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.

Morning,
If you want an amazing 6 days of soul, funk, rare groove, 80s groove & disco then you have to come to our new event in Cyprus 6th-13th of Nov 2022
£50 deposit and a payment plan ( if you req) of around £40 per month.
www.cyprussoul.co.uk
Cheers
Riggsy

By Riggsy in Source Archives · February 4, 20223 yr

ALLISON & THE SOUTH FUNK BOULEVARD BAND
AKA The T.S.U. Toronadoes (Houston, Texas)
EPS010:
A: PAY BEFORE YOU LAY (2:33)
B: IT'S LOVE (3:01)
Buy it now:
https://www.epsilonrecord.com
Contact:
epsilonrecord45@gmail.com
Listen
About Allison & The South Funk Boulevard Band:
Allison Lewis (Robert Alician Lewis)
Allison was best known as one of the members of the great Funk band "TSU Toronadoes", who was the creator of the million seller, "Tighten Up" while backing Archie Bell & The Drells on Ovide & Atlantic and many more.
Allison has also written some amazing songs such as, I Still Love You, The Goose, Only Inside, Work on it, to name a few.
However, when the band "TSU Tornados" split in 1971, "Allison Lewis" went on to form "South Funk Blvd" with two other members Jerry Jenkins, Nelson Mills.
They recorded a well known rare single with his band "South Funk Blvd" called "Skying High Getting Off On Your Loving" & "Be Together" on Captain Funk Records.
The rest of the band attempted to continue playing under the name "TSU Tornadoes".
Allison and "South Funk Bvld" moved to Alabama and released their first single "What Happen to Association / Turn On With Music" on the label "Ovide" (#255) using the name of "Allison & South Funk Blvd".
South Funk Boulevard Band members were:
Allison Lewis
Ray Jackson
Nelson Mills
Carlos Tillman
Michael Spencer
Louis Howard
In 2013, Allison wrote a fantastic book,The Hidden Man: The Story of An Unfulfilled Dream.
I would recommend anyone to buy a copy from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Man-Story-Unfulfilled-Dream/dp/1514115689

The book was reviewed by his good friend, Mr Connoisseur Dave Thorley.
THE HIDDEN MAN: The story of an unfulfilled dream. "The track Tighten Up that Al and his group of fellow musicians, The TSU Tornadoes, heleped create became one of the cornerstones of a style of music called Funk. Throughout the years, their style has been copied, mimicked, and sampled around the globe. I could end there by telling, the reader that they provided a complete new colour pallet that is still used to this very day by fellow musicians around the world. But having, read the pages of this book, I have to say that this is so much more. It is a story of a man that has strived and never given up.
A man that has traveled down a road that has had many folks to navigate and has arrived at this point with an uplifting, story to tell."
Dave Thorley, DI (Gloucester FM Radio 96.6 UK)

By Yann V in Source Archives · January 31, 20223 yr

Press Release:   Jesse James   Father We’re Having Trouble Down Here/Father We’re Having Trouble Down Here (Album Mix)   SJ546
Release Date:   Monday February 21ST 2022

Way back in 2008 Soul Junction released a 45 on Duane Williams “Yes My Love Is Real” with Duane being one half of the Detroit husband and wife singing duo Beverley and Duane. The duo under the guidance of their lifelong friend Will Hatcher recorded six songs of which two “ We Got To Stick Together” and “Glad I Got You Baby” were picked up by local Detroit label president Woodrow ‘Woody Wilson for release as a 45 single on his Fee label. The popularity of the 45 was to attract attention from the major Ariola label, who picked it up for national distribution during 1978 leading to the subsequent Ariola album ‘Beverley & Duane”. As the 1980’s dawned Beverley and Duane recorded a solitary 45 single for the independent Detroit Brown Bomber label “Love/You Belong To Me”. The label was owned by John L. Barrow a nephew of former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, (Brown Bomber being Louis’s nickname). Beverley and Duane later moved to the west coast until their amicable divorce which led to Duane returning to his native Detroit to reacquaint himself with his former mentor Will Hatcher. This meeting of old friends led to the creation of Duane’s first solo project which Will brought to Soul Junction in late 2007. Hot on the heels of Duane’s hugely popular Soul Junction 45 came his subsequent CD album “These Songs Are For You” (SJ5001) released in 2009. Contained within this album was the very pertinent gospel/social commentary song “Father We’re Having Trouble” a song which two very close and knowledgeable friends of mine the late John Anderson and Bill Randle claimed had all the right ingredients for a potential hit record.
Over the ensuing years this song has always remained in my thoughts until a few years ago I broached the idea with my good friend Jesse James recording a cover version of it, Jesse upon hearing the song was very receptive to the idea.  Another period of time elapsed before we again reignited the idea. A decade or so on from Duane’s original version and the lyric’s of this particular song still remain as pertinent as ever, if not more so! During early 2020 Jesse entered, Con Funk Shun multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Felton Pilate’s Felstar Studio in Atlanta to lay down the basic tracks with Felton acting as co-producer on this project. Everything was progressing nicely until a worldwide pandemic intervened. With Jesse locked down in his new home on the West Coast and Felton in Atlanta the project unfortunately came to a holt. During this enforced period of inactivity further racial and political upheaval occurred which only added more poignance to the project. Eventually with the lifting of lockdown restrictions Jesse finally made it back to Atlanta to finish the project, the fruits of which you have before you now.

