News Archives

Pals & Gal - Lil Bit Different -  Epsilon Record Co EPS025 Previously Unissued Funky tune with a killer sax A. "LIL' BIT DIFFERENT” (4:44) B. "LIL' BIT DIFFERENT” (instrumental version) (4:44) Produced, Arranged, and written by Ron Foster  publisher: Ron Foster Publishing BMI  Montclair New Jersey USA / 1980   Pals & Gals Tim Williamson Eileen Moore Ron Foster Malcolm Cobb Jr (sax)   Eileen (Foster) Moore's

EPS026 Kenyatta - Kick It Off - Movin' Music - Killer 70's Deep Funk / Soul Killer 70's Deep Funk / Soul  Written & Arranged by James Crabbe Robinson & Keith Rose CBS studio in Manhattan New York 1974 (Special thanks for Paris Ford & Steve Clancy) A: KICK IT OFF (3:24)     B: MOVIN' MUSIC (2:57)   Kenyatta Members:  James Crabbe Robinson Paris “Peewee” Ford Keith “Key Boy” Rose Henry “Butch

The Winter 2023/4 Issue of Soul Up North is out just in time for Christmas  Details below... SOUL UP NORTH - issue 118 OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall ISSUE CD TRACK LISTING – ‘HOUSE OF MYSTERY’ Adam Strange FUNK IN YO’ FACE – WARDELL QUEZERGUE - “MR BIG STUFF’ Howard Priestly JESSE JAMES ARRIVES AT NORTH BROAD STREET. James O’Connor PICTURE ME GONE (BUT NOT FORGOTTEN) PT. 6

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Soul Source shout out to all. May it be a most 'soulful'  time for all Best Wishes mike (on behalf of all the Source Team)   Photo by Bradley Gossett on Unsplash

WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEXT RELEASE BMR 1018 - THE EMBERS - 'FIRST TIME'/'I WANNA BE (YOUR EVERYTHING)' FOLLOWING ON FROM BMR 1017  - 'JUST CRAZY 'BOUT YOU BABY/'AWARE OF LOVE' CONTINUING WITH THE SOUND OF THE EMBERS, THIS JCP NORTHERN SOUL MONSTER FIRST CHAMPIONED ON THE SCENE BY THE LIKES OF GUY HENNIGAN, AN EMBERS ORIGINAL SONG WRITTEN BY JACKIE GORE HAS BECOME A BIG COLLECTABLE ON IT'S USA ORIGINAL,  WITH THEIR FABULOUS COVER OF THE MANHATTANS CARNIVAL CLASSIC 'I WANNA BE (YOUR EV

Big Man Records latest 45 release is now available The Embers - Just crazy 'bout you baby b/w Aware of love - BMR 1017   Label release notes We are thrilled to announce our next release BMR 1017 - The Embers - 'Just crazy 'bout you baby' b/w 'Aware of love', under licence from Embers Entertainment Enterprises/Khp productions to Big Man Records. The Embers need no introduction to the rare soul scene, formed in 1958 by co founders Bobby Tomlinson (drummer) and Jackie Gore

Ain't No Sunshine: The Smooth Soul and Rough Edges of Bill Withers by Mark Ribowsky  Details on a recent release from Permuted Press  Four versions available, focusing on the Kindle version here (preview below) Release notes The first biography of Bill Withers, the most accidental music supernova, who walked away from fame and never looked back. Bill Withers entered the music fray as hardly an afterthought, rewrote the rules for a decade, earned a fortune, then, unable t

News of a new track release from Geoff Waddington Geoff Waddington Feat Tameka Jackson - Don't Walk On By Me 'Don't Walk On By Me' featuring Tameka Jackson was recorded at the Blandy Studios, Released today {Monday 11 December 2023) and now available at online stores. This is a remake of a track that I released a few years ago titled 'Only You'. Listen below...    

