| Author | Message | ||
  Kev-Lo (7273747576) 4-Laureate Username: 7273747576 Post Number: 122 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.236.117.4 |
Hi This is Kev-Lo you know these rare soul groups made a great impact in the soul era just as much as any popular group so they need to be reconized. THE EX-SAVEYONS was a great soulful group that had a soulful sound. They made a jam called Where Do I Go From Here FRANKIE AND THE SPINDLES another soulful group with soul harmony they made a jam in 1970 called Count To Ten, They also made There Is A Beauty FRANKIE KARL AND DREAMS they made a jam 1968 called I'm So Glad follow by another jam called Don't Be Afraid. Then after that Frankie left the group and they became Dreams and they made a jam called Do What You Wanna. THE NATURALS was a group that came out in the mid 60's. In 1964 they did a jam called Different Girls and then in the early 70's they did a jam called I Can't Share. Yes these are just a few of some rare soul groups that made some bad jams and we just forgot all about them. | ||
mel(andthensome) (mel) 5-Doyen Username: mel Post Number: 241 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.133.57 |
Hey Kev a mate and myself did a piece about the ex-saveyons for his magazine a while ago but he is now deceased but still have the stuff. And also about the Smoke record label they featured on. Ex-Saveyons somewhere-I dont love you no more Smoke no.600 Ex-Saveyons where do I go from here-running wild Smoke no.609 The Naturals make it move-dont just stand there Path records no.5563 The Naturals da da da(I love you)-this lonliness Quadron records no.4443 is the frankie karl with the dreams the same as with the chevrons that cut you should of held on-boy next door on philtown records(no.105) and another on the Liberty Logo. and are the spindles you mention the same spindles that recorded for ABC Records? Cheers mel | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 4-Laureate Username: brother_love Post Number: 81 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.216.98 |
 Frankie Karl was born Frankie K. Springs and was an original a member of the gospel group The Cogic's (Children Of God In Circulation). Other group members included Billy Preston, Gloria Jones, Blinky Williams, Edna Wright and Andrae & Sandra Crouch. The Cogic's released an album on Simpson Records in 1964. In 1984 Frankie rejoined Gloria, Billy and Blinky back in the studio to record a second album for the Nashboro label; he was featured lead vocalist on four of the tracks.   | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 339 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.80.228.82 |
Hey Mel, are you sure those two Naturals records you listed on Path and Quadron are the same Chicago group that recorded for Smash? I believe Path was a New Jersey label. I doubt that the Naturals on Path were the Chicago group. I don't recognise the Quadron record. I've heard of the label before, and seem to remember it being from Chicago, but not sure. Was it, indeed, a Chicago label? What year was the song recorded. What production credits are on the label? I believe that Raynard Miner was involved in their Smash sessions. Was his name on The Quadron record?If so, perhaps they are the same group that recorded "Different Girls". I've never heard of The Ex-Saveyons. When were their records released? Were they from the 1970s? What city was Smoke Records from? What production people were involved? | ||
Kev-Lo (7273747576) 4-Laureate Username: 7273747576 Post Number: 126 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.236.207.159 |
Hi this is Kev-Lo hey Brother Love those are some great pictures.I did'nt know Frankie sang with all of those great people. This is some great info thank's for sharing this | ||
mel(andthensome) (mel) 5-Doyen Username: mel Post Number: 259 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.43.74.64 |
I second kev above thanks for the scan brotherlove mel | ||
BOSS (boss) 1-Arriviste Username: boss Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.69.82.23 |
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mel(andthensome) (mel) 5-Doyen Username: mel Post Number: 266 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.240.103 |
Nice one boss another great label mel | ||
Destruction (destruction) 4-Laureate Username: destruction Post Number: 130 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 199.173.224.23 |
Thx Kev for the Frankie and The Spindles mention. At one point they were the hardest working band in Baltimore. Before "Count to Ten" there were more FatS posters in Bmore than Stop signs. When I get a chance to crawl out from my under my grands, I'll see if I can get you some more info. One thing that I do remember is that unlike the Whatnauts and the Soft Tones, FatS were known as much as a band than just a singing group. | ||
mel(andthensome) (mel) 5-Doyen Username: mel Post Number: 270 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.240.123 |
