BlushRadio 8 - Fooling Around

Well, here we are again with another batch of fine old soulful sounds. Thanks as ever for all the feedback on the last couple of podcasts - it's always very much appreciated. This time out I've added links wherever possible to point you at where these tracks can currently be bought on CD - it's pretty much the only way we can support these artists who were often very under-appreciated when their work was originally recorded. Anyway, without further ado, on with the show.

Freddie Scott - I'll Be Gone (Shout)
Freddie Scott had a lengthy career recording for a number of mostly New York based labels, including a spell on Shout from 66-68 that also yielded the classic "Are You Lonely For Me?" LP, but unfortunately the only CD collection from this period of his career is no longer available. There's a really comprehensive biography and career retrospective on his own website, so I'll just mention that this is a belting up-tempo tune to kick us off - it's quite uncharacteristic of most of his work, which tends more towards smooth and emotional deep soul, but even on a stomper like this his nuanced delivery manages to come through.

Johnny Moore - What More Can I Do (Larry-O)
Off to Chicago now for this fine track. Like an awful lot of soul singers he recorded for quite a number of labels, including Chi-City and Brunswick, although this appears to be his only release on Larry-O - and a great two-sider it is too. There's a quite comprehensive compilation of his work available which spans his recordings on a host of labels throughout the 60s. Quite a prolific songwriter, Moore's songs were recorded by Tyrone Davis and Syl Johnson, among others.

Jamo Thomas - I'll Be Your Fool (Chess)
Well, we're still in Chicago for this one - sort of... Although Jamo Thomas recorded his soul sides in the windy city, he is in fact the same Bahamian Jamo Thomas who recorded "Bahama Mama" on Sound Stage 7. He later came to the States and recorded with Jerry Butler before recording possibly his most famous track, "I Spy For The FBI" . This cut on Chess is very different, being far more moody and blues tinged. I don't know of anywhere this track is compiled, although the flip side of this single "Must I Holler" can be found on the excellent "Chess Club Rhythm & Soul".

Soul Sisters - I Won't Be Your Fool Anymore (Sue)
The style and sound of this track will come as no surprise to anyone who's already familiar with the Soul Sisters from their hits like I Can't Stand It or Good Time Tonight, with really powerful vocals and some great call and response accompaniment. A great tune with a really gutsy sound.

Marvin & Johnny - Baby You're The One (Kent)
Marvin Phillips and Johnny Dean had quite a lengthy recording career, starting out on Specialty in the early 50's, so it's no surprise that the feel of this track harks back to the vocal group style of the 50's. You can find a copy of this on Kent's fantastic New Breed R&B CD - and surely I can't be the only one reminded of "Love Is Strange" when hearing this?

Entertainers IV - People Don't Look No More (Temptation Walk) (Dore)
I think this is a fine example of just how incredibly influential the Temptations were. Not only was their sound the inspiration for the reinvention of vocal group singing at least twice, but even their dancing spawned its own mini-genre between Jackie Lee's "Do The Temptation Walk" and this wonderfully classy number on the Dore label from Los Angeles. There is a very extensive Dore compilation available if you'd like to hear more.

Tammi Terrell - Just Too Much To Hope For (Motown)
I'll say straight away that Tammi Terrell is pretty much my favourite Motown singer, and this is pretty much my favourite of her songs. It's a lovely Harvey Fuqua production, and like many of her tunes features the Spinners on backing vocals which only serves to add even more class to a wonderfully touching song. There's been quite a bit of controversy about some aspects of her life, so I'll point you to this bio rather than try to abbreviate here. There is a nice collection of her Motown recordings available - try it, it's all good.

