NEW JOB & TERRY CALLIER

After a Couple Of Weeks of Waiting, I heard about my New Job, I was to start the following Week, working as a Cook in Charge of a Contractor's Section on a Gas Platform in the North Sea!


Susan and the Kid's did not want me to take this Job, as I would be Working Away from Home, on a 2 Week On and 2 Weeks Off  Basis, but I had to get a Job and this was the First Job, I Applied for and I got it fairly Quickly.


As I said in Previous Post, at this time in my Life, I had Never been on a Airplane before, let alone a Helicopter, so it was all New to me!

I remember getting everything together a couple of Days previous and I was all ready to go!


I believe it was a Thursday Morning of my First Trip, at this time I never had a Car, but all the Worker's were Picked up in a Mini-Bus at several different Places, around my Area.


The Pick Up time was about 5 in the Morning, so I left my House about 20 Minutes before hand to walk about 0.5 Mile to the Pick -Up point, where we Lived at the Time was a Large Built up Area, but only about 10 mins away it was all Fields and Grassy areas!


I was going to walk up and around all the Houses, but decided to cut over the Field, to a short cut I knew,  to save about 5 minutes!


It was Pitch Black walking over these Fields, the Pick-Up Point was opposite a Pub Called "The Sun" it was going Fine until about 10 Paces from the End of this Grassy Area!

I put my Foot Down and there was Water everywhere and my Trainer  came off and my Foot went completely in all this Water, I was soaked both Feet, and it was Freezing, plus I could not see anything as it was Pitch Black!


This area now, some 30 Years later, is all Built up with hundred's of Houses, but back then there was only 1 section of Houses all the rest as I said was Fields!


When the Mini-Bus finally arrived I remember everybody having a Good Laugh at my Mis-hap, so this was the Start of my Life, working Offshore, but how long would this Last!

As for some Great music, this Track is taken from an Album Called "Fire on Ice" released in 1978 by Terry Callier.


The Track's called "Holdin' On (to Your Love).


The Album had 9 Tracks, all of which were Great, the Album had some Great Musicians and Backing  Singers, I will do a entire Post in the Future concerning this Album.


Incidentally , one of the Album Mixers was Don Mizell, who I have Featured on this Blog, recently!


  

THE 98th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

Here's the 98th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by SoulDonuts, its called "Groove On!-The Soul of Rare Groove, there's some Classic Soul and Dance from the 70's and 80's on here, including some LJ Reynolds, Howard johnson, Carl Anderson, The Backbryds and Paris!

Press play button below or to Download go to WebPage  to see Complete Track Listings!

THE BEST SOUL BANDS / ARTISTS OF THE ALL-TIME # 3...MARVIN GAYE Part 2

This Series of Post's concerns in my Opinion The Best Bands/Artists of all time.

I will write a Short Bio including  the Band Members/Artist, some Facts and figures, their Histories,  Links, Videos, The Tracks they made Famous, Links to Download etc etc

I was asked by my Wife, Susan, to do a Post on "Marvin Gaye" as she likes a lot of his Music, especially around the early to Middle 1970's, her Favorite track being "Abraham, Martin and John"

I will continue the series with the Best Soul Vocalist from Tamla Motown Records................MARVIN GAYE.

About 18 Month's before Tammi Terrell's Death, in August of 1968, MG Released his First Solo Studio Album in around 2 Year's, this was because if his Duet Work with Tammi Terrell.

The Album was called "In The Groove" the Best Selling Single on the Album was "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" so after this was a Big Hit, the Album Title was Changed to "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"


April 1969 saw another Album release, called MPG, this turned out to be, MG's Best Selling Album of the 60's and his First Solo Album to get into the Billboard's Top 40!

It contained 2 Million Selling Singles, "Too Busy Thinking about My Baby" and "That's The Way Love Is"


In January 1970 Tamla Records Released Marvin Gaye's 10th Solo Studio Album, called "That's The Way love Is" and was Produced by Norman Whitfield,  the Title Track was taken from the previous Album release and put together with some Cover Versions of other Motown and Pop Bands of the time, i.e The Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin and The Young Rascals.

The Best 2 tracks on the Album were, a Great Cover Version of The Beatles Hit, "Yesterday" and a Song that was Never Released in US but was a Number 9 Pop Hit In the UK "Abraham, Martin & John" this Song was a Tribute to the Memory of 3 Icons of Social Change from around this period, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and John F Kennedy!  