News on a new Lp release from Numero Group SKYWAY SOUL: GARY, INDIANA  - Various Artists A sonic snapshot of America’s steel capital, developed in the prosperous cavern between the departure of the Jackson 5 to Motown and the collapse of U.S. Steel, Skyway Soul is a love letter to Gary, Indiana. Featuring The New Day, El Anthony, Nate Evans, Sky’s The Limit, Wilton Crump, Lost Weekend, General Lee, Krash Band, Billy Foster & Audio, I.N.D., and Junei, this double album collects

Dutch vintage soul outfit The Tibbs announce their new album Keep It To Yourself, to be released on January 26th and available for pre-order starting from today on recordkicks.com and Bandcamp (tap).  Listen to the first single “Ain’t It Funny”, out today on all digital platforms.   Dutch vintage soul combo The Tibbs present their highly anticipated new album Keep It to Yourself, to be released on LP, CD and digital format next January 26th on Milan-based label Record Kicks

Soul Junction return to the long player format with Milwaukee outfit Impulse.  Nothing Impulsive about the release that has been five decades in the making but it has been well worth the wait.   Impulse   ‘Impulse!’   SJLP 5015 Release Date:   Monday December 11th 2023 ‘Impulse’ was a band of Milwaukee, Wisconsin musicians whose members included Michael Reese (Rhodes Piano and background vocals), Cedrick Rupert (Lead and Rhythm guitar), Jeffrey Williamson (Drums and bac

News all about an interesting release featuring both a  new reworked version and a remastered version from the original acetate,    'Some fifteen years later, and taken directly from Shirley’s personal dubplate, Sonar Kollektiv were finally able to restore and remaster this rare take from that session plus a sophisticated, balladic reworking that respects the original but gives it a very different twist' Sonar Kollektiv are very proud to present a sweet slice of obscure Philly sou

This Friday is a release day for Ace Records - including in the batch of release are 3 soul 45s that just may be of interest, details, label release notes, audio and such all follow below   CITY 089 - DEE ERVIN YOU MAKE ME HAPPY / GIVE ME ONE MORE DAY 'Dee Ervin suffered collateral damage from GRC/Aware’s bankruptcy. He only got to release two mediocre sides on Hotlanta but these recordings match anything he created in a successful career throughout the 60s & 70s.' CIT

VARIOUS ARTISTS "SOUL PRESCRIPTION" LP (SOUL4REAL) 'Soul Prescription', the 4th album published by Soul4Real. We have included 12 tracks, all great examples of real soul music, a mix of well known classics, overlooked gems, and 4 original unreleased songs than most people have probably missed. A perfect gift for Christmas! PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 7th DECEMBER www.soul4real.es Soul Prescription JAMES & BOBBY PURIFY – MY ADORABLE ONE 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 http

The Ellis Hall Group - 'Those Passing Words' -  Super Disco Edits Upcoming quality soul 45 from Super Disco Edits, the actual release date needs to be confirmed but available now for pre-order, see link below Label release notes We are back after a fairly quiet summer.  A case of me playing too much golf and just not being able to find the quality i like when releasing new music. But stop the press, after about 7 years of trying we have finally secured this amazing modern soul win

A quick shout about two most recent Penrose Daptone 45 releases   Videos and release notes below Johnny Ruiz & the Escapers "Sorry" b/w "Prettiest Girl" Johnny Ruiz and the Escapers offer up two sides of haunting group sounds sure the scratch the itch of doo-wop and soul enthusiasts alike. Adorning the a-side is "Sorry", a stark, creeping, dirge-like ballad with a sparse rhythm track that swings eerily underneath Johnny's sublime lead and the Escapers plaintive harmonies,

New Release from Creative Soul - MT Jones - I'd Be Lying MT Jones - I'd Be Lying / In My Arms - Creative Soul  There was a slogan carried on t-shirts and record bags a few years ago which simply said "Soul music, if I had to explain it, then you wouldn't understand". It's true up to a point, you have to listen, you have to have an ear to really appreciate to then understand what it's really about. We think that our next release should have carried a strap line, "MT Jones.... soul

