Source Magazine - Soul Music News & Articles

A new Kent Select 45 has just been released.
The Opals - Can't Give It Up - Kent Select City 072
First time out, Okeh, Billy Butler are just some of the keywords that spring up, but as always the 'official' release notes tell the story far better...
Release Notes
Chicago soul girl group the Opals released three exquisite singles on the Okeh label between January 1964 and February 1965, all of them produced by Carl Davis, in addition to which they also recorded background vocals for other artists. When Tony Rounce compiled Kent’s CD of Billy Butler’s Okeh recordings in 2007, unexpectedly found on the mastertape transfer of Billy’s ‘Right Track’ were two unidentified tracks we eventually ascertained were by the Opals.
The uptempo ‘Can’t Give It Up’ is taken at a perfect dance beat for Northern Soul discos. It was written by Billy Butler and Gerald Sims, and likely recorded around the time of the ‘Right Track’ session in 1966. On the flip is the beautiful, mid-tempo ‘End My Suffering’, which bears a resemblance to Marvin Smith’s ‘Time Stopped’, also from 1966 and produced by Carl Davis. This is the first release for both tracks and will appeal to fans of many genres of vintage soul music.
ADY CROASDELL @Ady Croasdell

Video Promo
Availibilty
Was a bit of a brief delay but seems now available via all the usual renegades including Ace Records themselves...
https://acerecords.co.uk/cant-give-it-up-end-my-suffering
and of course, also available right now via our own Source Store

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · June 3, 20214 yr

Details of a recent album release from Kent
You Gave Me Reason To Live - Southern And Deep Soul From Louisiana - Various Artists CDKEND 501
A preview snippet of the release notes by Dean Rudland follows below..
A celebration of the exceptional music that can occur in the most out of the way places.
South-West Louisiana is rightly famous for its homegrown music: the Cajun sound and its black cousin Zydeco. However, situated between New Orleans and Houston, the region’s music industry was ideally placed to also record local versions of soul, country, funk, blues and pop. This compilation comprises high-quality southern soul which, due to where it was recorded, tends to have been previously overlooked.
The music here spans the early 60s, with artists such as Sticks Herman performing the local version of proto-soul, and the early 1970s, when the influence of Memphis soul could be heard in the voices of Johnny Truitt and Moody Scott. The existence of these recordings is down to record men such as Eddie Shuler, Carol Rachou and J.D. Miller capturing the local talent and touring musicians as they passed through their studios.
These recordings have an edge that suggests they were made outside of Southern Soul’s major recording centres, yet are....
Full release notes along with images and more can be viewed via the Ace Records website, link follows below.
https://acerecords.co.uk/you-gave-me-reason-to-live-southern-and-deep-soul-from-louisiana

Leaflet Previews

Track List
01 Baby Oh Baby (How Far You Are From Me) - Charles Greene
02 If There's A Will There's A Way - Ike Porter & The Fabulations
03 Without Love What Would Life Be - Terrie & Joy La Roy with The Bill Parker Show Band
04 Groove Maker - Dynamic Adam & His Excitements
05 Soul Woman - Camille "Lil" Bob
06 For The Good Times - Johnny Truitt
07 One Man's Happiness - Moody
08 Sea Of Love - Freddie Love
09 Our Love Will Always Be - Lee Bernard
10 Trust - Count Rockin' Sidney with the Dukes
11 Why Did I Let You Go - Chester Randle's Soul Senders
12 You Gave Me Reason To Live - Big Daddy Green
13 Love For Love, Heart For Heart - Ike Porter & The Fabulations
14 To Be Loved By You - Soul Shouting Tommy
15 Lonely Feeling - Sticks Herman
16 Big Boys Cry - Bobby Charles
17 If You Love Me - Clifton White & His Royal Knights
18 On Bended Knees Begging - Big Daddy Green
19 Why I Shed So Many Tears - Terrie & Joy La Roy with the Bill Parker Show Band
20 She's Gone - Dynamic Adam
21 Don't Drive Me Deeper (Into The Ground) - Lee Bernard
22 Blues For Men - King Carl
Availability
Album is out now via all the usual stockists (see above for the Ace Records website link)

Source Store Link
In stock and available to all members via our Source Store at £9.99, details via the link below

releases

By Mike in News Archives · June 2, 20214 yr

Official re-release of James Kelly Duhon's very rare soul sides "So Trusting" and "So Far Down" on Tramp Records
Having been featured on Tramp's recent "Praise Poems" and „Can You Feel It“ compilation albums, James Kelly Duhon's 45RPM single release "So Trusting" is highly sought after in Soul 45 collectors circles. Not many can claim to own it since it is very hard to come by. Therefore many DJs, collectors, and music lovers will certainly be made happy with this long overdue re-issue.
https://tramp.kudosrecords.co.uk/release/tr273/james-kelly-duhon-so-trusting
A second re-release I would like to recommend is by Jimmy Preacher Ellis.
"Since I Fell For You" is his very first recording, released in 1963 on the local Cross Road label out of Seattle, Washington. On the flip you'll find "Hard Times", an equally rare funky soul track. Certainly an interesting re-issue of two lesser known tracks by the Dallas born blues guitarist.
https://tramp.kudosrecords.co.uk/release/tr290/jimmy-preacher-ellis-since-i-fell-for-you

By pleasedtobeheard in News Archives · June 1, 20214 yr

News just in all about a new book titled Soul In Print, a History of Soul Fanzines and Magazines. Due to be published on 1st June 2021. Written by Iain McCartney aka member @Souledtrafford
Iain over the 180 plus pages, covers soul music related publications from both home and abroad, with many interviews with the people who made those publications possible.
Here's the blurb...
Soul music remains the biggest 'underground' music scene in the world with each weekend, pre-Covid19, seeing countless soul nights and weekenders fill the diaries. Records, on often obscure labels, change hands regularly for four figure sums, while many artists come to Britain countless years after they first stepped into a recording studio to sing tracks that they had to re-learn the words to as it had been so long since they last sung it to an appreciative audience. But for many to learn about those 'four-figure' tracks and those who recorded them, they have had to rely on countless diehards on the scene, the 'anoraks' so to speak. Those who seek out details of an artist's career and compile discographies of the labels on which they recorded and then take the time to put it all into print in the form of a fanzine, or if finances allow, a fully-fledged magazine. Some of those publications failed to last beyond one issue, others slightly longer, and although they do not command the same monetary value as the records, many will fetch considerably more than the music publications found on magazine shelves today. There have been books on the artists, the record labels and the venues and now 'Soul In Print' fills a gap, covering the fanzines and magazines which did much to keep the scene alive and maintain the interest which continues today?

Available from 1st June 2021 via Newhaven Publishing at many stockists such as Amazon, Foyles, Waterstones, WH Smith and more

books

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · May 30, 20214 yr

Now available - Stop The War - Vietnam Through The Eyes Of Black America 1965-1974
The third and final release from Kent Records of their Vietnam trilogy spotlighting Black America’s involvement in the Vietnam war using music as the prism.
A preview of the release notes by Tony Rounce follows below...
Featured artists include major names such as Marvin Gaye, the Impressions, Dionne Warwick, William Bell, and the Staple Singers alongside lesser known but equally worthy artists including Michael Lizzmore, the Pace Setters, Charles Smith & Jeff Cooper and Artie Golden, all of whom have something important to add to the story. You’ll find recordings reflecting every emotion war can bring about, from initial optimism to creeping frustration and ultimately despair and desolation.
Given the huge amount of young black Americans who were conscripted to a war from which so many would never return, it is not hard to understand the vitriolic attitude of so many of these songs. The vast majority of these tracks have not previously appeared on Kent, and several make their CD debut here. Annotated and illustrated as copiously you would expect a prestige Kent project to be, “Stop The War” is a fitting and forthright finale to a trilogy on which it has been extremely gratifying to work.
The full release notes along with more images and purchase options can be had via Ace Record website...
https://acerecords.co.uk/stop-the-war-vietnam-through-the-eyes-of-black-america-1965-1974

Video Promo

Tracks
Side 1
01 Promise That You'll Wait - Michael Lizzmore
02 I Say A Little Prayer - Dionne Warwick
03 Lonely Soldier - William Bell
04 Letter To A Buddie - Joe Medwick
05 V.C. Blues - Allen Orange
06 Fighting For My Baby - Donald Jenkins
07 (Mama) My Soldier Boy Is Coming Home - The Shirelles
08 Uncle Sam - Jimmy Hughes
09 Going On Strike - The Emotions
10 Johnny - King Hannibal
11 My Ship Is Coming In (Tomorrow) - The Pace Setters
12 (The Two Wars Of) Old Black Joe - Dr William Truly Jr
13 Hymn No. 5 - The Mighty Hannibal
14 I'll Be Home - Artie Golden
15 Wish You Were Here With Me - The Fawns
16 Men Are Getting Scarce (Album version) - Chairmen Of The Board
17 I Want To Come Home For Christmas - Marvin Gaye
18 Stop The War - The Impressions
19 Leave Him Alone - Stu Gardner
20 Glad To Be Home - Charles Smith & Jeff Cooper
21 The War Is Over (My Brother) - The Sensational Saints
22 John Brown - The Staple Singers
23 Home To Stay - R.B. Greaves
Leaflet Preview

Source Store Link
In stock and available to all members via our Source Store at £9.99, details via the link below

releases

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · May 28, 20214 yr

News about 2 x 45s just released from Daptone and Penrose labels and available right now.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Come And Be A Winner - Daptone DAP 1132
As per the last Sharon Jones 45 'Keep On Looking', Daptone have listened to the feedback and again released an once lp only track on to 45 vinyl.
Taken from the 2017 Soul Of A Woman album, the track 'Come and be a Winner' gets a much-needed positive mid-tempo groove going.
On the flip is the instrumental version via The Dap-Kings
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - "Come & Be A Winner" (2:55)
The Dap-Kings - "Come & Be A Winner" (2:56)
Video

Jason Joshua - Se Acabo - Penrose PRS-1009
Penrose Records was setup to showcase the most exciting SoCal acts, and its 9th release continues to do so. Jason Joshua takes us on a 'moody mid-tempo Latin Soul trip with this track.
The release notes tell the story 'Drawing from personal experience, “Se Acabó” is a bilingual lament about the challenges of navigating mental illness within the context of a romantic relationship. Jason pleads "Her heart was a butterfly flying through the winds of the hurricane of her mind" as he comes to grips with the fact that in spite of his undying love she may never return.'
Instrumental take on the flip
.Jason Joshua - "Se Acabo" (4:14)
The Penrose Scholars - "La Mariposa" (4:14)
Listen below

Both 45s are out and about and available via some online outlets, including our very own Source Store

releases

By Mike in News Archives · May 27, 20214 yr

Some big news coming in for a new 7" vinyl on LRK Records in 2021...
LRK have signed a deal with Washington DC's modern soul sensation Eric Scott to put out his fantastic soulful song "Peace Bomb" which recently has been storming the UK soul charts backed with "Reach Out For me" on the B which is equally as good and soulful.
Both tracks are taken from Eric's new album which is titled "Peace Bomb" that was released back in Dec 2020.
“Peace Bomb” is a pleasant escape and reality-check at the same time. If we don’t wake up, we will leave a terrible world for future generations." - secondsocietyreport

"The song itself has an incredibly timeless quality in both its arrangement as well as lyricism: choosing to focus on principles of family, education, and imagination as the core ingredients of what constitutes a peace bomb." - alchemicalrecords

"This Soul/ jazz infused song is a finely musically arranged song that makes you feel so calm in an intense situation". -dropthespotlight.
As always this is a limited edition 7" vinyl, only 300 copies pressed and there is only 90 copies left so be quick before they totally sell out!
Official release date is set for: 30th September 2021 but LRK normally try and get them out a bit earlier.
Pre-order here: https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/peace-bomb-reach-out-for-me
Eric Scott is a Washington, DC based modern soul singer/songwriter.

Washington, DC's singer/songwriter and bassist, , is pure soulful goodness. He has toured internationally, sharing stages with the likes of B.B. King, Mavis Staples, Aaron Neville, REO Speedwagon, Roger Waters, and Deanna Bogart and you can hear why. There is a unique blend of clarity, kindness, and soul to his voice and phrasing that makes Eric the kind of artist you want to be around, as those qualities translate directly into the kind of person he is.

