will post it up here. But, definitely go see 'Wheedle's Groove' the movie and/or get this essential comp.

Both sides of this 45 are hard, mean dirty blues funk. From those completely devastating drums to that first brutal organ screech. Just devastating. Heavy deep funk at it's best. The flip instrumental is also a monster. Just so damn good. I've always liked and kinda grew up on the harder, meaner, ruffer, blues from the likes of Billy Boy Arnold and Taj Mahal.
Funny side story, I think a certain home-girl, good friend of mine Kitty, started a scooter club (or, girl gang ;)) of the same name, The Bold Soul Sisters. Maybe it was even BSS SC. Perhaps you might think she could have been referencing the Ike and Tina song of the same name, but inclusion on a early mix tape of hers, I'm pretty sure she was influenced by THIS song. They are of course COMPLETELY different. Both incredibly good, yet this one being a 100x's rarer and dare I say.. RAWER.
So the quest for this elusive slab of Seattle based funk is FINALLY over, and here for you to enjoy.

ALSO: worth mentioning is the 2007 issue of these same songs on the Sausage Records label...I think I will obtain one as well, and not have to bring out my original. And, much easier and cheaper for the rest of us. Special thanks to Nancy Soultastic for trading with me on this one. It will be cared for and loved.

The Black On White Affair - Bold Soul Sister, Bold Soul Brother

Myron And E - They Don't Know

These boys are GOLDEN. This album has been in my playlist since I got a hold of it. And, its growing on me more and more every day. It's golden material all throughout..not stuck in the past music that it emulates but, breathing enough life into it enough to do something new. At least that's how it feels. Yet, it feels remarkably contemporary. Not going to be capable of being pigeonholed as 'retro' soul. And thank god. True soulies know.

These two and a exceptional band, The Soul Investigators, have been putting out quality on the TIMMION label for a minute, and this new venture on Stones Throw will likely put them into the ears and hearts of a whole new audience, and perhaps a new generation. Good for Myron and E and good for those ears. It collects tunes from both Timmion albums and some tunes NOT on the Timmion releases. 'Broadway' is being commandeered as the US version of these releases. There's so many tunes on this LP that I really like, and 'They Don't Know', although a small sample from their catalog, will have to suffice for my share for now. It's such a solidly mature and endearing soul LP. 'If I Gave You My Love' is absolute straight bomb. 'Broadway' and 'Everyday Love' are true sweet soul grooves and all are real catchy and addictive. "Going in Circles' and 'They Don't Know' drift into heavier subject matter..and it's a welcome treat..part of the real appeal of this LP for me. Some thoughtful looks into class/social/behavior and relationships throughout the LP. Meanwhile 'Do It Do It Disco' might be the burner of the year, this AND last. They are seasoned soul travelers and this venture into disco, almost in a BT Express fashion, is hypnotizing and completely lovable.

 Check out the video here...

 

Usually here on this blog we are opposed to posting newer material. But, that's been longing to change for quite some time. There's so much material we want to share, so we've decided to not deny our fellow fans and music lovers. And, additionally this is the perfect gem to break those old rules anyways!
In 2014 and onward we're going to highlight new acts, re-issues, and anything else we see fit. But, we'll probably still stick to things on vinyl...but, we'll see.

All I gotta say is well done fellas. This is a solid album and highest grade of appreciation for it here at Sound Boutique. We just hope they won't be mad at us for sharing one little genius of a song.

Myron And E - They Don't Know

Etta James - Fire

Been off the blog for a minute. Back at it. Trying to make up for lost time and present you with more dope and incredible music. However, this is the NEW face of the Sound Boutique blog. After many a copyright infringement and DMCA warning we have to handle our blog in a new manner. A bunch of our postings have been removed and/or deleted and our viewers have been unable to enjoy them. So, we'll be presenting future posts and all content from here on with YouTube videos. We will be posting videos on YouTube from our collection so you won't be getting just material that is already available there, but rather original content from us. At least that's the plan.
I do also suggest that our readers please continue to share with other readers by sharing links to the mp3 files as anonymous in the comments section. So, I suggest people look in the comments section for any or our posts.

