5/16/2026

Richard "Groove" Holmes – Book Of The Blues Vol. 1 (1964) | Vinyl Review

 
 
 
 

 Vintage Jazz Vinyl: Richard "Groove" Holmes Book Of The Blues Vol. 1 (Warner Bros. 1553)

 
 
 
Richard Groove Holmes Book Of The Blues Vol 1 Warner Bros Records Vinyl Cover

Warner Bros. Records 1964 – LP 1553

 

 notes:


Richard “Groove” Holmes – Book Of The Blues Vol. 1

Few Hammond organ players captured the spirit of soul jazz
 quite like Richard Holmes.
 Released on Warner Bros. Records, Book Of The Blues Vol. 1 
stands as a rich combination 
of blues feeling, swinging jazz rhythms, and deep late-night grooves.

This classic LP showcases Holmes’ unmistakable Hammond B-3 
organ sound, blending 
blues roots with sophisticated jazz improvisation. The album delivers warm tones, 
relaxed tempos, and soulful melodies that helped define the golden era 
of soul jazz during the 1960s.

Supported by an excellent rhythm section, Holmes creates an 
atmosphere filled with smoky 
club energy and emotional expression. Each track flows naturally,
balancing blues intensity 
with jazz elegance. Fans of groove jazz, blues organ, 
and vintage vinyl recordings will 
appreciate the timeless character of this Warner Bros. release.

Book Of The Blues Vol. 1 remains an essential album for collectors 
of classic jazz vinyl and 
listeners discovering the magic of Hammond organ music for the first time. 
Richard “Groove” Holmes 
continues to influence generations of jazz keyboard players with 
his unmistakable style and soulful phrasing.

Whether you are a dedicated soul jazz collector or simply exploring 
classic American jazz albums,
 this LP deserves a place in every serious vinyl collection.


credits:


    Richard “Groove” Holmes — Hammond B-3 organ
    Uncredited studio big band/orchestra
   Arranged and conducted by Onzy Matthews
    Engineer – James Lockert, Lee Hirshberg
    Producer – Ben-Ven Productions
    Recorded By – Nick Venet

tracklist:


A1        See See Rider
Songwriter – M. Rainey*
A2        Organ Grinder
Songwriter – C. Williams*
A3        I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water
Songwriter – E. Miller*
A4        Mean Old Frisco Blues
Songwriter – A. Crudup*
A5        I'm Gonna Move On The Outskirt Of Town
Songwriter – Razaf*, Weldon*
B1        Your Red Wagon
Songwriter – Raye*, DePaul*, Jones*
B2        How Long, How Long Blues
Songwriter – L. Carr*
B3        In The Dark
Songwriter – L. Green*
B4        Roll 'Em Pete
Songwriter – Turner*, Johson*
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

5/15/2026

Alvin Cash & The Registers: Twine Time

 
 
 
 

Rare Chicago Soul Records: Alvin Cash's Twine Time on Mar-v-lus MLP 1827 

 
 
 
Front cover of Alvin Cash and The Registers Twine Time vinyl album on Mar-v-lus Records MLP 1827.

Mar-v-lus Records 1965– MLP 1827

 
 

 notes:


The Beat of Chicago: Alvin Cash and The Registers' "Twine Time"

If you want to understand the raw, rhythmic pulse of mid-60s Chicago soul,
 you have to start with Alvin Cash and The Registers. Their seminal album, 
Twine Time, released on the legendary Mar-v-lus Records (MLP 1827), 
isn't just a collection of songs—it’s a historical document of the "Twine" 
dance craze that swept through the Windy City and beyond.

Alvin Cash, a born entertainer from St. Louis who made Chicago his home,
 possessed an uncanny ability to command a groove. Unlike the polished 
harmonies of Motown, Twine Time offers a grittier, more spontaneous feel. 
The title track, an infectious instrumental punctuated by Cash's rhythmic shouts,
 peaked at #4 on the Billboard R&B charts and remains a staple for Northern Soul 
enthusiasts and vintage funk collectors today.

Album Detail: The Mar-v-lus MLP 1827 pressing is highly sought after by collectors 
for its authentic mono punch and the vibrant, period-specific cover art
 that captures the high-energy aesthetic of 1965.

Beyond the hit title track, the album serves as a masterclass in the "One-Derful!" 
family of labels' production style—driving basslines, sharp horns, and that unmistakable 
Chicago shuffle. Whether you are a vinyl crate-digger or a casual soul fan, 
Alvin Cash’s work represents a pivotal bridge between early R&B and the birth of funk.



 credits:



The album was recorded for Mar-v-lus Records, a subsidiary of 
Chicago’s One-der-ful! Records empire run by George and Ernie Leaner.  
  Producers: Andre Williams, Harold Burrage, Monk Higgins 
(credited as M. Higgins), and Otis Hayes.  
 Key Arranger: Monk Higgins.

