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Next Secret Stash 45 Release Planned Pre Reserve Available

Just to set the ball rolling we are proud to announce the next Secret Stash 45 release will be a stunning double header from The Ringleaders - 'I'd Like To Win You Over B/W 'Sweet Little Girl' AKA 'All Of My Life' both tracks taken from original studio master tapes which will be a first for 'All Of My Life' sounding crystal clear as it was intended, issued on the M-Pac logo, we can offer the pre reserve service on this release as we did with 'Go On And Laugh', to reserve a copy PM here or email bicknellmark@aol.com - DEMO £20.00 limited number and £12.00 for an Issue copy plus £3.00 postage in the UK (Check rates for Europe and rest of the world), no payment required until release, all records sent by first class sign for mail, CD and MP3 promo's will be available in due course for the radio and podcast presenters.

We have some very interesting releases in the pipeline one of which might be a CD compilation of all the alternate takes etc. on things like The Ringleaders - 'Baby What Has Happened To Our Love', The Inspirations - 'Your Wish Is My Command', Johnny Sayles - 'Don't Turn Your Back On Me', Harold Burrage - 'Got To Find A Way' (faster version) Big Daddy Rogers - I'm A Big Man, The Sharpees - Tired Of Being Lonely, Jimmie And The Entertainers - New Girl (2 takes) and more.
I will post further updates as we move through the process, 'Go On And Laugh' is almost there, test pressings are due any day now, the mastering, stampers and labels are all in place so it's just a case on waiting on the pressing plant to press the records, the labels look fantastic and the sound quality is awesome, all pre reserved Demo's are now fully sold out so it's Issues only from now on which can also be reserved, the full story to follow via John Vincent and Chalky on here.

By Mark Bicknell in News Archives ·

Miss Sharon Jones! This Sunday at Bertha DocHouse London

News from London’s documentary cinema Bertha DocHouse London on the showing of Miss Sharon Jones on this Sunday 24th July 2016
MISS SHARON JONES! follows funk and soul singer Sharon Jones as she faces her toughest year – diagnosed with cancer, she has to keep her band and career together whilst fighting for her life. It’s not a dour, depressing film though – thanks to Sharon’s luminous personality and remarkable voice, it ends up being a joyful celebration of life.
 
About the Film
Dir: Barbara Kopple
United States / 2015 / 94mins

On the eve of the release of her new album, internationally recognized soul singer Sharon Jones was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Tour dates were cancelled, the album pushed back and Sharon entered into a fight for her life and career.
Two-time Academy Award winner, Barbara Kopple is granted intimate access to follow Sharon during this intense and courageous year.
Video Trailer
About the cinema
Bertha DocHouse, based at Curzon Bloomsbury, is the first cinema dedicated to documentary films and events. We select the best docs and bring them to you along...
We’re reaching out to soul and funk enthusiasts around London that we thought would want to see the film, and would love if you could share the news of the screening among your members! If you'd like to share widely we can send you images, twitter/FB copy and more information, but oeither way, please do have a look here for more information and to book tickets
.
Tickets
Date: SUN 24 JULY, 2016
Time: 17:10
Price: £9 (£7 CONCESSIONS)
SUNDAY 24TH JULY
 
Links
Imdb
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4935480/
Cinema
http://dochouse.org/cinema/screenings/docfest-picks-miss-sharon-jones
 

 
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

We Got A Sweet Thing Going On 2

Press Release:   Various   We Got A Sweet Thing Going On Volume 2   SJCD 5011
 
Release Date: Monday 25th July 2016
 
“We Got A Sweet Thing Going On” volume 2 carries on where volume 1 left off. Eighteen great tracks which all showcase the group harmony sound, well almost! We’ve thrown a curve ball into the mix on this occasion with the inclusion of an instrumental “Merry-Go-Round Of Love” one of three previously unissued tracks out of the four featured from the Milwaukee group the Final Chapter.  As with the previous compilation a solo artist has crept in to rub shoulders with the group ensembles. Gary, Indiana’s very own Mr Wilton Crump who performs both sides of his mellifluous solitary 45 single “Think It Through” and “Give Your Love To Me” released on his own Olive Branch label. Solo artist or group if it sounds right then it feels right.
 

The Motorcity is heavily represented on this compilation with three acts from legendary producer Richard ‘Popcorn’ Wylie’s Soul Hawk stable. Firstly by The Mighty Lovers, with their highly sort after “Ain’t Gonna Run No More”(previously issued on a Soul Junction45, SJ1002). The Mighty Lovers voices can also be heard although un-credited as backing vocalists on all of Jimmy ‘Soul ‘Clarks Soul Hawk sides as well as providing the rhythmic hand clapping on his “If I Only Knew Then (What  I Know Now)”. 
The second of Popcorn’s acts featured is Eric & The Vikings with their harmonious million seller, “Vibrations (Made Us Fall In Love)”, followed by The New Holidays  with their currently popular “Maybe So, Maybe No” .Aldo featuring it’s excellent flipside, a great cover version of Jimmy ‘Soul’ Clark’s previously mentioned “If I Knew Then”.
Fellow Detroiters The 21ST have all three of their recordings made for Joe Terrell’s Joy label featured, “I Just Can’t Forget Your Name” released twice with two different flipsides “The Sun Came Out” and “I Just Can’t Forget Your Name” all featuring Willie Jones later of the group ‘McArthur’ on lead vocals and label production credits that feature some of the motorcity’s finest.
The final Detroit act is Energy MC2 with their previously unissued sweet soul outing “Juliane”. MC2 began their performing career as a energetic bunch of kids under the name of ‘Congressional Funk’ who by their mid teens had become The Soulful Hounds who not only recorded “Why Did You Leave Me Girl” for Ernest Burt’s Magic City label but would feature on many of, Mad Dog & The Pups and Sweet Geraldine’s Magic City releases. Later some of the band members joining Ray Parker Jr in forming the band ‘Raydio’ while some of the other members becoming part of the band for ‘Parlete’(part of the P-Funk family) helping George Clinton land the Mothership!
 N.B.(Two further previously unissued Energy MC2 songs are due for a vinyl 45 release later in the year, catalogue number SJ536).
The Windy City is represented by The Five Crowns with their local hit “Just A Part Of Life” and both sides of it’s follow up release “Beating Of My Heart”/Got To Be My Baby” unusual in the fact that it is two different songs recorded with both using the same backing track!, all three songs were composed by Chicago wordsmith’s Gerald Dickerson and Charles Boyd and produced by former Trends (ABC) group member, Emmett Garner Jr.
The final inclusion comes from the Atlanta, GA group, ‘The Combinations’ with their high desirable 45 rarity “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” recorded for the vanity Kimtone label in 1968 under the tutelage of Veteran producer Tee Fletcher. With the recently discovered revelation that some of the members of The Combinations actually went on to become part of the group ‘The M.V.P’s’( Most Valuable Players) who recorded the Northern Soul anthem  for Buddah Records “Turning MY Heart Beat Up”
 

 
1 - Mighty Lovers
Ain't Gonna Run No More
Soulhawk 1007 (1968) 2:16

2 - The 21st
I Just Can't Forget Your Name
Joy 672 (1972) 2:40

3 - The Final Chapter
This Time I'm Gonna Stay
(2016) Previously Unissued 4:28

4 - Wilton Crump
Think It Through
Olive Branch 101 (1975) 3:13

5 - New Holidays
If I Only Know
Soulhawk 1008 (1969) 2:30

6 - Five Crown
Beating Of My Heart
Five-O 504 (1969) 2:55

7 - The Final Chapter
Now I Know
New World 8006 (1980) 4:05

8 - The 21st
The Thought Of Me Losing You
Joy 672 (1972) 3:19

9 - Eric And The Vikings
Vibrations (Made us Fall In Love)
Soulhawk 1009 (1970) 2:37

