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 issue of Northern Soul Connections #40 has just landed
Northern Soul Connections #40 - Stage IV
Lottery Kingpin, Hurricane Carter's boxing manager, Narcotics felon, Theatrical agent, Club owner, member-secretary of the local civic group Dem Damn Fellows, and why I'm here...
...Stage IV and Nathan Sermond

As always you can check out all Kens other quality 39! Northern Connections and more via his 'activity' profile page, via the link below...
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/profile/37754-kenb/content/?type=cms_records5&change_section=1

northern connections

By Kenb in Soul Music Features · July 19Jul 19

Soul Up North #124 - Summer 2025
The Summer Issue contents go like this..

OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO
GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES
Dave Halsall
FUNK IN YO’ FACE – THERE’S A RIOT GOING ON – SLY STONE
Howard Priestly
THE ADMIATIONS
Karl ‘Chalky’ White
SOULFUL SEVENTIES SPINS aka ‘PLUMB’S PEACHES’
Steve Plumb
SOUL SPOTLIGHT – BENNY GORDON
Steve Guarnori
THE LADIES CHOICE – COLLECTING RARE SOUL
Julie Molloy
TED MASSEY – A TRIBUTE
Various
HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS
Howard E
COLLECTING BRITISH
Lord Snooty
FLASHBACK FEATURES – JAKE ‘JOCK’ MITCHELL
Soulman Jan
SOUL IN A DIGITAL AGE
John Farrar
‘EXIT’ – THE TALE OF THE TEXAS MONSTER!
Dave Welding
SOUL IN PRINT – MAGAZINES & FANZINES (Part 27)
Iain McCartney
COLLECTOR’S CD – TRACK LISTING
Wayne Hudson
BROWNIE’S SIGNIFICANT SIDES
Tim Brown
VINYL PRESS EXTRA – THE REBIRTH OF SOUL CITY
David Nathen
THE EAST WIND BAND
John Smith
LITTLE SILVER DISCS
Howard E
CHICAGO SOUL
Shane Cox
LP SPOTLIGHT – ‘THIS IS NORTHERN SOUL’ & ‘THIS IS FUNKY JAZZ’
BGP
VIEW FROM THE APE HOUSE
Tim Brown
AND FINALLY – DEEP SOUL CORNER
Kevin Moore

Availability
Available now from all the usual stockists including our very own Source Store

Tap here to purchase Soul Up North 124 SUMMER Issue via our recently revamped Source Store

By Mike in New Releases · July 16Jul 16

Sly & The Family Stone | The First Family: Live At Winchester Cathedral 1967
A new album release from One Moon Records, lp, cd and mp3 formats, the release notes follow below...
The First Family is an unprecedented live performance by the original Family Stone personnel, recorded just prior to their signing to Epic Records, and a full year before their chart breakthrough with ‘Dance To The Music.’ This is where it all began.
An after-hours set captured in March 1967 in Redwood City, just south of San Francisco, this fascinating recording explicates Sly Stone’s genius on a tremendously exciting and atmospheric set of vintage soul covers, peppered with the arrangements, motifs and intoxicating energy that would soon become familiar during the group’s ascent.
The historic performance on The First Family had lain buried for decades on a pair of 7-inch analog reels in the possession of the band’s first manager Rich Romanello. Accessed by top Sly sleuths Edwin & Arno Konings, Grammy-nominated reissue producer Alec Palao then worked diligently on the tapes to resuscitate the audio. Palao also contributed a hefty 15,000 word essay to the package’s deluxe 24-page booklet, loaded with rare visuals and memorabilia
With final mastering by Dan Hersch and a lacquer cut by Kevin Gray, the result is an electrifying forty minutes that proves that the genius and skill of Sly & The Family Stone came fully formed right from the womb. Indeed, this is where it all began.
Tracklisting:
I Ain’t Got Nobody (For Real)
Skate Now
Show Me
What Is Soul?
I Can’t Turn You Loose
Try A Little Tenderness **
Baby I Need Your Lovin’
Pucker Up Buttercup
Saint James Infirmary
I Gotta Go Now (Up On The Floor) / Funky Broadway
**CD/Digital Bonus Track
More info via
https://highmoonrecords.com/product/sly-family-stone-winchester-cathedral/

By Mike in New Releases · July 16Jul 16

Out this weekend a new 45 from Acid Jazz, details below
In April we announced the Spring Revisited project, in collaboration with Ace Records, exploring the musical legacy of the iconic New York label Spring Records, with a series of new mixes and limited edition vinyl releases.
After the rapid sell-out of the first release – 12” mixes of Millie Jackson’s iconic ‘We Got To Hit It Off’ from Dimitri From Paris and Opolopo respectively – we’re introducing a special 7” to the series. This release is fronted by Dimitri’s ‘Liberated Woman Edit’ of the track – a vinyl exclusive, dance-floor and flight-ready for DJ sets this summer.
UPDATE… we can reveal that the ‘other’ side will be a special version of Dave Lee’s inspired disco mix of The Joneses ‘Love Contest’.
It is presented in a beautiful aged reproduction of the classic Spring house-bag, looking as if it were hand-delivered to you from 1979. Limited to 500 copies and out 11 July, pre-order is advised…

