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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

'Sugar Shack' painting, cover of Marvin Gaye's 'I Want You' sells for $15 million

Ernie Barnes’s most famous painting, “The Sugar Shack,” an exultant dancing scene that was featured on the cover of Marvin Gaye’s album “I Want You” and during the closing credits of the TV sitcom “Good Times,” sold for $15.3 million at Christie’s 20th Century auction on Thursday evening (March 12).
Another of Barnes’ paintings, “Ballroom Soul” was used as the cover for Faith Hope & Charity’s self-titled 1978 album.  Barnes, a well-known Black artist who passed away in 2009, later did the art for several posters for the 1984 Olympics..

By Daniel Nooger in Articles - Archives ·

New Cd - William Bell - Never Like This Before - Kent Cd - Out 27 May 2022

Details of a fine CD release from Kent records
Willian Bell - Never Like This Before - The Complete 'Blue' Stax Singles 1961-1968 
Due out at the end of this month, info below... 
 
Preview of the release notes by Tony Rounce
Iconic veteran Southern soul man William Bell has been in the business of making records for 66 years, and was with Memphis’ fabled Stax label for virtually its entire 15-year existence (1960-1975). In that time, he composed and recorded many songs that are rightly regarded as classics, from his Stax debut ‘You Don’t Miss Your Water’ to the classic blues song ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’ to his hit duet with Judy Clay, ‘Private Number’.
Ace Records has represented William’s Stax catalogue in the UK for longer than the label originally existed, and we have issued a number of CDs over the years, including original albums and “Best Of” packages, but this month sees the release of the first of two CD sets that will, between them, anthologise the A and B-sides all of William’s solo singles for Stax.
“Never Like This Before” covers the first seven years of William’s Stax catalogue, and rounds up all 14 of the singles that came out on Stax’s original blue label design with the ‘Stack Of Records’....
Full release note scan be read via https://acerecords.co.uk/never-like-this-before-the-complete-blue-stax-singles-1961-1968
Leaflet Preview

 

 
Tracks 
01    You Don't Miss Your Water
02    Formula Of Love
03    Any Other Way
04    Please Help Me I'm Falling
05    I Told You So
06    What'Cha Gonna Do
07    Just As I Thought
08    I'm Waiting On You
09    What Can I Do (To Forget)
10    Somebody Mentioned Your Name
11    I'll Show You
12    Monkeying Around
13    Don't Make Something Out Of Nothing
14    Who Will It Be Tomorrow
15    Crying All By Myself
16    Don't Stop Now
17    Share What You Got (But Keep What You Need)
18    Marching Off To War
19    Never Like This Before
20    Soldier's Goodbye
21    Everybody Loves A Winner
22    You're Such A Sweet Thang
23    Eloise (Hang On In There)
24    One Plus One
25    Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday
26    Ain't Got No Girl
27    A Tribute To A King
28    Every Man Oughta Have A Woman
Audio 
Soldier's Goodbye
CDTOP_510-1-20.mp3
 Who Will It Be Tomorrow 
CDTOP_510-1-14.mp3
 
Availability
Available now via  all the usual online stockists include our own Source Store (Tap to visit)
 
 

By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Stax Records - New HBO TV Series In Production

A new multi part series about the rise and fall of the legendary Memphis label in in production and will show on HBO.
Founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart and his sister Estelle Axton, originally as Satellite Records and it gave us some of Soul Music's legendary performers before it went in to bankruptcy in the mid 70s.
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/stax-records-hbo-docuseries/
 
By Chalky in Articles - Archives ·

New 45 - Soul Direction - Helene Smith

Soul Direction has a new addition to their 'Origins' imprint, due out on the 9th May 2022, details and audio below
Helene Smith - The Pot Can't Talk About The Kettle / Gossip Don't Worry Me - Soul-Direction SDO-1005
Sleeve Notes
Regarded as Miami’s First Lady of Soul this talented performer recorded for Lloyd, Deep City, Phil L.A. Of Soul, Dash, and Dade labels. 
The two tracks in question were believed to be her first recording on the Blue Star label around 1964. Written by Willie Clarke and arranged by Arnold Albury, this 45 was Issued with a quantity of only 300 copies and has remained extremely rare. Soul Direction Records believe this Re Release will give it the exposure and popularity it truly deserves. #
My story with this 45 started in the eighties after picking up a copy in the USA, albeit a pretty beaten up copy and was covered up in the true Northern soul style of the day but played very little due to it’s condition. I managed to purchase a better copy in the nineties and at that time still remained very obscure and certainly much unheard. Since then it has gained some exposure due to the “Eccentric Soul” series from The Numero Group covering all the Deep City and related catalogues. Helene Smith was not only the first artist to record for Clarke-Pearsall Productions, Miami’s first independent black production company, she was also the only artist on Miami’s Deep City label to record a full[1]length LP entitled “Sing’s Sweet Soul” which again commands a high price due to it’s rarity.
Helene met Johnny Pearsall, who was looking to become a teacher and was friends with Willie Clarke from school days. He had financed a record for a local Tallahassee group with a loan from his mother and eventually teamed with Clarke, and Albury with what would become Deep City Records. Helene and Johnny were married when she was 23, after most of her Phil-LA of Soul recordings were released.
They continued to live in Miami and had one daughter, who became a lawyer. Johnny Pearsall also owned a record store in Miami and continued to work with music until his untimely death. Helene Smith carried on his mission working with children and herself became a teacher in the Miami school district, teaching first graders. Helene is currently still performing and recording when she can. She was and still remains a superlative artist and her recordings for all the above labels are still as good as anything played on or around the soul scene.
Alan Kitchener
(Soul Direction)
 
Video
 
 
Scans




 
Link
http s://soul-direction.co.uk/shop/ols/products/helene-smith-the-pot-cant-talk-about-the-kettle-soul-direction-origins
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

New 45 - One World Records - The Freedom Affair

The next 45 release from One World Records is due soon... read and listen below

THE FREEDOM AFFAIR - Give A Little Love/ Searching - OSP 5009
Release date: 20 May 2022

The soulful 'Give A Little Love' is the second UK single by nine-piece Kansas City soul group The Freedom Affair who received huge critical acclaim last year with their debut album, Freedom Is Love.