10 - The Final Chapter
I'm Coming To Rescue You
(2016) Previously Unissued 3:51

11 - Five Crowns
Got To be My Baby
Five-O 504 (1969) 3:01

12 - The 21st
The Sun Came Out
Joy 672 (1972) 2:33

13 - The Final Chapter
Merry-Go-Round Of Love
(2016) Previously Unissued 

14 - The Combinations
I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
Kimtone 1001 (1968) 2:04

15 - Five Crowns
Just A Part of Life
Five-O 503 (1969) 2:55

16 - Energy MC2
Julaine
(2016) Previously Unissued 

17 - New Holidays
Maybe So Maybe No
Soulhawk 1008 (1969) 3:01

18 - Wilton Crump
Give Your Love To Me
Olive Branch 101 (1975) 4:01
Words by Dave Welding.
To Purchase visit Soul Junction at
http://www.souljunctionrecords.co.uk/SJCD5011.html
Also available from other good stockists listed on the above page in the links down the right.
For further information please contact Soul Junction at: 
Tel: +44 (0)121 602 8115 or E-mail: sales @souljunctionrecords.co.uk
 
Listen via Promo Clip  SJCD5011-Promo.mp3
 
 
By Chalky in News Archives ·

Dan Penn - Close To Me - More Fame Recordings - CD Review

Dan Penn - Close To Me: More Fame Recordings  CD CHD 1477
Few can deny Dan Penn’s place amongst the good and the great of soul music composers, sometimes churning out memorable songs on his own, or more often than not, with a notable side-kick such as Spooner Oldham, although many consider his best work came in conjunction with Chips Moman when they worked together on the classic “The Dark End of the Street”.
But Penn wasn’t simply a composer, as he had a voice to match his compositions and could deliver a song with the best of them and as Alec Palao’s sleeve notes say: “his catalogue’s reputation guarantees it gets taken seriously by the music business and listening public.”
Few can deny that Ace Records offer value for money when it comes to the quality of their recordings and the number of tracks that each cd/album contain and ‘Dan Penn – Close To Me’ is no different, although on this occasion, the accompanying booklet is given over more to interviews carried out with the man in question than information on the individual tracks themselves. It still, however, makes an interesting read.
 Preview Tracks Via Juno Records Player:

But what of the twenty-four tracks, as that is what the music buying public splash the cash for?
Firstly, I have to be honest. I thought the previous release of Dan Penn titles – “The Fame Recordings”, which included the classics “Keep On Talking”, “You Left The Water Running” and “I’m Your Puppet” was a much better cd. However, that is not to say that there was nothing on “Close To Me” that grabbed my attention.
I am not sure if it was a marketing ploy or not to kick-off with the title track, but I found this the stand-out track on the cd and an excellent opener, but sadly, for me at any rate, not many of the other tracks grabbed my attention in the same way. So apart from ‘Close To Me’, it was down to track12 – “So Many Reasons” and track 15 – “Lovely Ladies” to grab my attention and download for future listening, while track 5 – “Love Is A Wonderful Thing”, track 10 – “I Need You” and track 14 “I Love Everything About You” were the best of the rest. The others, at least in my opinion, were somewhat ordinary.
Perhaps I don’t listen enough to the wide spectrum of soul music, but sometimes twenty-four tracks by the same artist can be just a little too much, more so if your preference lies in a different direction. But that, however, is not to say that I do not appreciate Penn’s work. The guy is an undoubted legend in his own right and I am sure that there will be many lovers of the music out there who will be eager to purchase this cd, although a mixing of this and the first set of ‘Fame’ recordings would have produced a real five star cd.
Star rating - 3/5
Iain McCartney
July 2016
Tracks
1.    "Close To Me"
2.    "Without A Woman"
3.    "Trash Man"
4.    "Miss Personality"
5.    "Love Is A Wonderful Thing"
6.    "It Hurts"
7.    "Standing In The Way Of A Good Thing"
8.    "Reaching Out For Someone"
9.    "I'll Take Care Of You"
10.    "I Need You"
11.    "Destroyed"
12.    "So Many Reasons"
13.    "Little Girl"
14.    "I Love Everything About You"
15.    "Lovely Ladies"
16.    "I Dig A Big Town"
17.    "Diamonds"
18.    "She Ain't Gonna Do Right"
19.    "I Can't Stop (The Feeling Won't Let Me)"
20.    "Do You Need It"
21.    "You Really Know How To Hurt A Guy"
22.    "Live & Let Live"
23.    "We're Swinging"
24.    "Downright Uptight Good Woman"
Video Ad
 
Links
For more images and release notes from Alec Palao along with purchase options and details of mp3 versions get to...
http://acerecords.co.uk/close-to-me-more-fame-recordings
 
By Souledtrafford in Articles ·

The Frightnrs -  Nothing More To Say - Daptone

The Frightnrs -  Nothing More To Say -  Out September 2nd
 
This certainly grabbed my ears on first play, out September the 2nd, audio and the Daptone bumf below...

The Frightnrs escort Daptone into the world of long-playing reggae with both the sweetest and the roughest record of the decade.
 
Crafted under the meticulous eye of black-belt reggae mastermind/producer Victor Axelrod (AKA Ticklah), Nothing More to Say is a rocksteady masterpiece the likes of which has not reared it’s head since the golden era of Studio One. However, you’ll find no imitation here - none of the faux-jamaican cliches of lesser reggae bands. Like all things Daptone, this record is above all soulful and honest. With the exception of two soul covers (both from the Daptone catalog: Bob & Gene’s "Gotta Find a Way” and Saun and Starr’s “Gonna Make Time”,) the record is populated by original compositions of the highest order. They are simply great songs, and though their treatment here is masterful, each one of them has the melodic and lyrical substance to hold it’s own in any genre. “Till Then” invokes the coquettish hyper-rhymes of top-form Smokey Robinson, while “Hey Brother” sounds like it fell off the desk of Gamble and Huff, and “Purple” defies any comparison at all. From the first cracking snares of “All My Tears” through the final pulsing echoes of “Dispute,” the murderous rhythms of Rich Terrana (drums,) and brothers Preet and Chuck Patel (bass and piano, respectively) can be heard chunking mercilessly towards oblivion as Dan Klein pours his endearing poetry over over the top like some other-worldy falsetto potion. The combination is a sound birthday-suit raw, mesmerizing, infectious, and above all, lovely. This record will long be treasured by lovers of reggae, lovers of soul and lovers of love.
"From the start, both the band’s sound and presentation stood out from common Caribbean interpretations by other young American bands...favoring instead earnest ballads with a deep soul groove." Jim Farber, The New York Times 
 
Listen now - Click to play
 
Digital Album Info from https://thefrightnrs.bandcamp.com/
Pre-order of The Frightnrs - Nothing More To Say.
You get 1 track now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it's released.
releases September 2, 2016
Pre-order Now  $10 USD  or more

1. All My Tears
2. Nothing More To Say 04:10
3. Gotta Find A Way
4. What Have I Done
5. Purple
6. Trouble In Here
7. Till Then
8 .Lookin' For My Love
9. Hey Brother (Do Unto Others)
10. Gonna Make Time
11. Dispute
By Mike in News Archives ·