By Mike in New Releases · July 14Jul 14

The Seven Brothers - Crying In The Street - Charly LP
Reading the interesting sleeve notes by Dean Rudland ,accompanying this Gospel album ,he explains the amount of Gospel albums such as this that were recorded and then sold at churches or showcases around the USA ,without ever denting the music charts ,and remain obscure and rare ,often being pressed in small quantities.
This album ,which was originally released on Lelan Rogers “ House Of The Fox “ label ,features the powerful vocals of Robert Sims with the title track “ Crying In The Streets “ being a powerful Gospel version of the George Perkins 1969 song ,released in the wake of Dr Martin Luther King’s shooting in 1969 .The powerful “I Had A Dream “ ,the uptempo shouters “ I’ve Been Born Again “ ,” Me And The Devil “ and the jazzy tinged “ America “ are all good examples of overlooked Black music straight from the church .
As mentioned the sterling sleeve notes by Dean Rudland are really interesting,with the album being pressed on a silver / grey rippled effect vinyl .

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases · July 13Jul 13

Gene Townsel - Time Wounds All Heels - UK Charly LP
Another great release from Charly Records ,with this superb album from Gene Townsel ,originally recorded at Tangerine studios in 1975 and finally released on the Dobre label in 1978 .From the opening track,the cleverly titled and Deep Soul flavoured “ Time Wounds All Heels “ ,Gene takes the listener through a very personal journey of love and heartbreak ,but delivered in a very uplifting way ,especially on the tracks “ I’m Walking Away “ and “There’s No Use Hiding “ ,which have remained very indemand tracks on the Modern / Crossover Soul scene ,with beautiful production and arrangements by Gene and Anita Mitchell ,using strings and guitar riffs to great effect .
Most of the tracks are self penned by Gene ,though two Bill Withers songs are included “ Hope She’ll Be Happier “ and the medley of “ I’m Her Daddy / Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast “ ,ending with a cover of the classic “ The Impossible Dream “ .Interesting to read in the credits that Clydene Jackson was involved in backing vocals .Apparently the reason why the original album is so rare ,is because Dobre Records was a tax shelter ,and very few copies became available in the marketplace .It’s good to see this album finally reissued on vinyl ,and able to reach a larger audience.Thanks to an interview by Colin Dilnot with Gene Townsel for the inside information on this project .

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases · July 10Jul 10

JOE BATAAN… THE UNDISPUTED REIGNING KING OF LATIN SOUL!

Who better to shed a tear with during political turmoil than the undisputed reigning King of Latin Soul himself... Joe Bataan. “And I Cried” is a Latin Soul tear-jerker that'll break the hearts of many, then end with a bang! This rola cracks off with an overwhelming broken heart and tears, only felt by those who continue to struggle in the barrio, then segues into a Latin Percussion solo and an upbeat Mambo Cha-Cha to dance the tears away!

The flip is Joe Bataan’s rendition of The Occapello’s only record, “The Stars”, that'll take you back to Spanish Harlem street corners, between the Latin tinge and harmony groups.

This record strikes a perfect balance between new production and the legacy of Joe Bataan during his height. In fact, if someone told you these were remastered versions of previously unreleased Fania tracks, you’d bet your life on it! And for that reason, Joe Bataan continues to reign as the undisputed King of Latin Soul! Complete with tattoo tear drops from the studio of OG Midniters legend, Little Ray Jimenez at LA Sanctuary (East LA, CA), and defiantly crossing the border to Olah Producciones (Veracruz, MX), these rolas will make you cry just before reaching for the stars!

Intl. Dist: razadelsoul@gmail.com / Press & Booking: resquivel@solamusicgroup.com
Direct Sales: https://razadelsoul.bandcamp.com/

TITLE / ARTIST: And I Cried / The Stars - Joe Bataan
CATALOG# / SKU: SR-JB-002
7” Black Vinyl Single UPC: 875531028737
LABEL: SOLA Records
GENRE: R&B/Soul, Latin, Latin Soul, Low-rider Oldies, Harlem, NY
IN-STORES / RELEASE DATE: 5/16/25
FORMAT: 7” Black Vinyl Single w/Picture Sleeve
PRESSING: 1000 BLK
KEY MARKETS: Bay Area, Los Angeles, Texas, NY, Mexico, UK, Japan
WHOLESALE: razadelsoul@gmail.com / SLRP: $25 USD

#
TITLE (Click to Listen)
DESCRIPTION
A:
And I Cried
(R. Esquivel, A. Carmine)
© ℗ SOLA Records
ISRC: QZVS62400009
Latin Soul tear-jerker that racks off with an overwhelming broken heart, then segues way to a Latin Percussion solo, and an upbeat Mambo Cha-Cha to dance the tears away!
B:
The Stars
(B. Kline)
© Arc Music BMI ℗ SOLA Records
ISRC: QZVS62400010
Cover of The Occapello’s only record, “The Stars”, that'll take you back to Spanish Harlem street corners, between the Latin tinge and harmony groups.

