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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.

Latest Updates

Sharon McMahan - Got To Find Another Guy - Big Man Records 45 - Out Now BMR 1011

After problems at the pressing plant, the latest Big Man Records release is now available, audio along with the 45 sleeve notes and more follow below...
Sleeve Notes
Sharon began her career, as a teen in Detroit, Michigan. She wrote her first songs at 12 years old. After auditioning her, Ollie Mclaughlin launched her writing career by publishing/producing, recording and releasing, several of her songs on his own record labels, KAREN, CARLA, MOIRA & RUTH RECORDS. McLaughlin recorded Sharon's songs on Barbara Lewis, Deon Jackson, Gracie Darnell, Johnnie Mae Matthews. He also secured a UK recording for Sharon's song, titled, "Someday We're Gonna Love Again" on the Liverpool based group, The Searchers. It charted to #11 in Billboard in several countries and to #23 here In the U.S. Thus, Sharon has a tremendous fan base In the UK. Later, another Detroit based publisher/producer became familiar with Sharon's writing skills. He was Don Davis, producer of Johnnie Taylor, executive producer of The Dramatics and many more artists. He recorded Sharon's songs on current Hall Of Fame artists, Etta James and Mavis Staples. He also recorded one of Sharon's songs on The Three Degrees. Please Note: Rappers, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth sampled the track from The Three Degrees song, to record the title track for their CD titled: RETURN OF THE MECCA.
In 1973, Sharon was signed to Columbia Records, by then president Clive Davis. Her released single was titled, "Get Out Of My Life", produced by Toxey French and arranged by Philly master arranger, Bobby Martin.  Sharon later associated with NEA jazz award recipient, Benny Golson. Golsons album, "I'm Always Dancin' To the Music", contains a Sharon McMahan song, "Love Is The Key". Sharon later worked with Golson as lyricists on the NBC mini-series, "The Sophisticated Gents". Unfortunately, for Sharon, her screen credits were not published, as agreed but her lyrics speaks volumes in this film.
Soon after, Sharon was introduced to Otis Blackwell, writer for Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and others. He recorded and released a McMahan country song, titled "I'm Happy Just The Way I Am" on his own Bullion label.
Thanks to Richard Johnstone for his contribution to this release, Ian Gregory at 'Soul Time Soul Flyers' for label and sleeve artwork, Karen Bentham for her support and label administration.
Sharon McMahan Discography
Love is Wonderful / Here Comes the Boy I Love Karen Records 1964
Got To Find Another Guy Karen Records 1966
Get Out Of My Life Columbia 1973
Get Out Of My Life/ Maybe You'll Be Back Expansion 2011
Where There Is Love /I Have No Choice Karen 2018
Release Notes
Sharon McMahan - Got To Find Another Guy / Love Is Wonderful - Big Man Records 1011
Both songs written by Sharon McMahan and owned by McMahan publishing company. Released with both her blessing and kind permission 
Sharon wrote songs for Barbara Lewis, Deon Jackson, Gracie Darnell, Johnnie Mae Matthews, and has appeared at the Cleethorpes Weekender to great acclaim.
The record will come in a custom picture sleeve, a6 collectors card personally signed by Sharon in a poly outer sleeve.
Listen
 
 
Images

Availability
Available now direct from @Mark Bicknell Big Man Records, or via the many records shops now, including our own Source Store - Tap to view Sharon McMahan - Got To Find Another Guy 45 Store page
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Pre-Order: Joe Johnson 'What’s the Matter With You Baby' - Cannonball Records

Joe Johnson  'What’s the Matter With You Baby' / 'I Still Love you'
Pre-Order Now:
Limited Edition Cannonball Classic 7” 250 run + 10TPs
Out End of February 2023
'What’s the Matter With You Baby'
Listen:
'I Still Love You'
Listen:
 
Preorder: https://cannonballsoul.com/cannonballrecords/
You just can’t imagine how many Joe Johnsons soul singers were around on both coasts of the States at the crossing of the sixties and the seventies. And how long it took us to find the right one.
Double banger here out of a privately produced Long Player that never had a 7” vinyl to lead to its publication. Until now of course, with that Time Capsule feel as trademark of our flagship record label.
Huge thanks to John Browne & Ian Williams for their assistance too!
By Yann V in Articles - Archives ·

Luxury Soul 2023 Box Set (3 x CD) Details

Luxury Soul 2023. The annual 3 cd box set from Expansion records.
Note no shipping till the second week of January 2023.
35 tracks in total, spread over 3 x cds, track listing below
Released to coincide with the 20th Anniversary Luxury Soul Weekender in January 2023 and includes tracks by three artists performing live at the event.
Event Guide - Weekender Section