On his own he performs his own "evolving brand of funky, upbeat, socially aware" music that is, like him, immediately relatable. His songs, woven together by his recognizable signature sound, are diverse and rich, each with the element that make that magical "head nod - foot tap - hand slap" happen as you listen. His musicality is so on point, arrangements so smooth, and Eric's voice is like the cherry on top, crystal clear soul with just enough grit underneath to keep it real.

His latest album, Peace Bomb, comes out at the perfect time when our world needs peace and love more than ever.

PRE- ORDER HERE: https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/peace-bomb-reach-out-for-me
Eric Scotts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricScottMusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LRKrecords1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lrk_records/?hl=en
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/user/LRK_Records
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LRK_Records?s=09

releases

By LRK in News Archives · May 26, 20214 yr

It's time for another dose of Northern Soul Connections, in this long running series member @Kenb takes the time and effort to deliver soul related facts and info through an easy to read/view format.
Northern Soul Connections #26 - Soul Sensations, The Soul Sounds and Devil Worshop
Northern Soul Connection #26(click twice for best view)

Site info - You can check out Kens other quality 26 Northern Connections all available via his 'activity' profile page, the link follows below...

connections

By Kenb in Articles · May 25, 20214 yr

MD Records have been busy, they have just released a batch of 3 new 45s, featuring tracks from Ruby Andrews, Mary Gresham and Bottom and Company.
You can read the release notes from MD Records below...

Ruby Andrews - It takes me away - MD Records - MD 112
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We heard about this 'It takes me away' a few years ago and started conversations with Ruby to see what she was up to and was she interested in getting the track out there. This is the first song she recorded at Zodiac, and in her words she didn’t think it was strong enough back then, so it didn’t go through to final mastering for a commercial release. This is such a historic track that we just had to get it to a release.
PLEASE NOTE – The sound quality while good is not “up there” with other releases, but it’s still a brilliant dancer!!!
It’s coming out backed with Ruby’s personal selection of one of her more modern, unreleased tracks 'You're My Life'. Two sides from one of the evergreen artists on the soul scene, never previously released.

Bottom and Company - You're messing up a good thing - MD Records - MD 113
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It's not often that we have a conversation with Jordan where we don’t come away feeling like we have been through a whirlwind of inspiration and ideas. One particular conversation led to a discussion about new tapes he had acquired and one in particular from the Wishbone production company.
Wishbone was the name of a production company and studio owned by Terry Woodford and Clayton Ivey. These guys worked at Muscle Shoals and went on to be snapped up by Motown as writers and producers before moving on to start their own studio.
This band is known, has some great tracks but never got the backing it deserved to go the distance. With only a handful of released tracks to their name Motown didn’t get behind them. Imagine our excitement when Jordan starts to play the tracks from the tape and there are 2 unreleased tracks on it. Following a quick chat and verification that they were unreleased; we started to hunt down the rights.
Following an intensive week or so of conversations, Terry not only agreed to work with us but then proceeded to share his knowledge and catalogue with us to see what else might make it to vinyl for the first time.
This is a great double sider with the A side being a fabulous 70s/modern version of a classic track that was also sung by Bobby Sheen and Bobby Womack. 'You're messing up a good thing'. There is every possibility that this is the first recorded version of this masterpiece of 70s soul.
Flip it over and the skilful writing of JJ Boyce is delivered through a soulful group harmony track that is a fabulous balance to the powerful A side. 'I'm Sorry'

Mary Gresham - Use Me - MD Records - MD 114
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Following hot on the heels of Bottom and Co. is the fabulous Mary Gresham – brought to prominence in 2008 by Gary Cape on his Soulscape CD – “Voices from the shadows”.
The top side 'Use Me' is a previously unreleased to vinyl track that delivers through a sophisticated sister funk track that should never have been hidden away for so long. Mary is still performing today with her band – now that is testament to her abilities and she really should have more accolades than she does. Mary Gresham shows her powerhouse vocals in this moody and sophisticated slab of southern magic.
Flip the single over and an upbeat southern upbeat masterpiece is laid out before you,' Nobody's Gonna Turn Me Against You ' the beat being carried through the bass lines and brass. Both sides are brilliant examples of southern soul.

All three 45s are available right now from the usual online suspects and from MD Records website as well
https://www.mdrecords.co.uk/
All 3 are also now currently available in our Source Store
link to our MD Records section

releases

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · May 21, 20214 yr

A New Generation of Musicians Are Revitalizing Chicano Soul Music
SoCal KCET website is running a feature that takes a look at how 'A New Generation of Musicians Are Revitalizing Chicano Soul Music'
Focusing mainly on artists from the Daptone imprint Penrose label, the article uses words, photos and sound clips to good effect and is well worth the walk over..
Preview below followed by link to the article
A new crop of artists from the Southland have taken on the mantle of Chicano soul and oldies. Groups such as Thee Sacred Souls, Thee Sinseers, Los Yesterdays, The Altons, and Vicky Tafoya and the Big Beat, to name a few, have recorded music that invoke the romance, longing and nostalgia of yesteryear, while adding flourishes of other genres into the mix.
Musical genres are often phrased in a way that not only describes the style and mood that the music provokes but that also places it within a specific time period. Chicano Oldies, for example, brings to mind the romantic combination of soul and R&B created by Mexican American artists during the 1960s who were influenced by African American artists of that era as well as those who came before.
Full article can be read here
https://www.kcet.org/shows/artbound/a-new-generation-of-musicians-are-revitalizing-chicano-soul-music

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · May 19, 20214 yr

Details of Carmy Love next single a-side have just been announced
CARMY LOVE - REBEL / THINKIN' ABOUT YOU

Official release date Friday 28th May 2021
Cat Number- BIGAC0 11

Carmy Love caused quite a stir with the release of her debut single, "Thinkin' About You", earlier this year. Thanks to the overwhelming levels of support shown across the soul community, "Thinkin' About You" was shared far and wide, earning regular plays on several stations including Mi-Soul, Global Soul and Craig Charles' Funk & Soul show on BBC 6 Music. The Independent also added it to their "Now Hear This" new music playlist on Spotify.

With pre-orders for physical copies mounting up, it's finally time to reveal the A-side that will complement "Thinkin' About You" on 7" vinyl.... Carmy's self-penned "Rebel"

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As we head towards brighter days, this is exactly the kind of music we all need; joyous, uplifting and triumphant. Carmy delivers a beautiful vocal with more than a hint of gospel influence. Augmented by shimmering guitars and emphatic brass, "Rebel" is sure to put a spring in your step.
Carmy Love wrote "Rebel" several years ago but the lyrics feel unnervingly prescient, taking on an entirely different meaning in 2021. Having performed the song regularly with New Street Adventure, fans of the band will welcome the chance to hear this former live favourite in all its studio glory.
"Rebel" will be released across all digital streaming platforms on Friday May 28th. There are still a handful of vinyl copies of "Rebel/Thinkin' About You" available to pre-order from www.bigacrecords.com - delivery estimated 15th June 2021.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Introducing Carmy Love ...
Carmy may be a familiar face to fans of New Street Adventure: As an original member of the band she made a major contribution to "No Hard Feelings" - NSA's debut album on Acid Jazz -with her stunning backing vocals elevating the record to modern soul classic status.
Born and raised in North West London, Carmy had a rich musical upbringing: Her Mother and Step-Father were DJs on several underground stations including Roots, Unique and Flava Radio.
The likes of Janet Kay, Louisa Marks and Ch aka Khan all featured heavily during her formative years, whilst an early grounding in Gospel singing developed her vocal style and stage craft.
Having also sung with Cool Million, Ruby Blu and House Gospel Choir it's now time for Carmy Love to take centre-stage by teaming up with Big AC Records to release her first solo single,
Produced by Mitch Ayling (The Milk) and backed by a NSA-heavy line-up of musicians, this double sider 45 offers an exciting glimpse of what's to come from this incredible new soul artist.
lnstagram @iamcarmylove
BIG - AC RECORDS
www.bigacrecords.com

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · May 17, 20214 yr

Joe Adam’s – “That’s Not Half Bad / Stop Before You Lose Me” – Soul-Direction 004
From the Philadelphia Del-Val stable comes two unreleased tracks from Joe Adams
A stunning version of the Gene Woodbury Classic backed with an equally sublime mid-tempo heart wrenching flip.
Both tracks on 7" vinyl for the first time ever.
It was around 1999 and a stack of Del-Val and related studio reels lay in Joe Stevenson’s basement gathering dust and at the same time slowly deteriorating with the possibility of being lost forever. Looking back now I am so glad someone had the foresight to transfer them onto DAT tapes before they were damaged beyond all hope. Some of the tracks were then used for a “Best of Del-Val” CD release around 2000 by the guys at Philly Archives. This was a blessing in disguise as a few years later all the masters were lost to a huge flood in Joe’s basement destroying them beyond any repair.
I was lucky enough to receive a cut of “That’s Not Half Bad” just before or around the time of the impending release of the CD and has remained in my play box ever since. For me, the track has always been a far superior version of the Gene Woodbury release and after shaking hands on the previous Eddie Holman release, I jumped at the chance to bring this track to its first and only 45 release. After being handed a few options for a flip side I was keen to use “Stop Before You Lose Me" and after a session of playing records with Dean Anderson (well-known collector, DJ and Radio Host) and he confirmed I made a good choice.
Philly Soul has always been close to my heart and the sound that has always been my favourite. For me, these tracks showcase the best of 60s Philly Northern Soul. This may feel like a vanity project for me and maybe it is, but sometimes your heart over rules your head and in this particular instance, I am happy with that.

Alan Kitchener
(Soul Direction Records)

Promo Video

Release Postcard

Initially not much was really known about Joe Adams and his connection with the small but productive Del-Val label.
What we do know is that Joe found out about Del Val records from Joe "Butterball" Tamburro, who was a DJ on WDAS in Philadelphia.
Adams wrote a lot of his own material, and released two singles: "Calling Your Name"/"Greasy Pickins" on Pentagon in 1970, and "Mender Of Broken Hearts"/l've Been Kissed Before" on Del Val in 1971.
Prior to these singles in 1969, Joe Adams had recorded these demos, "That's Not Half Bad" and "Stop Before YouLose'Me." Around this time,
Joe Adams, Joe Stevenson and Gene Glass formed a songwriting/production company called The G. A. S. Works and wrote a lot of songs together.
Gene Glass had been a member of the group The Majors (of "A Wonderful Dream" fame) which had a release on Imperial records, and had written some songs for The ESP's as well.

Scans



Site note
Been told should be available for sales later this week via
https://soul-direction.co.uk/

releases

By Manfromsoul45s in News Archive - Comments · May 16, 20214 yr

Time for another Soul Source members competition and this time we have a prize with a difference.
Up for grabs is a brand new still sealed Rare Soul Jigsaw fresh from Jazzman Records
See the info and photos below, it's a 1000 piece one so hours of fun
The Rare Soul 45s Collection
Announcing our very own 'Rare Soul 45s Collection' 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle featuring rare soul record labels!
It's all here - northern soul, modern soul, sweet soul, latin soul, deep soul, crossover, RnB & funk! There are so many labels here we lost count!

A colourful collage of high quality label scans taken from original 45s!
◆ 1000 pieces, ultraprecise cut with satin finish
◆ Made from FSC certified recycled blue board
◆ Total size 48 x 69cm
◆ Brand new & factory sealed in bespoke box
◆ Made in UK
RRP £18.99

Competition
Open to all members. all you have to do is go here
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/support/create/
and then choose 'Competition entries....' and just post the answer to this simple question
Question
How many label scans are there in the Jigsaw box front cover photo pictured below
The member with the correct answer will win the Jigsaw, if there's more than one then there will be a draw of all the correct answers to determine the winner.
There you go.... easy!
competition now closed - see comments for the winners details

More info on the Rare Soul Jigsaw along with purchase options can be had via the below link
https://www.jazzmanrecords.co.uk/jazzman-jigsaw-the-rare-soul-collection

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · May 15, 20214 yr

Wigan today is running a story regarding a planned new book all about Mr M's
Here's the info...
New book seeking to tell story of Northern Soul venue in Wigan
A DJ is writing about the place where he spent several years spinning the decks.
Steve Whittle is penning the volume telling the story of soul at Mr M’s, a room at Wigan Casino which gained its own identity and loyal fanbase.
full story and photos via
https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/new-book-seeking-to-tell-story-of-northern-soul-venue-in-wigan-3234394

books

By Mike in News Archives · May 14, 20214 yr

Have just had word of a new Jazzman release with a difference
We are still talking about rare soul vinyl, but this time around not in the usual sense....
As always with such things the actual release notes tell the story...
Jazzman Jigsaw - The Rare Soul Collection
DESCRIPTION
Announcing our very own 'Rare Soul 45s Collection' jigsaw puzzle featuring rare soul record labels!
It's all here - northern soul, modern soul, sweet soul, latin soul, deep soul, crossover, RnB & funk! There are so many labels here we lost count!
This is a full-size jigsaw comprising of 1000 pieces. Deluxe cut with satin finish. When complete the puzzle measures 48 x 69cm.
A colourful collage of high quality label scans taken from original 45s!
Comes housed in a beautiful bespoke box brand new & factory sealed .
1000 deluxe pieces with high quality satin finish Made with FSC certified recycled blue board Total size 48 x 69cm Made in UK £18.99
Available now via
https://www.jazzmanrecords.co.uk/jazzman-jigsaw-the-rare-soul-collection
Happy Jigsawing!