Robb havent you heard anything on the Smoke label? some nice material like george blackwells 'cant lose my head' and the great 'mister loser' as well as other great songs on the logo. will have to get the piece out that was written about it and its subsiduary labels etc. mel | ||
BOSS (boss) 1-Arriviste Username: boss Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.92.41.24 |
Robb_K, SMOKE records and it's sister label PAT were owned by George Blackwell, they operated from roughly 1966 ~ 1969 from 310 Chadwick Avenue, Newark, New Jersey. Until release number 609 when they moved to 116 Market Street, Newark, New Jersey. There was also a SMOKE record label that I believe operated from Mobile, Alabama which had releases by The Discords and Tommy Cherry & The Niteriders. I think there were a few labels going by the name SMOKE. If these labels are in anyway related I don't know as I am only familiar with a few of the sounds on George Blackwell's label. I have in my lists twenty one releases on various SMOKE labels including one by Smoke on SMOKE 1316 "Half Past The End / My Mama" a member of this outfit was Mark Sheldon who previously recorded with Michigan's The Mussies in 1966 on FENTON 2216 ""Louie Go Home / 12 O'Clock July". Unfortunately compiling these lists when I did, I did not keep track of writers, producers, arrangers etc, etc. I would welcome any information to try and sort this / these label(s) out. | ||
mel(andthensome) (mel) 5-Doyen Username: mel Post Number: 278 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.240.123 |
Robb send your e-mail address and I will download you some of the Smoke/Pat material mentioned above. mel | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 346 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.131.251 |
Thanks for the scans, Boss, and both you and Mel for the info on Smoke records. I DO have a male group record on tthe NJ Smoke lable, but can`t remember the group name now. I won`t be able to look at my 45s till November. It was a yellow label with black print, but I�`m sure it was a NY-NJ label and not the Mobile Alabama label. The record sounds like it is from 1966. I`ve seen the Georgte Blackwells on Smoke listed on Northern Soul lists, and heard them on tapes, but I never saw the 45s before. | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 943 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.220 |
Hi RobbK; The group you may be thinking of...could it be "The Manhattans"? Smoke re-issued some of their Carnival material on a double-jacket album titled "Follow Your Heart". S.S. | ||
BOSS (boss) 2-Debutant Username: boss Post Number: 12 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 69.156.47.139 |
 Robb_K, here's a scan lifted from E-Bay some time back of the Alabama SMOKE label, so you can see the difference in label designs. | ||
BOSS (boss) 2-Debutant Username: boss Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 69.156.47.139 |
Robb_K and Mel, I just noticed in my notes that I had written Atlanta, Georgia label next to my list of group(s) named The Naturals. | ||
BOSS (boss) 2-Debutant Username: boss Post Number: 14 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.92.41.4 |
Sorry! That is in regards to the QUADRAN 4443 release. | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 348 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.152.69 |
Thanks for the Smoke scans. My Smoke label was yellow with black print, and had the date 1966 on it, and was a male soul group with a traditional-style name. I just can't remember it. It was a pretty good group, and sounded pretty much like it was recorded in NY or NJ. It definately wasn't a Manhattans reissue. Are you sure the reissue wasn't on Solid Smoke? I thought I remember Solid Smoke reissuing a Manhattans album. | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 949 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.220 |
Hi RobbK; You are correct as usual, it was Solid Smoke that re-issued The Manhattan's album. Your knowledge is immense Robb, glad you are on this forum!!  S.S. | ||
Mark Speck (mark_speck) 3-Pundit Username: mark_speck Post Number: 59 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.159.134.178 |
KevLo--you might want to check the archives. I started a thread on Franky & the Spindles some time ago. Mel--I didn't know you wrote an article on the Exsaveyons. What 'zine did it appear in? Best, Mark | ||
mel(andthensome) (mel) 5-Doyen Username: mel Post Number: 324 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.152.20.70 |
