HOLY GRAIL TIME!.. The California Playboys served as the backing band for R&B singer Lester Young (not the jazz man) on a series of 45 singles, before branching out to record a sole full-length LP under their own name. W. C. Stone's long standing San Francisco label put together a Five Man Band using his own long term session men to create one of the world's most wanted Soul albums, as it includes not one but fully four killer Northern Soul dance cuts that never achieved 45 release. The band were arranger Robert Jacobs (guitar), Julian Vaught (second guitar and sax), Lenell Salone (guitar), Kelvin Dixon (vocals and drums), Jackie Rogers (trumpet), Kenney Dunaway (guitar) and William Smith (lead singer).Record dealer Rip Lay acquired the whole of the Loadstone and distributed vinyl in one hit, back in the late 1970s. "Trying To Be A Millionaire" mixing fluid vocals spiced up with a little Latin, driving subtle Funk undertones and lively crisp vocals, this is Brilliant! The tracks..."Double Love" a spectacular reworking of the 1963 Loadstone recording by The Chandeliers, inspiring Lennell Salone guitar licks lift this dancer up and beyond. "Just Say A Four Letter Word" Many consider this the best track, it is one to take a few listens then it just grows on you, indelible vocal group Northern Soul. "She,s a real Woman" loosely fitting Sweet Soul ballads really work as the clarity of the vocals is heighten by the lack of overpowering back tracks. Supremely naive and beautifully delivered and the lead vocal sounds like Roshell Anderson. The other two tracks are every note as good - such a highly talented band of musicians who with the presence of Bay Area studio Prince - W.C. Stone crafted something extraordinarily special that day in 1976. My LP is worn but CD tracks have added time from the original masters !..WHAT AN ALBUM!...Long forgotten tracks i have,nt heard played on the scene for donkeys years, yet all Highland Room classics!..ALL KILLER NO FILLER!
AMM
The Tasters!
27 comments:
Thanks AMM for the review.
Here's my four letter word: wowza!
Thanks, AMM!
P.S.: I never claimed I could count.
Great review AMM yes please
Legendary - a great find! Thanks for review, P.
Just out of curiosity, because I don't know this group. Thank you AMM.
Pierre
New To Me Too..If It's Loadstone Should Be Great Material.
Cheers
Awesome... I love these guys. Many thanks AMM for the review
BigD
Thank you for the California Playboys Album AMM,Much Appreciated
Thanks AMM for the Holy Grail time.
Thank you kindly for the review mate, superb lp
Another great review. the information is superb. Thank you AMM.
thanks for another holy grail but i believe jap disc union just added obi and notes
Well said AMM, Killer no filler, thanks for the review!
Thank you AMM for the review.
Cheers for a fascinating rare review
Thanks for the Killer AMM, appreciated
Your review makes this irresistable.
Your review and tatsters caught my attention for more. look forward to hearing the LP.
Please and thank you!
Rip Lay was an interesting guy, he patterned himself after Elvis, at least with his appearance, long sideburns & a pomp with a bum leg.
He used to work in a record store on Polk Street here in SF and later moved to Concord in the East Bay and rented a huge warehouse with thousands of mint 45's. I spent countless hours searching thru the incredible stash of rare records that he sold for a dollar a piece.
He was a great person with a twisted side to his personality.
There were a number of great record dealers in the Bay Area-Daley City Bob and Henry Mariano.
Thanks for the review
Another knock out review MM, thank you.
cheers,ELtel
Goodness, AMM. Haven't heard the name Rip Lay in 25 years. He sold regularly in Goldmine and Discoveries. Bought a shitload of stuff from him.
New to me, great tasters !
Great review , thanks AMM .
Great review of this great set with the set six tracks wish it had had a three or more track such a shame but a great album Tahnks AMM
Cheers Pedro
thank you AMM
Reb
Many thanks for the info,one of my top wanted lps
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