sweet soul

By razadelsoul in New Releases · July 9Jul 9

Betty Harris - Soul Perfection- UK Charly
A timely reissue by Charly Records ,for this wonderful compilation album by Betty Harris - Soul Perfection ,which was originally issued in the UK on the legendary Action label in 1969 .This album replicates the 16 tracks in the same order as the original release ,with Soul quality to please both Deep Soul collectors and those who like to dance ,with every track epitomising the New Orleans sound with Allen Toussaint at the helm on song writing ,production and music duties .” What A Sad Feeling “ ,” Can’t Last Much Longer “ ,and “ Nearer To You “ are beautiful ballads with Ms Harris in great voice ,while the more uptempo “ I’m Evil Tonight “ ,”Ride Your Pony “ ,” I Don’t Wanna Hear It “ ,”Trouble With My Lover “ ,and “ 12 Red Roses “ are classic 60’s Soul dancers .In more recent times the funky “ Mean Man “ ,and “ I’m Gonna Git You “ have gained a new audience of fans digging “ sister funk “ tracks .
Informative sleeve notes by Dean Rudland ,some stunning label scans and beautiful bright pink vinyl complete an essential release .

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases · July 8Jul 8

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By Mike in Soul Music News · July 6Jul 6

Two exciting new 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗔 𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 releases!
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 14th July https://soul4real.es/shop/
RESERVA ESPECIAL: SOUND STAGE 7 / SEVENTY-SEVEN (S4R48)
S4R48 is dedicated to John Richbourg’s iconic labels, SOUND STAGE 7 and SEVENTY SEVEN, featuring the main man Joe Simon and the much-missed Ann Sexton on two album tracks available for the first time on 7”. Completing the EP are two originally unreleased tracks: Roscoe Shelton’s well-known Northern Soul classic "You’re the Dream", and another Southern Soul gem by Geater Davis.

RESERVA ESPECIAL: MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND (S4R49)
S4R49 focuses on the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and features four previously unreleased tracks: two by the wonderful Katie Love; a fabulous version of Phillip Mitchell’s "Hitch Hike to Heartbreak Road" by Curtis Wiggins; and an exquisite song from Sandra Wright’s lost session at the studio, written by George Jackson and recorded in January 1978—proof that the magic was still alive.

By Alexsubinas in New Releases · July 5Jul 5

Soul Direction Records are please to announce our next release.
Eddie Watkins Jr. and legacy – “Love Is Hard to Find” / “Did You Notice (My Love Grows)” – SD024
Pre Order from Friday 4th July – Release Date: Friday 18th July 2025
Soul Direction presents the second instalment of unissued tracks from the writer and composer behind the music of 70s group Legacy. Legacy was formed around 1975 by Eddie Watkins Jr., who started the band. At just 17 years old and still in high school, Eddie caught the attention of legendary Motown producer Norman Whitfield during an Undisputed Truth band rehearsal. A few days later, he received a call from Motown to play on Norman Whitfield’s new Temptations album, Masterpiece. Brenda Evans was a member of the Motown group The Undisputed Truth. She sang on their first three albums: The Undisputed Truth, Face to Face with the Truth, and Law of the Land, all released between 1973 and 1973. She left The Undisputed Truth and later married Eddie Watkins Jr. Brenda joined her husband’s band Legacy from 1974 to 1975. Under the guidance of Don Davis, Legacy recorded very few songs. The only two officially released were “I Must Confess” and “Believe in Yourself” on Tortoise International Records. The first set of unissued tracks released by Soul Direction—Boy, You’ve Been Acting Strange / Celebrate—were originally intended for Tortoise International Records. However, these two new tracks were meant for a planned new label that never materialized, and so they remained shelved until now. These two tracks came from two master tapes, and after further conversations with Eddie, he shared: “The lead vocals on Love Is Hard to Find were Delbert Nelson (who also performed some backing vocals for The Funk Brothers) and me, Eddie Watkins Jr.” Eddie is also the lead vocalist on “Did You Notice” (I Used to Love You.) He added, “Unbelievable! That’s me at 19–20 years old. I recognize Quentin Dennard playing drums on one of the songs too.”
“I was trying to copy Sly and the Family Stone by having different band members sing different parts,” he explained. “These were some of the first songs I ever wrote. Wow, I’m blown away. I’m speechless.” Eddie Watkins, who wrote all the songs, agreed to license the tracks to Soul Direction for a 7” vinyl release. Today, Eddie remains an active member of his church, spreading his message and living life. Without his support, this release wouldn’t have been possible.
The original Legacy members were:
• Eddie Watkins Jr. (Vocals & Bass Guitar)
• Brenda Evans (formerly of The Undisputed Truth)
• LaMarvin McMorris
• Delbert Nelson (Vocals)
• Butch Small
• Mark Johnson (Keyboards)
• Ricardo Rouse

Videos

Images

Full info and more via
https://soul-direction.co.uk/

By Mike in New Releases · July 4Jul 4

NEW LATIN SOUL 45 FROM JOE NARVAEZ FROM THEE BABY CUFFS FOR 4th OF JULY🎇!