By Mike in News Archives · May 11, 20214 yr

That time of year...
The Soul Up North #108 Spring 2021 issue is now out and about, as always brimming with soul related words and info
Contents of this issue follow
Soul Up North #108 Spring 2021
Issue Details
❖ OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS - EDITORIAL & INFO
❖ GOOD TOONS & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall
❖ TRACK LISTING FOR COLLECTORS CD - 'SOUNDS OF THE UNEXPECTED' A Man Of Mystery
❖ FUNK IN YO' FACE - RUSHEN HERE AND THERE-AN APPRECIATION OF PATRICE RUSHEN Howard Priestly
❖ THE LADIES CHOICE - COLLECTING RARE SOUL Julie Molloy
❖ SOUL IN A DIGITAL AGE John Farrar
❖ MELVIN STEALS - SONGWRITER EXTRAORDINAIRE John Smith
❖ BOOK REVIEW - I SEARCHED FOR SOUL AND FOUND THE STARS· RICHARD GILBERT - HFE
❖ SOULFUL SEVENTIES SPINS aka 'PLUMB'S PEACHES' Steve Plumb
❖ THOSE LITTLE SILVER DISCS Howard E
❖ COLLECTING BRITISH Lord Snooty
❖ SOUL SPOTLIGHT- GARNETT MIMMS IN THE UK Steve Guarnori
❖ SOUL IN PRINT- MAGAZINES & FANZINES (Part 11) Iain McCartney
❖ HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS Howard E
❖ FLASH BACK FEATURES Martin Scragg
❖ VIEW FROM THE APE HOUSE Tim Brown
❖ VIEW FROM THE LIBRARY Tim Brown
❖ And finally ... DEEP SOUL CORNER Mike Finbow
Cover Photo - PATRICE RUSHEN

Available now via all your usual outlets and of course your very own Soul Source store (link below)
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/store/product/314-soul-up-north-108-spring-2021/

By Mike in News Archives · May 10, 20214 yr

!00 Club 6ts nighters return, but...
...sold out already

A quick question to @Ady Croasdell, is there any way for non-facebook types to get hands on tickets?

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · May 9, 20214 yr

Hours of soulful sunday ear fun via our Media forum
Check the latest adds out....
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forums/forum/128-soul-media/

By Mike in News Archives · May 9, 20214 yr

A new cd release (CDKEND # 500 no less) from Kent Records. Titled Moderinity this mod styled compilation is available out and about right now
Details follow below

Modernity - Various Artists - Kent Records CD
Compilers Ady Croasdell & Dean Rudland’s third CD collection spotlighting the sort of R&B and club soul the original 60s mods could have been danced to – if only they’d had the chance.
CDKEND 500
Kent Records
Format: Audio CD
Release Date 30 April 2021

Release notes
A preview clip of the release notes follows below
Back in Los Angeles where future collectibles such as ‘Drop That Gun’ by Teddy Reynolds and ‘Monkey Walk’ by the Kingsmen were being pressed. From the same city comes the topical 1962 sound of ‘Air Travel’ by Ray & Bob, as covered in the UK by the young Chris Farlowe; the Fashionettes’ ‘Earthquake’, which spotlights the girl group sound, so symbolic of the 60s; and Jackie Lee’s ‘The Bounce’, which conjures up images of shimmering discotheque lights and go-go dancers strutting their stuff.
Feminine jazz vocals come from Byrdie Green, who in 1967 made Ma Rainey’s ‘See See Rider’ a happening sound. ‘Sundown’ by the Merced Blue Notes has a similarly cool jazz vibe and session instrumentalists the Birds Of Paradise do a seamless job on ‘Bossa Blue Port’. For Fame completists searching for the slick R&B sound of ‘Go Away With Me’ by Hollis Dixon, we’ve jumped the gun and included it here, while Stax specialists will no doubt be pleased to get their ears on the southern funk of Eddie Kirk’s ‘The Hawg’.
ADY CROASDELL aka @Ady Croasdell
The full release notes and related photos can be viewed via https://acerecords.co.uk/modernity

Leaflet Preview

Side 1
01 Just Can't Help Myself - Birdlegs & Pauline
02 Deuces Wild - Gary & Gary
03 Drop That Gun - Teddy Reynolds
04 I Found A Little Girl - Eddie Bo
05 Go Away With Me - Hollis Dixon & The Keynotes
06 Sundown - The Merced Blue Notes
07 Is It Because You Love Me - Sticks Herman
08 Walk Home With Me - Ike & Tina Turner
09 Ooh Baby - The Teen Queens
10 See See Rider - Byrdie Green
11 Earthquake - The Fashionettes
12 The Bounce - Jackie Lee
13 You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet - Ike Porter & The Fabulations
14 The Hawg Part 2 - Eddie Kirk
15 Monkey Walk Part 1 - The Kingsmen
16 (Oh) Lady Be Good - Charles Hodges
17 Lonely Am I - Chuck Jackson
18 Who Knows - Willie Tee
19 Bossa Blue Port - The Birds Of Paradise
20 Soul Grabber - Willis Jackson
21 The Warm Up Part 1 - Clifton White & His Royal Knights
22 That's All I Want - King Carl
23 Air Travel - Ray & Bob
24 Looking Through My Spyglass - Rockin' Sidney
Modernity - VA - Kent Records CD CDKEND 500 Kent Records is available right now via all the usual online suspect and also via our Source Store via
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/store/product/313-modernity-va-kent-records-cd/

By Mike in News Archives · May 6, 20214 yr

One World Records has been in touch to inform us that due to demand the release date of their much anticipated 45 by Michelle David & The True-tones titled 'Good Good Good' has now been brought forward to 21 May 2021
Release details and audio previews of this fine release follow below

NEW RELEASE INFORMATION
One World Records
Label: One World Records Catalogue No: OSP 5006 Format: 7" SP
Release date: 21 May 2021
MICHELLE DAVID & THE TRUE-TONES:
Good Good Good (Vocal) / (Instrumental)

Video

HOT ON THE HEELS of Michelle's first UK single 'Yes I Am' which gave One World Records a soul hit in January, this uptempo follow-up has even more of a retro flavour and is already played on hundreds of radio stations in the UK and in Europe. Pre-orders are so high that the release date has been brought forward to 21 May.
American-born Michelle co-wrote 'Good Good Good' with group members Onno Smit and Paul Willemsen who also handle production.
This release also marks a name change for the trio who were previously known as The Gospel Sessions.
'Good Good Good' is expected to give One World Records another soul hit to match the success of 'Yes I Am'.
Michelle David & The True-Tones are managed by Steijn Koeijvoets. Radio promotion is handled by veteran plugger Steve Ripley. Further info is available from Paul Mooney and Paul Conroy at Selrec International.

Available for pre-order now at all the usual online regular sources including our Soul Source store ( link follows below....)
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/store/product/312-pre-order-michelle-david-the-true-tones-good-good-good-one-world-records-21-may-2021/

releases

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · May 3, 20214 yr

Head over to popmatters website for a great lengthy interview with Joshie Jo Armstead by Christian John Wikane 30 Apr 2021
The Urge Keeps Coming: An Interview with Original Ikette Joshie Jo Armstead
INTERVIEW: From touring with Ike & Tina Turner to writing with Ashford & Simpson, singer-songwriter Joshie Jo Armstead reflects on a lifetime of musical adventures.
https://www.popmatters.com/joshie-jo-armstead-2021-interview/

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · April 30, 20214 yr

Latest release from Nashville's DeRobert & The Half-Truths will be available on vinyl 7" 4th June
It's the title track of their new album which is also released the same day (not sure if it will be on vinyl though?).
'Storming' funky northern (160 BPM) not for the faint-hearted!

By Soulstrutter in News Archive - Comments · April 29, 20214 yr

THE NEWEST ‘DIGGIN’ DEEP’ LIMITED EDITION 45
RELEASE DATE FRIDAY 14th MAY 2021
DD015A James Carr ‘I Don’t Want To Be Hurt Anymore'
DD015B James Carr ‘There Goes My Used To Be'
For our latest 45 release we return to Memphis, Tennessee, for a double-sider that Diggin’ Deep are extremely proud to bring to you. This being the first time on a 7” single for either of these superb Southern Soul tracks.
The name James Carr will need no introduction, with any release from this legendary singer guaranteed to set the pulses racing among his legion of dedicated fans worldwide.
Both tracks on offer are from the ‘Golden Age’, not only of Memphis soul, but sixties soul music in general.
I Don’t Want To Be Hurt Anymore, penned by Dan Greer, made its first appearance on Carr’s seminal album “You Got My Mind Messed Up’ for the legendary Goldwax label in March 1967.

It’s no exaggeration to say that this remains one of the greatest soul albums of all time. And this is regarded by many to be the finest track in this remarkable singer’s canon never to be issued on 45, until now by Diggin Deep Records some 35 year later!
Although never possessing their own studio Goldwax quickly established their own ‘sound’ using the finest Memphis musicians around, usually ‘The Memphis Boys’. Recording at such illustrious studios as: American, Royal, Fame, Sound of Memphis, Lyn Lou with the majority at Sam Phillips’ Sun studio.
That trademark sound is evident here: Reggie Young’s guitar intro’, Bobbie Emmons organ ‘fills’ and those wonderfully understated horns. All allowing Carr’s impassioned baritone the perfect amount of space to deliver as only he could.
It’s reproduced here in its original monaural version as featured on the Kent CD “You’ve Got My Mind Messed Up” (CDKEND 211)
Carr’s 14 singles released on Goldwax usually followed the same pattern: a slow ‘Deepie’ coupled with a more up-tempo track, and here at Diggin’ Deep we saw no reason to change that winning formula!
There Goes My Used To Be will be familiar to all discerning Soul lovers due to O.V. Wrights original version released on the same imprint, as the ‘B’ side to the magnificent ‘That’s How Strong My Love Is” (Goldwax 106).
It’s incredible to think that both tracks, written by Roosevelt Jamison, were turned down, along with O.V. Wright, when first offered to Stax Records!!
Whereas Wright’s version takes the song as a mid-pacer, Carr raises the tempo significantly. Although considered by many to be the greatest Deep Soul singer of them all, Carr was no slouch on the more uptempo sides. He could ‘tear it up’ with any of his peers as this track ably demonstrates. Carr is in full blown ‘Otis Mode’ and the record storms along. He may be missing his lost love, but he ain’t taking it sitting down!
Here at Diggin’ Deep we’re convinced that had this track surfaced as a 45 back in the sixties it would have found favour at such illustrious venues as The Scene in London or Manchester’s Twisted Wheel. It has already caused quite a stir when previewed by Richard Searling, Jordan Wilson and other Northern Soul DJ’s. We feel it could follow, in terms of popularity, Otis Redding’s colossal ‘Loving By The Pound’.
Please take a few minutes to listen to the promotional video and see what you think, but be warned, you won’t be able to sit still!
Both sides are soon to be available on a beautifully mastered vinyl 45.
DD015 collector’s release is a limited pressing @ just £12 each plus postage and packing.
Avoid Disappointment. Pre-order ON WEBSITE ONLY now, while stocks last.
https://www.diggin-deep.com/

releases

By Sean Hampsey in News Archive - Comments · April 27, 20214 yr

“The Stax Museum of American Soul Music announced today that it has acquired one of the world’s most prestigious and storied collections of soul music records comprised mainly of rare records by lesser-known artists from Chicago’s culturally rich South Side community from the 1960s and 1970s. The collection is from the estate of famed record collector, disc jockey, and oral historian Bob Abrahamian of Chicago, who died by suicide in 2014 at age 35.”
Full story here:
https://www.goldminemag.com/.amp/news/stax-museum-receives-a-large-donation-of-memorabilia

