"New Breed R&B with Added Popcorn: Early 60s R&B Dancers Right In Today's Groove" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (Volume 3 of 7 In A Series) – Featuring Tracks from 1957 to 1968 (Including Eight Previously Unreleased) by Luther Ingram, Paul Clifton, Nappy Brown, Banny Prince, Mr. Dynamite, Barbara Perry, King James, The Charmaines, Terry & Jerry, B.B. King and more (February 2008 UK Ace Records/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B0012EBU8Y&asins=B0012EBU8Y&linkId=3386c6b0b07ad10fba8a1abb7fb37aa3&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"...Doing The Mule... "

This compilation is entry number three in a very cool Ace Records CD Series (see list of seven titles below) – and I have to admit that I've gone a bit doolally for every single set of 24. But while "New Breed R&B with Added Popcorn..." isn't quite as good as say Volumes 1 or 7 - it still delivers plenty sweaty shirts and tight skirts for even the most discerning of aficionados. 

Like its six other series buddies - "...with Added Popcorn" goes after 60ts American R&B with a Mod, Boogaloo and New Breed dance rhythm bent and is a genuine winner on every front – audio – song choices – discoveries etc. Most of the 24-cuts span 1960 to 1968 with three nods towards the late 50ts, topped off by Eight Previously Unreleased Period Tracks. The remainder are hard-to-find 45s and unissued rarities that first saw the light of day on CD compilations in 2007. Here are the ladies that wobble as they walk, while their Dapper Dan men do the mule...

UK released February 2008 – "New Breed R&B with Added Popcorn: Early 60s R&B Dancers Right in Today's Groove" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 (Barcode 029667229128) is a 24-track CD compilation and plays out as follows (58:07 minutes):

1. Oh Baby Don't You Weep - LUTHER INGRAM (2008, Previously Unissued)

2. She Wobbles When She Walks - PAUL CLIFTON (1962 US 45-single on Teen Post 1100, A – also on Ace CDCHD 1165 – see Track 9)

3. You Love Me Pretty Baby - BANNY PRINCE (1965 US 45-single on Jewel 749, B-side of "You Know I Love You")

4. Mata Hari - CHET "Poison" IVEY (2008, Previously Unissued)

5. I've Got A Feeling For You Baby - GLADYS BRUCE (2008, Previously Unissued)

6. I'm Gonna Start A War - BARBARA & THE BROWNS (1964 Sounds Of Memphis recording first issued June 2007 on the UK Barbara Brown CD compilation "Can't Find Happiness: The Sounds Of Memphis Recordings" on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 278)

7. Sh'mon - MR. DYNAMITE (1966 US 45-single on Soultime 001, A)

8. Shirley Jean - GENE BURKS (1964 US 45-single on Arock 1006, B-side of "Take My Hand")

9. Too Young - BOYCE CUNNINGHAM (60s Downey recording first issued on the September 2007 Various Artists CD compilation "R&B On Lakewood Boulevard" on Ace Records CDCHD 1165 - this compilation also features the sought-after Track 2 of this CD)

10. Big Ben - HAROLD ATKINS (2008, Previously Unissued Frisco recording)

11. Coal Miner - NAPPY BROWN (2008, Previously Unissued Alternative and Extended Take of Savoy 1594, US 45-single released January 1961)

12. Tumbling Down - TOM TUMBLEWEED (2008, Previously Unissued Old Town recording)

13. Beautician Blues - B.B. KING (October 1964 US 45-single on Kent 403x45, A)

14. Jack Of All Trades - EUGENE CHURCH (November 1959 US 45-single on Class 261, B-side of "Without Soul")

15. I Idolize You - THE CHARMAINES (1964 Fraternity recording, first issue in 2002 on the UK 45-single Kent Anniversary Special/6ts 6T 18 as the B-side to "Can't Say No" by M&M and The Peanuts)

16. A Man Is A Mean Mean Thing - BARBARA PERRY (2008, Previously Unissued Goldwax recording)

17. First Love Baby - LENA CALHOUN & THE EMOTIONS (October 1961 US 45-single on Flip 357, B-side of "I Ran To You") 

18. I've Got My Eyes On You - MERRY CLAYTON as MARRY CLAYTON (1962 US 45-single on Teldisc 501, B-side to "The Doorbell Rings")

19. I'm A Man - ALBERT WASHINGTON and THE KINGS (January 1968 US 45-single on Fraternity 1002, B-side of "These Arms Of Mine")

20. What'cha Gonna Do - KING JAMES (2008, Previously Unissued Old Town recording)

21. Just Like Yesterday - JOE SIMON (September 1963 US 45-single on Irral 778, A - reissued December 1963 on Dot 16570, A)

22. Mama Julie - TERRY & JERRY (April 1958 US 45-single on Class 226, A - also issued 1965 as a UK 45-single on R&B Records MRB 5009, B-side of "People Are Doing It Every Day") 

23. Doing The Mule - BILLY BLAND (July 1963 US 45-single on Old Town 1143, A)

24. A Lover's Prayer - VERNON GREEN and THE MEDALLIONS (1957 US 45-single on Dooto 425, A)

Tracks 1, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 16 and 20 are PREVIOUSLY UNISSUED - all tracks in MONO

The 16-page booklet is the usual Ace info-fest – track-by-track explanations by Compiler and Enthusiast ADY CROASDELL (has handled most of these New Breed CD compilations). The text is peppered with rare label repros from Jewel, Soultime, Arock, Savoy and Class sat alongside publicity photos of names that are too long forgotten – R&B ladies Barbara Brown and Barbara Perry in colour, Black and Whites of a lean-back Eugene Church, Vernon Green and The Medallions peeking through a door, Albert Washington clutching his Strat while B.B. King signs to Kent Records in 1958. There is even a Test Pressing of the Gladys Bruce track – not something you would imagine comes up for sale too often on the collector’s market. 

