Auction
The condition and authenticity of all the records in our auction section are always carefully and closely scrutinised. If you enjoyed our auctions, then you may also enjoy checking out our latest soul additions.
Specials
You Stood Me Up / Everybody Say Yea Featuring
Satch : SA 512 (45s)
Here is the first of their standout four, Chicago vocal group excellence, from the desks of the two Johnnie's; Team leader Finch & Jones who take in turns to lead one side, whilst Johnny Jones heads up the a-side; with Johnny Finch the lead on flipside.
What gifted gathering The Specials were, Johnny Finch with Windy City stalwart Billy McGregor suoervising, you just know you're about to hear, beyond "Special" harmony soul.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl both sides, as good as it gets condition
Corky McClerkin
Searching For Soul / 1982
Win Cor : 3993 (LP)
Located just thirty miles northwest of Chicago on I-90 this album is drenched in "Windy City" expertise.
* = edited soundclips as samples for your
Searchin' For The Soul * 5:22 - killer Jazz Funk dancer
Love Is Your Name 4:35 - soft Jazz Cruiser with Theresa Davis lead vocal
Jive Mama T 4:26* - solid sax saturated Jazzy stepper with classy piano partitions
Everything Must Change* 5:33 starting dreamy Jazz ballad that morphs into a great mid-tempo dance groove with Theresa Davis lead vocal
Open Wide 5:22 addictive Jazz stroller peppered with Artie "Duke" Payne saxophone mastery, and McClerkin keyboard panache,
Passion 4:50 a pleading soulful Jazz experience with Theresa Davis lead vocal
Off C 4:30 bopping freestyle Jazz mover, screaming saxophone attacks from Artie "Duke" Payne, with thumping percussion from Curtis Prince.
Mirror, Mirror* 5:15 - killer Jazz Funk dancer
An absolutely awesome 80's beyond-rare jazz/funk experience, with the bonus of noting back cover is "dedicated" and signed by Corky himself.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, fine mint minus clean vinyl, housed in poly-lined-inner, cover reveals only soft signs of careful storage, mostly unblemished front cover, back cover is "dedicated" and signed by Corky himself. Plays beautifully clean (listen)
Dom Frontiere
Jett Rink Ballad / Uno Mas
London : HL-U 8385 gold tri (45s)
Gold London scholars will know fully well how elusive this 1957 USA Liberty release, from the James Dean classic movie “Giant”
A brief 1957 release, coinciding with the Warner Bros movie release in the UK. A 45 that unfortunately passed by completely unnoticed by radio and the record shops, selling absolutely nothing; thus another fabled “gold” London was born.
Jett Rink, played by James Dean was the local handyman who falls for the beautiful but married Elizabeth Taylor.. drama was bound to take off.
This 45 is “Jett’s” theme, encapsulating this Western movie’s mood, not something you can envisage starting a rush to the record store..
But today 66 years later it is one of those frustratingly RARE Gold London 45 that never surface for sale...
especially in the fine clean condition.
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, tri-centre intact. Vinyl carries full gloss, revealing just a few light surface blemishes when angled under direct light. A beautiful copy, house in a replica London sleeve
Ricky Storm
The Way It Is / version
Top Cat : TC-04 (45s)
Karl Pitterson
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss on vinyl
Pioneers / Lynn Taitt & The Jets
Give Me Little Lovin / This Is Soul
Amalgamated : AMG 811 (10")
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss near mint minus vinyl, reveals only the merest fine sleeve storage surface hairline when angled under light. Strong Ex+ throughout.
Too good to pass by.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss near mint minus vinyl, reveals only the merest fine sleeve storage surface hairline when angled under light. Strong Ex+ throughout.
Geno Washington
Like My Baby (1st mix) / I'll Be Around ( When You Want Me)
Atac : SW 7823 alternative mix (45s)
Although Discogs dates this disc as 1969, it is in fact the 1967 FIRST LABEL & the FIRST Randy A. Gibson Mix on these two George (Gino) Washington compositions.
Strangely this DIFFERENT SW 7823 mix on the stock copy, does not transfer to the Hollywood based R.P.R. distributed promo.
Noting this Atac stock 45 was credited to GENO WASHINGTON, correct crediting would have been GINO on this 45 if 1969 and the very next record released on Atac SW 7824 by The Soul Agents - Foxy Lady - with the label crediting it to Gino Washington as the producer; Discogs date this Soul Agents 45 as 1967.
