The Right Track was a funk and soul group from Little Rock, Arkansas, active in the early 1970s. Little is known about the group's full lineup or history, as they were a relatively obscure act, even in their time. They recorded for True Soul Records, a small but influential label based in Little Rock, known for releasing raw, gritty funk and soul by local artists. True Soul, run by producer Lee Anthony, was a hub for Arkansas’ underground soul scene, and The Right Track’s work is a prime example of the label’s distinctive sound.
Their 1973 single, I Gotta Move With The Groove b/w Maybe Yes, Maybe No, released as a 7" 45 RPM vinyl on True Soul (TS 009), is considered a rare groove funk masterpiece. The A-side, I Gotta Move With The Groove, is a driving, infectious funk track clocking in at 3:09, arranged and produced by Clifford Hawkins, who also wrote the song. It features tight instrumentation, a pulsating rhythm, and a raw energy typical of early ’70s funk, with a groove that’s both danceable and gritty. The B-side, Maybe Yes, Maybe No (2:35), was arranged and produced by Millionaire Bassa, offering a slightly smoother but still soulful vibe. Both tracks were recorded at True Soul Studio in Little Rock.
The single is highly sought after by collectors and funk enthusiasts due to its rarity and quality. Its raw, unpolished sound captures the essence of regional funk, distinct from the more commercial output of major labels. Copies in excellent condition are prized, often appearing on platforms like eBay and Discogs, where they command high prices due to their scarcity. The track has also been featured in rare groove and funk playlists, such as those curated by DJs like Cool D The Selector on SoundCloud, cementing its cult status among crate-diggers and vinyl heads.
Members: The Right Track included Bill Dunham and Ronnie McBride, as noted in some discographies, though the full lineup is not well-documented.
True Soul Records : The group was part of the True Soul Records roster, a label that captured the raw, unpolished funk and soul sound of Arkansas in the 1970s. True Soul, led by Lee Anthony, was known for its DIY ethos and for fostering local talent, often recording at their modest True Soul Studio in Little Rock. The label’s output, including The Right Track’s work, was later celebrated in compilations like True Soul: Deep Sounds From The Left Of Stax (2011, Now-Again Records), which featured “I Gotta Move With The Groove” alongside other regional gems.
Other Releases: Besides their 1973 single (I Gotta Move With The Groove b/w Maybe Yes, Maybe No), The Right Track released an album titled Destination Unlimited in 1978 on True Soul. This album is even rarer than their single, with limited information available on its tracklist or impact. The group also contributed to other True Soul releases, though their discography remains slim, with only one confirmed single and one album.
I Gotta Move With The Groove
Musical Style: The track is a quintessential example of early ’70s funk, characterized by a tight rhythm section, punchy horns, and a relentless groove. Clifford Hawkins’ arrangement and production give it a raw, almost live feel, with a driving bassline and syncopated drums that make it a favorite among DJs and collectors. Its 3:42 duration (as listed in some compilations) allows for an extended instrumental workout, perfect for dancefloors.
Cultural Impact: The song’s inclusion in True Soul Volume 1 (2011) and its availability on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud highlight its enduring appeal in the rare groove community. Its raw energy and regional flavor distinguish it from more polished funk hits of the era, making it a crate-digger’s dream. The track’s scarcity on original 7" vinyl (True Soul TS 009) drives its value, with copies often listed on eBay or Discogs for high prices, especially in good condition.
B-Side Context: The flip side, Maybe Yes, Maybe No (2:44 in some listings), arranged and produced by Millionaire Bassa, complements the A-side with a smoother, soul-inflected vibe. It’s less celebrated but still valued for its authentic sound and rarity.
Additional Notes
Regional Significance: The Right Track’s music reflects the vibrant but under-documented Arkansas soul scene, which True Soul Records championed. Other True Soul artists like Thomas East and York Wilborn’s Psychedelic Six shared a similar raw, funky aesthetic, suggesting a tight-knit community of musicians in Little Rock.
Collectibility: The 1973 single is a holy grail for funk collectors. Its rarity is compounded by True Soul’s limited distribution, and clean copies are hard to find. Posts on platforms like Discogs and eBay emphasize its status as a “rare 1973 AR funk” release, with some sellers describing it as an “accomplished” piece of the genre.
Modern Recognition: The track’s inclusion in the True Soul: Deep Sounds From The Left Of Stax 4LP box set and CD/DVD compilation underscores its rediscovery in the 21st century. These releases, curated by Now-Again Records, introduced The Right Track to new audiences, with liner notes and DVD content providing rare glimpses into the True Soul scene, though specific footage of The Right Track is not explicitly mentioned.
