The Temptations - Meet The Temptations ( G-911)

Gordy Records 1964     G 911

 

 

notes:

The Temptations – Meet The Temptations (Gordy Records G-911)
The Temptations made history with their debut album, Meet The 
Temptations, released on Gordy Records as catalog number G-911.
 Before becoming one of Motown's most celebrated vocal groups, 
The Temptations introduced their smooth harmonies 
and signature style with this landmark LP.
Released in 1964, Meet The Temptations features early recordings
that showcased the talents of Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, 
Melvin Franklin, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, and Otis Williams. Although the 
group would later achieve worldwide fame with hits like "My Girl," 
this album captures the foundation of their remarkable journey.
Because Meet The Temptations was assembled from singles recorded 
between 1961 and January 1964, there was not one single album session. 
Most tracks were cut at:
Studio
Hitsville U.S.A. Studio A ("Snakepit")
Detroit, Michigan
Sessions spanning October 1961–January 1964

credits:

Original Temptations
Eddie Kendricks – tenor/falsetto, principal lead on several songs
Paul Williams – baritone lead
Melvin Franklin – bass, occasional lead
Otis Williams – tenor/baritone
Al Bryant – vocals (all tracks except "The Way You Do the Things You Do")
Additional member
David Ruffin – vocals on "The Way You Do the Things You Do" only
    Lead vocals by Eddie Kendricks
    Background vocals by Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, David Ruffin, and Otis Williams
 Principal musicians known from the sessions
Instrument    Musician
Bass    James Jamerson
Drums    Benny Benjamin
Guitar    Joe Messina
Guitar    Eddie Willis
Piano    Joe Hunter
Keyboards, Musitron, Ondioline    Raynoma Liles Gordy
Additional Funk Brothers personnel    rotating members throughout 1961–64

 October 1963 – January 1964
"The Way You Do the Things You Do"
"I Want a Love I Can See"
"The Further You Look, the Less You See"
"May I Have This Dance"

All sessions were held at Hitsville U.S.A. Studio A, Detroit.

Produced by

Berry Gordy
Smokey Robinson
Norman Whitfield
Mickey Stevenson
Andre Williams

side one
    
    "The Way You Do the Things You Do" (Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers)
      (lead singer: Eddie Kendricks) 2:46
    "I Want a Love I Can See" (Robinson) (lead singer: Paul Williams) 2:33
    "(You're My) Dream Come True" (Berry Gordy, Jr.) (lead singer: Eddie Kendricks) 2:57
    "Paradise" (Gordy) (lead singers: Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin) 2:52
    "May I Have This Dance" (Janie Bradford, Norman Whitfield) (lead singer: Eddie Kendricks) 2:13
    "Isn't She Pretty" (Gordy, Eddie Kendricks, Otis Williams) (lead singers: Eddie Kendricks, 
     Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, Al Bryant) 2:45

Side two

    "Just Let Me Know" (Gordy) (lead singer: Paul Williams) 2:56
    "Your Wonderful Love" (Gordy) (lead singer: Paul Williams) 2:52
    "The Further You Look, the Less You See" (Robinson, Whitfield) (lead singer: Paul Williams) 2:21
    "Check Yourself" (Elbridge Bryant, Melvin Franklin, Gordy, Otis Williams)
     (lead singer: Paul Williams; intro: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin) 2:48
    "Slow Down Heart" (Robinson) (lead singers: Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin) 2:36
    "Farewell My Love" (Gordy) (lead singers: Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin,
      Paul Williams, Al Bryant) 2:28

tracklist:

A1        The Way You Do The Things You Do
Written-By – Rogers*, Robinson*
    2:40
A2        I Want A Love I Can See
Written-By – Wm. Robinson*
    2:29
A3        Dream Come True
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Jr.*
    2:54
A4        Paradise
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Jr.*
    2:49
A5        May I Have This Dance
Written-By – Bradford*, Whitfield*
    2:09
A6        Isn't She Pretty
Written-By – Gordy*, Kendrick*, Williams*
    2:41
B1        Just Let Me Know
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Jr.*
    2:48
B2        Your Wonderful Love
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Jr.*
    2:50
B3        The Further You Look, The Less You See
Written-By – Whitfield*, Robinson*
    2:17
B4        Check Yourself
Written-By – Gordy*, Bryant*, Franklin*, Williams*
    2:44
B5        Slow Down Heart
Written-By – Wm. Robinson*
    2:27
B6        Farewell My Love
Written-By – Berry Gordy, Jr.*

 

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The Miracles – Hi We're The Miracles (1961)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tamla Records 1961 – TM-220

 

 notes

The Miracles released their debut studio album, Hi We're The Miracles, 
on the legendary Tamla Records label in 1961. Cataloged as TM-220, 
the album introduced listeners to one of Motown's earliest and 
most influential vocal groups.
Led by Smokey Robinson, The Miracles played a crucial role in 
establishing the signature Motown sound that would later dominate
 American popular music. Hi We're The Miracles features a collection
 of heartfelt ballads, rhythm-and-blues classics, and early 
soul recordings that showcase Robinson's smooth vocals 
and exceptional songwriting talent.
The album includes the groundbreaking hit "Shop Around,"
 which became Motown's first million-selling single and helped 
launch the label into national prominence. With its blend of 
emotional storytelling, memorable melodies, and polished
 vocal harmonies, the record remains an essential release 
in the history of soul and R&B music.