The 7" single is due for release on One World Records on 20 May and is expected to repeat the success of their previous single, 'Outta My Mind', which sold well and got strong radio support in the UK and overseas.

As with the previous single, 'Give A Little Love' was co-written and produced by the group's founder, Chris Hazelton, who operates the Sunflower Soul label in Kansas City, Missouri.

'Give A Little Love' is now being serviced to club and radio DJs by hit plugger Steve Ripley who handles promotion for One World Records and its sister label, Shotgun Records.

Further information is available from Paul Mooney and Paul Conroy at Selrec International.
Audio
The Freedom Affair - Give A Little Love 3.45.mp3  
 

By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

2 New Jai Alai 7" Releases - Sir Wick & Elaine Stepter

2 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗝𝗔𝗜 𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗜 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗦!
ORDER NOW, READY TO SHIP
𝗦𝗜𝗥 𝗪𝗜𝗖𝗞
Seal My Heart / I Love You (𝗝𝗔𝗥04)
𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥
Come See About Me / What Am I To Do (𝗝𝗔𝗥05)
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Continuing with the theme of finding and releasing quality 21st century CD-only tracks on to 7” vinyl, Jai Alai now are proud to present their fourth release which showcases the stand-out tracks from the only two albums released under the name Sir Wick.
Chad ’Sir Wick’ Hughes is probably best described as a musician (trombone, piano, percussion), composer, teacher, adjudicator and clinician, but somehow that doesn’t seem quite enough to describe such a unique musical talent. Born in Detroit, and graduating from the same High School as Diana Ross, Paul Thompson, & Ron Carter, he went on to study composition and arranging, and holds regular clinics around the north and mid-west US states sharing his expertise.
The topside on this limited edition release is the lead track from his debut album “An Interpretation Of A Universal Language” (2007 Sir Wick Entertainment LLC) which features the sublime vocals of Sedalia Marie, a beautiful mid-pacer, whilst the other side “I Love You” features the mellow vocals of Anthony Saunders on a track from Chad’s opus work “A Tale Of Two Fools”, which he began in 1996 but only finally orchestrated and released as his second album in 2017 - a soundtrack featuring a full orchestra comprising eight woodwind parts, full strings, big band brass, and seven-piece rhythm section.
Originally intended as an operetta, it was evolving into something bigger; an opera, musical or stage play maybe, but he finally referred to it as a ‘novical’ (a musical novel), which best describes this story of a young musician falling in love for the first time. A biopic, maybe?
One could easily take these two fabulous tracks at face value as simply just another great double-sider, but isn’t it nicer to know the full story?
Steve Hobbs (Solar Radio, Totally Wired Radio)
 
 
 
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Jai Alai is different from sister label Soul4Real in that this imprint focuses on 21st century releases that were either CD only, or totally missed, and there is a very exciting programme of future releases already lined up. But before we get into my favourite release so far, the correct pronunciation of the label is “hi-uh-lie” which is a Basque version of the court ballgame pelota - no more mis-pronunciations please!
It would be fair to say that we could have done with a few more releases from this immensely talented “Songbird Of Love” over the years, but maybe your purchase might help that. I fell in love with her voice on the wonderful stepper “I’ll Always Be A Part Of You”, released on the short-lived New York label 1800 Records in 1986, so I was surprised to learn that Elaine was Los Angeles born and bred, particularly as her 1990 follow up dancer “The Sweetness Of Your Love” was on Miami label Never Stop Productions, which further enhanced her underground following in the UK & European soul scenes.
In 1993 her “Good Love” was included on the Meteor Man film soundtrack (starring amongst others, Luther Vandross), but it would be a while before she returned to the studios having toured as background then lead singer in Rose Royce from 1997-2007.
She finally released her own CD album “The Woman I Am” on Eee Project in 2007, from which these two killer cuts have been released for the first time on vinyl: “Come See About Me” is an infectious floor-filler pitched just below mid-pace, but “What Am I To Do” is the most sublime kneetrembler, taking you straight to a late night smoky jazz room with Ella or Billie on stage. Worth it for this side alone.
Steve Hobbs (Solar Radio, Totally Wired Radio)
 
 
 
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Label design by Jordi Duró.
𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪!
𝟭𝟰 𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘀 + postage as it follows:
1 to 5 copies: 6,90 euros UK & Europe
1 to 5 copies: 2,70 euros Spain
1 to 5 copies: 10,55 euros USA & rest of the world
𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗣𝗔𝗟 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 & 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆:
soul4realrecordlabel@gmail.com
Check previous releases: www.soul4real.es
 
 




By Alexsubinas in Articles - Archives ·

It's That Time Again - Two News HR 45 Releases

HR 1538 - SOUL MEDITATIONS – Someone To Hold Me / The Bird
Collectors of the Ovide label from Houston Texas will know this to be ridiculously rare and one of the best 45s on the label. Cut in 1967 with Skipper Lee Frazier producing, it’s the kind of tough-to-find and semi-unknown we like to bring back to life on the label. Wonderful male vocal group midpacer of the kind that’s really popular with the chill-out sessions at the moment and sure to be popular with our Chicano California collectors circle.
 
