Soul Auction
Check out the Rare Soulman soul auction for all the best bargains available online. Be sure to check the closing date and time for each record to ensure to don’t miss out on the best bids. Our auction stock dramatically varies in price, with records ranging from £12-£700. Find the perfect soulful additions for your own collection.
The condition and authenticity of all the records in our soul auction section are always carefully and closely scrutinised. If you enjoyed our auction, then you may also enjoy checking out our latest soul additions.
Adrian Lee Bal
Bach & Forth part 2 / Bach & Forth part 1
Bal Records : BG-309 (45s)
Adrian Lee Bal is an accomplished self-taught electric bass guitarist, manipulates his instrument to the nth degree. Breaking through all previous boundaries of Jazz & Funk. The result is a jaw-dropping, pounding cocktail, fusing both genres.
Every week on a Wednesday, we hope to make this auction, a good read and an enlightening listen. This UCLA student pushes the boundaries of instrumental achievement, for which he won the annual 1971 "Sinatra Award" only open to UCLA students, Adrian Lee Bal won that award in his section, along with $2000 in prize money that financed this incredible 7" single.
I hope you, like me, are about to be amazed by this totally divergent slab of Jazz/Funk, and appreciate the skill required to compose and play this level of jaw-dropping funk.
Click the soundfile, listen fully to part 2, before reluctantly declaring it, your most memorable listen of the week.
Insane but Brilliant!
Condition Report
Two perfect labels, flawless previously unplayed archive vinyl, still housed in birth-sleeve; complete with a newspaper cutting of the Monday evening, when Frank Sinatra discovered Adrian Lee Bal.
Harvey Averne Dozen
Never Learned To Dance / Dynamite
Uptite : 007 (45s)
The imploring lead vocal rolls out a checklist of reasons to dance. As that bass guitar dispelling all doubts, convincing you to take to the floor as those pumping bass-throbs burst through a near impenetrable platform of honkin' horns, frantic guitar rhythms, keyboard decoration, rattling drums all fuse as one as that becoming breathless lead-vocal leaves you in no doubt where you should be - out-on-the-floor,
It's a club-destroyer of the most uplifting kind... proper dance-music... proper Northern Soul, very hard to acquire; with the bonus of hard-hitting Latin/Funk dance tune hidden on the other side; featuring taut guitar riffs, bombarded with heavy-duty horns, later partitioned by an inspiring, wailing trumpet solo. Another top-tune!
A two for the price of one - essential!
Condition Report
Strong gloss on vinyl, revealing some soft surface marks, other than a few soft clicks on the intro, none of which really affect play. Listen the fine double soundfile. Labels have sparse radio station notes / writing on it. (see images)
Van Dykes
Save My Love For a Rainy Day / Tears Of Joy - Mala
Mala: 584 (45s)
It is not often you can say, a record producer takes a Motown recording and makes it superior to the original. This Norman Whitfield composition never achieved more than album track recognition in 1967. Until a quick on the draw Charles Stewart saw potential for his four man Texas Soul gathering to revamp it into a hit.
Rondalis Tandy, Wenzon Mosley, Eddie Nixon and James Mays with his rich baritone, do such a beautiful job of pouring out vocal-group "Motown", whilst still retaining a strong sense street-corner teamwork. Sprinkling the "edges" with a seamless flood of harmony Soul, as that icy-cold lead falsetto completely wins you over..
Charles Stewart's thundering bass-line intro, peppered with chiming vibes, blasted into orbit by a barrage of brass, colliding head-on with Ron Tandy's searing falsetto.
It is one of the most motivational intros of them all - park your drink and dash to the dancefloor, it is a record you can really dig your feet into. Driven to the brink of dancefloor elation by a torrent of male voices..
THIS IS NORTHERN SOUL at it's most exhilarating
But do not overlook the flipside, a delicious top drawer Sweet Soul harmony. That showcases one of the most gifted Soul groups, who sadly failed to make worldwide fame.. The Impressions, Manhattans, Dramatics, Temptations, The Dells would not have sung "Tears Of Joy" better than the fabulous Van Dykes. A group who never quite reached the dizzy heights their talents so richly deserved.
THIS IS SWEET SOUL at it's most exquisite, backing up a Northern Soul Anthem that fires up so many memories.
