The Monzas

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Had a great e-mail from Al Wilkes, lead singer of the Monzas who recorded 3 (to my knowledge) great Northern tunes between 1967/70 ...these being 'You Know You Turn Me On' (Moon), 'Stubborn Kind Of Fellow' (Moon) & 'Try To Understand' (A La Carte, same label as the Martells Northern rarity).

The Al Wilkes group are from Tenessee, not to be confused with the 'Carolina' Monzas who recorded for Pacific (Hey I Know You).

Does anyone have a sound sample of 'Stubborn Kind Of Fellow' on Moon? It's the only one I aint heard of theirs.

Anyway, here's the e-mails and a few pics..

Edited December 13, 2006 by Soul-Slider

[Soul-slider]

[Corbett80]

Hi

I had contact with Al a year or so ago when I got 'You Know You Turn Me On' and 'Try To Understand' off him. Hes got one on orange Moon too thats apparently very good....not sure what it is though. A very nice bloke indeed, and no he hasn't got a Monzas although I think he knew them....he was kind enough to send me press clippings of his band days, the one on the top left.

JM

ps I think he sells vintage tennis rackets too.

pps Is the 'Hey Baby' Beach Days book out yet?? He'll be in that too.

Edited December 13, 2006 by mulf

[Soul-slider]

Hi

I had contact with Al a year or so ago when I got 'You Know You Turn Me On' and 'Try To Understand' off him. Hes got one on orange Moon too thats apparently very good....not sure what it is though. A very nice bloke indeed, and no he hasn't got a Monzas although I think he knew them....he was kind enough to send me press clippings of his band days, the one on the top left.

JM

ps I think he sells vintage tennis rackets too.

pps Is the 'Hey Baby' Beach Days book out yet?? He'll be in that too.

Hi Mulf,

Yes he knew the other Monzas, I have their 'Hey I Know You' but that's it of theirs, don't know the other 2 on Pacific. I'm gonna try for the Moon one on orange colour and I also want a copy of 'You Know You Turn Me On' which I heard off a CD by Baz and it's great.

The book is out but I aint seen it available over here yet (might look on Amazon in a mo), problem with ordering it from the States is it's bloody heavy! postage will be crippling I bet.

Johnny

[Corbett80]

I keep thinking this about those r&b indies books that are like encyclopedias......

ps I actually meant he hasn't got a Martells......although I think he knew them.

Edited December 14, 2006 by mulf

[Guest Netspeaky]

Hi Mulf,

Yes he knew the other Monzas, I have their 'Hey I Know You' but that's it of theirs, don't know the other 2 on Pacific. I'm gonna try for the Moon one on orange colour and I also want a copy of 'You Know You Turn Me On' which I heard off a CD by Baz and it's great.

The book is out but I aint seen it available over here yet (might look on Amazon in a mo), problem with ordering it from the States is it's bloody heavy! postage will be crippling I bet.

Johnny

Book available, I enquired about P&P to UK from publisher but decided not to buy in the end as the reply on the P&P made it too expensive, if anyone knows of a cheap way to get hold of the book let me know.

[Corbett80]

Pics of the orange cut Andy.

best

JM

"the record was cut at the famous bradley's barn in nashiville in 1970. this is the last 45 the monzas cut. joe mills was the engineer."

Edited December 14, 2006 by mulf

[Soul-slider]

Now thats very interesting/strange about the the Monzas on Moon being from Tenessee because the "You know you turn me on" I originally discovered this record in the Carolinas about 7 years ago. Infact if you check the credits, the track was recorded at Arthur Smiths studios ( same place as the Nomads on Mogroove and Soul Set on Bi-Me). Can't help thinking there must be some link between the 2 groups??

I have the blue Moon 45, but would love to hear and/or have the details of the other release on the orange label.

I'll ask Al if he knew the Nomads/ Soul Set and get back to you ok.

I'm working on getting an orange moon.

What's the blue one 'Stubborn Kind of Fellow' like, I understand the flip is a worthy tune too?? Any good?