Hitsville Record Review: Dave Ferguson

Hello all you Hitsville members worldwide. David Ferguson is the name, a resident of Dave Moore's hometown of Burnley, Lancashire in the North of England. A small town that was once (arguably) the epicentre of the rare-soul scene in the North! While I have adopted Burnley as my hometown (Dave's fault for introducing me to Janet my wife about 1979), I was born in Steve Edgar's hometown Carlisle on the England/Scotland border in 1954. Soon thereafter (1957) the family settled in Morecambe, Lancashire which is where my love affair with this music began.

Having been to a Jethro Tull concert in 1967/8 I was mocked and ridiculed by the 'Mods' a couple of years above me at school, who lived nearby. They were extolling the virtues of Otis, Sam and Dave, Booker T, Tamla Motown, Ska, Bluebeat etc., so I started taking a little more notice of the sound of "Black Music." Coffee bar jukeboxes and youth clubs (pub bars followed eventually) gave me a 'thirst' for more of the sound of "Black America" and the 'Caribbean'. A gift of a 50-box of UK 45's (Stateside, Stax, Soul City, Atlantic, London, Sue, Action, Island labels etc.) were quickly followed by Blues and Soul Music Review "soul packs," - which started the whole collecting thing off!

A visit on the "free" coaches to Blackpool Mecca in 1970 (pre Messrs Jebb and Levine) fuelled my thirst even more and it was the Highland Room Rare Soul Saturday nights that became my routine. Visits to the Torch all-nighters and an occasional visit to Wigan followed, but then left the area for a while. When i returned "home" I met dave and my wife to be.

I stopped collecting in '87 selling all my "big" imports (Don Varner, Al Williams, Johnny Hampton, Stanley Mitchell, Little Richie, Sam Ward, Ernest Mosley etc). BUT- I kept my 'cheapos', my UK collection, and my Ballads! About 7 years ago Janet and I found ourselves able to get out and about a bit more and I got the bug again!

My tastes are varied but I like to think they are well honed!? The selections I have put forward here were randomly pulled from shelves, piles & boxes, strewn around my "den." I do sincerely hope you will appreciate a few of these records and that the reviews will provoke discussion, corrections? additional information and the like. (As an aside I recently did an article for NS magazine regarding my life of record collecting - not a Booker Prize winner but worth a read if you're interested!)

Many Thanks to Dave for inviting me to contribute.
Dave


REVIEW #1 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Carlena Weaver - Jealousy Audel, 363 (-) I first picked up this record around about 1979 and gave it a few airings in the East Lancashire area ... to no reaction alas! From Buffalo NY the label advises, I am aware of one other good 45 on this label from Hank Soul Man Mullen (He upset your dreams), a copy of which I secured for $30 and is lost over the Atlantic! A great female vocal with an appealing slightly off-key arrangement that is unusual but infectious. I seem to remember Mark "Big Daddy" Bicknell once saying it was one of his very favourite records. Any other info on Carlena/Audel would be welcome - Kym perhaps as she has lived there!?

REVIEW #2 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Dee Dee Warwick - Don't you ever give up on me Mercury, 72738 (1968 - January, 6?) For me this lady can do no wrong. Now in her 60th year, the younger sister of Dionne, she has kept her roots in secular music whilst Dionne drifted in M.O.R superstardom. In the early-mid sixties Dee Dee was "happy" to be one of NYC's most in demand backing vocalists. This particular track is a Jerry Ross production a name that crops up on hundreds of 45's of all genres. Our "good friend" Jimmy Wisner is here again on a not very often played 45 from Jan '68 if the hand written info is accurate. Uptempo big city soul of the highest order in my opinion. The record has an almost haunting "Spectoresque-type" feel; hollow?, echoey? Listen, you'll see what I'm trying (not very well) to explain. Please do check out her multitude of other Mercury/Blue Rock 45's many of which were released in the UK - "We're doing fine," (did PP Arnold get inspiration for Everythings gonna be ........ from this?), "Do it with all your heart," "Worth every tear I cry," (UK only), "When love slips away," "It's not fair," the latter two being late 60's early 70's offerings I think. If you see anything by her - buy it blind - you won't be disappointed I am sure.

