A new 45 from Acid Jazz...
Billy Valentine & The Universal Truth - Lady Day & John Coltrane / Home Is Where The Hatred is - Acid Jazz AJX784s
Release Date : 12 April 2024
Out and about, the release notes from Acid Jazz follow below
A year on from the release of his critically acclaimed album ‘Billy Valentine And The Universal Truth’, released in collaboration between Flying Dutchman and Acid Jazz Records, Billy returns with a brand new take on a classic of conscious
BGP have a new series underway with two vinyl lps released, 'aimed at vinyl buyers who wants a genre specific compilation to excite their ears'
This Is Mod - BGPD 1115
This Is Mod” is part of a new series aimed at vinyl buyers who wants a genre specific compilation to excite their ears. Two sides of fantastic music, at an affordable price, cherry picked from Ace and its associated catalogues.
Compiled by Dean Rudland, who also writes the liner notes, “This Is M
Delighted to announce two new Jai Alai references, this time consisting in four favourite tracks never released on 7" before. Both Maze songs are simply outstanding so it´s certainly surprising Warner Bros didn´t pick up any of them for single releases ("Love Is" was quite hard to get on vinyl too, as the album only came out as promo). Same could be said about the dancefloor delight (an Isaac Hayes production, no less) "Everyday" and the CD only album track by Gerald Levert, obviously influenced
The just gone Easter Weekend saw 5 new releases from Kent/Ace records, 2 on the Select imprint, 2 on the Repro and one on their Measured Mile one.
Details, audio and Kents release notes follow below...
Sylvia & The Blue Jays / The Soul Children -Put Me In The Mood / Standing In The Safety Zone - Kent Select 092
The unknown Sylvia & The Blue Jays cut two tracks for Stax, a southern ballad and this atmospheric, laid-back funky dancer. We first put a version out by Mem
This months releases from Ace includes a brand new cd from Kent, details and more below...
New Kent Cd - Atlanta - Hotbed Of 70s Soul - Various Artists (Hotlanta/ GMG) - CDKEND 518
Release Notes Clip
The GRC Records set-up in Atlanta produced a wealth of great soul music. Because of the sudden curtailment of the company, due to owner Michael Thevis’ incarceration, so much of it never saw a release.
The tapes were preserved though and with many tracks being issued. This
News of 4 new 45s due out from Daptone and available as a bundle from £21 (£25 for the colour bundle), or as individual 45s, release notes below
Daptone 45 Drop
Out March 29th
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
"Don't Wanna Lose You" b/w "Don't Give a Friend a Number"
We are proud to present two unreleased sides from the late Queen of modern soul, and her Dap-Kings. Recorded during the sessions for Soul of a Woman and penned by sax stalwart and Daptone co-founder Neal S
News about a new Northern Soul CD sent in from Wienerworld
Released on Friday the 29th March, the press release follows below...
Northern Soul 2024
CD Cat. No: WNRCD5127
£12.99
Welcome to Northern Soul 2024, a sizzling collection of 24 new recordings capturing all the essence of classic Northern Soul by vintage soul artists and fresh new talent!
The first "Northern Soul" series CD since 2012, with three new songs written with Fiachra Trench for the first time in 35
Two new releases from Soul Direction, read and listen below
Soul Direction are pleased to announce 2 releases on the “Origins” Label.
Tommy McGee – “Come On” / “To Make You Happy” – SDO-1009
The Summits – “Window Shopping” / Phillips – “People Clap Your Hands” – SDO1010.
Release Date – 29th March 2024
Tommy McGee – “Come On” / “To Make You Happy” – SDO-1009
Tommy McGee
Soul Direction have taken two tracks from his first two 45s “To Make You Happy” and
“Come On”.
Soul Up North Magazine #119 Spring Issue 2024 is now out and about
Details below...
SOUL UP NORTH - issue 119
OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO
GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES
Dave Halsall
ISSUE CD TRACK LISTING – ‘BIRD BRAIN’
Martyn Bird
FUNK IN YO’ FACE – GETTING IT BACK - THE STORY OF CYMANDE
Howard Priestly
DAVE LEEDHAM – A TRIBUTE
Phil Morely
COLLECTING BRITISH
Lord Snooty
SOUL SPOTLIGHT – THE BRY-WEK LEGACY P
Press Release: Oliver Cheatham “Don’t Pop The Question (If You Can’t Take The Answer)/Good Guys Don’t Make Good Lovers” SJ555
Release Date: Friday 5th April 2024
In 2012 we at Soul Junction were able to release two previously unissued songs on the Internationally renowned recording artist, Oliver Cheatham. The songs recorded in Detroit circa 1974/75 were cut under the supervision of Olivers cousin William R. Miller. “Don’t Pop The Question (If You Can’t Take The Answer)”
Out today, a new lp from Thee Sinseers via Colemine Records
THEE SINSEERS - Sinseerly Yours
CATALOG: CLMN-12030
RELEASE DATE: 22 March 2024
Release notes
To say that Thee Sinseers play oldies would be a misnomer. Fronted by bandleader and son of East Los Angeles Joey Quinones, the group has quietly chipped away at the sounds of R&B and soul for the last half-decade. Quinones and his crew have continuously created a distinctive vibe that explores all aspects of a timele
Tonys Ballroom Blackburn got a recent mention in the news via a uk govt announcement
Clip and link below
The funding will be used to help preserve the much-loved Tony’s Ballroom’s place in Northern Soul music history whilst providing a new arts venue to bring communities together...