A brand new Soul Double A Side Single from Suit Yourself Music. The Syphons featuring Darrell Smith: Moving In On Somebody Else’s Heart AA: I Don’t Know Where We Go From Here Fresh from his show-stealing performance at July’s BBC Northern Soul Prom at London’s Royal Albert Hall, singer Darrell Smith has teamed up with producer and songwriter Andy Lewis (formerly bass player for living legend Paul Weller) and instrumentalists The Syphons for this double-sided slice of powerful 60’s

Secret History of Chicago Music - Pastor Mitty Collier  A new addition to the most enjoyable 'Secret History of Chicago Music' article series running on The Chicago Reader Website via Steve Krakow THE SECRET HISTORY OF CHICAGO MUSIC Pastor Mitty Collier spent the 1960s as one of the great voices in soul music For 20 years she’s served the More Like Christ Christian Fellowship Church on the south side, but her old life deserves recognition too. Mitty Lene Collier was born

LRK are excited to announce their last 45 release of the year. The double A sided 45 by Texas soul man, Brian Scartocci Brian Scartocci - Days Of Glory / No Kind Of Pitiful - LRK-24 - LRK RECORDS Genre: Retro Soul Release date: 8th Dec 2023 Pre-order from today! Only 300 copies pressed and already selling quick so make sure you secure a copy! This is LRK's last 45 release of the year! Shipping before Christmas. https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-glory-no-

Details of the latest Soul Direction 45 release have just landed... Press Release Soul Direction Records are pleased to announce the next release in the catalogue. The Natural Soul Brothers Ltd - 'Cement, Plaster & Gold' / The Four Thoughts - 'Kisses & Roses' - Soul Direction -SD019 Pre-Order from Friday 10th November for release date 24th November 2023. Staying in my favourite state of Philly, we continue with 2 sublime tracks from the Wally-O Production stables

Word received about an upcoming 45 from Cannonball Records available to pre-order now for an release on 24th November 2023 Label Release Notes Unsung Heroes from the Golden Age of Philadelphia Soul Philly local talents at the crossing of the 6’s and 7’s, they were initially known as The Twilights. At the time they only recorded three songs for demo purposes although all musicians were featured on many productions from Manny Campbell’s stables, The NuRons’ All Of My Life and I'm A

New Northern Soul inspired song SOON AS I SAW YOU by SALLY JONES & THE HEART HEALERS Now available for download but for limited edition vinyl single sales please email info67Heaven@icloud.com (be quick they’re going like hot cakes!) more details on Facebook and Instagram at 67 Heaven.  Keep The Faith!  added by site Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551518867422 Video sally-jonesBy 67 Heaven.mp4 Press Release Sally Jones &

DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS Too Many Tears / Cruisin' to the Parque [RELEASE DATE: 11/17/2023] TRACKLIST: A. Too Many Tears B. Cruisin' to the Parque       Release notes Durand Jones & The Indications are dropping a new 45 on November 17th, "Too Many Tears" b/w "Cruisin' to the Parque" (ft. Y La Bamba). This one was previously released as a tour exclusive, and has been highly sought after. We're excited to bring it back with new label art,

Roberta Flack – Lost Takes The twelve-track album which will be released on vinyl only features a collection of demos recorded six months prior to Roberta Flack’s debut album First Takes including Mongo Santamaria’s ‘Afro Blue’, Motown classic ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ and My Fair Lady’s ‘On The Street Where You Live’. DJ, producer and label owner Gilles Peterson continues his exploration into the Warner archives with the release of Lost Takes, a twelve-track album featuring a co

