Northern Soul & Rare Soul Music News, Reviews & Features

Explore a wide range of soul music articles, from breaking news to in-depth features on Northern Soul, Motown, Funk and Soul Music.

New releases from Ace records June 2023
This months releases from Ace go like this (see other news post for Candi Staton Lp release details)
Richard Hawley's Jukebox
Eclectic
Various Artists (Richard Hawley)
LP £27.00
I’ve called this Little Bangers because the tracks are like miniature musical hand grenades. Each recording contains so much energy and yet they’re all over in a flash: magnesium lights that explode and fizzle out almost as soon as they’ve started. That’s what I find incredibly beautiful about them.
CD £11.70
Folk, Funk & Beyond - The Arrangements Of John Cameron
Eclectic
Various Artists (Saint Etienne)
CD £13.12
John Cameron's arrangements – jazzy woodwind and belting brass – were among the most distinctive and innovative of the 60s and 70s. He played a starring role on hits by Donovan, Hot Chocolate and Heatwave, as well as working on KPM library albums and film scores. Mod dancers, pastoral folk, funky soul - John Cameron mastered the lot.


Reflections Of A Golden Dream
Spiritual Jazz
Lonnie Liston Smith
LP £22.14
Released in 1976,“Reflections On A Golden Dream”, the follow-up to “Expansions”, was his fifth album for Flying Dutchman and featured the core band of the Cosmic Echoes, including his brother Donald Smith, David Hubbard and Wilby Fletcher.


Freeze
Funk
Junie
LP £22.14
Recorded at the world-famous Ardent Studio in Memphis, "Freeze" saw Junie play every instrument, from a traditional rhythm section to a barrage of the latest synthesizer technology. The result was an avant-funk masterpiece.

When We Do
Funk
Junie
LP £22.14
Recorded at the world-famous Ardent Studio in Memphis, "Freeze" saw Junie play every instrument, from a traditional rhythm section to a barrage of the latest synthesizer technology. The result was an avant-funk masterpiece.


He Gave Me Nothing To Lose
Gospel
The Clark Sisters
LP £22.14
The Clark Sisters’ fourth album for Westbound's Sound Of Gospel label is the one that pushed them firmly towards the crossover market. It’s time to go back to church via the dancefloor.

More info via https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 29, 20232 yr

Details of a new vinyl release from Ace Records
I'm Just A Prisoner - Candi Staton - LP £22.14
With Candi Staton hitting the UK to play the Love Supreme festival over the weekend of 30th June/2nd July, Ace is delighted to reissue her debut LP, which has been out-of-print on vinyl for decades. “I’m Just A Prisoner” was released in 1970 and remains a definitive slice of Southern soul.

Release Notes
I’m Just A Prisoner was released in 1970 and remains a definitive slice of Southern soul. Recorded at Rick Hall’s legendary FAME studio in Muscle Shoals I’m Just A Prisoner pulled together five tracks - I’d Rather Be An Old Man’s Sweetheart (Than A Young Man’s Fool), I’m Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin’), Evidence, You Don’t Love Me No More and Sweet Feeling - that had appeared as A and B-sides on early singles issued in 1969 and 1970. These were augmented by another five tracks recorded specifically for the album; Someone You Use, Get It When I Want It, Do Your Duty, That’s How Strong My Love Is and Another Man’s Woman, Another Woman’s Man. Like Southern fried chicken, this music is essential food for your ears.
This new edition includes an inner sleeve featuring a new interview with Candi conducted by Ace Records, Ian Shirley about this magical stage of her career as well as photos from the period.
Side 1
01 Someone You Use
02 I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart (Than A Young Man's Fool)
03 You Don't Love Me No More
04 Evidence
05 Sweet Feeling
Side 2
01 Do Your Duty
02 That's How Strong My Love Is
03 I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')
04 Another Man's Woman, Another Woman's Man
05 Get It When I Want It
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/im-just-a-prisoner