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/events/2-weekenders/

CD ONE
Here We Go Again - Output / Input feat. Audrey Wheeler & Brent Carter
Now's The Time For Us - Julian Jonah
Say Yes (Metlife Remix) - Cornell C.C. Carter
If It Feels Good - We Are One X-Perience
I Believe - Khari Cabral & Jiva
This Is Of The Most High - Royalty Duo
Got Sweet Loving (Raw Soul Mix) - Brian Power
You're The Best Thing (Original Mix) - Sound of SuperBad
4EVER! - Richard Alexander Davis
What Can We Do - IshMaleSings
Moods - The R&R Soul Orchestra
What We Gonna Do By - Down To Earth Feat. Stacey Lee
CD TWO
Move Me No Mountain - Lisa Dietrich
Let Me Be the One - Rockie Robbins
Soul Steppin (Soul Syndicate Remix) - Shirley Jones
Light Up My World - John Reid
Touch and Go - Victor Haynes
Midas Touch [Nigel Lowis Mix] - Candace Woodson
Alone Again - Ernie & The Family Mckone
Sucha Good Feelin' (Don-E Chuffed Mix) - Rich Beggar
Don't Give Up - Robert IMtume Owens
While I'm Alone - Alton McClain Scarborough
This Is Worth It - Blue Soul Ten
CD THREE
Slow Motion – Kenya feat Noel Gourdin
How I Feel - Antonio McLendon
Dot Dot Dot (The Sequel) - Marqueal Jordan
Stargazing (Radio edit) - Kim Tibbs
Take A Walk With Love - Sheree Brown
When We're Together - Kloud 9
Don't Throw Our Love Away - Ashley Scott
Something Like This (Breakdown Remix) - Tristan
Go Right On (Steve Salvari Remix) - Patrick McLean
You Make Me Feel (Dance Version) - Marc Staggers
Place In My Heart - Matt Johnson
Love Can Make You Feel So Happy - Ipso Facto
 
 
 
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

The Flirtations @ The Night Owl Birmingham Sat 17th Dec 2022

On Saturday 17th December, famous soul trio The Flirtations are live at The Night Owl with a rare vocal performance plus support from rising soul singer Abi Farrell (Big AC Records), this is set to be The Night Owl's biggest show of 2022 and a great way to celebrate Christmas early!
Press release
1960s Soul icons The Flirtations to headline The Night Owl this December 17th
1960s soul sensations, The Flirtations, are set to headline Digbeth’s soul & retro venue The Night Owl for a very special Christmas show.
Support on the night comes from Abi Farrell of East London’s independent label Big AC Records.
Tickets are available now at £20pp.
This Christmas you can treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the soulful American trio who took over the UK scene with their hits ‘Nothing but a Heartache’, ‘Changes Darkness into light’, ‘Little Darling’ and more! The Flirtations, FKA The Gypsies, have crafted a legacy that follows their name and have marked themselves as a must-see group.
The Flirtations’ album Sounds Like The Flirtations was recently reissued on vinyl via Decca Records. Originally released on Deram in 1969, Sounds Like The Flirtations features some of the group’s most beloved tunes, including ‘Someone Out There’, ‘Love is a Sad Song’, and the classic ‘Nothing But A Heartache’.
If you’re familiar with The Night Owl you may recognise opening act Abi Farrell from their Big AC Records Live Revue back in May. Hailing from Oxfordshire, Abi Farrell was raised on a soundtrack of female-driven pop, funk and soul. Influences from the likes of Aretha, Carole King, Eva Cassidy and Chaka Khan may all be present in Abi’s music but each song is brought into the here and now by her effortlessly pure voice and lyrical dexterity. Farrell has received great critical acclaim over her musical career:
“Great songwriting and a beautiful voice” Robert Elms - BBC Radio London “An artist on the rise... a considerable talent” Blues & Soul Magazine
Tickets are available here for the upcoming show. Saturday 17th December at The Night Owl.
Tickets are available now at £20pp.
 

 
By Maryam Snape in Articles - Archives ·

Kent Records 40 Years On - An Exclusive Four Month Digital Campaign

News from Ace Records of a four month celebration of the 40 year Kent Records landmark via an exclusive digital campaign. Details follow below.
To celebrate an amazing FORTY YEARS of unrivalled Kent Records releases under the watchful eye of Master Soul Curator Ady Croasdell, aided and abetted by Messrs Tony Rounce, Dean Rudland and Alec Palao, Ace Records have launched an exclusive digital campaign to commemorate 40 years since the first Kent compilation “For Dancers Only” hit the record shops of 1982 with resounding success.
During the next FOUR months, we will release no less than FORTY digitally previously unreleased Kent titles!
First up is a digital selection containing nine tracks taken from the LP and CD versions of the recent “Kent Forty Forever” compilations.
Tap below for an exclusive preview of ‘Selections from For Dancers Forty'
Listen here!
 
Kent Records Turns 40! Spotify Connected Playlist
Subscribe to this Spotify playlist to be the first to get all FORTY previously unreleased digital tracks that we have lined up for you!
 