All a little out of sync are those listings. Slightly confusing, but well worth hunting down, guaranteed to turn a few heads when played out.
On this glorious Detroit Northern Soul double Gino is supported by the Altrasonics & the Versatones extremely rare white & red STOCK copy in fine clean condition.
I actually prefer these two earlier mixes, very smooth, vocal gliders that had me fidging on my desk chair, resisting an embarrassing quick shuffle across the office.
Killer Detroit Northern Soul which ever side you drop the arm on!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss vinyl, reveals light surface marks,
Charles Sheffield
It's Your Voodoo Working / Rock N Roll Train
Excello : 2200 (45s)
One of the greatest R&B offering ever to the Popcorn & Northern Soul scenes... an instantly mesmerizing dancefloor experience no matter which scene your attending..
From the very first note this recording imprisons you into it's narcotic rhythms. Slow pulsating bass-line lays down the path for Charles's snarling attitude to deliver it's charm into. An intrusive Baritone saxophone peppers the arrangement with its irresistible prodding burps. A magical fusion that has everyone up and on their feet, nobody can resist it hypnotic powers.
Both sides give up spine-tingling saxophone manipulation mirroring the same irrepressible attitude Mr. Sheffield projects with his intimidating gnarled vocal.
Seldom seen in such clean condition, rarely surfaces for sale.. little wonder really it is a NS DJ banker, a surefire audience-detonator, saturated in truly wicked qualities... guaranteed to haunt you, long after the night is all over..
records of this deep seated addictiveness I can never grown weary of...
Condition Report
Quality control marker stroke on each label, not affecting any text (see images), fine clean full gloss vinyl reveals on soft sleeve storage blemishes, plays completely crisp and clean. (listen)
A. C. Reed
I Stay Mad / Lotta Loving
Age: 29123 (45s)
Both sides written by A. C. himself under his own name of Aaron Corthens for his last of 4 releases for Mel London's vehicle for Chicago R&B hopefuls. He had to wait another 7 years to have just three more 45's come to market. You would have thought A. C. was so much more than a "hopeful" but seemed to have a spasmodic release schedule after this 45 sneaked out and sold miserably poor.
We are surprised this grinding slab of R&B hasn't broke through as a big play on the European R&B dance scene, it is drenched in all the right ingredients. Pumping, pounding swirling keyboard peppered with bass and blues picking pulses. They marry perfectly into A. C.'s angry snarling reaction to his wife's standoffishness. He suffers inquisitions every time he comes home, can't do anything right, her oppression is both, real and inescapable. A. C. neatly drops in one of his fine sdaxophone breaks..
Flipside is raw wailing Chicago blues.
The top side carries genuine rarity and so much potential to stir the dancefloor.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss vinyl reveals only soft signs of being housed in its birth-sleeve for 61 years, plays flawless.
Almeta Lattimore
These Memories / Oh My Love
Mainstream: MRL 5575 (45s)
When you're a DJ of the Richard Searling, calibre it only takes a mere weekend to lift a record from an unknown into a Northern Soul most-wanted.
Right up until the 90’s this 45 was unknown to British rare-soul dance community. The first copy discovered in the basement of an “Island Carib Soul” DJ’s cast-offs in Brooklyn, New York. Brought back over to the UK just in time to taken the legendary Southport weekender. Where the seasoned ear of Richard Searling instantly recognised its potential to introduce possibly the weekend’s most discussed play.
On the Friday evening the much anticipated “Searling Set” received the usual crammed-tight dancefloor reception, I couldn’t wait to witness the crowd’s reaction to this new discovery of decidedly superior Sister-Soul.
Richard using all his experience from years at the helm of Wigan Casino, put his exquisite timing of presenting a new tune at just the right juncture. He was after-all the leading light for the “Crossover sound” after changing the face of the Northern Soul Sound with turntable choices at Parkers Club, Manchester; where only seriously soulful recordings passed the scrutiny of a DJ ingrained in highly selective taste. Parker’s of course became a “destination” Saturday night pulling in soul-fans from all over country.
After 20 minutes or so the now percolating crowd were introduced to the spectacular voice of Michigan songbird Almeta Lattimore…without pause or thought the bustling dancefloor exploded to the sound of soaring strings cradling Almeta’s beseeching memory flashbacks to a lost-love she just can’t erase.