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 27, 20232 yr

2 New 45s from Stream records
Ches Haynes and The Outfits
cat # STR009 - 7"/45rpm
Please Don't Go b/w Instrumental (Previously Unissued)
250 Limited Pressing Bundle Available With The Creators (see below)
Pre-order now (ships July 23)
https://cannonballsoul.com/streamrecords/
Ches Was born in Barbados, and from that faraway small group of islands comes this outstanding piece of Caribbean Soul.
Like many of the artists we love, Ches had his fair share of travels and troubles. He dedicated his whole life to music pursuing that ideal of living by the dream we all keep sticking to when it comes to soul music.
After the teenage years spent listenting to the sound of the American Black Music legends of the times, whose frequencies made it to the radio stations in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, he decided to pack up and go big studying music in New York City thus finding he was gifted with songwriting, where he always puts soul, jazz and a touch of reggae music.
Wirl label (West Indies Record Ltd.) was his recording home with which he released a number of tunes both solo and with his band The Outfits. He then traveled far and wide, spending a couple of years in Canada (another proof of Canada’s music industry solid ties with the sound from the islands), eventually ending up where Funk Investigators’ patrol member Yann Vatiste has found him and secured the license for this release.
Stay tuned for more tales about this man, he might be closer to you than you think.
The Creators
cat # STR010 - 7"/45rpm
"I Can't Believe It's True" Mono / Stereo
250 Limited Pressing
Bundle available with Ches Haynes (see above)
"I cant believe its true" is a great uplifting Modern Soul tune produced, written and published by Gospel music veteran and Coconut record label owner Pastor Dr. Arris D. Wheaton from Dallas, Texas. He's now 77 years old, still kicking and licensing his stuff to respectful little labels like Stream Records.
Counting on the vocals of Bobby Patterson’s of Pama and Jetstar labels fame, “I can’t believe it’s true” is a dancefloor destroyer of the highest order with perfect hooks and a production that still leaves you wondering why in the world these guys didn’t become acclaimed music stars as they sure deserved.
Creators’ formation included Bobby Patterson (vocals), Andrew Jones (Guitar and background vocals), Timothy McNealy (Tambourine, Trombone, Organ and vocals), Ronnie Brewster (Drums), Robert (bobby) Simpson (Sax, Vocals and Band Leader), Billy ‘Sweet ‘Pea Thomas (Trumpet) and Michael Fugett (Bass and background vocals)

By Yann V in Articles - Archives · May 26, 20232 yr

A quick highlight news post of a recently added feature to our active and vibrant Source Event Guide..
Source Event Guide Featured Events
Intro
The 'Featured Events' feature now allows promoters/organisers/members to 'upgrade' any Event's exposure/awareness via the event listings in our Soul Source Event Guide.

For a small cost members can now 'upgrade' their own or indeed others Event Guide Entry in minutes
How
To take advantage of this feature, it's just a simple case of entering the events url (by pasting) and then our inhouse store takes care of everything else.
A no-fuss 2 minute affair - see the image below

What You Get
Once purchased your featured event will then instantly be granted the following benefits...
Be displayed in our Event Guide listings with pop out 'Featured Event' markings (see the images below)
In Weekly Event Listings, it will be displayed at the 'Top' of the day of the event listings, in both all events and also its subsection - allnighter section, alldayers etc (see the images below)
In Daily Listings, your 'Featured Event' will be displayed at the top of the hours listing eg 9pm etc

Upcoming 'featured events' will be displayed on our Front Page and on our main Forum and Event indexes (see below)

Further Info and Purchase
The below store page has all the info and the easy setup feature
So all you need to do to get more exposure and awareness for your own or fav event is simply read, paste the url and purchase via
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/store/product/613-featured-event-status-one-week-slot/

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 25, 20232 yr

Timmy Carr & The Cooperettes - "Got No Time" / "I Want My Loving From You" - (Soul Direction)
News on upcoming 45, available to pre-order 28th May 2023
Here's Soul Direction's release/press notes and promo videos...
Timmy Carr & The Cooperettes - "Got No Time" / "I Want My Loving From You" - (Soul Direction)
Mastered from the original studio tapes.
Release Date - 11°" June 2023 (Pre Order from 28 May 2023)

The two tracks featured on this release initially surfaced as an Impact Recordings Studio Acetate. Another copy did surface later but has also been featured on a compilation CD but never as fully licensed 7" vinyl single. We have decided to release the extended "Studio
Master" version of "Got No Time" with the engineer count in and unedited run out.
According to Howard Ravitsky the songs in question were backed by the Cooperettes which were an all-family affair of sisters, Janette, Debbie, Tina and Angie Cooper and not the Persianettes as previous thought.
The songs were written by Howard Ravitsky and Phil Hurtt. Hurtt went on in later life to write the massive hit song "I'll Be Around" for The Detroit Spinners. Timmy recorded a song on the Kee Label titled "Workin" backed with "I'm Not Lyin'" which possibly is his rarest
release.
It should be noted that well known Collector Tim Ashebende was the first UK person to track down and meet Howard in Philly some years ago, which largely lead to some of the tracks from his stable reaching a wider audience on the Northern soul scene.
Thank you again for your continued support.
The Soul Direction Team.

