Catamount Records

Skip Jackson

Skip Jackson - whose real name was Tommy Brown - started singing in New Jersey in the doo-wop era with his group the Shantons. They cut a few discs for John Matucci’s Jay-Mar label but for soul fans their first 45 of note was for his later Dot-Mar concern.

“I’m On To You Girl” has many admirers on the Northern soul scene but the flip, as is so often the case, is far superior. Listen to Promise That You’ll Wait is a great group ballad with fine horn support – one of those “Soul from Vietnam” songs that are now getting the recognition they deserve. The best part of the track though is Jackson’s hoarse lead, full of true grit.

In 1959 Skip sang with a group called the Shantons and recorded --Lucille / To Be In Love With You on the Jay-Mar label. In 1960 the Shantons recorded --Triangle Love / Lover's March on Jay-Mar and the Christmas Song / Santa Claus is Coming To Town.  As far as Creation Of Love --Calvin And The Catamounts -- Skip did all the musical parts as well as the lead and bass the members of the group were brought in about a month later to do the background. As far as the Bonaire's, there were two George Lavatelli did baritone and Dennis Ostrom did second tenor the third member was Tommy Krupp of - The Hudson's - he did first tenor. 

On recordings by the Shantons, notice that they were all written by Skip Jackson.  Most record collectors ignored the Shantons songs on the Jay-Mar label in 1959 / 1960 and in the mid 1970's because they all thought the Shantons were a white group.  Skip was also very interested in jazz like the King Cole Trio. Skip Also Wrote I know My Baby Cares For Me the flip of Creation Of love and Doo-Wopp Disco for Fourteen Karat Soul.

Peace Of Mind - Capitol 3397 - This feature of his music is also evident on the obscure 45 he cut in the 70s. Listen to Peace Of Mind is very strong southern soul, love that gospel opening and the keyboard fills from Barry Becket. Production is by Eric Malamud with help from Skip and David Dashev. Dashev and Malamud should be very familiar to soul fans for their great work with the Persuasions over so many years.

 
His final discs were for accapella producer Stan Krause – and were a pretty mixed bunch. “Microwave Boogie” is as bad a piece of disco as the title might suggest, but “I Know My Baby Cares For Me” is a pretty strong 70s ballad on which Jackson provides the music and most of the voices. The flip is an update of a Frankie Lymon tune.

Unfortunately Skip passed away in 1982 at the age of 42.