REVIEW #3 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Bobby Bell - Drop me a line RCA Victor, 49-9040 (1967) Legendary producer Jimmy "whiz" Wisner meets RCA yet again (see Dean Courtney's RCA cuts) on this very affordable double sider. The other side "Don't come back to me" is a more frantic uptempo offering that received a little airplay in the 70's, but for me "Drop me a line" is the winner. A piano led intro is followed by a crisp 'tight' vocal performance from Bobby, with girlie chorus and a great brass instrumental break part way through. Should be easily picked up with "loose change".

REVIEW #4 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Bobby Boyd - Whatcha 'Gonna Do About It Bang, B 562 (-) From NYC's Bang records comes another 45 I tried to "play out and about" in the early 80's but perhaps a little too subtle for the average dancer then. I would liken this 45 to the Bobby Patterson Jetstar 45's; certainly tempo wise ("My baby's coming back" etc..). A noticeable brass influence, a few tinkling 'ivories' give this mid-tempo item a feel-good flavour for me. Again very affordable ... forgive the crackles which appear to be a pressing fault! I know of one other 45 by him on Veep but have not heard it.

REVIEW #5 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	J. J. Barnes - Lonely no more Mickay's, 4471 (1964/5) From Fred Brown's 'Mickay's' label out of Detroit comes this J. J. Barnes co-penned track from '64/'65, (after his Kable recordings but before the Ring and Ric-Tic 45's). An introduction "to die-for... " listen, I'm sure you'll agree. Downtempo brilliance from 'JJ,' "A poor lonely boy lost in a world without love and joy" who goes on to find the companionship he yearns for. The wonderful backing arrangement adds to the quality of this pretty rare Detroit collectors item. Flip it for "Get a hold of yourself" that 'aint' half bad. (I still rate his "Please Let Me In" as one of the finest records ever to emerge from Detroit).

REVIEW #6 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Miracle Walkers - Love In My Soul The Scamm Sound, SC 1003 (-) From Los Angeles on the West Coast comes this 45 that I had initially in the late 70's. It was a bit of a collectors 'cult status' 45 in '73/'74 receiving a few plays at the Blackpool Mecca's legendary 'Highland Room' Rare Soul nights. After an unforgettable brass intro that should be a signal for people to leap on to the dance floor the vocals and arrangement kick in to provide (for me) an ideal dance tempo. I must admit that it does lose its way a tiny bit at one point but not to the overall detriment of the recording. I wouldn't like to hazard a guess at what a publicity shot of this group would show - anybody any further info? I have/known of two other items on the label by Hayward Lee and Sir Guy Armond perhaps you know of others and could contribute?

REVIEW #7 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	"Nicky C" - Those Good Times Bay Sound, C-67012 (-) The record with no artist given on the label! It came to be known by the production team Nicky C and Chateaux. Nicky is presumably the Greek-surnamed gentleman who wrote this song. Once again this 45 was a big thing amongst hardened collectors in the pre-Wigan era '72/'73. I was first put onto this by my good friend and legend amongst the UK rare-soul fraternity Brad (Steve Bradley) from Colne in little old Lancashire. Very much an acquired taste and possibly a little too uptempo for 2005? That off-key (or am I tone deaf) brass intro again, that I simply love, (Little Tommy etc..) precedes a great male group harmony offering from this Baltimore based label. There is a little 'Chandleresque' break (but shorter) towards the end featuring a love-it or hate-it falsetto, before kicking back in to that infectious beat. Who is Nicky C really? Anyone know the background?

REVIEW #8 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Sound-Masters - Lonely Lonely Julet, JU-102 (-) Next up a "massive" rarity from the City of Angels, Los Angeles featuring I do believe non other that Morris Chestnut on vocals. Co-written by Morris this was produced by the legendary James Carmichael who has been involved with so many great West Coast studios. This record for me has the ideal dance beat and will be much sought after for years to come. I have one other 45 on the label albeit a different design a numbering system; that is Mickey Wilson's Gee Baby (You're driving me crazy) another Frank & Vance Wilson collaboration. I remember the Mickey Wilson 45 seeing a little turntable action in '73/'74. I would guess that Morris Chestnut's involvement with the Sound-Masters predated his membership of the Attractions. They had some great 45's on Bell, notably "Destination You" and "Why shouldn't a man cry" which are up-tempo, and one of my all time favourite ballads out of LA - "New girl in the neighbourhood" (flip it for a version of Carl Henderson's "That girl is mine"). Final question - can someone confirm otherwise that the Attractions who recorded on Deto and June Bug are a different outfit?