For further information please contact Soul Junction at:
Telephone:  +44 (0) 121 602 8115 or E-mail: sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk
To buy this or any other soul junction releases that are still in stock (not many) visit the website at
http://www.souljunctionrecords.co.uk/SJ546.html
Or ask your usual stockists!

By Chalky in Source Archives · January 30, 20223 yr

FINALLY – AFTER FOUR MONTHS PRESSING PLANT DELAY - TWO NEW HR 45 RELEASES
Release date 22 January 2022 - in stock now and ready to mail.
£12 each + £3 postage (good for 1-3 records)
paypal – hitandrunsoul45@gmail.com

HR 1534 DELEGATES OF SOUL – What A Lucky Guy I Am + I’ll Keep Running Back / Don’t Take Your Love From Me + Girl I’m At Your Door
Yes, that’s right – a 4 track 45 for the price of £12. The A side contains the 2 tracks from the 1970 Up-look 45 (recently £1,415 on auction) – classic Northern in ‘Running’ was re-released in 2005, but the great midpacer ‘Lucky’ has never been 45 re-released and sounds great for today. The 2 tracks on the ‘B’ side are 1970 and unreleased until the Grapevine Uplook CD in 2006, now making their debut on vinyl and are very worthy of their inclusion.

HR 1535 SYMPHONIES - That’s What Love Will Don / Need Someone To Love
Been trying to get a girl group 45 into the catalogue for some time and finally managed one that will work. ‘A’ side is a beautiful production from 1969 and at one time thought to be a ‘missing number’ in the Carnival discog, one on Discogs right now at £1,500 – and with over ONE MILLION plays on youtube. Two quality midpace/ballad sides.

HR 1535 The Symphonies - Need Someone To Love 3.09 ref copy.mp3 HR 1535 The Symphonies - That's What Love Will Do 3.07 ref copy.mp3

By Dewsburyborn in Source Archives · January 29, 20223 yr

Out today the latest 45 from Big AC Records featuring Abi Farrell with 'Stepping Out Of Your Shadow' backed up with 'Don't Follow Me '.
Details and release notes follow below
ABI FARRELL - STEPPING OUT OF YOUR SHADOW / DON'T FOLLOW ME 7" SINGLE - BIGAC015
RELEASE DATE: 28 January 2022
Limited to 500 copies
A side - Stepping Out Of Your Shadow
B side - Don't Follow Me
Video - Abi Farrell 'Stepping Out Of Your Shadow'

Label Release Notes
Abi Farrell is back with 'Stepping Out Of Your Shadow'. This is a stomping dancefloor filler for every DJ and collector to add to their record box!
Draped in elegant strings that call to mind the disco queens of the 70’s, ‘Stepping…’ kicks into gear from the off, with the help of a driving horn section and chanting backing vocals.
The sense of overcoming adversity and finding oneself is notable in the anthemic, chest-beating chorus: “I’m stepping out of your shadow / I won’t be lonely when you pick up your stride”, a positive outlook to begin 2022!
On the flip side is ‘Don’t Follow Me’ - a stunning, stirring and unforgettable composition which will surely add to her burgeoning reputation amongst fans of soul, funk and great songwriting!
The song is a social commentary on misogyny and serves as a righteous beacon of hope and defiance at a time of growing concerns about a culture of male violence.
The song begins with a cool, Colemine-esque groove underpinned by mellotron and vintage synths, building to a glorious, soaring crescendo when the all-star line-up of backing vocalists come to the fore with a call-toaction, demanding solidarity, accountability and delivering a message of hope.
Available on limited edition 7" vinyl with a picture sleeve.

Availability
Available now via Big AC Records website and also via all major online vinyl stores including our own Source Store
Tap here to visit Source Store

releases

By Mike in Source Archives · January 28, 20223 yr

Six new Funk/Soul/Jazz 45s from BGP (Beat Goes Public). Release lineup features notable sides from the likes of Hank Jacobs, Reuben Bell, Sylvester and more
Details follow below

Hank Jacobs - The World Needs Changin' / Gettin' On Down - BGP
A straight reissue of this super rare funk single from 1970 on the Call Me label. Original copies of this political soul anthem change hands for a lot of money.
BGPRO_01-1-1.mp3

Reuben Bell With the Casanovas - It's Not That Easy - BGP
This slice of Louisiana deep southern soul It's Not That Easy has taken on a life of its own since Dave Godin included it on his “Deep Soul Treasures” CD, and the single has shot up to well over three figures. In 2021 the song is the subject of a cover version by the-name-to-drop Lady Blackbird and we felt it was about time that it was reissued in its original format.
BGPRO_02-1-1.mp3

Freddie McCoy - Spider Man / Soul Yogi - BGP
The original 7-inch versions of these two tracks by the cult vibes man. The A-side Spider Man is a long-time jazz dance favourite, whilst its flip Soul Yogi is a furious soul dancer.
BGPS_064-1-1.mp3

BGPS_064-2-1.mp3

Fuzzy Haskins - The Fuzz And Da Boog / Cookie Jar - BGP
First time on 7-inch for the classic P-funk break beat cut The Fuzz And Da Boog, as used by the Prodigy, Fat Boy Slim and others. It’s the same deal with the alternate version of the downbeat funk of ‘Cookie Jar’.

BGPS_065-1-1.mp3

Harold Alexander / Pretty Purdie - Mama Soul / Heavy Soul Slinger - BGP
Two break beat gems from the Flying Dutchman catalogue. First-time reissue of the 7-inch edit of ‘Mama Soul’ whilst Pretty Purdie’s ‘Heavy Soul Slinger’ gets its 7-inch debut.