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, with NO ink fade, so rarely encountered without that ugly storage rub. The play perfect full gloss vinyl only reveals the merest soft hairline when tilted under direct light. Plays mint, visually gorgeous.
Bill Grace
Chances Go Round / Lonely
A S P: ASM 406 (45s)
The mysterious Bill Grace with a D.I.Y. indie he wrote and produced himself, in 1979 avoiding the temptations of the straight disco sound. Bill beefed up the this session with potent electronic enhancement, a compelling synthesizer working overtime of the dance pulses and rhythms with a male backing chorus taking influences from Earth, Wind and Fire in a low-budget "Boogie Nights" style, no getting away from the compelling dance inducement.
A listing for those DJ's and collectors who seek out those small private label 70's dance tunes that never got past their local hangouts, selling perhaps only an handful or so. That probably why Bill never seemed to have attempted another lone-wolf foray in the local club-scene. but there is not denying it left the world "Boogie" scene with another rarity to chase. A relatively new discovery that has yet to become wider known, but already the meagre few that have been discovered, ownership has been vigorously contested...
They don't come much obscurer that this keyboard driven, vocal group Boogie session, credited directly to the creator, writer, producer, singer of this out-of-the-ordinary invitation to get down...
Flawless condition!
Condition Report
Perfect previously unplayed copy
Terry Callier
Ordinary Joe / Golden Circle Of Your Love
Cadet : CA 5692 DJ (45s)
Made immortal by Terry's unparalleled gift for mixing the two genres with a seamless ease of social comment delivered by his beautifully "cracked" vocal, partitioned by fluid "scat" and simplistic piano notes. Mr. Callier tiptoes through the irresistible piano rhythms, his voice rising up stronger and stronger as he absorbs himself in his carefully crafted lyrics.
Just brilliant, a flawless masterpiece of his own creation, that has been universally applauded for several decades now, without ever becoming in the slightest, tired or overplayed.
Damn hard to acquire, the few owners will never part company with this treasure of our scene.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, fine clean strong gloss vinyl, revealing only the n=merest soft hairlines under light. as you can hear, plays, loud crisp and clean.
Sunlover's
My Poor Heart / This Love Of Ours
Breakthrough : 1002 (45s)
Joey Jefferson's highly regarded D.I.Y. Los Angeles Soul label, given iconic Northern Soul status by that limited press of the single sided Holy Grail by The Inspirations - No One Else Can Take Your Place - in late 1967. This plain but gorgeous label vista presenting vocal group excellence, was released just one label number number after the Inspirations. But utilizing the masterplate from the previous Mutt and Jeff 18 release from the summer of 1966 .
"My Poor Heart" was The Sunlover's first 45 release, suffering from being pressed with release number "18" that was later duplicated Mutt & Jeff release no. 18 also shared by "You'll Never Make The Grade" in 1967
Please note the discogs listing of the Mutt and Jeff 18 "This Love Of Ours " 45 gives the release date as 1967 erroneously assuming "Breakthrough" press was first, in fact Mutt & Jeff was first by at least 12 months. But writer, producer, label owner Joey Jefferson believed in the standout songs. With a relaunch of his two standout soul-group recordings on his 1967 imprint "Breakthrough" a label that triggers an adrenaline rush, the few times I've come across. "My Poor Heart" was mastered and pressed late June 1966. with "This Love Of Ours" going to press late June 1967 on Mutt & Jeff 18.
It is thought both "Inspirations" and "Sunlover's" more or less enjoyed simultaneous release month, with the Sunlover's taking priority on the promotion effort. "The Inspirations never receiving a b-side, attention was focused on Breakthrough 1002 as both sides showcased truly magnificent mid-60's L.A. vocal group sound.
Confusing indeed, but interesting. As The Inspirations remains a Holy Grail "impossible" whilst the Sunlover's I believe to represent Joey Jefferson's finest work, which ever side you drop the arm on.
Listen and prepare to be wowed! As 1966 and 1967 partner each other on this most magical harmony Soul 45.
Condition Report
two clean labels, immaculate full gloss vinyl, a top copy, both sides playing crisp and clean
Liberation Street Singers
Love Is In The Air / Sunshine Of The Morning
Petagram: PE 203 (45s)
Hidden away on the flipside of a pedestrian "Gospel" recording, lies a thumping slab of stabbing Northern Soul propelling a confrontational sister vocal; that rises and falls from a shrill PMT growl to a tyrannical ear piercing scream. . Projected from girl who demands your complete attention, as she and the relentless horn n' piano thrusts its unapologetic power straight through you. This highly-charged session demands you stop what you are doing, as it crashes head-on into your space, with untold presence and power.