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/208m-investment-in-the-north-to-transform-towns-and-cities
Be interesting seeing firm plans, a case of time will tell?
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Kent has a new addition to its Select Imprint
Carolyn Crawford - Get Up And Move / Sugar Boy - Kent Select 094
Release notes, video and such follow below
Release notes from Kent/Ace Website
This Kent single has been eagerly awaited for some time. Plays at the 100 Club and other venues of ill-repute, has made it a must-play, dancefloor-filling track.
Carolyn Crawford had a brief sojourn at Mickey Stevenson’s Mpingo label, in the early 70s, as a temporary member of Hodges,
Unfinished
Unissued
Until…now!
Epsilon Record Co. proudly presents its latest release
EPS029 1969 Milwaukee / City in Wisconsin
HARVEY SCALES & THE SEVEN SOUNDS A: LOVE THAT ONE (2:38) (previously unissued from Cuca records stable)
WRITERS / COMPOSERS T. Brown
B: DON'T YOU EVER LET IT END (2:47)
WRITERS / COMPOSERS
Lennie Lacour
Available to pre-order today!
Limited edition 300 copies
(release d
New Big Man Records 45
The Embers - First Time / I Wanna Be (Your Everything) BMR 1018
Just been released and now available
Label Release notes
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 Everything)' which The Embers very much make their own certainly
WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEXT BIG MAN RELEASE BMR 1019 - ANTHONY AND THE AQUA LADS - I REMEMBER B/W THE TWILIGHTS - YOU'RE THE ONE, BLUE EYED CAROLINA SOUL OF THE HIGHEST ORDER, UNDER LICENCE FROM ANTHONY MANER OF THE AQUA LADS AND WITH THE BLESSING OF GARY LOWDER (WRITER AND LEAD SINGER OF THE TWILIGHTS) BOTH RECORDS ON THEIR ORIGINAL LABELS GOLD BEE AND AQUA HAVE BEEN FINE COLLECTABLES FOR MANY YEARS SO A PERFECT PAIRING FOR THIS BIG MAN RELEASE FOLLOWING ON FROM BMR 1017 AND BMR 1018 E
Groove Machine - The Earl Young Drum Sessions Various Artists CDTOP 1629
A new Cd release from Kent Records honouring the musical achievements of Earl Young...
Clips of Release Notes
Earl turned 83 in June 2023 (and a very active 83 at that!). To honour his lifetime of musical achievement, Kent presents “Groove Machine – The Earl Young Drum Sessions” a representative but also all-encompassing selection of Earl’s studio work as a drummer and singer from the mid-60s to the late 70s
Three new 'Repro' 45s from Kent are released today, featuring Little Ann, Ty Karmin, Melvin Davis, the details and Kent release notes follow below...
Little Ann - Who Are You Trying To Fool - Kent Repro 15
Little Ann’s ‘Who Are You Trying To Fool’ was unknown until the late 90s when Ace acquired Dave Hamilton’s tapes and this glorious soul dancer was discovered. It has since sold out two Kent 45 releases and due to demand we have resurrected it. This time it is on a TCB re
Charlie Ingui a veteran blued eyed soul singer who formed the band “The Soul Survivors” in the 60's is back with a brand-new single called 'Wake Up Old World'
“Wake Up Old World” is a song about making the world a better place and is due out digitally 23rd Feb 2024. Where it will be available on all streaming platforms.
Charlie explains 'This has always been a theme in our songs inspired very much by our collaboration with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of Philadelphia International
Cannonball Records CBLL045 - The L.A. Propinquity "U Need Me"
Previously unreleased 70s Soul out soon.
Alberto has been pretty ill lately but thankfully he is bouncing back and his label hit the streets again with a previously unreleased 70s dancer by group The L.A. Propinquity entitled "U Need Me".
Alberto says......
“U need me” by the LA Propinquity surfaces as part of a body of productions initially meant to be put out all together on an album. As often seen, for many reas
Official re-release of Frankie Staton & Speckled Rainbow's very rare soul 45 'Love One Another' and 'Bi-Centennial - 1976' on Tramp Records
Having been featured on Tramp's recent 'Can You Feel It' compilation album, Frankie Staton's debut release is highly sought after in Soul and Funk 45 collectors circles.
https://tramp.kudosrecords.co.uk/release/tr327/frankie-staton-bi-centennial-1976-feat-speckled-rainbow
A second re-release I would like to recommend is by William Cummings
After a break of 3 months with no Soul4Real releases I´m excited to announce two new 7"s by Tommy Tate and The Staples. Liner notes by Finland's finest Heikki Suosalo and our very own Iu Adell. As usually, great remastering courtesy of Jorge Muñoz-Cobo (Circo Perrotti) and fantastic job by Jordi Duró on design/artwork duties.
