TOMMY HUNT - "The Complete Man: 60s NYC Soul Songs" – Single, Album and Previously Unreleased Recordings from 1962 to 1986 on Scepter, Dynamo, Atlantic and Capitol Records (February 2019 UK Ace/Kent Soul CD Compilation of Remasters – Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Lonely For You..."

Amongst the 25 goodies contained within "The Complete Man" by Tommy Hunt are his classy 1962 to 1968 Soul recordings for the Scepter and Dynamo labels, nestled alongside a duo of stand-alone 45s on Atlantic and Capitol Records respectively (1965 and 1966), two exclusives on a 1968 'Greatest Hits' set and Five Previously Unreleased newbees recently unearthed in the Scepter vaults in 2018 and 2019. 

It's a typically tasty little listen from Ace and their beloved Kent Soul imprint. To the details and the Big Apple Soul...

UK released 26 February 2019 - "The Complete Man: 60s NYC Soul Songs" by TOMMY HUNT on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 480 (Barcode 029667094221) offers 25 Remastered Tracks from 1962 to 1969 (including five unreleased) and plays out as follows (65:10 minutes):

1. I Don't Want To Lose You

2. Hold On (Tracks 1 and 2 are the A&B-sides of a February 1965 US 45-single on Atlantic 45-2278)

3. I'll Make You Happy 

4. The Clown (Tracks 3 and 4 are the A&B-sides of an April 1966 US 45-single on Capitol 5621)

5. Lonely For You (2018, originally unissued 1964 Scepter recording)

6. The Pretty Part Of You (1965 Scepter recording first issued on the June 1987 UK compilation LP "No, No, No, No, No Not My Girl - And 15 Other Northern Soul Dancers" on Kent KENT 069) 

7. Never Love A Robin (January 1967 US 45-single on Dynamo D-101, B-side of "The Biggest Man")

8. The Work Song (May 1962 US 45-single on Scepter 1231, A-side)

9. What's The Matter Baby (2019, Previously Unissued 1962 Scepter recording)

10. One Of These Days (2019, Previously Unissued 1963 Scepter recording)

11. Who You Gonna Thrill Tonight (2019, Previously Unissued 1962 recording)

12. And I Never Knew (August 1962 US 45-single on Scepter 1236, B-side of "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself")

13. Human (from the 1968 US LP "Tommy Hunt's Greatest Hits" on Dynamo DS 8001 in Stereo)

14. Searchin' For Love

15. The Complete Man (Tracks 14 and 15 are the B&A-sides of a July 1967 US 45-single on Dynamo D-100, Note that "The Complete Man" is the A-side)

16.  Searchin' For My Baby (Lookin' Everywhere) 

17. I Need A Woman Of My Own (Tracks 16 and 17 are the B&A-sides of a December 1967 US 45-single on Dynamo D-113, Note that "I Need A Woman Of My Own" is the A-side)

18. You're So Fine (from the 1962 US LP "I Don't Know What To Do With Myself" on Scepter SLP 506 in Mono)

19. I'm With You (October 1963 US 45-single on Scepter 1261, B-side to "I Am A Witness")

20. The Door Is Open (November 1961 US 45-single on Scepter 1226, A-side)

21. How Young Is Young (May 1964 US (2nd issue) 45-single on Scepter 1275, B-side of "You Made A Man Out Of Me")

22. Girls Are Sentimental (2019, Previously Unissued 1962 Scepter recording)

23. Son, My Son (May 1963 US 45-single on Scepter 1252, A-side)

24. Born Free (September 1968 US 45-single on Dynamo D-124, B-side of "Just A Little Taste (Of Your Sweet Lovin')")

25. I Believe (from the 1968 US LP "Tommy Hunt's Greatest Hits" on Dynamo DS 8001 in Stereo)  

All Tracks are MONO except 8, 10, 12 and 13

Tracks 5, 9, 10, 11 and 22 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

The 20-page booklet features new liner notes from Soul aficionado ADY CROASDELL and classy black and white photos and publicity shots that go right back to his stint with one of the most beloved Vocal Groups of all time - The Flamingos. There are trade adverts for Dynamo's "The Biggest Man", a rare UK Demo 45 for "The Door Is Open" on Top Rank JAR-605, those Atlantic and Capitol Records labels and even Pittsburgh’s finest giving it some Northern Soul at the Wigan Casino - Tommy dressed to impress - microphone stand in hand like he's channelling wicked Wilson Pickett dance moves. 

Hunt had his autobiography published in 2008, so Croasdell puts together a potted history of his extraordinary life with alarming amounts of detail including early poverty and trouble with the law up to his triumphs and lows with British and European Soul fans, run down venues and touring without family. At 87 years of age in 2021, the great singer is still with us, suited and booted and ready to go...

But it keeps coming back to the music and once again, long-standing and uber-experienced Audio Engineer for Ace Records NICK ROBBINS has done the master tapes a solid. Both Mono and Stereo mixes swooning and bopping with equal gusto. And those songwriting-names entice too - Luther Dixon (whose wedding to singer Inez Foxx is pictured in a January 1966 Cash Box article on Page 10), Van McCoy, Jimmy Radcliffe, Ed Townsend, Thomas Bell - names that tingle Deep Soul lovers from the toes up. To the music...