Reviews - Stars and more

Latest review has just been added to this part of the site... as in the Review section and so it seems a good time as any to announce the recent addition of a five star rating feature to the review section
As in if you go to the review section right now via  https://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/soul-reviews/
...you can see that all the reviewers have now all rated each review and given it a rating of 5 stars
The thinking is that the review rating will help get over the reviewers take of the project that bit better, but ask do bear in mind that each review is just the reviewers own 'take' and if you do disagree with the reviewers take (or indeed even agree!) then we remind you that you can take a moment to pass on your own take using the comments!
...and as a last work if you are involved with any soul related projects and wish them to be considered for reviews (or being featured in the news section) then just drop us a line or two via the contact us feature (link via the top menu) and we can take it from there
 
 
 
hang on...
 
 also just a quick word on the record preview, as have noticed that some speed readers seem not to be aware recently!
The inline music player courtesy of Juno Records we now offer on selected reviews/news
a chance to preview all the tracks {up to 2 min previews) on each project while reading the review
just hit the player and it will auto play all the tracks 
go here to view a working example of this useful feature 
screenshot

cheers now
mike
 
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

Just Another Soul Group -- Popular Five

The Popular Five were almost popular for a brief period in the late 60's. However, they soon faded from sight leaving the group's lead singer to cut a solo outing that escaped in August 1973. Even though none of their 45's charted, they did also gain release outside the US and so they form a legacy of sorts for this short lived soul group.
The Popular Five grew out of classic doo wop group the Chords. The Chords were responsible for one of the most iconic doo wop cuts of all time; "Sh-boom" but even this was a fluke as the track was actually released as the B side of that single. DJ's flipped the record though & in 1954. DJ's flipped the record though & in 1954 it was a big hit (No.2 R&B, No.5 pop). They secured some big live gigs and played the Apollo a couple of times. After that, recording wise, the group drifted a bit. More singles escaped but none really did that well, this being compounded by the fact that they had to change their name due to an earlier DC group having used it first. So they became the Sh-booms (corny or what) and limped on. Members drifted away and their recording career dried up around 1961. Little is known about what the guys did through the 60's but most likely they took day jobs. 
But in 1967 their old leader, Jimmy Keys, gave it another try by forming soul group the Popular Five. Along with himself & ex Chord member Arthur Dicks, Walter Wilson was taken on as the 5 strong outfit's lead singer. Their 1st 45 as the Popular Five escaped on NY gospel label, Rae Cox in 67. This 45 again featured their old hit "Sh-boom" which was coupled with "Tomorrow Night" was produced by Larry Keys. Larry had started out as an organ player with orchestras, progressed to studio engineering & producing and in the 70's / 80's became a major old recording's remixer for CBS reissue projects. The group's 45 must have raised their profile as they were selected as one of the finalists in a big beer commercial contest. Schaefer Beer's (of New York & Baltimore) ran a Talent Hunt contest annually in the mid to late 60's (Betty LaVette also featured in one of these). Around 10 artists cut a Schaefer's beer ad and these were played on the radio, audiences voting for their favorite one & the successful act getting a prize (& lots of publicity). The publicity the group gained due to the Schaefer contest must have been welcome even though someone had embellished on the group's carrer up to then (claiming they had actually been formed in 1962).
Next up came two 45's on Minit, the 1st following on from their contest appearances, Schaefer having staged a festival featuring the acts in Central Park. The group cut an oldie "Little Bitty Pretty One" (no dount a song they performed on live shows) and coupled this with "I'm A Love Maker" which the group members had penned. This was arranged by Artie Butler who mainly seemed to work out of New York & Philly back then. The 45 made little impact when released in September 68 in the US but still managed to gain releases overseas in countries such as the UK & Germany. A 2nd 45 escaped on Minit in March 69 and again featured a song the group had written themselves; "Baby I Got It". This outing had been produced by Dallas Smith, a NY guy who was at the time a staffer at Liberty but would soon form Lionel Records.  Minit hired a promotion company to plug this track but again it failed to hit the national charts. Minit lost interest in the group but somehow they managed to hook up with Gene Chandler (most probably Jimmy Keys knew Gen from the old days of touring on the chitlin-circuit).
Gene, now signed to Mercury, was given his own label to run by Mercury; Mr. Chand. In 1970, he signed the group to his new label and re-cut their song “Baby I've Got It” in conjunction with a Chicago item “Best Friend – Worst Enemy”. This coupling formed the first single on Mr. Chand but again it did very little when released in summer 1970 . The group faded into obscurity quite soon afterwards and given that some of them were quite old by that time, I guess they just retired from the business. But almost exactly 3 years later, ex lead singer Warren Wilson returned with a solo outing on Capitol. He had penned both of the songs; “I Quit” and “Forget My Name” and both cuts were produced by Capitol Record's guy Jimmy Lenner. The new 45 (Capitol #3696) was tipped to chart in Billboard magazine when it was issued in August 73 but unfortunately it got lost in the shuffle. Capitol had a 2nd go in November that year, when it was put out again (this time as Capitol # 3756). It was a real shame that the disc failed at the time as both sides of the 45 feature decent tracks, “Forget My Name” being an especially good MS track. When the 45 sank without trace, Warren seemed to do likewise. So the group and it's members became just a memory in the music biz, however they had made a impact of sorts during their brief existence.
                          JOHN 'Roburt' SMITH
 
 
 
 