REVIEW #9 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Hesitations - She won't come back Kapp, K822 (-) Pied Piper Productions of Detroit strike again on this great double sider from the artists behind arguably the 'best' Northern Soul album ever; "Soul Superman," containing the poor-mans version of Eddie Parkers "I'm gone" ... "That's the way love is." (Get the CD too as it has unissued bonus tracks on it!) Co-penned by Monette, would that be of Michael and Raymond 'fame'?, this record shares the same backing track to Lorraine Chandlers "Tell me your mine" which is the flip side to her Giant/RCA outing "What can I do," both Pied Piper productions. (Another vocal of "Tell me your mine" exists by the 'Four Sonics - Plus One' on Sepia.) Co-written by the legendary Jack Ashford this is a great example of male vocal group soul and is less frantic than their monster "I'm not built that way" also on Kapp. The flip is another great mid-tempo offering. As Mr Bicknell would say - "two for the price of one!"

REVIEW #10 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Marva Lee - If you can't be true Atco, 45-6367 (1965) Chicago meets Philadelphia on this storming Curtis Mayfield penned track by Marva Lee (about whom I know nothing, although a 45 by her on the Rugby label is listed at £400 in J.M's book!) Originally recorded by Gene Chandler on Constellation, this version is more uptempo and has the unquestionable skills of Dyno-Dynamic Productions at the helm (Weldon McDougal, Johnny Styles, Luther Randolph and originally Jimmy Bishop), resulting in an absolutely storming version that is good enough to pack any dancefloor worldwide! Will I be be able to find any trace of Dyno Dynamic when I visit Philly?

REVIEW #11 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Avons - Just as long as I live Sound Stage 7, SS45 2561 (-) Girl group, vocal harmony perfection on this donwtempo outing for the late John Richbourgs SS7 logo (28 releases prior to the Joe Simon disc reviewed by Steve Edgar so that would date it around 1967). I was put on to this 45 by my great friend and best man Dave Comer to whom I must extend my thanks as this is definately my kind of music. Perhaps a little down-tempo for some, but when you reach 50+ you will grow to love and appreciate such music when the dance floor beckons! Apologies for the 'sticker on the label' but therein lies another story. All State Distributing Company were one of Chicago's premier record distributiors, based on 'Record Row' (S. Michigan Ave area). Amongst the labels they distributed were Motown (but not Tamla etc.) Chess, Checker, Smash and presumably SS7! For more info on this and the Chicago Soul scene I urge you to track down "Chicago Soul - by Robert Pruter." You will not be disappointed!

REVIEW #12 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Caesars - Girl I Miss You Lanie Records, LAN2002 (-) From St Louis, Missouri comes this 45 on Lee Laniers Scepter distributed Lanie label. I personally know of only one other record on the label, again by The Caesars "(La La) I love you," that appears to have been released three times with varying catalogue numbers (2001, 501, 502). Have I covered the whole output of the label perhaps? This is a wonderful vibrant and uplifting piece of group soul that certainly deserves airplay by some enterprising DJ's, perhaps at the Hitsville event? Did they record again I ask?

REVIEW #13 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Ortheia Barnes - I've Never Loved Nobody (Like I Love You) Coral, 62529 (-) From J.J. Barnes little sister comes this subtle mid-tempo offering with distinct Detroit connections and probably recorded there. Produced by Fred Brown (the proprietor of Mickays Records where brother J.J. and Ortheia also recorded) and McKinley Jackson. Records of this quality really ought to get more outings but the 'mass market' venues in the UK dictate otherwise relegating the vast majority of quality rare-soul to venues like Manchester's Greatstone Inn. A few releases later (62552) came "Take my heart and soul" that I acquired before this 45. A little more uptempo but just as worthy in its own right, this again was a Fred Brown/McKinley Jackson collaboration. I admit to not having heard her outing on Fred Browns Mickays label. 350 "Your picture on the wall" that appears to have been leased to ABC also. Anyone got a sound file?

