Willie Tee – I’m Only A Man (1970 LP)

 

 

 

 

Willie Tee – I’m Only A Man (1970 LP) | Capitol Records ST-199 | Soul Funk Review

 

 

 

 

 

Capitol Records 1969  ‎– ST199

notes:

Willie Tee stands as one of the most underrated figures in 
New Orleans soul. With the release of I’m Only A Man in 1970 
on Capitol Records, he delivered a powerful mix of deep soul,
 funk grooves, and socially conscious songwriting.
Often overlooked in favor of bigger names of the era, this LP 
(catalog number ST-199) has since become a sought-after 
gem among collectors of vintage soul and rare groove.
Recorded during a period of intense musical evolution, 
I’m Only A Man captures Willie Tee’s ability to blend raw 
emotion with tight, funky arrangements. The album moves
 effortlessly between introspective ballads and rhythm-driven 
tracks, reflecting both personal and societal themes of the early 1970s.
Backed by polished production and rich instrumentation, the record 
highlights Tee’s expressive vocals and sophisticated songwriting 
approach. It’s a record that feels both intimate 
and expansive at the same time.

Credits

I'm Only A Man is a seminal soul and funk album by New Orleans 
artist Willie Tee (born Wilson Turbinton), originally released in 1969. 
The album was produced by David Axelrod, a renowned composer 
and arranger known for his work with artists like Lou Rawls and Stan Kenton.
 The arrangements were crafted by H.B. Barnum, adding a rich, 
orchestral layer to Tee's soulful vocals. 

Willie Tee (Wilson Turbinton) – vocals, piano, keyboards, songwriter (some tracks)
Drums: Earl Palmer or Frank Severino
Bass: Carol Kaye or Max Bennett
Guitar: Tommy Tedesco / David Cohen / Dennis Budimir (session rotation)
Piano/organ doubling: Willie Tee + possible session keyboard reinforcement
Strings: Capitol Records Los Angeles studio string section
Brass: L.A. session horn players (Barnum-arranged horn charts)
Woodwinds / auxiliary percussion: studio orchestra contractors
 Background vocals
Likely uncredited L.A. studio vocalists (Capitol rotating session singers used for Axelrod productions)

Recorded at Capitol Studios, Hollywood
Arranged By, Conductor – H.B. Barnum
Producer – David Axelrod
Date:    Apr 1969 

 

tracklist:

A1 Bring On The Heartaches
Written-By – Wilson Turbinton
A2 I'm Only A Man
Written-By – Lester Carr
A3 Loneliness
Written-By – Marcene Harris*
A4 Reach Out For Me
Written-By – B. Bacharach - H. David*
A5 No Answer Came
Written-By – James Rein, Josef Zawinul*
A6 Walk Tall (Baby That's What I Need)
Written-By – Marrow, Rein, Zawinul, Turbinton
B1 Mirror
Written-By – Wilson Turbinton
B2 By The Time I Get To Phoenix
Written-By – Jim Webb*
B3 Take Your Time
Written-By – Wilson Turbinton
B4 I'm Related To You
Written-By – Wilson Turbinton
B5 People
Written-By – Bob Merrill, Jules Styne*

link