 
Four decades of supplying soul and still so much more to come; here’s to the artists, writers, musicians and producers – CHEERS!

 
December 2nd Release - 'Selections From For Dancers Forty' – Various Artists
Walk The Chalk Line - The Teen Queens
Gonna Put It On Your Mind - Arthur Adams
You Changed Me - Teddy Reyonlds
Here Comes The Judge - Larry & Tommy
Tramp - Foxfire feat. Johnny Adams
Freedom & Justice - Pace-Setters
Mr. Busdriver - The Teen Queens
Stand Up Straight And Tall - Jackie Shane
I’ll Let Nothing Come Between Us - Billy Watkins
December 9th - Ike Turner & His Kings Of Rhythm
Camel Walking – Ike Turner & His Rhythm Kings
Daddy’s Blues – Ike Turner & His Rhythm Kings
 
Upcoming releases:
December 16th - Z.Z. - Hill
Knock On Wood
Midnight Hour
December 23rd - B.B. King
Flying High
December 30th – James Carr
What The World Needs Now
January 13th - Milton Bennett
What’s One More Lie
January 27th – Arthur Wright Orchestra
Arthur Wright Orchestra - If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time
Arthur Wright Orchestra – Before It’s Too Late
February 3rd – “Gimme Some Mod Jazz” - Various Artists
Johnny Talbot – Never Make Your Baby Cry
Chili With Honey - Danny Bell & The Bell Hops
Empire City - Gene Walker
Spoonful - Playboy Five
Mission Impossible - Johnny Gilliam
In The Dark - Dave Hamilton
El Tacos - Frenchy & The Chessmen
February 10th “Valentine’s Soul” – Z.Z. HILL
When A Man Loves A Woman
You Send Me
Nothing Takes The Place Of You
February 24th - Larry Banks
Don’t Pull Away
We Got A Problem
Let’s Roll Up Our Sleeves
March 10th - Jackie Shane:
You Are My Sunshine
March 24th - James Carr & Barbara Perry
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
March 31st – “More Masterpieces of Modern Soul” – Various Artists
Ray Godfrey – I Ain’t Givin’ Up
Ronnie Walker – You’ve Got To Try Harder
7 Days Unlimited – Trying (Pt. 2)
The Four Tees – One More Chance
The Moderations – Ride The Disco Train
The New Experience feat Elayne Starr – I Believe
Higher Feelings – I Wanna Stay High On You
 

By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

When Tina and Motown Came To Britain

Two BBC Documentaries over Christmas and New Year.
When Tina Turner came to the UK on Christmas Day and then on New Years Day wehn Motown came to the UK.
BBC Two has revealed two documentaries on legendary singer Tina Turner and how Motown came to the UK in time for Christmas.
When Tina Turner Came To Britain will feature previously unheard interviews with the icon and will tell the story of her relationship with the UK when it airs on Christmas Day.
Speaking about the upcoming documentary, Turner said: “The love, energy and support I’ve had from Britain over the years has been amazing. I couldn’t have enjoyed the career I’ve had without my time spent in the UK and collaborations with amazing British songwriters, musicians and producers. From my very first visit to London in 1966, I always enjoyed visiting Britain and performing for fans across the country – it felt like my second home.”
The documentary will also feature contributions from those who have worked with Tina over the years, including Heaven 17’s Gregory and Martyn Ware, Skunk Anansie’s Skin and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, who choreographed the music video to Private Dancer.
It will begin with Turner's first visit to the UK when she supported Rolling Stones on tour in 1966. The film will span more than five decades, with footage of her attending the world premiere of Tina: The Musical in London in 2018.
In the second documentary airing on New Year’s day, BBC2 will tell the story of when Motown came to the UK in the form of a tour in 1965. The likes of Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles arrived in the country and performed across the nation.
When Motown Came to Britain will also include commentary from a range of artists in Motown fans, including Otis Williams and The Supremes and the temptations manager Shelley Berger, plus many more.
Jonathan Rothery, BBC head of Pop Music TV, said: “Both films take a fascinating look at much-loved stars through the filter of the times they’ve visited our shores.”
When Motown Came to the UK airs on New Year’s Day on BBC Two and iPlayer.
When Tina Turner Came to Britain airs on Christmas Day on BBC Two and iPlayer.
https://virginradio.co.uk/entertainment/86795/bbc-announces-two-new-music-documentaries-on-uk-motown-and-tina-turner
By Chalky in Articles - Archives ·

208 Fabulous Records: My Soulful Life by Adrian Corbin

If you like music, you will like this book; if you like Soul music, you'll love this book!

The Big AC, Adrian Corbin, has put pen to paper and compiled this excellent collection of stories and records about a life lived along to an incredible musical soundtrack.

Having received praise from Ady Croasdell, Eddie Piller and Dave Cole of 'In The Basement Magazine', this is a book you should definitely put on your Christmas list.