https://www.soul-direction.co.uk

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 24, 20232 yr

Burford Fishback - A man with many irons in the fire (aka Sonny Fishback / Sonny Fisher)
Burford 'Sonny' Fishback was born in Nashville, Tennessee but moved to Louisville, Kentucky at the age of 13. He attended Madison Jr. High there in 1953 and in 1957 he transferred to Central High School joining Mohammad Ali there. Sonny's plan and dreams included becoming a nightclub singer and a recording artist. In 1957 Sonny wrote a song called "You Ain't Going Nowhere" which was a mild local hit. Sonny then dropped out of school to become a performer in the Louisville area. He ended up at the age of 17 working in local nightclubs such as 'the Top Hat', Charlie Moore's, the Crosstown Cafe and the Diamond Horseshoe up until 1965. He then went on the road working in various nightclubs across a wide geographic area. Sonny was soon booked by an agency in Detroit, Michigan and via that deal got to meet James Brown, The Godfather of Soul. JB offered him a position as a songwriter with his organisation. From there, Sonny went to New York to begin his song writing career, while still trying to get a hit record himself. He decided to form his own label called 'Out-A-Site' Records and cut the self-penned song "The Heartbreaking Man".
James Brown wasn't happy with the label name Sonny used and so he discontinued his label in 1968. Sonny then began to record for NOla based Tou-Sea Records under the name Sonny Fisher. The song "Oh Love This Is Sonny" was released, but once again found little success (apart from it being picked up by EMI in the UK for inclusion on their 'Bell Cellar Of Soul Two' compilation LP). In the same year Sonny accepted a record deal with Duke Peacock out of Houston, Texas. While under contract with the company (still under the name of Sonny Fisher), he wrote and produced another song "I'm Going All The Way". In 1971 Sonny's desire for a hit record again drove him to form another of his own label's (Brown Sugar Records) in New York. The first release (1972) was badged up as by Brown Sugar & was titled "Somebody Stronger" but yet again this single brought him little success (even when put out again on ABKCO --.who acted as distributors for him for a time). Next up came a 45 he produced on 1619 B.A.B. ("World / For Your love") and this caught the eye of Chess Records who licensed it for national release late in 1973 (Chess # 2147).
With the lack of success both as a recording artist & label owner / producer, Sonny decided to close the label in 1973 and he then got into the concert promoting business. Some of the concerts he staged were by Kool & The Gang, The Persuaders, The Chi-lites, Evelyn Champagne King, The Flamingos, Eddie Holman and many others. In 1975 Sonny he branched out again, going into the nightclub business. He opened a club called 'Night People' where he catered for a high profile crowd, superstars plus hustlers. Sonny eventually returned to Louisville (1990) to take care of his ailing mother, who died in the early 90's. After his mother's death, Sonny was devastated, he became a drug addict and eventually ended up in prison for drug possession. During his incarceration Sonny developed a passion for writing and authored a number of books and scripts, the most notable these being his 'Plant A New Seed'.
I first became aware of Sonny's work when I bought the Bell Cellar Of Soul Two album late in 1968. I really liked his track on that LP a lot & therefore started to look for his name when scanning record lists. Back then, it was all mailed-out printed sheets that listed 45's for sale or for auction. Being a true Yorkshireman (tight), I'd scan such lists after postie had pushed them through the letterbox for likely obscure imports that I hoped I could get cheaply (the big niter sounds always going for a quid or more back then). If I spotted a name I knew or a import label I had sumat on that I liked, I'd bid silly money to try and get a bargain (buying blind really). Putting a bid in of 1/11d or 2/7d, I'd miss out on loads but win some. As my taste in soul was quite wide (dancers, ballads, bluesy cuts, gospely tracks, big city sounds, Motown, Stax, LA labels, NOla stuff, etc.), more often than not, I'd be content with my haul (whilst worrying I'd missed out on a future biggie by bidding 6d too low). In Sonny's case, I never did come across another 45 with his name on it back then. But as he only had 2 releases under the name of Sonny Fisher, it turns out that my hopes of coming across other stuff by him was low.

artists

By Roburt in Artists · May 23, 20232 yr

News of a new album release from Ace Records
Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night Brooklyn Disco 1974-5
Release notes via Twitter say
In 1975, writer Nik Cohn investigated the burgeoning discotheque scene for @NewYorkMagazine ; two years later, his feature would be filmed as Saturday Night Fever. These are the records Cohn heard in those dark dance dens - irresistible R&B and soul, disco before it was 'disco.'

Track listing
Side 1
Side 1
01 Helplessly - Moment Of Truth
02 After You've Had Your Fling - The Intrepids
03 Welcome To The Club - Blue Magic
04 I Can't Move No Mountains - Margie Joseph
05 Supernatural Thing Part 1 - Ben E King
06 Mellow Me - Faith, Hope & Charity
07 Georgia's After Hours - Richard "Popcorn" Wylie
08 Date With The Rain - Eddie Kendricks
09 Just As Long As We're Together - Gloria Scott
10 Wendy Is Gone - Ronnie McNeir
11 Got To Get You Back - Sons Of Robin Stone
12 Night Of The Wolf (Tema Del Lupo) - Ivano Fossati
13 Good Things Don't Last Forever - Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
14 Tell Me What You Want - Jimmy Ruffin
15 Keep It Up - Betty Everett
16 Free & Easy - Satyr
17 Each Morning I Wake Up - Major Harris
18 It's The Same Old Story - Act I
19 You Can't Hide Love - Creative Source
20 The Whole Damn World Is Going Crazy - John Gary Williams
21 If That's The Way You Feel - White Heat
22 Wake Up Everybody - Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes

Site notes...
Given that Nik Cohn later admitted that the whole account that was published was fictional am guessing there's some sort of generalisation going on here
After persuading New York editor Clay Felker to let him write an article about the 1970s disco scene, Cohn, a newcomer to the United States, set about researching the American working-class subculture he was trying to cover. One night he travelled to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to visit the disco 2001 Odyssey. However when he arrived a drunken fight was taking place outside the club, and one of the participants rolled over in the gutter and threw up on Cohn's trouser leg, leading him to return to Manhattan. Despite this brief visit, Cohn did notice that the scene was surveyed by one clubgoer standing in the doorway and calmly watching events. Cohn returned to the club subsequently but the young man wasn’t there.
To overcome his lack of familiarity with the New York disco scene, Cohn combined the image of the figure outside the club with people he knew from his youth, including a gang member from the Northern Ireland city of Derry, where Cohn had grown up, and a young man he knew in England. “My story was a fraud,” he wrote. “I’d only recently arrived in New York. Far from being steeped in Brooklyn street life, I hardly knew the place. As for Vincent, my story’s hero, he was largely inspired by a Shepherd’s Bush mod whom I’d known in the Sixties, a one-time king of Goldhawk Road." For additional detail Cohn returned to Bay Ridge during the day to get a better feel for the area.
Source of clip above
Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night - Wikipedia
The original Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night article in full

Inside the Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night -- New York Magazine - Nymag
Inside the Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night -- New York Magazine (archive.org)
-----------------------------------------------------
Available 30th June 2023 in CD and Lp versions
more info via
https://acerecords.co.uk/tribal-rites-of-the-new-saturday-night

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 23, 20232 yr

TITLE / ARTIST: Make It With You - The Exciters (Live!) / Simplemente Maria de Panama - Alegria 70

LABEL: Del Corazon Music

CATALOG NUMBER: DCM-45-019-GLDCLR

GENRE: R&B/Soul, Latin Soul, Latin, Guajira, Panama
B: Click Here to Listen!
A: Click Here to Listen!

IN STORES: Fri 5/27/23

FORMAT: 7” 45 R.P.M. Single Gold & Clear Vinyl

PRESS: 497 Gold & Clear Vinyl & Red Vinyl, No repress

KEY MARKETS: Bay Area, Los Angeles, Texas, New York, Japan

Intl. Distribution: razadelsoul@gmail.com @razadelsoul

Press: info@delcorazonmusic.com @del_corazon_music

Del Corazon is back at it once again with another obscure and sought after double dose of Rare Panama Soul!

The Exciters originally covered Ralfi Pagan’s “Make It With You” on a the Loyola label as a 45 and later cut it again as a live version on LP. The OG LP sells for up to $400 and the 45 studio version can sell for the same amount easy!

Pressed for the 1st time on 45, the live version of “Make It With You” by The Exciters! Latin Percussion, heavy reverb, silky lead vocals, a killer horn section and the thrill of a live audience grabs the souls of many!

The A-SIde is a reissue of a Rare Guajira song titled, “Simplemente Maria de Panama by Alegria 70.

Available now on Gold & Clear wax, officially Licensed from Tamayo Records, and just like Del Corazon’s last issue, this will sell out!

By razadelsoul in Articles - Archives · May 22, 20232 yr

Last Bastion Records have shared their latest 45 release info, available for pre-order now...
MONICA ROCHA - The Chicano EP 7"
LAST BASTION RECORDS presents MONICA ROCHA ‘THE CHICANO EP’
HELLO STRANGER / TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT / THE ONE THAT REALLY LOVES YOU
For LB05, debuting on vinyl and this three track EP, we have the Chicano Soul /Brown eyed Soul/low-rider sound of Monica Rocha plus her fabulous duet with Malik Malo!
Limited to 300 with picture sleeve - there will be no repress.
Originally pioneered by artists from San Antonio, Texas “Chicano Soul” (a fusion of Mexican-American and Black musical cultures) has always had an enthusiastic audience among Latino /Hispanic communities throughout the southwestern United States. These are slow jams from the moment when doo-wop morphed into soul. Mostly pleading and woebegone, they’re wrenching and transcendent in the way the best soul music always has been.
There’s now a new Californian movement of low-rider oldies music and resurgence in the Chicano Soul sound today with Monica and Malik.
The EP opens with ‘Hello stranger’ produced and arranged by Edward ‘E-Dub’ Rios. Monica dueting with Malik and delivering their trademark ‘Chicano’ magic on a track originally released by Barbara Lewis as a soul 45 in 1963. It was written by Barbara herself a few years earlier.
Continuing on the A side is ,‘The One Who Really Loves You’ again infused with that Chicano /low-rider style, E-Dub’s production with Monica’s vocals transforming this Smokey Robinson penned 1962 Mary Wells soul classic to stunning effect.
‘Tonight Is The Night’ on the flip has Monica with a sultry and evocative mid tempo recording reimagining Betty Wright’s 1974 sophisticated, smooth and polished studio production synonymous with that formative disco era. It’s stripped away and taken back a decade. Tantalising Lo-fi perfection with vocal intensity against a snare drum backbeat and in doing so, creating a soundtrack for evenings of low-rider music and gatherings of 50s vintage cars under the California sun.
FEATURES
Hello Stranger
Tonight is the night (shorter version)
The one that really loves you
£13.99 Plus delivery

