Wes Montgomery – Movin’ Wes (1965)

Wes Montgomery – Movin’ Wes  Verve Jazz Vinyl LP

updated 11/03/2026

Verve Records 1964  V6-8610

Album description:

Released in 1965 on Verve Records, Movin’ Wes is a fascinating 
chapter in the discography of jazz guitar legend Wes Montgomery.
Combining Montgomery’s unmistakable guitar sound with the 
sophisticated orchestral arrangements of Johnny Pate, this album 
brings together swinging jazz, soulful melodies, Broadway 
standards and Brazilian influences in a polished, accessible setting.

Recorded at A&R Studios in New York City in November 1964, the album 
features an expanded ensemble of outstanding jazz musicians. 
Montgomery’s warm, thumb-picked guitar remains at the centre of the music, 
surrounded by brass, woodwinds, piano, bass, drums and 
Latin-flavoured percussion.

The result is a rich blend of hard bop, soul jazz and orchestral jazz, 
reflecting the musical direction that Montgomery explored during his years 
with Verve. Producer Creed Taylor was instrumental in presenting jazz artists 
to a broader audience, while arranger and conductor Johnny Pate gave t
his session its distinctive big-band colour and rhythmic momentum.

The programme moves effortlessly between familiar standards and original 
compositions. Duke Ellington’s Caravan becomes a lively showcase for 
Montgomery’s rhythmic precision, while People, from the Broadway musical 
Funny Girl, receives a sophisticated instrumental treatment. Matchmaker, 
from Fiddler on the Roof, demonstrates how Broadway material could be 
transformed into swinging jazz.

The two-part title track, Movin’ Wes, highlights Montgomery’s own 
compositional voice, while Moca Flor introduces a Brazilian flavour. 
The album also includes Senza Fine, Theodora, In and Out, Born to
 Be Blue and Montgomery’s celebrated composition West Coast Blues.

For collectors of vintage jazz vinyl, soul-jazz enthusiasts and admirers 
of Wes Montgomery, Movin’ Wes offers an excellent example of the 
meeting point between small-group jazz improvisation and carefully
 arranged orchestral sound. The original Verve LP, catalog number V6-8610, 
is a particularly interesting addition to a collection devoted to 1960s jazz, 
guitar masters and the evolution of sophisticated, groove-oriented instrumental music.

Line-up and musicians:

Wes Montgomery    Guitar, leader
Bobby Scott    Piano
Bob Cranshaw    Double bass
Grady Tate    Drums
Willie Bobo    Percussion
Ernie Royal    Trumpet
Clark Terry    Trumpet
Snooky Young    Trumpet
Jimmy Cleveland    Trombone
Urbie Green    Trombone
Quentin Jackson    Trombone
Chauncey Welsch    Trombone
Jerome Richardson    Woodwinds, saxophones and flute
Don Butterfield    Tuba, credited alternative
Harvey Phillips    Tuba, credited alternative

Arrangements and conducting: Johnny Pate
Producer: Creed Taylor
Recording studio: A&R Studios, New York City
Recording dates: November 11 and 16, 1964,
Engineer  Phil Ramone
Engineering For Verve Val Valentin
Re-recording Engineer Rudy Van Gelder
 

tracklist:

 A1        Caravan
Written By – Mills-Ellington-Tizol
Written-By – Ellington*, Mills*, Tizol*
    2:35
A2        People
Written By – Styne-Merrill
Written-By – Merrill*, Styne*
    4:15
A3        Movin' Wes (Part I)
Written-By – Wes Montgomery
    3:15
A4        Moca Flor
Written By – Luiz Freire-Durval Ferreira
Written-By – Durval Ferreira, Luiz Freire*
    3:10
A5        Matchmaker
Written By – Sheldon Harnick-Jerry Bock
Written-By – Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick
    2:50
A6        Movin' Wes (Part II)
Written-By – Wes Montgomery
    2:37
B1        Senza Fine
Written-By – Gino Paoli
    3:20
B2        Theodora
Written-By – Billy Taylor
    3:55
B3        In And Out
Written-By – Wes Montgomery
    2:55
B4        Born To Be Blue
Written-By – Mel Torme*, Robert Wells (2)
    3:37
B5        West Coast Blues
Written-By – Wes Montgomery
    3:12   

