This AM I bring you some Soul out of the Badger State, your old buddy Wisconsin. If you have not visited this land of dairy, finger lakes, tiny lighthouses and beer, I would highly recommend it. The people are friendly, you can actually find some good records, and if you go to Madison, there is an old man bar that I was able to find Angry Samoans on the jukebox. That being said, with modern bands such as Kings Go Forth keeping up the vocal harmony tradition, today’s featured band was one of the bands giving Milwaukee shine, just like KGF do today. Proving that Milwaukee was more than a beer city, here are The Esquires with “You Say” from 1968 on Bunky Records Inc.

Like many of the early vocal groups, The Esquires went through a good amount of members. Originating in Milwaukee, WI in the late 50’s, the backbone of the band was formed by the Moorer siblings: Alvin, Betty and Gilbert. Coming from a musical church family, they had played music from an early age with their parents. Eventually Betty would leave the band, keeping the final line up (for now) to Gilbert Moorer, Alvis Moorer, Sam Pace, and Shawn Taylor. Shopping themselves around for a record deal with not much luck, would finally have them at the door steps of one Bill “Bunky” Sheppard. Bill Sheppard to me, has one of the best record label names ever: Bunky’s Records (also stamped Bunky’s Pick). You may recall Cut Chemist using that title on one of his releases as well. It seems he shared the same sentiment as me or vice versa. Bill Sheppard ran Constellation Records (Gene Chandler, Nolan Chance) and was fond of the group’s demo of what would become one of their greatest sides “Get On Up”. He not only got them going on wax, but would pull a member of his Constellation stable, Millard Edwards, to join the group. Being signed to Bunky’s proved to be quite fruitful for The Esquires, as their first side “Get On Up” catapulted them from regional to national act. They released a string of 45s (“Get Away”, “And Why Can’t I Stop”), including this one, and one full length LP. The Bunky’s run was kind of short lived, as they left Bill Sheppard and went to Wand, then back to Bunky’s, and then Lamarr Records in 1971. They bounced around a bit to Ju-Parr and Capitol, before disappearing off of the scene until the early 90’s when they started to perform once again. I always see these 45s and pick them up. You should too. They’re cheap and a great listen.

With an upbeat vocal harmony treat, and a definite nod to the Chicago/Impressions sound, The Esquires hit it right on the head with this 45. The harmonies are right on point, and “You Say” epitomizes sweet Soul. The horns travel through you on this track, and the vocals are reminiscent of a Sunday drive with the top down, radio blasting, and your baby by your side. Gary Byrd talked about Soul traveling, but the Esquires didn’t even need to travel, they had Soul everywhere they went. Extra bonus points for this great label as well.

Listen to or Download The Esquires – You Say from the Bunky’s Records 45

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