In 1969, Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers released a rola titled, "Does Your Mama Know About Me", about a taboo interracial relationship. Written by Cheech & Chong's other half, Tommy Chong, a decade before he went up in smoke. That same year, @mr.joester joined the Junior Brown Berets during the height of the Chicano Movement and Anti-Establishment upheaval, when he was just 9 years old. Indoctrinated in carnalismo and La Causa, elder Brown Berets taught self-defense classes and focused on ending barrio warfare, explaining to a very young Joe, “That’s your carnal!”.

Just one year after Cheech & Chong’s cult classic, "Up In Smoke", hit the box office, @mr.joester began recording his own Latin Soul rendition of "Does Your Mama Know About Me", before serving in the US Army in Germany. Just a few years back, Joe Narvaez brought that old dream back to life! When asked what inspired Joe to record the rola, Joe responded, “Having served, I wanted to record a song about a woman in a relationship with a veteran in a wheelchair, and afraid of what her parents may think of his handicap.”

When asked about the state of the nation and mass immigration raids, @mr.joester replied, “I'm certainly an American, I feel proud that I served, we always were Americans, Mexico is part of the American Continent, but I guess we're not American enough. This guy the way he's doing things, like we're his police force, pitting us against each other, those that serve, against the civilians. How come we're good enough to serve this country, but not good enough to stay?”

The flip is a killer Chicano Soul, Latin percussion cover of Don Julian & The Larks' classic, "I Want You Back". Both rolas are previously unreleased from 1979.

Credits:

Vocals: Joe Narvaez
Transferred and restored by Jessica Thompson, Jessica Thompson Audio (Berkeley, CA)
Remixed & Mastered by Thee Midas Touch at Wyldwood Recording Studios (Berkeley, CA)
Art Direction by Thee Midas Touch
© Jobete Music Co Inc ASCAP ℗ 2025 Mr. Joester, © Cherryl Music BMI ℗ 2025 Mr. Joester

Intl. Dist: razadelsoul@gmail.com / Press & Booking: jnar1434vr@yahoo.com
Direct Sales: https://joenarvaez.bandcamp.com/
TITLE / ARTIST: Does Your Mama Know About Me / I Want You Back - Joe Narvaez (from Thee Baby Cuffs)
CATALOG# / SKU: JOE-002-BLK
7” Black Vinyl Single UPC: 199284739635
LABEL: Mr. Joester
GENRE: R&B/Soul, Low-rider Oldies, Latin Soul, Previously unreleased, San Jo, CA
IN-STORES / RELEASE DATE: 7/04/25
FORMAT: 7” Black Vinyl Single
PRESSING: 400 BLK, 100 Acid Trip (Bandcamp Exclusive), Master Lacquer Cut by Anne-Marie Suenram, formerly from Fantasy Studios (Berkeley, CA), using their famed Neumann VMS 66 disc-cutting lathe, one-step pressing at Musicol Vinyl Pressing Plant (Columbus, OH)
KEY MARKETS: Bay Area, Los Angeles, Texas, NY, Mexico, UK, Japan
WHOLESALE: razadelsoul@gmail.com / SLRP: $15 USD
#
TITLE (Click to Listen)
DESCRIPTION
A:
Does Your Mama Know About Me
(HT Baird, T. Chong)
© Jobete Music Co Inc ASCAP ℗ 2025 Mr. Joester
ISRC: QZZGE2500021
Digital UPC: 199519860257
Latin Soul rendition of Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers’ classic about a taboo interracial couple, written by Cheech & Chong's other half, unreleased from 1979
B:
I Want You Back
(D. Julian)
© Cherryl Music BMI ℗ 2025 Mr. Joester
ISRC: QZZGE2500011
Digital UPC: 199341889839
Chicano Soul, Latin percussion cover of Don Julian & The Larks classic, unreleased from 1979

By razadelsoul in New Releases · July 4Jul 4

A new 45 from Symphonical Records
Carlton Jumel Smith & The Wax Preachers - 'Gotta Go Home' - Symphonical Records
Release notes
The newest release by NYC Soul Singer Carlton Jumel Smith, and the first time collaborating with London's own Wax Preachers on this double A-sider single, 'Gotta Go Home' & 'Loud & Clear'.
Produced by Fergal McBride, the single showcases the uplifting harmonies conducted by Carlton Jumel Smith, a well-versed showman when it comes to all things soul with a deep discography through Timmion & Colemine Records, backed by The Wax Preachers, a self-coined heavy instrumental funk band, with a string of releases on Funk Night Records.
released June 18, 2025

Video
Carlton Jumel Smith & The Wax Preachers

Bandcamp Link for both vinyl and download purchase
https://symphonicalrecords.bandcamp.com/album/gotta-go-home-loud-and-clear