By Amsterdam Russ in News Archive - Comments · April 25, 20214 yr

Another Soul Source competition drifts ashore
This time around thanks to Hayley Records via member Rob Moss aka @Rob Mosswe have up for grabs a mint vinyl copy of Detroit My Home Town

Album Release Notes
Detroit My Home Town
HA001
Our very first vinyl album is packed full of classic tracks including J.J. Barnes’ stomping ‘Lucille’, The Stylists’ pulsating ‘I need your loving (to satisfy my soul)’, dancers from Tony Hester, Deon Jackson, Bobby Sheppard and the smooth sounds of Sharon McMahan, Jimmy Delphs and The Perfections.
Plus three tracks that have never been available before – Rose Battiste’s spine tingling ‘It’s not what you say (but how you say it)’, Jimmy Gilford’s unreleased Thelma track ‘All over and done’ and ‘Popcorn’ Wylie’s epic ‘Goin’ to a happening’ complete with all background vocals.
Track listing: JJ BARNES Lucille THE STYLISTS I need your loving (to satisfy my soul) TONY HESTER Keep a hold on me JIMMY GILFORD All over and done DEON JACKSON I've got so much love 'POPCORN' WYLIE and the UNITED SOUND SINGERS Goin' to a happening JIMMY GILFORD and JAMES SCRUGGS Don't let me lose it BOBBY SHEPPARD Surely PERFECTIONS Just can't leave you. ROSE BATTISTE It's not what you say (but how you say it) SHARON McMAHAN I have no choice JIMMY DELPHS Where there is love.
For more info and purchase options please visit http://www.hayleyrecords.co.uk
Video Sampler

Track listing:
JJ BARNES Lucille
THE STYLISTS I need your loving (to satisfy my soul)
TONY HESTER Keep a hold on me
JIMMY GILFORD All over and done
DEON JACKSON I've got so much love
'POPCORN' WYLIE and the UNITED SOUND SINGERS Goin' to a happening
JIMMY GILFORD and JAMES SCRUGGS Don't let me lose it
BOBBY SHEPPARD Surely
PERFECTIONS Just can't leave you.
ROSE BATTISTE It's not what you say (but how you say it)
SHARON McMAHAN I have no choice
JIMMY DELPHS Where there is love.

Competition
All you have to do is go here
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/support/create/
(sorry but it's members only)
and then choose 'Competition entries....' and just post the answer to this simple question

What Us State is Detroit located in...?
Correct answers will be put into a hat and on Friday 29th April 2021 a winner will be drawn.

Good luck now!

All over!
Winner was announced via the comments below

Scans

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · April 22, 20214 yr

New single (and follow up to the great Love Is Knocking) released digitally by Izipho Soul / Angel Dove on 14 Apr is a great version of Ronnie Mc Neir's Isn't She A Pretty Thing.
Recorded with the blessing of Ronnie McNer as they are both currently members of the Four Tops and the musicians are those used by the Four Tops and The Temptation on tour led by Earl Van Dyke Jr.
The full version is available for download from BandCamp. Curious as to why they are not yet on his website I contacted Patrick Bickerstaff who informed me that it will be released on vinyl. along with ' Love is Knockin' later this year - tentatively Aug due to current climate.
https://iziphosoulrecords.bandcamp.com/track/alexander-morris-isnt-she-a-pretty-girl
ALEXANDER MORRIS - ISN'T SHE A PRETTY GIRL by IZIPHO SOUL RECORDS

releases

By Soulstrutter in News Archive - Comments · April 20, 20214 yr

Word in all about One World Records next release. Now scheduled for release on the 7th May.
Info and clips below
SEAN OLIVER: NEW RELEASE INFORMATION

You And Me (Radio Edit) / Magic
A new issue of Sean Oliver's club soul favourite which has been edited for this UK release on 7" single.
'You And Me' originated on Sean's 1997 album Solitaire and was also issued on a 12" maxi-single. The LP featured a dozen self-penned songs which Sean recorded in Canada with his co-producers the Boomtang Boys who issued the album on their own label.
'You And Me' was so popular that Sean had a successful UK tour in 1998.
Scheduled for release on 7 May, the single already has strong radio support and is expected to provide One World Records with another UK soul hit to follow the success of recent singles by Brenda Boykin and Michelle David.
Label: One World Records
Catalogue No: OSP 5005
Format: 7" SP
Release date: 7 May 2021

Listen to both sides below
OSP 5005 A Sean Oliver - You And Me (Radio Edit) 4.25.mp3
OSP 5005 B Sean Oliver - Magic 4.55.mp3

releases

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · April 19, 20214 yr

We have a very exciting new release on Big AC Records: Thinkin' About You, by a fantastic new soul singer named Carmy Love, who has previously performed with House Gospel Choir, New Street Adventure and Cool Million, to name a few.
Influenced by the “Crossover Soul” period of the late 60’s and early 70’s, “Thinkin’ About You” clicks into gear from the off, with bold brass and a funky bassline paving the way for Carmy’s stunning vocal.

Whether moving on from a romantic relationship, friendship or maybe even a bad year, “Thinkin’ About You” highlights the importance of maintaining a positive mindset when looking to the future.

Carmy oozes attitude throughout her performance, moving effortlessly from regret in the verse to defiance in the chorus: “I ain’t gonna waste my time thinkin’ about you”.

This exciting, empowering debut will have soul fans eager to hear more and as with previous Big AC Records releases, “Thinkin’ About You” will soon be available on vinyl, on the flip of Carmy’s next single!
Pre-order your copy of this double sided single on a beautiful picture sleeve 7” vinyl – artwork yet to be revealed!
Out now on all digital platforms and also available for radio play.
Vinyl ships around 21st May - 28th May with the official release of the A side.
www.bigacrecords.com
Listen here:

By Big Ac Records in News Archive - Comments · April 15, 20214 yr

Beth Macari both joined soul source aka @BethMacariMusic and also dropped us a line recently with details of her current activities. Some may know her from outings with Newcastle group Nick Pride and the Pimptones. Nowadays she is now stepping out on her own with her recent solo singles gaining critical recognition/acclaim over in the Usa.
Her latest single has been just released and is titled “Gotta Get Back”, you can listen and read below
Press Release
BETH MACARI RELEASES NEW SINGLE “GOTTA GET BACK”
The UK soul singer’s first single of 2021 is a deep dive into 90’s Soul and R&B. “Gotta Get Back” is due for release on April 13th.
Despite the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, spending the past year in lockdown hasn’t seen things slow down for Beth Macari.
The Newcastle based soul artist managed to finish up her latest EP “I Am Everything” just before the pandemic hit at the start of 2020 and she released the first single “I Promise (That I Got You)” last April.
“I Promise” was picked up by US soul radio stations and quickly entered the Official Soul Chart, breaking into the Top 20 after Beth was featured as ‘Artist of the Week’. The song then went on to win the ‘Presidents Choice Award’, as voted by thousands of listeners worldwide.
“It felt surreal to have my music reach people in the US, let alone win an award for it. I’m so grateful to everyone who made it happen.”
Three more singles followed in 2020, including the empowering soulful ballad “I Am”. Accompanied by a star studded music video which also featured some of Beth’s fans submitting videos from home, the track was used in a campaign by mental health charity ‘If U Care Share’, raising money and awareness for the cause.
“Gotta Get Back” is the first of many songs that Beth penned during lockdown and see’s Beth working solely ‘in-house’ with her long time band member and collaborator Phil The Beat, working on music from home and meeting at their studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne when lockdown restrictions allowed. The limitations of working through the COVID-19 lockdown presented the pair with an opportunity to be more creative and work away from outside influences in the industry.
“It’s been both scary and exciting, I feel like I’ve always thought I’m not good enough to create something in full and be proud of it without us having to get other people to tweak it and make it better, so it was rewarding to prove myself wrong. I loved really taking my time with it and working with my best friend.”
Although live music ground to a halt for most of 2020, Beth did manage to perform twice at the UK’s first socially distanced venue, the Virgin Money Unity Arena, supporting Fleetwood Mac tribute “Rumours” and Les Misérables star Alfie Boe.
With live music set to make a return in 2021, Beth is looking forward to getting back on stage, with dates already re-scheduled from 2020 including support slots with Alexandra Burke on her UK tour and opening for Will Young at South Tyneside’s summer music festival.
“Gotta Get Back” is out on all major digital music stores/ streaming platforms on 13th April 2021.
https://www.bethmacari.com

Few mixes via Soundcloud
Soul Source intro topic
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forums/topic/417855-geordie-soul-singer-just-wants-to-say-hello/

By Mike in News Archives · April 15, 20214 yr

Pre-Pay Three Incredible Titles from Diggin' Deep! - JAMES CARR - LEE HURST - BOBBY BARNES - Available to Pre-Order Now!
From the vaults of Goldwax, Raina and A&M records:- James Carr, the ultimate Memphis Deep Soul track backed with a great 60’s stomper, Lee Hurst, the massively in demand 70’s gem, as featured in the movie ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and Bobby Barnes superb groove from Raina records, these three 45’s are exclusively licensed to Diggin’ Deep in the UK and are essential additions to your Diggin’ Deep collection
LISTEN HERE:

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – THE PRE-PAY THREE PACK
Following many requests to revive the Pre-Pay Three ‘Triple Pack’ of 45’s, Diggin’ Deep are pleased to announce our next three limited edition releases for Spring 2021, available to pre-order now until 23rd April 2021 on Diggin-Deep.com
You will have the opportunity to pay in advance for the next three releases and secure your next three Diggin' Deep 45's to be released over the next couple of months.
DD015 – James Carr – I Don’t Want To Be Hurt Anymore / There Goes My Used To Be
DD016 – Lee Hurst – Whole Lotta Your Love / Terry & The Pyrates - Someone
DD017 – Bobby Barnes – Super High On Your Love / Chuck Womack – Losing Your Good Thing
The Pre-Pay Pack is available for the UK only at £33.00 plus postage & packing. Guarantee your copy and pay less in the process!
From the vaults of Goldwax, Raina and A&M records:- James Carr, the ultimate Memphis Deep Soul track backed with a great 60’s stomper, Lee Hurst, the massively in demand 70’s gem, as featured in the movie ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and Bobby Barnes superb groove from Raina records, these three 45’s are exclusively licensed to Diggin’ Deep in the UK and are essential additions to your Diggin’ Deep collection!
Take a listen to the sound file below and order now!

releases

By Sean Hampsey in News Archives · April 11, 20214 yr

ANNOUNCING TWO NEW HR 45 RELEASES - Release date 1st April 2021.
Taking orders now with paypal - £12 each + £3 postage (good for 1-3 records)     paypal – hitandrunsoul45@gmail.com

HR 1527   SONIA ROSS - Let Me Be Free / Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
A coupling here of 2 ultra rare and brilliant dance tracks from Atlanta Ga.
1969s ‘Let me be free’ is possibly the rarest Tragar 45 with reputedly only 100 being pressed to fulfil a contractual obligation; the flip Don’t Go Breaking My Heart was originally recorded in 1968 and destined for a Tragar release but delayed as considered too sensual for a Southern audience and released one year later.
SONIA ROSS - Let Me Be Free

SONIA ROSS - Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

HR 1528 MARVIN SMITH – There Must Be Peace For Me / I Never Thought I’d Be Losing You
The 2nd of our 2 45s of Marvin’s unreleased 70s Chicago productions. ‘A’ side here is the very in-demand side, previously known only by the Richard Searling acetate which has built quite a reputation over the last 30 years; the flip is Marvin’s brilliant and better original version of the Major Lance 45 on Soul.

There Must Be Peace For Me
https://www.dropbox.com/s/afrieyitzlna3dn/HR 1528 A - Marvin Smith - There Must Be Peace 3.41 reference copy.mp3?dl=0

Losing You
https://www.dropbox.com/s/98t7f3lcep261no/HR 1528 B - Marvin Smith - I Never Thought I'd Be Losing You 3.53 reference copy.mp3?dl=0

releases

By Dewsburyborn in News Archives · April 9, 20214 yr

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹. "𝗜´𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 (𝗢𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂)" 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 1984 𝗮𝗻𝗱 "𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗢𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲" 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 1977.
Presented in a beautiful picture cover laminated 7" designed by Jordi Duró. Liner notes by Karl Marthon
𝗕𝗢𝗕𝗕𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦
Super High On Your Love / I´ve Had My Share (Of Loving You)
Listen here:
𝗕obby Barnes - Super High On Your Love

𝗕obby Barnes - I´ve Had My Share (Of Loving You)

𝗣𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗙𝗢𝗥 1𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝗠𝗔𝗬 2021
13 euros + postage as it follows:
1 to 5 copies: 6,80 euros UK & Europe
1 to 5 copies: 2,50 euros Spain
1 to 5 copies: 10,45 euros USA & rest of the world
𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗣𝗔𝗟 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 & 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆:
soul4realrecordlabel@gmail.com
Check previous releases:
https://www.soul4real.es

By Alexsubinas in News Archive - Comments · April 8, 20214 yr

After the success of "Love Who You Are" and "Waited for you" LRK are proud to announce their second 7" vinyl release with Natasha Watts. Two of her most popular hits onto wax for the first time ever!

