Groove Holmes American Pie LP Review on Groove Merchant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Groove Merchant 1972 – GM 505

 

 

 notes:

Few Hammond organ players captured the essence of soul jazz and 
jazz-funk quite like Richard Groove Holmes. With American Pie, 
released on Groove Merchant as GM 505, Groove Holmes delivers a 
warm, groove-driven session filled with deep organ textures, funky rhythms,
 and soulful improvisation. Blending jazz sophistication with street-level 
funk energy, this album remains a favorite among rare groove
 collectors and soul jazz enthusiasts searching for classic Hammond organ sounds.
American Pie showcases Groove Holmes at the height of his creative
 powers, transforming contemporary themes into irresistible jazz-funk 
explorations. Backed by tight rhythm arrangements and infectious grooves, 
Holmes’ signature Hammond B-3 organ style creates a rich atmosphere that 
bridges soul, blues, and funk. The album perfectly reflects the evolving sound 
of early 1970s soul jazz, making it an essential listen for fans of rare groove vinyl,
 funky jazz sessions, and classic Groove Merchant recordings.
The album is considered one of Holmes’ mellow early-70s soul-jazz sessions, 
notable for the interaction between his Hammond organ and 
Larry Willis’ Fender Rhodes electric piano.

credits:

Richard groove Holmes — organ
Larry Willis — electric piano
Gerald Hubbard — guitar
Jerry Jemmott — bass
Kwasi Jayourba — congas, bongos / percussion
Recording studio/location: New York City / New York, NY
Producer: Sonny Lester
Engineer: Malcolm Addey

tracklist:

A1        American Pie    2:56
written by Don McLean
A2        St. Thomas    4:34
Written by Rollins
A3        Catherine    6:00
written by R. Groove Holmes,
A4        Fingers    5:33
written by R. Groove Holmes,
B1        It's Impossible    4:53
written by Wayne- A. Manzanero
B2        Rainy Day    6:10
written by Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke
B3        Who Can I Turn To    6:45
written by Newely,Bricusse

 

 

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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)

 

 

 

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*

 

 

 

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Alvin Cash & The Registers: Twine Time

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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