By Roburt in Articles ·

The Arock - Serock - Sylvia Soul Story Continued - Review

This release is the second CD to focus on the labels owned by Al Sears, a renowned saxophonist of the 40’s and 50’s.  The first CD was way back in  2002.  This compilation has been a long time coming and continues were the first left off.  Here we have unreleased masters, demos, flips sides of the previously featured 45s and more.
Without spoiling the reading of the liner notes a brief bit of background may be needed.  Al, after writing the hit “Castle Rock” in the early 50’s set up two publishing firms, the first one named after taking the first two letters of his and his wife Ruth’s Christian names, the other was named after his daughter Sylvia.
With his publishing flourishing and he himself producing it was only natural labels were to follow.  The first was Gator in 1960 with four releases.  Serock was next located in 1650 Broadway next door to Scepter who distributed the label. This was then replaced by Arock, which in turn was replaced by Sylvia.
The music recorded by Sears followed no set pattern and covered various styles, from Group Harmony to R&B to Soul.
Preview Player from Juno Records 
The Corvairs kick off the CD with “Love Is Such A Good Thing” . This is the flip to “A Victim Of Her Charms” which featured on the first CD. An excellent male group double sider with this side just edging it for me.
Stirling McGee follows with the flip to “Keep On” which was popular in the UK some years ago at some venue in Wigan.  “Get In My Arms Little Girlie” is again for me the better side than “Keep on” and we are treated to a remix from the master tapes and have the added bonus of a missing 21 seconds added.
Gene Burks it appears had a very brief recording and just two releases for Arock. Again we have another remixed flip in “Take My Hand”, a more up-tempo and catchy dancer than the top side and one of my favourites of this release.
Tutti Hill is a strange one.  “When The Going Gets Rough” should have been the flip to “He’s A Lover” but all copies of the 45 despite being correctly labeled played “Baby Take It Slow” something all the anoraks had missed. So we have the first ever release of “When The Going Gets Rough” an excellent soulful mid pacer again better than its intended topside.
Joan Moody featured on the first compilation with three tracks including her Northern Soul classic “We Must Be Doing Something Right”.  This time she pitches in with two tracks, the first “I Can’t Stay Away” which until last year was still unreleased and saw the light of day on a Kent 45, here it receives its first outing on a CD. “Music To My Ears’, similar to “I Can’t Stay Away” was on Joan’s fourth 45 release for Sylvia.
Gary & Gary’s “I’m Leaving For Parts Unknown” has seen plenty of turntable action here in the UK over the years in particular during the mid 1980s. The duo are actually Gary Klyvert and Carl Gould who had replaced Garrett Saunders who went on to record solo releases for Sears.
The Diplomats were the most recorded act for the stable of labels and here we have “I Really Love You”, a Van McCoy song and previously unreleased until it saw the light of day on a Kent Anniversary 45 and a CD dedicated to the group.
The aforementioned Garrett Saunders features with two tracks. One being another flip, this time to “A Day Or Two”.  “Easier Said than Done” an excellent soulful mid-tempo offering.  The other is previously unissued and unfinished.  I Keep Coming Back For More” is a sparsely backed soul number, basically a piano and Garrett in a similar vein to “A Day Or Two”.
Another unreleased number from who it is believed Freddie Solomon is “I Don’t Care”.  Again the backing is basic instrument wise and with a bit of femme backing it does get your foot tapping and does grow on you after a listen or two.  Ansler Montell is next with “Chained Am I”. Again originally unreleased it is recorded in the style of the Chain Gang songs of the day but instead of working on the chain gangs he is chained to his love. 
Detroit and a Mike Hanks production gives us Vivain Collians with “Hey Officer” see her pleading with a Police Officer to let her man go who has been naughty. Theola Kilgore gives a great soulful performance with “This Is My Prayer”.  Here we are treated to the unedited take.  Sinner Strong is next with “Nobody But Me” from 1963 it has a choral backing giving it a gospel influence.
The great Van McCoy, a staff writer at Sylvia gives a great vocal performance on “It Ain’t No Big Thing”.  It was the only release on Rockway and is an excellent dancer with some female greats supplying backing vocals, Cisssuy Houston, Dee Dee Warwick, Sylvia Shemwell and Estelle Brown no less.   The 45 has had some turntable action here in the UK over the years, mainly by collectors rather than the regular DJs. McCoy also features on the DC Playboys “You Were All I Need”.
Two mid 60’s R&B recording follow, Billy Washington with “I Wanna Come In” an dChet “poison” Ivy with “Something Else”. 
Marie Knight with Junior Lewis backing/answering Marie on “Nothing In The World”.  Initially released on Okeh we have here the demo version.  Junior Lewis also chips in with two recordings of his own.  “It Won’t Work Out” and “Where Are you”, both previously unreleased. The first another piano backed vocal, possibly another demo whilst the second is a more typical Big City New York ballad.
Another demo is next.  “Did You Hear” was performed by Don Covay.  It is a shame this wasn’t finished and released as it is a very soulful number although it did see the light of day via Barry Seidel but I can’t say I have heard that version.   Big Wheel whilst in the main featured Detroit artists and productions was in fact a New York label and one of the owners was an executive at Sylvia.  Discovered amongst the Sylvia tapes was the mistitled recording of “Kindness, Love and Misunderstanding” which was found a release via Eddie King on Big Wheel.
The CD closes with one of my all time favourite male group harmony 45s.  The Larks (the Philly group) with “For The Love Of Money” is a firm favourite of mine and was featured on the first compilation.  Here we are treated to the excellent flip side, “Another Sleepless Night”, another fine example of male group harmony.
Although many of the tracks may not be familiar with many we are still treated to a strong compilation of varying styles that I would give a strong three out of five, possibly three and a half.  For the anoraks we have the usual excellent liner notes courtesy of Ady Croasdell packed with plenty information, photos and label scans.
Chalky
July 2016
 
Video Look
 
Track Listing:
01 Love Is Such A Good Thing - The Corvairs
02 Get In My Arms Little Girlie - Sterling Magee
03 Take My Hand - Gene Burks
04 When The Going Gets Rough - Tutti Hill
05 I Can't Stay Away - Joan Moody
06 I'm Leavin' (For Parts Unknown) - Gary & Gary
07 I Really Love You - The Diplomats
08 I Keep Comin' Back For More - Garrett Saunders
09 I Don't Care - Freddie Solomon
10 Chained Am I - Ansler Montell
11 Hey Officer - Vivian Collins
12 This Is My Prayer - Theola Kilgore
13 Nobody But Me - Sinner Strong
14 It Ain't No Big Thing - Van McCoy
15 You Were All I Needed - The D.C. Playboys
16 Music To My Ears - Joan Moody
17 I Wanna Come In - Billy Washington
18 Something Else - Chet "Poison" Ivey & His Fabulous Avengers
19 Nothing In The World - Marie Knight with Junior Lewis
20 Easier Said Than Done - Garrett Saunders
21 It Won't Work Out - Junior Lewis
22 Where You Are - Junior Lewis
23 Did You Hear - Don Covay
24 Kindness, Love And Understanding - Eddie King
25 Another Sleepless Night - The Larks
Purchase options, release notes and more images are available via
http://acerecords.co.uk/the-arock-serock-sylvia-soul-story-continued
The Arock Serock Sylvia: Soul Story Continued
Kent
Cat: CDKEND 453 
By Chalky in Articles ·

Soul On The Real Side #5 Album Out Now!

Outta Sight in association with Real Side Records, presents Soul On The Real Side #5…
20 more soulful sides from Real Side Records, the rare soul coalition of Francis T and Joe Boy.  
New-to-CD tracks come courtesy of Jesus Alvarez (one half of Shirley & Co.) with his 1981 crossover boogie “Please Stay Don’t Go” (trk. 3) – Alvarez also cut the modern soul rarity “Woman” under the pseudonym The Nicky Newarkers.  

The J.A.L.N. Band finally make it to CD after 40 years with “Let’s Do It Now” (trk. 6), a fine modern soul offering penned and performed by former band member, and Real Side artist, Roy G Hemmings.
“Whisper (In Your Ear) (trk. 2) was written and recorded by Reggie Griffin and is taken from his 1982 album Mr Everything.  Griffin was an original member of Manchild along with Babyface before he joined Sylvia and Joe Robinson’s Sugarhill empire as a studio musician and producer.  He also performs on “Aah Dance” (trk. 9) by Fine Quality aka Earl Les Dion Brinkley and his cuz (cousin) Cathy Peterson.
R Kelly also makes a welcome return to Real Side with “Backyard Party” (trk. 16) taken from his 2015 album The Buffet.  The party atmosphere continues with UK DJ Ben Westbeech on his 2011 modern soul anthem “Something For The Weekend” (trk. 17) and Lisa Stansfield keeps the British end up with her superb cover of Gloria Scott’s “(A Case Of) Too Much Love Making”. 
Finally we tip our hat to the soulful side of reggae with the sought after “Baby Don’t Wake Me” produced by Jackie Edwards in 1972 for Del Davis and our sublime finale “Give Him Up” by First Generation.
 PEACE, LOVE, SOUL 
(OSCD055) SOUL ON THE REAL SIDE #5
iReal Side #5 features another stunning collection of established modern soul classics, new-to-CD rarities and contemporary recordings. This all-new selection includes Real Side artist Roy Hemmings in his former role as lead singer and song writer with the U.K. funk/soul ensemble the J.A.L.N. Band on the rediscovered soulful crossover groove “Let’s Do It Now”. Angie Stone makes a second appearance on Real Side under her Sugarhill moniker “Angie B” on a duet with Harry Ray. Prophecy make their CD debut with their All Platinum rarity “Rain In My Life”, as does Leon Bryant on his self-penned “Just The Way You Like It”. Packing the dance floors across the country is the reggae tinged soul workout by Del Davis, “Baby Don’t Wake Me” (track 5) which is complemented by our so-soulful downbeat finale “Give Him Up” by First Generation. 
R Kelly is back with a killer soulful stepper off his latest album, “Backyard Party,” along with other modern in-demander’s courtesy of Lisa Stansfield, Ben Westbeech, Speedometer and the SalSoul rarity “No One (Can Love You Like I Do)” by The Flakes. 
The Playlist continues…
TRACK LIST
Harry Ray Feat. Angie B - Love Is A Game
Reggie Griffin - Whisper (In Your Ear)
Jesus Alvarez - Please Stay Don’t Go
Garland Green - I’ve Quit Running The Streets
Del Davis - Baby Don’t Wake Me
J.A.L.N. Band - Let’s Do It Now
Z.Z. Hill - Universal Love
Tomorrows’ Edition - Be Real
Fine Quality Featuring Cuz - Aah Dance
Street People - I Wanna Spend My Whole Life With You
Prophecy - Rain In My Life
The Flakes - No One (Can Love You Like I Do)
Leon Bryant - Just The Way You Like It
Lisa Stansfield - (A Case Of) Too Much Love Making
D’influence - Magic
R Kelly - Backyard Party
Ben Westbeech - Something For The Weekend
Speedometer Feat. James Junior - Just The Same
Delores Hall - The Sha-La Bandit
The First Generation - Give Him Up
More Preview Clips
Listen to more tracks via The Youtube playlist
 
