Billy Stewart, tickling the ivories…

Listen/Download Billy Stewart – Scramble

Greetings all

Hows about we get the week started with something surprising?

Those of you that listen to soul music on the reg (or have ever tuned into oldies radio) will certainly know of the vocal talents of the mighty Billy Stewart.

Stewart hit the R&B charts 11 times between 1962 and 1968, crossing over into the Pop top 10 with his epic reading of ‘Summertime’ in 1966.

Stewart was a big man with an even bigger voice and he had a way with both soaring ballads and fast movers as well.

Back in the day someone (I forget exactly who, so forgive me) hepped me to the fact that Billy’s discography had a bit of a hidden secret.

Stewart, who had been recording since the mid-50s, had also been a part of Bo Diddley’s band, recording with the master on both drums and piano.

Sometime in 1963, giving his pipes a rest Billy propped himself up at a Hammond organ and went to town, whipping out the tune you see before you today, ‘Scramble’.

‘Scramble’ is a fantastic organ spotlight, with some great horns (especially a wailing trombone) in the background. I shows that Stewart was no slouch on the keys, and makes me wish he’d recorded more of the same, which (as far as I can tell) he did not.

This is one for the Hammond nuts, as well as a nice bit of trivia to thrill your fellow soulies at your next get down.

I hope you dig it, and I’ll see you on Wednesday.

Keep the faith

Larry

 

 

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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived!

The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock.

They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US).

Click here to go to the ordering page.
Also, make sure that you check out the links below to the Be The Match Foundation and POAC (click on the logos for more info).

 

PS Head over to Iron Leg too.