The multiple quality transfers come care of DUNCAN COWELL – Ace’s long-standing Audio Engineer who along with Nick Robbins - does such a stunning job on these recordings. The emphasis is on dancers and clarity joy pops out of your speakers - unreleased or not. To the tunes....

Although days are so lonely and nights are so drear, "Baby Weep No More" for Luther Ingram cause his Previously Unissued bopper is an amazing find. The fun continues when Paul Clifton tells us that his gal "Wobbles When She Walks...", then rolls her eyes and generally makes his poor heart beat a little faster (steady yourself man) - while Banny Prince and his "Pretty Baby" has that great whack-drum shuffling beat that drives New Breed lovers to talcum-powder distraction. And spare a dime (never mind a thought) for a smitten Chet "Poison" Ivey who practically begs "Mata Hari" not to lure him into giving away any military secrets for a night of undoubtedly stunning passion lest he face more than emotional fallout the following morning (how about the Firing Squad Chet). Another great shuffler comes in the organ Boogaloo of "I've Got A Feeling" by Gladys Bruce. Speaking of sassy ladies, Barbara Brown notices that a shimmy-shammy gal is dancing just a little too close to her entirely innocent man and not being born yesterday, our Babs promises "I'm Gonna Start A War" with that Saturday Night harlot. 

Other highlights include a Hammer and Saxophone combo in an Extended "Coal Miner" by Nappy Brown (working that lung-dust until he drops) - while Gene Burks gives us a tremendous 'can-I-take-you-home-with-me' bopper in the shape of "Shirley Jean". B.B. has met a fine beautician in a very good condition - a hard-working, good-looking mama that will ensure that Mr. King doesn't have to worry about a doggone thing (isn't that nice). Eugene Church meanwhile is slipping between Eskimo and Airline Pilot in his "Jack Of All Trades" in an effort to do all that his baby requires. 

Merry Clayton could never have guessed that her sweet 1963 vocals in "I've Got My Eyes On You" would six years later turn into a 'murder' rasp and roar for The Rolling Stones in 1969 when she duetted with Mick Jagger on "Gimme Shelter". Albert Washington gets cocky too in his fab "I'm The Man" - a great vocal and shuffle beat - while the mysterious Terry & Jerry (no one seems to know who they are) can't help getting excited as their "Mama Julie" wears a tight skirt, walks so groovy and talks so sweet - and all at the same time too. And on it goes.. 

For sure there were quite a few I felt were good rather than great (hence the four stars), but for 'dancers right in today's groove' - "New Breed R&B with Added Popcorn" is an afternoon listen I'll take any night of the week...

Titles in Ace's "New Breed R&B" CD Compilation Series on Kent Dance

In Release-Date Order (2001 to 2020)

1. New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dances (July 2001, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 – Barcode 029667219921)

2. King New Breed Rhythm & Blues (July 2002, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 – Barcode 029667221023)

3. New Breed R&B With Added Popcorn – Early 60ts R&B Dancers Right In Today's Groove (February 2008, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 – Barcode 029667229128)

4. King New Breed R&B Volume 2 (April 2012, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 373 – Barcode 069227237321)

5. New Breed Blues with Black Popcorn (April 2013, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 393 – Barcode 029667239325)

6. New Breed Workin': Blues With A Rhythm (January 2016, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 443 – Barcode 029667244329)

7. New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special (July 2020, Ace Kent Dance CDKEND 492 – Barcode 029667098823)

"New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dancers" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring ZZ Hill, B.B. King, The Newports, Jimmy Holiday, Bobby Bland, Mary Love, Lowell Fulsom, Little Joe Hinton, Jimmy McCracklin and more (July 2001 UK Ace Records/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters - Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00005K9MY&asins=B00005K9MY&linkId=93006aa6d1ee2a8aeb6e3adb07102c75&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"…Stand Up Straight And Tall…"

What a corker this is, the first in a string of seven CD compilations across nearly 20-years (see title list below) dedicated to lovers of New Breed R&B, dancing joy and serious bouts of unfortunate hip-displacement thereafter (but it was worth every trip to the A&E). A lot to mashed potatoes to Yakety Yak about, so let's get to the cool moves and sexy grooves right away...