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN - ANOTHER 2 WINNERS FOR YOUR COLLECTIONS. £15 each + £3 UK postage (good for 1-3 records)    OVERSEAS - please pm for current postage rates. paypal – hitandrunsoul45@gmail.com - as 'friends and family' please.   HR 1554 THE MOOVERS One Little Dance + Someone To Fulfill My Needs / I Love You Baby . Another of our great value 3 track 45s; contains both sides of their rarely-seen-for-sale 1966 Miami’s Deep City 45 (£500 a few months back) + the 1967 rel

Press Release:   Reggie Soul & The Soul Swingers    “My World Of Ecstasy/Mighty Good Loving” SJ553 Release Date:   Monday November 14th 2023 Reggie Soul real name Reginald Stone is just one of many illusive recording artists who had a very limited recording career for a handful of small independent Chicago labels then disappeared into obscurity, Reggie reputedly left Chicago in the mid 1970’s for the lone star state of Texas never to be seen or heard from again!    

Out Now! - New Soul4Real Releases: Magic Sam (S4R31) & Aretha Franklin (S4R32) MAGIC SAM - THAT´S ALL I NEED /  EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY DAY (SOUL4REAL) ARETHA FRANKLIN - CAN YOU LOVE AGAIN /  I´M TRYING TO OVERCOME (SOUL4REAL)   MAGIC SAM - THAT´S ALL I NEED /  EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY DAY - (SOUL4REAL) What better way to herald Soul4Real's first foray into the blues: two wonderful sides by the late great Magic Sam! Born Samuel Gene Maghett in Mississippi in 1937, in

Ray Williams & The Majortones : Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine) Vocal & Instrumental EPS028 Ray Williams & The Majortones Previously Unissued Modern Soul Crossover Monster  Vocal & Instrumental A: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”(2:58) B: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”instrumental (2:58) Video     B: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”instrumental (2:58) Written by: Lil Major Willi

The Essence Of Life: You're An Angel  /  Walking In My Shadow Epsilon Record Co EPS027 EPS027 The Essence Of Life Incredible Sweet Soul Lowrider with a Raw Killer Rhythm Soul Funk B side Videos     Charlotte NC / 1973 The Essence Of Life Group members Larry Graves Jacque Johnson Jr. (RIP) Craig Young Ken Lock J Jerome Johnson Info Essence of Life was formed in 1973 in Charlotte North Carolina at Johnso

To be released: 26/11/2023 All Platinum - The Making of a Sound  Author: Steve Guarnori ISBN: 978-1-3999-5659-8 Release Date: 26th November 2023 All Platinum – The Making of a Sound is the long overdue detailed history of All Platinum records from 1967-1979. The book contains 534 pages and over 300,000 words, dealing with each year in the company’s history as well as telling the stories of its artists and the musicians who signed for the company each year. With quotes fr

LRK are super proud to announce we will be releasing "The Melody Within" LP by Gary Beals on a limited edition vinyl (300 copies) and a bonus limited edition 45 vinyl also only 300 copies. "The Melody Within" is a musical journey that unfolds across two sides, much like a story that reveals new layers with each turn. The album is more than just a collection of songs; it's an emotional guide that beckons us to explore the depths of our own feelings and explores navigating emotions, self-disc

Out now the latest 45 release from Big AC Records... Nick Corbin & The Hang Ups - Feelin' Kinda Lucky / Time Alone - Big AC Records Released Friday 20th October 2023, the label release notes and purchase details follow below ‘Feelin’ Kinda Lucky’ is the first single from Nick Corbin & The Hang Ups, recorded direct to tape at Kitty,Daisy & Lewis’ Durham Sound Studio in Kentish Town. Corbin has previously fronted Acid Jazz act New Street Adventure and his own solo p