In a very smart move, the compilation opens with the kind of smooch-fest Northern Soul fans would shoot Granny for – the A-side of his lone 1965 Atlantic Records single "I Don't Want To Lose You". A gorgeous slow deep Soul gem, everything about it is right – his voice, the subtle brass accompaniment that slinks in just when needed and of course, a genuinely lovely song from the pen of Van McCoy. Other hidden torch-ballads include two LP cuts on the Greatest Hits set from 1968 – a the best girl in the world but I am only a man tune in "Human" and the Lord hear my words "I Believe" – Hunt lifting up both with his husky Richie Havens vocals despite some heavy on the seaside town organ threatening to derail everything. 

The sub-Jackie Wilson brass bopper "You're So Fine" wouldn't be my fave nor the worthy cover of John Barry's lion-theme soundtrack song "Born Free", but tasty B-sides include "I'm With You" and "Searchin' For Love" make up for it. And although the inclusions are great, I think the compilation missed a trick in not placing the gorgeous almost Bacharach/David soft Soul of "Lover” – a Scepter out-take that appeared on the Ace/Kent Soul CD compilation "Manhattan Soul 3" in January 2017. I dug that track big time and it would have fit right in here. 

Still, a lovely CD release that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike and one that leaves me sentimental for Manhattan Soul...

"The Complete KEEN Years: 1957-1960" by SAM COOKE – Featuring Five Albums – "Sam Cooke" (January 1958, Mono Only), "Encore" (November 1958, Mono Only), "Tribute To The Lady" (April 1959, Mono and Stereo Mixes Included), "Hit Kit" (October 1959, Mono Only, Eight Bonuses, Seven In Stereo) and "The Wonderful World Of Sam Cooke" (October 1960, Mono Only, Six Bonuses all in Mono) (January 2020 US ABKCO 5CD Clamshell Box Set with Oversized Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves, 36-Page Booklet and Teri Landi Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...You Send Me..."

I'm 62 years of age and will be 63 come 28 September 1958. 

I mention these numeric milestones, because by the time I was 2 months old in November 1958 (swivelling no doubt in a very aromatic terry towel), our handsome hero over in a highly segregated Americas had already clocked up two whole albums on Keen Records. And in September 1957 (the year prior) at the suited-and-booted age of only 26, Samuel Cook (he added the 'e') had already launched that label with a genuine sensation - the sublime "You Send Me" – a song which some say started what we now affectionately call SOUL MUSIC. What are you doing today Sam? Oh, I'm just inventing Soul Music Mark. Ok bro. 

The sophisticated sway and lilt in "You Send Me" was a ballbreaker – the Cooke original smashing down genres walls everywhere. It topped the Pop and R&B charts in the States selling 2-million copies in the process and in November 1957 would see his first UK 45/78 on London reach No. 29 on the fledgling NME charts. You could (and should) of course argue that Ray Charles had already done R&B that bordered on Soul Music on Atlantic Records (and had been since 1953, no deference meant). But Sam Cooke will always be the man in my books – the Man who took Gospel and Secular Music to the next level and invented Soul in the morphing process. Which brings us to this truly gorgeous splurge from ABKCO of America.

Truth be told (and apart from the rather maudlin crooner tunes Keen and RCA Victor both foisted on him to appeal to a white market that bought LPs), Cooke's 'Keen' recordings have been out of the 50-year copyright parameters for some years now, so you can pick up variants of the 65-tracks contained within this January 2020 release elsewhere for say eight quid. I paid £32 for my "Complete KEEN Years..." in an Amazon reduction, but it can go for nearer £40. So why pay more? 

All the right reasons - the care given this Box Set is exemplary starting with five beautifully reproduced oversized Mini LP Card Sleeves (see photos supplied) of those staggeringly rare Fifties and 1960 originals (two offering you both Mono and Stereo mixes while two others lop on the straggler singles and stand-alone stuff as Bonuses). They can be lifted out of the Clamshell Box Set by a white ribbon and a very smart move is to supply each with an inner protective bag like those Japanese issues (classy). The 36-page oversized booklet is gorgeous too, comprehensive new liner notes by Cooke expert MICHAEL CORCORAN, black and white and colour photos (a proof sheet of shots holds the centre pages), master-tape boxes, trade adverts, singles and LP discographies (US and UK), session details and so on. 

But the real deal is the stunning transfers and mastering courtesy of a team at ABKCO headed up by TERI LANDI. In a nutshell, this Box Set features Five Albums – "Sam Cooke" (January 1958, Mono Only), "Encore" (November 1958, Mono Only), "Tribute To The Lady" (April 1959, Mono and Stereo Mixes Included), "Hit Kit" (October 1959, Mono Only, Eight Bonuses, Seven In Stereo) and "The Wonderful World Of Sam Cooke" (October 1960, Mono Only, Six Bonuses all in Mono). As you can see, two of the CDs give you both MONO and STEREO Mixes of the albums while some of the Bonus Tracks have rare STEREO-Only 45 Mixes and there are two exclusives from the 1960 Various Artists "I Thank God" LP. 