UK released July 2001 – "New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dancers" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 (Barcode 029667219921) is a 24-Track CD Compilation of Remasters that breaks down as follows (61:38 minutes):

1. I've Been Hurt So Many Times – LARRY DAVIS (1969, Kent 4519)

2. No More Doggin' – ZZ HILL (1966, Kent 444)

3. Love You Baby – BOBBY "Blue" BLAND (Vocal) and IKE TURNER and His Orchestra (1962, Kent 378)

4. Tired Of Walkin' – LITTLE JOE HINTON (1962, Kent 368)

5. Long Gone Baby – B.B. KING (1967, Kent 462)

6. Stand Up Straight And Tall – JACKIE SHANE (1967, Modern 1031)

7. Dixie Women – THE NEWPORTS (1962, Kent 380)

8. Stuffed Peppers (aka "Humpin'") – FRANK ARMSTRONG (1967, Modern 1045)

9. New Figure – KING SOLOMAN (1965, Kent 451)

10. Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea – TERRY & THE TYRANTS (1964, Kent 399)

11. Baby You're The One – MARVIN & JOHNNY (1965, Kent 436)

12. You Gotta Bend A Little – LARRY & TOMMY (1967, Modern 1041)

13. You And Me Forever – VERNON GARRETT (1966, Modern 1026)

14. Just To Hold My Hand – VERNON and JEWEL (1965, Kent 430)

15. The New Breed – JIMMY HOLIDAY (1967, De Silva Music/Kent 482)

16. Me And The Chauffeur – BIG MAMA THORNTON (1965, Kent 424)

17. Let Your Hair Down – ARTHUR K. ADAMS (1967, Modern 1050)

18. Take Your Shoes Off (Part II) – BOOKER T. AVERHART & THE MUSTANGS (1965, Kent 437)

19. Lovin' Touch – LOWELL FULSOM (1968, Kent 505)

20. Ain't Givin' Up Nothin' – AL KING (1968, Kent 498)

21. Find Another Woman – WILLIE HEADEN (1967, Kent 473)

22. He's The One – IKE and TINA TURNER (1965, Kent 418)

23. Move A Little Closer – MARY LOVE (1966, Modern 1020)

24. I Got Eyes For You – JIMMY McCRACKLIN (1962, Kent 369)

Roughly based around a night's playlist at The Hideaway Club in Manchester, England (and The Twisted Wheel) – this dreamy Mod CD compilation has contributions from PAUL WELSBY (Hideaway Club) and is compiled by fan and archivist ADRIAN CROASDELL – so the floor-boogie credentials are all in place. The 16-page booklet is filled with photos of Kent and Modern USA demos, pictures of faves like B.B. King, Joe Hinton, Big Mama Thornton and even a colour snap of Arthur Adams in a hammock lounging with his guitar. 

But the big news for real fans has to be the stunning song choices combined with NICK ROBBINS remasters from original master tapes. This Kent Dance 60ts New Breed R&B CD sounds absolutely amazing. Let's get the shakers and makers…

It opens with the brassy dancer "I've Been Hurt So many Times" and you literally see those shimmy-shaking dudes and dudettes on some club dancefloor giving in shapes their respective mums would find alarming. Hard-hitting floor-filler continues in the equally lively "No More Doggin'" by ZZ Hill - where his woman has spent all his money on whiskey, beer and wine (naughty girl). We get genuine old-time R&B with "Love You Baby" where a young Bobby Bland wails in front of an Ike Turner band that's cooking. Far better is the "no more" growl of Little Joe Hinton where he tells us he's "Tired Of Walkin'" against a stabbing backbeat with the guitar and brass going at it good-o.

One of the highlights on here – B.B. King's rare British 45 on Polydor 56735 from 1967 of "Long Gone Baby" on that distinctive mottled red label is pictured in the booklet across Pages 4 and 5 – and not surprisingly, it's a corker. That's followed by the wickedly funky organ shuffle of Jackie Shane – a very clever choice and the kind of cool killer tune you wish you could find at some car-boot sale for 50p on a Sunday morning (fat chance). Tempo-wise it's smartly followed by "Dixie Women" – a mid-tempo piano and girl's hand-clapper that has a fantastic saxophone solo in the centre. "Stuffed Peppers" is a superb hip-shaking Saxophone and Guitar instrumental also known as "Humpin'" because – well – that's what it sounds like.

King Soloman is digging his new figure mama because she sure looks good – even if she has gained a little weight (she’s gained it in the right places you see). Staying with a saucy theme – Big Mama Thornton (pictured on Page 9 on tour in the UK in 1965) – takes the Ernest Lawler Blues tune about doing naughty things in cars and funks it up into a frantic James Brown dancer – all shiny suits and wicked shuffling footwork (what a winner – and fabulous audio quality too). Another Funky Blues nugget follows with fantastic guitar and organ grooves on "Let Your Hair Down" – Arthur Adams even giving some James Brown-"Uh!" in-between brass breaks. 

Part II of "Take Your Shoes Off" is a flipside saxophone and guitar instrumental sounding not unlike Ike Turner's Rhythm Kings lashing one out. The audio remaster on "Lovin' Touch" is shockingly good, a fab Funky Groover with an irresistible backbeat where Lowell Fulsom wants to tell his lady that she's in luck – he still has that loving touch (thank God for that). And on it goes, winner after winner to the sweaty-betty end.

It becomes commonplace in reviewer circles to award Ace's Kent Soul and Kent Dance CD compilations five stars.

