Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers

Released

The 1968 debut from Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers features their doo-wop-derived, unashamedly romantic soul sound. The album contains their three singles, the quality Ashford & Simpson-penned soul ballad I Am Your Man, the sweeping orchestration and sweet soul melody of Malinda and their best-known tune Does Your Mama Know About Me. Does… tackled the issue of interracial relationships via the medium of tender, retro soul and featured some of the most gorgeous orchestration Motown ever put on wax. If BT&TV’s aesthetic was perhaps a little out of step with other late 60s ‘progressive’ soul artists, Does Your Mama… was an important lyrical step for the traditionally conservative Motown as well as being an exquisite slice of sensitive 60s soul. 

Harold Heath