Introduction by John Lias, and beautiful full colour illustrations by John Sauverin. Limited copies of this soft back book are available on our website https://www.bigacrecords.com/
 
***** 
"A fascinating look at a great period in music through the eyes and ears of one inspired enthusiast."
Ady Croasdell - 6TS Rhythm 'N' Soul Society and Kent Records.

******
"I have been privileged to make a number of firm friends thanks to my Soul music magazine; Adrian is one of the best of them. This book is an enjoyable reflection of a colourful character's years in soul music with more than a soupçon of football added in for good measure."
Dave Cole - 'In The Basement' magazine.
***** 
"An incredibly evocative journey through life illustrated by music. From Mod to Soul, with everything else in between - essential."
Eddie Piller - Acid Jazz Records.

*****






 
https://www.bigacrecords.com/
 
 
By Big Ac Records in Articles - Archives ·

New CD - For Dancers Forty - Kent Cd Out Now

A new cd release from Kent.
For Dancers Forty - Various Artists  - CDKEND 514
For Dancers Forty revisits the US Modern and Kent labels that started it all off
The Lp version was released last month, but this the cd version differs a great deal, from than the vinyl version, with only 3 tracks being found on both
As always, the cd comes with an informative 20-page glossy leaflet, with photos and notes by Ady Croasdell (see below for preview scans)
Release notes from Ace Records follow below
Release notes
Kent Records are commemorating 40 years since the LP Kent 001 “For Dancers Only” hit the record shops of 1982 with resounding success. Our new CD “For Dancers Forty” revisits the US Modern and Kent labels that started it all off.
We have already released a “For Dancers Forty” LP but though the compilations share the same celebratory title, only three tracks feature on both. We didn’t want to neglect our digital customers at the expense of the vinyl hounds.
The collection represents the breadth of label-owners Saul, Jules, Joe and Lester Bihari’s recordings, featuring stompers, Rhythm & Blues rockers, girl soul grooves group harmony and sublime ballads.
Several tracks are new to Kent CDs. There are previously unheard 1966 soul recording from 50s Modern R&B artists Aaron Collins and his siters The Teen Queens, guitarist/songwriter Arthur Adams and soul-crooner Billy Watkins. Kent stalwarts Mary Love and Z Z Hill are featured, musically and on the front cover, with a recently discovered studio shot. As with Kent 001 we feature the R&B sounds of the label from T-Bone Walker, Little Joe Blue, Flash Terry and the mighty B B King. There are underplayed tracks by Jeanette Jones, Lowell Fulson and Tommy Youngblood – whose moody LP-only track ‘Tobacco Road North’ has been sampled by US rappers.
As ever on our rare soul scene, it is the lesser-known artists who we spotlight - there are largely unheard tracks by Teddy Reynolds (from a very obscure Twist LP), King Solomon and a plaintive ballad from Beatrice Lee.  Northern Soul devotees will enjoy The Sweethearts’ Motownesque ‘No More Tears’, Jimmy Bee’s new and improved ‘Wanting You’ with added chorus, which has a digital debut and Clay Hammond’s cult mover ‘You Brought It All On Yourself’ reappears after several years absence. The funk-edged crowd get the first re-release of Foxfire’s manic take on Fulson’s ‘Tramp’, and new to Kent are Larry (Perault) & Tommy (Bush) doing a version of Shorty Long’s ‘Here Comes The Judge’.
Four decades of supplying soul and still so much more to come; here’s to the artists, writers, musicians and producers – CHEERS!
Ady Croasdell
https://acerecords.co.uk/for-dancers-40
Booklet Preview Scans



 
Track Listing
Side 1
01 Satisfied Feeling - Mary Love
02 You'd Be Good For Me - Jeanette Jones
03 Gonna Put It On Your Mind - Arthur Adams
04 Tobacco Road North - Tommy Youngblood
05 Jealous Woman - T-Bone Walker
06 Walk The Chalk Line - Aaron Collins & The Teen Queens
07 I've Got Papers On You Baby - B.B. King
08 You Changed Me - Teddy Reynolds & The Twisters
09 Wanting You - Jimmy Bee
10 That's It - Z.Z. Hill
11 Push Me - Lowell Fulson
12 Here Comes The Judge - Larry & Tommy
13 Tramp - Foxfire featuring Johnny Adams
14 Freedom And Justice - Pace-Setters
15 Jimmy's Special - Little Joe Blue
16 Remove My Doubts - Stacy Johnson
17 You Brought It All On Yourself - Clay Hammond
18 It's Crazy Baby - Ike & Tina Turner
19 On My Way Back Home - Flash Terry & His Orch
20 Mr Bad Luck - King Solomon
21 Mr Bus Driver - The Teen Queens
22 No More Tears - The Sweethearts
23 Help Me - Beatrice Lee
24 I'll Let Nothing Come Between Us - Billy Watkins
Availability 
In the shops now, including our own Source Store - Tap to view For Dancers Forty CD Store page
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

New Retro Soul 45 Paul Mac Innes - Falling by the Wayside (LRK 18)

LRK Records proudly presents the last release of the year Falling by the Wayside – A Motown flavoured uplifting, unmissable and irresistible new single by Paul Mac Innes

ORDER now! No long pre-orders on theses ones.
Shipping out by Dec 9th 2022 for everyone to get before Christmas and the UK postage strikes.
Only 300 copies pressed.
 