By The Milk Man in New Releases · July 3Jul 3

Charly Records keep pushing out the new releases. This weekend saw the release of the first 2 x 45s on their revamped 'Soul City' imprint
Details of the first two 45s and one of the the next follow below...
Chris Jackson and His Music People - Since There's No Doubt / Forever I'll Stay With You
The first release selected by SOUL CITY on their 2025 relaunched logo is a much-sought-after number by Chris Jackson and His Music People. Originally slated for release on Soul City 120 in late 1969 but withdrawn following disagreements with the artist and the financial collapse of the label in 1970. But it wasn't the end of the story,
‘There's No Doubt.’ A handful of acetates were created for planned release on Soul City but with the label’s demise, the record was not issued although label co-founder Dave Godin did intend for the track to be part of an ill-fated 444 American Recordings venture that never materialised. Reputedly, only one of the acetates survived. Now, at last,
Soul City presents the 55th Anniversary restoration of the, near-mythical, Northern Soul dancer coupled with Chris Jackson's original composition Forever I'll Stay With You (SC112).
The Ikettes - What'cha Gonna Do / Beauty Is Just Skin Deep
The second release selected for the relaunched SOUL CITY label combines two tracks by The Ikettes. The ‘A-side, a long-time Northern Soul favourite, was originally released on Phil Spector's Phi-Dan label in 1966, the year that saw the release of the now iconic River Deep - Mountain High album produced by Spector.
Written and produced by Ike Turner, 'What'cha Gonna Do (When I Leave You)', features the legendary P.P. Arnold (an Ikette from 1965-1966) on lead vocals, with sisters Brenda and Patrice Holloway providing background vocals aided by Tina.
Our chosen B-side, 'Beauty Is Just Skin Deep', was originally cut by Ike & Tina in 1966 for Ray Charles' Tangerine label. Produced by Ike, this version by The Ikettes (with a line-up of  Margaret Ann Thomas, Maxayn Lewis, Pat Powdrill, Mary Jean Brown) was released on Pompeii Records in 1968.
Video Playlist

Spotify

Upcoming 45
Kenny Smith - Lord What's Happened

Further info and more via website
https://charlydirect.com/collections/7-vinyl

By Mike in New Releases · July 1Jul 1

Love Train - The Gamble & Huff Songbook - Various Artists (Songwriter Series) CDTOP 534
New album in the 'Songwriter Series' from Kent Records
Release notes
Since Ace began what soon became a ‘Songwriter Series’ some years ago, one of the most frequently asked questions from customers and retailers alike has been ‘When are you going to do a Gamble & Huff project?’
Their songwriting partnership celebrates its 60th anniversary next year, and so with that in mind – and while these venerable gentlemen are both still with us – there has never been a more opportune time for Kent to debut “Love Train: The Songs Of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff” than now…
Full notes and more info via
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/love-train-the-gamble-huff-songbook

Leaflet Preview Scans

Tracks
01 Love In Them There Hills - The Vibrations
02 United - Peaches & Herb
03 I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Madeline Bell
04 (You) Got What I Need - Freddie Scott
05 A Brand New Me - Mary Wells
06 Only The Strong Survive - Elvis Presley
07 Cowboys To Girls - The Intruders
08 Lost (Unedited Version) - Jerry Butler
09 Together - Gladys Knight & The Pips
10 I Can't Stop Dancing - Archie Bell & The Drells
11 Let's Get Together Soon - Dusty Springfield
12 Ain't No Doubt About It - Wilson Pickett
13 Drowning In The Sea Of Love - Joe Simon
14 Love Train - The Supremes
15 Me And Mr. Jones (Part 1) - Barbara Mason
16 Expressway To Your Heart - Margo Thunder
17 I Love Music (Part 1) - The O'Jays
18 I've Got The Groove - George Faith
19 Don't Leave Me This Way - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
20 Never Gonna Give You Up - Bonnie Bramlett & Dobie Gray
21 You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (Single version) - Lou Rawls
22 If You Don't Know Me By Now - Jean Carn & The Temptations
23 Now That We've Found Love - Third World
24 Hey Western Union Man - Bobby Rush

By Mike in New Releases · June 30Jun 30

Reissued for the first time on a limited 100 press collectors edition on Brown Vinyl.
The Inclinations - Could This Be Love, That I Feel / Cross My Heart (To You) Janus 1974.
Baltimore, Maryland soul vocal group consisting of Billy Butler, James Player, Harold Foster, Charles Addison & Darnell Carter previously known as The Optimistics with Jerome Webb instead of Darnell Carter
Billy Butler and Charles Addison had previously recorded as The Del Capris and then as Beverly and The Del Capris before transitioning into the Optimistics.
Billy Butler produced 'Just Let Me Know' by Allen Harris and Perpetual Motion which he co-wrote with Allen Harris as well as Jay (James) Player 'Love Is The Answer' singer from The Inclinations. Billy also co-wrote and produced Crosswind 'Fire'.
The Optimistics were best known for 'Say It Baby' which was thought to be an Album only track and rumoured to be a single but unproven until surfaced in 2024!
They were based in Harlem and were supposedly discovered by Marvin Gaye who gave them their first break introducing them to Baltimore DJ Al Jefferson who eventually signed them to Turbo a subsidiary of All Platinum. They were assigned to George Kerr who produced their solitary Album. Despite their talent the album failed to get noticed primarily due to lack of promotion by the label. The group wanted to part ways but discovered their contract gave exclusive rights of their name to the label.
So if they wanted to continue recording, they needed to create a new identity and so they became The Inclinations. Al Robinson secured them a deal with GRT's Janus Records.
They released two killer sweet soul singles which are very rare and sought after 'I'm Gonna Make Love Last This Time' released in 1972 and by far the hardest of the two this double header 'Could This Be Love, That I Feel / Cross My Heart (To You) in 1974.
Lovingly remastered by Frank at the Carvery. Don't miss this limited reissue of their most sought after 45. Sweet Soul at its finest.
Available here
https://www.globalsoulstore.com/