BGPS_066-1-1.mp3

Sylvester - Over & Over / I Need Somebody To Love Tonight - BGP
‘Over & Over’ is simply the greatest ever 7-inch disco edit, a nine-minute anthem which retains (or maybe even enhances) its appeal in the smaller format. The tripped-out soul of ‘I Need Somebody To Love Tonight’ also has a great shorter version. Neither have been reissued since their original release.
BGPS_067-1-1.mp3
BGPS_067-2-1.mp3

Availability
Available now via Ace Records (tap for link) along with all the usual online soul 45 stockists including our very own Source Store
Tap here for Source Store Record Section

releases

By Mike in Source Archives · January 27, 20223 yr

Project Awakening - Black History Month USA February
Also known as African-American History Month, it was first observed by students and faculty at Kent State University in 1970. In 1976 it evolved into a month-long celebration and became a national holiday when President Gerald Ford recognized “the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history” in a speech to mark the United States Bicentennial.
Moses B. Norman-Orangeburg changed his life. February 1968.

A Bowling Alley operated on a segregated basis was the angst of S.C. State College and Claflin College students. Attempts to integrate the bowling alley had culminated in protest and disturbances and the college administration were calling on the 1,500 S.C. State College students to remain on Campus.
S.C. National Guardsman were called up to quell what were called riots.
Accounts say 3 dead and at least 37 injured, 27 of whom were released in the custody of the State College infirmary. All the killed or wounded were Black, shot by S.C. Highway Patrolmen. Moses B. Norman was standing in front of Lowman Hall on the Campus that night. He drove some wounded to Orangeburg Hospital. Henry Smith, one of the dead was a friend of Moses. Both Chemistry majors.
Partly from that experience came project Awakening 1970/71. As he says ‘a way to channel anger and frustration into constructive action’.

The Moses Dillard and Martha Starr ‘Cheating, Teasing, & Misleading’ record appeared on Awake AK101 (Nov 1971 date on 45cat.com) and also on Bert Bern’s Shout S-248 label (Jan 1972 date on 45cat.com), As far as I can tell both takes are identical. Recorded at Rod Kinder’s Spring St, Atlanta Kin-Tel Sound Studios it subsequently led to a purchase deal with Eddie Briscoe & Ilene Berns (as too did Shout S-253 ‘I Promise to Love You’ featuring Peabo Bryson).

Dillard had at least two labels, Piedmont Records and Brighter Day Records- Dillard & Boyce (Disco-Gospel). In a 1979 interview Dillard said “I plan to delete Gospel in favour of the contemporary sound of spiritual consciousness” [Source Walter Carter, Disco Producers Make New Nashville sound]. A tag line not dissimilar to that of AWAKE AK101 “a new sound of consciousness”.
The First of the intended seven Awake shops opened in Oct 1971 at 211 Waller Ave, Greenwood S.C. The shops were an extension of Moses B. Norman’s Project Awakening, which was an idea that had come about from his time as youth director of the Greenwood County Chapter of NAACP.
So, was Awake AK101 & Moses Dillard in some way helping out project Awakening? After all, he (Moses Dillard) had been executive director and co-founder of the 1970 Miss Black South Carolina pageant and a vice president of NAACP.
Moses B Norman who had run the local pageant took the project Awakening group to Greenville where they staged the State pageant. In return Moses Dillard teamed up with project Awakening becoming one of the five state directors.
Shop opens in Oct 1971, AK101 releases in Nov 1971…serendipity.

KenB Feb 2022

added by site

By Kenb in Soul Music Features · January 26, 20223 yr

CBLL037
Charles Buddy Smith
“When You Lose the One You Love” (Previously Unissued Alt. Take)
“You Get What you Deserve”
Penned and produced by Charles Buddy Smith
Exec. Producers Yann Vatiste & Alberto Zanini
7”/45rpm Black Vinyl - Limited Edition as usual
Out late March 2022
Listen:
Preorder a Tp or a Std copy here: https://cannonballsoul.com/cannonballrecords/
(Digital Download Included)
While sailing safe towards the glorious shores of release number 60 across the whole catalogue, we are proud to present you a previously unissued alternate take of the immense recording that saw the light on Brute in 1967, and earned a well deserved induction in the hall of fame of the great rare soul records of all times by becoming a steady classic at all major worldwide soul events starting from Stafford.
IMPORTANT: besides the obvious appeal this different take offers in terms of arrangement, what makes this release relevant are the real credits of the song.
Although the first versions was credited to Tony Clarke of Landslide fame as the writer of lyrics and harmony in fact, true story is that it was penned by Buddy Smith himself who got ripped off seeing his composition stolen and credited to someone else in the fashion of the good old music industry of a time when scum had no skin colour, if not the colour of money.
This is the reason why we set the records straight on the printed labels, so that the many connoisseurs among us might get an answer when rising their eyebrows. For those who don’t know the man yet (which would sound very odd at this point in time) Charles Buddy Smith is a lifelong Detroiter, an Army Ranger veteran and a prolific songwriter and performer deeply immersed in the Detroit music scene.
He was recently featured as an artist on drummer/songwriter/producer Drew Schultz's Back To Class series, which continues to raise money and advocate for music education in Detroit Public Schools (just google up for Drew Schultz to know more about the project). Buddy has never stopped performing live and doing studio recording sessions working alongside many other great Detroit artists like McKinley Jackson of Invictus/Hot Wax fame, Joey King Fish from Thelma/Checkmate, and Detroit’s finest guitarist Erich Goebel just to name a few.