After Tammi Terrell's Death in March of 1970, Marvin Gaye again suffered from Depression and Stage Fright, in fact it got as Bad as cancelling Shows etc which led to Marvin Gaye being Sued by various Venues for not turning up!


It was around this period that MG Co-Wrote "What's Going On" with Obie Benson from the Four Tops and Al Cleveland.


It took up until June 1st 1970, before MG returned to work at Motown, he was Hoping to Record the Track ("What's Going On") as his new Single, the Song was based on MG's Brother's experience's in the Vietnam War and it also concerned Police Brutality at a Anti-War Rally in San Francisco!


But Berry Gordy refused to Release it as a Single, stating it would have harmed MG's image with the Record buying Public, because around this time MG was Regarded as a Sex Symbol, and this was an Anti Establishment Song!

Berry Gordy if even went as far as saying the Song was Rubbish!


This caused many Violent Arguments between them and MG Refused to Record for Motown again!


The Argument went on for several Months, until Berry Gordy finally gave in and the Song was Released on January 17th 1971, over One Year after it was Written.


Marvin Gaye was proved Right with "What's Going On" Topping the R&B Charts for 5 Weeks and it was his Biggest Selling Single (to date) with over 2 Million Copies Sold!

On the back of the single's Success, MG Recorded and Released his first Concept Album (of the same name) it contained tracks concerning Poverty, Taxes, Pollution and Drugs, this was something Different and New from Marvin Gaye!


The Album was released on May 21st 1971, it became a Million Seller and was MG's First Crossover Album.


All the tracks were Segued Together, MG also for the first time,  did 2 things differently, He moved away from the "Motown Sound" and never used any "Motown Producers"


All 3 Single Releases were Million Seller's, "What's Going On" Mercy Mercy Me and Inner City Blues, MG was the First Male Artist to have 3 Top 10 Hit Singles from one Album!


Marvin Gaye Won a few Awards around this period:
Album of the Year, "Male Singer of the Year" and Trendsetter of the Year!


DOWNLOAD  SOME MARVIN GAYE!

THE 97th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

Here's the 97th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by DJ Matthew Africa, its called "2 Busy Saying Yeah 21, The Mizell Brothers, there's some Classic Jazz and Soul Track's on here, all connected to The Mizell Brothers, either Producing, Writing, Playing etc on the Tracks.


Incidentally Fonce Mizell Passed Away (about 4 post's down) a Couple of Weeks ago, Please read Matthew's Blog Entry concerning The Brother's Musical Input, you will be Surprised!


The Mix Features some Donald Byrd, The Blackbyrds, LTD, Bobbi Humphrey, Marvin Gaye and Johnie Hammond!

Press play button below or to Download go to WebPage  to see Complete Track Listings!

PARAFFIN BUDGIE and MARVIN GAYE

I worked at the Co-op Butchery in Cobholm for around 1 Year, I believe (not 100% sure) which took me from the end of 1982 to around Autumn of 1983.


I cant remember why I finished, but what ever it was I was going to go back into Catering. My Brother-in -Law at that time worked on the Offshore Rigs, as a Steward, for a local Company, it was called OCS (Offshore Catering Company), I asked him to get me an Interview as they Employed Chefs as well!


I remember it was a lengthy time between Interview and finding out if I got the Job.

But eventually I heard that I had got the Job, so a little while after I had to go to the Head Office, to get measured for all my Chef's gear etc, I remember I had a Special little OCS Coat you had to wear at all times! it was a lovely shade of Blue with Stripes down the arms and all their badges all over the place!


So I was all kitted out and all I had to do was wait for the Call, to say when I was going out on a Helicopter to the Gas Platform in the North Sea!

At that time I had not even been on an Airplane, let alone a "Paraffin Budgie" (as my Brother in law used to call Helicopter's). So I had that to think about, also I would be Leaving  my Wife and Kids at Home, and working away for the first time in my Life. as well, so I was a bit Apprehensive!


By this time, me and Susan  had been Married just over 5 Years and Nathan was 5 years old and Natalie was 3 years old, so Susan did not really like me Working away, and nor did the Kids, but I needed a Job!

As for Music, I would like to go back about 10 Years before (1983) to 1973, the year after  Marvin Gaye Released  his Album "What's Going On" He had moved to L.A to record a Soundtrack Album "Trouble Man" just after this Period Marvin Gaye had a Recording Session with Producers Freddie Perren and Fonce Mizell.