By Jmsoul in New Releases · June 29Jun 29

Currently only available on Vinyl the debut single from the Soul Steppers on a very limited run of 45s.
Soul Steppers
This is the Brand New Single from The Soul Steppers, out now on a Limited Edition Vinyl 45. "Fly With You" b/w "Slow It Down" taken from their forthcoming 6 track E.P. "Now Is The Time"
The 10 piece Brighton based outfit formed around 10 years ago to shake up the live soul music scene, performing re-worked & rearranged versions of 60s & 70s soul & funk rarities, which then inspired the band to start writing their own material & develop their own sound.
The Steppers have performed at The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club nights, along with numerous sold out shows at well renowned venues including The Jazz Cafe, The Blues Kitchen & The Pizza Express Soho Jazz Club.
Soul, Jazz-Funk & Latin influences are all in the mix, the music highlighting their big band sound, featuring a super tight rhythm section, seriously soulful vocals & a punchy 4 piece horn section.
Both tracks written & produced by Tony Mead & Mark Treffel. 'Slow It Down' Co-written with Glenn Fallows.
Perfect fit for the ever-popular Retro Soul sound from this British Band.
Available to buy here
https://www.globalsoulstore.com/

By Jmsoul in New Releases · June 28Jun 28

Latin Soul Legend Joe Bataan Announces Rare UK Dates

The ‘King of Latin Soul’ to return to the UK for the first time in four years for shows at We Out Here Festival in Dorset on August 14th and the Jazz Cafe in London on August 17th*

By Mike in New Releases · June 26Jun 26

King Errison - The King Arrives - Charly Records
King Errison is a highly regarded percussionist player originally from Nassau Bahamas ,with a long and successful career.Early in his career he and his band were featured in the James Bond “ Thunderball “ film ,he was part of Neil Diamonds backing band for over 30 years ,and he was heralded the “ unsung hero “ of Motown by Raynoma Singleton and also Berry Gordy ,playing with Marvin Gaye ,Jackson 5 ,Diana Ross and many more of the Motown stable .He was also a member of The Incredible Bongo Band ,and recorded many solo albums which are revered for the “ breakbeats “ in Hip Hop circles .
“ The King Arrives “ is a solo album cut for and released in 1970 on Wally Rokers Canyon label,famous for releases by Swamp Dogg and Doris Duke amongst others .
The key track here is “ Zola “ ,also released on a 45 ,and a massive play on the Rare Soul scene of the mid 70’s ,a manic ,infectious bongo led side .The rest of the album could be described as Jazz with a Caribbean flavour ,with an array of highly regarded musicians such as : David T. Walker ,Wilton Felder ,Preston Love and George Bohannan .If you are a lover of Jazz this album is worth investigating.

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases · June 26Jun 26

A new Kent cd/lp due out this weekend...
New Breed R&B - Money Talks - Various Artists - CDTOP 532
A clip of the release notes follows, see the link below for the full read.
New R&B discoveries continue to emerge and entertain the many followers of the New Breed musical cult; nobody finds more than the Kent connoisseurs.
Berna Dean’s two previously unheard recordings are by far her best. They were laid down at Cosimo Matassa’s New Orleans’ studios by GNP Crescendo but eschewed in favour of two relatively average sides. The great 50s R&B songwriter Jesse Stone provides a rocker for the much-admired Jimmy Breedlove and a super-catchy ‘This Morning’ for an unknown mixed vocal group that has a joyous gospel feel. Jesse also penned ‘Private Eye’, a classic early 60s story-song, for Buddy Wilkins which was issued on Al Sears’ Tri-Ess imprint.
The title track is used twice, on two very different Fraternity recordings. Kenny Smith’s version was issued in 1964 and has many followers, but the equally meritorious Coasters-inspired composition by the Citations is newly discovered. Win Menifee’s ‘I’m Runnin’ Around’ from the same Cincinnati label comes complete with a fascinating back-story.
Full release notes and purchase options via
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/new-breed-money-talks

Leaflet Preview Scans

Track Listing Cd (Lp differs)
1. Don't Try To Tell Me - Berna-Dean
2. This Mornin' - The Jesse Stone Singers
3. All Around The World - Vermettya Royster With James Brown's Band
4. What's On Your Mind - The Four Bars
5. Bucket O Blood - Big Boy Groves
6. Don't Look Now - Wilbur "Hi-Fi" White & King Kolax Band
7. Laundromat - Elroy Peace
8. Twist It Baby - Jimmie Lee Robinson
9. Not So Much Talk - Jimmy Breedlove
10. Money Talks - Kenny Smith
11. Mary Don't You Weep - The Delights
12. Laughing On The Outside - Berna-Dean
13. I'm A Good Woman - The Afterglows
14. I'm Runnin' Around - Win Menifee
15. Case Of The Blues - Albert Washington
16. Private Eye - Buddy Wilkins
17. Hey Little Girl Pt 1 - Roosevelt Lee
18. Hey Hey Baby - T-Bone Walker
19. Goin' Away Baby (Round Like An Apple) - Smokey Wilson
20. You Make Me Mad - Johnny Madara
21. Money Talks (Tell Me What I Say) - The Citations
22. Tell Me Why - Richard Berry
23. Ain't No Woman Gonna Make Me A Fool - Willie Hutchinson
24. What Kind Of Love - Ernest Lane & The Ikettes (With Tina Turner)
25. Cleopatra - The Precisions - Berna-Dean