Limited to 300 copies only ( once gone that will be it, no extras)
There are now under 100 copies left.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: THIS IS A PRE- ORDER

ORDERS WILL BE SENT OUT ONCE WE HAVE THEM FROM THE PLANT ON:

Release date 31st July 2021
Pre order here :
https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/go-slow-change

Natasha Watts burst onto the UK Soul music scene back in 2009 with her first collaboration with Coolmillion with a track called ‘Show me’. This track was to become a firm favourite within the UK Soul music scene and subsequently setting the foundations for Natasha’s success and journey in becoming a well respected UK artist.

Teaming up with Coolmillion in the first years allowed Natasha to gain an insight of what it as like to be a recording artist, through this she discovered the magic that is the Soul music scene. This exposure really helped shape her decision in which musical direction she wanted to go in.

Tracks ‘You & Me This Christmas’ and critically acclaimed ‘Born a Star’ followed shortly after. ‘Born A Star’ became the first release off of her eponymous album in 2013 which catapulted her into the hearts and souls of the UK. The momentum from this track presented her with huge support from specialist radio stations with countless interviews, all crediting Natasha with a vivacious stage presence and bubbly personality.

Off the back of this album, Natasha became the support act for Soul Legend Ms Gladys Knight on her UK tour, performing to well over 30,000 people across the country. Natasha has also toured as a solo artist all over the world. From Angola to Moscow. Germany to Miami – the length and breadth of Europe!

Fast forward to 2016 – Natasha drops her 2nd album ‘2nd Time Around’ which propelled her on the journey that lead her to several UK #1’s, magazine covers, credible duets, and support slots with a number of notable soul artists: The Fatback Band, Shalamar, and Ms Gladys Knight, etc. In addition to her supporting artist work, Natasha performed a great deal of sell-out solo shows!

Natasha has written and released well over 100 tracks to date, She constantly strives to provide the audience and her followers with better songs and a better performance – doing so brings her great joy.

Natasha lives to be on the stage and without a doubt, she was Born to be a Star!

Follow Natasha on her social media account to see what she’s up to. She releases regular performance and event updates so make sure you keep an eye out for her next performance.
credits
releases July 31, 2021

Written by Natasha Watts & Rob Hardt
Recorded in Bremerhaven, Germany

https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/go-slow-change

By LRK in News Archives · April 7, 20214 yr

Thanks to member @Drew3 , we have the return of our (very) irregular Soul Source competition.
And we do have a great prize, a copy of Richard Gilbert member @Gilly much acclaimed book
I Searched For Soul and Found The Stars by Richard Gilbert
'It tells of the 5 trips I made to the States (85-94) and along with others, what we got up to, record finds, and more importantly who we met and the quality time with those people 'The Stars' that we met along the way.'
Full details of the book can be read here
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/news-soul/book-i-searched-for-soul-and-found-the-stars-gilly-r4270/
Background
Drew recently got in touch with Soul Source and suggested this competition, after receiving a 'extra' copy of I Searched For Soul and Found The Stars as a gift.
He cleared things with Gilly and will donate the equivalent cost of the book to a charity similar to the one some of the proceeds from the book went to.
Have to say a great suggestion and hats off to both Drew and Gilly
Competition
As with previous competitions, its members only. To be in with a chance all you have to do is vote this article up
To vote 'up', just look down and right, see that 'grey' arrow? hover over it and it will turn green as per image
tap that and your name will be added to the list

Come next Tuesday 13th April, a member's name will be drawn out of the hat, who will be the winner of the book. The members name will be passed onto Drew who will then send a copy of the book to the winner.

There you go, easy as that and thanks again to @Drew3 for both the suggestion and the prize
Good luck!

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · April 6, 20214 yr

Latest Cannonball Records newsletter leads to some tasty tunes
Three Brand New Records and One Book

Welcome to our Easter weekend newsletter. Please forgive us for the long read, there are so many things on the table we have tried hard to keep it short.
FUNK INVESTIGATORS
HARD COPY 260 PAGES / 15 CHAPTERS
1st Italian Edition SOLD OUT (under repress)
English Edition Available May 2021
Read the 5 extensive excerpts out of the 15 chapters
of the opera available on our website
In addition to the story of a professional rebirth in difficult circumstances, this book contains everything you could ask for in a modern on the road adventure between present times and distant past. You will read words like Funk, Motown, and Philly, or artist’s names like Lonnie Liston Smith, Gil Scott Heron and The Drifters. You will meet unknown artists, wonderful characters, ordinary and unique at the same time; instruments from another era such as the Revox, magnetic tapes, Sound Burgers and ribbon microphones. Yes, there is music, but there are also Art, History, Metropolitan Ghettos, Emotions and even the Italian American mafia, in a tasty cocktail from which it is impossible to separate. IMPORTANT: Due to different packaging and postage FUNK INVESTIGATORS will ship from Italy and can't be ordered alongside records.
Preorder English Version or Italian 2nd Edition
STEVE MANCHA
"That's Why I Love you"
"Instrumental"
OUT MAY 2021
This one was recorded soont after Clyde Wilson (Steve's actual name) left Motown to work with Don Davis after several troubled attempts to hit the charts with quite a few songs and performing combos. The incredible Don Davis was great proud jazz musician, record producer, label owner and an overall great entrapreneur not just in the music sector, as he was the first black banker America had ever seen at the time. Among his many talents Mr. Davis had the dream of blending the two most influencial sounds of the american sixties, the Memphis Sound of Stax (a label he worked with) and the Detroit Sound of Motown. To do so, in the late 60s he bought Detroit’s finest recording studio United Sound while working also with Muscle Shoals in Memphis to produce several of the more rhythmic tracks of some of his artists. At the dawn of ’66 Don Davis welcomed a disappointed Clyde Wilson after his multiple failures with Motown and pushed him to change his artist’s name in Steve Mancha as “see, Clyde Wilson ain’t really cutting the pie”. The demo take of “That’s Why I Love You” was recorded within the Detroit - Memphis workflow alongside several other cuts which never saw the light of the day.
Preorder Steve Mancha's "That's Why I Love You"
Steve Mancha "That's Why I Love You"

GAIL LOU
"I Still Love"
OUT MAY 21
Written and produced by Gail Lou and Shawn V. Lucas, Executive Producers Alberto Zanini & Yann Vatiste A pumping ground-to-air dance missile written and produced at the dawn of the new century by a duo with some huge music background. Hailing from Montclair State University, Gail Lou is an acclaimed performer, musical director and vocal coach. Her vocal performances in Tri-State’s recording sector, as both lead singer and background vocalist, span from R&B, Gospel, Jazz, to Soul and electronic Dance. Alongside Shawn Lucas, who’s the behind-the-scene producer of the duo, she’s been laying down compositions for music releases and opera and teathre shows soundtracks.
Preorder Gail Lou's "I Still Love"
Gail Lou "I Still Love"
COCO COLLIER
"Here Comes the Rain"
OUT MAY 21
The amazing singer from our best selling artists duo The Swans of New England delivers this stunning soul take on the Eurithmycs classic from the 80’s givin’ evidence that soul music can turn everything from average limestone bricks to precious gold bars. Of course it was necessary to provide Coco’s vocals with the right arrangement but it’s just a slight contribution to the developement of this very Tesla Groove fashioned sound exploration. Sure this experiment will kind of shock some of you but in all honesty we are all about takin’ on new paths of discovery.
Preorder Coco's "Here Comes the Rain"
Coco Collier "Here Comes the Rain"

The below link takes you to more info and preorder pages...
https://cannonballsoul.com/

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · April 2, 20214 yr

Back in 2000, a book launched to capture the popularity of the greatest music on earth....The Northern Soul Top 500.
A best seller at the time, the phrase alone is the second most used within the genre after KTF.
Two decades on and with a rafter of new interest, the book is being re-vamped to include a new 500, based on the North’s best loved dancers spanning well over half a century.
The book expands to a Collectors and Soul night 500 too, topped off with Unique Trivia, Artist Interviews, DJ chronicles and a wealth of contributions from collectors to dancers and social media movers & shakers.
At this stage, we are putting final touches to this historic body of work and by outlining your favourite songs to dance to.
Ultimately, it’s all about the music and the grooves that lit the touch paper to our lives.
Further details will roll out in coming weeks on the progress of the project and we’ll be hearing from many characters and artists that have made the Northern Soul scene an unrivalled weekend escape.
For more information sales@goldsoul.co.uk
#nstop500
Edit
Now available from Amazon and all good retailers - see link below

books

By Goldsoul in News Archive - Comments · March 29, 20214 yr

Revealing different sides of her songbook, S.E.L journeys across an all inclusive musical soundscape that traverses the crushed out grooves of sweet soul & Live funk beats, all layered with uplifting harmonies and melodies. Leading the charge is the exhilarating new single ‘Melodic Harmony’ synthesising all the different strands into an emotive slice of firefly funk.
‘Loc’d’s passionate multi-layered celebration of life and love’s endless conundrums exemplifies Emma- Louise’s heart on her sleeve approach as she brings people together to explore universal feelings and fears. Reflecting positivity and her own personal expression, ‘Loc’d..combines an authentic voice bathed in a bare bones musical approach respectful to old school inspirations and is both deep and joyous, classic and futuristic. Press repeat and soak up the soul over n’ over again.
Opening this debut set is the infectious ‘Elevation’; S.E.L’s soaring soul anthem that charted at #No 2 in the UK Soul Charts and achieved "Track of the Week" status on BBC6 Music and MiSoul. Then it’s the crushed grooves of ‘You Gotta Be’ - the re-work of the Des’ree smash - all retro rich rhythms and sultry grooves which lifted the #No 1 slot in the Traxsource House chart. The new single ‘Melodic Harmony’ is the first of the new songs and followed by the free ranging funk of the empowering and life-affirming ‘Girl’. Seductive former single ‘Flowered Tears’ another #No 2 on the UK Soul Charts and "Track of the Week" on BBC6 Music and MiSoul follows before the uptown funky ‘Brand New’ drops, all brash and stylised with a funky edge. The recent duet ‘Falling’ follows full of honeyed and melodic acoustic tones into the joyful nu-soul of ‘Be Your Sun’ with its layered grooves and live drums the perfect backdrop for S.E.L’s distinct voice to shine on. ‘My Point Of View’, is an emotional affirmation of all that S.E.L holds dear and things close with her beautiful adaptation of the Dexter Wansel classic ‘The Sweetest Pain’.
Continuing her unique musical journey S.E.L has grown into her debut album release, never more so than in the last year living in the pandemic where she’s had to juggle the music, alongside vocal coaching at London’s Academy of Contemporary Music and enjoying being a mother to her 3 year old daughter.
Working mainly with respected Italian multi instrumentalist and producer Michele Chiavarini, the A List US House producer DJ Spen and Thomas McKay of the Night Crawlers, Emma’s song-writing prowess and lyrical arrangements shines bright. Enlisting Soul II Soul’s renowned violinist, Gill Morley for the phenomenal string arrangements the album cast also includes co-writers and featured artists Bryan Chambers, Tanya Lacey, Nathan Richards, Leon Nelson and Victory Paul-Emeralds.
Having been a vocal cornerstone for the UK’s living legend, Jazzie B as part of the Soul II Soul movement, the unstoppable life force Soulful Emma Louise (S.E.L) has covered a lot of solo ground during the last few years.
Emerging as a distinct musical voice among the firmament of fine UK talents, recent conquests include headlining the Summer Soulstice Festival in London and Margate’s Soul Weekender Festival to expanding her musical message on Talk Radio’s @BadassWomensHr. With three successful releases - ‘Elevation’, ‘Flowered Tears’ and ‘You Gotta Be’ - already under her belt, the multi-talented singer & songwriter has co-hosted a regular monthly show with Deadly Smedly on Mi Soul and her Live credentials read like a Who’s Who of world renowned international music artists including Alicia Keys, Omar, Debbie Harry, Caron Wheeler, Jocelyn Brown and Sanchez.
With a universal appeal and standout voice, join S.E.L on her musical voyage. Stay connected at : Instagram: SELSOUL_
Facebook: SELSOUL or www.selsoul.com
‘Loc’d In Consciousness’ is the debut album from Soulful Emma Louise - S.E.L - and due out on physical CD on April 9th with the full digital release available on May 28th. The new single from the album is the firefly funk winner ‘Melodic Harmony’ is also due May 28th.