But sometimes when you’re faced with this much brilliance and it’s presented this well by people who both know their stuff and care – then five-stars it is…

Titles in Ace's "New Breed R&B" CD Compilation Series on Kent Dance

In Release-Date Order (2001 to 2020)

1. New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dances (July 2001, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 – Barcode 029667219921)

2. King New Breed Rhythm & Blues (July 2002, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 – Barcode 029667221023)

3. New Breed R&B With Added Popcorn – Early 60ts R&B Dancers Right In Today's Groove (February 2008, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 – Barcode 029667229128)

4. King New Breed R&B Volume 2 (April 2012, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 373 – Barcode 069227237321)

5. New Breed Blues with Black Popcorn (April 2013, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 393 – Barcode 029667239325)

6. New Breed Workin': Blues With A Rhythm (January 2016, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 443 – Barcode 029667244329)

7. New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special (July 2020, Ace Kent Dance CDKEND 492 – Barcode 029667098823)

"King New Breed Rhythm & Blues" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring 1957 to 1967 Tracks by Lula Reed, Freddie King, Mike Pedicin, Tiny Topsy, Mary Johnson, The "5" Royales, Joe Tex, Little Willie John, Albert King, Ike Turner, Bobby Byrd, Johnny Watson and more (July 2002 UK Ace Records/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters – Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B000067FQ9&asins=B000067FQ9&linkId=906db866e5b4adc0dfd5974ca4f44342&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

 

"...Hug you With All My Might..."

As Northern Soul lovers began to expand their musical horizons - it didn't take British Mods long to work out that a rich (and similar) vein of bopping gold was to be mined in the fields of America's Blues and Rhythm 'n' Blues - especially if you concentrated on the King and Federal labels between 1957 and 1967 - whose rosters contained some storming names and tunes (as this compilation does).

And that's where this fab little British CD from 2002 comes in – the second compilation of its kind in a series of seven titles to date (July 2020). Compiled by experts/genre lovers at Ace Records for British dancers to shake their talcum tail feather to in nightclubs up and down Blighty - good names like Adrian Croasdell, Paul Wellsby, Damian Hewitt and Roger Banks have been involved in this first Volume on their Kent Dance label imprint (see list below). And what a corker it is too. Here are the Club A-Go-Go details...

UK released July 2002 - "King New Breed Rhythm & Blues" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 (Barcode 029667221023) is a 24-Track CD Compilation of Remasters that breaks down as follows (62:53 minutes):

1. Burnt Toast And Black Coffee - MIKE PEDICIN (1961, Federal 12417, A)
2. I'm Shakin' - LITTLE WILLIE JOHN (1960, Federal 5342, A)
3. Thanks Mr. Postman - BOBBY KING (1962, Federal 12449 and Federal 12473, A)
4. Just A Little Bit - TINY TOPSY (1959, Federal 12357, A)
5. Had You Told It Like It Was (It Wouldn't Be Like It Is) - ALBERT KING (1963, King 5751, A)
6. You're Welcome To The Club - LEE "SHOT" WILLIAMS (1964, Federal 12522, A)
7. Not Much (Do You Baby) - ROSEMARY (Previously Unreleased Alternate Version of Federal 12447 recorded 1961)
8. Now I've Got A Woman - FREDDY KING (1964, Federal 12529, A)
9. Three Little Pigs - JAMES DUNCAN (1964, King 5966, A)
10. Don't Be So Mean - WILLIAM PATTON (1967, King 6116, A)
11. I Say, I Love You - JOHNNY WATSON (1963, King 5833, A)
12. My Kinda Girl - HANNIBAL (1963, King 5837, A, written by Jonny Watson)
13. You're Using Me - THE KING PINS (1964, Federal 12519, A)
14. I Found Out - BOBBY BYRD (1963, Federal 12486, A)
15. Hard Forgetting Memories - MARY JOHNSON (1963, Federal 12506, A)
16. It's Easy Child - LULA REED & FREDDY KING with SONNY THOMPSON 7 His Orchestra (1962, Federal 12477, A)
17. Think - The "5" ROYALES (1957, King 5053, A)
18. Pneumonia - JOE TEX (1956, King 4980, B-side of "Get Way Back")
19. I Don't Know About You - LLOYD NOLAN (1962, King 5680, A)
20. You Don't Want Me Around - MIKE WILLIAMS (1966, King 6067, A)
21. Bad Girl - THE FABULOUS DENOS (1964, King 5908, A)
22. I'm Better Off Now (Than I Was Before) - THE PREMIERS (1966, King 6061, B-side of "She's Always There")
23. Some Other Day, Some Other Time - FREDDY KING (1964, Federal 12532, A)
24. She Made My Blood Run Cold - IKE TURNER (1957, Federal 12297, A)

ADRIAN CROADELL gives wonderfully detailed and affectionate mini histories of each song in the 12-page booklet - who wrote what - who featured in the mix - their place in musical history etc. There are superb photos of LULA REED, THE FABULOUS DENOS and FREDDY KING (with fans Bill Millar and Ray Topping) - whose tracks are amongst the highlights on here. And the remasters from original analogue tapes have been carried by the vastly experienced DUNCAN COWELL - a Sound Engineer who must have over 400 remaster credits to his name - if not more. These tracks sound fabulous - full of Sixties atmosphere and King Production values.

Hand-picked for both musical and rarity value - this is a CD that barely puts a foot wrong. It opens with the bopping Saxophone and Drums R&B of "Burnt Toast And Black Coffee" - a tune that captures the crossover of R&B into early Sixties Soul. But things really swing into cool action with "I'm Shakin'" by Little Willie John with its speeded-up "Fever" feel. The hip choice kicks in with Tiny Topsy's fantastic "Just A Little Bit" - a lady with a huge growling voice and a frame to match (not unlike LaVern Baker).