HR 1539 GEORGE SCOTT : I’m A Fool For You + Let The Past Be The Past  / Why Is It Taking So Long
His cult-collectable Johnny Brantley New Jersey produced 1971 Maple LP was reissued in 2015 but there has never been a 45 of any of the tracks – so this bonus 3 track 45/EP is fully OVO compliant.
Two wonderful ballads on the A side including one with 3 million youtube plays – these both will get big plays in the US and on the midtempo chill-out room dancefloors of the UK; the flip here is the lesser known version of the Crossover dancer also cut by Johnny Brantley on Nate Adams and Tony Baxter and is a pretty good number in it’s own right..
£12 each + £3 postage (good for 1-3 records)     paypal – hitandrunsoul45@gmail.com
HR 1539 - George Scott - A1 I'm A Fool For You 2.24 reference copy.mp3


By Dewsburyborn in Articles - Archives ·

New 45 - Soul Direction - Norman Feels - Don't (alt) / More Love - Out May 2022

Latest word from Soul Direction, a new release featuring 2 x previous unreleased tracks...
Soul Direction are pleased to announce the next release in the catalogue.
SD-009 - Norman Feels - "Don't"- (Original Edit)/ "More Love" - (Soul Direction)
Scheduled Release Date - May 2022

Little is known about Norman Feels (AKA Norman Solomon) other than he was an underground soul singer in the first half of the 1970s. Norman Feels released two albums on Just Sunshine Records and seemingly then disappeared back into obscurity but leaving us with some wonderful music.
In 1973 he released a self-Titled album and in 1974 the album entitled "Where or When" However, these two tracks were recorded a year earlier in 1972, we believe in Detroit but mastered at Sterling sound studios in New York but cannot be 100% sure.
This might explain the fact that "Don't" is a different mix to the later LP and "More Love" never saw a release.
"Don't" is a different and much punchier version of the Album track and could have presumably been recorded as a possible 45 release for another label but was shelved.
The B side "More Love" as far as we can tell never saw the light of day other than these acetates that were purchased via a sound engineer from the studios much later.
Over the years the songs from his albums have been sampled by famous acts such as Ghostface Killah, to Nas and Kanye West.
Licensed courtesy of The Royalty Network Inc. & Chocolate Milk Music
Alan Kitchener aka @Manfromsoul45s
(Soul-Direction)

https://www.soul-direction.co.uk
 



 
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Book - I'll Be There: My Life with the Four Tops - Duke Fakir

A new book by Duke Fakir is due out next month in kindle and hardback versions...
Details follow below, the kindle preview should show once the book has been released
I'll Be There: My Life with the Four Tops  By Duke Fakir with Kathleen McGhee Anderson
Spanning over decades, this is the remarkable, heartfelt memoir from Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, the last surviving member of The Four Tops. Amidst a backdrop of Detroit, I’ll Be There features revealing anecdotes from the group’s formation, their early days as backup singers for the likes of Jackie Wilson, and their years working with Berry Gordy at the legendary Motown Records. With era-defining number ones like ‘I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)’ and ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’ came stardom and also a more enduring reward: the love of four men who become tighter than brothers. Together they comprise one of the most celebrated R&B groups of all time. But remarkable musical success didn’t spare Fakir the pain of marital distress, soured investment deals, struggles with sobriety and the sudden loss of his brothers, all of which he covers in this confessional, unmissable book.
Publisher ‏: ‎ Omnibus Press (5 May 2022)
Language ‏: ‎ English
Hardcover ‏: ‎ 224 pages

 
 
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Book - Coronation Baby, Council House Kid, The 1970s: A Soulcial History

Recently had word passed on regarding a book that may be of interest to members of a certain age or outlook...
Coronation Baby, Council House Kid, The 1970s: A Soulcial History
 'a social/urban history for those who were there',
The 1950s hailed a rapid change and a bright future for many, an exciting new Elizabethan age with over a million new council homes built for returning soldiers and those in need, for their new and growing families. Prime Minister Harold Macmillan proclaimed 'Our people have never had it so good....', but for one young family it wasn't so easy. This story covers one mother's attempt to raise two boys virtually single handed over the next twenty years, it focuses on the youngest son and older brother's influence of fashion, especially R&B and soul music through the colourful 'Swingin' Sixty's' in a rural Surrey village, just ten miles from Charing Cross. A story that will take you through his childhood, state schooling and into the workplace while hanging out in the shops, bars and music clubs of the suburbs and London's West End, a journey many experienced in the 1970s.
 
Available now in both paperback and kindle editions


 
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Exciting New Release From North Broad St Records

IKE PERRY - DON’T TURN AROUND / KENT DRAKE - MISTAKEN - North Broad St 006BL
IKE PERRY / KENT DRAKE Press Release.
This 3rd instalment from that wonderful unissued 4 track acetate is without doubt one of the best undiscovered northern soul dancers to hit the scene in years. Sticking to our mantra of never issued, take a listen for yourself this track will light up the dance floors all over Europe.
On the flip we are giving you a slice of soul heaven with the wonderful big voice ballad from Kent Drake taken from the master reel and engineered and re mastered in Glasgow.
 
https://www.northbroadst.co.uk
 
site note - info extracted from press release
By Lawman in Articles - Archives ·

Epsilon Records Co Proudly Presents its latest release - EPS013 Funk Junction

OUT NOW!
Epsilon Records Co.
Proudly Presents its latest release: EPS013
(another double sider, listen to both side)
FUNK JUNCTION
A side: WHAT WILL I BE (3:23)
Previously unissued funky disco dancer
Listen:
 
