ALTON ELLIS - SITTING IN THE PARK

Today's post is coming to you from the magical city of London; oh how I love this place. Feels like my second home, actually! As I was deciding what to post, the first thing that popped into my head was the Jamaica to UK music connection and the importance of blue beat and reggae on the UK underground of the late 60's. Thank you, England, not only for keeping soul alive!

This is a beautiful, haunting version of the Billy Stewart classic done to a perfect lilt from Alton Ellis (strangely listed only as A Ellis on the label of my copy, but when it comes to Jamaican pressings nothing is a surprise).

From Trenchtown, Alton was one of the very first Jamaican vocalists to cut a side (his first release was cut in 1959) and is generally acknowledged as one of the finest singers ever from the island. This cut helps substatiate that claim, as his smooth, pitch perfect delivery is a thing of wonder.

from 1969...

ALTON ELLIS - SITTING IN THE PARK

MEL WYNN - DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU

Hailing from Wilkes Barre, PA and with a background in gospel, doo wop and rock n roll, singer Mel Wynn hooked up with a pre-existing group called the Rhythm Aces in the mid sixties and had a career as a live act for over a decade and cut a few singles as well.

Sometimes I feel as though I run out of adjectives to describe these records; what more can be said about a side like this other than it is absolutely glorious and it's the type of music that makes it great to be alive?

from 1969...

MEL WYNN - DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU

FROSTY - ORGAN GRINDER'S MONKEY

First off, I have to give some major props to two friends in regards to this record; first off, Eric Colin played this at Mod Chicago and hipped me to it. Luckily, another friend and excellent DJ from Milwaukee WI, Dave Monroe, had a duplicate copy he was able to hook me up with. Thanks a million, amigos!

This song, probably a studio group concoction, takes massive cues from a certain Beatles song on the White Album but is SO MUCH FUN all sins are forgiven. If you're gonna steal...

from 1969...

FROSTY - ORGAN GRINDER'S MONKEY

THE MANHATTANS - SEARCHIN' FOR MY BABY

Hailing from Jersey City, NJ, we find the Manhattans years before their massive hit "Kiss & Say Goodbye" with an ultra cool, slow burning winner.

This was the second release from this LONG running group who are, in one form or another, still active today.

from 1965...

THE MANHATTANS - SEARCHIN' FOR MY BABY

THE EMPERORS - YOU GOT ME WHERE YOU WANT ME b/w MY BABY LIKES TO BOOGALOO

Hailing from Harrisburg, PA, the Emperors released a scant four singles during '66-'67 (one of the first records featured on this blog was their debut single, 'Karate").

Admittedly, I had practically forgotten about this great double sider until it (fortunately!) came up on random itunes play while I was on an airplane.

Both sides have a fantastic, raw sound and feel- although their version of "My Baby Likes To Boogaloo" is far more restrained than Don Gardner's original version (itself a past 45 of the day, and honestly, record's simply don't get rawer than Gardner's!).

from 1966...

THE EMPERORS - YOU GOT ME WHERE YOU WANT ME

IRMA THOMAS - WHENEVER

Featuring an out-of-this-world string arrangement courtesy of Allen Toussaint (not to mention the always excellent vocals of Ms Thomas), this slice of positivity seems the perfect song for a Monday.

This record is also an excellent example that shows how New Orleans music was such a huge influence on the Jamaican lineage of bluebeat>ska>reggae that was developing at the same time, taking massive inspiration from the NOLA soul/r&b scene.

from 1963...

IRMA THOMAS - WHENEVER

HARVEY & ANN - WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW

Just learned that legendary music figure Harvey Fuqua has passed away; he was 80 years old. His career spanned from the doo wop years and beyond (including his performance of "Ten Commandments Of Love" with Harvey & The Moonglows which is one of the all time classic doo wop records).

Getting his start at Chess records, (not only with the Moonglows but also working with Etta James early on) before relocating to Detroit in the late fifties and helping out to establish the Motown empire, Harvey seemed to have a pulse on the next big thing for many years.

Here we find Harvey in duet with Ann Bogan for an excellent hard hitting r&b number. Yes, I know; I typically feature more low key records on Sundays, but this one just seemed RIGHT as a salute to Harvey.

from 1963...

HARVEY & ANN - WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW

BARBARA & BRENDA - IF I'M HURT, YOU'LL FEEL THE PAIN

Here we hear from dynamic duo Barbara & Brenda again, with a stomper that is an excellent raised middle finger kind of song that stands up to the one doing wrong and says ENOUGH. I love these records where the lady stands up and puts the man in his PLACE.

from 1967...

BARBARA & BRENDA - IF I'M HURT, YOU'LL FEEL THE PAIN