Purchase options include @ £10 via https://www.ecwid.com/store/outtasight/#!/Soul-On-The-Real-Side-5/p/66573086/category=4408549

By Mike in News Archives ·

The Ebony Affair TV Show - Videos Now Available

Hi...I thought that this might interest quite a few of you on here. I had 2 clips of The Delfonics uploaded on my channel but after a while I received a polite message to take them down by the rightful owner John Jackson. (He is the president of WJEJ Productions and owner of The Ebony Affair Show. He sent me his e-mail so I messaged him to say sorry and thank you for getting in touch without putting a claims report into youtube who would have given me a strike.
A couple of weeks later he actually mailed back and said would I be kind enough to drop by on his youtube channel and see what I think of it? I was surprised to see that he has started to share his rare clips from The Ebony Affair Show.
Many artists appeared on this such as Bettye Swann, Tommie Young, The Modulations, Edwin Starr, Detroit Emeralds, The Invitations, The Temprees, Baby Washington, Betty Wright, The Moments plus a lot more. John Jackson has said he has over 400 clips and that he is looking for investors to put the television series on air? or maybe someone who has the sources could talk him into putting them on to dvds for the public to buy?
Anyway here is the link were you can see
1. Tommie Young - Do you still feel the same way,
2. Modulations - Worth your weight in gold,
3. Jeannie Reynolds - The phones been jumping all day,
4. Modulations - I'm hopelessly in love
 
 
 
By Venus in News Archives ·

Secret Stash Pre-release Teaser Go On And Laugh & Get It Together

COMING SOON FROM SECRET STASH RECORDS - LESS THAN 20 DEMO'S LEFT TO PRE RESERVE, THEN IT WILL BE ISSUES ONLY.
MORE NEW RELEASES TO FOLLOW BETWEEN NOW AND CHRISTMAS, ALL UNDER LICENCE FROM THE LEANER FAMILY, ALL TRACKS TAKEN FROM THE ORIGINAL STUDIO MASTER TAPES.
Samples follow...
Side A Go On And Laugh Copyright Protected
Side A Go On And Laugh Copyright Protected.mp3
Side B Get It Together Copyright Protection
Side B Get It Together Copyright Protection.mp3
 

By Mark Bicknell in News Archives ·

The MVP'S Uncovered!

The MVP’s 1971 release for the Buddah label, “Turning My Heart Beat Up” has become one of the most iconic records to have ever been spun on The Northern Soul Scene, due to its inclusion as part of the soundtrack of Granada Televisions 1977 documentary, ‘This England”. On the much maligned night their camera’s entered the underground nocturnal world of Wigan Casino.
There have been several different schools of thought throughout the ensuing decades as to whom the group really were? From claims that they were a white pop group, a claim probably based on some of the other middle of the road material that the songs writers and producers Bobby Flax and Lanny Lambert have in their repertoire.
Others believed them to be in all probability the same group as the Florida outfit ‘The MVP’(Most Valuable Players) who recorded a string of 45’s and an album of the same name on the MVP label. Fortunately at last all these previous assumptions have now been disproved.
The real story behind the identity of the group arose albeit unintentionally when following a licensing deal between us (Soul Junction Records) and veteran Atlanta, GA songwriter, performer and producer Thomas ‘Tee’ Fletcher, from whom we had licensed The Combinations Kimtone 45 rarity “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”.
When we asked Tee Fletcher if he had any promotional photo’s or background information on The Combinations he advised me that he would introduce me to a former recording artist and friend of his, one Mr. Al Davis quote “Al’s the best person to ask”! So during the ensuing conversation with Al Davis the following story of the true identity of The M.V.P’s unfolded:  
The Combinations were a vocal quartet out of Atlanta, Georgia, who recorded a solitary 45 single entitled “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me/The Goddess Of Love” in 1968 for the vanity Kimtone label. This project was a collaboration between Thomas Fletcher (or as he’s more widely known as ‘Tee’ Fletcher) and Billy Lyles.
 

Tee would feature as producer and arranger upon both sides of the 45, with him being the songwriter on “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”. Tee remembers the group’s original line-up as being the lead singer Emory Cloud supported initially by a bass singer known as Smitty, a first tenor known as Big Harold and a second tenor Little Harold, with Smitty later being replaced by Jack Fraser (prior to the Kimtone 45 release).
Although the Kimtone 45 did make some noise locally for The Combinations they had by then already built a reputation as a sharp well rehearsed working group who performed regularly throughout  the states of Georgia, Florida and The Carolina’s. A later merger between two groups would see Emory Cloud and Jack Frazer from the Combinations joining up with Jesse Bryant and Alphonzo ‘Al’ Davis of the group known as ‘The Classic’s, the name under which this new ensemble continued to perform, for the immediate future anyway.
Jesse Bryant, Al Davis and Jack Frazer all knew each other well having previously performed with Louis Grant as part of the Doo Wop group The Continentals who recorded the 1962 outing “It Doesn’t Matter/Whisper It” (Hunter 3503) with Louis Grant being the songs composer.
One of the Atlanta clubs where The Classic’s often performed was situated on the formerly named Hunter Street now known as Martin Luther King Street, and was named after it’s owner, the former Major League Baseball player, Donn Clendenon.
Donn Clendenon is best remembered as the World Series MVP (Most Valuable Player) of 1969 when as the first baseman for the New York ‘Amazin’ Mets he scored a series clenching record of home runs for a five game series. It was Clendenon by then acting as The Classic’s manager who was responsible for persuading them to drop the name ‘The Classic’s in favour of and in an act of his own pure self-indulgence, assume the new group name of ‘The Most Valuable Players’ (later abbreviated to just ‘The M.V.P.’S).
  
 
L-R:   Jack Frazer, Alphonzo ‘Al’ Davis, Emory Cloud, Jesse Bryant
Front Seated: Donn  Clendenon (Group’s Manager)
The New York based Buddah label at the time had a series of A&R men working throughout the southern states searching for new talent. It was through Clendenon meeting one of these A&R men and accepted his invitation to take The M.V.P’s to New York that they recorded the Bobby Flax and Lanny Lambert produced and penned “Turning My Heartbeat Up/Every Man For Herself ”(BDA 262).
 