B side: LET'S TRY IT AGAIN (4:12)
Killer sweet soul harmony to die for / previously issued in 1980 and nearly impossible to find on Fos-Glo Record
Listen:
 
 
Buy it here:
https://www.epsilonrecord.com
Shipping this Monday!
Funk Junction Band Members
James Greene, Fred Ross, Tony Rodrigues and Alan Ross played and sang on “Let’s Try It Again”.
James Greene, Fred Ross, Alan Ross, Preston Delaney sang and played on “What Will I Be”.
Back in October 2020 during the lockdown Steve Green & I were doing extensive research on an amazing and ultra obscured sweet soul 45 that was released on Fos-Glo record by a band called "JUNCTION".
After a few days of investigation, I managed to find James Green, one of the original members, who turned out to be the actual songwriter of "Let's Try It Again" in 1980. We were finally making progress!
James Green kindly redirected us to his friend
Warren Foster, the manager of "Funk Junction" the band's real name and owner of Fos-Glo Records.
I soon realised that I was talking to a big guy in the music business in the San Francisco Bay area.
Warren Foster managed & produced phenomenal bands and artists like The Windjammers aka Masterplan, Little Stanley, Bill Griffith, Butch Tavares & Tavares Brothers, Con Funk Shun, Lenny Williams to name few.
Warren's knowledge is just astonishing, he knows everyone in the music world and he is still very much involved in the music business. I am hoping one day he will write a book.
After nearly a year of negotiations, I was finally able to license two songs from the "Funk Junction" straight from the original mastertapes from his vault.
The A side, "What Will I Be" is totally unissued, it's a great modern funky disco dancer perfect for today's dance floor.
The B side, "Let's Try It Again" is a the killer sweet soul was previously issued in 1980 on Fos-Glo Records.
It's seriously awesome and I have no doubt that many of you will prefer this side. (nothing wrong with a good double sider!)
I plan to visit Warren next month at his studio in Arkansas to plan more releases for Epsilon including "The Love Experience" and some other unissued and issued gems, so watch out!
Thanks for supporting Epsilon Record Co.
By Yann V in Articles - Archives ·

New 45 - Con Funk Shun - Move On Up - Last Bastion Records

Details on the next Last Bastion Records release (LB03)
Con Funk Shun - Move On Up / Jay Cee - I've Been Thinking - Last Bastion Records LB03
First time out on vinyl for both tracks, the details follow below
 
Video - Con Funk Shun - Move On Up - Last Bastion Records LB03
 
Video - I've Been Thinking by Jay Cee [aka Jason Chinnian] - - Last Bastion Records LB03
 
Last Bastion Blurb
First time release, licensed direct from Con Funk Shun, the only other way of getting this track previously was a cd only, longer version.  
Then there’s the remarkable B side, with Jay Cee making his debut and already the sound track to a short film! 
 
Limited to 300 with no repress.
Currently uncertain when purchase will be possible due to the well reported vinyl manufacturing plants delays and backlog.
However you can get a personal email from Detour Records as soon as available by registering here 
http://shop.detourrecords.co.uk/epages/es785745.mobile/en_GB/?ViewAction=ViewNewsletter&ObjectPath=/Shops/es785745
 
It’s a ‘marmite’ record for sure and perhaps not one for the traditionalists. That said, it’s already picking up rave reviews as a result of a few test presses being played out and already setting dance floors alight, but don’t just take our word for it ….
‘WOWZER! BRILLIANT Supercharged, pumped up funky driving punchy attititude dance floor detonator and sure to shake the dancefloors and will most definitely be in my DJ box.’
Sean Chapman. (Northern Soul & Mod Dj, collector & Chapman Records).
‘Con Funk Shuns 'Move on Up' is the perfect example of the under ground soul scenes acceptance of an alternative musical formula.  A hint of cajun, a perfect vocal delivery and a musical amalgamation that is set to be a new classic.’ 
Simon Hunt (Rare Soul /Northern Soul Dj & record dealer).
‘Con Funk Shun sprinkle a helping of Cajun spice across their tasty re-working of 'Move on Up'. York based Jay Cee showcases his Nu-Soul talent on 'I've Been Thinking', his debut release. You shouldn't need to, err, 'think it over’ twice to define the sample. High quality, on both contrastingly different, sides, another Last Bastion winner.'
Mark 'Sarge' Sargeant (Scootering Magazine and Rare Soul Dj).
 