Order now for 1st March: https://soul4real.es
𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 (S4R33)
I Can´t Do Enough For You Baby / Hold On (To What We´ve Got)
Tommy was born in 1
Press Release: Shirley Diamond & Jesse James “You Don’t Know Who You Sleeping With” SJ1021
Release Date: Monday February 26th 2024
Diamond & James are none other than our old friend, the evergreen Jesse James in tandem with Southern soulstress Shirley Diamond. Jesse has known and worked with Shirley for some time following their introduction by Shirley’s former manager/producer the late Harvey Scales. Shirley a native of Atlanta, Georgia and is not only a performing artist a
Ace Records have pushed out a digital release just in time for that day...
Release Notes
Step into a world of soulful nostalgia with the perfect blend of warmth, beauty, and precision just in time for Valentine's Day. In 1967 – ZZ Hill recorded his soulful take on 'When a Man Loves a Woman,' a masterpiece crafted just a year after Percy Sledge claimed the top spot on the Billboard charts with the original. From the velvety vocals to the carefully produced arrangements, 'Valentine's Sou
Funky Way - Venture Records 1967-1969 - Calvin Arnold CDKENM 528
A new album release from Kent Records, just released and the release notes follow below
Release Notes
This is the first album of Mickey Stevenson’s Venture material. ‘Funky Way’ was the label’s first release and a hit in 1967, despite limited airplay due to having the word “funky” in the title. It went on to become an early funk classic, covered by Rufus Thomas for Stax, Tommy Strand for Fame, Jimmy Bee for Kent, Ray
Soul Junction SJ544 Cam Cameron 'They Say I'm A Lonely Man'
Press Release: Cam Cameron They Say/I’m A Lonely man SJ554
Release Date: Monday 29th January 2024
Cam Cameron appears to be another one of those performers from an infinite list of Black American artists that cut a solitary 45 single and then disappear into obscurity never to be seen or heard from again. Couple this with the passing of any of the relevant protagonists from the time along with any of the surviving on
Soul Directions next upcoming release goes like this...
Release Notes
Soul Direction Records are pleased to announce the next release in the catalogue.
Wee – “Trying To Tell You How I Feel” / “We Could Get It Together” SD022
Pre-Order from Friday 26th January for release date 5th February 2024.
Both tracks “We Could Get It Together” & “Trying to Tell You How I Feel” featured in this latest Soul Direction outing were part of a master tape of unreleased tracks that nev
"The Rosetta Stone of Rock'n'Roll"?
A Review of Mind Over Matter: The Myths and Mysteries of Detroit's Fortune Records by Billy Miller and Michael Hurtt from Joel E Turner
Intro
It’s been two Xmas’s since I was gifted this tome which has rarely left the office reading table.
Mind Over Matter: The Myths and Mysteries of Detroit’s Fortune Records by Billy Miller and Michael Hurtt is a sprawling 500+ page, hardbound, well-illustrated history of legendary Fortune Records.
I’
Mark B from Big Man Records has passed on news all about an upcoming book from Sharon McMahan
Going by the title it could be an interesting one, due out on Feb 12th, details and link below
The Last Note: A Northern Soul Classic... the Stories Behind the Songs! by Sharon McMahan
About the Author
SHARON MCMAHAN SONGWRITER / ARTIST / PUBLISHER / PRODUCER
Sharon was born in Sevierville, Tennessee but raised and musically disciplined in Detroit, Michigan.
Sha
Bella Brown & the Jealous Lovers Unveil "Soul Clap" LP: A Fusion of Retro Soul/Funk and Modern Grooves Los Angeles-based retro soul/funk sensation Bella Brown & the Jealous Lovers are set to ignite the music scene with their highly anticipated LP, "Soul Clap."
Born from the creative genius of Grammy Award-winning vocalist/songwriter Carol Hatchett, Bella Brown emerges as a diva with a fiery stage presence, drawing inspiration from the likes of Tina Turner and Sharon Jones, and chann
Known for her 45s on Broadway [Sue] and collaboration with Swamp Dogg
Here are links to a few stories reporting her passing.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sandra-reaves-phillips-dead-actress-singer-1235777164/
https://www.pinkvilla.com/trending/world/who-was-sandra-reaves-phillips-exploring-life-and-career-of-actress-and-singer-as-she-passes-away-at-79-1268729
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1143586-sandra-reaves-phillips-raisin-star-takes-final-bow
Details of an upcoming book due out Aug 2024 from author Benjamin Myers.
Bloomsbury has acquired Rare Singles, a "full-throated hymn to the sorrows and triumphs of soul music" from author Benjamin Myers.
"Over in Chicago, Bucky Bronco is down on his luck – and has been since the loss of his beloved wife. The best he can hope for is to make ends meet, and try and stay high. But then an unexpected invitation arrives, from someone he’s never met, to come to somewhere he’s never heard of."
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