REVIEW #14 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Supurbs - Only For Lovers Alteen, 3004 (1966) From the Windy City of Chicago comes this outing from the SUPURBS, possibly?probably? not the SUPERBS from LA (Dore) or NYC (Symbol) even though listed in a mis-spelt form in both UK price guides.However as ageing 50+ I do as always stand to be corrected and educated. A 'bouncy' up-tempo male group harmony offering from the same label that gave us the wonderful Sunday (Williams), "Aint got no problems" and Drake and the Ensolids, "Please leave me." All three label designs are totally different. The numbering systems too seem to have changed 3004, 9631, 8652. Anyone got a listing? Whether this 45 would ever be accepted by the dance floor is debatable but it certainly is music to my ears in my den!

REVIEW #15 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Revels - True Love Jamie, 1318 (1966) On Philadelphia based Jamie Records is this male group sound. I strongly suspect a picture of this group would reveal a bunch of Pat Boone look-alikes but what the hell I like it! Written by Jackson and Wisner (could it be Jimmy?) this is a 'bouncy,' melodic number that grew on me when I first heard it over at Pat Brady's a good many years ago. "True love is like a two way street a rough road to travel" - how right they are, but with effort you get there in the end! Once again I know nothing about this group, so if any of you aficionados out there can shed any light I'd love to hear from you.

REVIEW #16 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Rotations - Trying To make you My Own Mala, 576 (-) In Alan Pollard's submission he reviewed The Rotations "A changed man" and referred to outings on amongst other labels Mala. Well purely by coincidence I pulled out one of my favourite records ever that I managed to re-patriate to the Ferguson household a couple of years ago. Produced by the legend that is Miles Grayson (Except "The Joker" aargh!), a gentleman I had the pleasure of meeting in LA last year, this 45 has it all for me, perfect tempo, great group vocals and a wonderful arrangement that builds and builds. I remember first seeing this record listed on one of Ian Levine's adverts for either the Highland Room or Top Rank at Hanley during the years when turning up fresh, new vibrant sounds that other clubs didn't have was in vogue. Great days!

REVIEW #17 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Entertainers - Love In My Heart Symbol, 45-212 (-) From Juggy Murray's Sue/Symbol set up in mid-sixties New York City comes this disc from The Entertainers. Just looking at the credits; Juggy himself, J.J. Jackson, Sidney Barnes, you can almost tell this is going to be a "humdinger" of a side. "Love in my heart" is an instantly catchy sing-a-long slab of 'rare-soul' dance-music that I have never tired of.

REVIEW #18 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Sharon Soul - His love is amazing Coral, 62487 (-) A much loved favourite of mine that I first picked up in about 1972 that did gain a few plays in the clubs of the day. Produced by George Kerr and directed by Richard Tee this too is a wonderfully uplifting outing from Sharon. I know of one other outing on Coral ("You found my weak spot") and the release on Detroit's Wild Deuce label, "How can I get to you/Don't say goodbye love" that incidentally sneaked out on UK Stateside! Who Sharon was and where the Coral outings were recorded I know not. George Kerr of course is a legend who worked with such artist as the late great Linda Jones, Alice Clark, Skullsnaps (aka Diplomats), Whatnauts and Phyllis Hyman.

REVIEW #19 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	Otis Leavill - Keep on Loving Columbia, 45-43661 (-) From one of the Windy City's legendary artists, the late Otis Leavill we have his one outing in Columbia. A JALYNNE PRODUCTION (Co-owned by CARL DAVIS) that I think came after his Blue Rock but before his DAKAR product. Written by Gerald Sims this is an archetypal 'floating' mid-tempo Chicago offering with atmospheric strings to the fore. As with Dee Dee Warwick I haven't come across a bad 45, from his early outings on Limelight and Lucky the Blue Rock, Smash and Brunswick period through to the Dakar outings of the late 1960's. Buy any of his very affordable 45's blind and give your ears a treat.

REVIEW #20 CLICK on RECORD to LISTEN!	The Whispers - The Dip Dore, 735 (-) Los Angeles again for this slab of pure unadulterated mid 60's feel good/lets party dance music from Lew Bedell's very collectable Dore label. Better known on the label for their original version of Doctor Love; later released by Capital Records which was (still is) just across the street - a coincidence? This record was written by group member Nicholas Caldwell. He went on to continue writing for and performing with the group on labels such as Soul Clock (Remember, Flying High) and Solar (a favourite track of mine being "In love forever"). Arranged by another legend whose name regularly appears on soul 45's, Mr Gene Page.

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