The lead vocals on “Turning My Heartbeat Up” were performed by ex Combination lead singer Emory Cloud, while the lead vocals on the 45’s flipside “Every Man For Herself” were performed by Al Davis. “Turning My Heartbeat Up” would later become a popular sound on the UK northern soul scene achieving iconic status with its inclusion in the sound track of the 1977 Granada Television Documentary “This England” feature of Wigan Casino. Unfortunately there was to be no more recording made and sadly all the members of The Combinations have since passed away, with the exception of Alphonzo Davis, the last of ‘The M.V.P.’S’.
Words By: David Welding
The above is an extract taken from the sleeve notes of the forthcoming Soul Junction CD album: “We Got A Sweet Thing Going On” Volume 2
Acknowledgements to: Thomas ‘Tee’ Fletcher , Alphonso ‘Al’ Davis and Allen McKeown.
Group photograph courtesy of: Alphonzo Davis
 
 
 
 
By Chalky in Articles ·

Eddie Parker - But If You Must Go - Deep Soul 45

Absolutely thrilled to be able to tell you about the next release on the revived and revered ‘Deep Soul’ label through Ace Kent: the legendary Holy Grail ‘But If You Must Go’ by Eddie Parker.
I can assure you that the title is not being rush-released to coincide with the United Kingdom’s exit of the EU, nor has it anything to do with England’s woeful football team being dumped out of the Euro’s, nevertheless, the timing of this incredible 45 is right on cue and really can’t come soon enough for Deep Soul lovers everywhere, I’m sure.
The record is the epitome of tear-filled, tortured, dramatic and emotional, deep soul music and the original 45 has been in demand in the UK, Europe and Japan for several decades.
Having finally been made available on the Jack Ashford ‘Just Productions’ CD through Ace Kent, earlier this year, there’s bound to be a rush for the vinyl. A 45 of ‘But If You Must Go’ is something that every fan of the deeper shades of soul will want to possess.
Originally issued on the US Mam-Miko label, there simply aren’t enough copies to go around, so it’s very fitting that ‘But If You Must Go’ is to appear on the newly invigorated Dave Godin logo over here.
I well recall putting the track on a tape for Dave 20 odd years ago and he loved it. He and I had founded the miniscule ‘Deep Soul Appreciation Society’ in 1988 and had ambitions to release obscure and wonderful titles such as this. In hindsight it’s a good job we didn’t, as at the time there was very little interest from others, and the project most likely would have bombed.
But the time is right, right now, and more especially as the flipside is the absolutely stunning, previously unreleased, Debbie Taylor ‘All That I Have’ which Kevin Briscoe once told me was one of the best things I’d ever shared with him. And that should be recommendation enough for anyone.
Release of Deep Soul – 03 is scheduled for end of July 2016.
Eddie Parker 'But If You Must Go' B/W Debbie Taylor 'All That I Have'
Buy it and weep!
Sean Hampsey
X
 


By Sean Hampsey in News Archives ·

Sir Mack Rice RIP

A news post of the sad news regarding the passing on of Sir Mack Rice reported in the forums by member  @David Meikle
Details can be read via the Detroit Free Press News item written by Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press Pop Music Critic via the link following the preview clip below
Detroit soul stalwart Sir Mack Rice, who wrote “Mustang Sally,” “Respect Yourself” and other enduring R&B hits, died Monday in metro Detroit of complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was 82.
Rice and his family moved to Detroit in 1950 and — following an Army stint in Germany — the aspiring singer linked up with the Falcons, a talent-loaded group featuring Pickett, Joe Stubbs and Eddie Floyd. With the Falcons' dissolution in the mid-'60s, Rice devoted his energy to songwriting and a solo singing career — earning his "Sir" honorific from fellow Detroit R&B figure Andre Williams
http://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/06/28/detroits-sir-mack-rice-mustang-sally-writer-dead-82/86456840/
Also the forum thread passing on the news above can be read here
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/topic/350860-mack-rice-hospitalised/
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

100 Club Allnighter Cancelled - Sat 02 Jul 2016

100 Club All-Nighter Sat July 2nd Cancelled
I’m sorry to bring you more bad news this week. We did not apply for the licence in time for this nighter and rather than go ahead with a 3am event, we felt it best to cancel it. We are hoping to move the DJ line-up to the August 20th date and in future Matt, Jeff at the club and I will all put the licence applications in our diaries well in advance. When it is accepted we will announce it to everybody as soon as we can so that travel arrangements will be made. I’ve asked Jeff to apply for the August 20th licence now.
It was my fault as I have to remind Jeff to apply and my reminder came up during Cleethorpes. In the general Cleggy mayhem I forgot to tell Jeff. As soon as we have the next licenses we will email notification out and post it up on www.6ts.info, Soul Source and Facebook. If you are not on our mailing list yet, email me at ady.croasdell@btinternet.com
I realise some will have made arrangements to spend this Saturday night or even the weekend in London for the nighter. If you have bought train tickets in advance and don’t plan on coming down now I will refund the tickets if you send them to me at Flat 10, 108 Gt Titchfield St W1W 6SN. Feel free to email me about any matters arising from this too.
Many apologies
Ady
 
By Ady Croasdell in Event News ·

Double Detroit Soul Dynamite from Hayley Records

DOUBLE dose of DETROIT DYNAMITE !     SUMMER 2016        
Hayley Records (UK) is proud to announce the release of two more spectacular slices of previously unreleased treasure from two of Detroit's finest talents. On 4th July 2016 both records will be officially released. Both are Limited Issues and will not be re printed when sold out.
HR 021 SHARON McMAHAN 'I have no choice' b/w 'Life ain't worth living (without you)'
This unreleased version of songwriter Sharon McMahan's classic midtempo floater sees the light for the first time, since it was recorded at United Sound Systems back in 1967, under the supervision of Ollie McLaughlin. Compared to the sparsely arranged Johnnie Mae Matthews record, this version features a beautiful Mike Terry arrangement replete with full involvement by key members of the Funk Brothers ensemble and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The flip 'Life ain't worth living (without you)' also comes from the pen of Sharon McMahan and finds the same backing crew doin' the business on a somewhat more up tempo offering.
 

HR 022  JJ BARNES 'Lucille' b/w JJ BARNES & STEVE MANCHA 'You brought love to my life'.
A slightly faster, acetate version of this recording, attributed to Melvin Davis, has been circulating around the rare soul scene for several years. This is the correctly paced, accurately identified, master version by the great JJ Barnes in true living stereo! From Bob Babbitt's distinctive opening bass line riff and George McGregor's crackling drum track, to JJ's vocal mastery, the record charges along at a frantic pace, climaxing with  staccato horn lines and a careering beat that must have made the United Sound studio walls shudder! Something this good could have only come from a prestigious talent – and this is indeed the case. Written by Tony Hestor and 'Popcorn' Wylie, it was arranged and produced by 'Popcorn' too, some time in late 1966 or early 1967. Rumour has it that 'Popcorn' shopped it around but couldn't get a deal so shelved it and forgot about it. Hayley hasn't! The B side is a completely different vintage and style, although the setting, United Sound, was the same. Written and produced by Fred Bridges and Richard Knight, for Revilot productions, in 1969, this recording sees JJ duetting with Steve Mancha again. The same session produced their version of Bobby Williams' 'Baby I need your love' (HR 018). Both tracks were rejected as potential releases however ...until now.
 
Hayley Records has many more fantastic previously unreleased tracks, from the depths of the Detroit vaults, to come, including another Jimmy Delphs peach, Bobby Shepherd, Andrea Henry, Joyce Vincent, Sam Ward, Pat Lewis, Steve Mancha and many others.
To order
Contact sales@hayleyrecords.co.uk for ordering details. Records will not be available from shops or dealers.