Con Funk Shun Info
Remarkably American soul & funk icons Con Funk Shun are under the radar for many in the UK, with no chart recognition here, a small fan base and having never toured in Europe.
It's therefore Last Bastion Records privilege not only to highlight Con Funk Shun but also to commit to vinyl for the 1st time, their incredible interpretation of that soul classic Curtis Mayfields'  'Move on Up'. (Being a newly discovered shorter version than that on Con Funk Shuns’ 2015 ‘more than love cd LP , the Last Bastion 45  release will be first time in any media format). 
Already a requested sound in dj sets and radio shows via an acetate, It's the sound of the Louisiana swamps blending that Zyedeco beat with an accordion(!) and a formidable horn section. The result: a unique and infectious arrangement - a dance groove which doesn't dimmish the socially conscious lyrics which would surely have Curtis smiling. 
Signed to Mercury Records in 1976 the debut 45 'sho feels good to me' was a moderate US chart hit and followed up with 'Ffun' an out of the box dance smash, No.1 in the Soul charts and the LPs 'Con Funk Shun' and 'Secrets' then rocketed to Gold status in 1976 & 77. 
Originally called 'Project Soul' they were part of the burgeoning funk movement alongside the Isley Brothers and Earth Wind and Fire, getting their 1st break backing Stax act 'Soul Children'. Following a move to Memphis, Project Soul became Con Funk Shun named after the old Harvey Fuguo and the Nite Liters song. 
Their 'must see' performances quickly elevated the band to the hottest act in town with funky dance numbers such as 'Ms. Got the lady', 'Chase me' and the Earth Wind and Fire influenced 'Two tight', complimented by trade mark mid tempo jams such as 'Love's train' and their smooth x-over hit 'Baby I'm hooked'.
A 10 year run then followed as one of most consistent and popular R&B/Funk bands in the US in the 7ts and 8ts, with 11 chart albums (one Platinum, four Gold) and 20 hit singles (8 top 10 RnB chart, one No.1). 
Then in 1987, internal disputes and emerging different musical tastes on the USA soul & funk scene then lead to the group splitting acrimoniously.
Sucess as solo artistes followed, then in 1997 original members Michael Cooper (co founder, lead vocals & guitar), Felton Pilate (lead vocals, trombone & keyboards) and Rev. Karl Fuller (trumpet) re united and were supplemented by Eric Young (bass), Ron Morton (sax), Kurt Clayton (keyboards) and Dan Tillary (drums). Sadly Louis McCall (co founder, vocals and drummer) was tragically murdered at his Georgia home. 
The group's rebirth led to a well received live album for Intersound Records in 1996, then in
2005, the band received the prestigious Soul Tracks award as the 'Best Duo or Band'.
Now an extremely popular live act once more in North America. Con Funk Shun continue today and they celebrated their 45th with a series of sellout shows in the USA and the release of digital remastered previous Lps including 'The Best Of... ',  The Best Of...Vol. 2', 'Greatest Hits' etc. in 2015 their 'More than Love' cd was released to critical acclaim. 2022 sees a massive North American tour and dates in Australia planned. 
Con funk Shuns' 'Move on Up' was recorded in 2014 at The Soundform studios, California and features, to rapturous applause,  in their live sets. It's a leave your seats, stand up and dance moment! 
For more on Con Funk Shun visit www.confunkshunusa.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Francesco Mellina (Casino photographer) at Macclesfield Cheshire

Francesco will be in conversation at Proper Sound in Macclesfield 2.00pm on Sunday 10 April. If anyone is in the area please call in. He'll be discussing his time photographing musicians and audiences in music venues around the north of England during the seventies and eighties. From Liverpool punk clubs to the last night at Wigan Casino.

By Kenb in Articles - Archives ·

The Nu-Ron's - All My Life / I'm A Loner - Mixed by Tom Moulton

The Nu-Ron's - I'm A Loner / All My Life - Exact replica of the original 45 released in 1971 - Originally recorded October 27th, 1970 - The songs were produced by Emanuel Campbell & Charles Bowen and have been lovingly mixed from the original 16 track multi's - Mixed how he "would have mixed MFSB (the backing band) in 1970", by mixing engineer Tom Moulton, then mastered by Peter Humphries of MasterWorks. This would have been the original team working on these tracks back in the 70's, both are legendary in the Philadelphia soul music scene. Depending on pressing time expect to see these mid-May.
LIMITED PROMO EDITION AVAILABLE WITH SHIPPING INSIDE THE UK (CHOOSE UK SHIPPING OPTION)
The Nu-Ron's - All My Life / All My Life (Alternate Instrumental) (PROMO) Limited to 250 copies.  Comes with the never before heard Alternate Instrumental B-Side - This version contains the original track on the A-Side and a alternate version minus the strings on the B-Side, it's a uptempo Northern stepper.
The Nu-Ron's - I'm A Loner / I'm A Loner (Instrumental) (PROMO) Limited to 250 copies.  Comes with the never before heard Instrumental B-Side
PRE-SALE STARTS NOW:
https://www.brewerytownbeats.com/










By Brewerytownbeats in Articles - Archives ·

The Giants of Soul Tour - September - October 2022

The Giants of Soul Tour Press Release

The Giants of Soul Tour is on its way and ready to come to a venue near you from September to October 2022 and is a must see, must hear, for all soul lovers who remember what the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s meant to the genre. For the first time ever, a “Magnificent Seven” of soul legends are brought together and they include:
Tunde Baiyweu - the voice of The Lighthouse Family - famed for singles including Ocean Drive, Lifted, High, Lost in Space and Raincloud, selling a combined 15 million albums;
Deniece Williams - the four-time Grammy winner behind Free, Let’s Hear it For The Boy, and That’s What Friends Are For; 
Gwen Dickey - the voice of Rose Royce - 9 UK top 40s including Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, Wishing on a Star, and the Grammy-winning Car Wash; 
Alexander O’Neal - 14 UK top 40s including Criticize, If You Were Here Tonight, and Saturday Love;
Jaki Graham - 6 UK top 40s including Could It Be I’m Falling in Love, Round and Around, Set Me Free; 
Janet Kay - the star behind smash hit Silly Games; 
Plus new breakout star Candace Woodson, who last year topped the UK Soul Chart. 
Backing The Giants of Soul is an all-star ten-piece band made of only the finest musicians from the UK and USA.
Tour dates run from Sep 4th through to Oct 4th with tickets pre-sales available from Mar 23rd and general tickets from March 25th. 
So lovers of soul rejoice! Prepare yourself for over three hours of nonstop hits and classic feel-good anthems! And, as if that’s not enough, the multi-award-winning Angie Greaves (Smooth Radio) will host the tour which will span 20 cities, with the artists roll of honour including 18 UK top ten hits, 47 top 40 hits, and over 5 million Spotify followers. This is not a show to miss!
Giants of Soul is the perfect escape for anyone looking to lose themselves in an unforgettably great night! With a legendary line-up, there has never been a better time than now to give yourself up to the Giants of Soul!
The full list of dates are as follows;
Sep 4 Ipswich - Regent Theatre
Sep 6 Bath - The Forum
Sep 7 Cambridge - Corn Exchange
Sep 8 Manchester - Bridgewater Hall
Sep 9 Liverpool - Philharmonic
Sep 10 York - Barbican
Sep 13 Halifax - Victoria Theatre
Sep 14 Sheffield - City Hall
Sep 15 Venue Cymru
Sep 16 Middlesbrough - Town Hall
Sep 17 Edinburgh - O2 Academy
Sep 18 Newcastle - O2 City Hall
Sep 20 London - Hammersmith Eventim Apollo
Sep 24 Basingstoke - The Anvil
Sep 25 Portsmouth - Guildhall
Sep 27 Blackpool - Opera House
Sep 28 Nottingham - Royal Concert Hall
Sep 29 Scarborough - Spa
Oct 2 Brighton - Brighton Centre
Oct 4 Bournemouth - Pavilion
 