Unlike dodgy budget issues, these tapes have been given a dust off that will make even the most weary fan sit up and grin, maybe even (like me) shed a wee Soulful tear. To say that these are actually Audiophile (especially given their vintage) isn't an understatement - they will wow you. And if there's ever a VINYL variant of this set, collectors will need to grab that sucker with both hands because playable copies of the original US or UK LPs are so hard to locate. Loads to discuss - let's pay tribute to the great man...

US released 24 January 2020 - "The Complete KEEN Years: 1957-1960" by SAM COOKE on ABKCO Records 018771850328 (018771850328) is a 5CD 65-Track Clamshell Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves and New Remasters that plays out as follows: 

CD1 "Sam Cooke" (34:01 minutes): 

1. You Send Me [Side 1]

2. The Lonesome Road 

3. Tammy 

4. Ol' Man River 

5. Moonlight In Vermont 

6. Canadian Sunset 

7. Summertime (Part 2) [Side 2]

8. Around The World 

9. Ain't Misbehavin'

10. The Bells Of St. Mary's 

11. So Long 

12. Danny Boy 

13. That Lucky Old Sun 

Tracks 1 to 13 are his second album "Sam Cooke" [aka "Songs By Sam Cooke"] - released January 1958 in the USA on Keen A-2001 and March 1958 in the UK on H.M.V. CLP 1261 (both only in Mono). Produced by Bumps Blackwell. 

CD2 "Encore" (31:31 minutes):

1. Oh, Look At Me Now [Side 1]

2. Someday (You’ll Want Me To Want You)

3. Along The Navajo Trail 

4. Running Wild 

5. Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive 

6. Mary, Mary Lou 

7. When I Fall In Love [Side 2]

8. I Cover The Waterfront 

9. My Foolish Heart 

10. Today I Sing The Blues 

11. The Gypsy 

12. It's The Talk Of The Town 

Tracks 1 to 12 are his third album "Encore" - released November 1958 in the USA on Keen A-2003 and July 1959 in the UK on H.M.V. CLP 1273 (both only in Mono). Producer BUMPS BLACKWELL. Note: The British LP changed the running order by reversing the Sides entirely; When I Fall In Love begins Side 1 in the UK and Oh, Look At Me Now begins Side 2.

CD3 "Tribute To The Lady" (57:53 minutes):

1. God Bless The Child [Side 1]

2. She's Funny That Way 

3. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues 

4. Good Morning Heartache 

5. T'aint Nobody's Business (If I Do) 

6. Comes Love 

7. Lover Girl (Man) [Side 2]

8. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off 

9. Lover Come Back To Me 

10. Solitude 

11. They Can't Take That Away From Me 

12. Crazy She Calls Me

Tracks 1 to 12 are the MONO version of "Tribute To The Lady" - is fourth album released April 1959 in the USA on Keen A-2004 (no UK issue). 

CD3 BONUS TRACKS: 

Tracks 13 to 24 are the US STEREO version of "Tribute To The Lady" (Keen S-2004) - no UK issue. Arranged and Produced by RENE HALL. 

CD4 "Hit Kit" (53:29 minutes): 

1. Only Sixteen [Side 1]

2. All Of My Life 

3. Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha 

4. Blue Moon 

5. Win Your Love For Me 

6. Lonely Island 

7. You Send Me [Side 2]

8. Love You Most Of All 

9. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons 

10. Little Things You Do 

11. Let's Go Steady Again 

12. You Were Made For Me

Tracks 1 to 12 are his fifth album "Hit Kit" - released October 1959 in the USA on Keen 86101 in Mono (no UK issue). 

CD4 BONUS TRACKS:

13. Lonely Island (Single Version)

Track 13 is a February 1958 US 45-single B-side to "You Were Made For Me" on Keen 3-4009 (4-4009 for the 78")

14. Win Your Love For Me (Stereo)

15. Almost In Your Arms (Love Song From "Houseboat") (Stereo)

Tracks 14 and 15 are the July 1958 US A&B-sides of a STEREO 45-single on Keen 3-2006 (4-2006 for the 78")

There was also a special BLUE COLOURED VINYL issue released on Keen 5-2006

NOTE: "Love You Most Of All" b/w "Win Your Love For Me" were issued as the A&B-sides of a January 1959 UK MONO 45-single on HMV 45-POP 568 (POP 568 for the 78")

16. Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha (Stereo)

17. Little Things You Do (Stereo) 

Tracks 16 and 17 are the February 1959 A&B-sides of a US STEREO 45-single on Keen 3-2018 (4-2018 for the 78")

May 1959 UK STEREO 45-single on HMV 45-POP 610 (POP 610 for the 78")

18. Only Sixteen (Stereo) 

19. Let's Go Steady Again (Stereo)

Tracks 18 and 19 are the A&B-sides of a June 1959 US STEREO 45-single on Keen 5-2022 (May 1959 for the MONO variant on Keen 3-2022). Released July 1959 UK STEREO 45-single on HMV 45-POP 642 (POP 642 for the 78")  