By Yann V in Source Archives · January 23, 20223 yr

News from Daptone on Lee Fields upcoming Uk/Ireland/Europe tour dates and lp/single news
We are proud to announce that the legendary Lee Fields has reunited with the Daptone family and is in the studio working on a new album slated for release in the Fall of 2022. We are celebrating his return with the release of "Ordinary Lives," a single from a previously unreleased Dap-Kings session.

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Mar 02 – Button Factory, Dublin
Mar 04 – Islington Assembly Hall, London
Mar 06 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Mar 08 – Teatro Lara, Madrid
Mar 10 – Sala Apolo, Barcelona
Mar 11 – La Rambleta, València
Mar 12 – Aula de Cultura Alicante, Alicante
Mar 15 – Karkatoa, Bordeaux
Mar 16 – La Sirene, La Rochelle
Mar 17 – Le MeM, Rennes
Mar 19 – Bataclan, Paris
Mar 20 – La Cartonnerie, Reims
Mar 22 – Aeronef, Lille
Mar 23 – Doornroosje (Purple Room), Nijmegen
Mar 24 – Luxor, Koln
Mar 26 – Technikum, Munich
Mar 27 – TivoliVredenburg (Club Nine), Utrecht
Mar 29 – Orangerie (at Botanique), Brussels
Mar 30 – Mojo Club, Hamburg
Mar 31 – Festsaal Kreuzberg, Berlin
Apr 02 – Copenhagen
Apr 03 – Cosmopolite Scene, Oslo

By Mike in Source Archives · January 21, 20223 yr

Word of a new vinyl lp from Outta Sight Records, details follow below
THESE MEMORIES - Rare Soul Gems OSVLP026

Company Blurb
Memories of the rare soul scene are manifold but this timeless collection goes right to the heart and soul of the scene and is perhaps best summed up by the emotive title track “These Memories” by Almeta Lattimore.
You really don’t need any other reason to buy this album, but how about Corey Blake’s £1,000+ collector’s-piece “How Can I Go On Without You”, which has evaded compilation for over twenty years. Equally rare is Billy Harner’s “I Got It From Heaven”, recorded and produced in 1976 by ‘Sound Gems’ label boss Frank Fioravanti. It was discovered, soon after release, by Richard Searling and covered-up as Bobby Hutton for exclusive plays on his Saturday/Sunday DJ sets at Wigan Casino. ‘Sound Gems’ also provides us with another dance floor anthem: “You’re My Main Squeeze” by Crystal Motion.
Side One ends with another Richard Searling cover-up courtesy of Motown’s country & western-tinged “Can’t Stop A Man In Love” by Reuben Howell (aka Sandy Linzer). Appropritely, Richard selected this very track to end his last ever All-Nighter DJ set at the Kings Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunday 22nd September 2019. What a record!
Side Two is no slouch either, kicking off with our title track, followed by the first ever independent release of Daybreak’s in-demand “I Need Love”. Eddie Owen (aka Eddie Billups) delivers his 1977 reinvention of the anthemic “Shake Off That Dream” while Tom Moulton works his magic on Love Committee’s “Tired Of Being Your Fool”. We end with our second visit to Motown for the wonderful – unreleased – “My Baby Moves Me” by Brenda Holloway..
“Come And Get These Memories!”
SIDE 1
Corey Blake - How Can I Go On Without You
Freddie Terrell & The Blue Rhythm Band - You Had It Made
Barrett Strong - Man Up In The Sky
Billy Harner - I Got It From Heaven
Sydney Joe Qualls - I Don’t Do This (To Every Girl I Meet)
Crystal Motion - You’re My Main Squeeze (Part 1)
Reuben Howell - Can’t Stop A Man In Love
SIDE 2
Almeta Lattimore - These Memories
Daybreak - I Need Love
Eddie Owen - Shake Off That Dream
Love Committee - Tired Of Being Your Fool
Sonya Spence - Let Love Flow On
Brenda Holloway - My Baby Moves Me

Availability
Available now from Outta Sight Records (tap to visit) and other online stores

releases

By Mike in Source Archives · January 20, 20223 yr

News on two recent releases from MD Records, both featuring tracks of a previously unreleased on vinyl status, details and audio clips below