'Ain't that something!'   

Check out all Hayley Records records and compact discs, and keep up to date with future releases, on our website at
http://www.hayleyrecords.co.uk


 
By Rob Moss in News Archives ·

Ace Records July 2016 Releases

Close To Me: More Fame Recordings 
Southern Soul 
Dan Penn 
CD £11.50 
One of the greatest songsmiths of his generation, featured on a second helping of vintage soul and R&B goodies from the esteemed vaults of FAME Records. 
 
 
      
Some Kinda Magic - The Songs Of Jerry Ross 
60s Soul 
Various Artists (Songwriter Series) 
CD £12.92 
A comprehensive sampling of some of the best songs of one of Philadelphia’s top writer producers of the 1960s.
 
       
The Complete Studio Recordings 
70s Soul 
Alice Clark 
LP £17.80 
Alice Clark’s classic LP tracks, collectable singles and more pressed on 180g white vinyl. 
  

The Wild Oats 
Rhythm & Blues 
The Wild Oats 
LP £17.80 
One of the holy grails of British Beat collecting in perfect sound and adorned with 5 extra tracks from those famous sessions. 
 
 
 
      
Unwind Yourself: The King Recordings 1964-1967 
60s Soul 
Hank Ballard 
CD £11.50 
No longer twistin’ but still the dance master – Hank’s complete surviving 1964-67 King sessions, reissued in their entirety for the first time. 
 
  
      
The Arock * Serock * Sylvia Soul Story Continued 
60s Soul 
Various Artists (Label Stories) 
CD £11.50 
Al Sears’ NYC stable of labels and publishing created superb black music from the 50s through to 1966. 
 

    
Goldwax Presents A Losing Game - Goldwax Rarities 
Southern Soul 
James Carr 
7" £9.86 
A limited edition of 1000 copies, headlined by a recently-discovered alternate take of James’ big Northern Soul floor filler, ‘A Losing Game.’ 

 
Details can be viewed in depth via Ace records website via https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Watch out for upcoming Soul Source reviews on some of the above very soon!
By Mike in News Archives ·

RIP James Wright - Spellbinders

James Wright founding member of the Spellbinders passed away this morning. A talented singer and writer James like most of his generation he never saw the financial fruits of his work. He had been unwell for some time and has succumbed to injuries sustained during a fire at his apartment some months ago. James wrote "I need your love" on the magnificent Spellbinders album "The Magic of the Spellbinders". I had the honour of meeting and interviewing him some years ago, he was a real gent that told the most wonderful stories of his time with the Spellbinders (and other groups) he will be sorely missed.
 
 
By Chris L in News Archives ·

Charity Soul hits the £36,000 mark

£36,000.00 in 36 Months
The photo below shows Charity Soul’s youngest member (and possibly the youngest dj on the soul scene) Lilly Miller presenting a cheque for £4,000.0 to Professor Norman Maitland to aid the on-going stem cell research into finding a cure for Prostate Cancer.
This current donation from Charity Soul brings the cumulative total of donations made to the cancer research work at York University to £36,000.00, all achieved in the space of 36 months since the inception of Charity Soul.
The organisation is made up of a team of volunteers who donate their services free, along with a dedicated group of prominent dj’s from around the UK who also give there time to Charity Soul and do not receive any financial reward whatsoever.
The aspiration for Charity Soul is to achieve a donation figure of £50,000.00 by the end of 2016
If you would like to help Charity Soul in its quest and make a donation no matter how small please go to:
https://www.justgiving.com/charitysoul

By The Happy Hooker in News Archives ·

McArthur - It’s So Real - Soul Junction 45

Soul Junction latest release feature a group formed by former Royal Joker Willie Jones with the groups solitary mid 70's release on Mainstream Records subsidiary Brown Dog.
 
Press Release: McArthur   “It’s So Real/I’ll Never Trust Love Again    SJ534
Release Date:   Monday June 27th 2016
McArthur were an all male vocal quartet founded by former Royal Joker, Willie Cornelius Jones during 1974. Willie had begun the early 1970’s as the lead singer and founding member of vocal group The 21ST Century who later, due to a name clash with The 21ST Century on RCA, became known as just The 21ST.
Following the disbandment of The 21ST during 1974 Willie set about forming a further group that he vaguely remembers featured Cheslawn Vickers at the time a serving Police Officer who timed his annual leave to coincide with the groups tours. A guy called Larry and a fourth member who Willie couldn’t recall his name. Willie again was the lead vocalist and the elder statesman of the group at the ripe old age of 35 years.

Willie’s new ensemble needed a name and they finally chose what they perceived to be a strong and instantly recognizable name when they became ‘McArthur’ in honor of the United States Supreme Commander of the Allied Pacific Forces during World War II, General Douglas McArthur.
Through his previously made connections as part of  The 21ST, Willie returned to Canada  with his new ensemble ’McArthur’ securing two performing dates at The Arrows Club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. ‘McArthur’ finally broke up after a period of circa 18 months together with their lasting legacy being a solitary 45 single “It’s So Real/I’ll Never Trust Love Again” which gained a release on the New York based Mainstream subsidiary label, Brown Dog (BD9006) in 1975.

Both sides of the 45 were produced in Detroit by Clyde Clay and Charles ‘Teddy’ Johnson for Funhouse Associates, with Teddy Johnson being an old High School friend of Willie Jones.

The A-side “It’s So Real” was written by the late legendary baritone Saxophonist Andrew ‘Mike’ Terry and William Marvin Smith a respected bass guitarist and one time child protégé of Johnny Mae Mathews and Dave Hamilton. William had previously been a member of Lou Beatty’s La Beat labels house band, The LPT’s (La Beat Production Team) and was later briefly associated with the ill fated Lemon’s families Gold Records. Mike Terry had previously worked with Willie Jones during his time with the 21ST over at Joy Records as a songwriter and arranger but it is the former owner of Joy Records Joe Terrell who is credited as the arranger on McArthur’s ”It’s So Real” side ?

The B-side had begun its life under the working title of “If I Live For A 100 Years” but was eventually released using the second part of the hook line “I’ll Never Trust Love Again” written by the songs co-producer Teddy Johnson and late former lead singer of the Falcon’s (Big Wheel) Carlis Sonny Munro. The String arrangements on both sides were provided by The Detroit Symphony. The result is two excellent mid 70’s soulful ballads that have of late been gaining some belated attention and has now become very sought after.
SJ534 - AcArthur Promo.mp3
To Purchase the 45 visit Soul Junction at
http://www.souljunctionrecords.co.uk/SJ534.html
Also available from other good stockists listed on the above page in the links down the right.
For further information please contact Soul Junction at: 
Tel: +44 (0)121 602 8115 or E-mail: sales @souljunctionrecords.co.uk
 
By Chalky in News Archives ·

Big Lee Dowell and The Cannonballs - What I Done Wrong - Release

Let me tell you something about the voice first. Lee Dowell, professionally known in New York City as “BIG LEE”, had a great voice, a BIG one indeed.
Brought from Buffalo to NYC by a short-haul contract with Epic, a Columbia Records Subsidiary, he recorded two tunes produced by G. Denby, “Don’t Make Me Mad” and “Black Belt”, both of which went in the soundtrack of what has been probably the first movie about gangs and social youth problems. We are speaking of 1966 and Teenage Gang Debs took to the big screen for the first time the problems of the youth living in the tenements of Brooklyn and in all America’s big cities and depicts the lives and loves of a young generation trying to survive the brutality of gang life. Short after these two productions the big man seemed to disappear as we have no notice of further releases though we dug deep. For sure he didn’t move from NY because the oh so soulful voice in this “What I done Wrong” comes from a recording of the early 70’s we found in Michigan but labeled by a Broadway Studio which closed its doors at the dawn of the 80’s, so he presumably kept on living and working in the Big Apple. Anyone with further info is the very welcome to add it to the tale.
 