My name is Jim Cartwright, I am a playwright. We are honoured to be closing the 'Fiftieth Anniversary of Wigan Casino' celebrations in Wigan on this Saturday night with my brand new play NORTHERN SOUL. We have a fantastic high profile cast. Tickets are FREE. Please see attached press release for more details. All best wishes, Jim   Northern Soul by Jim Cartwright When: 21 October, 8pm Where: Trencherfield Mill (Machine Hall) A one-off performance o

Out today (10th October 2023 ) 2 very strong releases from the Soul Direction label. Details follow below Hank Hodge & The J Notes Band - Eye for An Eye / Since You Said Goodbye – (Soul Direction Origins SDO1008 The Caressors - I Can’t Stay Away / Sir Joe - Every Day (I’ll Be Needing You) – Soul Direction Origins SDO1008     Hank Hodge & The J Notes Band - Eye for An Eye / Since You Said Goodbye – Soul Direction Origins SDO1008 Info Initially brou

JAHEIM - Just In Case / Diamond In Da Ruff (JAR11) Jaheim H. Hoagland, known professionally just as Jaheim, is best described as an R&B singer, but as all his releases are post millennium, the term has a different usage now to the style of the 50s/60s/70s that once used the genre. A resident of Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, and the grandson of 1960s soul singer Hoagy Lands which gives him Cuban, African and Native American blood, plus a fine musical heritage. His recording car

WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEXT RELEASE BMR 1017 - THE EMBERS - 'JUST CRAZY 'BOUT YOU BABY' B/W 'AWARE OF LOVE', UNDER LICENCE FROM EMBERS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES/KHP PRODUCTIONS TO BIG MAN RECORDS. THE EMBERS NEED NO INTRODUCTION TO THE RARE SOUL SCENE, FORMED IN 1958 BY Co FOUNDERS BOBBY TOMLINSON (DRUMMER) AND JACKIE GORE (LEAD SINGER) THE GROUP HAVE RECORDED A HOST OF ALBUMS AND 45's OVER THE YEARS,  THE NORTHERN SCENE HAS ENJOYED SUCH RECORDS AS 'WATCH OUT GIRL' (MGM) 'FIRST TIM

A sonic snapshot of America’s steel capital, developed in the prosperous cavern between the departure of the Jackson 5 to Motown and the collapse of U.S. Steel, Skyway Soul is a love letter to Gary, Indiana. Featuring The New Day, El Anthony, Nate Evans, Sky’s The Limit, Wilton Crump, Lost Weekend, General Lee, Krash Band, Billy Foster & Audio, I.N.D., and Junei, this double album collects 21 lost songs from the southern-most tip of Lake Michigan. Housed in a deluxe tip-on gatefold

Anniversaries are prevalent in the Northern Soul World.  This year there has been a lot of noise regarding Wigan Casino’s 50th and Morecambe Pier’s 40th. However, it seems to have gone unnoticed that the place where it all started The Twisted Wheel Club, Manchester opened its doors for the first time 60 years ago on the 27 Jan 1963. The all-important trademark Black Music all-nighter was held later in that year on 28 September 1963. Please see the attached link The Twisted Wheel Anniversary

Out Now!  The Low Down Band "Music is The Answer" / Somebody 7"/45rpm Ltd. Listen:   Order: https://www.epsilonrecord.com/streamlabel or https://cannonballsoul.com/streamrecords/ Lowdown Band  The Lowdown Band is an African American funk and soul group from the United States that gained popularity in the early 1980s with their hit single "Music Is The Answer". Formed in San Diego, Ca in the late 1970s, the band was comprised of musicians fr

BBC Breakfast - Wigan Casino 50th Anniversary Northern Soul 22nd September 2023 Mainstream media has been going in heavy on the 50th Anniversary of Wigan Casino opening, in recent days there's been Wigan Casino related articles all over the place. BBC Breakfast joined in this feeding frenzy this morning and ran a 9 minute feature broadcast live from Blackpool. For those who don't do early mornings here's a clip...  

