Walter "Simtec" Simmons might not quite qualify as an enigmatic figure in soul music, however, there certainly isn't a wealth of information readily available out there. A number of his recordings have recently been remastered and reissued which prompted me to revisit and and complete his discography collection to my liking. In re-acquainting myself I was reminded that our man wasn't simply one half of a one-hit duo, dubbed the psychedelic Sam & Dave. Simmons was a singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and one hell of a piano player who worked consistently in these capacities for at least a couple decades. His handy work extends far beyond his writing credits in this songbook collection. The T-Box Band aka The T-Box's and its members are also featured -- both credited and uncredited -- throughout this compilation. They initially started as The Wheels in early 60's Chicago. Simtec Simmons along with his brother Ronald Simmons and Bobby Pointer, under the tutelage of Ulysses Samuel Warren, came together as the backing band for Wylie Dixon. They would later backline the entirety of Simtec's Maurci recordings, then go on to become Simtec & Wylie's backing band and a house band for other projects produced by the duo (Krystal Generation, Tender Touch, Etc). Following that, core members, Ronald Simmons and Bobby Pointer -- who also played on Gene Chandler and Jerry Butler's duet album -- became a part of Southside Movement. Later in the 70's Walter "Simtec" Simmons recorded his lone solo album, once again joined by his brother Ronald Simmons, Bobby Pointer and Southside Movement's Willie "The Touch" Hayes. Enjoy!
01 - Krystal Generation - 1969 - I'm Gonna Build (T-Box 102) [meefs]
02 - Simtec & Wylie - 1972 - What's Good To You? (Mister Chand CH-8011) (Mister Chand CH-8014)
03 - Gene & Jerry - 1970 - You Just Can't Win (By Making The Same Mistake) (Mercury 73163)
04 - SouthSide Movement - 1974 - Gotta Get Over The Hump (20th Century LP T-445)
05 - Artie White - 197? - Looking For A Good Time (Cynthia 1005)
06 - Curtis Blandon - 1971 - Push Comes To Shove (Wand 11241) [meefs]
07 - Mel & Tim - 1971 - Put An Extra Plus To Your Love (Bamboo 118) [mono]
08 - Simtec Simmons - 196? - Uhh Ohh (Unissued Maurci) [mono]
09 - Wylie Dixon - 1968 - Gotta Hold On (Toddlin' Town 105) [mono]
10 - Barbara Blake & The Uniques - 1975 - Patching Up The Wound (20th Century LP T-462)
11 - Simtec - 1977 - I Apologize (AVI LP AVI-6028)
12 - Syl Johnson - 1980 - Last Night Was The Night (Shama LP SHL-8001)
13 - Andrew Jeffries - 1978 - Not Just Like Any Girl (Queen SQ-50) [meefs]
14 - Krystal Generations - 1975 - You Were Never Mine (CMC 103)
15 - The T-Box's - 1972 - Ain't Enough Love [Part 2] (Mercury 73284)
16 - Johnny Williams - 1969 - I Made A Mistake (Bashie 100) [meefs]
17 - Simtec & Wylie - 1971 - Everlasting Pain (Mister Chand CH-8004) [mono]
18 - Willie & Anthony - 1973 - One Hand Wash The Other (Molly-Jo 1001)
19 - Simtec & Wylie - 1969 - Do It Like Mama (Shama 4003) [mono]
20 - Tender Touch - 1973 - Can I See You Tomorrow? (Paramount PAA-0252)
21 - Gene & Jerry - 1971 - The World Keeps Changing (Mercury LP SR-61330)
VA-UO
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