Link available upon request

The Impressions – The Fabulous Impressions (1967)

The Impressions – The Fabulous Impressions (1967)  ABC Records 

updated 10/19/2026

 ABC Records ‎1967 – ABCS-606

Description:

Released in 1967 on ABC Records, The Fabulous Impressions
 is a fine example of the sophisticated Chicago soul sound that
 made The Impressions one of the most influential vocal groups
 of the 1960s. Featuring the distinctive lead vocals and 
songwriting of Curtis Mayfield, the album blends elegant vocal 
harmonies, uplifting melodies, heartfelt lyrics and 
polished soul arrangements.

Produced by Johnny Pate, the record captures the group's 
characteristic combination of smooth soul, gospel-inspired 
harmonies and contemporary R&B. Mayfield's thoughtful 
songwriting explores love, heartbreak and romantic devotion,
 while the group's beautifully balanced vocals 
give each song its own personality.

The album features memorable tracks such as "You Always Hurt Me,"
"It's All Over," "Little Girl," "Love's a Comin'" and 
"You Ought to Be in Heaven." Their interpretation of
 "One Hundred Pounds of Clay," originally associated with 
Gene McDaniels, adds another dimension to the collection.

Curtis Mayfield's guitar work and expressive vocal delivery are 
central to the group's sound, supported by Fred Cash and 
Sam Gooden. Together, the trio delivers the refined harmonies 
and emotional depth that helped establish 
The Impressions as major figures in American soul music.

credits:

Curtis Mayfield – Lead vocals, guitar
Fred Cash – Vocals, backing harmonies
Sam Gooden – Vocals, backing harmonies
The album credits also identify The Funk Brothers 
as the instrumental backing musicians.

Arranged By, Conductor – Johnny Pate 
Producer     Johnny Pate

Most of the songs were written by Curtis Mayfield. 
The album also includes One Hundred Pounds of Clay, 
written by Luther Dixon, Bob Elgin and Kay Rogers, 
and Aware of Love, co-written by Jerry Butler and 
Curtis Mayfield.

trackslist:

A1 You Always Hurt Me
Written-By – Mayfield*     
A2 It's All Over
Written-By – Mayfield* 
A3 Little Girl
Written-By – Mayfield* 
A4 100 Lbs. Of Clay
Written-By – Elgin*, Rogers*, Dixon* 
A5 Love's A Comin'
Written-By – Mayfield*     
A6 You Ought To Be In Heaven
Written-By – Mayfield*     
B1 I Can't Stay Away From You
Written-By – Mayfield*     
B2 Aware Of Love
Written-By – Mayfield*, Butler*     
B3 Isle Of Sirens
Written-By – Mayfield*     
B4 I'm Still Waitin'
Written-By – Mayfield*     
B5 She Don't Love Me
Written-By – Mayfield* 

Link available upon request

The Impressions – People Get Ready (1965)

The Impressions – People Get Ready (1965) | ABC-Paramount ABCS-505

updated 10/19/2026

ABC-Paramount records 1965 – ABCS-505

Description:

Released in 1965 on ABC-Paramount, People Get Ready is an 
essential album in the history of Chicago soul. Featuring the 
unmistakable falsetto and expressive lead vocals of Curtis Mayfield,
 alongside the rich harmonies of Fred Cash and Sam Gooden, 
the album showcases The Impressions at the height of their creative powers.

Blending gospel-inspired melodies, sophisticated vocal arrangements,
 smooth rhythms, and socially conscious songwriting, the album captures
 the distinctive sound that made The Impressions one of the most 
influential vocal groups of the 1960s.

The title track, "People Get Ready," written by Curtis Mayfield, stands as 
one of the greatest soul recordings of its era. Its message of faith, hope, 
unity, and spiritual perseverance resonated deeply with the American 
civil rights movement and continues to inspire listeners across generations.