The next day, at the compulsory lunchtime “pub across the road” meeting. “These Memories” was the hot-topic of enthusiastic chatter from both collectors and dancers alike, as I eavesdropped on the soul scholar’s analysis of the Friday night before. I was quizzed about where it was discovered, how much was it ? How rare is it? And most importantly did I have another copy, as a dancefloor monster had just been christened “The Pope of rare-soul”
The Saturday night Richard dropped Almeta very early in his DJ set, to a rapturous response. Richard then pulled the master stroke of spinning it again as his last record before exiting the stage. Leaving the crowd going home on the Sunday in no doubt whatsoever who the most memorable DJ and records of the weekend were.
The combination of masterclass DJing and the never heard before, blistering pain Almeta transmitted, igniting a packed Southport dancehall of motivated Soulies is a “memory” flashback I can’t erase. I’m of course in no doubt, Richard, yet again stole the show!
Condition Report
Two clean stock copy labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl plays perfect (listen)
Lloyd Charmers
Soul Of England / Shang I
Escort : ES 820 Manship mint (45s)
An iconic stalwart of Jamaican music, aka Lloyd Tyrell. Writer, singer, producer. During 1968 thru 1971 his recording output was huge. A "a tour de force" during the "skinhead" Reggae boom of 1969 / 1970. Before you today are two of his finest compositions, back to back on one disc.
Shimmering with inspiring dance rhythms and enticing moans, groans, "Cockney" chants littered with innuendos peppering that infectious arrangement. An attention-seeking feel-good Skinhead romp.
Flip it over "Shang I" provides the dancefloor with another fabulous piano led instrumental, this time no gimmicks, no nonsense. Underlining Lloyd Charmers composing talents, as he constructs an addictive instrumental that builds up into a rousing finish..
A
two great TUNES ... proper dancefloor pleasers which ever side you drop the arm on.
Condition Report
Stunning "archive" full gloss mint condition, 4 prong centre intact and those iconic "Pama art" labels totally uinblemished
Big Mama Thornton
You Did Me Wrong / Midnight Blues
Bay-Tone : 107 plus promo artist photo (45s)
Thumping R&B screamer from "Big Mama" her uncompromising searing vocal in full flow, matched by wild Harmonic outbursts, decorated by exuberant piano pulse.
Awesome Bay Area R&B stomper, that ticks all the boxes, consistent with all her R&B output;
Another full blooded, thunderous reply and "Willie Mae" again delivers retribution in her inimitable style, emblematic of her incomparable "payback" nobody does "BIg Mama" wrong and gets clemency.
Written by the lady herself, who revels in putting her men in their place... with a Sister attitude they will never forget.
Snarling "Momma" Blues is waiting for you on the flipside
The ideal surprise Xmas stocking filler for some lucky R&B scholar... I'd be delighted with the artist photo alone!
Condition Report
complete with incredibly rare 5" by 2.5" glossy promo artist photo. Two clean labels, vinyl reveals some soft surface scuffing but plays marks,
Rudy Ray Moore and the RayTones
Ready Willing And Able / Easy Easy Baby
Ball: 502 (45s)
The larger-than-life Rudy Ray Moore was the main contributor for this colourful label with 12 or more single 45 releases on "Ball's" meagre 25 x 7" output. A man very at home wth the late 50's R&B sound, I would have loved to have witnessed this imposing figure working his flamboyant style on stage.
An all round entertainer, actor, director and musician, delivers a session that includes a Rudy Ray raucous guitar break, partitioning his gravel-coated gargle, that had been rattling along at a furious pace, serving up a remorseless R&B shaker.
An American entertainer, actor, director and musician. He was most famous of course for his Dolemite character in Black-ploitation era of hit movies.
Rudy's first "break" came when he became the assistant to John Dolphin and shop manager of the famous Dolphins Of Hollywood store in Los Angeles. Owner of several renowned R&B labels, Recorded In Hollywood, Money, Lucky and Cash Records. Rudy adopted the turban wrapped head that became
50's fashion for as a few 50s R&B artists Chuck Willis, The Turbans etc.
A man who drew the eye with his attire and the ear with his potent musical output.
This 1959 R&B storm, is one of his best and most elusive.
Condition Report
a discreet # on the flipside label, otherwise two clean labels, strong on vinyl, reveals only soft signs of paper sleeve storage plays stron g and clean,