Back to business as usual.

Etta James came onto the music scene LONG before I was born. And, it seems her musical legacy is ever lasting. I got introduced to her as a kid, as a young mod kid in fact, and her impact on me was tremendous. I forget which album it was that I was first introduced to, but I've stayed a long and true loyal fan of hers ever since. I'm pretty sure it was this album, but I'm not sure. It seems to me to be far too incredible and amazing LP of hers to have as a young teenager. But, it likely was.. and likely was a re-issue put out by Chess and purchased by me through Columbia Music House or Columbia Record Club.

As many of you know, she passed away earlier this year. Rumor had it she was sick for a while before her passing. Many folks throughout the soul community morned her passing. She was a absolute soul hero to all of us. Although LONG overdue here at the 'boutique' we want to have a moment of silence for our incredible soul sister Etta James.



I had originally intended to post this back in January of this year, what feels like almost a year ago now.
When I heard the samples of Etta in the Flo-rida song that my 11 year was listening to, I had to whip an education on her. After about 45 minutes of enjoying her music my daughter admitted she liked her. It was cool to give he a lesson of where things come from, the sampling of her decade likely will not be the same of my era.

On another note, I think a good indicator of a quality wedding deejay is whether they play the original version of 'At Last' by Etta, or the remake by Beyonce. I recently had to endure a horrible wedding deejay and amongst tons of other horrible music he played the far less superior Beyonce version, which to me is almost sacrilegious. Or, at least some kind of crime.


Today's offering is from a Cadet 45 from about 1968 or 1969. 'Fire' is a scorching tune,no pun intended. Not really a really one by her, and only a small sample of her immense career. But, back earlier this year it struck me as one tune I wanted to play in her honor at one of my gigs. So, here we are catching up with what we should have given you at the beginning of this year, not the almost end of it. Rest in peace Etta, you are greatly loved and appreciated.

    

Barbara Mason - Ain't Got Nobody

Back to the swing and finger snaps of a good Northern dancer. Hot off the wheels of another killer nite at Lower Bottoms. This was as easy pull straight from my box of unplayed stuff that I brought. Songs I didn't get around to playing. Funny how you can bring a small box of 45's and still NOT play everything in it. Let me say again, how much it is to spin amongst the LB crew. I totally dig each of the other DJ's styles. In particular, I love Bobby's acid drenched funk, Adrianne's sweet and groovy soul and Joseph aka Trick Baby's completely unpredictable style. Always a good time and like I've starting saying lately, this is the best combo of hipster and homeless with a crackin' sound system I've been to since our very own Sound Boutique club.

From start to finish Barbara Mason has had huge hits and a knack for writing perfect little soul pop tunes. She's penned killer oldies sound with 'Yes, I'm Ready' in 1965 and brought the boogie back with 'Another Man' in 1984. Just an example of how lengthy and prolific her career has been. I'm happy to report Barbara is alive and well. Still singing and knocking the socks off of soul fans all over the world. This is just a small offering from Barbara, and we'll delve into much more of hers in the future.

 I hope you'll enjoy this nice and smooth dancer from this legendary Philly soul queen.


Barbara Mason - Ain't Got Nobody

Funkadelic - Better By The Pound

Most funkateers know this album in and out. If you don't know it, you should probably drop whatever it is that you're doing and go get this. Even if that means you stop reading this blog right now. This is an album I got recently to have in stock at the Vamp record shop. As a kid at my neighborhood record store this was a major turning point and fathoms deep rabbit hole of an album to be exposed to. I must have been 17 or 18 years old. Working at the record shop has brought back alot of the community and relationship back to sharing, exposing and learning about music for me. This record in particular I think should be a staple for our shop and is a milestone for anyone curious about funk. You could easily contend that many other Funkadelic LP's are worthy of the same noteriety, also being incredibly versatile and ingenious pieces of higher funk 'art', yet even the die hard Funkadelic fans would agree this LP opens up a serious can of whoop ass unlike many others. It's more polished than it's predecessors, and seems to flaunt more studio trickery than previous LP's. And, gracefully pushes boundaries, something they always enjoyably do, but stretch new webs with stuff like 'Mama be my beach' and what could easily be the FCC's worst nightmare with 'Shit God damn get off your ass and jam''.

