Скачать или смотреть [NORTHERN SOUL] Black & Ward - Long Time (1975/Remaster)

RESTLESS: THE STORY OF BLACK & WARD

Black & Ward are a vocal soul/pop duo from Toronto; formed by Terry Black and Laurel Ward in late 1971. They released a number of singles throughout the 1970’s and a 6 song EP in 1981; having a few hits along the way. A number of these releases command three figure sums due to their “Northern Soul” status in the UK; many of the others are hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

1971 would see Terry Black and Laurel Ward two team up as “Terry Black & Laurel Ward” (shortened to Black & Ward for all subsequent singles) at the suggestion of friend Bill Gilliland. Bill secured the pair a Canadian recording deal with his Yorkville label as well as international distribution for their debut single “Goin' Down (On The Road To L.A.)/Oh Babe.” Recorded in the UK in early-1971 at George Martin’s Air Studios, the single would have minor success, albeit not until February of the following year; barely cracking the Canadian charts at #99, and reaching #57 on Billboard in the U.S.

By the time their single became a hit in 1972 they had already joined a band. Sometime during mid-1971, the duo would be asked to join Doug Riley’s newly founded band “Dr. Music.” They’d stay with Dr. Music for just over two years; touring as well as releasing eight singles and two albums during their time with the band.

Upon the original failure of “Goin' Down (On The Road To L.A.)” Terry would record another solo single; this time for GRT. “Ridin’ A Daydream/Boutique” was released in October 1971 to coincide with the film “Foxy Lady” (From which it was taken). The single failed to chart and Terry again set his sights on the duo’s career.

After the success of “Goin' Down (On The Road To L.A.)” in February 1972, the pair would quickly release a follow-up single. “Warm Days, Warm Nights/Love Is Gone” was released under the newly christened “Black &Ward” name, but failed to chart. The B-Side is a song taken from Laurel’s LP outing with Gordon Lowe from 1967.

The rest of 1972 was mostly busied by the various live and studio engagements they’d perform with Dr. Music. But by 1973, they’d try once again to break into the market with another single of their own. Recently married, the two put out the aptly titled “Love Is The Feelin’/Now’s The Time” in mid-1973. The single was a minor success reaching #87 on the Canadian charts that year.

During their time with Dr. Music, a number of opportunities would be made available to the duo. Most notable being part of the vocal group for Keith Hampshire’s revival of the “Music Machine” variety T.V. show in 1973. They’d perform this role for the show’s first season (September 22nd 1973-June 22nd 1974) alongside a cast of amazing Canadian vocal talent; including Sharon Lee Williams, Rhonda Silver, Dianne Brooks, Wayne St. John and Jason King.

After leaving Dr. Music in late 1973, and then finally leaving the cast of Music Machine in June 1974, the pair were once again on their own; taking a short break for some R&R.
As 1974 turned to 1975, the pair would sign a deal with RCA and release 3 singles. Black & Ward were once again in the studio trying to find chart success. First out of the gate was the funky, soul-tinged “It’s Your Love/Delight.” The single failed to chart but has since garnered popularity among collectors. Next up was “Back Up (Against Your Persuasion)/This Is My Confusion” which would go on to be the group’s biggest hit; reaching #35 on the Canadian charts. Finally around October-November they released “Long Time/Restless” which failed to chart. These three singles have garnered a cult following among Soul/Funk collectors as well as UK DJ’s obsessed with dance floor magnetizing Northern Soul; driving the prices up into the three-figure range.

The remainder of the 70’s saw the duo temporarily disband the group, instead choosing to focus on commercial and jingle writing. Laurel would also do some touring and session work, most notably touring with Anne Murray as backup singer. Terry would in addition to his multiple commercial/jingle credits, once again contribute songs to a movie soundtrack; this time for Ivan Reitman’s “Meatballs” in 1979. The song was an original composition titled Moondust.

The 1980’s saw Terry Black do jingles for beer and car advertisements while trying to reinvent himself as a country artist. This would take a backseat however to the reformation of Black & Ward. The duo got back together in early 1981; recording an EP in 1981 and a solo single for Terry in 1982. Neither charted and the two releases essentially sunk like a stone. This represented a tough time in their careers and to a lesser degree their marriage. They’d again disband the group and would mostly focus on commercial/jingle work for the remainder of the decade.