The album also features outstanding soul recordings, including "Woman's Got Soul,"
 "Emotions," "Sometimes I Wonder," "We're in Love,"
 "Just Another Dance," and "You Must Believe Me."

Under the musical direction and production of Johnny Pate, the album
combines gospel-rooted vocal harmonies with carefully arranged instrumentation, 
creating a timeless sound that bridges traditional gospel, 
Chicago soul, and contemporary R&B.

credits:

The classic mid-1960s lineup featured three distinctive vocalists:

Curtis Mayfield – Lead vocals, guitar, songwriting
Fred Cash – Vocals and backing harmonies
Sam Gooden – Vocals and backing harmonies
The Funk Brothers – Instrumentation, as credited in published album personnel listings

Recording Period: March 22, 1962 – October 26, 1964,
Recording Locations: Chicago, Illinois, and New York, New York
Producer: Johnny Pate
Arranger: Johnny Pate

trackslit:

Written-By – C. Mayfield

A1        Woman's Got Soul    2:23
A2        Emotions    2:47
A3        Sometimes I Wonder    2:59
A4        We're In Love    2:30
A5        Just Another Dance    2:49
A6        Can't Work No Longer    2:21
B1        People Get Ready    2:37
B2        I've Found That I've Lost    2:50
B3        Hard To Believe    2:26
B4        See The Real Me    2:25
B5        Get Up And Move    2:14
B6        You Must Believe Me    2:30

Link available upon request

Barbara Acklin – Seven Days Of Night (1969) | Brunswick LP Review & Tracklist

Brunswick ‎Records 1969– BL 754148

 

 notes:

Released in 1969 on Brunswick Records, Seven Days Of Night stands among the essential Chicago soul recordings of the late sixties. Combining elegant orchestration, heartfelt vocals, and polished production, Barbara Acklin delivers a sophisticated blend of soul, pop, and Northern Soul energy.

The LP masterfully balances upbeat Northern Soul rhythms with lush ballads and crossover pop arrangements. Tracks like "Go With Love," "A Raggedy Ride," and "Where Would I Go" reveal Acklin’s remarkable vocal sensitivity. Meanwhile, the timeless anthem "Am I The Same Girl" became an enduring soul classic, later embraced by rare groove DJs and modern soul audiences worldwide.

Produced in the rich tradition of Chicago soul, the album reflects the sophisticated sound associated with Brunswick recordings of the period. The infectious title track, "Seven Days Of Night," remains one of Barbara Acklin’s signature performances, blending dramatic orchestration with irresistible rhythm and emotional intensity.

More than five decades after its original release, Seven Days Of Night continues to influence collectors, DJs, and soul historians. Its mixture of deep soul, pop elegance, and dancefloor energy secures its place among the finest female soul albums of the 1960s.

credits:

Arranged By: Sonny Sanders (Tracks A1 to B3, B5), Johnny Pate (Track B4)
Conducted By: Willie Henderson
Produced By: Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Recorded: Late 1968 to mid-1969 at Brunswick Studios, Chicago

tracklist:

A1        A Raggedy Ride
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:32
A2        Go With Love
Written-By – Burt Bacharach-Hal David*
2:14
A3        Seven Days Of Night
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:37
A4        Just Ain't No Love
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:47
A5        Where Would I Go
Written-By – Burt Bacharach-Hal David*
2:41
A6        Am I The Same Girl
Written-By – Eugene Record, W. Sanders*
3:02
B1        Until You Return
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
3:06
B2        This Girl's In Love With You
Written-By – Burt Bacharach-Hal David*
4:26
B3        Here Is A Heart
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:40
B4        Mr. Sunshine (Where Is My Shadow)
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:37
B5        Love Had Come To Stay
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
3:06

 

    listen

 

 

Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963)

Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963) – Debut Album Review & History

Scepter Records 1963 ‎– SPS 508

notes:

Presenting Dionne Warwick is the debut studio album by Dionne Warwick, 

released in 1963 on Scepter Records and produced by Burt Bacharach and 

Hal David. Featuring the breakthrough single “Don’t Make Me Over,” 

the album introduced Warwick’s elegant, emotionally precise vocal style and 

marked the beginning of one of the most successful singer-songwriter

 partnerships in pop and soul history. Blending pop sophistication with 

soul and orchestral arrangements, Presenting Dionne Warwick laid the 

foundation for a career that would define adult contemporary 

and crossover soul music for decades to come.