Giants of Soul
https://giantsofsoul.com/
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

The Vanguards - Good Times Bad Times - New Soul Direction 45

Details of the latest Soul Direction 45 release and it's a top one...
After the usual pressing plant chaos Soul Direction Records are pleased to announce the latest release to add to the "Origins" label.
The Vanguards - Good Times Bad Times I Man Without Knowledge - Soul Direction Origins 1003
Release Date scheduled for 25 March 2022
The Vanguards Group Members:
Paul Irvin, James Davis, Dickey Pierson, Von Wheeler, Elaine Livingston & Wilbur  Winston.
The Vanguards led by James Davis were Lamp Records only top 100 Billboard Charting group and gave the band plenty of touring and concert appearances in the 1970s.
After Graduating Davis enlisted for 3 years duty in the military forces, joining the infantry. It was there he came up with the bands future name "The Vanguards" from the Vanguard rocket ship programme and formed the group which were to become a big hit performing for the armed forces until his 3-year stint was up.
"Good Time Bad Times" along with the flip "Man Without Knowledge" is arguably their rarest and most sought after outing for the label and so with the help of Now & Again with the Blessing of Herb Miller Soul Direction bring you these tracks fully licensed and ready for your turntables.

Available now from https://soul-direction.co.uk/
 
 
 
 

 

 


 
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Meet The Stars of the UK Soul Renaissance

From The Guardian newspaper's website: The summer of soul meets the stars of the UK soul renaissance...
I'm puzzled by the article - possibly just in the dark. Possibly, I'm at an age where I'm way outside the target audience. And the only thing I know about what's hip is in the future possibilities of hip replacements. Do bear with me...
From the article:
Must admit, I don't actually know what the "post-grime era" is (guess it must be my age - or ignorance - or both), but here we go...
In-the-know writer (Blues and Soul, among many others), presenter and photographer Johny Pitts says that: 
Next up, he says that...
Ok, nice sincerity... but did the Wicked Pickett perform at the Casino? Just asking. I never went there. And then:
Interesting statement. Personally, I find it difficult to understand that "soul" isn't a part of everyone's lives anyway. 
What follows are interviews with various groups/performers representing the "new wave of soul". In reading them, I feel incredibly out of touch, and can't say that I even associate with the artists. 
Is it age - is it that "soul music" really has moved on that much since its heyday of nigh-on 60 years ago - or is it a case of us not just getting into the modern day sense of what "soul" really means musically? 
Full article here:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/mar/27/summer-of-soul-meet-the-stars-of-the-uk-soul-renaissance
 
By Amsterdam Russ in Articles - Archives ·

The Hill District 'Your Scared Of Falling In Love' b/w Richie Merrett 'You'll Always Have Yesterday'

The Hill District “Your Scared Of Falling In Love” b/w Richie Merrett “You’ll Always Have Yesterday Standing By” SJ1018
Release Date:   Monday April 11th 2022.

The Hill District were a group of working musicians assembled by bassist Walter “Sonny” Hughes who following one afternoon rehearsal session together in 1974 recorded their only ever 45 outing the somewhat elusive and now sort after “Your Scared Of Falling In Love”. The other group members were Sonny’s brother Richard Hughes (Lead Guitar), Anthony Law (Keyboards), William M. Standard Jr (Piano), Mark Smith (Drums) and Daniel S. Lee Jr (Lead Vocals). The groups name was taken from a grouping of African American neighbourhoods in the city of Pittsburgh P.A. locally referred to as ‘The Hill’. A onetime segregated area that had seen its population explode in the early 1900’s with the arrival of young black southern families seeking employment in the north. Local black entrepreneurs sensing the need for entertainment for this new influx of people began opening bars, gambling establishments and jazz clubs which led to the area becoming a centre of black music and culture well into the 1950’s.

