JOHNNY LYTLE - HOT SAUCE

 Nope, there's no speed manipulation here...This record really is THAT fast.

Johnny Lytle is the man playing the vibraphone here, and his speedy hands caused jazz vibes legend Lionel Hampton to call Johnny the world's greatest vibraphone player.

Now, speed in itself certainly doesn't make a great musician or record (this is music, not sports after all) but something about this side is just so damn cool. In addition to the great vibes work, I love the lightning like organ stabs, and the way the drummer keeps it swingin'.

from 1965...

JOHNNY LYTLE - HOT SAUCE

THE CREATIONS - JUST REMEMBER ME

The Creations were vocalists Charles Boyd, Eugene Amos, Michael Wiggins and Gerald Dickerson, and they released some wonderful records during the late '60's/ early '70's Chicago vocal group movement.

Here, the group (with such lovely vocals) takes on a very serious subject- the draft was gutting the male population of a huge proportion of inner city and less privileged youths, and so many young men didn't return home. In this song, they gently urge their young lady friends to simply remember them, and it gives me a big lump in my throat thinking about all the senseless killing from ANY war and the memories of those (with their whole lives ahead of them) left behind.

from c1969...

THE CREATIONS - JUST REMEMBER ME

THE IMAGINATIONS - I LOVE YOU MORE (THAN ANYONE)

I'm afraid that I know nothing about this group, and it seems to be a one-off, both from the band AND the label (and what cool label design). I'm almost certain that it's not the same Imaginations that recorded in the early '70's.

Whatever the story, it's a lovely record with some gorgeous Impressions style backing vocals and a nice gritty lead.

from c1966...

THE IMAGINATIONS - I LOVE YOU MORE (THAN ANYONE)

CHRIS HARRIS & THE INVADERS - SO MUCH SOUL

Every time I think I've heard EVERY 100 mile-per-hour stomper cut in the 60's, another one seems to magically appear in my life (I hadn't heard this jam until recently). And I am very thankful for that.

Chris Harris was a member of The Delacardos from North Carolina (their "She's The One I Love" was a past 45 of the day), and released three records on Dial then seems to have faded out of the music scene.

As per the lyrics, they may not "need" a band, but the band sure sounds EXCELLENT here.

from 1968...

CHRIS HARRIS & THE INVADERS - SO MUCH SOUL

TOMMY VANN & THE PROFESSIONALS - FOR GOODNESS SAKE

New York City-born Tommy Vann settled in Baltimore after a stint in the Marines in the late 50's. Going off of his webstie bio, Tommy was a born performer and even as a toddler was performing at family get togethers.

Using the names "Echoes", "Professionals", and finally "Admirals", Tommy and his band were a staple on the Atlantic coast live music scene, cutting a few records along the way.

This track is the flip side to the groups' near hit "Soul Sister Annie", and I love the heavy dance groove topped with Tommy's sweet blue eyed soul falsetto. Around 1:40 in, when the distorted harmonica wails are joined by some outta site tambourine it gets downright hypnotic and lyrically frightening.

from 1968...

TOMMY VANN & THE PROFESSIONALS - FOR GOODNESS SAKE

THE VOWS - TELL ME

(originally posted 5/3/12)

Here is one of the most obscure Motown singles of them all; The Vows were a west coast group who recorded for many different labels, and also appeared as The Vowels. Lead singer Morris Chestnut, who lays out a seriously intense lead vocal on this track, met up with a Los Angeles based doo-wop group called the Vows after his service discharge in 1961. The group was noticed by the L.A offices of Motown publisher Jobete, and after a west coast single sunk without a trace, Motown still saw potential in the group and released this single on their V.I.P subsidiary. Sadly, it too saw no success but as evidenced by what was in the grooves, this group certainly had talent.

from 1965...

THE VOWS - TELL ME

BETTY EVERETT - NOTHING I WOULDN'T DO

This was Betty Everett's first 45 after the closing/ bankruptcy of Vee Jay Records, which was her home for four years and the label that released her biggest hit; the immortal "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)", along with "You're No Good" and several well-loved duets with Jerry Butler. Coupled with a great song (penned by Jo Armstead and Valerie Simpson),  some super production from Johnny Pate, and of course Betty's always lovely vocals, this sophisticated and swingin' song should have been a hit for Betty. Sadly, she only had one more major hit a few years later ("There'll Come A Time"), and while she recorded throughout the 70's the records went nowhere.

from 1967...

BETTY EVERETT - NOTHING I WOULDN'T DO