Two total winners turn up midways - the unlikely sounding "Three Little Pigs" which has that neck-jerking Sixties beat that's half R'n'B half Motown ("...huffin' and puffin' have mercy...") - utterly brill. And shortly after that is Johnny (Guitar) Watson cutting a monkey shine on the cool guitar bop of "I Say, I Love You" where he admits to his lady that he's been something of a "dirty dog" with other women in the locale. James Shaw (aka Hannibal) gives it some groovy Wilson Pickett gravel vocals on the "been around the world" song "My Kinda Girl".

It's strange to hear Bobby Byrd sing but he's a great set of expressive lungs on the lightweight "I Found Out" while Phil Spector drama comes to the fore on Mary Johnson's obscure "Hard Forgetting Memories". Speaking of fabulous lungs - a huge dancer favourite is the Dinah Washington vocals of Lula Reed duetting here with Freddy King on "It's Easy Child" - a cool mid-tempo piano and drum shuffle. 

You immediately "Think" of James Brown who took the "5" Royales tune and practically launched his career on it (and for a 1957 song - it's staggering how borderline Soul it is without knowing it). Tex's "Pneumonia" has some aggressive lyrics towards his baby while the finger-clicking "I Don't Know About You" by the obscure Lloyd Nolan has an effortless Sixties cool about it. The lovely "Bad Girl" by The Fabulous Denos is the kind of 45 that would surely trade hands for serious money - a wicked little tune.

"I guess I'll investigate..." - Mike Pedicin sang on "Burnt Toast And Black Coffee". 

I think that Sixties hipster was on to something...

Titles in Ace's "New Breed R&B" CD Compilation Series on Kent Dance

In Release-Date Order from 2001 to 2020

1. New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dances (July 2001, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 – Barcode 029667219921)

2. King New Breed Rhythm & Blues (July 2002, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 – Barcode 029667221023)

3. New Breed R&B With Added Popcorn – Early 60ts R&B Dancers Right In Today's Groove (February 2008, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 – Barcode 029667229128)

4. King New Breed R&B Volume 2 (April 2012, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 373 – Barcode 069227237321)

5. New Breed Blues with Black Popcorn (April 2013, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 393 – Barcode 029667239325)

6. New Breed Workin': Blues With A Rhythm (January 2016, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 443 – Barcode 029667244329)

7. New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special (July 2020, Ace Kent Dance CDKEND 492 – Barcode 029667098823)

"New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring Tracks from 1958 to 1966 by Aaron Collins and The Teen Queens, Rob Robinson, Freddie Williams, Prince Conley, Pee Wee Foster, Sterling Magee, Johnny Talbot, Tony Clarke, Margaret Lewis, Flora D, Curly Mays and more (July 2020 Ace Records/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters – Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B089M1FCNC&asins=B089M1FCNC&linkId=c85a9f70a6a30cda5ec45c09a9ec464e&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"...Way Out Baby..."

Entry number seven in an increasingly cool and essential Ace Records CD series (see list below) – "New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special" goes after 60ts American Blues and R&B with a Mod dance rhythm and like its predecessor - more often that not got my increasingly ancient loin-juices flowing to the point of physical embarrassment. 

We all know Ace Records make great compilations, but there is a sense of fun permeating this CD that just doesn't let up right to the shuffling end – pleaser after pleaser - the whole dancin' shebang bolstered up by a shockingly good haul of unissued.  

Most of the 24-cuts span 1960 to 1966 with some nods towards the 50ts topped off by Seven Previously Unreleased Period Tracks, whilst the remainder are hard-to-find 45s and unissued rarities that first saw the light of day on CD compilations in the 90ts and 00s. Here are the knee-slapping and hip-twitching details...

UK released Friday, 31 July 2020 (February 2016 in the USA) – "New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Dance CDKEND 492 (Barcode 029667098823) is a 24-track CD compilation and plays out as follows (55:03 minutes):

1. Every Saturday Night – AARON COLLINS & THE TEEN QUEENS (2020, Previously Unissued 1966 Modern Records recording)

2. I'll Never Do It Again – THE CORVAIRS (2020, Previously Unissued 1966 Arock Records recording)

3. Ain't That Good – PRINCE CONLEY (originally unissued 1961 Stax recording, first appeared on the 1995 UK CD compilation "4000 Volts Of Stax & Satellite – Rare & Unreleased Tracks From The Golden Era Of Soul" on Stax CDSXD 107)

4. Compact Baby – ROB ROBINSON (originally unissued 1963 Galaxy Records recording, first appeared on the 2004 UK CD compilation "Diggin' Gold: A Galaxy Of West Coast Blues" on Ace Records CDCHD 1017)

5. Triple Zero – ESKO WALLACE (June 1963 US 45-single on Graham 802, B-side of "I Don't Think (There Could Be Another You)")

6. Purty Li'l Mama – FREDDIE WILLIAMS (originally unissued 1961 Norman Petty recording, first appeared on the January 2020 US CD compilation "Norman Petty Studios – Vault Series No. 8 (1960-1964)" on Nor-Va-Jak NVJCD20)

7. Something's Wrong Baby – MARGARET LEWIS (June 1961 US 45-single on RAM 2451 (Royal Audio Music Inc), B-side of "John DeLee")

8. Way Out Baby – FLORA D (1961 US 45-single on Paso 103, B-side of "You Gonna Cry")

9. Family Man – SLIM and THE TWILITES (1962 US 45-single on Dore 645, A-side)

10. You're Gonna Need Me – BIG CHARLEY & THE DOMANS (originally unissued 1961 Lanjo Records recording, first appeared on a 2016 US 45-Single on Ohio's Hilltop Records 901, B-side of "Can't Even Enjoy My Home")

