Ongoing weather patterns in the Tri-State area got me to thinking about this:
Which, naturally, isn't really about precipitation. I'll always associate this tune with my friend, Bumpshop co-resident, and all-around Detroit soul authority Mr. Fine Wine, whose made it a staple of his early doors sets for years. Barnes recorded for Ric-Tic, Groovesville, Revilot and other Motor City labels in the '60s and was even signed to Motown as an artist - though Berry Gordy & co. never released anything on him. (As a songwriter he penned this break-laden gem - for the Marvelettes.) His lone Volt single represents a time when the "Memphis Sound" had begun to fortify itself with established talent from other parts of the map. In this case Detroit - from which the Stax axis would also pluck Darrell Banks and producer Don Davis (The Dramatics).
And in this case...
... New Orleans. Joseph's man (and manager), NOLA DJ/Minit Records big-wig Larry McKinley enjoys production credit both here and on the stupendously somber B-Side, "Never Can You Be." But the biggest behind-the-scenes shine goes to Wilson Turbington (b/k/a Willie Tee)'s arranging and songwriting skills. From the moment those swooning horns hit out the gate you know you're in for something special. Joseph's vocal is strong enough to reach all the notes, fragile enough to make you believe there's some real pain behind the words. Such is the power of this tune that I once used it to resuscitate the homie JBX out of an intoxicated comatose state one Friday night at the Lucky Cat. I felt like Robert Duvall in The Apostle, yo.
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