Singer Paul Mac Innes and producer Mattias Axelsson share a great love for the timeless Motown sound that led them to write "Falling by the Wayside" sometime before the pandemic.
The song was put on hold. But at a live performance, they chose to perform the song and then understood that the time had come to record this track for real.
They booked the new studio Skeppet in Gothenburg and brought along some of the city's best musicians.
Releases December 9, 2022

Musicians:
Producer & Drums: Mattias Axelsson
Keys: Markus Linnell Zovic
Git: Andreas Högberg
Bass: DavidGötvall
Engineer: Pär Hagström
Horns: Jakob Sollerman
Strings: Karl Johan Råsmark
Mastering: Hans Olsson
Vocals: Paul Mac Innes
Order here:
https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/falling-by-the-wayside-2
 

 



By LRK in Articles - Archives ·

Welcome to Epsilon Record Co. latest Californian releases

Welcome to Epsilon Record Co. latest Californian releases
Two fantastic singles
EPS018 Natural Impulse (previously unissued)
A: “Let’s Get Together”(3:10)
B: “Let’s Get Together”(extended version 4:34)
Written by: Richard P Ramos
Bay Area 1976
Listen:
 
EPS017  James Hales
A: “Could It Be Joy”(3:12) Arranged by: James Hale / James Pasley / Rasha A Abdur
1982
B: “Cashing in My Memories”(3:40) Written by: James Hale / Nathan Musser
Los Angeles California
Listen:
 
PRE-ORDER NOW!
Release on 20th Dec 2022
(you should get them on time for Christmas)
Check out our special Christmas bundles!
https://www.epsilonrecord.com/
By Yann V in Articles - Archives ·

Soul Up North #114 Winter Issue 2022/3 Out Now

Winter Edition is out now, info follows below
Soul Up North #114
Issue Details

SOUL UP NORTH - issue 114

OPENING PAGE CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO
GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES
Dave Halsall
ISSUE CD TRACK LISTING – IT’S NEVER DULL IN ‘ULL
Martyn Bird
FUNK IN YO’ FACE – “BRING ME SUNSHINE”
Howard Priestly
EVERYONE'S FAVOURITE.......A BIT OF LATIN
Martyn Bird
ALEXANDER PATTON
John Smith
SOULFUL SEVENTIES SPINS aka ‘COSBY’S CHESTNUTS’
Bob Cosby
SOUL IN PRINT – MAGAZINES & FANZINES (Part 17)
Iain McCartney
LITTLE SILVER DISCS
HFE
THE RARE SOUL SEARCHER
Mark ‘Hitman’ Hanson
THE LADIES CHOICE – INTRODUCING THE GIRDWOOD’S
Julie Molloy
FEET TO THE BEAT
Geoff Green /Mark Hanson
COLLECTING BRITISH
Lord Snooty
SOUL SPOTLIGHT - A PERSONAL TOMMY TATE TOP TWENTY
Steve Guarnori
SOUL IN A DIGITAL AGE
John Farrar
HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS
Howard E
PICTURE ME GONE (BUT NOT FORGOTTEN) PT.2
Martin Scragg
THE VINYL PRESS EXTRA + CD EXTRA
Ady Croasdell
COLLECTING BRITISH LABELS – ‘SUPPLY SERIES’
Dennis Haw

DEEP SOUL CORNER
Mike Finbow
Photo Tommy Tate
 
Availability
Available now from all the usual stockists including our very own Source Store
 

By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

New Decisions 45 Release from Soul Direction

The Decisions - That Girl - Soul Direction
B/W - Come Round Here (and Let Me Love You)
Format: 7" Vinyl.
Following on from the enormous success of the first release by The Decisions on Soul Direction of two the two tracks “We’re In Love” and “I Love You” comes a second and equally sublime duo of tracks from the same studio session. Both tracks are from an almost lost master tape that was sent to a LA music executive in 1968 by the group but was sadly never returned.  The tracks recorded in 1968 and would have been a possible release for the bands own label “York Records” 
Licensed courtesy and in conjunction with Fred White and The Decisions.
Available for purchase from     Order Here
 
 