Honey and The Bees - Don't Hurt Me ( I Just Wanna Be Loved) / Sam Reed Studio Band - Call On Me (Instrumental) - MD Records 116
Honey and the Bees drop what is a stunning example of girly Philly soul right from the get go. We’ve left the studio count in place where you can hear Leroy count the girls in and you can also hear him on the keyboards, the track was lightly remastered by the magic touch of both Frank himself and then JJ at Golden mastering to make sure we had it spot on for modern vinyl production methods.
Listen: Honey And The Bees – Don’t Hurt Me
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Flip the 45 over and be prepared for a monster of a northern instrumental. The Persionettes 45 is a marvelous vocal northern classic and this instrumental track holds its own in a very different way. For those that love the historic instrumentals this is pretty much a must have 45 for this side alone.
Listen: Sam Reed Studio Band - Call On Me (Instrumental)
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John Bowie - Help Me Pretty Baby / You’re Gonna Miss A Good Thing (Audition Version) - MD Records 115
Hailing from the days when John moved on from the Philadelphians and hooked up with Merben out of New Jersey. The outcome of this new recording relationship was the release of “Youre gonna miss a good thing” b/w “At the end of the day”. Following our collaboration work with Kevin Fingier on some other tracks, we played him the unrestored takes and asked for his opinion. Needless to say he was pretty excited by the tracks and wanted to see if he could bring them back to there full glory. Between Kevin and JJ at Golden mastering they have done a brilliant job of working with the masters to get a great sound quality without any additional changes to the tracks.
We are pleased to deliver both tracks back-to-back on a 45 for your listening pleasure. The thumping “Help me pretty baby” screams out of the starting blocks with the brass working overtime to punctuate the classic bouncing bass line. Johns’ pleading vocals beautifully threaded through both, delivering his message to the echo of the backing singers.
Listen: John Bowie – Help Me Pretty Baby
Your browser does not support the audio element.
Flip it over and you get a moody audition take of “You’re gonna miss a good thing”. This version is raw and darker than the released version, its also got that heavier Hammond style keyboard in support of the baseline, but without the high and light glockenspiel type keyboard of the released version. In an article written for Scoop newspaper in Philly, it was said that Big John had died from a robbery attempt at a gas station where he worked. This article was dated in the 1998 and had the approximate date of death about 1985. Just another example of the pointless loss of great talent in the soul world.
Listen: John Bowie – You're Gonna Miss A Good Thing
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More details on above via MD Records
Availability
Both 45s are available right now via MD Records along with other online stores including our very own Source Store - link below
Tap for Source Store MD Records section

releases

By Mike in Source Archives · January 17, 20223 yr

Following on from BMR 1007 we are pleased to announce the release of BMR 1008 Jesse Johnson - Left Out B/W Yvonne & The Violets - Cross My Heart - Big Man Records, under licence from Embassy Music Corporation from Old Town/Barry Masters, comes in a mini custom album sleeve, collectors card in a poly sleeve & includes a 75mm Big Man Records sticker.
To order pm here or email bicknellmark@aol.com will be available in the Soul Source store, directly from Big Man records and various record vendors.

video-1642188251.mp4

releases

By Mark Bicknell in Source Archives · January 15, 20223 yr

OUT NOW!
Previously unissued version of the modern / northern soul classic Girl Don't Leave Me by Ray Williams & the Majortones, Lil Major Williams brother
EPS009 Limited Edition 7" : Re-Mastered by Steve Fuji A: GIRL DON'T LEAVE ME (short version) B: GIRL DON'T LEAVE ME (extended version)
Listen:

Buy it now: https://www.epsilonrecord.com
Shipping today!!!
FROM RAY WILLIAMS:
As a young kid I always wanted to be a musician especially with my brothers.
My Dad, Major Williams Sr started it all with my Brother Lil Major Williams and Garland Williams.
They would travel and play music at venues all over Texas and surroundings States. I myself stared playing the snare drum in Junior High school and eventually started playing with the Majortones Band which was my dad and brothers group.
I remember the first time I ever sat behind a set of drums it was like a dream come true. We were playing at this club in Houston, called the Green Parrot. Garland which was the drummer at the time, I think he got sick or something happened, that's when my dad came to me and said this your time Ray. I was so scared , keep in my I was only 11years old, anyway I played that night if it had not been for the Bass player (Fox was his name) telling me how to work the foot pedal and high hats snare we wouldn't have made he just kept telling me to stay on the one, at that time I was wondering what was the one Lol.
As time went by I started really getting the hang the thing call music.
Little Major was a big James Brown fan, so we played a lot of Brown's music and if I tell you we were tight and right.
Major wrote Girl Don't Leave in 1978 and I can't remember the real reason for the title of song but it did really good lot's of air play.
As time went on Lil Major, Garland and my Dad passed away.
That's when I started managing The Majortones Band and to this Day it's still going strong.
I re-wrote Girl Don't Leave Me and released it a few years ago which was the best thing I could have ever done.
I feel like it's my time in the music industry, I've been playing for over forty years and I'm still in love with it and still having lots of fun.

Ray Williams!!!

By Yann V in Source Archives · January 7, 20223 yr

Latest news on the next upcoming release from Shotgun Records
The Fantastic Puzzles - 'Come Back' (Part 1) / (Part 2) - Shotgun SHOT 115
The release date has been brough forward and the 45 will now be available from the 14th January 2022
Release notes
THE FANTASTIC PUZZLES - COME BACK (Part 1) / (Part 2)
The instantly catchy and uplifting club soul favourite 'Come Back' by The Fantastic Puzzles is scheduled for release on Shotgun Records. The 7" single will be available from 14 January.
The Fantastic Puzzles were from Brooklyn, New York, and had recorded as 'The Puzzles' and as 'The Four Puzzles' with veteran Sam Culley but it isn't known who sang lead on 'Come Back'. A raw demo of the track had featured vocals by Sheldon Turner.
The infectious retro-flavoured song was produced by hitmaker Patrick Adams and the up-and-coming Greg Carmichael. They were prolific and successful at that time but, sadly, not with this particular record.
'Come Back' was issued in 1975 on the promising but short-lived New Moon label which was distributed by Mainstream Records. It was popular enough with UK soul fans to warrant a release on Pye's Right On! label the following year and its revival is long overdue.
Shotgun Records and sister label One World Records are distributed by Selrec Trading Ltd.
Further information is available from Paul Mooney and Paul Conroy. Radio plugging is handled by Steve Ripley
More Release News
Shotgun SHOT 116 : Randolph Brown & Company - 'It Ain't Like It Used To Be' / 'It Can Be Cured'
Release date: 25 February 2022

