Big Man Records: The Embers “First Time” b/w “I Wanna Be” (New Vinyl 45rpm Release)

E. Mark Windle 19 December 2023.

Without pausing for breath after Big Man Records’ December launch of “Just Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” (b/w “Aware of Love”), the news is that a second quality double-sider from The Embers is lined up for release early in the new year.

Starting out as a doo-wop and rock ‘n’ roll outfit under another name, the group that would become known as The Embers was originally formed by Raleigh, North Carolina high school pals Bobby Tomlinson and Jackie Gore. Since 1958, The Embers have remained an active force within the beach music scene of southeast USA. Inevitably, the group has undergone a number of changes in personnel and musical direction over the years. But for many fans, their 1960s output is of particular interest, representing a time when a number of high quality soul covers and original songs were recorded. With Bobby as the drummer and Jackie on guitar and vocals, they would be the mainstays during this period, though at various points other members included Blair Ellis, Dave Norket, Durwood Martin, Rick Whitfield, and Mark Hammer on keyboards; Doug Harrison, Frank Reich and Don Holloway on sax; Johnny Hopkins on trumpet; and John Thompson on bass and vocals.

Early performances revolved around repeat bookings at frat parties (largely down to Blair Ellis’ status as a Kappa Sigma brother at NC State University), where they would be hired for $75 per show. Recognising their long-term potential, family financial investment enabled the transformation of an old Raleigh warehouse into The Embers Club, a live music venue where the boys could sit in as the resident band. As Winston-Salem’s life-long Embers fan Bob McNair recalls: “I would take dates there back in the sixties. We were underage according to the door policy, but as long as you were well dressed, came with a girl and paid the cover charge, they weren’t too concerned.” Here, and at later locations, The Embers honed their skills alongside soul and R&B stars of the day including Jackie Wilson, Little Anthony, Billy Stewart, Fats Domino, The Drifters and The Clovers.

Jimmy Capps Productions (JCP) was the concept of Jimmy Capps, a WTPF radio broadcaster and DJ who was looking for a platform to promote local bands. Along with his radio station engineer Larry Gardner, a studio was constructed in the basement of an old movie theatre. The Embers would start recording 45s with a group soul flavour for JCP, including “First Time”, co-written by Jackie Gore and released in 1966. There was no regional breakout for this one, though some 20 years later the recording was popularised on the UK rare soul scene by DJ Guy Hennigan, initially under its cover-up artist title of Mill Evans and the Esquires.

“First Time” features on this Big Man Records release along with its original JCP flipside. “I Wanna Be (Your Everything)” is a take on The Manhattans’ hit for Joe Evans’ Carnival label, which had peaked at #12 in the US R&B Charts the previous year. Two covers of the song were released by JCP – the version by The Entertainers was artistically similar, though to these ears The Embers have the edge vocally and on overall production.

The Embers would continue through the 1960s and beyond with a string of other local and national label releases. Many are now established favourites on the UK and European rare soul scenes, including “Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” and “Aware of Love” (both featured on Big Man Records 1017), “What Did I Do Wrong” (Atlantic), and “Watch Out Girl” (MGM). Meanwhile, the group’s significant contribution to beach music in the US has been recognised via multiple accolades at the annual Carolina Beach Music Awards, and induction into the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.

The Embers’ “First Time” b/w “I Wanna Be (Your Everything)” (BMR 1018) is available to pre-order from Big Man Records via bicknellmark@aol.com or bigmanrecords1@gmail.com .

(Copyright 2023) E. Mark Windle is an independent freelance writer and biographer. He has previously worked with Story Terrace (London, UK) as a senior writer, and with Sheridan Hill / Real Life Stories LLC (North Carolina, USA) as a ghostwriter. To discuss services for hire please contact Mark at https://windlefreelance.com/contact/