CBLL04 Big Lee Dowell and The Cannonballs "What I Done Wrong" Vocal + Instr
One of my very best friends described this track as “feelgood music at it’s finest” and I totally agree with her because that’s exactly what we’d like to do. Tunes for the dancefloor, with the lads dancing lost in the music. Please judge by yourselves, the first public airing of the full length of the track will be given next tuesday by sir Dave Thorley on his Crossing the Tracks Radio Show, so tune in to Gloucester FM from 7pm to 9pm GMT and enjoy the show.
First dancefloor test at the amazing POW CITY in Dublin next saturday so if you are planning to come out for a dance expect it delivered from the decks straight to you. Hope you like it and, if you like it, you have to know that a little stack of promos is on its way as usual and you can reserve yours by simply messaging me on here. First come first served.
The official release is planned for early July and it will be as usual a strictly limited edition so if you want one or more copies please pm me on here or send an email at cannonballsoul@gmail.com. 

By Topyno in News Archives ·

Eccentric Soul - Sitting In The Park - Out This Week

Those who have been here for a while will quickly get what this album comp is all about,  for those who may not be aware of the name Bob Abrahamian, well the link below and this profile may help put you in the picture @boba
Its almost two years now since Bob sadly passed on, and as time passes its great to see his legacy being recognised and appreciated by projects such as this.
The Numero Group  have put together a comp album which features many of the artists that featured on Bobs shows in 'their own words' and 'through the lens of our friend Bob'. A leaflet is also included and hopefully a more detailed Soul Source review will follow shortly
Available in 3 formats cd, lp and digital - the actual release dates and prices of each format do vary 
Juno Records Player
Preview all the lp tracks
The Numero Groups Blurb:
Hear the document of one man’s passion crossing over into obsession. Chicago radio disc jockey and soul archivist Bob Abrahamian was deeply devoted to celebrating and documenting unknown Chicagoland group harmony music. Upon his untimely passing in 2014, he left behind hundreds of radio programs and a daunting collection of 35,000 carefully-selected 45s. Our collection borrows its title from Abrahamian’s long-running and acclaimed WHPK radio show, and it spins a tale that’s cautionary, inspiring, and set to the sounds of the impossible-to-find tracks that made Bob Abrahamian’s on-air playlist and animated the radio programs that were his life’s work. Collected here are 12 (16 on the CD) artists featured on Sitting In The Park, in their own words and through the lens of our friend Bob.
 
Link - The Story of Bob Abrahamian and his radio show Sitting In The Park Article

Track Listing
(12 tracks via the lp - 16 tracks via the cd  - see the links for full details)

A Portrait of God's Love by Cindy & The Playmates

How Could You Love Him by Shades of Brown
 
Girl in the Window by The Mist
   
Reach for the Truth by Puzzle People
  
A Fool Like Me by The Enchanters
   
Hard to Know by Oneness
  
Give Me One More Chance by Procedures
   
Try It (You'll Like It)  Master Plan Inc.
 
Second Story Man by Chocolate Sunday

So I Can Make This Change by The Krash Band

It Ain't Fair by Ahead Of Our Time
  
Let Love Come In by Cliff Curry
Not Available

Life of Tears by Walter & the Admerations

Returning Home from Vietnam by The Auditions

Moaning and Crying by The Dontells

Southside Chicago by Otis Brown And The Delights

 

 
 
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

Cookin' on 3 Burners - Special Digital Edition Release

Freestyle Records have just pushed out a special; digital release of  Cookin' on 3 Burners This Girl (Special Edition)
Release is made up of the original version and  previously unheard instrumental and acapella versions,  
01: This Girl (feat. Kylie Auldist) (03:44)
02: This Girl (Instrumental) (04:01)
03: This Girl (Acapella) [feat. Kylie Auldist]
£1 each track or £2.50 for all 3
Here's the blurb
DJ/producer Kungs remix of This Girl has rocketed up the pop & dance charts right across Europe including over a month as the Official #1 in France, has just entered the Official UK Top 30, is on the BBC Radio 1 and Capital FM Playlists and also reverberated around stadiums on David Guettas' recent tour which feature Kungs as his support act.
The original version of Cookin' On 3 Burners 'This Girl was released back in 2009 - and became one of the best loved retro soul hits of the last decade. Taken from the band's album Soul Messin', the track went onto cross over massively on the contemporary Northern and Modern Soul scenes - becoming a huge favourite around the world - from Japanese funk clubs to legendary events like The Southport Soul Weekender. Copies of the vinyl 45 began to change hands for serious amounts of money online, and each subsequent repress sold out so quickly Freestyle Records couldn't keep them on the shelves!
Kylie Auldists' simply stunning performance is just one factor in this songs amazing appeal, riding on top of the bands mellow, beautiful playing on this incredibly catchy song. You can watch a live performance video of the song HERE 
 
Freestyle have decided to re-release this classic track, coupled with the previously unheard instrumental and acapella versions, which may well bring even more people under the spell of this magical piece of music.
Here's the link 
https://freestylerecords.kudosrecords.co.uk/release/fsrco3bdig01/cookin-on-3-burners-this-girl-special-edition.html
Here's the Official Freestyle Records Videos
Original Version
Instrumental 
Acapella Track
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

Joe Bataan - Call My Name - Vampisoul - Lp Reissue

A reissue of this 2005 album is due out next month via Vampisoul Records,and can now be pre-prdered
Blurb from Vampisoul Site...
JOE BATAAN
CALL MY NAME
Back in 2004, Vampisoul was extremely honoured to play a role in the return to recording of the legendary Joe Bataan, which fully materialized in the lauded 2005 album 'Call My Name', written and produced by Daniel Collas. After being out of print for a while, the LP has now been revamped featuring new artwork and liner notes written by Andrew Mason and Daniel Collas, plus photos from the sessions.
This whole project grew out of a song called ‘Cycles Of You’, which I had written around 2000-2001 with the guitarist and bassist of my band at the time, Easy. The chord progression and vocal melody really reminded me of Bataan, and it occurred to me that it wouldn’t be impossible to get him into the studio to do a guest vocal if we ever recorded it. I had met Bataan a few years before at a small, family-reunion style show at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in my neighborhood, where he not only still sounded great, but was also gracious and easy to talk to.By the time we got around to recording with Easy, the band was about to break up but we still had the studio booked. We all agreed that we didn’t want to continue as a band, but at the same time, it would be a shame to never record what we had been working on. Around this time Bataan was playing out again, so I went to the show to see him and find out if he’d be interested in doing some vocals with us. He was agreeable, so we decided to turn it into a Joe Bataan session and do ‘Cycles Of You’. The funny thing is, ‘Chick-A-Boom’, a live favorite with Easy, was hastily added so we could have a B-side, but it ended up chosen to be the A-side of the single.
More of this informative background opf the album article from Daniel Collás, the producer of “Call My Name” can be read via http://munster-records.com/en/label/vampisoul/product/call-my-name-vampi-168#
 
 
 
1  Call My Name 
2  Chick-A-Boom 
3  I'm The Fool (Parts 1&2) 
4  Cycles Of You 
5  Secret Girl, My Superfraud 
6  Ernestin 
7  Chevere Que Chevere  
8  Keep The Change
Product details
Audio CD (1 July 2016)
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Vampisoul
By Mike in News Archives ·

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