I'm not even touching on the incredible musicianship on these albums. These cats were the top of the creme of the crop of the funk world. All wickedly talented and sharp with their instruments, and constantly oozing with creativity. But, it's that slick, and crafty ingenuity that is woven throughout all these records that sets them a brand apart. Still does. Honestly I could go on and on about this album. Or, any album by Funkadelic or Parliament for that matter. This camp of funkateers never ceases to amaze me. And, when the 'themes' and 'jokes' and 'language' they create repeat, compliment and paint a broader larger picture they give way to a deeper experience for listening.Their overall body of work is stunning.

But, there's something even deeper that comes from any entry point into the world of the Parliament/Funkadelic thang. Meaning more or less that there is no wrong album to start with, they are ALL amazing. They are incredibly ingenious and individualistic musicians that have left a legacy that hasn't even been close to being even remotely touched. This is why it is such a treasure to share this group, especially when it's held up to the standards of what is today called 'music'.....nothing comes close to our forefathers know as Funkadelic. Now hopefully you can tell your kids what's up when they ask you.. 'Mommy, what's a Funkadelic?'

Funkadelic - Better By The Pound

The Sylvers - Fool's Paradise

Back to basics here...a little more back down the road of organic and less synthesized tunes. I had to start back with the blog for bunch of boogie and modern soul posts, but changing gears yet again. As always I try my best to keep it fresh and interesting bouncing all across the spectrum's of music.


One of my all time fave groups is also another classic example of undiscovered talent and lost and forgotten groups. Another example of a group only slightly registering on the radar, but deserving of still an even deeper and more proper exposure. Wholeheartedly the Sylvers could have been a super pop group to easily content with the like of the Jacksons. In fact, they did. By most accounts the Sylvers existed right alongside them and had a long history of doing so. It's just one of those cases where every-fucking-body knows about the Jackson Five, and yet...almost nobody 'seems' to remember the Sylvers. In fact, when deejays play the Foster Sylvers track "Misdemeanor' most will think it's Michael Jackson rocking with the Jackson Five. I guess on the upside that's a great compliment. But, for me it may have stifled a groups potential to always be over shadowed by another super group. And, sadly may have lead the Sylvers in a more pop direction, instead of a more 'artistic' one. This LP is a prime example.
 
The Sylvers had immense talent too. And, in fact their eldest member Leon Sylvers wrote and arranged a multitude of stunning soul songs in his early years. Possible only 18 or 19 years of age, he penned hit tunes like "Wish I Could Talk To You" and laid down incredibly deep textures and phenomenal arrangements in song like "Fools Paradise" and "I Know Myself". These are deep both in message and psychedelic atmosphere.True favorites among break beat and head nodding funkateers.
The youngest member Foster, had two solo LP's and the group changed members throughout the years. They started with 6 members, outnumbering the Jackson's by one, and eventually out did them with being nine members strong at one time. Sylvers family members were popping up outta nowhere. But, thank goodness for them. They also struck another piece of gold with a later 70's hit 'Hotline' in the middle of their disco era.

Leon Sylvers grew to become one of those most important and influential writers and producers in soul music. His mark on soul and R&B in the 70's and 80's is enormous. This is one of the great unknown soul albums and is relatively available. The production is genius, the song writing staggering, the talent endless. Just about every song on this LP is fantastic. You should seek it out, if you don't know it already, and blast it on a Saturday morning and chill with your sweetheart. This is that kind of soul record. Not enough of them as far as I'm concerned.