By phuturetrax in News Archives · March 29, 20214 yr

John Morales Presents Teena Marie – Love Songs & Funky Beats
Details of a great release out today from BBE Records
Producer extraordinaire John Morales returns to BBE Music, celebrating the life and work of R&B / soul legend Teena Marie with a double album full of brand new remixes, lovingly crafted from the original studio tapes, entitled ‘Love Songs & Funky Beats’.

“Teena is somewhat underrated, and people don’t really know much about her.” Says Morales. “I set out to immerse people in her music and represent what she really did. That meant for me a dive into more than her R&B hits, to dig into her ballads and dance cuts. People know she was talented. I don’t really think they really knew the depth of her abilities, her complete confidence to take it upon herself to do everything – singing, producing, arranging, songwriting. Teena Marie was the total package.”
John Morales had the pleasure of mixing many of Teena Marie’s original records over the years, so it felt natural to dig into the archives and select his favourite cuts to rework, extend and subtly update in his own distinctive style. While by no means a definitive collection of Lady Tee’s expansive musical catalogue, ‘Love Songs & Funky Beats’ represents a fitting tribute to a multifaceted and important voice in popular music, by one of the most storied mix engineers and remixers of... more
released March 26, 2021

Remixed and remastered by John Morales

Cd / Vinyl / Digital formats
Purchase options etc via
https://orcd.co/teenamarie

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · March 26, 20214 yr

Everybody Makes A Mistake - Stax Southern Soul Volume 2 CDKEND 499
A new cd release from Kent...
Release notes and such below

More southern soul sounds from the mighty Stax Records of Memphis, including unissued tracks from the Soul Children and Eddie Floyd.
Stax Records in Memphis was one of the centres of southern soul, and yet due to its many hits and big city location this often gets forgotten. We redressed that balance with the release of “Nobody Wins: Stax Southern Soul” in 2012 but there was so much more to play that we’re back with 20 more tracks that capture the deep emotion and soulful feel of the Memphis behemoth.
Tracks
1. William Bell - "I'll Do Anything For Your Love" (single edit)
2. Eddie Floyd - "How Can I Win Your Love"
3. Isaac Hayes - "I'm Gonna Have To Tell Her"
4. Ollie & The Nightingales - "A Smile Can't Hide (A Broken Heart)" (Alt mix)
5. Frederick Knight - "Let's Make A Deal"
6. The Soul Children - "Standing In The Safety Zone"
7. The Newcomers - "The Soul Children"
8. Veda Brown - "Guilty Of Loving You"
9. Bettye Crutcher - "We've Got Love On Our Side"
10. Mavis Staples - "I'm Tired"
11. Israel Tolbert - "Got To Get Away From You"
12. Jimmy Hughes - "I'm Too Old To Play"
13. Eddie Floyd - "Everybody Makes A Mistake"
14. Lee Sain - "Ain't Nobody Like My Baby"
15. The Nightingales - "Just A Little Overcome"
16. Eddie Giles - "It Takes Me All Night"
17. Chuck Brooks - "You Need Love"
18. Shirley Brown - "Ain't No Way"
19. Randy Brown & Company - "Did You Hear Yourself" (part 1)
20. David Porter - "Come Get From Me" (part 1 & 2)
Leaflet Preview Scans

More info via
https://acerecords.co.uk/everybody-makes-a-mistake-stax-southern-soul-volume-2

releases

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · March 26, 20214 yr

Ronnie Walker - For Real For Real
Well it’s finally arrived the new CD of Ronnie Walkers - For Real For Real.
Over a year in the making, working together with studios both here in Stockport U.K. and in Philadelphia, USA.
These unreleased tracks were the last that Ronnie worked on before he sadly passed away. Most people will know I’d become a very good friend of Ronnie’s after working with him on a Soul event in Manchester some years back. The event was organised by Dave Moore and Chris Waterman and included Bunny Sigler, Ronnie Walker and my band at the time The Casino Allstars. Needless to say it was a tremendous success and led to me contacting Ronnie on a weekly basic playing his soul music on my Radio Show on KFM radio. I still to this day play one track a week (Ronnie Time) dedicated to this wonderful man. His wife and family have become friends and listen in on a regular basis.
For Real For Real was almost finished and waiting for a few finishing touches before it was to be released, and at the same time I was working with a Stockport group of musicians called The Authentics who at the time were headed by top musicians Clive Stewart and Chris Coomer who both played and produced great music. I got involved with the pair as they were old Wigan Soulies like myself and actually got it Northern Soul wise.
They had some top instrumentals ready for words and vocals to be added, one such track “No one will ever know” I gave great consideration to, this because although I knew it wasn’t for me, I knew of just the man it was meant for. That man being Ronnie Walker.
So with no one but me knowing I sent the track over to Ronnie for his thoughts. He loved it very much and added the vocals and words, this being the start of what I thought would be years of exciting times for us all.
Unfortunately his passing brought the dream to a halt, but I was still determined to do something with this music and with the help of MD records we released the track with an amazing flip side of our version of “Lord what’s happening “. With the record sold out in no time. The monies that we raised were sent over to Ronnie’s wife with exception of some set aside for the group to have a drink in Ronnie’s name which we accomplished with great fun on Stockport market place.
Now I just had to get involved with finishing Ronnie’s Cd ready for the soul market as it was gathering dust in Philadelphia. One thing I’d learnt from Ronnie was how over the years he had never received his just rewards regarding the royalties or indeed promised payments for many contributions he had made to the soul scene. I wasn’t going to let that happen this time round so I’ve funded the manufacturing of this CD which I hope sells out quickly and every single penny / dollar made after manufacturing costs will be going direct to his family.
So if you loved the man and his music please purchase one of these Cd’s knowing where the profit is going and why.
I want no credit for doing this as I considered Ronnie as a dear friend and one day who knows a good deed might come back my way one day when needed.
The 'For Real For Real' Cd, with all unreleased tracks plus the two bonus tracks with The Authentic’s can be purchased from the link below at a great price, thank you one and all.
Paul Kidd
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ronnie-Walker-For-Real-For-Real-CD-New-Bonus-Unheard-Tracks/303931872841?hash=item46c3c05649:g:MGEAAOSw7u5gWl9q

releases

By Pk 22dj in News Archive - Comments · March 24, 20214 yr

We have been lucky enough to get our hands on some amazing Philadelphia music. This project we have been working on for some months now might be the best one yet. In one single day back in 1970 a relatively young producer by the name of Emmanuel Campbell Jr hired the Sigma Sound Studio backing band, later to be known as MFSB - to lay down several tracks so Manny can bring his cast of singers and other musicians.. it’s amazing to think that in one day Manny Campbell would work through, The Delights (featuring the 15year old Peaches known to the world later as Brandi Wells) The New Establishment (one solo 45, highly sought after by funk collectors) & The Nu-Ron’s (one of New Jersey’s finest vocal groups) - on two different 16 track multi’s we have loving remixed and re-mastered (with the help of Tom Moulton on a few of the songs) some of the best sweet soul, low rider soul, r&b, funk and northern tunes! Album to be released in the upcoming months.

Thank you to:
@jeremyzombie for the amazing design
Tom Moulton for doing what you do, and loving this music so passionately
Pete Humphrey’s - who would have been the mixing engineer at these sessions and has “golden ears” on the mastering.
My crew at Brewerytown Beats for the willingness to put up with my obsessiveness..
Mixing engineer - @mdiddium 🤓 - for the hours of mixing & rebuilding tunes with me.

Soon to be released on Brewerytown Records!
Preorder:
https://brewerytownrecords.bandcamp.com/album/all-my-life-the-songs-of-manny-campbell

releases

By Brewerytownbeats in News Archive - Comments · March 24, 20214 yr

THIS IS PRETTY COOL AND CERTAINLY A FIRST FOR THE NORTHERN SCENE A MESSAGE FROM MR ERIC MERCURY IN PROMO OF THE REISSUE RELEASE OF 'LONELY GIRL' - BMR 1006 COMING SOON, HE IS THRILLED WITH THE RECOGNITION HE HAS HERE ON THE SCENE WITH THIS NORTHERN MONSTER OF A RECORD HOW THE RECORD WAS RECORDED IS STUFF OF LEGEND. ALL THE GROUP GOT WAS 10 COPIES OF THE SAC ORIGINAL AND THAT WAS THAT, VERY FEW COPIES WERE PRESSED FIRST TIME AROUND AND SADLY HE DOESN'T OWN A COPY DESPITE BEING ASKED MANY TIMES FROM COLLECTORS OVER THE YEARS, THIS TIME AT LEAST HE WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS RELEASE WHICH CERTAINLY MAKES UP FOR ZERO REWARD BACK IN THE DAY.
Eric Mercury Video Message
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releases

By Mark Bicknell in News Archive - Comments · March 22, 20214 yr

Had the below press releases sent in to site, concerning James Holvay who was one of the one of the founding members of The Mob
JAMES HOLVAY REVISITS THE CLASSIC WINDY CITY SOUND OF THE ‘60S ON HIS SWEET SOUL SONG EP

The R&B Vet and Chart-Topping Writer of the Buckinghams’ “Kind of a Drag” and Other Classic Hits Salutes the Chicago Style of Curtis Mayfield, Major Lance, and Gene Chandler
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — After four decades out of the music limelight, singer-songwriter-guitarist James Holvay makes his return with a vital five-song slab of authentic Chicago-style soul music, Sweet Soul Song, on his Mob Town Records imprint and set for release on April 16, 2021.

The debut single "Working On It" from the upcoming debut EP "Sweet Soul Song" by James Holvay. Out April 16th on MOB Town Records.

The collection is a vibrant tip of the hat to the music Holvay witnessed and then played in during its 1960s flowering, when such hometown stars – all saluted on its title track – as Curtis Mayfield (lead singer-guitarist-songwriter of the Impressions), Major Lance (whose “The Monkey Time” was one of several smashes penned by Mayfield), and Gene Chandler (nationally known for “The Duke of Earl”) ruled the R&B roost in America.

The Holvay originals on Sweet Soul Song, which range from up-tempo stompers like “Working On It” and “Talking About” to the lush, horn- and string-decorated ballad “Still the Fool,” recall the glory days of Windy City soul, an era that Holvay was able to experience first-hand as an aspiring adolescent guitarist and songwriter.

“Curtis Mayfield was the guy that I always idolized,” says Holvay, who wrote his first song at the age of 12. “I always gravitated toward black music when I was a kid. My roots were always in black music.”

Barely in his teens, Holvay joined the hordes of cleffers peddling their numbers door-to-door on Chicago’s South Michigan Avenue, where such storied record labels as Chess and Vee-Jay observed something like an open-door policy in a competitive hunt for hits. One stop earned him an audience with Calvin Carter, brother of Vivian Carter, one of Vee-Jay’s partners, and the label’s top A&R man and producer.

Holvay recalls, “Behind his desk was this this big plaque from BMI, and it said, ‘To Calvin Carter for ‘He Will Break Your Heart’ – One Million Seller.’ And the writing credit said, ‘Mayfield-Carter-Butler.’ I said, ‘Wow, you wrote that?’ He said, ‘Yeah, me and Curtis and Jerry.’ I said, ‘Oh, I love Curtis Mayfield.’ And he said, ‘You want to meet him?’ And he was at the office. He comes in, little guy, real humble. You could barely hear him when he talked. I said, ‘Oh, you’re the greatest!’ I was probably 15. That was all embedded in my brain.”

The young writer soon fell in with Joe DeFrancesco, a hustling local music promoter and manager. “He would drive around and find these doo-wop guys on the corner,” Holvay recalls. “I’d go write a song and we’d record it, and then we’d go down Michigan Avenue and try to sell it to somebody, to get a couple hundred bucks back for the session.”