One of the Song's to come out of that Session was a Great Track called "Where are you Going" This is a Great Track and Surprised it was never Released as a Single before it did eventually get Released on the 2001 CD, called "The Very Best Of Marvin Gaye"


Fonce Mizell also played a Great Trumpet Solo, on the Track.


The Track was Written by Edward Gordon and Larry Mizzell (Fonce's Brother).


Incidentally Freddie Perren Produced some of the "Tavares" Music!


Donald Byrd also did a Cover of the track on his "Black Byrd" Album! which by coincidence, also included Freddie Perren and both of the Mizzell Brothers!


DOWNLOAD "WHERE ARE YOU GOING"!

THE 96th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

Here's the 96th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, continuing the Marvin Gaye theme from the last Post. Its been submitted to the Website, Six Million Steps, by Alan Champ, its under the JJ Smoking Sessions # 20, there's some Classic Marvin Gaye Tracks on here, (either performing or Written), including What's Going On, Inner City Blues, Baby I'm For Real, Distant Lover and I Heard It Through The Grapevine! 

Check out page for Track Listing and Download!

Press play button below 

Marvin Gaye - Yesterday

Originals - Baby I'm For Real
Marvin Gaye - What's Happenin' Brother
Earl Klugh - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Marvin Gaye - Praise
Gil Scott Heron - Inner City Blues
Samarai Seven - 'Marvin' (I Want You)
Three Degrees - Distant Lover
Marvin Gaye - Where Are We Going
Undisputed Truth - What's Going On
Leon Ware - You Are What You Are
Marvin Gaye - Come Live With Me Angel
Marvin Gaye - Love Party
Marvin Gaye - My Love Is Waiting (alternative vocal mix)
Laura Nyro & Labelle - The Bells
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (bare-bones mix)

THE BEST SOUL BANDS / ARTISTS OF THE ALL-TIME # 3...MARVIN GAYE Part 1

This Series of Post's concerns in my Opinion The Best Bands/Artists of all time.

I will write a Short Bio including  the Band Members/Artist, some Facts and figures, their Histories,  Links, Videos, The Tracks they made Famous, Links to Download etc etc


I was asked by my Wife, Susan, to do a Post on "Marvin Gaye" as she likes a lot of his Music, especially around the early to Middle 1970's.

I will continue the series with the Best Soul Vocalist from Tamla Motown Records................MARVIN GAYE.

Born 2nd April 1937, Marvin Gaye was a Member of the DooWop Group "The Moonglows" in the Late 1950's, He left them in 1960 to pursue a Solo Career, He Signed to "Tamla Records" as a Session Drummer.


By May of 1961 he had Released his First Solo Single for "Tamla" called "Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide" it Flopped!


It was followed by another Single called "Sandman" which also Flopped!


June 1962 saw the Debut Album Released, Entitled "The Soulful Moods Of Marvin Gaye" that also Failed to Chart!


There was two more Released tracks from the album, but again both Flopped!


Marvin Gaye was having more Success as a session Drummer, for Acts like Mary Wells, Contours, Marvelettes, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Miracles and Martha & the Vandellas.


MG played Drums on a couple of big Hits from the Motown Label, Stevie Wonder's "Fingertips" and Martha Reeves Hit, "Dancing In The Street"


One of the reason's Marvin Gaye's Career took a while to take off was Blamed on his Clash with Label Owner "Berry Gordy"

After Arguments with Berry Gordy over the Song "Stubborn Kind of Fella" it was finally Released in September of 1962, and Finally MG had a Hit Single, charting in both the Billboard (46)  and R&B (8) Charts!


The Album of the same name was released in December of '62, and by the 5th Single Release "Hitch Hike" MG had his First Top 30 "Billboard" Single!


In 1963 MG was asked to take part in his First Motown Revue Tour, along with many other Motown Acts, this turned out to be very Successful!

His next Single Release "Pride and Joy" was a Hit in the Spring of '63, selling just under a Million Copies, this was followed by the release of "Can I Get a Witness" which was another Top 30 Hit.


More Hit Singles followed throughout 1964, then in 1965 MG had his First Top 10 Single, selling just under 1 Million Copies "How Sweet It is (to be Loved by You)" 


The First Million Sellers happened in '65, the Tracks were "Aint That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone" these were both Written by Smokey Robinson!