11. Wait A Minute Baby – JOHNNY "Guitar" WATSON (1964 US 45-single on Highland 1151, A-side)

12. Almost Midnight – KING SOLOMON (originally unissued 1966 Kent Records recording, first appeared on the 1999 Japan-Only CD compilation "West Coast Modern Blues 1960s Vol.3" on P-Vine Records PCD-3065)

13. Show Me How To Shake Like That – THE LON-GENES (originally unissued 1963 Glo-Rae Records recording, first appeared on the 2012 UK Various Artists CD compilation "Kent Harris' R&B Family" on Ace Records CDCHD 1334)

14. Head Doctor – GAY MEADOWS (2020, Previously Unreleased 1963 Chant Records recording)

15. You Can Be My Honey – PEE WEE FOSTER (2020, Previously Unreleased 

1958 Cleveland R&B Records recording)

16. Turn The Lamps Down Low – PAT GARVIS (1963 US 45-Single on Freida Records 6061, A-side)

17. Your Yah-Yah Is Gone – THE TREN-TEENS (1962 US 45-Single on Carnival 501, A-side)

18. The Long John (Dog) – JARVIS JACKSON (1966 US 45-single on Sims 291, B-side of "Something I Never Had")

19. Tighten Up & Pull Yourself Together – STERLING MAGEE (2020, Previously Unissued 1967 Sylvia Records recording)

20. Satisfied – JOHNNY TALBOT (2020, Previously Unissued 1965 Modern Records recording)

21. Love Must Be Taboo – TONY CLARKE (1962 US 45-Single on Fascination F-1010, B-side of "Cry")

22. I'll Conquer The World – J. D. WRIGHT & THE METALLICS (February 1963 US 45-Single on Baronet 18, A-side)

23. Walking The Track – LITTLE MACEY & THE VALIANTS (2020, Previously Unissued Terry Records recording)

24. I'm Walkin' On – CURLY MAYS (1964 US 45-Single on Carnival 505, A-side)

Tracks 1, 2, 14, 15, 19, 20 and 23 are PREVIOUSLY UNISSUED

All tracks in MONO 

The 20-page booklet is the usual Ace info-fest – track-by-track explanations by Compiler and Enthusiast ADY CROASDELL (has handled most of these New Breed CD compilations) – the text peppered with rare label repros from Graham, Paso, Highland, Dore, Glo Rae and even the Hilltop Records unearthing only issued in 2016 (how many copies of this are there!). There are publicity of photos of names that are too long forgotten – three of The Flares looked suited and booted stood beside an equally flash Betty and Aaron Collins, The Teen Queens smiling and beguiling, a signed photo of Rob Robinson looking all Sam Cooke suave, Margaret Lewis and her immaculate frock bathed in spotlight on stage, Jarvis Jackson clutching his Double Bass and a truly memorable black and white 80ts photo of guitarist Sterling Magee and Harmonica player Adam Gussow busking in Harlem as (wait for it) Satan and Adam. 

There is even a stunning psychedelic-type-face Otis Redding poster for the Fillmore Auditorium where Johnny Talbot got to be the support act on Wednesday the 21st of December 1966 (you could see an emerging Grateful Dead the night before). As you can imagine, the facts come fast and furious and compliment the listen and your appreciation of these largely forgotten names. Long-time Sound Engineer NICK ROBBINS has done the transfers and Remasters and a typically great job it is too despite the obviously less than Audiophile sources. There is also an in-yer-face vitality to the Mono recordings that apes Saturday Night sweating down at Smokey Joe's All Night Juke Joint. To the beat-lovers and dodgy under-covers... 

Hundreds come from miles around to sample the steel guitar, the big beat, the buttered beans, homemade brew and chilli too in a fantastic opener that gives this seventh compilation its name "Every Saturday Night" – Aaron Collins and The Teen Queens sharing the vocals and the good news. Taking it down a gear is a cool two-stepper where the lead singer of The Corvairs assures us that he has learned his lesson in "I'll Never Do It Again". The man knows what is right and he knows what is wrong – so from now on neither he nor his band mates will be touching other girlies while his baby is gone (oh no, no, no – well maybe a little). Prince Conley's is also terribly pleased that his gal has money in her hand and is going to make it back to her man in "Ain't That Good" – a sort of Clovers Saxophone shuffler with an unusual Booker T. type organ solo (an unissued Stax Records recording from 1961). 

While everyone else is digging Cadillacs, Rob Robinson wants his "Compact Baby" where he has only to put his mojo hands on the gas and she really knocks him out (the none too subtle lyrics and a saxophone solo that is too far back in the mix probably kept this in the can, but that doesn't stop it from being a winner to us in 2020). The Esko Wallace cut oozes R&B class - his Coasters-type shuffler reassuring his lady that even though she may be currently in the arms of another, he will always be understanding of said arrangement and see her as a triple zero. Such is the similarity, the fabulous voice of Freddie Williams on the novelty-sounding "Purty Li'l Mama" will have lovers of La Vern Baker and Ruth Brown over on 50ts Atlantic Records double-take -is that really a man? And speaking of firecrackers - white gal Margaret Lewis gives a toppermost performance on the excellent "Somethin's Wrong Baby" - sounding not unlike Wanda Jackson or Ella Mae Morse getting her teeth into a tasty little R&B shuffler. 