 
By Manfromsoul45s in Articles - Archives ·

Sandra-Mae Lux Vinyl 45

Canadian born Sandra-Mae Lux now resides in London. When she first released 'I'm Still Here' it received much critical acclaim gaining lots airplay with Soul Connoisseurs. Although a new release very much has an early 80s modern soul feel warm lush real instrumentation. Due to demand released on a Vinyl 45 for the first time with a bonus previously unreleased vinyl ony track 'The Last Time' in a similar vien. 
Sandra-Mae Lux
Born in the sleepy fishing village of Steveston (British Columbia, Canada), award-winning Sandra-Mae Lux was singing almost before she was walking and showed a natural ability with musical instruments even in grade school, playing piano, saxophone and guitar.
Sandra-Mae achieved a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies on Saxophone from Capilano University and has received multiple awards such as Outstanding Achievement in Music five years in a row and the Phil Nimmons Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz.
She has twice appeared at the Ottawa Jazz Festival where she met and performed with many recognized artists such as Robert Glasper, Herbie Hancock and opened for Dave Brubeck.
After moving to London in 2017, Lux began working on her debut album "Happily Ever Now" released in 2020. The album made it to Number 11 on the Global Soul Chart and she was nominated for Best UK Artist in 2020's Bright Star Awards.
Sandra-Mae was also nominated as Jazz Artist of the Year in the 2019 Boisdales Music Awards presented by Jools Holland.
In 2021 Sandra-Mae Lux became a Recording Academy / GRAMMYs ® voting member.
Sandra-Mae lives in South London with lots of plants, a disco ball, and many feathered masks.
 
I'm Still Here by Sandra-Mae Lux
 
By Jmsoul in Articles - Archives ·

'It Hurts So Good' New Lp From Soul4Real

'It Hurts So Good' Soul4Real Album
After 31 singles released it´s so exciting to announce the first ever album on Soul4Real, a compilation including 𝘀𝗶𝘅 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 by James and Bobby Purify, Esther Phillips, Walter Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight & The Pips and Marvin Gaye.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It doesn’t always hurt to hurt…
Soul 4 Real’s first venture into the albums market is as compellingly essential as the label’s impressive singles catalogue. Its 11 tracks explore every lonely street and losers avenue that soul music has walked down since the early 60s, tempering essays of heartbreak and love lost with the occasional glimpse of positivity and happiness. “It Hurts So Good” is very much in the tradition of those great 60s soul compilations where diverse strands of black American music sat side by side with each other, and still formed a satisfying listening experience despite their apparent disparity because, in the final analysis, the music mattered most.
Just as it does here, in fact.
This album showcases just under a dozen goodies by some very big names in soul. It may well be that one or two of the tracks might be less than familiar to you, but you will know the artists – and you will know, too, that they will never let you down. Originally unissued tracks by James & Bobby Purify and Walter Jackson blend seamlessly with early essentials from Aretha Franklin, Willie Hutch and the Main Ingredient (as the Insiders). Soul 4 Real has delved into the deeper parts of discographies of legendary artists like Marvin Gaye, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight & The Pips and Esther Phillips to bring you songs and performances that are every bit as unforgettable as those that forged their reputations. And if you remain unmoved after experiencing the stellar offerings from the Soul Children and Lou Courtney, it may well be that you didn’t have a soul to begin with.
In the song that gives this collection its title, the great Prince Phillip Mitchell wrote “it ain’t no good unless it hurts a little bit”. It’s true, and the ‘Hurt’ here really IS ‘So Good’…and then some…  
…Soul 4 Real – for real.
 
TONY ROUNCE
 
 
Compiled by Andy "Tats" Taylor and Alex Subinas. Liner notes by Tony Rounce. Label design by Jordi Duró. Remastering by Jorge Muñoz Cobo (Circo Perrotti).
𝗣𝗥𝗘-𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗙𝗢𝗥 9𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥
24 euros + postage as it follows:
6,90 euros UK & Europe
2,70 euros Spain
10,55 euros USA & rest of the world
(please contact for multiple copies)
𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗣𝗔𝗟 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 & 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆:
soul4realrecordlabel@gmail.com
Check previous releases: www.soul4real.es




 
 
By Alexsubinas in Articles - Archives ·

Gillespie & Co Feat: Coko What You Gonna Do 7"

Proud to announce my sixth 45 as Gillespie & Co for Funk Night Records outa Detroit IL and this time round featuring the singing sensation  Coko  Buttafli  AKA Tonya Metcalf  who hails from Pontiac Il and now residing in Detroit. Limited 300 pressed at the legendary Archer pressing plant in Detroit  