Seasoned Capitol Records producer Steven Douglas Kreisman, a more-than accomplished studio saxophonist, rips into the arrangement adding even more potency to this already belligerent mover.
If you like your Soul Sisters to take no prisoners, on waves of relentless horns and squealing saxophone, this tune is merciless as it never pauses to take breath, a perfect allniter floor-destroyer!
Rarely comes to market with such beautifully clean mint minus vinyl.
Condition Report
Clean mint minus vinyl, soft h2o fade on the label see images. NO flaking text deterioration.
New Wanderers
Let Me Render My Service / This Man In Love
Beltone Recording Corporation : acetate (45s)
Condition Report
two clean gloss finish labels, strong clean lacquer, no flakes, scratches or lift. Beautifully preserved for over decades, crisp clean sound quality.
Emotions
Love Of a Girl / Do This For Me
Vardan : 201 (45s)
The thumping flipside "Do This For Me" was later issued on Philips 40353 a year later, is totally magnificent Northern Soul a typically powerful Arthur Wright blaring horn propelled dancer. A slow start then explosive drumming takes them into "Impressions" mode, impressively matching all those signature vocal-peaks Curtis Mayfield and team were so admired for. Killer Northern Soul indeed, that if Gate Records of San Francisco & nationally distributed by Philips hadn't chosen to reissue it, "Do This.." would surely have outstripped the high values of their "Frantic" 45.
The prize on this disc though, is not the Northern Soul dancer (as good as it is) but the scrumptious harmony stroller "Love Of A Girl" that never appeared on 45 again, just this colourful 1965 Vandan label. An anagram of the first 3 letters of each name of label owner and producer Arvey Andrews.
Swirling strings, considerate percussion, the delicate plucking of the violin, the razor-sharp strings cutting the air. The three boys McHenry Otis, Danny Sanders and James Gregory rise up with the most-gloriously silky "Lowrider" experience. Flawless, soaring male group harmony, glide through Arvey Andrews master-crafted string dominated landscape.
Utterly Sublime!
Condition Report
Two Clean labels, full gloss unblemished vinyl, both sides play perfect.
Carl Holmes And The Commanders featuring Pervis Herder
Soul Dance No. 3 / Crossin' Over
Blackjack : 409 (45s)
Psychotic, prowling, predatory Philadelphia, Northern Soul which ever side you drop the arm on!
Since the beginning of the 60's decade the Carl Holmes and his 5 man backing team had made themselves the Soul-party band of Philadelphia. Adding to this animated team of John Holmes - percussion, Calvin Irons - bass, Don Lewis - tenor sax, Tommy "Fats" Howard - keyboard and Marco King enriching those cataclysmic vocals whilst bashing his tambourine. This guys together are one of the most imposing gatherings ever committed to vinyl. Imagine then when Mr, Holmes signs up Leon Huff associate Pervis "Soul City" Herder adding his squealing vocal prowess into the mix.
The result is not one but two, explosive mix-sixties screamers;
Driven by pounding drum intro, bombarded by a barrage of trumpets, Carl Holmes' pulsating plectrum mastery dictates the pace. Harnessed by Herder's pebble-dashed screams delivering the dance instructions. Scythed apart by Don Lewis' chainsaw saxophone bursts, pumping it all up yet another level. Then the John Holmes comes back in with an assault on the senses with his explosive relentless quick-fire drumming attack..
The other-side follows the same recipe, going for the "throat" all out merciless Northern Soul at it most destructive!
AWESOME dancefloor destroyers no matter which side you spin..
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl revealing only a few soft, feeble, sleeve storage blemishes when angled in the light. Plays super-clean, loud and clear.
T & T
Something On My Mind / Betcha by Golly Wow
Cobra: 45-002 (45s)
Jazzy guitar picks decorate this inviting dance tune, stabbing keyboard pulses, accomplish tenor sax augments this Ashford & Simpson composition, an infectious platform for a mysterious Massachusetts duet. Tiajuana giving up the reaching lone vocal, with Tommy Bryant providing the enriching layer of skilled saxophone expression.