Mark I didnt write it as such my deceased mate PETE LAWSON put out 3 rare soul magazines all about the obscure 45s and all things to do with the scene. I helped in the actual material for some things sand we would go over the items etc etc. There are articles on various acts and sounds plus the clubs. inc; Venture records Maverick records Wand discog,bobby patterson,roosevelt grier,Lou Courtney,Smoke history,patti austin,full Minit discog,veep,Al 'tnt'Braggs,Daryl Hall/john Oates and the Temptones connection,Bobby Sheen,Little Ant/imps story,buddy lamp,Apollas,Sweet things,group line ups,history of the Tempests etc etc. Full of obscure 45s from the 60's including the motor city,philly,chicago etc etc. interviews whatever........ although not a lot knew I was involved bit then again what does it matter,as long as the music got mentioned. The mags are titled THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO DAVE GODIN. alas only 3 were ever done as my mate was murdered and the final issue I left in its raw format and sold at Keele all-nighter with the proceeds going to his mother. I have all of them obviously there bet thats put you to sleep. have to go gotta make the first edition..... cheers 'hold that page' mel ps must add that there was stuff taken from old mags etc with full permission. | ||
lenny (lennytone) 4-Laureate Username: lennytone Post Number: 80 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.241.87.19 |
I have "Somewhere" by the Exsaveyons on a dark green Smoke label. Great record. | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 355 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.141.129 |
Boss: There were several Chicago productions released on Southern labels ("I'm Gonna make You Love Me"-Combinations) on a label from Atlanta, (That's Love-Truetones) on another Atlanta label-similar to the situation with James Hendrix's Detroit productions pressed on Carrie, located in N.C. Could it be possible that those were The Naturals out of Chicago on an Atlanta label (Quadran)? Who were the other artists on Quadran? But, of Course, it's more likely that they were just another local group called "The Naturals". It's not like the Chicago group was such a giant success to scare every local group away from keeping that name. | ||
BOSS (boss) 2-Debutant Username: boss Post Number: 20 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.92.57.26 |
Robb_K: I know that there was at least one other release on the QUADRAN label from the early 1970's #40001 "You Gonna Pay / Why Little Girl" by The Contacts. I am unaware of any other group by this name. | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 360 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.144.219 |
Boss: The Contacts were a Chicago group that recorded several records for Barry Despenza and his various labels. So, I'm guessing that Quadran was a Southern label outlet for Chicago product. Perhaps, a group of Chicago independent producers had a contact in Atlanta that knew a few people with money, that were willing to invest in pressing records. There were SO VERY many indie producers in Chicago, and in 1966-69, it was tough to get them ALL financed. | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 362 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.150.79 |
By the way,-"You Gonna Pay" is a Chicago song, that, I believe was sung by at least 2 other Chicago artists. I think one of them was on a Bob Lee label, but can't remember for sure. I think one version was a male group, and the other was a male single artist with a bluesy style (like Harold Burrage). I think one of the versions might have been on a One-Der-Ful -related label. | ||
JSmith (jsmith) 1-Arriviste Username: jsmith Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 62.172.213.132 |
Here's a few more Chicago related questions. All input on them is most welcome. Anyone know anything about Foxy & the 7 Hounds and their releases ??? Similar info on the Blenders; were the pre 1965 & post 1965 groups (on Mar-V-Lus & other labels) of this name one & the same (perhaps with personnel changes). Was Helen Curry a member of the group at one time (late 60's )? Was there a connection between the Blenders and Foxy & the 7 Hounds ?? Info on the Foxy label (run by a local DJ who's name escapes me at present). CHEERS | ||
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle Post Number: 262 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 81.130.211.124 |
Good to see you back with us John. David | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 367 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.235.127.196 |
I believe that the early '60s Blenders (Chicago group) were the same group as the 1965-66 group. They may have had a member change (or two). There were also earlier groups with that name from NY, and other places. I'm not sure about the late '60s group; but, I believe I remember the 1965-66 Chicago group still around during the late '60s. I don't remember any releases, offhand during 1968-70, but I'm "Gettin' Old" (as the Fabulous Five once said). Actually, I seem to remember them on Satellite/St. Lawrence and a Chess label in the late '60s, but not sure. I can't look through my 45s till November. But surely someone else here will fill in that info. | ||
Don (don) 5-Doyen Username: don Post Number: 359 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.182.218 |
Hi Robb K, The group you may be thinking about that sanged "You Gonna Pay" for Bob Lee's label (I can't recall labels name). I think the name of the group is the Moment Of Truth. Also the Chicago group the Vows later the Majors, I remember them rehearsing the tune earlier. Don | ||