The fun and dancing continue with Flora D telling us that her man's 'good as gold and sweet as he can be' in "Way Out Baby" - a tremendous Saxophone romp with rolling Fats Domino piano complimenting the backbeat. With all that preceding beer-sodden joy and figure-hugging shimmy shaking, it's probably time for some domestic misery. So we should spare a thought for poor old Slim and The Twilites – Slim's house overrun with kids (no fault of his own) while his no-good wife pulls up the bed sheets over her head once again at the thought of another day. It's gotten so bad for our slender entirely faultless hero in "Family Man" that one afternoon, Slim opened up his work pale only to find a lone sardine staring back at him masquerading as 'lunch' (yikes). 

Other highlights include Johnny "Guitar" Watson pleading with his gal on "Wait A Minute Baby" admitting that his wandering-mits slow dance with Mary Lou on Saturday Night probably wasn't his finest hour - or The Lon-Genes loving their three-times-seven big mama in "Show Me How To Shake Like That" - one hand on her knee, one hand on her hip, doing the sexy backflip (she's giving them five-star chills). Meanwhile Sterling Magee is getting all "Tighten Up & Pull Yourself Together" in what feels like Ike Turner hitting all the right and tight guitar funk, while Tony Clarke goes all Dion-vocals in his sorry-man no-can-do "Love Must Be Taboo" tale of woe (his gal won't go steady never mind marry his sorry little sock ball ass). It is up to the nephew of Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown - Curly Mays - to bring it all to a superb bop finish with a Dave Edmunds retro Rock & Roll shuffler called "I'm Walkin' On" - a corkin' end to a really great listen. 

So much to savour on "New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special" - fans of Jivin' R&B and Blues with a Soul twist are going to have to own it. Very good indeed and another winner and possible best yet CD (in the series) from those smart compilation-making hipsters over at Ace Records UK...

Titles in Ace's "New Breed R&B" CD Compilation Series on Kent Dance

In Release-Date Order from 2001 to 2020

1. New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dances (July 2001, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 – Barcode 029667219921)

2. King New Breed Rhythm & Blues (July 2002, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 – Barcode 029667221023)

3. New Breed R&B With Added Popcorn – Early 60ts R&B Dancers Right In Today's Groove (February 2008, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 – Barcode 029667229128)

4. King New Breed R&B Volume 2 (April 2012, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 373 – Barcode 069227237321)

5. New Breed Blues with Black Popcorn (April 2013, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 393 – Barcode 029667239325)

6. New Breed Workin': Blues With A Rhythm (January 2016, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 443 – Barcode 029667244329)

7. New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special (July 2020, Ace Kent Dance CDKEND 492 – Barcode 029667098823)

"New Breed Workin': Blues With A Rhythm" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (January 2016 UK Ace Records/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...I Said Yeah..." 

Entry number six in an increasingly cool and essential Ace Records CD series (see list below) – "New Breed Workin' - Blues With A Feeling" goes after 60ts American Blues and R&B with a Mod dance rhythm and more often that not gets my increasingly ancient loin juices flowing. Here are the feet/hip twitching details...

UK released Friday, 29 January 2016 (February 2016 in the USA) – "New Breed Workin' - Blues With A Rhythm" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 443 (Barcode 029667244329) is a 24-track CD compilation and plays out as follows (59:11 minutes):

1. The Twitch – DANNY WHITE (1963 US 7" single on Frisco 109, A)

2. My Baby's Gone – PEE WEE FOSTER (2016 Previously Unreleased Cleveland R&B Records recording)

3. Cruel World – ROOSEVELT POWERS (2016 Previously Unreleased Arock Records recording)

4. I Can't Even Enjoy My Home – BIG CHARLEY & THE DOMANS (2016 Previously Unreleased Cleveland R&B Records recording)

5. You Never Know – B.B. KING (from the 1963 US LP "B.B. King" on Crown 5359 – also B-side to "The Letter", a 1964 US 7" on King 391)

6. (I Believe) Something Funny Is Going On – BERTHA TILLMAN (1962 US 7" single on Brent 2031, A)

7. Poor Boy's Song – LORD LUTHER (unissued 1960s recording that first appeared on the 2010 Lord Luther CD compilation "I Am The Lord" on Ace CDCHD 1258)

8. I've Got A Feeling For You Baby – NOOKIE BOY (1962 US 7" single on AFO Records 306, A)

9. Bossman – DEANE HAWLEY (1960 US 7" single on Dore 554, A)

10. Keep A Hold On Him – BEATRICE LEE (1962 US 7" single on Kent 385, A)

11. These Tears (Brass Version) – MARY JOHNSON (2016 Previously Unreleased Foxy Records recording)

12. Lucky Girl – JOAN DUVALLE (2016 Previously Unreleased AFO Records recording)

13. Steamboat – ARTHUR GRANT & THE RED SHOES (2016 Previously Unreleased Arock Records recording)

14. Workin' Man – COOL PAPA JARVIS (2016 Previously Unreleased Cleveland R&B Records recording)

15. Real Real Love – RAY AGEE (1967 US 7" single on Krafton 620, A)

16. What Did I Do Wrong – THE OVATIONS featuring LOUIS WILLIAMS (from the 1977 Japanese LP "Peace Of Mind" on Vivid Sound VG-3003)

