Gene & Eddie
were a journeyman R&B act from Silver Springs, Maryland who enjoyed some regional success in the mid-'60s to early '70s as a churchier and more polished alternative to
Sam & Dave
. For a time, they were partnered with a white R&B showband called
the Nightcaps
, and as one of the few integrated soul acts of the day, they landed a handful of upscale gigs that eluded their peers, including an appearance at a party at the White House. (Washington, D.C. was one of their biggest markets at the time.) Post-
Nightcaps
,
teamed with
Joe Quarterman
, a songwriter, arranger, and producer who ran the independent
Ru-Jac Records
label when he wasn't busy performing under the name
Sir Joe
.
cut six singles for
Ru-Jac
, but only one, "It's So Hard" b/w "Sweet Little Girl," gained any sort of traction, and then only as a regional hit. However, the obscurists on the British Northern soul scene would in time discover
, and they helped make a few of their previously forgotten sides collector's items. The American archival label
Omnivore Recordings
has finally given
's material the reissue treatment, and
True Enough: Gene & Eddie with Sir Joe at Ru-Jac
collects the material they cut for
between 1967 and 1971, along with a few extras. In addition to their 12
sides,
True Enough
includes a 1965 single
cut with
, as well as a few of
Quarterman
's tracks as
actually turns out to be the secret star of this collection.
were solid performers, with good harmonies and dynamic interaction, but
's contributions shine brightest. These singles were clearly cut on a limited budget, but the studio sound is impressive, and his arrangements sound full-bodied and imaginative.
is good fun for collectors of vintage soul rarities, and
Omnivore
has clearly assembled the album with care. ~ Mark Deming