Volume 5, Issue 39  A Positive, Informative and Credible Publication December 10 - 16, 2008

ENTERTAINMENT

Rahsaan Patterson’s Christmas album, The Ultimate Gift Personal Pick >> Rufus Wonder defines commitment to classic soul music   By Eldridge “Big Cat” Tolefree Soul music star Rufus Wonder was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, and his folks packed up and moved to Oakland when he was 12. Soon after arriving in the big city, Rufus began his journey into the world of music by joining his school choir. For years he sang anywhere people would listen to him. Like most young cats trying to make a way for themselves in the music business, he stayed focused.      Rufus spent countless hours honing his craft. He also spent a little time in the Navy, where he formed the singing group the Blenders. The guys performed on the ship and throughout Asia. After their short stint in the military together, Rufus joined The Riffs. The new group played concerts and dominated markets in the Los Angeles area.     After The Riffs dismantled, Rufus made his mark on the stage in Chicago and Detroit. It didn’t take long for him to be noticed — he wrote “Under the Moon” and “So Upset” before signing a deal with Lando Records. Back then he recorded as Rufus Wonder & the Additions on the Lando Record Label in Detroit. He got signed by the famous Frank I. “Sugar Chile” Robinson and Clifton Dickerson, the owners of the label.     Over the years Rufus has shared stages with the Fabulous Counts, Little Milton and the famous dancers Oscar Huckabee and Caledonia Young.     Rufus’ new album, Stitched to Your Hip, looks and sounds like it was tailor-made for both vintage Southern soul and modern funk fans.     Visit his website and enjoy new music, photos and live videos at www.ohostar.coms. Send your comments to Big Cat at insidebuzz@yahoo.com.           ________________________________________________________________

 

Soul Trip USA 2004

The Los Angeles Classic Soul Festival!

 

The UK end have a spirit and camaraderie all their own with Northern Soul. And for those of you still a little hazy over the movement, think Motown 1966 and you will be halfway there!

 

The audience, primarily white, dance frantically to obscure 45's from artists like Patrice Holloway, The Sequins, Gwen Owens and 1,000's of others, while they love the hit makers too, such as Brenton Wood, Bobby Freeman, Kim Weston etc.

 

The romance of this incredible underground is sealed by countless TV programmes, cd compilations, magazines currently on sale in Europe. Our aim is to showcase many 'gone but not forgotten' artists into one great weekend of nostalgia and eye opening hoopla!

 

To simplify our plans, take a quick glance at exactly what's happening and when, and contact me with any questions. I will be on hand throughout the week of March 11-18(the week the British contingent are in town) to speak with new contacts and old friends.

 

Here is the rundown of activity; March 11 UK contingent arrive in LA. Staying at the Wilshire Grand hotel, 930, Wilshire Blvd. (downtown!)

March 12 Pre-Weekend party in the Sports Bar from 9pm 'A 60's Soul night-all welcome) March 13 THE BIG ONE in the Pacific Ballroom starting at 5pm. Over 800 expected for this incredible night of nostalgia. LIVE on stage from 8pm Freddie Hughes, Dean Courtney, The Olympics, Evie Sands, Rufus Wonder, Alexander Patton, Lou Ragland, Marva Holiday, The Magnificents and Jewel Akens.

 

Many other artists will be with us in a 'greet and meet' and PA capacity (that could mean you!) Network with other industry pros-Meet the UK film crew-See the UK passion for great songs from the past.

 

March 14 The Weekend continues at 11am with a RECORD SWAP-MEET.

Hungry collectors will be eager to buy rare and collectible 45's and albums. Over 20 dealers will be on hand with vinyl, books, cd's etc. If you have any oddities-BRING THEM TO THE SWAP MEET.

 

It's all a case of awareness, Alexander Patton (a failed but excellent vocalist from Long Beach) was amazed to find his one shot 45 on Capitol in 1966 is $200.

 

Edna Wright, former lead with chart toppers The Honeycone (Want Ads etc) was thrilled to hear her first 45's under the recording name of Sandy Wynns are worth hundreds of dollars!

 

Miles Grayson, a superb producer of many 60's independent labels in the LA area, has at least 5 productions worth a 'grand' each!! Following the show, the dancing continues in the adjoining Pacific Ballroom from 5pm-12 mid. March 15-17 We are nightly in the Sports Bar from 9pm. Feel free to join us.

 

Sincerely,

Kev Roberts