The tapes for Ronnie McNeir Makes a Move were discovered in Mickey Stevenson’s extensive master tape collection, and the result is a full new LP of classic McNeir—a true gift for his many soul fans, particularly in Europe where he is so deeply admired.
In 1971, Ronnie recorded more than twenty tracks with Stevenson’s production company. Eleven appeared on his RCA debut Ronnie McNeir, but ten remained in the vaults—until now.
The title cut, “Let’s Make a Move,” composed with longtime collaborator Andre Moore, bursts with urgent funk energy. “I’m Sorry” offers an earlier take on “Gone Away,” complete with a female vocal response track that didn’t make it onto the 1972 RCA release.
McNeir also reimagines Motown classics. “Say You,” first recorded by the Monitors in 1965, is given a laid-back twist, while “The Girl’s Alright With Me” features stellar backing vocals from Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford. Both the single and alternate versions of “Say You” are featured here. In a surprising turn, Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” gets a jaunty, soulful makeover.
Other standouts include the slow-burning “My Day Will Come,” co-written with his wife Mona and already drawing attention from modern soul DJs, and “Tell Your Mama,” a sensuous groove in the spirit of Marvin Gaye. “East Side, West Side” brings a streetwise social edge, tackling the realities faced by young people at the time.
A multi-instrumentalist with deep jazz influences, McNeir also included two instrumental jams: “Ronnie’s Bag #1” and “Ronnie’s Bag #2.” Driven by piano, keyboards, and early synthesizers, the first leans toward jazz while the second heads straight into funk territory.
Ronnie McNeir Makes a Move is a fascinating rediscovery that expands the picture of McNeir as an artist—versatile, soulful, and ahead of his time.
Track Listing
A1. Let’s Make a Move
A2. I’m Sorry
A3. My Day Will Come
A4. East Side, West Side
A5. Ronnie’s Bag #1
B1. Ronnie’s Bag #2
B2. The Girl’s Alright With Me
B3. Say You
B4. Tell Your Mama
B5. Blowin’ in the Wind
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