Secret History of Chicago Music - Brighter Side of Darkness  A heads ups on the latest addition to the enjoyable and worthwhile 'Secret History of Chicago Music' article series running on The Chicago Reader Website from Steve Krakow THE SECRET HISTORY OF CHICAGO MUSIC Don’t call Brighter Side of Darkness one-hit wonders The R&B vocal group had a lone smash with “Love Jones” 50 years ago, but their music deserves to be judged by more than chart success. Brighter Side

Latest issue is now out and about, issue details follow below SOUL UP NORTH - issue 117 Contents... # OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO # GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall # ISSUE CD TRACK LISTING – ‘AND IN RETURN’ Tony Mac # FUNK IN YO’ FACE – LARRY GRAHAM (PT.1) - “CALIFORNIA MY WAY” Howard Priestly # MAYFIELD; THE BAND, THE STUDIO & THE RECORD LABEL John Smith # THE LADIES CHOICE – COLLECTING RARE SOUL Julie Molloy

The official re-release of RHYTHM MACHINE EPS024 on 7” with a twist Including a superb different B-Side (lp track only). BUY IT HERE: (shipping now) https://www.epsilonrecord.com RHYTHM MACHINE EPS024: A: PUT A SMILE ON TIME (3:54) (re-mastered version)     B: CAN'T DO WITHOUT YOU (3:53) (re-mastered version, first time on a 45)     official re-release on Epsilon Record Co 7". 1976 Indianapolis / India

The odyssey of an original Soul Singer from Barbados, the movie... Ches was born in Barbados, and from that faraway small bunch of islands comes this outstanding piece of Caribbean Soul. Like many of the artists we love, Ches had his fair share of travels and troubles. He dedicated his whole life to music pursuing that ideal of living by the dream we all keep sticking to but just a few have the balls to engage. After his teenage years spent listenting to the sound of the American Black

JEWEL BASS - "IN AND OUT OF LOVE" LP (SOUL4REAL) 𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀´ 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗣 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 13 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹, 7 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱. 𝗣𝗥𝗘-𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗙𝗢𝗥 20th 𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥:  https://www.soul4real.es Jewel Bass' recordings have, over time, developed a global underground following. The fact that Malaco Records used Jewel as a backing singer on so many of their A-Listers recordings (Johnnie Taylor, Latimore, Bobby Bland, Z.Z. Hill, Dorothy Moore, e

Mainstream media are at it again. this Saturday, BBC Radio 6 Music offers the below,,.... BBC Radio 6 Music celebrates the 50th anniversary of Wigan Casino with a Northern Soul All-Nighter 6pm-9pm Craig’s Northern Soul special edition of his regular Saturday night Funk and Soul show (6pm-9pm) kicks off the all-nighter. The show will feature a ten-piece soul house band – The Signatures – and special guests including Wigan Casino legend, Richard Searling and all-female R&B group, The

A message from Geoff Check out my new track -'GOT YOU IN MY LIFE' -ft- TAMEKA JACKSON,  the official release date 4th of September, the track should start to appear at online stores. 'GOT YOU IN MY LIFE' -ft-TAMEKA JACKSONcut.mp3  

Details on One World Records latest release... Shazz - Innerside (Universal Soul Mix) / (Radio Edit) Just released, this great mix (Universal Soul Mix) of this great track was once a 'featured' top of the tree track on here way back in the late 90s, at long last it's now available as a 45! One World Records release notes The moody and soulful house track 'lnnerside' has been internationally popular since it was first released in 1998. Shazz - derived from soul, house and

Aphrose reveals her sophomore album, ‘Roses,’ a captivating amalgamation of Neo-Soul and R&B, delving into the wellspring of ancestral strength and love. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Aphrose, also known as Joanna Mohammed, unveils her sophomore album, establishing her as one of Toronto's best-kept musical treasures. Known for her commanding vocal prowess within her hometown, this gifted songwriter and vocalist is rapidly garnering global acclaim and accolades from both fans and musi