20. With You (Stereo) - July 1960 US STEREO 45-single on Keen 8-2117 (B-side was "I Thank God") 

21. Ee-YI-Ee-YI-Oh (Stereo) - December 1960 US STEREO 45-single on Keen 8-2122 (B-side of "Mary, Mary Lou")

CD5 "The Wonderful World Of Sam Cooke" (45:41 minutes):

1. (What A) Wonderful World [Side 1]

2. Desire Me 

3. Summertime (Part 1)

4. Almost In Your Arms (Love song From "Houseboat")

5. That's Heaven To Me 

6. No One (Can Ever Take Your Place) 

7. With You [Side 2]

8. Blue Moon 

9. Stealing Kisses

10. You Were Made For Me

11. There I've Said It Again 

12. I Thank God 

Tracks 1 to 12 are his seventh album "The Wonderful World Of Sam Cooke" - released October 1960 in the USA on Keen 86106 in MONO only. Although not originally issued in the UK, it was eventually given a release in 1966 on Immediate Records IMLP 002 in Mono. 

CD5 BONUS TRACKS:

12. Steal Away (Album Version) - see NOTES

14. Deep River - see NOTES

15. One Hour Ahead Of The Posse - September 1959 US 45-single on Keen 8-2105, Non-LP B-side of "There, I've Said It Again". November 1959 in the UK on HMV 45-POP 675 

16. Ee-I-Ee-I-Oh [aka "Ee-Yi-Ee-Yi-Oh"] - December 1960 US 45-single on Keen 8-2122, Non-LP B-side of "Mary, Mary Lou" 

17. So Glamorous  

18. Steal Away (Single Version) - Tracks 17 and 18 are the A&B-sides of an October 1960 US 45-single on Keen 8-2118 (as Sam Cooke And The Stars)

NOTES: June 1960 saw a US Various Artists album called "I Thank God" on Keen 86103 in Mono that contained four contributions by Sam Cooke. Two cuts are on the "Wonderful World Of..." LP - "I Thank God" and "That's Heaven To Me" (Tracks 12 and 5 on CD5). The two exclusives to the "I Thank God" LP are "Steal Away" and "Deep River" - both in the Bonuses of CD5 (Tracks 13 and 14). 

The Teri Landi remasters are gorgeous, but I will admit that some of that crooner material they so often made him sing to cover a wide appeal – now feels so dated and even ever-so-slightly offensive (if those are the right words). But when you get into tunes like "Blue Moon", "Summertime" and even that old trickster "Ol’ Man River" – Cooke was like Presley – he could make anything sound good – imprint it with a stamp of his own. 

"Hit Kit" finally saw Cooke flex some real songwriting muscle because amidst the covers are six hugely successful originals (three or four of which were US and UK singles) - "Only Sixteen", "Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha", "Win Your Love For Me", a new version of "You Send Me", "Love You Most Of All" and "You Were Made For Me".

I know closing on forty-smackers will be a sum too much for many a casual listener, but this is a beautiful reissue to me and one that is worth the outlay. But if you have any affection for this maverick singer, musical gamechanger and golden-throated swoonfest – then "The Complete KEEN Years: 1957-1960" by Sam Cooke is the biz-schnizz for you. 

ABKCO 018771850328 made me well up inside and bawl like a 2-year old, and it's not often that you say that about any catalogue number (especially one with a Barcode). "You Send Me" is damn right...

"The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring British Artists Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown Blues Band, Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, Duster Bennett, John Mayall and Eric Clapton, Gordon Smith, Jo Ann Kelly, Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, Top Topham of The Yardbirds, Coyne Clague, Jellybread, Key Largo with Guests Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, Johnny Almond of The Alan Price Set and Members of Mighty Baby. American Artists include Eddie Boyd, Curtis Jones, B.B. King, Otis Spann, Bukka White, Johnny Shines, Champion Jack Dupree, Johnny Young, Mississippi Joe Callicott, Hubert Sumlin, Drifting Slim, “Little“ Mack Simmons & His Boys, Walter “Shakey“ Horton, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Bobby Parker and more (October 1997 UK Columbia 3CD Long Hardback DigiBook Presentation Set with Attached Booklet Inside – Reissued June 2006 in a 3CD Jewel Case with Different Cover Artwork - Duncan Cowell and Mike Vernon Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

2006 Reissue in a Jewel Case with Different Artwork

Same Tracks, Detached Booklet, 1997 Remasters

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"...The Big Boat... "

Long been one of the loveliest reissues in my collection – there are two variants of "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1". The original October 1997 issue featured a Long Hardback 3CD Digibook presentation whilst the June 2006 Jewel Case Reissue sported different artwork but the same 60-page booklet (now detached, easier to read) and those quality Duncan Cowell and Mike Vernon 1997 Remasters. 

Subtitled 'A Definitive History of the UK's Most Influential Blues Label' - both 3CD sets are sadly now deleted in 2021 (they never did get a Volume 2 out) and vary wildly in prices on the secondhand market (but still within reach I would say). So much to savour, so let's have at the multitudinous details...