Because of his Success, MG wanted more control of his Music, this caused more trouble with Motown (Berry Gordy), he wanted to Record Jazz Albums instead of what he was doing at that time, he was eventually granted his Wish, MG Recorded 3 Jazz Albums, around 1966, all of the were Flops!

In early 1967, MG Recorded his First Duet with "Kim Weston" called "It Takes Two", this turned out to be his First Worldwide International Hit Single.


Next up for MG was more Duet's, this time with "Tammi Terrell" between them, they Recorded about 10 Singles, the First Hit was "Aint No Mountain High Enough"


But Tragedy was to Strike, and end their Partnership, on 14th October 1967, "Tammi Terrell" was diagnosed with a Malignant Brain Tumour.


Marvin Gaye took Tammi Terrell's Illness very Badly, He would often go into Deep Depressions and at one time, even attempted Suicide!


During 1968 and 1969, Marvin Gaye had 6 Top 10 Singles in US, either Solo or with Tammi Terrell, the Biggest Hit was "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" which was Number 1 in both the US and the UK Charts, 3 other Singles were 
"To Busy Thinking About my Baby" That's The Way Love Is and "The Onion song"


By 1970 Marvin Gaye was one of the Biggest Recording Artist's in the World, but Tragedy was again about to Strike, in his Personal 
Life, on 16th March 1970, "Tammi Terrell" Died, plunging Marvin Gaye back into deep Depression!


DOWNLOAD SOME MARVIN GAYE


HERE'S A GREAT MARVIN GAYE MIX BY DJ SPINNA

Tracklisting:

01 – Flyin’ High (In the Friendly Sky)

02 – Sparrow

03 – Life is for learning

04 – Please stay

05 – Come live with me angel

06 – Stop, Look, Listen (To your heart) ft Diana Ross

07 – Let’s Get it on

08 – You sure love to ball

09 – Instrumental

10 – God is love

11 – After the Dance

12 – Mercy mercy me

13 – Interlude

14 – All I need to get by (ft Tammi Terrell)

15 – Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing (ft Tammi Terrell)

16 – Keep on loving me honey (ft Tammi Terrell)

17 – California soul (ft Tammi Terrell)

18 – Chained

19 – Time to get it together

20 – Where are we headed

21 – Life’s a game of give and take

22 – You can leave, but it’s going to cost you

23 – I want you

THE 95th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

Here's the 95th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by George the DJ, its called "Hip Hop '80's Volume 1, there's some Classic Hip Hop on here, including some Eric B and Rakim, Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5, Whodini and KRS One!

Press play button below or to Download press Kadoo and go to WebPage  to see Complete Track Listings!

A NICE LEAN BANGER and FAT LARRYS BAND

I was now Working on my Own, in the Butchery Department, as I said I had to do everything myself, but it did have its Perk's!

One being I had a Choice of all the Meat in the Shop, at that time I think you could have around £3.00 of Meat each Week Allowance, (as a Staff Purchase) 30 Years ago that was a Decent amount of Meat, so of course any  Meats I took home for my Family, was the Best Cuts, i.e Steaks and Loins, one thing I remember doing was Making Home Made Sausages, I use to use Prime Pork Leg Meat and hardly any of the Extras, which normally went into Sausages (Rusk, Fat etc) So our Bangers were always Tasty with Hardly no Fat!


I got on with all the Staff in the Co-op Supermarket (where my Butchery Department was) I remember a couple of the Old Girls names (who worked there) one was Vi and Ivy, I also remember one of them had a Son (who used to shop there) who was about 6 feet 9 inches Tall.

The Area where the Shop was situated was a place called "Cobholm" I knew it well as I used to have Friends in that area and when I was a Kid, and when I was about 13 years old, every Sunday Morning I used to play Football (for about 2/3 hours) in the Hairdresser's College Playground, it was about 20 a Side, that was a Great Memory from my Childhood!


As for Music around '82, a Great single Release was "Zoom" from "Fat Larry's Band" it reached Number 2 in the UK, it was taken from the Album "Breakin' Out" (this reached Number 58 in UK)


Fat Larry was Larry James, he was a Vocalist and Drummer with the Band.


Before his Death in 1987 (from an Heart Attack) FLB Released 8 Studio Albums and 19 singles in a 10 year Career.


Zoom was by far his Biggest Hit in the UK, but it was a different story in US, where about 10 of his other Releases faired better in their Charts!