Also scheduled and in production:

One World OSP 5008 : Michelle David & The True-Tones - 'It's Gonna Be Alright' (Vocal) / (Instrumental)
Release date: March 2022
One World OSP 5009 : The Freedom Affair - 'Give A Little Love' / 'Searching'
Release date: March / April 2022
Shotgun SHOT 117 : Herb Rooney - 'Curse The Brother' / Brenda Rooney - 'Moving Day'
Release date to be confirmed
Shotgun SHOT 118 : Sandra Wright - 'I Come Running Back' / 'I'm Not Strong Enough'
Release date to be confirmed
One World OSP 5010 : Shazz - 'Innerside' (Universal Soul Mix) / (Album Version)
Release date to be confirmed

releases

By Mike in Source Archives · December 30, 20213 yr

Details are out of the second release from the Last Bastion Label. First time on vinyl for both of these tracks.
Steve Marriott - Lonely No More / Some Kind Of Wonderful - LB02
Release notes follow below
Last Bastion Records 'Making Music Matter'
A new indie label committed to making recordings available for the first time, on limited edition 45s
Hard on the heels of the debut release (LB01 Lou Pride) comes a sensational double A side from the soul of Steve Marriott
The two tracks uniquely featured on this 'Soul Man' 45 are from two unreleased 1980's albums. 'Lonely No More' from 1981 was to be the opening track from Majik Mijits, a Steve Marriott/Ronnie Lane collaboration that also featured lead guitar man Mick Green, boss player Jim Leverton, drummer Dave Hynes and keyboard man Mick Weaver (aka Wyder K Frog).It was recorded at the Corbett Theatre in Loughton Essex on Ronnie's mobile studio, The LMS.
Sadly the recording coincided with Ronnie Lone being struck down with the crippling disease Multiple Sclerosis therefore no record company would release the record as Ronnie was too ill
to go on the rood to promote it.

Takes
Steve Marriotts prolific collaborations over the decades with ladies of soul including Clydie King, Venetta Fields, Sherlie Matthews, Billie Barnum, Claudia Len near, P.P. Arnold, Doris Troy, Sam Brown and Margo Buchanan are in the main 'invisible' with recordings lost and/or unreleased. In the meantime hopefully this 2nd Last Bastion Records release will give a small insight into the soulful side of Steve,. !st time on 45, originally recorded for unreleased /shelved LPs and includes two of The Small Faces finally re uniting and on the flip, backing vocals from P.P. Arnold again re uniting with Steve."
Andy Bellwood (Last Bastion Records) Records

What a voice, the late great Steve Marriott sounding as Soulful as ever!"
Rob Bailey/Dr Robert (www.newuntouchables.com http://www.lebeatbespoke.com

"He (Steve Marriott) had the best white man singing the blues, white soul singer voice ever. He was a black man in a little white body."
Jerry Shirley (Humble Pie drummer & various incarnations of Steve Marriott bands)

"Both of these tracks, in my opinion, prove that Steve Marriott was most definitely the best British Male R&B/Soul vocalist.... He was authentic, full of expression and all the way "Live. I remember recording those BV's on Some Kind Of Wonderful with Sam Brown and Margo Buchanan. The track was on fire, raw, funky and full of spirit."
P.P. Arnold
Lonely No More" sees the legendary duo of Marriott & Lane back together for one last time. It's like they never went away. Superb!"
Eddie Piller (Mod DJ, MD Acid Jazz Records,Totally Wired Radio/Modcast)

Video Promo

Listen and available to pre order here:
http://shop.detourrecords.co.uk/MARRIOTT-STEVE-Lonely-No-More-/-Some-Kind-Of-Wonderful-7-P/S-NEW

Steve_Marriott_A4Press_Release_AW.pdf

releases

By Mike in Source Archives · December 27, 20213 yr

Wanda Young Rogers, lead singer of the Marvelettes on their later hits (Don't Mess With Bill, Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, etc.) has passed away at age 78. She took over as primary lead from Gladys Horton, lead on the group's earlier hits (Please Me. Postman - Motown's first no. 1 pop hit - Playboy, etc.).

By Daniel Nooger in Source Archives · December 26, 20213 yr

New 45 from Jai Alai Records
Tommy McGee - We Ought To Be Together/ Make Sure -Jar 03
The world of soul music has always been full of stories of bad luck, if-onlys and might-have-beens, and Tommy McGee has certainly had more than his fair share of all three. Bad timings with record deals, contract arguments, label cash-flow problems, a payola scandal, getting squeezed out by deals for other artists such as The Ohio Players, Johnny Bristol and William DeVaughn, have all added to his frustrations.
Tommy McGee - We Ought To Be Together - Video
Tommy McGee - Make Sure - Video
Amazingly, McGee had the drive to keep going as he was determined to release an album with his band The TMGs. Writer/producer Palmer James, also from his home town Grand Rapids MI, convinced him to sign as a solo artist instead, although he continued to work on the (then unnamed) "Positive-Negative" album from 1970-72. James had been in The Creations with Al Green (then Greene) and in trying to market and release Greene’s "Back Up Train" album on his label Hot Line Music Journal almost went bankrupt; McGee’s debut single, "Give & Take" / "To Make You Happy" on Golden Voice Records, got lost in the process.
McGee finally got the funds to release "Positive-Negative" on his own label MTMG Records in 1976, pressing 500 copies, and whilst not a commercial success, this highly collectable album brought him recognition on the underground soul scene. It was reissued on Chicago imprint Numero Group in 2016 and he is probably best known for the fabulous single "Now That I Have You" on another of his labels, TMG.
For their third release, Jai Alai have taken the two cream cuts "We Ought To Be Together" and "Make Sure", showcasing McGee’s production skills and his wonderful Curtis Mayfield styled falsetto vocals. This limited edition 7” single will quickly disappear, so make sure you don’t miss out.
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗩𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗕𝗕𝗦
(Solar Radio, Totally Wired Radio)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remastering by Jorge Muñoz-Cobo. Label design by Jordi Duró.
𝗣𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 for 7th January 2022
13 𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘀 + postage as it follows:
1 to 5 copies: 6,80 euros UK & Europe
1 to 5 copies: 2,50 euros Spain
1 to 5 copies: 10,45 euros USA & rest of the world
𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗣𝗔𝗟 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 & 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆:
soul4realrecordlabel@gmail.com
Check previous releases: www.soul4real.es

