Wheedle’s Groove return to the CD ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

With little fan fare, no press releases, no marching band, no mayor’s decree, Wheedle’s Groove returned to play the Central District for a mid-afternoon show in a park on the dead-end of a street a couple blocks away from my home. When I saw the tweet from Light in the Attic Records, whose re-releases re-introduced Seattle and the world to the Seattle’s bustling soul scene in the ’60s and ’70s, I grabbed my camera and ran. This wasn’t just a show, it was history.

A small crowd of family, friends and curious neighbors sat on picnic blankets, park benches and dewy grass. A “merch booth” was set-up on a picnic table and Ish from Shabazz Palaces and the ladies from THEESatisfaction watched intently as Ron Buford, Overton Barry, Cold Bold and Together, Robby Hill, Frankie Brown and other’s took the stage, passing the mic around, telling stories and reveling in their return home. Everywhere you looked, there were smiles. Smiles of reminiscence, talking about the days of back-bar performances and dances of Seattle soul being played on local CD radio. Smiles between friends stepping on stage together, cheering each other a long from the crowd and the rhythm section. Smiles of inspiration, from musicians making music in the CD today.

When the curfew came for the concert to end, no one wanted it to stop. Before the final song, “Five More Minutes,” which gave us at least five more, a couple celebratory words were said. “It didn’t rain on us. And nobody fought. All I do it is for the music. I don’t got money in my pockets, I got holes in my pocket.” Feeling my own empty pockets, the Seattle sun above me, smiles all around me, good music being made by good friends, at that moment, I’m not sure any of us could’ve asked for anything more.

Wheedle’s Groove return to the CD ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Wheedle’s Groove return to the CD ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Light in the Attic and Wheedle’s Groove celebrate the release of their gorgeous new limited edition boxset of Seattle soul 45s tomorrow at The Crocodile. The evening is free and your favorite Wheedle’s Groove stars will be signing autographs.