Videos

Detour Records link...
https://detourrecords.co.uk/epages/es785745.sf/en_GB/?ObjectID=42670161

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 21, 20232 yr

Another month and another informative addition to this quality series by Steve Krakow on the Chicago Reader Website
This time its all about 'The Independents'
THE SECRET HISTORY OF CHICAGO MUSIC
Soul vocal group the Independents grew out of a powerful songwriting duo
Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy went from Jerry Butler’s famous workshop to hit-making partnerships with the likes of Natalie Cole and Ronnie Dyson
by Steve Krakow April 23, 2023

The full article can be read via
https://chicagoreader.com/music/the-secret-history-of-chicago-music/soul-vocal-group-the-independents-grew-out-of-a-powerful-songwriting-duo/

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 20, 20232 yr

A place for 2023 digital soul releases, set up due to both the quality and quantity of current digital (non-physical) releases.
Basically using the comments to this article and forum post will give us a place where both the site and all members can share and discuss the most current digital soul release news and info

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 19, 20232 yr

Word from Hayley Records in our soul markt about two great 45 releases , both are available right now - purchase details at the end

DEON JACKSON Happily ever after/(You've got) The power of love HR034
Two more previously unreleased tracks from one of Detroit's favourite sons - DEON JACKSON.
'Happily ever after' was originally recorded by Len Barry but found its way to Detroit and producer Ollie McLoughlin and arranger Mike Terry in the mid 1960s.
The flip '(You've got) the power of love' was written by CAPITOLS member Richard McDougall but never recorded by the group. It did gain a release by The ESQUIRES under the title 'You got the power'
hayley-deon-jackson.mp3

GROOVESVILLE PLAYERS Don't hurt me / AL KENT ORCHESTRA The way you've been acting lately HR035
Another fantastic discovery in the form of the backing track to 'Sweet Sherry' and 'Has it happened to you yet' under it's original title 'Don't hurt me'. Who it was intended for or what the original lyrics were are unknown.
Backed with another classic - the original backing track to 'The way you've been acting lately' complete with false start and no background singers.
hayley-Groovesville-players.mp3

Purchase direct from Hayley Records via
www.hayleyrecords.co.uk/vinyl/index.asp
Original Soul Markt topic by @Rob Moss
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forums/topic/441129-latest-hayleys-groovesville-players-deon-jackson/

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 19, 20232 yr

TONIGHT !!!
FRIDAY 19TH MAY 2023
8PM - MIDNIGHT
SOUL ORIGINS with COLIN CURTIS & JOHN MURPHY
ON HITMIX RADIO 107.5FM or https://www.thehitmix.co.uk/
As we look back at the music and times of Soul Music
from the 1960's going forward as the Northern Soul
scene developed . With Local Stoke On Trent Clubs Characters
Record Shops and more with one of Stoke on Trents Orinal
DSoul Dj's John Murphy !!
Chat Here as we take a unique ride through Soul Music
from The Potteries and Beyond xx
Chat Here x

By Colin Dimond in Articles - Archives · May 19, 20232 yr

Press Release:  Crystal Motion   There’ll Be Another/Million Dollar Baby”   SJ551
Release Date:   Tuesday May 30th 2023

“Crystal Motion” were a vocal quartet of Cape Verdean descendancy from New Bedford, Massachusetts. The original members being lead vocalist “Kevin Gomes”, Kevin’ s cousin, Rodney “Skeeta” Santos, Daniel “Buddy” Monterio and John Paris the man responsible for coining the group’s eventual performing name “Crystal Motion”.  The group was managed initially by Eddie Carter of Carter Management out of Onset, MA.
As a then unnamed ensemble, the group entered the now defunct “Metcalf” Recording studio in New Bedford during 1972 to record the Kevin Gomes penned demonstration song, the sweet soul ballad, “There’ll Be Another”.
A copy of this song was later submitted to the recently formed Independent Recording Studio, “Omega Sound Productions” in Philadelphia, PA. The label owned by Frank Fioravanti having just hit paydirt with William DeVaughn’s smash hit “Be Thankful For What You Got” continued with his policy of supporting up and coming talent and upon hearing Crystal Motion’s demo decided to offer them a recording contract. Although deciding against using the submitted demonstration song (which was to remain unissued) Fioravanti chose to record the group on a song he had co-written with another Philly writer and recording artist Pal Rakes, the title of the song was “You’re My Main Squeeze (Part 1 & 2)” an exciting disco dance orientated song that Frank released on them in 1975 on his Sound Gems label imprint.

The song became a minor hit in Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island plus other towns throughout New England. The record was also popular in the Philadelphia area while also receiving extensive airplay in Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas.  Following the success of “You’re My Main Squeeze” John Paris was to leave the group being replaced by a longtime friend of the other group members Douglas “Dougie” Mendes.