This one-off recording from the so far mysterious T & T featuring Tommy Bryant and his lady partner Tiajuana. It is not clear who "Tiajuana" actually is, same goes for "Tommy Bryant"; is he the same guy who recorded for T-Neck or the veteran jazz artist? So far We have found the artist information sparse and unclear. An Ashford & Simpson composition, that comes under the umbrella of "Jobette" that Diana Ross recorded in 1970, released as a LP track. Unfortunately like the majority of ms. Ross’ later work; far too “saccharin” for real rare-soul dancefloor impact.
What is clear though, is this independent E. W. Brown production, on his own Boston based label is the first of four releases none of which made any significant local sales. All are elusive and the second time Mr. Brown utilized a Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson composition. The other being the excellent, but not as rare, Arlene Bailey "Ain't That Something".
Who ever this couple were, they give up an uncomplicated early 70's dancer, that carries the required “edge” to get noticed; Simultaneously making waves on the British & European rare-soul dance scene for quite some time now.
Listen this infectious, lilting shuffler; you'll find, is beyond impressive.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss unblemished mint minus vinyl. a superb copy.
Rumblers
Soulful Jerk / Hey Did-A-Da-Da
King : KG 1021 (45s)
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 3 prong centre intact,
Roosevelt Marks Orchestra with Clayton Love
Bye Bye, Baby / Mistreated
Bobbin : 108 DJ (45s)
This one of the really elusive Bobbin 45's from 1959, St. Louis' premier R&B / Blues/ Soul label which during its 4 year existence recorded Little Milton, Albert King, Fontella Bass, Oliver Sain are among some of the top artists who spring-boarded from here, to build highly successful R&B / Soul careers. But what a about the talented Blues singer Clayton Love with his expressive Jackie Wilson-esque hic-cup delivery, an imposing R&B dancer who never quite crossed over to Soul music fame. .
We feel this "Bye Bye, Baby" has been past over by most everyone who appreciates St. Louis R&B. Its rarity keeping it way under the radar for over 6 decades. With only the limited 1987 European CD "St. Louis Kings Of Rhythm" paying homage to Clayton's work with five tracks including "Mistreated" are captured but "Bye Bye, Baby" does not feature at all.
A proper R&B shaker drenched in potential, Blues fans with adore "Mistreated"
Especially in immaculate crackle free condition!
Condition Report
Gold "Sample" stamp on the flipside label. vinyl is archive condition, mint minus throughout still housed in its birth sleeve. As good as it gets!
Contours
Shake Sherry / You Better Get In Line
Oriole: 45-CBA 1799 export copy with picture sleeve (45s)
The record images with picture sleeve, say everything!
A ridiculously rare TMG collector's dream!
Condition Report
two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact. full gloss mint minus vinyl. The off the scale rare picture cover is clean (see images)
The Quik
Bert's Apple Crumble / Love Is A Beautiful Thing
Deram: DM 121 (45s)
Five man keyboard insanity that has been cramming the floors at MOD gatherings for over 4 decades. It's potent appeal never fading as jot, as the years roll by.
Organ-tastic attack on the senses, featuring a crazed drum break that lifts this instrumental above and beyond any USA instrumental available to the MOD community, before or since!
Just deafeningly superior!
Top tune, rarely leaving a collection by choice and "impossible" to find in the wild.
Legendary UK only, dancefloor destroyer!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, vinyl reveals multiple soft surface scuffing, but as you can hear it plays a loud intrusive - excellent!
Kenny Lynch
My Own Two Feet / So Much To Love You For
H.M.V. : POP 1367 DJ (45s)
Dusty's trusty producer knew a great voice when he heard one, Ivor Raymonde guides Kenny through another fine Bob Crewe creation, aided by Eddie Rambeau and Bud Rehak for a 100% New York big-balls beater.
Stand-by for Raymonde's studio blitzing of Hal Miller's beat-ballad Heaven. The first few bars, beckon booming kettle drums, soaring hunting horns, before allowing Kenny's voice to step into the fray. For me Kenny ignites all the inner emotions that a true-Brit big-production always does. His signature passion and power just spills out on every word, as we ride a wave of trumpets heralding Kenny's expressive vocal. Then those compulsory shrill girl-group choruses cradle his words, guiding him to a higher plane. For a Brit, Kenny crafted a truly amazing achievement to take on the sound of "The Brill Building" and almost surpasses it's impressive output.
saturated with bulldog spirit borrowed from New York - "I'm Gonna Leave on - My Own Two Feet!"