The Hill District recording session was held under the direction of record producer and song writer James Richard Calloway (A.K.A) Rich Calloway. Calloway would go on to release “Your Scared Of Falling In Love” on his own ‘C-Way Records’ label which due to lack of finance would only feature an instrumental version on the flip-side. Rich Calloway hailed from Uniontown P.A. Uniontown was known affectionately by the local black community as ‘Oniontown’ the name which Calloway adopted for his own publishing company. Unfortunately for The Hill District the final mastering of their song left something be desired (a scenario we’ve now rectified with our release) and as a result local Pittsburgh Disc jockeys refused to plug their song leaving their one and only 45 outing to fade into obscurity with the group members going their separate ways to continue their careers as session musicians with other ensembles. Keyboardist Anthony Law originally from Brownsville P.A. formed his first group under the name of ‘Micosa’ while attending Cal (California) State College.
Although his father had trained him up to join the family Funeral business, Law Funeral Home (which still operates in Pittsburgh to this day) Anthony had other ideas as to where his future lay, firstly working as a professional session musician touring with The Platters and The Drifters amongst others before becoming a music teacher (now retired). While at college he married a fellow student and moved back to her hometown of Boston Massachusetts. Anthony remembers the aforementioned Hughes brothers Sonny and Richard as being from the Charleroi district in the Mon Valley some 20 miles south of Pittsburgh, two highly proficient musicians who had worked with many notable artists of the day that came through Pittsburg.
Producer and lyricist Rich Calloway also continued with his own C-way Productions company later composing both sides of The Cleveland Ohio group ‘The Entertains’1975 outing for Steel Town records “Love Will Turn It Around/Why Couldn’t I Believe Them”. Calloway was no stranger to Cleveland having been earlier employed by Way Out Records owner Lester Johnson to compose the lyrics for Jesse Fisher’s “Your Not Loving A Beginner”. Members of the Way Out group The Soul Notes, William Bell (A.K.A Bill Spoon), John Washington and Ricki Dannison had composed a song under the working title of “I’ve Been Waiting For Your Love” which Lester Johnson didn’t like. Using the Soul Notes musical arrangements (Richard) James Calloway was employed to compose a new song, which he duly obliged in just one afternoon. With Jesse Fisher entering the studio that very same evening to record “Your Not Loving A Beginner” The Soul Notes arrangements were also used as the instrumental b-side of the 45 release credited under the title of “Waiting” (Way out -104).
*A scenario that the late Bill Spoon also mentions in this extract below. Taken from his self -penned sleeve notes from his “A Spoonful Of Soul” (Soul Junction LP 5003) album *
“In November 1965 with the help of Lou Ragland, the four of us now using the name of the “Soul Notes” signed for Lester Johnson’s Way-Out label. Although several tracks were recorded only two 45’s were released “How Long Will It Last/Don’t Make Me Beg “(Way-Out 101) and “How Long Will It Last/I Got Everything You Need” (Way-Out 106).  The intended flip to “I Got Everything you need” was a song entitled “I’ve Been Waiting For Love” which had been by written by myself, John Washington and “Riki” Dannison. We had even gone as far as recording it but for reasons which remained unknown to us the song was pulled and replaced with a re-release of “How Long Will It Last”.
“I’ve Been Waiting For Love” was later released under the different song title of “Your Not Loving A Beginner” being recorded by Richard Fishers younger brother Jesse, and with songs lyrics composed by James Richard Calloway”.

Words By: Bill Spoon (A.K.A William Franklin Bell).
An earlier C-way 45 single release, the Richard Calloway penned and produced “You’ll Aways Have Yesterday Standing By b/w I Gave It Up” (C-Way 103) had been recorded on another local Pittsburgh artist Richie Merrett (With Merrett spelt with two E’s on this 45 release) during 1973. Richard Andrew Merritt had first come to Calloway’s attention via a live TV performance while performing with the Pittsburgh group, The Electrons.

The Electrons (Richie Merrett in the middle)
The Electrons were a blue-eyed Philly soul group who recorded two excellent cover versions of “Ain’t No Big Thing” b/w “In The Midnight Hour” for the local Shock (SK-289) label in 1967 (later to be picked up by  the Date label). In the following year their lead singer Steve Sopko left the group to be replaced by the recently returned from military service Richie Merritt. Richie would feature as the lead singer on the groups 1968 release, the much covered 1961 Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland hit “Turn On Your Love light” (Shock 290), Merritt’s first recording. It was at a subsequent live performance of The Electrons in Uniontown that Richard Calloway made his initial approach to record Richie. As a professional singer Richie would perform with several groups including The Crests featuring J.T. Carter (formerly fronted by Johnny Maestro), The Drifters, The Clovers and The Marcels. Merritt had also been a onetime member of a working group known as “This Is It” which also include the aforementioned Hill District’s Sonny and Richard Hughes, and William “Billy” Standard along with a fifth member Barry Dillard.

Richie’s next 45 release was the self -written and produced “Can I Get A Rebate/It’s Never Too Late” which Richie shopped around to several record companies before the Nashville based, Deltron label chose to pick it up in 1978. A little disappointed with the limited response to the Deltron release, Richie decided to release the songs again on his own R.A.M label (the label name being derived from his initials).

Two further solo recording would appear on vinyl some 12 years later again on his own R.A.M label. The modern soul favourites “Where Did I Go Wrong” in1990 followed by “You Got Problems” in 1991. two subsequent cd album releases followed “Richie Merritt “Then And Now” (J-Bird Records) in 1998 a collection of all his 45 releases and Richie Merritt “Now” (R.A.M) in 2005 a collection 50’s and 60’s standards. Richie also complimented his singing career working as a non-speaking extra in several Movies and Television Shows such as. “Lorenzo’s Oil” Starring Nick Nolte and Jean Claude Van Damme’s “Sudden Death” amongst other credits. Ritchie left his native Pittsburgh in 2002 following his wife’s retirement for the warmer climate of Florida and in his words better golf courses. Richie is still active today performing one off shows and appearances aboard 7day Cruise Ships travelling between Los Angeles and Sant Cabos, Mexico.