Sam Waymon - You Can Count On Me (Ninandy)
Quite apart from being an enjoyable piece of up-tempo soul, I find this record to be a fascinating piece of history. It's one of only five singles released on Ninandy, the label owned by Nina Simone and her husband Andy Stroud. Making the family connection even closer, this is the same Sam Waymon who is also Nina Simone's younger brother (Nina was born Eunice Waymon) and who wrote "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Nina Simone - Save Me (RCA)
...and so I had to include something from the High Priestess of Song herself. Probably one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, it's always very hard to pick out one of her recordings to put alongside other peoples' as she tends to rather stand out on her own. This is a most enjoyable outing, though, and it can be found as one of the bonus tracks on the CD release of her "Silk & Soul" album.

Vontastics - Why Must We Part (Chess)
Back to Chicago for this one. A great uptempo dancer written by band member Bobby Newsome. This was their only release on Chess, although they put out several singles on other Chicago labels - you can read more about them over at Funky 16 Corners.

Little Eva - Stand By Me (Amy)
Yes, the same Little Eva who sang the Loco-motion. I've used this to finish sets off many times over the years, and thought it was about time to include it in a podcast. Roger already wrote about it a few months ago, so I'll send you there for more info.

Well, that brings us to the end for this time - hope you enjoyed it!

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BlushRadio 7 - A New Batch

After a month away, it's time to the seventh edition of Blush Radio. This selection of songs all came in a bundle of records I received earlier this month. They had all been sitting on my wants list for a while and comprise of tracks that I had heard, read about or were intrigued by and, I think, all of them are absolutely fantastic. In a break from our normal “strictly sixties” rule, I have included a handful of seventies sides, I hope that you like them.

Roy Lee Johnson – Boogaloo #3 (Josie)

We’re starting off the seventh volume of BlushRadio with a real rip roarer, if this doesn’t wake you up and get you moving, then we might as well stop now. Lead by a fantastic sax line, with nice choppy guitars and funky drumming, this is powerful stuff.

Lula Reed – Baby, Baby (Your Love) (Tangerine)

Lula Reed came to prominence with I’ll Drown In My Own Tears released on King in 1951, the track was a big hit for Ray Charles three years later. She went on to record for Argo, Laurel and Federal before joining Ray Charles’ Tangerine label in 1962. Baby, Baby (Your Love) was released in 1964 and is a great mid-paced slice of R&B.

Jackie Day – Long As I’ve Got My Baby (Modern)

Jackie Day makes the cut for the second time running in my podcasts, like last time this is a beautiful up beat soul dancer. Jackie delivers a sultry lead vocal with great girl group backing vocals in support, which builds to a call and response crescendo.

Jimmy Bee – Wanting You (Kent)

Another northern stomper, the organ in the background of this one really makes the track for me. I know little about Jimmy Bee, I believe that this track was also released on Kimberly but that’s the extent of my knowledge. Anyone care to clear things up?

Du-Ettes – Please Forgive Me (One-derful)

I’ll lay my cards on the table, I’m in love with this song. The Du-Ettes are probably best known for Every Beat Of My Heart (which featured on the second BlushRadio podcast). Like Every Beat Of My Heart, this is girl group perfection.

Betty Everett – Trouble Over The Weekend (VeeJay)

Betty Everett is best remembered for the Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss), which has sadly overshadowed a number of other great tracks which she recorded. Betty was born in Greenwood, Mississippi in 1939 and like a great many soul singers came through the church singing and playing gospel. In 1957 she moved to Chicago and stated recording for a number of local labels through the late fifties and early sixties. In 1963 she was spotted by A&R man Calvin Carter and signed up to VeeJay Records, where this side was released in 1966.

Ray Agee – Your Precious Love (Celeste)

Ray Agee is another artist I know little about, so I’ll cut the history lesson and head straight to the track. Your Precious Love is an upbeat R&B monster, with a stomping beat, great organ and some saucy horns.

Bobbettes – Tighten Up Your Own Home (Mayhew)

The Bobbettes formed in New York in 1955 under the name the Harlem Queens. They signed to Atlantic in 1957 and changed their name to the Bobbettes, where they immediately had a big hit with Mr Lee. They left Atlantic in 1962 and moved around a number of labels for the rest of the decade without securing further hits. In 1971 the group now comprising of Reather Dixon, Emma Pought, Laura Webb, and Jannie Pought signed for Mayhew and released Tighten Up Your Own Home in 1972.

