Really early work from Bobby Byrd – a single that's produced by James Brown, but without the funky touches of later years! "I Found Out" has stepping strings next to Bobby's deep soul vocals – and "I'll Keep Pressing On" is similar – again with strings, but plenty deep on the vocals! Both very nice, and in a mode that's similar to some of James' work from the time. 7-inch, Vinyl record
Two vocal group classics by the Corsairs – an excellent group graced by the unique lead vocals of Jay Bird Uzzel! "Smoky Places" is a sad and dreamy ode to the places two secret lovers have to meet – but "Thinkin" is the real winner here. At the first listen, the track's got a Platters-esque sound, but as it goes on, there's lots of weird sound effects and vocal tricks – almost in a Jive Bombers mode, with Jay Bird's voice making plenty of odd noises, beeps, grunts, and things like that under the lyrics! 7-inch, Vinyl record
(70s Blue Chip Series pressing in a Chess Blue Chip Series sleeve, with a bit of pen.)
Charles Stepney arranged, and Bobby Miller arranged and produced, with the great psychedelic soul sound that the Dells were using at the time. 2 tracks from the Always Together LP, here on an original 45! 7-inch, Vinyl record
Early work by Ebony Rhythm Funk, and much funkier than their later stuff – which actually isn't that funky at all! The record's got a driving righteous message – kind of imploring the listener to get up and go get what they want! Wayne Henderson produced, too – with a sweet electric funk groove that's like early 70s work by The Crusaders on Chisa! 7-inch, Vinyl record
Not to be confused with JJ Johnson, Jay Johnson is a deep voiced singer who kicks off this track with a Barry White-styled monologue – seducing a female lover with his words as strings build up behind him, never actually singing, but talking his way through the whole track – leaving things pretty hot n bothered by the end of part 2! 7-inch, Vinyl record