Multi-talented Larry Banks came from Brooklyn, NY and was part of a highly musical family. And although he spent the 50s in singing groups, into the 60s he made a good living as a songwriter/producer/A & R man rather than using his voice. So although his own 45s could be considered more of a side-line than anything else, he made several of them, and recorded more tracks that were never issued, and a good few of his output are relevant to the musical aims of this website.

He started out as a member of the Schemers around 1954, graduating to the Four Fellows a year later, with whom he made over a dozen 45s. The group were more like the Ink Spots than R & B combos such as the Clovers or the Midnighters in their stylings but were popular enough to have lasted to the beginnings of a new decade. Backed by them, Banks made his first solo disc for Select. Will You Wait had more than a touch of doo wop in the chord changes, pumping piano and the background vocals but Banks showed a fine gritty tone and a super sense of dynamics on his strong vocal.

Over the next couple of years Banks devoted his time to writing and producing rather than his own career as a singer, the most memorable of his efforts was his involvement in his then wife’s (Bessie Banks) wonderful rendition of Go Now. His second solo disc came out on DCP in 1965. I Didn’t Wanna Do It was a typical New York big city ballad of the period, with I’m Coming Home an upbeat dancer.

Larry became a linchpin of the GWP company and the black music A & R director for RCA shortly after this, recording a large catalogue of music by such artists as Kenny Carter, the Geminis and the Hesitations. He cut a lot of demos and unreleased material as well, most of it uptempo and not in my view of any great quality. But he did release a first class single on Kapp in 1967 – his killer 45 for me. Both I’m Not The One on a rhythm track first used for a Kenny Carter session from the previous year, and Muddy Water are deep soul ballads to savour. I don’t think Banks got much more emotionally involved on a disc than he does on these titles, his anguish almost tangible. I just about prefer Muddy Water thanks to the more subtle melody and the way his voice cracks as he almost howls out his contrition – begging for forgiveness. In any event whichever side you prefer the disc is a masterpiece no question.

Almost up there with it is the duet he cut with his second wife Jaibi (Joan Bates) as Lawrence & Jaibi in 1968. You’re Not Mine is a beat ballad with a beautiful set of chord changes and some very fine singing from the pair of them. Jaibi’s lighter tone making a nice contrast with Larry’s gruffness. Their unissued cut sadly isn’t anywhere near this class.

Larry’s final 45 for Spring was a disappointment and his career in the 70s wasn’t as half as fulfilling as the previous decade. He passed away in 1992.