By Alexsubinas in Source Archives · December 24, 20213 yr

It's that time of year again...
A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to all
Season Greetings!
Soul Source Team

By Mike in Source Archives · December 23, 20213 yr

As the years past it seems more and more archival northern soul material is becoming available online, local papers just being one available source for looking back.
The British Newspaper archive being just one current source, be a bit wary as once you start digging the hours may fly past.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/

Used the North Wales Soul Club as an example as it did play a part in my own soul youth, while just a 13 year old kid at the time of the article, memories of a few visits up the stairs to the offices, opposite The London pub on a Saturday do linger along with later trips to the Riverboat.
North Wales Weekly News Thursday 16 May 1974
North Wales Club is hub of soul
Mention "soul" and you can guarantee the attention of most young people interested in music. So it is not surprising that the following in this area is enough to warrant a soul club the North Wales Soul Club.
On Saturday the club opens an office at 100 Upper Mostyn Street. Llandudno. The premises will put not only Llandudno but the whole of North Wales well on the map as a "soul scene."
The club already boasting a membership of 200 is the brainchild of Robert Redhead and Gilbert Gilian of Discos Incorporated (Entertainment) Ltd. Llandudno who have been responsible for several promotions during the year, featuring many top name artistes from Britain and the United States. For Robert and Gilbert. May" 18 will see a dream come true. In recent months they have done more for soul fans In North Wales than anyone in the last decade.
Discos Inc. started just over two years ago when Robert and Gilbert Joined forces to provide top .line disco entertainment. They do this using SAI (Sound Advice Installations) equipment, of which they have two independent units, coupled with comprehensive lighting effects. Single records which they carry with them number approximately 1.000 and albums total 50. The transportation of all the equipment could become quite a nightmare, but as it was explained. everything is under control thanks to Robert's father, Mr. Roy Redhead described as "road manager."
Discos Inc. soon became recognised as.one of the leading soul discos in the area, as well as being able to provide music for any occasion, and they decided it was about time fans were given the chance to see the artistes on stage without having to travel considerable distances. Their first promotion was in October of last year when Major Lance made a big impact at the Dixieland Showbar. Colwyn Bay. As Gilbert explained promotions of this nature require a considerable amount. of administration and therefore on March 28 the North Wales Soul Club came into being and presented their first promotion featuring "Limmle and Family Cookin."
As well as providing such entertainment Robert and Gilbert opened a record and badge bar at the dances which proved successful and have now become a feature of their promotions.
Annual membership of the North Wales Soul Club costs 15p and enables soul fans to buy records which they would normally find difficult to obtain without such a service as provided by the club. Soul "packs" will be on sale along with American imports and albums.
Members will also be able to buy ticket in advance for dances in and out of the area, as the promoters are official ticket agents for the Northern and International Soul Clubs, with whom they will be in close contact.

history

By Mike in Northern Soul History · December 22, 20213 yr

Wigan Today running a feature on the unveiling of a new blue plaque dedicated to Mr M's near its former site

Wigan Casino: New plaque dedicated to Mr M's unveiled near former site
A new plaque dedicated to a beloved part of Wigan Casino has been unveiled near its former site.
Former DJ Steve Whittle, who has recently released a book about Mr M’s, said: “It was a successful weekend, even though it was raining, and we did get cold and wet.
More via
https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/wigan-casino-new-plaque-dedicated-to-mr-ms-unveiled-near-former-site-3498640

wigan casino

By Mike in Source Archives · December 17, 20213 yr

Northern Soul a Wigan Casino: 'Ffordd o fyw'
BBC Cymru running 'Northern Soul a Wigan Casino: 'Ffordd o fyw'' on their website featuring Vaughan Evans
Video

'Ffordd o fyw'
I Vaughan Evans mae Northern Soul yn "ffordd o fyw" ac yn Wigan Casino wnaeth pob dim ddechrau pan agorwyd hi yn 1973.
"Ro'n i tua ugain oed a es i i mewn i siop Guests yn Llangefni ac roedd 'na magazine Blues and Soul ar y shilff. Nes i jest darllen hwnnw a ffeindio tudalen 'Wigan Casino All Nighter' ac mi oedd Edwin Starr yn chwarae yno," meddai Vaughan, sefydlydd gorsaf radio Môn FM.

