January 1, 1977: A Northern Bonanza – the Loma label

A Northern Bonanza

The Loma label lasted from late ’64 to early ’69 as Warner Bros’ US outlet for strictly R&B product.

For most of its life it was run by Bob Krasnow, who hired such top producers as Jerry Ragnovoy, George Kerr, Van McCoy, Gene Page and even James Brown to build up its talent roster. Despite a number of hits, Loma never became a truly major force in black music, but with the passage of time its records have inevitably become much in demand with the Northern Soul fans in Britain. Now, in possibly an unprecedented move, WEA have given Loma its own label identity in the UK, and issued an incredible 7 albums which contain all the in-demand Northern oldies plus a lot of good soul music besides!

Titled ‘This is Loma, Volumes 1-7’ (K 56265/66/67/68/69/70/71), the albums tend to duplicate a lot of artists, making individual details difficult to give. But some of the acts are Bob & Earl, Lonnie Youngblood, Soul Shakers, Enchanters, Olympics, Roy Redmond, Ike & Tina Turner, Invincibles, Brenda Hall, Apollas, Frankie Love, Teen Turbans, Barry Beefus, Lukas Lollipop, Mighty Hannibal, Billy Storm, Dick Jensen, Carl Hall, Jammers, Ben Aiken, Little Joe Cook, G-Clefs, JJ Jackson and Linda Jones.

‘Volume 7’ (K 56271) contains 24 tracks, comprising one whole album from each of the last two: JJ’s ‘But It’s Alright’ classic leads off ‘The Great JJ Jackson’ side, while the superbly soulful (and sadly late departed) Linda is represented by both the title track and the whole of her incredible 1967 ‘Hypnotized’ set, produced by George Kerr at the same time as he was working with the O’Jays. An ungainly girl, Miss Jones had a goosebump-making singing style that was even better live, but still thrills today on wax.

Each album has excellent liner notes by a different leading soul expert and – even if their disco application is limited to Northern DJ’s – they make fascinating listening for collectors and soul fans alike. 

New Spins

DOUBLE EXPOSURE: ‘Ten Percent’ (Salsoul SZ 2013) (mentioned in Billboard column 4/3/76, Billboard chart debut 5/1/76)
Although badly timed, this is one of the most important releases of 1976.  Potentially another Tavares, it’s been hot on import since the summer and has been growing in stature recently.  A terrific vocal group Philly dancer with catchy chorus, it’s bound to be a hit!

UK Disco Top 20 – January 1, 1977
No Disco Top 20 this week.

Songs mentioned in “DJ Hotline”:

STANLEY BLACK: ‘La Cumparsita’ (Decca)
JIMMY BO HORNE: ‘Gimme Some’ (RCA) (Billboard chart debut 7/12/75)
DRIFTERS: ‘You’re More Than A Number’ (Arista)
BAR-KAYS: ‘Shake Your Rump To The Funk’ (Mercury) (Billboard chart debut 10/9/76)
CLODAGH RODGERS: ‘Save Me’ (Polydor)
KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND: ‘Wrap Your Arms Around Me’ (Jay Boy LP cut) (mentioned in Billboard column 10/30/76, Billboard chart debut 11/6/76)
KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND: ‘I’m Your Boogie Man’ (Jay Boy LP cut) (Billboard chart debut 10/30/76)
BRASS CONSTRUCTION: ‘Ha Cha Cha’ (UA LP cut) (Billboard chart debut 11/20/76)
VAN MCCOY: ‘Soul Cha Cha’ (H&L LP cut – US import) (Billboard chart debut 10/9/76)
SALSOUL ORCHESTRA: ‘Nice & Naasty’ (Salsoul) (Billboard chart debut 8/21/76)
MASS PRODUCTION: ‘Welcome To Our World’ (Cotillion – US import) (Billboard chart debut 10/23/76)
JUNIOR MURVIN: ‘Police And Thieves’ (Island)
SYLVERS: ‘Hot Line’ (Capitol)
JACKIE MOORE: ‘Disco Body’ (RCA)
DONNA SUMMER: ‘Spring Affair’ (GTO LP cut) (Billboard chart debut 10/9/76)
GILBERT O’SULLIVAN: ‘Matrimony’ (MAM)