With attention coming from the producers of “American Band Stand” and “Soul Train” the group continued to tour the East coast circuit throughout 1975 and 1976 in preparation for their proposed upcoming album project. The song “There’ll Be Another” was originally cited to be included on the album, rehearsals had begun on another two Fioravanti and Rakes songs firstly “Wrap Your Love Around Me” (although no actual recording of this song was laid down) and “Million Dollar Baby” which the group did manage to finish and record. The album was never completed as lead singer Kevin Gomes left the group due to unforeseen personal reasons and ultimately the group broke up. Little did “Crystal Motion” know at the time but their solitary 45 release was finding a new audience across the pond in the UK with “You’re My Main Squeeze” being championed by inspirational DJ Colin Curtis in the hallowed halls of Blackpool Mecca, a timeless classic that never fails to bring a smile to the listening audiences faces even to this current day.

Sadly Rodney Santos, John Paris and more recently Douglas Mendes have all passed to a better place, leaving Kevin Gomes and Daniel Monterio to continue the Crystal Motion legacy. Now joined by the late Rodney Santos’s brothers Renee and Rory and first tenor Tony Simmons. They are from time to time are also joined by a female vocalist Angela Kronillis. Throughout their performing career the “Crystal Motion” members have often performed with their childhood, neighborhood and lifelong friends the Tavares Brothers of the hit group “Tavares”.
Returning to the here and now, following Soul Junction’s introduction to Kevin Gomes and already being involved in a licensing deal with Melomega Music it was agreed to license both of the unissued ‘Crystal Motion’ songs from their respective owners and pair them together for a long overdue 45 release. With ’Crystal Motion’s’ “You’re My Main Squeeze” cult and anthemic status being forever assured with Northern/Modern Soul devotees we’d like to think this long overdue discovery and release of these two slightly differing Sweet Soul offerings will 's Mecca garner and enhance the group’s wider appeal with the growing aficionados of the Chicano, Group Harmony and Lowrider genres, Enjoy.
Listeners of Mick O’Donnell’s popular “Soul Discovery” Radio Show may already be familiar with “There’ll Be Another” with Mick having championed a raw demo take of the song in his past broadcasts.
Words By:   David Welding
With acknowledgements to Kevin Gomes.
Photographs courtesy of Kevin Gomes.
For further information please contact Soul Junction at:
Tel:   +44 (0) 121 602 8115 or E-mail: sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk
To Pre-order visit https://souljunctionrecords.co.uk/SJ551.html

By Chalky in Articles - Archives · May 18, 20232 yr

A heads up release news that MD Records latest 45 is now out and about and available via quality soul stockists.
Great double sider, 2 great tracks on vinyl for the first time.
Alfreda Brockington - Give me what you givin’ her / Waitin’ for your touch - MD Records
Check out the below for the full details
Video/Audio

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 18, 20232 yr

Two interesting pre-orders showing up
CBLL042 The Nu' Rons You Came Thru b/w Hurry Up Tomorrow
CBLL041 Force de La Vie | Force "Holy Moses" French Unissued + Streaker Version
Out July '23 at £20 each
Preorder info https://www.teslagroove.com

CBLL041 Force de La Vie | Force "Holy Moses" French Unissued + Streaker Version

Out July '23
Preorder info https://www.teslagroove.com

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 16, 20232 yr

A new album release, available in all 3 formats, digital, vinyl and cd, release notes below has more...
Soul Steps' is the second album by Berlin and San Diego based band The Everettes, who have been an insider tip in the soul landscape for a few years now. On the one hand, the title alludes to the musical footprints they follow, as their danceable music is rooted in Northern Soul, Stax and Motown and with their three female singers they carry the magic of the 60s girl groups into the present. On the other hand, the songs are also about personal development steps and the paths and decisions one has to take in life with oneself and others.

With a lot of charm, likeable performances and their self-titled debut album released in 2020, The Everettes have won themselves an international audience and have been a permanent fixture at the renowned Baltic Soul Weekender since 2019, among other things.

Soul Steps by The Everettes

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 16, 20232 yr

Jimmy Radcliffe -The Thrill Of Loving You / You Made A Man Of Me
Now fully released and available at all good soul stockists
more info via

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 15, 20232 yr

Third single from the new compilation “The Originals 3” by Golden Rules that made waves on the international funk & soul scene contains New York based soul man Carlton Jumel Smith, who had his debut on Timmion Records.
His exclusive contribution is a warm and soulful anthem. It delivers a fresh drum break, smooth guitar lines and a lovely horn section - all making space for the powerful voice of Carlton Jumel Smith.

