Joe Graves

Although some of his other 45s have their moments – “Debbie” is a pretty good Philly dancer – his Rack and Tee Jay releases are head and shoulders above them. ListenBaby If You Were Gone may just be too sweet to be considered a true deep soul item but the melody is strong and Graves phrases it superbly well. This was almost certainly cut in New York.

But ListenAlways In Love is his best cut by some way. His high baritone vocals are particularly impressive but I also really like the chord structure of the song. And the spare horn chart works very well too.

Always in love - TEE JAY 934 Baby if you were gone - RACK 103

Discography

ListenAlways in love / Foolin' around ~ TEE JAY 934 (mid 60s?)
Debbie / (That's how) a boy and girl falls in love ~ PARKWAY 103
See saw / Beautiful girl ~ PARKWAY 964
It's got to be for real / ListenBaby if you were gone ~ RACK 103 / RCA 2829 (1969)

 

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