UK released 20 October 1997 – "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Columbia 488992 2 (Barcode 5099748899224) offers 70-Tracks Remastered across 3CDs and was originally presented in a Limited Edition Long Hardback Digibook Presentation with a 60-page booklet Attached on the inside. It was UK reissued 12 June 2006 on Sony/Blue Horizon 4889924 (Barcode 828768620823) in a 3CD Jewel Case with different cover artwork, detached booklet and plays out as follows:

CD1 "The Pre CBS Years" (75:14 minutes): 

All Tracks in MONO 

Track 1 is a Previously Unissued Alternate; Track 19 is Previously Unreleased

1. Across The Board - HUBERT SUMLIN

2. Sumlin Boogie - HUBERT SUMLIN 

Track 1 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Newly Edited Version. Tracks 1 and 2 were originally the A&B-sides of a February 1965 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1000 (BH-101) - the label's debut 7" single. A limited edition of 75 copies sold through "R&B Monthly" Magazine in Feb 1965 (Issue No. 13)

3. Baby You Just Don't Know - WOODROW ADAMS 

4. Wine Head Woman - WOODROW ADAMS 

Tracks 3 and 4 are an April 1965 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1001 (BH-105) - label's 2nd 7" single release; a limited edition of 99 copies sold through "R&B Monthly" Magazine April 1965 issue  

5. Christmas Time, Part 1 - JIMMY McCRACKLIN 

Track 5 is a September 1965 UK 45-single on Outa-Site 45-501, A-side; a limited edition of 99 copies sold through “R&B Monthly” Magazine, it was originally issued as a 1960 USA 7” single on Art-Tone Records 826

6. Mojo Boogie - J.B. LENOIR 

7. I Don't Care What Nobody Say - J.B. LENORE 

Tracks 6 and 7 are the A&B-sides of a January 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1004 (BH.45-1004) - A limited edition of 99 copies – sold through R&B Monthly Magazine No.23.

8. Mean Old World - DOCTOR ISAIAH ROSS 

Track 8 is from the December 1965 UK LP "The Flying Eagle" on Blue Horizon LP 1 - the Blue Horizon label's debut UK album

9. Someone To Love Me - T.S. McPHEE [Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs] 

Track 9 is a January 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah 45-3501, A-side - a James "Snooky" Prior cover version

10. I Feel So Good - JO ANN KELLY 

Track 10 is from the October 1968 UK compilation LP "Blues Anytime Vol.1: An Anthology Of British Blues" on Immediate IMLP 014

11. Good Morning Baby - DRIFTING SLIM [Elmon Mickle]

12. My Sweet Woman - DRIFTING SLIM [Elmon Mickle]

Tracks 11 and 12 are the A&B-sides of a 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1005 - reissue of a 1959 US 7" single on RPM Records 370, Ike Turner plays piano and Sunny Blair plays Harmonica

13. Lonely Years - JOHN MAYALL and ERIC CLAPTON 

14. Bernard Jenkins - JOHN MAYALL and ERIC CLAPTON 

Tracks 13 and 14 are the A&B-side of a June 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3502. Vocals A-side is by John Mayall; B-side is an instrumental by Eric Clapton; A-side features Mayall on Vocals and Harmonica with EC on guitar; B-side is EC on guitar with Mayall on piano only; 500 copies only pressed

15. Superintendent Blues - HOUSTON BOINES 

16. Monkey Motion - HOUSTON BOINES 

Tracks 15 and 16 are the A&B-sides of a 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1006; reissue of a 1952 USA-only 78" on RPM Records 364 featuring Ike Turner on Piano

17. Can't Quit You Baby - SAVOY BROWN'S BLUES BAND 

Track 17 is the Non-LP B-side of "I Tried", 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3503, a Willie Dixon cover

18. Get Your Head Happy - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with T.S. McPhee 

Track 18 is the Non-LP A-side only of an October 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1007 - a co-write with Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, McPhee plays Guitar, Dupree on Vocals

19. Talk All In My Sleep -CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with T.S. McPhee  

Track 19 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording made 23 Nov 1965 in London; also a co-write with Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, McPhee plays Guitar, Dupree on Vocals

20. Hot Rock - STONE'S MASONRY 

Track 20 is the Non-LP A-side of a December 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3504 - band featured Guitarist Martin Stone of The Action, Mighty Baby and Savoy Brown with Organist Pete Solley of Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds, Fox, Paladin, Procol Harum, Snafu and Whitesnake with Keith Tillman of The Bluesbreakers, Aynsley Dunbar's Retaliation and Mainsqueeze

21. Christine - HOUND DOG TAYLOR

Track 21 is the A-side of a March 1967 UK 45-single on Outasite 45-504 (99 copies only) - reissue of a 1962 USA-only 7" single originally on Firma Records 626

22. Come Back - "LITTLE" MACK SIMMONS & HIS BOYS 

23. Walking Blues - "LITTLE" MACK SIMMONS & HIS BOYS

Tracks 23 and 22 are the A-side (in that order) of a March 1967 UK 4-Track E.P. called "Blues From Chicago" on Outasite OSEP 1 - 99 copies only - both tracks originally a 1959 USA-only 7" single on CJ Records 606  