 
Videos updated by site
 
 
 
link 
https://funknight.bigcartel.com/
 
 
By Soulfly in Articles - Archives ·

Who Saved 'Do I Love You? - Bruce Springsteen Feature

The Guardian website is running a feature titled...
Bruce Springsteen cover reignites row over lost northern soul classic
Who saved Frank Wilson’s Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) from Motown oblivion?
When Bruce Springsteen performed his new single on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on 14 November, it was to rapturous applause and the ecstatic US talkshow host leaping from his seat to declare that the Boss had “crushed it!”
But 3,300 miles away, Springsteen’s performance of the lost Motown classic Do I Love You (Indeed I Do), from his new album of soul covers, Only The Strong Survive, was reigniting a debate that has raged for almost half a century.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/nov/19/bruce-springsteen-cover-reignites-row-over-lost-northern-soul-classic
 
The feature concerns itself with a 'row' between Richard Searling and Russ Winstanleys and airs both of their versions of events...
Of course there is this one as well...
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/soul-articles/frank-wilson-the-story-of-do-i-love-you-indeed-i-do-r2565/
 
The end line of the Guardian article says
The row over who discovered Do I Love You notwithstanding, northern soul fans are at least united in applause for Springsteen. Searling says: “Whatever purists might think of his cover of Do I Love You, he has brought the song to a new audience at last.”
a recent topic on here gives a slightly different view...
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forums/topic/433243-bruce-springsteen-does-frank-wilson-give-me-strength
united in applause?
ho hum 
 
 
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Chuck Cockerham - A Brief Interview

Chuck Cockerham Interview (albeit A Very Brief One).
After following up on a few leads I finally got to speak with the man behind the voice of one of the most iconic crossover records of all time, “Have I Got A Right” released on the Bell records subsidiary label Mala, the one and only Mr Chuck Cockerham. A very nice guy who agreed to briefly answer one or two of the questions that I wished to put to him. He is reputedly working with another party regarding the compiling of memoirs for a future publication and therefore only agreed to offer up limited information to some of my questions the results of which are as follows:
Charles Harold Cockerham pronounced as ‘Cockeram’ with a silent ‘H’ was born in Durham, North Carolina during 1945 and being later raised in the city of Greensboro, NC. He initially began singing in his School choir which was instrumental in him forming his own Doowop group by the name of the Objectives during the early 1960’s. From 1963 to 1965 they worked regularly, culminating in the release of their solitary 45 single on Stan Lewis’s Jewel label, “Oh My Love (Come Back To Me)/Love Went Away” (Jewel 751). The Objectives later broke up following the death of Chuck’s best friend and the group’s first tenor, at this point Chuck temporarily retired from performing but later made a brief return when starting a rock group, a scenario which Chuck chose not to divulge any further information upon. 

In 1969 Chuck was invited to join the vocal group Bill Pinkney And The Original Drifters, the group he was to perform and record with for the rest of his performing career.
 

Also in 1969 and just prior to joining the Original Drifters Chuck was to record his now legendary solitary solo, Mala 45. Through a chance meeting with Fred Tanner and his fellow producer Johnny Coffman, Chuck recorded the now high desirable and respected Fred Tanner penned “Have I Got A Right” backed with Hey There”. Chuck remembers that the song did receive some airplay throughout the Carolina’s upon it’s release, albeit somewhat limited. “Have I Got A Right/Hey There” was recorded at one off studio session with Chuck never ever performing the songs again.

Now enjoying life as a retired performing artist, Chuck is fully aware of the huge popularity and price tag Interviewof his Mala 45 throughout the UK and indeed the rest of the world’s rare soul collector’s scene. With regards to the later, group version by The Nomads, Chuck is also aware of that but was not involved with it in any shape or form as has sometimes been reputedly mentioned. So there you have it, the sum total of what Mr Chuck Cockerham was prepare to divulge to me during our brief conversation.
Words By David Welding
With Acknowledgements to: Charles Cockerham.
 

By Chalky in Artists ·

New Book - Soul Stories a novel by Stephen Riley.

