larrybanks1941

Hi Rob, I'll say this very strongly. I get it. Most sincerely, I get it. When I joined Soulsource it took only a day and a half to realize what a discovery I'd made. I greatly identify with the now rare soul scene because it's the music. Music with all it's manifestations that's been in and a part of me ever since I was a small kid of eight years old, sitting in the middle of the floor listening to my older brother and his singing group rehearsing at the house. He was my first major inspiration and influence connecting me to vocal groups and especially harmony and/or harmonies. It was here and after I learn how to make 3-part harmony sound like or just as full as 4-part harmony simply by manipulating an octave between 1-high, 1-low. In between the two you hear a note that's really not being sung. Knowing this as a group gives you the ability to do certain major and minor chords a lot of groups just don't attempt because there is an option of doing it one way or the other. But you can hear the difference when done. Case in point, if you've listened to "I Need A Helping Hand" the chord struck by the group on the word "Hand" is a minor-5th. A chord you would probably only James hear a group like the Temptations do. Earlier I spoke to Chalky about the bass, James Bailey in the group having such depth and volume to his sound that he could support that kind of harmony. We were extremely fortunate to find James Bailey, and very lucky to get him, because he was a religious man with spiritual singing experience background. But he was impressed with the group and decided to give it a try. Our good fortune. I'll stop on this note but I do want everyone to know, I get it and like those mad, possibly obsessive people in rare soul, I so identify. The fascination is with me also be it causes me to recall and look back some extroadinary times and events. The only sadness ever to come was when we split up and had to move on. But never regret. Best Regards, Larry

Hi Roburt, You're right on the money. I come from a long line of entertainers. I was raised in Cleveland, Ohio during the time when Cleveland was a mecca for producing all sorts of entertainers. Musicians, solo artist (as far as singers), singing groups, actors, of all classifications. We have a Playhouse Square Area comprised of four fascilities that produces shows just as Broadway in New York. As a matter of fact we produce some shows here that then go on to Broadway in New York. In short we have a very lively and thriving soul music here. As a teenager I had a very popular Singing group call the "El'Deons". A popular spanish name for that era. (smile) When came back here, I only sang in the church choir. Except my old teenage group get together to do a high school reunion celebration. It's amazing that we sound as good as we did fifteen years prior. No I had graduated from Arizona State University, Degree in Environmentalism, I came back here, seduled down in my career, bought a house, raised a family, and now retired. Thank you Best regards Larry

Hi Russ, the privilege is equally mine. Believe me I marvel at the Internet and it's power to connect people all over the world. Where can I start! First of all the 10,000 figure was a quote from our manager/producer Bill Mauzy. Bill Mauzy was also a military man. In the military much longer than the five (5) of us. It was Bill who finance the first pressing. We had minimal participation in the distribution, mostly we did promotions throughout the state. We were extremely well known throughout the state within the military. But we also had a strong following on the college campuses and in general had been on many of the radio stations with very good air play. We were in many of the record shops with request coming in constantly for more records. Our main drawback was only that we were military and didn't have the freedom to move as the studio wanted us to. And Russ, you are spot on with a terrific sense of perception that it was incredible at the time. We were right smack dab in the middle of the Motown era with all it's talent and influence and stood toe to toe with anyone. I'll say this without speaking of how it all came about. When you speak of Motown, the young arranger just starting out, who arranged the music for "Connie/Sweet Magic" was a young H.B. Barnum. He after that arranged some early things by the O'Jays and then joined Motown doing many early Temptations, Ashford & Simpson and on and on. Back to the presses. As for the second or third pressings, well they never came because of many of the reasons that often happens. I can only say with no regrets, that we had our run and we had a lot of great times. Many of with which I'm sure we'll touch on from time to time here on Soulsource. After, all that was fifty (50) years ago. I was 24 at the time of those recordings and I'm now seventy-five (75). And if we ever get into the time leading up to those recordings that really prepared us to experience the recordings. I'm speaking of ages 22 and 23, I think you'll find it extroadinary.

Got it. Much obliged. Larry

10/4 Rob, to be continued.

Hi ady croasdell, That's correct, I've been to New York, but I'm out of South Euclid, Ohio. Thanks for the clarification. Best Regards, Larry

Hi Rob First of all, just to let everyone know, I'm not a stranger to the UK. When I finish My basic training and fresh out of technical school I was stationed at Dreux Air Force Base France, about 60 miles out side of Paris. There for 6 and 1/2 years I visited all over Europe. Now, Rob the initial printing of "Connie/Sweet Magic was 10,000 copies. Most if not all of that distribution was accomplished in the Phoenix/Flagstaff area of Arizona. Five man singing group, 4-Air Force, 1-Army. Stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. We traveled to Los Angeles, California. Lelandway & Vine, one block from the Motown Studios. The era and the time was electric because there were so much going on, musically and culturally. I'll stop here with that because it can be a whole conversation in itself. Within time things have a way of going around and returning to a point started. Without going into extenuating circumstances of the promotion of "Connie/Sweet Magic" at this time, I'll just say, the producer owned the studio and the main thrust of his business was television productions. To be continued!! Best Regards, Larry

Hi Steve L French say "Merci", I say thank you. Glad to be here. Feel like home already. Mucho Regards, Larry

Hi Lion Excuse my shortening your handle but fully appreciated. Thanks for the compliment of "Connie/Sweet Magic". Down the line there are special things and circumstances surrounding this recording in California. But this will all come later. Again, much appreciated. Best Regards Larry

Hi Frankie Glad to be on board. Equally your appreciation of "Sweet Magic/Connie" is heart felt. James Mitchell was out front with "Sweet Magic" the same with "I Need A Helping Hand. Best Regards, Larry

Hi Chalky That's terrific to hear James is still with us. One of the best, great, talented, and what I call southern inspired and trained basses I've ever known. When we found James he truly gave us a solid foundation for the kind of harmony we decided to use as a group identity. Hopefully at a minumum they can get word to him that I'm still here. In my Soul Source Profile is an e-mail address. I don't know if you're privy to that or not, but for communication purposes you're welcome to that. I've just joined Soul Source, so I'm a new hand, but I do have the full history of the Servicemen before and during our affiliation with Mr. Murrell, affectionately known as Hadley Madley. (smile). Be well! Truly the best Larry

Hi Chalky That's terrific to hear James is still with us. One of the best, great, talented, and what I call southern inspired and trained basses I've ever known. When we found James he truly gave us a solid foundation for the kind of harmony we decided to use as a group identity. Hopefully at a minumum they can get word to him that I'm still here. In my Soul Source Profile is an e-mail address. I don't know if you're privy to that or not, but for communication purposes you're welcome to that. I've just joined Soul Source, so I'm a new hand, but I do have the full history of the Servicemen before and during our affiliation with Mr. Murrell, affectionately known as Hadley Madley. (smile). Be well! Truly the best Larry

Hi Mark, You're absolutely correct concerning the status of the master tapes for 'Sweet Magic'/'Connie'. I'm the lead singer on "Connie". The flip side "Sweet Magic" was lead by James Mitchell, recorded April, 1966, @ the Bob Ross Studios, Lelandway and Vine, Los Angeles, California. My Regards - Larry Banks

Hi Mark, You're absolutely correct concerning the status of the master tapes for 'Sweet Magic'/'Connie'. I'm the lead singer on "Connie". The flip side "Sweet Magic" was lead by James Mitchell, recorded April, 1966, @ the Bob Ross Studios, Lelandway and Vine, Los Angeles, California. My Regards - Larry Banks