credits:

Dionne Warwick – lead vocals

Burt Bacharach – arrangements, conductor, producer

Hal David – producer, lyricist

Johnny Pate – arrangements 

Claus Ogerman – arrangements 

Robert C. Baker – recording engineer

Uncredited session musicians – orchestra and rhythm section

Recorded Bell Sound Studios

(New York City)

Producer

Burt Bacharach Hal David

 Tracklist:

A1 This Empty Place 2:55

Written-By – Bacharach & David*

A2 Wishin' And Hopin' 2:55

 Written-By – Bacharach & David*

A3 I Cry Alone 2:37

Written-By – Bacharach & David*

A4 Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah 2:40

Written-By – A. Wrubel*, R. Gilbert*

A5 Make The Music Play 2:25

Written-By – Bacharach & David*

A6 If You See Bill 2:58

Written-By – L. Dixon*

B1 Don't Make Me Over 2:58

Written-By – Bacharach & David*

B2 It's Love That Really Counts 2:16

Written-By – Bacharach & David*

B3 Unlucky 2:25

Written-By – L. Shockley*, B. Banks*

B4 I Smiled Yesterday 2:25

Written-By – Bacharach & David*

B5 Make It Easy On Yourself 2:40

Written-By – Bacharach & David*

B6 The Love Of A Boy 1:59

Written-By – Bacharach & David*

link

 

 

 

Erma Franklin ‎

 

 

Soul Sister

 

 

Brunswick records  1968  ‎– BL 754147

notes:

Erma Vernice Franklin (March 13, 1938 – September 7, 2002)
 was an American gospel and soul singer.
Franklin was the elder sister of singer Aretha Franklin.

Credits

Arranged By – Johnny Pate (tracks: A5), Sonny Sanders
Directed By – Willie Henderson
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record

Recorded January 15, 1968 at A&R Recording Studios, New York
Engineer – Dave Sanders

tracklist:

A1        By The Time I Get To Phoenix
Written-By – Jim Webb*
3:25
A2        Change My Thoughts From You
Written-By – Carl Davis, Gary Jackson (2), Nate Smith*
2:29
A3        Light My Fire
Written-By – J. D. Morrison*, J. P. Densmore*, R.D. Manzarek*, R.A. Kriezer*
2:40
A4        You've Been Cancelled
Written-By – Erma Franklin
2:59
A5        For Once In My Life
Arranged By – Johnny Pate
Written-By – Orlando Murden, Ronald Miller
2:37
A6        Can't See My Way
Written-By – Erma Franklin
2:17
B1        Hold On, I'm Comin'
Written-By – Isaac Hayes-David Porter*
3:01
B2        Saving My Love For You
Written-By – Don D. Robey*
3:28
B3        Son Of A Preacher Man
Written-By – John Hurley, Ronnie Wilkins
2:34
B4        Gotta Find Me A Lover (24 Hours A Day)
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:14
B5        Baby I Love You
Written-By – Ronnie Shannon
2:44

 

link

The Impressions

 

 

We're A Winner

 

ABC Records 1967  ‎– ABCS-635

notes:

We're a Winner is an album by the American soul music group the Impressions, 
released in 1968. It was the group's last album for ABC Records; 
they moved on to Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records.

credits:

    Curtis Mayfield - lead vocals, guitar
    Fred Cash - backing vocals
    Sam Gooden - backing vocals
    The Funk Brothers - instrumentation
    Johnny Pate - conductor, arranger
      Producer – Johnny Pate

tracklist:

A1        We're A Winner    2:22
A2        Moonlight Shadows    3:08
A3        Let Me Tell The World    3:10
A4        I'm Getting Ready
Written-By – C. Mayfield*, P. Upchurch*
2:30
A5        Nothing Can Stop Me    2:40
B1        No One To Love Me    2:30
B2        Little Brown Boy    2:35
B3        I Loved And I Lost    3:10
B4        Romancing To The Folk Song    2:35
B5        Up Up And Away
Written-By – Jim Webb*
2:55