SOUL STORIES: a novel by Stephen Riley.
Soul Stories is the follow-up to The Truth About Northern Soul, but unlike its predecessor, it is fiction – well, kinda, sorta… The author explains:
“When The Truth About Northern Soul was published, it attracted a huge amount of feedback – most of it positive, I am pleased to say. One comment in particular, from a friend who knows me from way back, caught my eye. She asked why I hadn’t included certain other stories. There are two answers: firstly, The Truth About Northern Soul only needed a limited number of examples to make its case – any more would have just belaboured points and added little to the discourse. Secondly, many such stories could be embarrassing or hurtful to individuals or their families. But, from that question the idea of producing a work of fiction emerged. I didn’t, however, want just to create a piece of reportage with the names changed, and I have therefore taken the freedom afforded by fiction to get closer to the human experience of events and write creatively – to tell a story. In short, if I have been building something, The Truth About Northern Soul is the bricks and Soul Stories is the mortar that fills the gaps and holds it all together.”
Synopsis:
A bundle of diaries is delivered anonymously to an historian. As he reads through them, he pieces together the tale of a group of young friends irresistibly drawn to the burgeoning soul music scene in the North of England at the beginning of the 1970s. Enchanted by the passionate music and the ecstatic all-night dance clubs, the friends follow a path from innocence to experience, from youth clubs and street-corner flirtations to somewhere none of them could have imagined. 
After the narrator sets the scene, the book takes the form of a series of short stories, which seem at first only to be connected by the characters and the passage of time, but gradually an overall narrative emerges.
While the northern soul scene is a key reference point, Soul Stories goes far beyond that. It explores the characters’ lives both in those dark, exhilarating clubs and in a much broader hinterland. Riley creates in authentic detail the highs and lows of youthful experience in the 1970s: friendships, family, work, football, love and night-time misdemeanours, all set to a backcloth of Cortinas, frenetic all-nighters and smoky pubs. As the title suggests, Soul Stories is a series of tales ‘from the soul’ and about the souls who populate the book. 
Liberated by fiction, Soul Stories expands on themes introduced in The Truth About Northern Soul (2019). A handful of tales from that earlier book are reimagined, set to the music of fiction and supplemented with hundreds more new stories to create a compelling overall narrative thread, which grows in intensity as the book develops. 
Whereas Soul Stories is the follow-up to The Truth About Northern Soul, it is by no means only about the northern soul scene. The Truth About Northern Soul was aimed at audiences who wanted to read about the subject because they were part of the scene back in the day, or because they weren’t but would like to have been, or because they had an academic or a casual interest of some sort in the northern soul scene. While Soul Stories should appeal to those same audiences, it will also have meaning for a broader audience with little or no attachment to the northern soul scene, just as it is possible to enjoy Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch without being an Arsenal fan, or Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting without being a junkie.
Ultimately, Soul Stories is a universal tale of coming of age.
Comments:
F J Paton:“I wondered where it was going at first – the stories all seemed so innocent. But it gradually became darker and more compelling. To that extent, it reminded me of ‘Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha’. The closer it got to the end, the more I couldn’t bear to put it down. And when I finished it, I went straight back to the beginning and started again!”
Tim Bates: “the visceral joy of the music,” “punctuated by some very funny moments,” “a deft touch with physical injuries and automotive mishaps,” “proper showing not telling.”
Lesley Britton: “I really enjoyed it. It was evocative of the time and really brought those places to life. It made me laugh and cry.”
It's here!!!
Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BJH1PPR9/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1666079788&sr=1-2
Available as ebook and paperback from Amazon. Link above.

By Steveart in Articles - Archives ·

'Tony's Empress Ballroom is star of new film documentary' - Local feature

'Tony's Empress Ballroom is star of new film documentary'
Details of an upcoming showing of a specially-commissioned documentary which is part of a campaign to 'bring a unique part of Blackburn’s heritage back to life' make up a current article on the Lancashire TelegraphWebsite
'On Saturday there will be two invitation-only screenings of a specially-commissioned documentary in which former regulars at Tony’s Empress Ballroom share their memories of the dancehall which for 80 years was at the heart of Blackburn’s nightlife.
Then the public will be able to see the film when it becomes ‘an exhibit’ at Blackburn Museum with regular screenings over a two week period.'
Full article can be read via....
https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23108934.tonys-empress-ballroom-star-new-film-documentary/
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Northern Soul Connections #30 - The Seventh Sense

Northern Soul Connections #30 - The Seventh Sense - The latest in this now very long running (30!) series of soul connected connections from Ken B aka @Kenb
The manager of The Seventh Sense was James Shaw, Shaw Records SH-1. He was mostly a realtor at Lindsay & Shaw Real Estate, 13 Middle Turnpike, East Manchester, Connecticut- the same address as on the SH-1 Shaw Records label. James was an Irishman and brought big bands like Woody Herman to the Hartford area, at places like Pagani's Crystal Lake Ballroom in...
Northern Soul Connections #30 - The Seventh Sense

 
I'd like to dedicate this article to Red Kelly, The Soul Detective R.I.P July this year.
Ken B 
Nov 2022
 
Site info
You can check out Kens other quality 29 Northern Connections all available via his 'activity' profile page, the link follows below...
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/profile/37754-kenb/content/?type=cms_records5&change_section=1
 
Added by site
 
By Kenb in Soul Music Features ·

BMR 1011 Sharon McMahan Repress Update

WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE MISSPRESS LABEL'S REVERSED ERROR HAS NOW BEEN RECTIFIED, THE NEW PRODUCTION RUN IS DUE TO BR SHIPPED TO US ON DECEMBER 13TH WITH AN ETA OF DECEMBER 20TH, SOON AS THE RECORDS ARRIVE ALL PRE ORDERS AND WHOLESALE WILL BE PROCESSED AND SHIPPED.
THIS HAS BEEN A VERY WORRYING TIME BUT NOW RESOLVED, JUST LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE REGARDING THIS UNFORTUNATE SITUATION.








By Mark Bicknell in Articles - Archives ·

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