By Mike in New Releases · June 24Jun 24

A quick shout that our 'Source Weekly Email Newsletter' has returned.
Due to the recent upgrade a new system is now being used which means that all members who have already opted in to receive 'our latest news and information' will now get this newsletter sent automatically once per week.
You can check and control if needed your subscription status (when logged in) with the below link, which does allow you to select on/off
Basically as before the newsletter will send you a weekly heads up of all that's been going on here at Soul Source.
The first issue has just been sent and the next one, all being well, will be next week and then once every week

soul source

By Mike in Soul Music News · June 20Jun 20

From the author of the best selling and critically acclaimed biography, 'Dave Godin A Northern Soul', comes the new book, 'Pittsburgh Diamond - The Soul Of Tommy Hunt', officially launched 18th June 2025 to coincide with what would have been Tommy's 92nd birthday. Extensively researched and highly illustrated with over 180 full colour pages, 'Pittsburgh Diamond' examines the performing and recording career of one of soul music's most respected and much loved entertainers.
From Tommy's first waxings with teenage combo The Five Echoes in the late 1950s which lead to an invitation to join one of Chicago's biggest vocal harmony groups The Flamingos and the recording of the million selling single 'I Only Have Eyes For You', onto Tommy's solo career with the Scepter record label scoring the number one r&b hit with his very first release, Human, and the honour of being the first vocalist to officially record the now classic Burt Bacharach and Hal David composition 'I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, which legend dictates was written specially for him.
The swinging sixties saw releases with the Dynamo, Capitol and Polydor labels and as a new decade dawned a relocation to the UK and Tommy's highly successful involvement in the '70s Northern Soul scene and the hit singles 'Cracking Up Over You', 'Loving On The Losing Side' and the iconic and historic album release via Spark records, 'Live At Wigan Casino'.
Sadly, Tommy passed away aged 91 on February 12th 2025 leaving behind a legacy of great records, 'Pittsburgh Diamond - The Soul Of Tommy Hunt' charts the history of all these seminal recordings along with the friendships and hardships enjoyed and suffered in-between.
NOTES AND EXCERPTS
CHAPTER 2 'CHICAGO'
Stepfather Paul 'Jelly' Holt, drummer with Chicago combo The Five Blazes who in 1952, as a slimmed down unit, scored a number one r&b hit with their debut 'United' label release 'Mary Jo'. Jelly initially supported stepson Tommy's embryonic career by allowing the teenager to accompany the band on stage at selected gigs until Tommy's solo contributions became a little 'too' well received!
CHAPTER 4 'AWOL AND ECHOES'
The formation of first group 'proper', The Five Echoes and their first release 'Lonely Mood'/'Baby Come Back To Me' via Sabre records. A sizeable local hit with Tommy singing second tenor and the group backed by The Fats Coles band (Fats the less famous brother of Nat King Cole). The follow up 45 sadly not featuring Tommy who was replaced for no better reason than being imprisoned for desertion from the US Airforce! Ex member of The Highway QCs and future 1968 'Who's Making Love' hitmaker Johnnie Taylor stepped in to take his place.
CHAPTER 5 'A FLAMBOYANCE OF FLAMINGOS'
Several years on we have Tommy's enlistment into one of Chicago's most famous doo-wop groups, The Flamingos. Originally only a temporary position that lead to full time membership and the recording of one of the biggest singles of the group's career, 'I Only Have Eyes For You'. It was at one of the first series of concerts Tommy ever played with the band that he met for the first time the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley. Playing on the same bill at the Casino Theatre in Toronto, Canada, Tommy couldn't believe how 'black' Elvis sounded and decided he just had to meet him. He knocked on the singer's dressing room door which Tommy noticed was the only one featuring a 'gold star'. "He invited me in and we just sat around and laughed, talked about music, he asked who my favourite artist was and he said he loved Ray Charles. 'You know, your voice is very close to black peoples'' I said, 'How do you find that voice within yourself, that groove, that feeling?' Elvis replied, 'We, I've learned it from you, I've learned it from black people. I'd stand outside the clubs where black people played. I couldn't go in 'cos I was too young and I'd just listen at the guys playing and singing. I just loved the way they sounded. I just listened intently and I made myself learn how to do that!'
"It was just a nice, little, warm conversation and what a lovely personality I though he had. Then I left and went back to my dressing room and told the fellas, ''I've just met Elvis!!'"
CHAPTER 7 ' THE APOLLO'
Throughout his career Tommy had many friendships with his performing peers, one of the biggest and deepest with Brunswick recording artist 'Mr Excitement' himself, the irreplaceable 'Jacke Wilson'. "I first met him at The Apollo, The Flamingos were on the show with him. He was a phenomenal dancer and singer. I was crazy about his voice. Me and him ran together, we went out to drink together, eat together we gelled. Where drink was concerned Jackie could hold up with the best, but he wasn't as good as me! Jackie was a strange guy. The gangsters had him hanging out of a 15 storey building one night because he owed them money" They were getting ready to drop him if he didn't pay up. Jackie had one of the greatest voice in the world and he had one thing seldom mentioned these days... Talent! If Jackie had come to live in the UK he would have laid this country flat! Jackie I miss a lot, he was a character, one of my best mates and I think about him all the time!"
CHAPTER 12 ' THE KING OF NORTHERN SOUL'
The 1970s saw Tommy moving forward into one of his most successful chapter, Northern Soul and his many appearances at Wigan Casino. "When I first saw the club I was in a taxi and told the driver, 'You've got the wrong place!'
Tommy was expecting a gambling casino. "I walked into the club and couldn't believe what I saw. People were sleeping on the floor! I was stepping over bodies to get to the dressing room. I turned to Russ Winstanley and asked why they were sleeping, he said 'Tommy, they love to dance to the music, they dance a while then they lay down for a while, then they get up and start dancing again.
"I carried on stepping over bodies to get to the dressing rooms which were like holes in the walls! I walked through one and politely asked, 'Where's my dressing room?' 'You're in it!' they replied. There wasn't even a door to close so you could take your clothes off! But of all the clubs I had worked, Wigan Casino was by far the best".
One of the gigs Tommy played was to celebrate the club's 2nd anniversary which included the recording of the 'Live At Wigan' album. "It was a night I'll never forget, I think there were over 2000 people in there that night and WHAT a night. I was suddenly back in the 50s and 60s again. These kids had created their own sixties style spins and splits like I hadn't seen since Paul and I were doing them with The Flamingos. I went on that stage like hell had broken loose! I looked at the ocean of heads weaving and swaying in tempo to the music, man, it was the greatest feeling of my life. I sang and danced as if I was back at The Apollo in Harlem, I had no idea how popular I was with these Northern Soul fans, I felt like a King, in fact they even nicknamed me 'The King of Northern Soul'.
With several successful recordings on the Spark label, Tommy confesses he never actually made much money but he was never truly bitter even when he saw the chart successes of singles 'Cracking Up Over You' and 'Loving On The Losing Side'.
"I must have played Wigan Casino maybe 30/40 times. Wigan really put me on the map, they put me where I got a lot of respect from people. I'm not just a run of the mill singer because they put me in a position where I was a little higher which makes me feel good. That's worth more than money!"
'PITTSBURGH DIAMOND - THE SOUL OF TOMMY HUNT' is available from 18th June 2025 from various independent stores, on-line dealers and by mail from the author priced 24.99 (includes free UK postage)
Payment via PayPal: stevlor@hotmail.co.uk

