Willie Small – How High Can You Fly

Something a little bit different for today’s featured 45; this is Willie Small – How High Can You Fly – Jessica 401, evidently this was a Stafford spin in the 80′s for Keb Darge. The Stafford connection is probably why I like it; although I never went, nearly all the tunes I hear that are known Stafford sounds seem to be really good.

Willie Small - How High Can You Fly - Jessica 401

It’s hard to find out much about the label or the artist, but the track is written by Eddie Silvers; presumably the well known Chicago R&B personality who was involved in One-Der-Ful records. The label says it was distributed by Dot Record Dist of St Louis, Missouri. I wondered if Willie Small is a pseudonym of Little Willie John but maybe I’m reading too much into the name!

Anyway, its a really good uptempo dancer that has been a mod favourite as well as a Stafford play. Thin on lyrics but with an urgent drum beat and a great horn break I reckon it would suit both an R&B room or a main room playing other than oldies.

Click here to listen

Price wise it books at £25 but it has been seen recently between £30 and £50. It isn’t an uncommon record but with a few plays it could be popular again.