New Orleans Rarity

Soulfulsolutions · January 24, 2022

Ends today if you want to act on this very rare and very much under the radar stunning New Orleans dancer…..

Message any questions or to make an offer.

Joe Wilson – I’m her only man – White Cliffs 242 M- OFFERS Minimum offer made, ball rolling, thank you.

Studio owner Cosimo Matassa set up Dover Records as an all-encompassing enterprise to provide a one-stop operation that handled recording, pressing, distribution, marketing, promotion and sales for a whole host of labels including A.B.S., Big Deal, Deesu, Hot-Line, Mar-A-thon, Nola and Shagg the security of strength in numbers. This “Crescent City” flag of convenience has contributed significantly to the Northern scene with outstanding tracks from short or more extensive catalogues, and in this case still throwing up more.

Taking on the role of President, Matassa had already added the White Cliffs label to a growing ‘Big Easy’ portfolio, working with some of New Orleans most renowned owners and producers, people like Wardell Quezergue, Marty Lewis, Allen Toussaint, Marshall Sehorn and Merle Spears, who would all benefit from Dover’s joined up approach and resulting successes. Matassa had named the White Cliffs label and wider business on the back of his affection for the English sea port and its famous coastline. The music policy was considered by many at the time as scattergun, with a variety of R&B, Soul, Garage and Gospel releases. Suffice to say there does not appear to be much information about most acts, including Joe Wilson, who’s trio of releases on this label are still to this day relatively unknown. Don & Ron suffered for many years, filed away in too few collections, only coming to the fore as tastes and demand changed, now of course a very in demand record appearing on many wants lists.

Back to Joe, very little information has surfaced, a sparse discography grown over over 2-3 decades, during which he continued his relationship with Wardell Q on various labels and projects, ultimately leading to several unreleased tracks finally emerging on the Malaco Soul Brothers CD, contributing alongside fellow artists Chuck Brooks and George Soule. Eventually he slipped back into obscurity, and possibly out of touch since Katrina.

Like many in the 60s, he did the rounds, club to club before landing a recording contract with White Cliffs Publishing for which he compiled 3 releases, comprising of 2 notable deep soul ballads and 2 up-tempo dancers. The later “Headed for a fall” was once touted as dance floor killer, but to my ears is a bland affair. The earlier “I’m her only man” on the other hand and in my opinion is in a different league. Evidence from chat forums by those familiar with this track, seem to echo my view. Joe has a unique vocal style, reminding me of another Joe, Sir Joe on Ru-Jac, the likeness is uncanny. This is real deal Northern, beguiling drum and subtle guitar intro, then BAM! the transition through a tumultuous horn fanfare, quirky guitar chords, and into the raw and unique R&B tinged voice that amplifies the excellent storyline that carries right through an energetic dance track that has decades of life in it. Not fancy or over produced, and at times pitchy, but none the less – fresh breathtaking soul in a day and age when oldies are, what it says on the tin, “nothing new”.

I want to say the vinyl is near mint, but I’m conservative so I'll stick with mint minus. The yellow labels exhibit a grey mottled discoloration; however I would normally expect to find some suggestion of damp, water damage or wear on a labels surface where this occurs, BUT, they are absolutely silky smooth and glossy in the light as if they were like new as is the vinyl, the mottling is entirely under the label and has no detrimental effect on the exterior unless you are put off by cosmetics, for me its the equivalent of an X or sticker on the label in terms of no impact on overall condition.

It’s one thing knowing this record, owning it is a different matter altogether, it just doesn’t turn up, so here’s your chance, take a punt now or forever hold your peace…….. seen on Facebook Rare Soul Sales forum in 2019, $3000 for Vg-.

Current offer at 6pm on 30 Jan is £2500.

Increments are set at £25 to avoid sniping. I will close on Mon 31 Jan at 9pm. Fully insured postage included, however overseas is on request. Cheers, Lee

Fully insured postage included, however overseas is on request.

Cheers, Lee