With a group of like-minded teenagers, Holvay co-founded a group with a name drawn from a movie title that reflected Chicago’s colorful gangland history: the MOB. The act ultimately became a flashy octet that would have a marked influence on the band Chicago (whose producer-manager James William Guercio played in an embryonic lineup of the MOB).

“All my focus was on that group,” he says. “When I put the MOB together, it was basically a white soul band, a blue-eyed soul band. We had the horns, and guys were jumping all over the stage in pinstriped suits, and we were thinking we were going to be the Beatles.”

However, it was another local act that ended up taking Holvay to the apex of the national charts – as a songwriter. After authoring tunes for such artists as Brian Hyland (whom he supported as a guitarist on Dick Clark’s national Caravan of Stars tour) and Dee Clark, he passed one of his compositions, “Kind of a Drag,” to Carl Bonafede, manager of a Chicago group called the Buckinghams.

“I didn’t hear anything for a year,” Holvay remembers. “One of the guys in the band came into the club and said, ‘You know that song you were playing to Carl a long time ago? I think I heard it on the radio.’ I said, ‘What?’ After I gave Carl the song, the Buckinghams played it in their set at their record hops at the Holiday Ballroom, and the kids would come up and tell them, ‘Oh, I like that song.’”

Signed to U.S.A. Records – an imprint operated by local record wholesaler All State Distributing – the Buckinghams scored an immense hit in Chicago with “Kind of a Drag,” which soared to No. 1 on the city’s 50,000-watt rock ‘n’ roll giant WLS. It ultimately reached the pinnacle of the American singles chart in 1966 as well. Picked up by Columbia Records, the group released three more national hits authored by Holvay in 1967: “Don’t You Care” (No. 6), “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song)” (No. 12), and “Susan” (No. 11).

Riding high with these major hits under his belt, Holvay devoted his energy to the Mob. Through the early ‘80s, the band toured regularly and issued several singles and LPs on Colossus, Private Stock, and other indie labels. But, after 15 years on the road, the act disbanded after a New Year’s Eve 1980-81 date in Los Angeles.

Holvay went into sales, but for him music remained an itch that eventually would have to get scratched.

“What got me started again was I began to hear Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and Amy Winehouse,” he says. “All of a sudden I’m hearing this indie soul thing from the ‘60s coming out again. There were a whole load of these bands out there, all over the world, in Spain, Italy, England. And I said, ‘God, that’s my music!’ So that music inspired me, and the songs I was writing were in the Major Lance-Gene Chandler-Curtis Mayfield vein. That’s who I am, in my heart.

“I started making cassette tapes in my bedroom 10 years ago. Then I met Steve Cohen, who’s from Chicago. I went over to his little studio in North Hollywood. He said, ‘Oh, there’s a Curtis Mayfield vibe.’ And I thought, ah, he knows what I’m doing. So I started recording songs two or three years ago. Then I started to polish them over a year ago. I met our mixing engineer Cameron Lew a year ago and I played him some stuff. He’s a Motown fan, and he went, ‘Oh, man, I know exactly where you’re at.’”

With Cohen acting as tracking engineer at his Lake Transfer Studios in North Hollywood (and Lew ultimately honing the final mix), Holvay set about recording his new material with a group of seasoned working musicians drawn from the Southern California live music scene.

“I started to go to clubs around town and get referrals on people who I saw who I thought could play the music. I finally found some great players – these are the guys who go out with the O’Jays and the Temptations and Earth, Wind & Fire. They’re road guys, road warriors. The keyboard player had worked at Motown. That’s why the quality of the recording and the groove are so good.”

The EP’s background vocal arrangements were helmed by one of Holvay’s oldest musical compatriots, the Mob’s Gary Beisbier.

Every aspect of Sweet Soul Song was designed for maximum authenticity, right down to the last detail on the record’s cover art, a careful recreation of the LP jacket for Gene Chandler’s 1964 Constellation Records title Just Be True. Crafted with care and played and sung with punch, James Holvay’s debut recording in his own name is sure to delight the most ardent soul music fans.

Holvay himself may be most tickled by praise the record received from Johnny Pate, the legendary arranger of the Impressions, Major Lance, Betty Everett, Bobby Bland, B.B. King, and other stars.

“He’s 97, and living in Texas now,” the musician says. “I sent him a copy of the record, and he said, ‘Ah, Jimmy, that brings back such beautiful memories.’”

releases

By Mike in News Archive - Comments · March 22, 20214 yr

Two upcoming 45s from MD Records
Fourth Level - Deep South - MDJW 001
John Laughter and Third Generation - In Our time - MDJW 002

What is the definition of a rare 45, keep in mind that often the press runs that were done ranged from a handful of private press 45s for promotion, through to the 1000’s for major labels.
The Fourth levels only release, Deep South, has remained elusive for the last 25 years. Shifty is sited as the first to get and spin a copy from a record digger in Detroit, followed by Mick H then Dave Thorley. A few collectors in the US were known to have copies, but overall, no one really knows how many copies as people tend not to broadcast when they sell a 45 on. It is so elusive that many have not heard the track and know virtually nothing about it.
Jordan Wilson managed to track down Larkin Yewell to speak to him at some length about the release. Having started a conversation – that was not based on asking if he had any 45s – something Larkin has been plagued with since 2010. Jordan wanted to understand more about the band, who they were and how they came to make such a great recording and why it never got the recognition it deserved. Through several conversations and trawling the internet for any information we could, we started to build a picture of the story around the release and where copies might be. A random post from 2016 said that Larkin had no records but was still in possession of the master tapes. A quick message to Larkin and he confirms that he still has them somewhere. Following on from this, when Jordan posted that we had agreed a deal and where in the process of getting it mastered and pressed, a guy in the US posted he had a copy, and it was covered in writing.
I could see Larkins’s name written on the label so we set about finding out. It turns out it was the copy Larkin gave to his sister when they went back to the south to play gigs. When she sadly passed away the copy found its way to a thrift store as the family could not keep all her belongings.
Once Larkin confirmed he still had the tapes, we agreed on a contract to ship the tapes to a studio in LA for restorative work to preserve the tape and for them to be digitised. Once we had that part safely done, we looked to working up the designs and getting the track mastered to make sure it would sound good with modern pressing techniques while not losing that raw edge that it always had.
If you have never heard this track have a listen to it here and also listen to Larkin talking about it with Jordan.
Promo Video
MD Records are properly pleased to have tracked this down to bring to audiences new and old. This track never had the success it should have done back in the day and Larkin explains why in his interview.
This 45 will be available from Mid March 2021 and alongside of this we are also issuing another properly tough to find track out of Florida.

John Laughter and the Third generation recorded and released “It’s our time” in Dave Plummer’s Cypress studio. This track is a Sax driven monster RnB dancer that previously remained covered up and elusive. Johnny Beggs first found it and started playing it as 3rd Generation and then Des picked up on it and found a copy. Des reached out to the studio but we didn’t really get anywhere at that point. A couple of years later and another conversation brought it back to mind so off we went again scouring the internet for clues on John Laughter to see if we could get to the track that way. Sure enough John was on line and more than happy to talk. He is still playing Sax and gigging whenever he can – although the pandemic put paid to that for the last 12 months or so.
So here we are with our 2 new releases on our new fully licenced re-issue label which is fronted by Jordan Wilson. The aim of the label is to bring the tough and hard to find tracks to vinyl to give them a new day in the sun and to get money back to the artists and rights owners.
Just circling back to my original point, when is a rare record, rare, well originally both of these releases had 1000 copies pressed back in the day.
Deep South probably has less than a dozen known copies at this moment in time – we added to the tally with the one that appeared in the US that belonged to Larkins sister and is still owned by a US collector, we also managed to source another 3 copies that now reside with us in the UK and following the story through further back to Detroit, discovered another copy, possibly 2 in an archive. On John Laughter and the Third Generation we know of 3 copies currently, so neither one is as an easy find!
You never know, more might surface of both titles as people start to play the tracks and talk about them, but they might not! Let us wait and see.
The MD black top series are limited to 500 copies on stock pressing and the first 2 releases come with a picture sleeve containing notes on the tracks. There are also 20 test presses of which only 15 are sold via our website. The remaining 5 sit on file with us.

Sound files for both tracks are on our website mdrecords.co.uk
https://www.mdrecords.co.uk/

By Md Records in News Archive - Comments · March 16, 20214 yr

The Weavers Of Dreams - Weavers Of Dreams - Super Disco Edits SDE 55
Latest 45 from Super Disco edits label has just been released, titled 'Weaver Of Dreams' by The Weaver Of Dreams it's a catchy mellow 70s side (can listen below)
Details and extensive background notes from Super Disco Edits follow below
The Weavers Of Dreams
Weavers Of Dreams / We Could Be A Giant
Super Disco Edits - Carousel Concepts
THE WEAVER’S OF DREAMS Al Hough was born in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, La. His grandfather was the popular jazz composer and pianist, Eddie Jackson, whose band RCA Victor recorded as its original mobile session in the early 1920's. Al's dad - Al Sr.- was a vocalist with the famous 'Sons of the South' quartet in the '40's. When he was still a child, Al's family left the Jim Crow south and headed North to New York City, Harlem (that dusky sash across Manhattan -Langston Hughes).
Even while receiving a staid Catholic school education, by living 'uptown' Al breathed the vitality of the urban 'Rhythms of the Street', the music, Jazz, Blues, Pop, Latin, classical whose sounds rang out from bars, street musicians , clubs and Al's favorite haunt, The Apollo theater. He needed to join in . He got his first guitar at about age 10. He studied music with two prominent NY jazz guitarists. As a teen, he sang in a number of Doo Wop groups who made appearances in local TV shows along with recordings in the '50's and early '60's. After high school, Al returned to New Orleans to study music at Xavier University. There he met his future wife who hailed from Madison Wisconsin. Upon graduation, they married and returned to New York where he worked in Info Tech on Wall Street. But he never stopped writing songs, with a number of them recorded at Capital and RCA .
Sadly though, by the early 1970's, New York was changing for the worse. So they and their two kids moved to Madison , where Al, while employed as an IT consultant at a large insurance company, simultaneously sought out the city's musical talent. Fortunately, he met Phil Kelman, keyboardist, flutist, composer, arranger and musical genius. They became fast friends and began organizing the finest musicians, engineers and singers to bring Al's songs to tape.
Members of The Weavers of Dreams were some of the best Madison had to offer. Algie Hough-Guitar, Clyde Stubblefield-Drums, David Davenport-Bass, Phillip Kelman-Flute, Keys, Production, Jackie Allen-Vocals, Willie May-Vocals. The songwriting and music the collective musicians were making was of the highest order. With this in mind Al made several flights to New York around 1980 searching for a recording contract. Eventually getting a small deal with Carousel Concepts owner David Ward.
To this day Al doesn't really know what happened with the deal. Or how many were actually pressed. In this all too familiar story of long lost hopes and dreams Super Disco Edits are very proud to bring you THE WEAVERS OF DREAMS.
Out now and available from all fine records stores including our very own Source Store, link below
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/store/product/269-the-weavers-of-dreams-weavers-of-dreams-super-disco-edits/

By Mike in News Archives · March 15, 20214 yr

Mind & Matter - "My Love Is Like A Fire / Would Be Mine - Soul Direction - SD003

This journey began when I first slapped my ears around these two sublime soul tracks back in 2013. The group from Minneapolis, Minnesota that gave you "I'm Under Your Spell" on M&M Records, a former Monster hit on the soul scene played under the guise of “Merlin & The Magicians” which remains pretty elusive to this day and still a dance floor winner.
I had the feeling that with these 2 tracks from the previously unissued catalogue that they needed to be on the format that would give them the greatest platform.
Now the journey is nearly complete!!

PRE-ORDER COMING VERY SOON FOR RELEASE ON W/C 19TH APRIL 2021
Soul-direction has handpicked what we believe are the two stand out tracks from the 2013 Numero “1514 Oliver Avenue Basement” Album and unleashed them onto the DJ’s favourite format 7" Vinyl. We wanted to treat this release as a double A sided release due to the absolute perfection of both tracks, because when it comes to crossover/modern soul music this is just a prefect double sider and we hope you agree.
Promo Video
Boasting a perfectly calibrated vocal quartet, an aggressive rhythm section, and stacks of Rhodes, Rolands, and Hammonds, the danceable act failed to win favor with frigid Midwest audiences. Recorded in 1977, a bundle of never-before-released basement demos throw Harris’ beloved Philadelphia Sound into an unfinished root cellar, pelting it with Clavinet attacks, disco skats, and infectious hooks.
Named for the street address of its underground uptown building, 1514 Oliver Avenue (Basement) is James “Jimmy Jam” Harris’ first foray into songcraft has produced a unique and somewhat organic style of dynamic soul music.