So damn BRITISH and I love it!!!
PS I found the flipside stirring my patriotic blood also..
Condition Report
very soft tiny near invisible sticker shadow, (see images) Otherwise two perfect red & white promo labels, full gloss vinyl, strong Mint minus hardly a hairline revealed no matter how many times you angle it in the light.
Blues & Soul
no. 18 April 1969 / inc: Ben E. King exclusive centrefold photo
Blues & Soul : 18 (MAG)
no. 18 is a famous edition, with the centrefold, a Blues & Soul exclusive photo, showing a poignant image of Arthur Conley paying homage at Otis Redding's tomb in Macon, Georgia.
Also includes, The Impressions discography, + this month's BELL 45's as the company strengthen their British soul catalogue with more James Carr, James & Bobby Purify, O'Jays, Oscar Toney Jr.
Dave Godin's iconic double column, typically critical of music-paper reviewers with not an once of Soul in them. This time it the Howlin' Wol new album, that was poorly received by the critics that boils Dave's blood. He let's them have it with both barrels.
The most interesting review is of Darrell Banks - Open The Door o Your Heart - launched by EMI, hoping to place it in the charts, 3 years after it's initial release. quote "If there is anyone who reads "Blue & Soul" who has not yet bought this record, then hag you head in shame!" is Godin as his forthright best!
New singles reviews in ON DISC column. Include 5 stars rating for Dionne Warwick - This Girl's In Love With You - Pye. Whilst Jean Stanback's - I Still Love You - Deep Soul & Chris Jackson's - I'll Never Forget You - Soul City received a lowly 4 stars.
Shirelles - full page black & white and bio.
Dee Dee Sharp - full page black & white and bio.
Wilson Picket - full page black & white and bio.
The Curtis Mayfield Story - full page black & white and bio.
Houston Saga - Peacock & Duke 1/2 page black & white Bobby Bland and label bio.
Celebrating Ben E. King's 6th visit to the UK
new album reviews.
+ Celebrating Ben E. King's 6th visit to the UK.
3 pages Readers letters and wants, I found an unparalleled insight into the burgeoning Soul scene in the UK in 1969.
finished off with the inside back page showing-off four wonderful black & white photos of David Ruffin, The Meters, Tyrone Davis & Sly & The Family Stone.
Condition Report
Clean cover, all pages only free of flaws, just soft signs or careful storage. Soft patina ageing
Margo and the Marvettes
When Love Slips Away / I'll Be Home
Astor : AP-1450 Australia (45s)
Here's a slice of superior British conceived NS dancer, in by far its rarest clothes. A superior girl Northern Soul recorded by so many artists, all of them vocally worthy of the poetic lyrics.
First recorded by Dee Dee Warwick in 1967, covered by Margo and the Marvettes the same year. Creating a supreme British made, girl-led group-driven Northern Soul from the desk of a British champion of soul, John Schroeder. Brilliantly orchestrated by Alan Tew and his full orchestra, that gives the Dee Dee's original a right-good run for its money! With Margo Burns soaring vocal, at times hitting home-runs with her strong hints of Dusty Springfield, with her five man backing group equipped by 3 guitars, drummer and a wicked saxophonist backing her every syllable .
Those brilliantly conceived lyrics from the East Coast pens of Scott English, Jerry Ross, Victor Melrose paint a picture of a young girl's anguish of lost love. Which Margo conveys so sweetly; The Alan Tew orchestra support her with a surprisingly Soulful USA sounding arrangement; with John Schroeder ensuring not even a smidgen of Margo's Northern Ireland heritage filters into the production.
This standout song was also recorded in the USA by The Fashions, Jay & The Techniques during 1968, then the Identities in 1970 all great versions.. but for me Margo and her Marvettes do an absolutely killer take. That in recent times has started to proudly appear on DJ play lists, as it is the rarest, most elusive of all the versions, with some collectors (including me) considering it the best!
For those of you serious about truly magnificent and elusive Northern Soul this version of "When Love Slips Away" ticks all the boxes. AS does this ultra-rare Australian vista of label gorgeousness.
The flipside "I'll Be Home" showcases what a spectacular voice Margo Burns had, so very, very "Dusty"
Condition Report
two clean labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, still housed in a clean birth-sleeve. Irresistible!