Don (don) 5-Doyen Username: don Post Number: 361 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.182.218 |
This is a interesting thread I'm learning alot. The Naturals out of Chi was a great group. Some here dj's don't play their records like they should, compared to back in the day of Classic Chicago-oh how I miss dem dusty's. Don | ||
BOSS (boss) 2-Debutant Username: boss Post Number: 25 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 69.156.46.112 |
Robb_K: you are probably right concerning the financing, thanks for the info on The Contacts like I said I have never heard of the group but will now keep my eyes open for their releases. | ||
Don (don) 5-Doyen Username: don Post Number: 372 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.59.66 |
Robb K, I got a interesting fact Manager Ruth Moore trying to put a group together. The group she had consisted (I think) was Helen Curry & 4 other guys. I think I might be wrong, wasn't Helen Curry a member the Dukays at one time? I think she replaced Gene Chandler's cousin in the Dukays at one time? Another guy that was in this group I remember who's name was Arnold. Arnold sanged with the Vows/Majors on early Chicago Joyce Kennedy sides "(Darling) I Still Love You"..."How Old Is Old"..."Can't Take A Chance" and "Misunderstood". Arnold is a choir director for his church. Don't know why Arnold and (I think Helen) group didn't get off to a good start. Don | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 370 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.138.121 |
Hi Don. Wasn't Clifford Curry also from Chicago? Did Helen Curry have any connection to Clifford? (Wife? Sister?) I remeber seeing Helen Curry's name a few times, connected with Chicago labels and records, but I can't remember where, now. Was she also a songwriter? I also remember seeing her in a group picture, 0 but can't remember which group. (Message edited by Robb_K on July 23, 2004) (Message edited by Robb_K on July 23, 2004) | ||
Don (don) 5-Doyen Username: don Post Number: 408 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.172.131 |
HI Robb, Clifford Curry of The Notations is Cliff's wife Helen. Oh, by the way, since you've sent me info on where to find certain dusty's at some stores here, I haven't been able to then and haven't as of now(!). I'll be up and running one day next week, certainly. I never really paid much attention to Helen Curry's song writing credits. Robb K, man you got me at a disadvantage, course I have to do some thinking. As far as her stint with groups I had Robert Pruter's music bio "Chicago Soul". Thought it was a helpful springboard to helpful insights. However, maybe, she was with Silk or Kittens or maybe Gloria & The Tiaras? Why I say this is after some groups split and me also and not being around, there we're alot of fast changing and group reconstructing (Back to) constructed, it was like utter pathos & chaos. Bear with me and I'll post this week. I'll be free this coming week but the following week afterwards, I won't be. I'll keep posting if and when I can, ok? Also Arnold did all those early Vows & Majors cuts not Burl. James "Fat Brain" Simms was on "Girl In Red". Don | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 818 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.47.183 |
There was a mid seventies group whom I produced and wrote for named Free Spirit. They had two singles on Chess, Love you just as long as I can and Mr. Fix it man. They were a very good harmony group and their lead singer Tony Sharpe(RIP) was sensational. FYI..Love you just as long as I can was the VERY FIRST Tom Moulton mix, a year before BT Express. | ||
Dave Moore (dave_moore) 1-Arriviste Username: dave_moore Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 207.69.140.36 |
Foxy & Seven Hounds. Same group as the ones on Wiseworld (Mirror mirror)? Regards, Dave | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 412 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.172.131 |
Hey there Bobby, my aunt had that "Mr. Fix It" the flip of the A side. Her Girlfriend beat me to the best of her boxes mostly with singles, after she passed. However, alot of the local yokel groups dug "Mr. Fix It" side the most. It got alot of play on AM Stations like WLS, WVON and WBEE. Don | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 414 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.172.131 |
Yo Bobby, you should be proud. Don in Chi | ||
BOSS (boss) 2-Debutant Username: boss Post Number: 30 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 69.156.44.138 |
Bobby can you answer a question for me that has been bugging me for a long time? I just noticed your post on Free Spirit. I know very little about the group but somewhere in the annals of time I picked up a snippet of info that Billy Watkins of "Ice Man" fame on ERA was a member of a group called Free Spirit. Does his name ring any bells with you. | ||
Davie Gordon (davie_gordon) 4-Laureate Username: davie_gordon Post Number: 93 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.93.33.10 |