It's Gonna Be Alright by Carlton Jumel Smith

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 15, 20232 yr

A demo/start up/test of a new news category
part of ongoing tweaks - all a bit work in progress at moment
first post starts a news item and a forum topic
comments show on both
Arlena Arpels' setlist with timestamps:
1) 0:05 "You Know I Love You" (George F. Smallwood);
2) 4:56 "Strike a Spark" (Chateau);
3) 7:45 "Just a Chance in Life" (The Last Generation);
4) 11:44 "The Burg" (Larry McGee Revolution);
5) 14:21 "This Party Is Just for You" (Special Touch);
6) 16:28 "Shake Your Body" (Manujothi);
7) 19:37 "On the One" (World Quake);
😎 22:36 "Portia Carey - I Wanna Thank You
9) 26:02 "Happy" (Sandi Havens);
10) 28:20 "Fabric" (Jonas Munk);
11) 30:37 "Take Them in Prayer" (Earl Young);
12) 34:02 "Cash Money - Seeking
13) 35:44 "I'm Your Man" (Spade Brigade)
https://www.patreon.com/myanalogjournal

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 14, 20232 yr

Details of a new album release just landed, press release follows...
Funky Finns releases a debut album of humane soul songs
Funky Finns is a new Finnish soul group whose debut album "United Souls" will be released on May 12th. Many people are familiar with the band from the spectacular songs and videos released during the pandemic. On their debut album, a wonderful group of professional musicians serves the music with great soul and tight groove. The album will be released through Eclipse Music.
In autumn 2019, Antti Kleemola asked Mikko Pettinen's band Happy People at the time to perform in Helsinki. As a result of this gig, the ensemble soon appeared in California; in San Francisco and Palo Alto. At the San Francisco concert, one of the guest speakers called the band Funky Finns. And that's how Antti’s and Mikko's new band was born!
Antti and Mikko started composing music together for their new line-up. Jonnu Heikkilä was asked to be the lyricist, and she enthusiastically joined the band. The rest of the band took shape around the songs naturally. Energetic and grooving playing on the album is served in addition to the above-mentioned talents by top domestic musicians when Onni Lonka shines on guitar and vocals, Sampo Tiittanen on bass and Markku Heikkilä on drums. The stricter brass players are saxophonist William Suvanne, trombonist Hannu Lamminmäki, trumpeter Teemu Mattsson and baritone saxophonist Joakim Berghäll. The cavalcade of players on record and live is even bigger than the music's multi-talents bringing the tunes to life with the power of a versatile arsenal of instruments. The wonderful singers Jonnu Heikkilä and Jepa Lambert sing background vocals in the band.
The first single was released in the summer of 2020 when United We Stand was released in connection with the anti-racism campaign. This song featured guest soloists from five different countries and four continents. The song was recorded and videoed during the Corona lockdown so that everyone recorded and filmed their part themselves. The style became familiar to many during the Corona lockdowns and connected musicians and listeners worldwide.
After this, the band has released numerous singles from their upcoming album. In 2021, two singles, Very Dark Winter and Simpler Times, were released. During this spring, two songs from the album were also released; Rebel and the latest Do It Like U Wanna in March 2023. Even before the album release, there will be one single release of the song Fly.
Funky Finns' music is humane soul music, and the group's sincere intention is to make the world a little better place with their music. The songs on the album deal with the different themes of life. The songs are encouraging insecure and anxious young people to find their direction. The lyrics encourage people to be themselves and the band wants to spread love, positivity, and a good mood.
The album release concert is at the Myyr York Rhythm & Jazz Festival in Myyrmäki on May 12th.
https://www.tiketti.fi/myyr-york-rhythm-jazz-festival-lobby-myyrmaki-vantaa-tickets/86585

United Souls by Funky Finns

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 10, 20232 yr

Lenis Guess presents...Unbroken Melodies: Various Artists Out Of Norfolk Virginia.
Rare & Unissued 1970s Cuts
Soul Bitter - Soul Sweet
Plut LP #2 - It ain't a boot if its on Plut!
Details just in of a new lp that has just been released via Plut Records

Titled "Unbroken Melodies" this brand new album from Plut Records has been compiled by Brent Hosier and is being billed as unearthing lost soul music from the archives of "Norfolk Sound" producer Lenis Guess.
It's from the same people who have previously been involved with the 'Raw Soul' And 'Ol Virginia Soul' compilations, this time around the album concerns itself with the studio productions of Lenis Guess, the head of LGA Records.
The 11 tracks are listed below. followed by a few audio clips, 7 of the tracks are previously unreleased, with 4 being released as singles.

Track Listing

Side 1
1. Lenis Guess/The Royal Robins – No Steps Away *
Previously unissued
2. Little Wink/Eddie's 25th Century Band – Sentimental Love (instrumental)
1st Issue Brock 501
3. Jack & The Mods – Don’t Wake Me Up
1st Issue Bamtown 501115
4. The Symbolics – Find Yourself Another Baby *
Previously unissued
5. Deltones Ltd – Keep My Company With You
1st Issue D-Tone 500
6. Deltones Ltd – You Don’t Believe I Love You
1st Issue Plut-04

Side 2
1. The 35th Street Gang – Your Love Gave Me Peace Of Mind*
Previously unissued
2. Jato Vondel – You Don’t Miss Your Water (Til Your Well Runs Dry)*
Previously unissued
3. Jato Vondel – How Long Have I Been A Fool*
Previously unissued
4. Deltoned Ltd – You Don’t Believe I Love You (instrumental)**
Previously unissued full version
5. The Symbolics – Home Ain’t Home
1st Issue - Guess 633

