Download or Listen To Ohio Players – A Little Soul Party (A Woman and Some Soul)

Here we are on a Monday and I pulled this little piece out of a pile marked “For Review”. Now I appreciate the e mails of well wishing from my extended Flea Market Funk family, and those of you close enough to me to know the situation will appreciate the inner message this entire title sends out. There are few things that I want for in this life, but some great vinyl (could be Soul), and of course a fine woman. This title is where my mind is at lately. Although I believe it’s a reissue from the Springboard Corporation out of Linden, NJ, here’s the Ohio Players with “A Little Soul Party (A Woman and Some Soul)” on Trip Records. I bought this last Summer from Stinky Steve even though it was warped as hell. He actually gave me a good deal. Imagine that.

There is definitely some history here with the Ohio Players, who started back in 1959 as the Ohio Untouchables. Eventually backing The Falcons on “I Found A Love”. Their debut “Love Is Amazing” was short lived, and they eventually disbanded. The original lineup was singer and guitarist Robert Ward, bassist Marshall “Rock” Jones, saxophonist and guitarist Clarence “Satch” Satchell, drummer Cornelius Johnson, and trumpeter and trombonist Ralph “Pee Wee” Middlebrooks. Their disbanding was due to Ward wanting to go solo. Fast forward to 1967 and the addition of guitarist Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner , drummer Gary Webster, and saxophonist Andrew Noland to round out a new line up. But ther eis more: add two more singers in Dutch Robinson and Bobby Lee Fears, the birth of the Ohio Players takes place. They would be the new backing band for Compass records, and in 1968 put out a side “Trespassin'”, which coincidentally is the other side of this 45. Now Compass could not hold financially, and with their debut Lp “in the shitter” pretty much, the label folded and they moved over to Capitol in 1969. Throughout their career this band has had a myriad of personnel changes, but managed to churn out hits anyway. You’re all familiar with “Fire”, “Love Rollercoaster” (covered lovely by the RHCP), and my personal favorite: “Funky Worm”. They would eventually wander over to Mercury Records, where their output was steady, and kind of tepid. Despite a few hits, IMHO the trademark horn heavy, funk influenced sound went the way of Disco, like so many artists trying to capitalize on another new genre. They released records with a few core members into the 80’s, but will only really be remembered for their few hits. This side will, however always be a hit at FMF.

I’m a fan of this little slow burner. It’s the perfect song for me at this time. It’s about getting back on track, relaxing, and as a reputable online record slanger says: “Make shit fun again”. This side is definitely getting added to my next live 45 gig. Who doesn’t want a little party with a woman and some Soul? Have a great week and put a little Soul in your party. Keep Diggin’!