Alto Vocals – Glenny "Ittiim" Hardge
Baritone Vocals – Lawrence "Sabu" Brown
Bass – Joe Ray
Drums – Don Turner
Electric Piano,Electric Piano,Synthesizer– James Harris III
Electric Piano, Organ, Gary McCray
Guitar – Rodney Clark
Percussion – Barry Dillard
Saxophone, Electric Piano - Troy Williams
Tenor Vocals, Vocals [Falsetto] – Turhan Bey
Tenor Vocals – Everett "Jawanza" Pettiford*

These tracks were licensed under and with the kind help and guidance of The Numero Group.

releases

By Manfromsoul45s in News Archives · March 14, 20214 yr

LRK proudly presents "Closer To The Win" and "If I Can't Have You" on a double A sided 45 by Laura Rain & The Caesars...
LAURA RAIN & THE CAESARS
DETROIT ORIGINALS
A tough, hard-working American city is reinventing itself as a vibrant incubator of ideas and creation. Back from decades of neglect, Detroit has returned to the forefront on the world stage. Adventurers, investors, artists, and young entrepreneurs are flocking to the Motor City, bringing with them energy, creativity and innovation. The city and its people are inspired again.
Laura Rain is a product of that environment, a hard driving soul singer who uses the power and finesse of her own voice to inspire and electrify your spirit. Born and raised in Detroit, where her father engineered conveyer systems for the auto plants, she delivers her original music with fearless emotion and excitement. Along with her creative partner George Friend, the pair have released four albums with a unique blend of contemporary funky soul, blues and r&b worthy of Detroit’s rich history of musical innovators.
It is the Motor City where Aretha Franklin, Parliament-Funkadelic, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye all lived and created. A town where singers are continually influencing and defining the world around themselves. Laura Rain creates her own environment of expression through her music. Having released four albums of all original music since 2013, the band blends their favorite elements of funky ‘60s organ jazz, lowdown blues, dance music, old-school R&B, and soul. Laura and producer-songwriter George Friend have created a unique style, winning a prestigious Detroit Music Award for “Outstanding Blues Songwriters” and touring the U.S. Canada and Europe. Laura Rain’s voice soars as she weaves her own path through a classic, but thoroughly modern, funky sound, reimagining the r&b, gospel, blues, and soul that the city made famous.
In 2021, Laura Rain is poised to release a large collection of new music (written over the last two years) and rebuild, renew and reinvent herself once again.
Detroit has returned: strong, creative, inspiring, and always soulful!

"Closer To The Win" is soul in its purest form dominated by Laura's unreal vocals - funkyastronaut

Closer To The Win’ – a glorious, building ballad with an old school feel and full on vocal from Laura. It’s proper vintage soul! - Souland jazzandfunk

“If I Can’t Have You” has the feel of a song that could thrive in any of the last five decades. With the rhythm section laying down a deep groove, the song allows Laura Rain to release her expressive vocals, fully delivering both the passion and the longing that weave through the song’s lyrics.- Soultracks

Set to a lush background of legato strings, vibes, Hammond organ, and funky guitar trills and stabs, "Closer to the Win" reaches into the early 1960's pop-soul bag with a fabric of rich vintage tones. A touching homage to the beauty of AM radio and 45 rpm records. Laura Rain's passionate soul-drenched delivery tells a story of her quest for personal achievement, and inner happiness. A message of renewal and striving for success.

Pre-order a copy here: (be quick they already sold 300 copies but due to popular demand, there has been an additonal 100 copies added to the initial 300 run so anyone who may have missed out on the first round, NOW is the time to get a new order in... Once these are gone that will be it....)
Pre order here:
https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/closer-to-the-win-if-i-cant-have-you
releases May 31, 2021

releases

By LRK in News Archive - Comments · March 8, 20214 yr

London: With a history 50+ years in the making, Tower of Power has been a funk institution since 1968, knocking out hits like “What is Hip,” “So Very Hard to Go,” “This Time It’s Real” and “You’re Still a Young Man” while lending their soulful sound to collaborations with Santana, the Grateful Dead, Elton John, Huey Lewis, Justin Timberlake and everyone in-between.

Due out March 26, 2021 from Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, the high-spirited live album and video offers a reminder of the communal joys of the live music experience, something that’s been sorely missed over this staggering pandemic year. 50 Years of Funk & Soul - Live at the Fox Theater captures their storied career with no-holds-barred victory lap concerts in Oakland, CA, performing their full spectrum of life-affirming funk and soul hits to sold out audiences in 2018.

Releasing as a 3-LP set, a 2-CD/DVD combo, a standalone DVD, as well as digitally, 50 Years of Funk & Soul is the next best thing to hearing these brilliant musicians in person. Fittingly for such a special occasion, Tower of Power went all out for this show, supplementing the core 10-piece band and its iconic horn section with additional horns and a string section. These historic performances include alumni special guests Chester Thompson, Lenny Pickett, Francis ‘Rocco’ Prestia, Bruce Conte and Ray Greene.

In the US, PBS will celebrate the 50th anniversary with a 60-minute airing of the performance beginning February 27.

TOWER OF POWER '50 Years Of Funk & Soul Live At The Fox Theater' ART7078

CD 1
1. Stroke ‘75 2:40
2. Ain't Nothing Stopping Us Now 2:36
3. You Ought to Be Having Fun 3:21
4. Soul with a Capital S 6:07
5. Stop 4:34
6. You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous 3:06
7. On the Serious Side 4:17
8. Just When We Start Makin' It 7:24
9. Soul Vaccination 5:04
10. What Is Hip? / Soul Power 9:25
11. Do You Like That? 3:36
12. Drop It in the Slot 3:12

CD-2
1. Can't You See (You Doin’ Me Wrong)? 3:54
2. Maybe It'll Rub Off 3:12
3. Don’t Change Horses 6:28
4. Squib Cakes 6:24
5. On the Soul Side of Town 5:13
6. Diggin' on James Brown (medley) 9:20
(Diggin’ on James Brown/It’s a New Day/Mother Popcorn/There It Is/I Got the Feelin’/Diggin’ on James Brown Reprise)
7. So Very Hard to Go 3:59
8. Knock Yourself Out 8:37
9. You're Still a Young Man 6:01
10. Souled Out 4:36

MUSICIANS
Emilio Castillo – bandleader, 2nd tenor sax, lead, and background vocals
Stephen ‘Doc’ Kupka – baritone sax
Francis Rocco Prestia – bass
David Garibaldi – drums
Roger Smith – keyboards, background vocals
Tom Politzer – 1st tenor sax, background vocals
Adolfo Acosta – trumpet, flugelhorn, background vocals
Jerry Cortez – guitars, background vocals
Sal Cracchiolo – trumpet, flugelhorn, background vocals
Marcus Scott – lead vocal, background vocals
Marc van Wageningen – bass
Lenny Pickett – tenor sax
Chester Thompson – Hammond B3 organ, clavinet
Bruce Conte – guitar
Ray Greene – trombone
Melanie Jackson – background vocals
Tony Lindsay – background vocals
Dave Eskridge – keyboards, horn and string arrangements
Tower of Power Funky Strings
Press release follows below...
Legendary Soul-Funk-R&B Band Tower of Power Celebrates 50 Years with a Star-studded Homecoming Concert at the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA
50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater – Oakland, CA – June 2018 Due Out March 26, 2021 via Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group
Recorded Live Over Two Concerts in June 2018, with Alumni Guests, Additional Horns and String Section Including Lenny Pickett, Chester Thompson, Bruce Conte, Ray Greene & Francis “Rocco” Prestia
Over the course of two memorable evenings in June 2018, legendary soul-funk-R&B outfit Tower of Power returned to Oakland, the city that started it all, to celebrate its landmark 50th anniversary with a few thousand friends, family and fans. The window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit of ToP has been a balm for the soul throughout the band’s half-century existence, but the release of 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater – Oakland, CA – June 2018 couldn’t have come at a better time.
Due out March 26, 2021 from Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, the high-spirited live album and video offers a reminder of the communal joys of the live music experience, something that’s been sorely missed over this staggering pandemic year. Released as a 3-LP set, a 2-CD/DVD combo, a standalone DVD, as well as digitally, 50 Years of Funk & Soul is the next best thing to hearing these brilliant musicians in person. Fittingly for such a special occasion, Tower of Power went all out for these hometown shows, supplementing the core 10-piece band and its iconic horn section with additional horns and a string section.
Bandleader and saxophonist Emilio Castillo also invited back a few elite ToP alumni, including saxophonist Lenny Pickett (musical director of the Saturday Night Live band); keyboardist Chester Thompson (Santana); guitarist Bruce Conte and former vocalist Ray Greene, who shows off his trombone prowess. They join the renowned modern line-up of the band, featuring co-founder Stephen “Doc” Kupka on baritone sax, longtime drummer David Garibaldi, and lead vocalist Marcus Scott. Adding a bittersweet tinge is the presence of founding bassist Francis “Rocco” Prestia, who passed away in September 2020.
“People come up to me all the time and say, ‘Wow man, 50 years! We can't believe it,’” laughs Castillo. “You can't believe it? I'm the one that can't believe it. We've been through a lot of ups and downs and learned a lot along the way. We've affected a lot of people's lives and done a lot of work that we're very proud of. The band has a real family atmosphere. It's been very rewarding.”
Castillo was only 17 years old when he met Kupka and started to assemble the band that would become Tower of Power. “I had no vision at all,” he recalls now. “I just loved playing soul music. My idols were a local band called The Spyders and they had gigged in Sacramento. I thought, ‘Man, if I could just get to Sacramento that would be it.’ That's literally how small my vision was.”
The band has long since surpassed Castillo’s admittedly modest aspirations, traveling the world, enjoying hit singles on their own and backing some of the most legendary artists of the last 50 years – a list that includes Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others. In the process they’ve defined an “Oakland soul” sound as instantly recognizable as those from Castillo’s hometown, Detroit, as well as inspirations like Memphis and Philadelphia.
“Oakland is a very special city,” Castillo says. “It has a really unique type of soul to it. I loved Memphis soul music, yet because of my upbringing I always wanted to make it slicker. I think that defined my approach to music.”

The Fox Theater, where 50 Years of Funk & Soul was recorded, is just a stone’s throw from Jack London Square, where ToP got its start at the now-defunct club On Broadway. While the Bay Area music scene had become famous because of the Fillmore, across the Bay in San Francisco, ToP launched a whole new sound and wore its less glamorous origins proudly.
“You can take the boy out of Oakland, but you can't take the Oakland out of the boy,” insists Castillo. “We always called the East Bay, where we were from, the dark side of the Bay. It was more ethnic, with a lot of blacks, Hispanics and Asians, and soul was the thing there. So, we called our first album East Bay Grease and put a map of Oakland on the cover, which proved to be a really smart move. People all over the world started saying that we represent the Oakland soul sound.”
That sound is vividly represented throughout the nearly two hours of pulse-quickening funk that makes up 50 Years of Funk & Soul. The setlist spans the band’s history, from classic hits “You’re Still a Young Man,” “So Very Hard to Go,” “What is Hip?” and “Don’t Change Horses” to newly-minted favorites like “Stop” and “Do You Like That?” from recent albums on Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, Soul Side of Town (2018) and Step Up (2020). The band shows off its taut precision on the intricately syncopated “On the Serious Side” and proves eerily prophetic by including “Soul Vaccination.”
This vigorous and dynamic live set should prove to be just that for fans around the world starved for the ToP groove over this past year. Count Castillo himself among their ranks – used to fronting the band for 200 dates a year, he’s only played a single gig since last March, joining Los Lobos for a drive-in concert at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. “It’s really been a challenge,” Castillo says of living in lockdown. He’s looking forward to resuming that tireless schedule once the coronavirus is under control. Despite the band’s long and storied history, he has no plans for retirement.
“B.B. King is my role model,” he says. “He just kept on playing to the bitter end. No matter how B.B. was feeling on the bus, he’d step on stage, the lights would go on and he'd come to life. I’ve always said that's who I want to be. My plan is to continue working and spreading the good news of Tower of Power.”

Tower of Power · 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater – Oakland, CA – June 2018
Artistry Music · Release Date: March 26, 2021

For more information on Tower of Power, please visit:
towerofpower.com

releases

By Mike in News Archives · March 8, 20214 yr

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