Audio Previews
Lenis Guess/The Royal Robins – No Steps Away
track-1.mp3

Jato Vondel – You Don’t Miss Your Water (Till Your Well Runs Dry)
Jato-Vondel-You-Dont-Miss-Your-Water.mp3

The 35th Street Gang – Your Love Gave Me Peace Of Mind
35th-Street-Gang-Your-Love-Gave-Me-Peace-Of-Mind.mp3

Jato Vondel – How Long Have I Been A Fool
Jato-Vondel-How-Long-Have-I-Been-A-Fool.mp3

Leaflet/Insert Details
Brent Hosier the complier has also has put together the album liner notes, which start on the back lp cover and continues onto an extensive 8 page full size insert, taking a most detailed look at each track's group/artist and background

Leaflet/Insert Preview Scan - Page 1/8

Lenis Guess presents... Unbroken Melodies: Various Artists Out Of Norfolk Virginia, is available now at various online stockists

By Mike in Articles - Archives · May 3, 20232 yr

Welcome to Epsilon Record Co. latest Californian re-releases
Two fantastic Modern Crossover 45rpm
ORDER NOW! (shipping from Tuesday)
https://www.epsilonrecord.com

EPS021
Bobby Baker
Holy Grail Modern Soul Crossover Vocal & Instrumental
Listen:
A: “Everything Has Got To Be Alright”(4:07)
B: “Everything Has Got To Be Alright” Inst. (4:07)
Written by: Dana V Andrews
Los Angeles CA / 1980
(official reissue)

EPS020
Dana V Andrews
Superb Modern Soul Crossover Vocal & Instrumental
Listen:
A: “Mr Justice”(3:33)
B: “Mr Justice” inst. (3:33)
Written by: Dana V Andrews
Los Angeles CA / 1976
(official reissue)

By Yann V in Articles - Archives · May 2, 20232 yr

New Album - Riker Up - Charly Records - Adventures in AI Land

Mike · Monday at 12:002 days

Details of a new upcoming album release from Charly Records, currently a pre-order, shipping on December 12th. And as with all things AI nowadays, there’s no doubt that this latest development in this ‘controversial’ genre will be of interest to both those for and against 'this sort of thing'. Charly Records release notes follow below... Riker Up! - Northern Soul Reborn RIK-LP 101 / RIK-CD 101 UK release date: 12th December 2025 US release date: 19th December 2025 "Riker Up! is the world’s first
New Book - High on Sou!: Tell Me it's Just a Rumor Berry - Al Abrams
New Book - High on Sou!: Tell Me it's Just a Rumor Berry - Al Abrams

Mike · yesterday at 16:091 day

The follow up to the 2011 Al Abrams book 'Hype & Sou!: Behind the Scenes At Motown' was published recently. Titled 'High on Sou!: Tell Me it's Just a Rumor, Berry', this time around the focus is on Al Abrams' experience, starting from his teenage years in 1959 when he was hired at Motown, to his role as Motown's Press Officer. Already picking up good reviews, release notes follows below Release notes High on Sou!: Tell Me it's Just a Rumor, Berry Al Abrams was Detroit Motown Family Grit; No
- books
- motown
New Album - Soul Jamaica - Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records
New Album - Soul Jamaica - Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records

Mike · October 16Oct 16

Soul Jamaica -Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records Featuring Alton Ellis, Jackie Mittoo, The Heptones, Sound Dimension and more! New album from Soul Jazz Records, available in vinyl, cd and download formats Release notes Soul Jazz Records’ new Soul Jamaica brings together a wicked selection of reggae funk and soul tracks from the legendary Studio One stable, featuring a stellar line-up of artists including Jackie Mittoo, The Heptones, The Gladiators, Sim Smith, Peter Tosh and The Wailers, Cedric
- releases
Soul Weekend Event Map Shout 17-19 Oct 2025

Mike · October 16Oct 16

Our weekly soul event heads up, using our 'map views' from the Soul Source Event guide Over 100 events this week and this time we have had to use 2 map screengrabs to show them all! Event Guide Index - Just visit and then tap the Red Link for our dynamic event map to pop up Visit Soul Source Soul Event Guide Index For more deliberate soul event searching can use our 'Events Near Me- Local Soul' Feature Explore Our 'Events Near Me - Local Soul' Feature
Soul Up North #125 - Autumn 2025 Out Now

Mike · October 13Oct 13

Not just the leaves that are dropping, here's details of the latest Soul Up North issue... Soul Up North #125 - Autumn 2025 Out Now #OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO #GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall #FUNK IN YO’ FACE – PHILLYFUNK Howard Priestly #SUBSTANCE & STYLE Steven Riley #SOUL SPOTLIGHT – BENNY GORDON REVISITED – PART 2 Steve Guarnori #HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS Howard E #SOUL BOOK REVIEWS I.M. / HFE #CHICAGO SOUL Shane Cox #THE LADIES CHOICE – COLLECTING RARE SO

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