The Fantaisions – That’s Where The Action Is (Satellite)

This is the flip to Unnecessary Tears and is produced and co-written by the great Monk Higgins. I think that the track is reminiscent of Dancing In The Street, let me know what you think.

Alice Clark – You Got A Deal (Rainy Day)

We’re finishing off the podcast with a couple of funky numbers. First up, we have Alice Clark, who shamefully (yet again) I know little about. This track has some great rolling guitars, chunky funky drums and some nice girly back vocals.

Jo Armstead – I’ve Been Turned On (Giant)

Josephine Armstead was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi in October 1944. In 1961 she joined the Ike and Tina Review as one of the Ikettes along with Eloise Hester and Delores Johnson. In 1965 she moved to New York and teamed up with Ashford and Simson, with whom she co-wrote Ray Charles’ hit Let’s Get Stoned. She also had a hand in penning 'Casanova (Your Playing Days Are Over) for Ruby Andrews, Garland Green’s Jealous Kinda Fella and The Real Thing for Betty Everett (more by accident than design, it’s all links up today).

In 1965 she moved to Chicago and formed Giant Production Company with her husband Mel Collins. They went on to form the Globe, Giant and Gamma labels and signed Ruby Andrews, Garland Green, Fenton Robinson, Little Jimmy Scott, Shirley Wahls, Smokey Smothers and Jo, herself.

I’ve Been Turned On was released on Giant in 1970 and has swooping strings, a driving beat and soaring vocals.

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BlushRadio 6 - It's a Sweet Thing

Well, it's my turn again to serve up another batch of soul for your enjoyment. Thanks a lot for your comments on my last effort - much appreciated!

TSU Toronados - The Toronado
I could almost let these guys introduce themselves, but they get a fine introduction at the start of the track. Most famously heard as the band backing Archie Bell & the Drells on"Tighten Up", this is the Toronados at their best and under their own name for a fine slice of instrumental soul.

The Ambers - I Love You Baby
A great favourite of mine that I still manage not to know a great deal about. It was released on Verve in 1966 and is their only single for the label as far as I know. This song must have one of the best intros ever - an amazing swirl of horns launching into some really classy vocal harmonies with great energy right the way through.

Major Lance - Investigate
...and onto one of the giants of Chicago soul! This is my favourite of the Major's many, many great tracks - and I suspect I'm not alone in that. A tremendous vocal performance - of course - and that great Okeh brass sound underpinning it.

Sugar Pie DeSanto - Jump In My Chest
Sugar Pie DeSanto was a childhood friend of the great Etta James (and recorded a couple of great duets with her) and was one of the many R&B artists who got a start in recording through the famed bandleader Johnny Otis. This track comes from quite a few years later in 1965 when she was recording for Checker - it's the flip to "Mama Didn't Raise No Fools" and yet another reason to always listen to both sides of a 45! This one has fantastic atmosphere, and is led throughout by a great horn riff - and of course, being a Sugar Pie DeSanto track there's more than a little attitude, too!

JJ Barnes - Sweet Sherry
Another really well known tune, this one from the Detroit master JJ Barnes. Those are the Originals singing harmonies behind him, by the way. Lovely.

Norma Jenkins - Me, Myself & I
A very nice piece of soulful, melodic pop on Joe Evans' Carnival label. The lyric is sweet and clever, and the song is just so catchy it hooks you right from the word go.

Bluesbusters - I've Gotta Get There
This single is a tremendous double-sider on Capitol. The Bluesbusters are an odd combination, a successful vocal duo from Jamaica comprising Lloyd Campbell and Philip James who although mostly famous for their Rocksteady recordings also put out a number of soul sides. This is quite a nice example of one, I think.