Musicians & Line-up


The credits on the original 1965 release can be slightly confusing due
to the group names "The Registers" and "The Crawlers."
Vocals/Performance: Alvin Cash (born Alvin Welch).  
The Crawlers: This group consisted of Alvin’s brothers (Robert, Arthur, and George). 
While they were his primary dance and touring group, 
they did not actually play the instruments on the recording.  
The Instrumentalists: The backing band on the hit title track and much of the album 
was actually a group from Louisville, Kentucky, called 
The Nightliters (who later became New Birth).  
The Registers was a stage name used for the studio musicians and touring band to
 maintain a consistent brand for the "Twine" dance craze.
Recording Date & Studio
Recording Date: The title track "Twine Time" 
was recorded in late 1964 (around November). 
The full LP followed in 1965 to capitalize on the single's massive success.
Studio: The sessions took place at the 
One-der-ful! Studios located at 1827 South Michigan 
Avenue (the "Record Row" of Chicago).

tracklist:


A1 Shake A Tail Feather    2:27
written by     A.Williams,O. Hayes,V. Rice
A2 Twine Awhile    1:42
written by     A.Williams    
A3 Hawk Eye    2:38
written by M. Higgins, H. Burrage    
A4 Bump    2:22
Written by A. Cash, V. Rice    
A5 Twine Time    2:23    
written by     A.Williams, W. Rice
A6 Fool That I Am    2:25    
written by M. Higgins, H. Burrage
B1 Barracuda    2:19    
written by B. Williams
B2 You Shot Me Thru The Grease    2:55
written by O. Hayes, M. Higgins,    
B3 In Need Of Love    2:40
written by M. Higgins, H. Burrage    
B4 Burn Just A Hair    2:30    
written by M. Higgins
B5 Shake    2:30    
written by S. Cooke
B6    Do It One More Time
written by M. Higgins
 
 
dl 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

5/14/2026

The Neville Brothers – Neville-ization LP Review Live At Tipitina’s New Orleans

 
 
 
 
The Neville Brothers Neville-ization live LP vinyl cover

Black Top Records 1982 ‎– BT 1031

  
 Neville-ization (1984) is an iconic live album by The Neville Brothers, 
capturing the essence of New Orleans funk at Tipitina's. This record 
marks a soul-funk turning point with standout tracks like 'Fever' and 'Africa'.
 

 notes:


The Neville Brothers were an American R&B/soul/funk
 group, formed in 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Few live albums capture the spirit of New Orleans music as powerfully 
as Neville-ization. Recorded at the legendary Tipitina's, this electrifying 
performance showcases the deep musical chemistry of 
The Neville Brothers at their absolute peak.
Released on Black Top Records as BT 1031, the album blends funk, soul, 
gospel, rhythm & blues, and Mardi Gras Indian influences into a vibrant live 
experience that reflects the heartbeat of New Orleans culture. From the 
spiritual vocals of Aaron Neville to the funky grooves driven by Art Neville, 
every track bursts with energy and authenticity.
The live atmosphere at Tipitina’s gives the record a raw and intimate sound.
 Audience interaction, extended grooves, and emotional performances transform
 the album into more than a concert recording — it becomes a celebration of 
Louisiana musical heritage. Songs flow effortlessly between soulful ballads and 
explosive funk jams, proving why the Neville Brothers remain one of the most
 influential groups in American roots music. 

Crédits:


The performing line-up on the album was:

Art Neville — keyboards, vocals
Aaron Neville — vocals, percussion
Charles Neville — saxophone, percussion
Cyril Neville — congas, percussion, vocals
Ivan Neville — keyboards, vocals
Darryl Johnson — bass, vocals
Willie Green — drums
Brian Stolz — guitar

Recorded live at Tipitina's
Recording date: September 24, 1982
by Glenn Himmaugh, Pace Recording Service, New Orleans
Producer – Art Neville, Hammond Scott, W. Barry Wilson
Producer [Associate] – Nauman S. Scott

tracklist:


A1 Fever 5:11
Written-By – Cooley*, Davenport
A2 Woman's Gotta Have It 4:17
Arranged By – J. Hicks*, J. Grisby*Written-By – B. Womack*
A3 Mojo Hannah 5:07
Written-By – Williams*, Paul
A4 Tell It Like It Is 4:03
Written-By – G. Davis*, Lee Diamond
A5 Why You Wanna Hurt My Heart 3:12
Written-By – Art Neville
B1 Fear, Hate, Envy, Jealousy 4:20
Written-By – Art Neville
B2 Caravan 4:16
Written-By – Duke Ellington
B3 Big Chief 5:17
Arranged By – Quezergue*Written-By – Gaines*
B4 Africa 5:16
Written-By – The Meters
 
 
dl