The Sylvers - Fool's Paradise

Otis Clay - Too Many Hands

I love the scratchy throated R&B singers the best. And, Otis Clay is one of the greats. His style, that of funky blues and rough soul, is one of my most cherished and favored. This tune in particular I rocked recently here in Oakland at a party put on by some cats I've newly been acquainted with. This crew I've become aware of this last year is the fabulous Lower Bottoms DJ's and their nite at the fantastic Cafe Revolution.


Honestly, I haven't seen anyone truly hold down a decent funk and soul party in Oakland since Kitty's Wednesday nites almost 5 years ago or so. This is thee monthly party to be at in Oakland. It's been proving that every second Saturday of the month. It's got some truly special elements going for it, and the main cats involved, Bobby, Joseph, Adrianne, and Ben are all fathoms deep into music and a pleasant bunch to boot.

These cats have inducted me into their vinyl fiendy family and I'm happy to join the dysfunctional party scene they've created. I don't roll thru nearly as often as I'd like, but this party is the funnest around. I get my mind blown every time I DJ with them and this party often goes until the early morning light. I'll be guest spinning with them this December on the 11th and I've got some heavy treats to lay on the LB gang. Those whose feet hit the floor won't be disappointed. This party ain't for wall flowers.

 

Just look at these fabulous flyers and you can see what's going on at these parties. In between caring for my fam, these nites have been my breath of fresh air. The sound system is thundering and the attitude of the clientele is positive and full of energy. Kudos guys... nice party, deep in the funk, sauteed in the soul, in the heart of Oakland, smack dab in the Lower Bottoms.




Otis Clay - Too Many Hands

Joy - The Time Is Right

Joy was a gospel group from southern California, San Diego to be exact. They recorded this pearl of an album and that was it. This is about the strongest tune on the LP, but they showed tremendous potential. This tune is pure magic, straight up good gospel groove with a very simple premise of positivity and action. The lyrics boast 'It's time we treat each other like true sisters and brothers' and i couldn't agree more. We need more songs like this in our world today. Again they proclaim 'It's time we forget denominations and come to the realization that god just wants us to show our love' and 'It's time to be strong and take a stand, reach out your hand and help someone when they fall'. Just how silly new music these days can be, and how vulgar and negative it can be, it truly makes you appreciate songs like this. Very Stevie Wonder-ish sounding vocals, brilliant simple production, and a smart little bass and drum 'breakdown' from this perfect title cut from this album. In the gospel scene, bands like this in the late 70's and early 80's turned towards making more straight soul records and moved away from more traditional sounds. Packing up the Hammond, and subbing in the Rhodes. Putting down the Tambourine and replaced it with slapping the bass. Basically it's a pop/soul record and I'm thankful for this trend during that time.

This sat firm at the top of my want list for over three years and last year finally came to me in the mail. Do you understand how hard it was searching for the key words 'Gospel' and 'Joy' on the interweb! It took me forever to track this one down, and it was a frustrating journey. But, now it's here like a ray of sunshine. I had every intention of posting this when I got it, but sometimes things slip through the cracks and after a few plays out in the clubs it was filed away. So good to be giving it it's proper due and sharing here on SB. I hope that somehow the band finds this post and sheds a little light on how this album came about and what the San Diego Gopsel scene was like in the early 80's.

This is actually our first 'actual' request for a song. A fellow artist and enthusiast just recently told me 'more Gospel please!' and I'm very happy to oblige. It's you, our readers and followers of this blog that make all the difference in the world to this music and the artists, and give me purpose to searching high and low for good music . The fact that I'm getting feedback and 'requests' for gospel here...is fabulous. So, here ya go...A special dedication to my homie Alika Cooper and hoping this track pleases her growing Soundboutique mix tape collection, and provides additional music for her while she's painting.




Check out her amazing work here...
www.alikacooper.com/











Joy - The Time Is Right