24. It's So Miserable To Be Alone - EDDIE BOYD

25. Empty Arms - EDDIE BOYD

Tracks 24 and 25 are the Non-LP A&B-sides of a May 1967 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-BH.1009 - uncredited, both sides feature Peter Green on Guitar and John McVie on Bass of Fleetwood Mac with Aynsley Dunbar on Drums

CD2 "The CBS Years Part 1" (75:04 minutes): 

All Tracks in STEREO except 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 15 and 23, which are in MONO 

Track 6 is a Previously Unissued Alternate Mix

1. I Believe My Time Ain't Long - PETER GREEN'S FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 1 is the A-side of Fleetwood Mac's debut single from November 1967 on CBS/Blue Horizon 3051. Both the A and B-side ("Rambling Pony") had been non-album at the time of issue (their first LP appearance was on the “The Pious Bird Of Good Omen” compilation in 1969). A-Side is a Jeremy Spencer song with lead vocals sung by him while the B-Side is a Peter Green song with lead vocals sung by him. A few original copies came with a very rare paper picture sleeve. 

2. Warning - AYNSLEY DUNBAR RETALIATION 

Track 2 is the Non-LP A-side of a November 1967 UK 45-single on CBS/Blue Horizon 3109; "Warning" was famously covered by Black Sabbath on their 1970 self-titled debut album on Vertigo; both A&B sides ("Cobweb" was the flipside) later appeared on the "In Our Own Way Oldies But Goodies" Blue Horizon compilation sampler LP from 1969 - a few rare copies cam in paper picture sleeves which is pictured on Page 18 of the booklet

3. When My Left Eye Jumps - THE CHICKEN SHACK featuring Stan Webb 

Track 3 is the Non-LP B-side of a January 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3135 (the A-side was "It's OK With Me Baby" by The Chicken Shack featuring Christine Perfect); Stan Webb is on lead vocals; also features Christine Perfect on Piano, Johnny Almond on Sax and Aynsley Dunbar on Drums

4. She Drives Me Out Of My Mind - ARTHUR K. ADAMS 

Track 4 is the Non-LP A-side of a February 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3136 - both the A and its flipside "Gimme Some Of Your Lovin'" are a reissue of a 1967 USA-only 7" single on Modern 1034 

5. The Big Boat - EDDIE BOYD 

Track 5 is the Non-LP A-side of a May 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3137 - both A&B-sides feature Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac

6. Black Magic Woman - FLEETWOOD MAC

Track 6 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Rejected Mix without the reverb that appeared on the commercial release. It was originally a Non-LP A-side of a March 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3138 (their second 7" single in the UK). A Peter Green song, its first appearance on LP was the February 1969 US album "English Rose" on Epic Records and then on the August 1969 UK compilation LP "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" on Blue Horizon Records

7. Prison Bound Blues - ROOSEVELT HOLTS 

Track 7 first issued on his March 1968 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues" on Blue Horizon 7-63201

8. Need Your Love So Bad - FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 8 is the Non-LP A-side of a July 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3139 (reissued July 1969 on Blue Horizon 57-3157) - a cover version of Little Willie John's 1955 hit on King Records, its first appearance on a UK LP was on the August 1969 UK compilation "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" on Blue Horizon Records

9. How Am I Doing It - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with Stan Webb (Guitar)

Track 9 is the Non-LP B-side of "I Haven't Done No One No Harm" 45-single released July 1968 in the UK on Blue Horizon 57-3140 - Stan Webb with Chicken Shack

10. Can't Do Me No Good - OTIS SPANN 

Track 10 is the Non-LP A-side of a September 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3142 - a cover version of a Muddy Waters song. The band featured Walter "Shakey" Horton on Harmonica, Johnny Shines on Guitar, Willie Dixon (of Chess Records fame) on Upright Bass with Clifton James on Drums

11. The Woman I Love - B.B. KING 

Track 11 is the A-side of an October 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3144 - both it and the flipside "Blues For Me" are a reissue of a 1959 USA-only 7" single on Kent 325

12. You Don't Have To Go - CURTIS JONES 

Track 12 from the October 1968 UK LP "Now Resident In Europe" on Blue Horizon 7-63207 

13. Albatross - FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 13 is a November 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3145; a Peter Green original instrumental, on initial release, both tracks were non-album ("Jigsaw Blues" is the B-side). Made No. 1 on the UK singles charts. First album appearance on the February 1969 US LP "English Rose" on Epic Records, then August 1969 UK on "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" compilation on Blue Horizon Records. Charted again when it was UK re-released in April 1973 on CBS/Hall Of Fame Hits 8306 (peaked at No. 2) with "Need Your Love So Bad" on the flipside. "Albatross" has been reissued on 7" and CD singles many times since

14. Since My Baby Hit The Numbers - GUITAR CRUSHER/Jimmy Spruill Orchestra 

Track 14 is the Non-LP A-side of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3149; Guitar Crusher is Sid Selby

15. Next Time You See Me - GARFIELD LOVE/Jimmy Spruill Orchestra 

Track 15 is a Non-LP A-side of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3150; A is a cover of a Little Junior Parker R&B hit from 1957 on Don Robey's Duke Records 