A later cover version of “You’ll Always Have Yesterday Standing By” was later produced by Walt Maddox under the shortened title of “Yesterday Standing By” on his group ‘These Gents’ on the Carnegie P.A based Western World Music label and a further release on the Soulvation Army label which Richard Calloway knew nothing about until some years later. Richard Calloway in the ensuing years has been involved in several Gospel music projects as both a performer and a producer. Both sides of this 45 are highly desirable 45s within the lowrider scene with the Hill District due to its scarcity becoming a prized item with collectors of this genre.
Words By:   David Welding
Acknowledgements to:  Richard Calloway, Richie Merritt and Anthony Law.
To purchase visit https://www.souljunctionrecords.co.uk/SJ1018.html
or give Dave a shout on here @Louise or visit get one from the usual stockists of quality independent Soul music
 
 
 

By Chalky in Articles - Archives ·

7 New Soul 45s from Kent Records - Out Today

Out today 7 (seven) brand new Kent 45s. Five being releases on their quality Select imprint and two more via their Repro look alike one.
Details along with clips follow below
 
Kent Select 45 - 25th March Releases
 
Melvin Hicks & The Versatiles - The Intruder - Kent Select 078
'‘The Intruder’ has been one of the biggest finds to be played at the 100 Club in the last three years.'
Melvin-Hicks-The-Versatiles-The-Intruder.mp3
 
Brothers Of Soul - I Need Your Love / Come To Me - Kent Select 079
'exquisite midtempo dance track / lowrider success' 
CITY_079-1-1.mp3
 
Ronnie McNeir - Say You / I'm Sorry - Kent Select 080
'A taster of the complete, previously unreleased album we will issue on Ronnie later this year.' 
CITY_080-1-1.mp3
 
Hodges, James & Smith / Kim Weston - Wishful Thinking / It Takes A Lot Of Teardrops - Kent Select 081
' great girl soul sounds of the early 70s / another Basemore/Ware song from the late 60s which imitates the Motown sound exquisitely.'
CITY_081-1-1.mp3
 
Wee Willie Walker - I Don't Want To Take A Chance / I Ain't Gonna Cheat On You No More - Kent Select 082
 'two of the finest, previously unheard of, tracks to come out of the Goldwax vaults'
CITY_082-1-1.mp3
 
 
   
 
Repro - 25th March 2022 Releases
The Barrino Brothers - The Bad Things (You Said To Me) / Just A Mistake - Kent REPRO 8
'a standout dance track'
REPRO_07-1-1.mp3
 
Jimmy Nelson - I Sat And Cried / She's My Baby (Smokey's In Town) - Kent REPRO 7
'an easy-going swinger of a disc that you feel you’ve always known'
REPRO_08-1-1.mp3
 
 
Availability
Available right now from all the regular vinyl stockists including our own in house Source Store
Tap here for Kent 45s Store Section
 
 
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

Dusty Sings Soul - Dusty Springfield - New Ace Records CD

Details of a new Cd from Ace Records
Dusty Sings Soul - Dusty Springfield - CDCHD 1612
Out this weekend Friday 25th March 2022
Release Notes clip
From the very start of her solo career, it was Dusty Springfield’s intention to make records in the style of the black American artists that she admired, both professionally and personally. She recorded her version of a soul song at her first solo session and was still recording soul songs on all of her albums, singles and EPs throughout the 60s and into the 70s.
“Dusty Sings Soul” is a long overdue and carefully curated collection of recordings from Dusty’s 60s singles and albums, designed to demonstrate that she was not only the UK’s finest female singer but also its finest soul singer of her era and, for many, of all time. There is no shortage of Dusty compilations out there, but this is the first one to exclusively concentrate on this particular side of this great artist’s work.
Full release notes by Tony Rounce can be read via
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/sings-soul
Tracks
01 Can I Get A Witness
02 Long After Tonight Is All Over
03 Won't Be Long
04 Bring Him Back
05 All Cried Out
06 Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart
07 Do Re Mi
08 Welcome Home
09 Some Of Your Lovin'
10 That's How Heartaches Are Made
11 It Was Easier To Hurt Him
12 Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone
13 I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
14 Every Ounce Of Strength
15 I Wanna Make You Happy
16 Nothing
17 Oh No Not My Baby
18 I Had A Talk With My Man
19 I Can't Wait Until I See My Baby's Face
20 Every Day I Have To Cry
21 Love Power
22 Don't Let Me Lose This Dream
23 Am I The Same Girl
24 What's It Gonna Be
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

New Acid Jazz 45 - Beatmaker - Matt Berry Featuring Emma Noble

Details of a recent release from Acid Jazz Records
Matt Berry Featuring Emma Noble - Beatmaker / Beatmaker (Instrumental) - Acid Jazz Records - AJX635S
This cover of the 1970s psych funk classic by Swedish artist Doris recently had its first outing via the first episode of 'Toast of Tinseltown', a BBC series starring Matt Berry.
It's a limited-edition picture sleeve 7" vinyl release, along with a smart picture sleeve you also get as a first time exclusive the instrumental version.
Out now and available at most vinyl stockists including our own Source Store (tap to view)
 
 

 
https://www.acidjazz.co.uk/
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

With Love​... The James Hunter Six - CD/LP

The James Hunter Six
With Love...The James Hunter Six
Available digitally now. LP & CD available March 25. 
We present The James Hunter Six's latest offering, With Love..., a heart-shaped collection of candle-lit ballads and love songs. Plucked like so many "he loves you" petals from the vast and sumptuous garden of his Daptone Recordings, these twelve lilting melodies have been selected and sequenced with great care, tenderness, and intention by Daptone staff for the solitary purpose of compiling some of the criminally overlooked treasures in the James Hunter Six's critically acclaimed catalog.
 
https://daptone.ffm.to/withlove.gtq
 
 
By Mike in Articles - Archives ·

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