17. Let Me Know – ROBERT LEE (from the 1993 Various Artists CD compilation "More Gumbo Stew" on Ace CDCHD 462)

18. Breaking Hearts – VARETTA & THE THOMASES (1963 US 7" single on Brent 7040, A)

19. Playboy – BILLY RAY (1962 US 7" single on Kent 367, A)

20. Yes It's You – BIG BOY GROVES & LITTLE MARGIE (first released on the 2009 Various Artists CD compilation "Toast Of The Coast: 1950's R&B From Dolphin's Of Hollywood Volume 2" on Ace CDCHD 1215)

21. Big John – RICHARD BERRY (1955 US 7" single on RPM 448, A)

22. Looking For My Baby – THE MUSIC CITY SOUL BROTHERS (1964 US 7" single on Music City 855, A)

23. Twistin' School – LITTLE BETTY (1961 US 7" single on Alto 2006, A)

24. Now We Must Part – CHET "POISON" IVEY (1962 US 7" single on Gator 302, A)

The 16-page booklet is the usual Ace info-fest – track-by-track explanations by Compiler and Enthusiast ADY CROASDELL – the text peppered with rare label repros from Gator, Frisco, Sue, Brent, AFO, Dore, Music City and Alto Records. There are publicity of photos of names that are too long forgotten – Danny White (Fan Club invite), Buddy Lucas with his saxophone in full Red Indian headdress, Chet "Poison" Ivey calling himself 'Mr. Soul Personality', Lord Luther by a keyboard with his band, Deane Hawley doing her best Bessie Smith impression and Joan Duvalle looking as side-profile regal as Aretha Franklin in some classy black & white. Long-time Sound Engineer NICK ROBBINS has done the transfers and Remasters and a typically great job it is too despite the obviously less than Audiophile sources. "Yes It's You" by Varetta & The Thomases for instance sounds awesome – as clear as 50ts Ruth Brown Atlantic Records R&B...

"New Breed Workin'..." opens with a winner – a genuinely great dancer preceded by some silly 'parlez vous' French dialogue that's followed by a brassy shimmy-shaker rhythm that's guaranteed to have you shaking talcum powder on the kitchen floor. On second listen I'm digging "Poor Boy's Song" and the languid piano R&B roll of "I've Got A Feeling For You Baby". "Bossman" by Deane Hawley is a fantastic groover in a similar vein as Charlie Rich's uber-cool "Big Boss Man". Beatrice Lee screams her message out at the beginning of "Keep A Hold On Him" to young girls willing to listen - "...here's something you better dig!" She 'yeows' and 'yeahs' through her advice song telling the ladies to 'keep him tight" (on the money Miss Lee).

A better dancer is "These Tears" presented here in what’s known as the 'brass version' – pumping horns giving Mary Johnson's impressive growl a real power. Another dude walking down the street is being called 'sugar pie' by Joan Duvalle on the Previously Unreleased "Lucky Girl" – the song tries hard but her slightly off-tone Big Maybelle vocals probably meant it was canned (dips in Audio towards the end too). Arthur Grant & The Red Shoes try their hand at The Drifters Atlantic Records gem "Steamboat" – cleverly mixing in "Ruby Ruby" into the backing vocals. Cool Papa Jarvis bemoans his stagnant working week and the sweat on his brow in "Workin' Man" – a rough and tumbler shuffler with boogie guitar. 

Far better is the genuinely exciting "Real Real Love" by Ray Agee – the kind of groovy dancer Northern Soul boys would probably chop off your hand for. "What Did I Do Wrong" has The Ovations sounding like Sam Cooke on a boogie tip (great tune) - while "Let Me Know" by Robbie Lee is an organ-led dancer with pleading girly backing vocals. A tiny and obviously ignored trade clipping describes "Looking For My Baby" by The Music City Soul Brothers as 'lively high-powered Blues sounds' and its excellent beat and transfer suggest that a second look has been a long-time coming (clever choice).

Not exactly stormin' like some of the other titles in the series (see review for Volume 1 below) – but there's so much to savour on "New Breed Workin'" that fans of New Breed R&B are going to have to own it. 

Another very nice one from those smart people over at Ace Records...

Titles in Ace's "New Breed R&B" CD Compilation Series on Kent Dance

In Release-Date Order (2001 to 2020)

1. New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dances (July 2001, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 – Barcode 029667219921)

2. King New Breed Rhythm & Blues (July 2002, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 – Barcode 029667221023)

3. New Breed R&B With Added Popcorn – Early 60ts R&B Dancers Right In Today's Groove (February 2008, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 – Barcode 029667229128)

4. King New Breed R&B Volume 2 (April 2012, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 373 – Barcode 069227237321)

5. New Breed Blues with Black Popcorn (April 2013, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 393 – Barcode 029667239325)

6. New Breed Workin': Blues With A Rhythm (January 2016, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 443 – Barcode 029667244329)

7. New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special (July 2020, Ace Kent Dance CDKEND 492 – Barcode 029667098823)

This review is part of my SOUNDS GOOD Music Book Series. One of those titles is BLUES, VOCAL GROUPS, RHYTHM 'N' BLUES and ROCK 'N' ROLL - an E-Book with over 175 entries and 1750 e-Pages - purchase on Amazon and search any artist or song (click the link below). Huge amounts of info taken directly from the discs (no cut and paste crap).