Chuck Jackson - Beg Me
And once again onto someone who needs no introduction! This is Chuck Jackson at his gravelly best for me, really pouring his all into it.

Bobby James & Vicki Adams - Love Is Such A Sweet Thing
A really storming tune on the Stop label from Nashville. Vicki Adams also has a nice solo release on Stop ("I'm Drowning"), but beyond that I really don't know all that much about them. Not that it matters - sit back and enjoy!

Fontella Bass & Bobby McClure - You'll Miss Me (When I'm Gone)
Fontella Bass, of course, you already know - "Rescue Me" must be one of the most famous songs in all of soul music - her first single for Chess. Before that, though she recorded a couple of duets with Bobby McClure - one of which, "Don't Mess Up A Good Thing" was a hit. This is the flip side to the other one "Don't Jump" and is further proof - as if we needed it - that you can't judge a record by its sales!

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BlushRadio Volume 5

Jackie Day - Before It's Too Late
Robert Parker - Barefootin'
Irma Thomas - Don't Mess With My Man
Barbra Mercer - Nobody Loves You Like Me
Chris Clark - Whisper You Love Me Boy
Ronnie Love - Chills and Fever
Brother Jack McDuff - Can't Get Satisfied Pt 1
Carl Carlton - I Can Feel It
Jessica James and the Outlaws - We'll Be Makin' Out
Little Mary Staten - Steppin' Stone

I hope that you are in fine fettle and ready for another soul packed volume of the Blush Organisation’s finest platters. Ed’s served up another wonderful podcast a couple of weeks ago and now it’s my turn to step up to the plate and share with you some of my favourite records. It’s another mixed bag of sixties soul and r&b, some well known and a few obscurities.

Ed and I hope to keep the podcasts coming thick and fast, with a new one posted every couple of weeks or so. We thank you for your kind comments, so far, knowing that people are digging what we do is a real buzz.

Jackie Day – Before It’s Too Late

First up we have a song that I’ve loved this song since I first heard it on the Kent compilation For Dancer Only. It’s the kind of driving northern soul that I love to dance to and play. This has been a regular in my sets for a number of years now and will continue to be for years to come.

Robert Parker – Barefootin’

This is our first trip to New Orleans in this podcast. Ed and I used to promote a night named after the Robert Parker track Hip Huggin’, which I am bound to feature in a future podcast but this time I’ve opted for probably his best known track. There's a great piece on Robert Parker over at Funky 16 Corners.

Irma Thomas – Don’t Mess With My Man

We stay in the Crescent City for the debut single from a true soul legend, Irma released one more record on Ron before moving on to Bandy, Imperial and Chess, to name but a few. There was a fantastic piece on Irma’s career over on the B Side recently, which is well worth checking out.

Barbra Mercer – Nobody Loves You Like Me

I’ve written about this beautiful song before on this blog. This is a nice easy record to pick up and won’t set you back much but what a song.

Chris Clark – Whisper You Love Me Boy

I was originally going to include the wonderful Loves Gone Bad on this podcast but I got beaten to it by the fantastic Office Naps, so I thought I’d opt for another cut from this blue eyed soul sensation. This track’s intro is lifted from Stevie Wonder’s I Was Made To Love her but puts it to good use. A light vocal delivery over Motown’s trade marked backing, ticks all the right boxes.

Ronnie Love – Chills and Fever

I love the sleazy horn line a the start of this record and it continues to move along in a greasy manner throughout. This is clearly a Fever cash in record but has real charm and just sounds dirty.

Brother Jack McDuff – Can’t Get Satisfied Pt 1

Brother Jack McDuff is one of my favourite organists and I pick up his records whenever I come across them. This track is from the album Tabacco Road which is well worth picking up.

Carl Carlton – I Can Feel It

This is the second track that I’ve written about before on here, so I will direct you to my original posts to read a little more about the track.