 

 

link 

Kenny Burrell ‎

 

 

 Asphalt Canyon Suite

 

 

Verve Records 1969 ‎– V6-8773

 

 notes:

Asphalt Canyon Suite is a studio album by the jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell. 
It was recorded in 1969 and released on the Verve label.


credits:

Kenny Burrell - guitar
Roland Hanna - piano
Unidentified Orchestra arranged by Johnny Pate

Released    1969
Recorded    October 8, 10 & 16, 1969
New York City

tracklist:

All compositions by Kenny Burrell except as indicated

A1         Part 1 - Introduction        
A2         Part 2 - Asphalt Canyon Blues        
A3         Part 2 - Think About It    
written by Mercer Ellington    
A4         Part 2 - Better Get Your Thing Together        
A5         Part 2 - Alone In The City        
B1         Things Ain't What They Used To Be        
B2         Put A Little Love In Your Heart
written by Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday, Randy Myers        
B3         Please Send Me Someone To Love
written by Percy Mayfield        
B4         Going To Jim And Andy's        
B5         Sugar Hill

 

 

link

 

 

 

 

 

B.B. King

 

 

 Blues On Top Of Blues

 

 

 

Bluesway records 1968  – BL-6011

 

notes:

Blues on Top of Blues is the fourteenth studio album
by B.B. King, released in 1968 on BluesWay BLS-6011

credits:

B.B. King - Lead vocals, guitar and piano

Johnny Pate Big Band:

    Johnny Pate - Conductor
    Hobart Dotson, John Browning and Henry Boozier - Trumpet
    Pluma Davis - Trombone
    Lawrence Burdine - Alto sax
    Johnny Board - Tenor sax
    Barney Hubert - Baritone sax
    Duke Jethro - Organ
    Leo Lauchie - Bass
    Billy Butler - Guitar
    Sonny Freeman - Drums

    Arranged By – Johnny Pate
    Composed By – B.B. King
    Conductor – Johnny Pate
    Producer – Johnny Pate

tracklist:

A1        Heartbreaker    2:33
A2        Losing Faith In You    2:55
A3        Dance With Me    3:05
A4        That's Wrong Little Mama    2:45
A5        Having My Say    2:35
A6        I'm Not Wanted Anymore    2:23
B1        Worried Dream    2:47
B2        Paying The Cost To Be The Boss    2:35
B3        Until I Found You    2:25
B4        I'm Gonna Do What They Do To Me    3:00
B5        Raining In My Heart    2:26
B6        Now That You've Lost Me    2:25

link

 

 

 

 

B.B. King ‎– Blues Is King

 

Bluesway ‎records 1966 – BLS-6001

notes:

Blues Is King is a live album by blues musician, B.B. King.
 It was recorded in Chicago in 1966 and released
 by the BluesWay label in 1967

credits:

   Guitar, Vocals – B.B. King
    Bass – Louis Satterfield
    Drums – Sonny Freeman
    Organ – Duke Jethro
    Saxophone [Tenor] – Bobby Forte
    Trumpet – Kenneth Sand

    Producer – Johnny Pate, Louis Zito

    Recorded live in November 5, 1966
   at     International Club, Chicago

Tracklisting:

A1        Waitin' On You
Written-By – B.B. King, F. Washington*
2:23
A2        Gamblers' Blues
Arranged By – B.B. King, J. Pate*
4:38
A3        Tired Of Your Jive
Written-By – J. Despenza*, J. Pate*
3:30
A4        Night Life
Written-By – Willie Nelson
4:45
A5        Buzz Me
Written-By – D. Baxter*, F. Moore*
4:05
B1        Don't Answer The Door
Written-By – J. Johnson*
4:00
B2        Blind Love
Written-By – King*, Josea*
3:25
B3        I Know What You're Puttin' Down
Written-By – B. Allen*, L. Jordan*
3:30
B4        Baby Get Lost
Written-By – Billy Moore*
3:57
B5        Gonna Keep On Loving You
Written-By – B.B. King
3:45

