The Souljers – Chinese Checkers / Poochum (Rampart 648) | Rare Northern Soul Single
Rampart Records 1966 – 648
notes:
A Deep Dive into a Rare 1966 Soul Obscurity
Among collectors of vintage vinyl and Northern Soul rarities,
The Souljers – “Chinese Checkers / Poochum” (Rampart Records – 648)
stands as a fascinating and elusive release. Pressed in 1966 during a
vibrant era of West Coast soul experimentation, this 45 captures a
transitional moment in Los Angeles music history—where Latin rhythms,
R&B grooves, and jazz influences collided in small studios and local labels.
Though not a chart hit, this single has quietly earned a reputation among
DJs and collectors as a hidden gem of mid-60s soul-jazz crossover sound.
Before becoming The Souljers, the group recorded as The Mixtures, a versatile
Los Angeles band deeply rooted in live performance culture. They played a
mix of Latin, surf, and R&B, even serving as a house band on
regional TV and club circuits.
Their evolution into The Souljers marked a shift toward a more refined soul
identity. In 1966, they released their first single under the new name,
“Chinese Checkers / Poochum” (Rampart 648), followed shortly
by another release on the same label.
This period reflects a broader trend: local bands rebranding to align with
the growing popularity of soul music in mid-60s America.
credits:
Among collectors of vintage vinyl and Northern Soul rarities,
The Souljers – “Chinese Checkers / Poochum” (Rampart Records – 648)
stands as a fascinating and elusive release. Pressed in 1966 during a
vibrant era of West Coast soul experimentation, this 45 captures a
transitional moment in Los Angeles music history—where Latin rhythms,
R&B grooves, and jazz influences collided in small studios and local labels.
Though not a chart hit, this single has quietly earned a reputation among
DJs and collectors as a hidden gem of mid-60s soul-jazz crossover sound.
Before becoming The Souljers, the group recorded as The Mixtures, a versatile
Los Angeles band deeply rooted in live performance culture. They played a
mix of Latin, surf, and R&B, even serving as a house band on
regional TV and club circuits.
Their evolution into The Souljers marked a shift toward a more refined soul
identity. In 1966, they released their first single under the new name,
“Chinese Checkers / Poochum” (Rampart 648), followed shortly
by another release on the same label.
This period reflects a broader trend: local bands rebranding to align with
the growing popularity of soul music in mid-60s America.
credits:
This was the first Souljers single, and the group is essentially
the
same musicians as The Mixtures, under a new name.
Andy Tesso – lead guitar
Electric guitar (Mendoza + second guitarist)
Randy Thomas – piano
Wayne Edwards – drums
Del Franklin – vocals
Leroy “Zag” Soto – sax
Johnny Wells – bass
This version played on later instrumentals such as
“Poochum,” “Chinese Checkers,” and “Sen-Sa-Shun.”
Studio
same musicians as The Mixtures, under a new name.
Andy Tesso – lead guitar
Electric guitar (Mendoza + second guitarist)
Randy Thomas – piano
Wayne Edwards – drums
Del Franklin – vocals
Leroy “Zag” Soto – sax
Johnny Wells – bass
This version played on later instrumentals such as
“Poochum,” “Chinese Checkers,” and “Sen-Sa-Shun.”
Studio
No confirmed studio name is documented for Rampart 648
(typical labels used places like Audio Recorders, Gold Star,
etc., but no direct attribution exists for this session)
(typical labels used places like Audio Recorders, Gold Star,
etc., but no direct attribution exists for this session)
tracklist:
A Chinese Checkers
Written-By – Jackson*, Jones*, Steinberg*, Cropper*
2:34
B Poochum
Written-By – F. H. West
2:00
Written-By – Jackson*, Jones*, Steinberg*, Cropper*
2:34
B Poochum
Written-By – F. H. West
2:00
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