The Naturals who did "I Can't Share You" are not connected to the Chicago group. The group on Qaudran, Calla and Shout were a quartet from Atlanta fronted by Johnny Simon who'd been in the Wallace Brothers. The Chicago group were a quintet, also known as the Duvals, who'd broken up long before (1965)the Calla group were formed. Just to complicate matters there are at least five other groups of the same name. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 421 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.173.34 |
To Robb K. Correction. Helen Curry is the sister of Clifford Curry of the original Notations. Don | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 376 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.228.221.59 |
Thanks for the info on the Quadran Naturals. That's weird, isn't it, that the only other group Boss named on that Atlanta label, also was the name of a Chicago group (Contacts). Maybe they were also a local Atlanta group. After all, group names being plural nouns were the rule in the '60s. There was certainly a lot of duplication of group names. Thanks, Don for the info on Helen Curry. I had a feeling she had a connection with Clifford. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 427 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.166.90 |
Robb, the picture I assume you say you have is a picture I seen back in the day. You said that pic of Helen Curry with a group of guys. What I posted earlier was true. That group of guys that was with Helen had a name, I just can't recall the name of their group. They took a group photo together. Though I don't ever remember them ever recording anything, or I could be wrong bout that? Actually, and this is a big maybe, yes Helen did rehearse with Arnold's group because Arnold was the leader. In fact manager Ruth Moore was trying to pattern them after The Platters-which was a wrong move that time on her part. I heard from Larry and he said it was like a choir full of members up towards 7 people? Of course there we're Arnold, 2 brothers, a Hawaian/Black cat, and two more guys and Helen-ok? This group was kinda switching so much that it was hard to say who was who? The main core of the group I mentioned in this paragraph, I just remember them being there, and maybe one of the groups brother being replaced and later on not seeing the other or both. It was almost like a try-out to see who'll fit? Robb I think your going on the right track here... In fact case you didn't know and of the scheme things, originally Arnold's the idea was unknowst to Arnold's group. His group was actually backing up Helen Curry (and/or) was the featured singer for them? Now we at least I, never remember her as a songwriter. But if that be the case fine. I want you to see where I'm coming from? So if it be the case & point, to this fact to where she's cut some Chicago sides. Hey Robb, "you owe me a email". Don | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 389 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.152.12 |
Thanks again Don. Yeah, the group photo I saw was during the mid sixties- and I don't have access to it now. Could any of the group members have formerly been in The Duvals, such as Clifford Curry or Charles Perry? I check my e-mail every 2 days, but haven't seen one from you. Send me a note and I'll respond to it. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 436 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.178.145 |
I know what you mean. I wish I had a copy of Robert's "Chicago Soul" though. Robb, you might be on the right track about the Duvals' pic. I thought you we're refering to a Ruth Moore pic of the group with Helen and Arnold & the guys. Although they did take a photo together there is actually a pic of them too I actually seen for for real. I'll give you some more detail about it when I'm finished doing some errands, ok? Around & About Don | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 439 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.178.145 |
See, there was a Chicago Connection all along. Don | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 457 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.186.204 |
Helen was being groomed to be a solo artist as it turns out. I remember her vividly and her bro Cliff or the whole group came around every once in a while. Lil Bobby was always at Moe's house checking out The Majors, you can best believe that. A native westsider of a Don | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 466 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.52.77 |
Robb, I would not doubt it if ol Cliff was a member of The Blenders or The Duvals. Are you sure the Duvals, I may be confused but weren't they from Evanston, farther north, like close to the Skokie area? However, I'll be off unexspected as plan before nexy week and by then i'll be busy too, helping PB & CB helping to sorting out their personal affairs, as well as taking care of that and that-. Around & About All Over Chgo Don |