Link

 

 

 

Billy Butler and the chanters (You Make Me Think) You Ain't Ready

 

Okeh records 1965 – 4-7227

credits and tracklist:

A        (You Make Me Think) You Ain't Ready
Written-By – W. Butler*
2:30
B    (I've Got A Feeling) You're Gonna Be Sorry
Written-By – C. Mayfield
2:18


    Arranged By – Johnny Pate (pistes : B), Riley Hampton (pistes : A)
    Producer – Carl Davis

upl

Major Lance ‎– Major's Greatest Hits

Okeh records 1965 ‎– OKS 12110

 

credits:

Arranged by Johnny Pate
A2, A3 arranged by Riley Hampton
Recorded at Columbia Recording Studios, Chicago, IL

 Producer – Carl Davis

tracks list:

A1     The Monkey Time
 Written-By – Mayfield*
A2     Come See
Written-By – Mayfield*
A3     Sometimes I Wonder
Written-By – Mayfield*
A4     Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um
Written-By – Mayfield*
A5     Girls
Written-By – Mayfield*
A6     Sweet Music
Written-By – Lance*, Cobb*, Bowie*
B1     Ain't It A Shame
Written-By – Mayfield*
B2     Hey Little Girl
Written-By – Mayfield*
B3     The Matador
Written-By – Butler*, Davis*, Lance*
B4     Rhythm
Written-By – Mayfield*
B5     It Ain't No Use
Written-By – Mayfield*
B6     Gotta Get Away
Written-By – Mayfield*

upl

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Major Lance ‎– Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um - The Best Of Major Lance

 

Okeh Records 1964 – OKS 14106

credits:
Arranged By – Johnny Pate

Liner Notes – Carl Davis, Curtis Mayfield
Producer – Carl Davis
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield

tracklist:

A1 Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um       
A2 Hey Little Girl       
A3 Gypsy Woman       
A4 Gotta Right To Cry       
A5 Little Miss Love       
A6 That's What Sama Say       
B1 The Monkey Time       
B2 It's All Right       
B3 Mama Didn't Know       
B4 Think Nothing About It       
B5 You'll Want Me Back       
B6 I'm The One

upl

pix

 

 

 

Major Lance ‎– Rhythm

Okeh Records 1964 ‎    4-7203

 

Credits

    Arranged By – Johnny Pate
    Producer – Carl Davis, Curtis Mayfield

A Rhythm
Written-By – C. Mayfield

   
B Please Don't Say No More
 Written-By – B. Elgin*, C. Davis*, K. Rogers

 

upl

 

 

 

The Impressions   Rhythm! 

Daptone Records 2013 ‎– DAP-1071

Credits

    Arranged By – Johnny Pate
    Producer – Binky Griptite

A     Rhythm!    
B     Star Bright 

Upl

 

 

 

 B.B. KING  Live at The Regal

ABC Records 1965                              ‎ CH 86

notes & credits:

Live at the Regal is a 1965 live album by blues guitarist 

and singer B.B. King. It was recorded on November 21, 1964 

at the Regal Theater in Chicago.

Presenter – E. Rodney Jones, Pervis Spann

Producer – Johnny Pate 

B.B. King – guitar, vocals

Leo Lauchie – bass

Duke Jethro – piano

Sonny Freeman – drums

Bobby Forte, Johnny Board – tenor saxophone

tracklist:

A1 Every Day I Have The Blues

Written-By – Peter Chatman 

A2 Sweet Little Angel

Written-By – R. King*, J. Taub* 

A3 It's My Own Fault

Written-By – J. L. Hooker* 

A4 How Blue Can You Get

Written-By – Jane Feathers* 

A5 Please Love Me

Written-By – R. King*, J. Taub* 

B1 You Upset Me Baby

Written-By – J. Josea*, Maxwell Davis 

B2 Worry, Worry

Written-By – David Plumber*, J. Taub* 

B3 Woke Up This Mornin'

Written-By – R. King* 

B4 You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now

Written By – V. Spivey-R. Floyd 

B5 Help The Poor

Written-By – Charlie Singleton* 

cover

uloz