credits:

Smokey Robinson – lead vocals, background vocals
Ronnie White – lead and background vocals
Claudette Robinson – lead and background vocals
Bobby Rogers – background vocals
Pete Moore – background vocals
Marv Tarplin – guitar
Session Musicians
The backing musicians were the early members 
of Motown's house band, later known as the 
The Funk Brothers. Individual musician credits 
were not listed on the original LP, but contemporary 
Motown practice and surviving documentation
 indicate that Funk Brothers personnel
 provided the instrumental backing on most tracks.

Likely participants from the period included:
James Jamerson – bass
Benny Benjamin – drums
Joe Hunter – piano
Eddie Willis – guitar
Robert White – guitar
Producer
Berry Gordy

The album was recorded in Detroit, Michigan, during 
the period immediately before Motown moved fully 
into its famous headquarters. Most of the material
 was cut at Motown's early recording
 facilities associated with Hitsville U.S.A.

tracklist:

A1        Who's Lovin' You
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
A2        Depend On Me
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A3        Heart Like Mine
Written-By – White*, Robinson*
A4        Shop Around
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A5        Won't You Take Me Back
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A6        Cause I Love You
Written-By – White*, Robinson*
B1        Your Love
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
B2        After All
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
B3        Way Over There
Written-By – Berry Gordy Jr.*, William "Smokey" Robinson*
B4        Money
Written-By – Berry Gordy Jr.*, Janie Bradford
B5        Don't Leave Me
Written-By – Gordy*, Brianbert, Robinson*

 

 

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Presenting Joe Williams and Thad Jones, Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (Solid State SS 18008)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solid State Records 1966  – SS 18008

 

 notes:

Presenting Joe Williams and Thad Jones, Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra:
A Timeless Big Band Jazz Classic
Few collaborations in jazz history combine the power of a legendary
 vocalist and an elite big band as successfully as Joe Williams and 
Thad Jones with the renowned Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. 
Released on Solid State Records as SS 18008, Presenting Joe Williams
 and Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, The Jazz Orchestra stands as an 
exceptional example of sophisticated big band jazz blended with 
the rich, blues-infused vocal style that made Joe Williams 
one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
Recorded during the golden era of modern big band jazz, this album 
showcases the remarkable chemistry between Williams and the 
orchestra led by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis. The arrangements 
are dynamic, swinging, and deeply expressive, providing the perfect
 backdrop for Williams' warm baritone voice.
Presenting Joe Williams and Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, The Jazz Orchestra 
is a remarkable recording that highlights the enduring appeal of 
big band jazz. Combining Joe Williams' masterful vocal delivery 
with the inventive arrangements of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, 
this album continues to captivate listeners decades after its release.

 

credits:

Vocals
Joe Williams — vocals
Orchestra Leaders
Thad Jones — flugelhorn, arranger/conductor
Mel Lewis — drums
Reeds
Jerome Richardson — saxophone
Jerry Dodgion — saxophone
Joe Farrell — saxophone
Eddie Daniels — saxophone
Pepper Adams — baritone saxophone
Trumpets
Richard Williams — trumpet
Bill Berry — trumpet
Jimmy Nottingham — trumpet
Snooky Young — trumpet
Trombones
Bob Brookmeyer — trombone
Garnett Brown — trombone
Tom McIntosh — trombone
Cliff Heather — trombone
Rhythm Section
Roland Hanna — piano
Sam Herman — guitar
Richard Davis — bass

Recording Date: September 1966
Studio: A&R Studios, New York City, NY
Engineer , Liner Notes – Phil Ramone
Producer – Sonny Lester

tracklist:

A1        Get Out Of My Life
Written-By – A. Toussaint
    3:17
A2        Woman's Got Soul
Written-By – C. Mayfield
    2:20
A3        Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning
Written-By – T. + P.Delaney*
    4:25
A4        Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
Written-By – A. Razaf*, D. Redman*
    2:47
A5        How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Written-By – B. Holland*, E. Holland*, L. Dozier*
    2:29
A6        Keep Your Hand On Your Heart
Written-By – W. Broonzy*
    3:31
B1        Evil Man Blues
Written-By – L. Feather*, L. Hampton*
    3:19
B2        Come Sunday
Written-By – D. Ellington*
    3:11
B3        Smack Dab In The Middle
Written-By – C. E. Calhoun*
    3:25
B4        It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
Written-By – D. Ellington*
    3:00
B5        Hallelujah I Love Her So
Written-By – R. Charles*
    2:55
B6        Night Time Is The Right Time (To Be With The One You Love)
Written-By – R. Sykes*
    5:08 

 

 

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