books

By Mike in New Releases · June 18Jun 18

Billed as being released on June 16th 2025, this new 45 release has been making a fair few ears and feet twitch...
Time To Make A Change - Wikstrom & Lewen
VINYL ONLY!.....LImited Edition 7" Black Vinyl
SIde A: Time To Make A Change (ftg Tommy Blaize)
Side B: Good, Good Feeling (Ftg Louise Marshall)

Both tracks, on the 7-inch, are taken from the MP3 only 2020 album “Vintage R&B”.

“Time to Make A Change”, features in Episode One of the 2023 BBC documentary “Fight the Power – How Hip Hop Changed the World”. A track to surely get the dancefloor moving.

Link
https://wikstromlewen.bandcamp.com/album/time-to-make-a-change

By Mike in New Releases · June 16Jun 16

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New Album - Soul Jamaica - Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records
New Album - Soul Jamaica - Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records

Mike · Thursday at 09:103 days

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

Mike · Thursday at 11:113 days

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

Mike · October 13Oct 13

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

Mike · September 25Sep 25

A new lp released this weekend from Charly Records Jackey Beavers - Someday We'll Be Together - Charly Records Release Notes First-ever long-play overview of rare soul hero Jackey Beavers Includes his Baha productions and Sound Stage 7 recordings Rare and unreleased tracks from 1968–1974 Features a printed inner sleeve with exclusive liner notes Robert Lewis Beavers was born on June 19th, 1937 in Cartersville Georgia, he was a recording artist for over two decades, wrote a US #1 single and regis
- charly records
New Bobby Hebb Release From Soul Direction 45
New Bobby Hebb Release From Soul Direction 45

Manfromsoul45s · September 26Sep 26

Soul Direction are pleased to announce the 25th Release in the SD catalogue. Bobby Hebb – Hard, Hard Promises – Soul Direction B/W – Alice Clark – Hard, Hard Promises Release Date: 11th October 2025 Pre Order Date: Tuesday 30th September. THERE IS A LIMITED EDITION BLUE VINYL COPY. THE ADDITIONAL £5 WILL GO TO THE MND (motor neurone disease) CHARITY. PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO A CLERICAL ERROR “Alice Clark”E” IS A grammatical error on the part of Soul Direction but has been post approved by Mains
- northern soul

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