16. Solid Gold - JOHNNY SHINES 

Track 16 is from the album "Last Night's Dream" issued January 1969 on Blue Horizon S 7-63212 in the UK; issued 1972 in the USA with a different cover and name - "Blues Masters Vol.8" on Blue Horizon BM 4607. Track features Willie Dixon of Chess Records fame with Drummer Clifton James

17. Layin' In My Cell, Sleepin' - SUNNYLAND SLIM

Track 17 from the album "Midnight Jump" issued January 1969 on Blue Horizon S 7-63213 in the UK. It wasn't issued initially in the USA, but was re-issued 1972 with a different cover and name - "Blues Masters Vol.8" on Blue Horizon BM 4608. Features Walter "Shakey" Horton on Harmonica with Willie Dixon and Clifton James on Bass and Drums

18. It's Hard But It's Fair - BOBBY PARKER 

19. I Couldn't Quit You Baby - BOBBY PARKER 

Tracks 18 and 19 are the Non-LP A&B-sides of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3151; both tracks Bobby Parker originals and feature Johnny Almond of The Alan Price set, Mark-Almond and The Keef Hartley Band on Tenor Saxophone

20. Stumbling Block - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE 

Track 20 is from the August 1969 UK LP “ScoobyDoobyDoo" on Blue Horizon Records 7-63214. Issued 1972 USA in different artwork as "Blues Masters Vol. 10" on Blue Horizon BM 4610. Track features Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones on Guitars

21. I'd Rather Go Blind - CHICKEN SHACK 

Track 21 is the Non-LP A-side of an April 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3153. Christine Perfect (later Christine McVie with Fleetwood Mac) sings lead vocals on this Etta James cover version, her original a 1967 B-side to "Tell Mama" on Cadet 5578.

22. Temperature Is Rising (98.8.F) - OTIS SPANN with Fleetwood Mac 

Track 22 is Non-LP B-side of a July 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3155 (A-side was "Walkin'"); although it credits 'Fleetwood Mac' on the label, the track itself features only two members of the band - Peter Green on Guitar, Mick Fleetwood on Bass with S.P. Leary filling in on the Drums

23. All Your Love (I Miss Loving) - OTIS RUSH & HIS BAND 

Track 23 is the A-side of an August 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3159; reissue of a 1958 USA-only 7" single on Cobra Records 5032. Both tracks of the UK 45 ("Double Trouble" was the B-side) appeared on the 1969 UK LP "This One's A Good 'Un" on Blue Horizon 7-63222. Ike Turner plays Guitar and Willie Dixon Upright Bass       

CD3 "The CBS Years Part 2" (75:57 minutes):

All Tracks in STEREO except 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 and 19, which are in MONO

Tracks 2, 3, 4 and 12 are Previously Unreleased; Track 22 is a Previously Unreleased Remixed Version

1. Everything Gonna Be Alright - MAGIC SLIM 

Track 1 from the October 1969 UK LP "Magic Sam: 1937-1969" on Blue Horizon 7-63223; part of the "Post War Masters" Series. The song was originally a January 1958 US 7" single on Cobra 5021 (A-side) and featured Little Brother Montgormery on Piano with Willie Dixon on Upright Bass

2. Hideaway - CHICKEN SHACK

Track 2 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording from 19 August 1969 (a Freddy King cover version) featuring Guitarist Stan Webb, Pianist Paul Raymond, Bassist Andy Silvester and Drummer Dave Bidwell

3. My Baby's Gone - DAVID 'Honeyboy' EDWARDS 

Track 3 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording from 4 January 1969 (Tel-Mar Studios in Chicago) featuring Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac (Guitar and Drums), with Buddy Guy on Second Guitar and Willie Dixon on Upright Bass

4. Mandy Lee - COYNE CLAGUE 

Track 4 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED DEMO recording from 12 March 1969 

5. Too Long – GORDON SMITH 

Track 5 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Alternate Mix. The original commercial release was a Non-LP A-side of a July 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3156; "Too Long" is a Mississippi Sheiks cover version that features Bassist Mike Evans and Drummer Roger Powell of Mighty Baby 

6. You Don't Know My Mind - MISSISSIPPI JOE CALLICOTT 

Track 6 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues” on Blue Horizon 7-63227

7. Judge Harsh Blues - FURRY LEWIS 

Track 7 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues” on Blue Horizon 7-63228

8. Drifting Blues - BUKKA WHITE 

Track 8 is from the 1969 UK LP "Memphis Hot Shots" on Blue Horizon Records S 7-63229

9. Southern Train - LARRY JOHNSON 

Track 9 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues" on Blue Horizon 7-63851

10. Tears In The Wind - CHICKEN SHACK 

Track 10 is the Non-LP A-side of a September 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3160; a Stan Webb original 

11. I'm Gonna Wind Up Ending Up Or I'm Gonna End Up Winding Up With You - DUSTER BENNETT 

Track 11 is the Non-LP A-side of an October 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon S 57-3164; the 1st Blue Horizon single to sport the letter 'S' prior to its catalogue number because it was the label's first STEREO 45

12. She Wants To Rock 'n' Roll - HARMONICA SLIM 

Track 12 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED EDITED VERSION of an early 1969 New York City recording