Jessica James and the Outlaws – We’ll Be Makin' Out

Next up we have some girl group perfection, in the form of Jessica James and the Outlaws’ wonderful We’ll Be Making Out. This is another easy track to pick up that won’t set you back a fortune. What you get for your money is fantastic sing-a-long soul, with wonderful backing vocals, that would be a hit on any dance floor.

Little Mary Staten – Steppin’ Stone

As with my last podcast, I’m finishing with a moody number from a wronged woman. Steppin’ Stone is the B side to Helpless Girl and is not a cover of the Monkees track. This is a mid-paced number with a really great jazzy breakdown near the end. I know nothing about Mary Staten and as far as I know, this is the only record she released, can anyone shed any light on this?

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BlushRadio 4 - this time it's personal!

This time it really is a collection of personal favourites with few surprises - particularly for those of you who've heard me DJ over the last few years!

Houston Person - Hey Driver
A bit of a change of style from most of the tunes on the BlushRadio so far, but this jazzy boogaloo groove from 1969's 'Goodness!' LP is a real winner. Earlier in his career Houston Person was probably best known as the tenor sax man playing with Johnny 'Hammond' Smith, and he later formed a lasting musical relationship with the great Etta Jones. Finally, a classic Houston quote from around the time this track was recorded. On being asked about the constant presence of his sax at his side he replied, "Man, I always have my horn with me... then no matter what happens I know my horn is with me."
Words to live by, I think!

James Bounty - Auction On Love
Not a tune I know an awful lot about, although I believe Red Dog was a Detroit label. This was another of the first few tunes that got me into the whole Northern soul sound and has stuck with me ever since.

Otis Rush - Homework
Pure R&B gold! Otis Rush is best know as a Blues singer and guitarist, with a unique guitar style arising through his use of a typical right-handed guitar played upside-down and left-handed without restringing it. Homework was his only release on the Duke label in 1962 (his earlier successes being on the Cobra label in the mid to late 50's) and is an absolute classic.

Debonaires - Headache In My Heart
Wow, what a great tune! A brilliant, moody atmosphere, some great girl group vocals and a really clever lyric make for a winning combination. The very fine Soulful Detroit website has an excellent article on the history of the Debonaires, so I'll point you in their direction rather than pinching their research here!

Moses & Joshua Dillard - My Elusive Dreams
Moses Dillard had a long career in music as both the leader of his own bands (including the Dynamic Showmen and the Tex-Town display) and as a guitarist working out of Muscle Shoals. His duo as Moses and Joshua (with James Moore) was short-lived, but did manage to produce this cracking dance tune on the Mala label.

Dynamics - Misery
Another early 60's classic melding the earlier vocal group style with the more soulful trends of the 60s. Once again, there's atmosphere to spare. Tight drumming holds this one together as the melody is driven by a glorious guitar riff and the vocals duck and soar all over the place. Oh, and you can dance to it, as well!

Jackie Edwards - Come Back Girl
A bit of a departure from the so far entirely American cast of these podcasts is the great (and greatly underrated) Jamaican soul singer and songwriter Jackie Edwards. Perhaps best known as the songwriter of some of the Spencer Davis Group's biggest hits. This is a storming uptempo number, but he really ran the whole gamut wonderfully well - check out 'Put Your Tears Away' for a much more emotional offering, very likely coming to a podcast near you soon.

Irma & the Fascinations - Lost Love
A towering piece of soul from Philadelphia's Dynodynamic production team. Irma was Irma McDougal, also of the Four Larks. Despite the tremendous music surrounding it, this tune really is all about the vocal - sit back and enjoy.

Volumes - Gotta Give Her Love
Lovely tune, and another that harks back to the vocal groups of the 50s with its close, intricate harmonies. It also has an irrepressible joi de vivre which to me is the essence of soul music and always keeps me coming back to it.

Incredibles - Another Dirty Deal
Almost Principle One in reverse... the flip side of this record is 'There's Nothing Else To Say', a much played song which in all honesty isn't among my favourites as it always seems to be trying a bit too hard... This smashing tune couldn't be more different, though. A sweet, gentle melody and a clever, inventive lyric combine to produce a truly memorable song which, to my mind, deserves far more attention than it gets.

