Various Artists
Watch Records New Orlean’s Soul `60’s
Mardi Gras Records – 1047
Released – 2000
availabe on amazon
mp3s along with a much better
pic also available on amazon
These are treasures from the vaults of Watch Records. Some were regional hits that were later covered by other artists, and others have through time become a part of the New Orleans lexicon, through Jazz Fest and related activities. Some of the artists are familiar, 5 cuts by Professor Longhair, and 6 by the “Tan Canary” Johnny Adams, but most are not know outside of New Orleans, though they deserve much wider recognition. People such as Leona Buckles, Tommy Ridgley, and Dell Stewart show us now what the folks of New Orleans have known for years, this is a town with that deep felt soul that is a hybrid mixing of the Blues and Gospel music, exposing the heart to view. It takes many forms from the Doo-wop of the Crescents & The McMillian Sisters, to the hybridization of African and Caribbean rhythms combined with the natural rhythms of the streets that is Professor Longhair’s trademark and with many ear opening stops in-between. Watch Records was a combination of the energies of Earl King and Wardell Quezergue recording many of their contemporaries such as Professor Longhair, Eddie Bo, and Tommy Ridgley doing what they do best. Listen to I Want Some Money by Tommy Ridgley and recognize the song that became a hit for Barrett Strong. The only thing I would change about this most generous in length disc, is to give some of the lesser known people some more play time. To it’s credit it for the most part stays away from the well know songs and gives us a look at some of the lesser know gems that flowed from these artists. It is a good solid look at one of the strongest and most influential areas of New Orleans music.
Original recordings produced by – Earl King and Wardell Quezergue
Reissue compilation produced by – Jerry Embree
Executive producer – Warren Hildebrand
Assistant producer – Jeff Hannusch
Songs, times, writers and artists (there are no musician credits)
1 – Here You Come Again – 2:35 – (Earl King Johnson)
The Crescents & The Mcmillian Sisters
2 – Bald Head – 2:35 – (Henry Roland Byrd)
Professor Longhair
3 – Coppin’ A Plea – 2:29 – (Earl King Johnson)
Raymond Lewis
4 – All My Love Belongs To You – 2:54 – (Henry Glover/Sally Knox)
Tommy Ridgley
5 – Big Chief (Complete Version) – 4:34 – (Earl King Johnson)
Professor Longhair – Vocals Earl King
6 – Release Me – 2:54 – (McCall /E. Miller)
Johnny Adams
7 - Love That Girl – 2:12 – (Earl King Johnson/Victor Augustine)
Dell Stewart
8 – Please Mr. Genie – 2:55 - Earl King Johnson – (Benny Spellman)
Benny Spellman
9 – Third House From The Corner – 2:51 – (Earl King Johnson)
Professor Longhair & The Clippers
10 – I’m Waiting (To Give My Love To You) – 2:59 - (Penn/Gordon/Wells)
Leona Buckles
11 – I Want Some Money – 2:42 – (Edwin Bocage)
Tommy Ridgley
12 – You Made A New Man Out Of Me – 3:04 – (J.Broussard/R.Rudison)
Johnny Adams
13 – Mr. Credit Man – 2:41 – (E. Johnson/Bowman/Lewis)
Dell Stewart
14 – Love Is The Thing – 2:23 – (Earl King Johnson/Victor Augustine)
Raymond Lewis
15 – There Is Something On Your Mind – 2:58 – (James McNeely)
Professor Longhair
16 – Some Day – 2:30 – (Johnny Adams)
Johnny Adams
17 – Didn’t I Tell You – 2:48 – (Earl King Johnson)
Dell Stewart
18 – Reconsider Me – 4:00 – (Myra Smith)
Johnny Adams
19 – Let My Lover Go – 2:40 – (Earl King Johnson)
Dell Stewart
20 – Part Of Me – 2:58 – (Johnny Adams)
Johnny Adams
21 – Willie The Prince – 2:22 – (Earl King Johnson)
Professor Longhair & The Clippers
22 – Slow Down Baby – 3:02 – (Wardell Quezerque/Benny Spellman)
Benny Spellman
23 – That’s All She Left Me – 2:18 – (Earl King Johnson)
The Crescents
24 – Someday They’ll Understand – 3:24 – (Wardell Quezerque/ Benny Spellman)
Benny Spellman
25 – Walk On Don’t Cry – 2:41 – (Wardell Quezerque)
Benny Spellman
26 – I Believe I’ll Find Happiness – 3:03 – (Doris Burmah/Henry Hildebrand Jr.)
Johnny Adams