13. Moaning And Groaning - JOHNNY YOUNG 

Track 13 is from the January 1970 UK LP "Fat Mandolin" on Blue Horizon S 7-63852 in Stereo; features Paul Oscher on Harmonica and Otis Spann on Piano with Sammy Lawhorn on Guitar 

14. Someday You're Gonna Learn (To Treat Me Right) - GEORGE SMITH 

Track 14 is from the January 1970 UK LP "No Time For Jive" on Blue Horizon Records S 7-63856 in Stereo

15. Ridin' The Blinds - TOP TOPHAM [ex Yardbirds]

Track 15 is from the January 1970 UK LP "Ascension Heights" on Blue Horizon 7-63857 in Stereo; features Duster Bennett on Harmonica with Second Guitarist Rick Hayward (Christine Perfect's Band) and Colin Allen of Stone The Crows on Drums

16. Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights) - BACON FAT

Track 16 is from the February 1970 UK LP "Grease One For Me" on Blue Horizon 7-63858; featuring Rod Piazza on Harmonica and Vocals  

17. Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu - JELLYBREAD

Track 17 is an April 1970 Non-LP UK 45-single on Blue Horizon S 57-3174 (Stereo); Huey Smith cover version; band featured Pete Wingfield and Paul Butler 

18. Crazy 'Bout My Baby - CHRISTINE PERFECT 

Track 18 is from her July 1970 UK debut album "Christine Perfect" on Blue Horizon S 7-63860 (Stereo) - reissued 1976 in the USA as "The Legendary Christine Perfect Album" on Sire SASD-7522 with a different cover - Rick Hayward and Top Topham feature on Guitars 

19. Voodoo Rhythm - KEY LARGO 

Track 19 is an October 1970 Non-LP UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3178; song written by Bob Savage (Keyboards) and Laurie Sanford (Guitar)  

20. I Want You To Love Me - DUSTER BENNETT 

Track 20 is a November 1970 Non-LP 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3179 (Stereo), B-side of "Act Nice & Gentle" 

21. I'm Gonna Leave You - MARTHA VELEZ 

Track 21 is from the November 1970 album "Fiends & Angels Again" on Blue Horizon 7-63867; features Duster Bennett on Harmonica, Chris Mercer and Johnny Almond on Saxophones; Rick Hayward and Eric Clapton on Guitars, Jack Bruce on Bass with Mitch Mitchell on Drums

22. Blues Feeling - BACON FAT 

Track 22 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Remixed Alternate Version. Originally a B-side of "Evil", a December 1970 Non-LP 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3181 - "Blues Feeling" is a Rod Piazza original on which he plays Chromatic Harmonica

Of the 70-Tracks on "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" - 5 are Previously Unreleased, 4 are Remixed Alternate or New Edit Versions and the bulk of the remainder is seeing first-time on CD. Compiled by label boss and Blues lover MIKE VERNON, the attached 60-page booklet within the Long Hardback Digibook is a feast of imagery and details (as you can imagine), though bizarrely for such a studiously researched and presented project, lacks any defined release dates, all of which I've supplied above myself. 

What is fascinating too are the huge Rock names (mostly) hidden in the details – John Mayall of The Bluesbreakers, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce of Cream, Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs and even Drummer Mitch Mitchell of Jimi Hendrix’s Band Of Gypsies. There is also the lesser well known – Colin Allen of Stone The Crows, members of the uber cult band Mighty Baby (formerly The Action), Eighteen With A Bullet Pete Wingfield in Jellybread, Aynsley Dunbar and his Retaliation, Johnny Almond of Mark-Almond and ace-axeman Top Topham of The Yardbirds. The set is also blessed with fabulously clear Audio courtesy of DUNCAN COWELL and original Producer MIKE VERNON – whether it is MONO or STEREO – the Blues Power is amazing across all three jam-packed 75-minute-plus CDs. 

While the big boys like Fleetwood Mac and Chicken Shack thrill with the instrumental magic of "Albatross" (the Beatles referenced it on Abbey Road) and the Etta James misery of "I'd Rather Go Blind" (Christine McVie nailing it) – it is those forgotten-names and so rarely heard rarities that amaze. Discoveries crop up on each CD. Who would have thought there would be an unreleased recording in the can featuring Tony McPhee and Champion Jack Dupree? 

The Eddie Boyd stuff too with Peter Green and his crew ably supporting – what a Blues Rock combo they made. Darling of female Blues Players Jo Ann Kelly is here, Martha Velez giving it some welly with EC and the boys backing her up. The unexpected loveliness of Johnny Young and his Mandolin, Rod Piazza's incendiary Chromatic Harmonica playing in Bacon Fat, the pauper's misery of Curtis Jones as he nurses a weeping piano born of real life hardship. And on it goes...

If you are going to invest, I much prefer the original long book version to the rather ugly and squat jewel case reissue with that dullard artwork. 

Truth be told, you could essay the crap out of this 1997 Book Set and still not get to the end. But man what a listen, influence and ultimately – what a legacy. Moaning and groaning never sounded so good, and isn't that the greatest compliment of them all when it comes to the Blues and its myriad Horizons...