Toussaint McCall - Nothing Compares Yo You
And once again, one to really let you know it's the end of the night. A truly wonderful ballad sung in McCall's rich baritone, this one never leaves you...

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BlushRadio Volume 3

Roscoe Robinson - What Makes A Man Do Wrong
Miller Sisters - I'm Telling It Like It Is
Pearl Woods - Sippin Sorrow
Jackie Ross - Jerk & Twine
The Shirelles - Baby It's You
Jackie Wilson & Linda Hopkins - Say I Do
Martha Jean Love - How To Succeed In Love (Without Really Trying)
Mamie Galore - It Ain't Necessary
"Little Esther" Phillips - Wile It Lasted

Ed’s posted a couple of fantastic podcasts over the last month or so and I thought that it was about time that pitched in with my own. As it is my first attempt, I plead with you to be gentle with me, whilst I find my feet. Having said that, I hope that you enjoy what I consider to be some fantastic tunes. I have tried to select a broad spectrum of sixties soul, taking in a bit of r&b along the way. I have also picked a couple of tracks that I have written up on here before, because it'll all make so much more sense when you hear them.


Roscoe Robinson – What Makes A Man Do Wrong

This is the first of the tracks that I have previously written about on this blog and the full entry can be found here. I love this track, it has energy in abundance and the raw backing really gets me.

The Miller Sisters – I’m Telling It Like It Is

I don’t know a great deal about this track, there was a country act also going by the name of the Miller Sisters around the same time, were they the same band (answers on a postcard please)? Anyway, this is top quality up beat dance floor soul with to die for backing vocals. Great stuff.

Pearl Woods – Sippin Sorrow

The second of my old post retreads for this podcast. A real r&b scorcher, with Little Richard’s band, the Upsetters, providing the backing. The original post can be found here.

Jackie Ross – Jerk and Twine

I’ve had a bit of thing for Jackie Ross for a long time. She was featured on some of the first northern compilations I got my hands on and I just love her voice, the further I’ve delved into her catalogue the more smitten I’ve become. I’ve Got The Skill is also well worth checking out, as to is her version of Take Me For A Little While.

The Shirelles – Baby It’s You

Does music get any more perfect than this? I know that this song is well known but you’d have to be a fool or a liar not to love it. This is girl group perfection of the highest order and the organ solo gets me every time. Baby It’s You was written by Burt Bacharach, Barney Williams and Mack David. It has been covered by Elvis Costello, Cilla Black, Loleatta Holloway, Foxy Brown, Cliff Richard, Nick Lowe and most famously by the Beatles but sod them, it’s this version that you need in your life.

Jackie Wilson and Linda Hopkins – Say I Do

My copy of this is the UK issue (the US issue was on Brunswick). Say I Do is the b side to Shake A Hand and as Ed has pointed out several times over his podcasts, shows the value of flipping the disc.

Martha Jean Love – How To Succeed In Love (Without Really Trying)

This is a wonderful slice of northern; a great up beat track, with hand claps galore and a sing along chorus. This should get anyone with a heart beat up and heading for the dance floor.

Mamie Galore – It Ain’t Necessary

Mamie Galore was born Mamie Davis in Mississippi in 1940. She joined the Ike and Tina Review before hooking up with Little Milton, which brought her to Chicago and in tern St Lawrence. She recorded a number of sides for St Lawrence, notably the Bond cash in Special Agent 34-24-38. This fantastic northern dancer was produced by Monk Higgins.


“Little Esther” Phillips – While It Lasted

Little Esther was born Esther Mae Washington in 1935 in Galveston, Texas. She was originally noticed by Johnny Otis and joined his review in 1949. Before signing to Lennox in 1960 she recorded for Savoy, Federal and Decca. While It Lasted is a wonderful mid paced moody number and has always gone down really well when I’ve played it out.


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