The full article with images can be read via https://www.bbc.co.uk/cymrufyw/59681953

wigan casino

By Mike in Source Archives · December 17, 20213 yr

News just in all about the latest release from Soul Direction Records...
Legacy - 'Boy, You've Been Acting Strange' / 'Celebrate (Legacy To The Bone)' - Soul-Direction SD-007
Due for release on 3rd January 2022. Available for pre-order from Friday 17th December

Info
Legacy was formed around 1975 by Eddie Watkins Jr who started the band.
Legacy recorded very few songs under the guidance of Don Davis. The only two songs to be released were: “I Must Confess” and “Believe In Yourself” on Tortoise International Records. Soul Direction having purchased the master tapes found that there were two other songs on the same master tape entitled “Boy, You’ve Been Acting Strange” and “Celebrate (Legacy to The Bone)”.
After tracking down Eddie and several conversations later, Eddie Watkins who wrote all the songs agreed to license the tracks to Soul-Direction for a 7” Vinyl Release.

Promo Video

Legacy Background
The original members were: Eddie Watkins Jnr, Brenda Evans, LaMarvin McMorris, Delbert Nelson, Butch Small, Mark Johnson on keyboards, Ricardo Rouse and Anita Baker the iconic vocal artist who did some vocal performances with the band. Some of the band members were originally from The Undisputed Truth.
Eddie N Watkins Jr was born & raised in Detroit MI. He started his music career playing piano for a bingo game at 10 years old. His grandmother “Big Mama” bought him a piano at age 7 and his parents forced him to take piano lessons apparently against his will. As it turned out they were right cause by the age of 13 Eddie had switched to bass guitar joined the Musicians Union and got hired by the Jonny Trafton big band performing with seasoned local Motown musicians. At age 17 still in high school Eddie was noticed by legendary Motown producer Norman Whitfield at a Undisputed Truth band rehearsal. A few day later he got the call from Motown to play for Norman Whitfield’s new Temptation album Masterpiece.
Lead Vocalist Brenda Joyce Evans was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. After high school Brenda became a part of the group called the Delicates (Brenda, Michelle and Dale). The manager for the Delicates was Bobby Sanders. He was known for working with local male singing groups, like the Younghearts. Around 1969 during a performance Bobby Taylor of the Vancouvers heard the Delicates sing and invited them to open up for him at the 20 Grand, in Detroit, Michigan. The Delicates eventually signed with Motown Records. After signing with Motown Records; the Delicates received more opportunities to sing background in the studio for other artists.

Purchase Options
Due for release on 3rd January 2022. Available for pre-order from Friday 17th December via
https://soul-direction.co.uk/

releases

By Mike in Source Archives · December 14, 20213 yr

A 48 hour Soul Source fast and furious competition to get this Christmas is almost here week going...

Yep the Soul Source competition makes an overdue return. This time around we have up for grabs, thanks to those Anglo-American people, a brand new copy of the just released book '1975 - A Year In The Life Of Northern Soul' by Tim Brown
The book has already picked up reviews from our members such as 'a beautifully illustrated and content rich book'
The official release blurb follows below...
The first ever detailed look at a specific year in the life of Northern Soul focuses on its most important year. It was the year when seventies soul was embraced to sit alongside traditional sixties stompers in all dancehalls and venues such as Cleethorpes Pier and The Ritz ,Manchester as all-dayers took a hold on the scene. Wigan Casino and the Blackpool Mecca remained as twin towers of the nightlife however. Television, radio and newspapers were fascinated by the ultimate underground music scene and this book analyses their interest. Tim Brown, author of "The Wigan Casino Years" details all the events and records that make 1975 Northern Soul`s most important year, many of which are recounted for the first time. A definitive account of a year in the life of Northern Soul, richly illustrated in full colour.

Competition
To enter the competition all you have to do is simply answer these 5 x Northern Soul 1975 related questions

1975 A Year In The Life Of Northern Soul by Tim Brown Competition Question
1 The first label for The Chosen Few`s “Footsee” was?
2. The International GTO`S recorded under two other names. What were they?
3. The co-writer of which famous Northern Soul song that was big in 1975 also co-wrote “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”?
4. Lou Pride`s label Suemi stood for what?
5. In 1975 the location for the “new” Torch club was at what venue?

Just send your asnswer into the site via

The competition will close at 9am Tuesday Morning 14 Dec 2021
The person with the most correct entries will be declared the winner (if a draw the winner will be drawn out of the Soul Source hat) and will very shortly receive a copy of 1975 A Year In The Life Of Northern Soul book

books

By Mike in Source Archives · December 12, 20213 yr

New Album - Spring Revisited - Various Artists - Out Now

Mike · 13 hours ago13 hr

Long time coming, 'Spring Revisited' has now been released, complete with a flurry of social links and words, the vast majority you can view and use below Release Notes and Links Spring Revisited - out now! The series breathing new life into soul, funk, and disco with a bold house touch. Now, the wait is over - the album is finally here! Launched in March 2025, this ambitious project invites leading house producers and DJs to rework the original master tapes from New York's legendary 1970 label,
Weekly Soul Event Map Shout - 24-26 Oct 2025

Mike · yesterday at 10:461 day

Weekends almost here and so here's our weekly 'Soul Event Map' shout Screenshot taken from our Event Guide, you need to visit the Event Index page to zoom in and out... s Event Guide Index - Just visit and then tap the Red Link for our dynamic event map to pop up View Soul Source Soul Event Guide Index For more deliberate soul event searching you can use our 'Events Near Me- Local Soul' Feature Explore Our 'Events Near Me - Local Soul' Feature
New Album - Riker Up - Charly Records - Adventures in AI Land

Mike · Monday at 12:004 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 · Tuesday at 16:093 days

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

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