ARTHUR CONLEY - I'M A LONELY STRANGER b/w WHERE YOU LEAD ME

Georgia born Arthur Conley started recording in 1959 with his group Arthur & The Corvets (whose small handful of singles didn't make much of an impression commercially). In '64, Arthur struck out on his own to cut his solo debut. Otis Redding heard the record and was so impressed that he had Arthur re-record both sides for release on his own Jotis label, which had national distribution.

While it took the Arthur-Otis collaboration two more years to strike gold with the massive "Sweet Soul Music", this brilliant double sider shows that Arthur Conley was equally adept at a deep soul ballad ("I'm A Lonely Stranger") or an uptempo stomper ("Where You Lead Me").

On this day (and every other), I'm most definitely THANKFUL for all those amazing folks (that we celebrate here) who bared their hearts, souls, and talent onto vinyl.

from 1965...

ARTHUR CONLEY -  WHERE YOU LEAD ME

b/w I'M A LONELY STRANGER

CLAUDE HUEY - STILL LOVE YOU b/w IF YOU"LL BE MY WITNESS

Phew; there's some SERIOUS depth on this record from bay area soul singer Claude Huey. "Still Love You" is a slow burner that takes its time building up in a subtle, understated arrangement, but completely overwhelms the listener with pure soul; a masterful vocal from Mr. Huey. Equally excellent is the groovin' flip side- "If You'll Be My Witness" has a super cool fade in and the kind of bubbling bass line that Bernard Reed was laying down on lots of late 60s-early 70s Chicago soul classics. It's all over in a too-quick 2:02.

The "Osborne" listed as the writer and producer is Jesse Osborne, aka Ozz of Ozz & The Sperlings legend (his "Can You Qualify b/w Daddy Rollin' Stone" is probably my all time fave bay area soul 45). Ozz helped Claude (a lifelong pal) begin a career in music after Claude's time in the Air Force. Claude Huey released 5 singles before calling it quits in 1970 (this was his final release).

from 1970...

CLAUDE HUEY - STILL LOVE YOU

b/w IF YOU"LL BE MY WITNESS

BOBBY HEBB - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Nashville born singer-songwriter Bobby Hebb followed up his smash '66 jazzy soul hit "Sunny" with his cover of the country standard "A Satisfied Mind", interpreted with a dash of soul. Probably not the wisest decision in a commercial sense, and in my opinion the flip side is the TRUE gem. "Love, Love, Love" chugs along with a stomping Motown beat, infectious piano and beautifully optimistic lyrics delivered with true conviction by Bobby. Should'a been the a-side, if you ask me!

from 1966...

BOBBY HEBB - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

BIT OF HONEY - HE'S THE ONE b/w LIVE IN MAID

This record seems to be a one off from this group, and I'm assuming that they were from Atlanta, as producer Calvin Arnold was based in Georgia.

Both sides are excellent! "He's The One" is an uptempo number that, while secular, has a bit of a gospel sound. "Live In Maid" slows the tempo and gets funky, funky, FUNKY! The lead singer (whoever she is) has a very sexy, saucy delivery for super results.

from 1970...

BIT OF HONEY - HE'S THE ONE

b/w LIVE IN MAID

I have a new 45 RPM single available for pre-order!

Thanks to the success of the "She Came This Way" 45 (sold out in 3 weeks!), we're doing another  Derek See 45! This time around, he's joined by The Gentle Cycle for a new version of "U Line", backed with "Love Is The Plan". Colored vinyl, limited to 200 copies.

USA orders:

International orders: 

TSU TORONADOES - YOU'RE MINE b/w BACK AFTER THE NEWS

The TSU Toronadoes have the distinction of being the uncredited as the backing of "Tighten Up" by Archie Bell & The Drells. Their name came from Texas State University, and that veritable road kind sport sedan, the Oldsobile Toronado.

This single (cut and released shortly before "Tighten Up") features a gorgeous soul ballad on the a-side, and a super-groovy instrumental on the flip.

from 1967...

THE TSU TORONADOES - YOU'RE MINE

b/w BACK AFTER THE NEWS

CYMANDE - THE MESSAGE

Didn't think I'd stay away completely, now didja?

I'm still on a massive high from DJ'ing in Seattle @ The Emerald City Soul Club Weekender, two nights in a row. Met tons of cool folks, many of whom have been digging this site for years. It was a righteous time!!!

Cymnade were a group formed in London, made up of folks hailing from Jamaica, Guyana and Saint Vincent; their name is a calypso term for dove; the symbol of peace. Their music is a lovely mixture of island rhythms and steady grooving funk.

This particular song is what it's all about, to me. TOGETHER is where it's at.

from 1972...

CYMANDE - THE MESSAGE