Source Magazine - Soul Music News & Articles

Ain't No Sunshine: The Smooth Soul and Rough Edges of Bill Withers by Mark Ribowsky
Details on a recent release from Permuted Press
Four versions available, focusing on the Kindle version here (preview below)
Release notes
The first biography of Bill Withers, the most accidental music supernova, who walked away from fame and never looked back.
Bill Withers entered the music fray as hardly an afterthought, rewrote the rules for a decade, earned a fortune, then, unable to square himself with the requisites of the music business, took his leave. When he died in 2019 at eighty-one, he was every bit the mystery he was when he started.

Born and raised in Slab Fork, West Virginia—his father a coal miner, his childhood spent in a pit of racism, and a shy kid who was asthmatic and stuttered—Withers had every reason to say, “People ask what are the blues. Hell, I was the blues!” His adulthood was spent running away from Slab Fork as a navy enlistee who worked military-related jobs, including making toilets for 747s. Music was a fantasy, ruled by unscrupulous brokers whom he thought he would never be able to live easily with. When he sang of calling on a “lonely brother” in “Lean on Me,” his biggest hit and an astounding feast for the ears, few knew that he was singing about himself. He was the lonely brother, and the business whose audio rules he refashioned only made him lonelier. His songs were not riling, but easing and caressing the deepest of emotional clefts that bore the weight of the world and the reassurance of a better day on his shoulders—“Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” “Use Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Just the Two of Us”—as well as album cuts that leaped off the vinyl and helped form a coterie of evergreens among his fans. Yet he ruled in his precious fold of time—eight years in the sun—without as much as an agent, manager, lawyer, accountant, valet, or flunky. He was on his own in every way.

By Mike in News Archives · December 13, 20231 yr

News of a new track release from Geoff Waddington
Geoff Waddington Feat Tameka Jackson - Don't Walk On By Me
'Don't Walk On By Me' featuring Tameka Jackson was recorded at the Blandy Studios,
Released today {Monday 11 December 2023) and now available at online stores.
This is a remake of a track that I released a few years ago titled 'Only You'.
Listen below...

By Mike in News Archives · December 11, 20231 yr

News on a new Lp release from Numero Group
SKYWAY SOUL: GARY, INDIANA - Various Artists
A sonic snapshot of America’s steel capital, developed in the prosperous cavern between the departure of the Jackson 5 to Motown and the collapse of U.S. Steel, Skyway Soul is a love letter to Gary, Indiana.
Featuring The New Day, El Anthony, Nate Evans, Sky’s The Limit, Wilton Crump, Lost Weekend, General Lee, Krash Band, Billy Foster & Audio, I.N.D., and Junei, this double album collects 21 lost songs from the southern-most tip of Lake Michigan.
Housed in a deluxe tip-on gatefold jacket, with a 16-page booklet crammed with photos, ephemera, and an in-depth essay from Jake Austen, Skyway Soul connects the dots between The Spaniels, Michael Jackson, and Freddie Gibbs.
Don’t forget to pay the toll.
Track List
The Newday Wait A Minute Girl
El Anthony I Want To Be Together With You
Nate Evans Main Squeeze
El Anthony Sweet Jo-Ann
Sky's The Limit Don't Be Afraid
Nate Evans & Mean Green The Look On Your Face
Wilton Crump Give Your Love To Me
Lost Weekend The Bridge of Love
Wilton Crump Think It Through
The Krash Band So I Can Make This Change
El Anthony We've Been In Love Too Long
General Lee & Lost Weekend Trouble
General Lee Pleasure
Billy Foster I Need Your Love
Into New Dimensions Stay Sweet
General Lee Magic
Junei' Let's Ride
Into New Dimensions You Just Be You
Billy Foster Night Music
Into New Dimensions Everybody Likes To Do It
General Lee & The Space Army Band We Did It Baby (Part 1)
----------------------------------------------------

LP stock arriving December 8th
Orders will not be shipped until Monday, December 11
https://numerogroup.com/products/skyway-soul-gary-indiana

By Mike in News Archives · December 6, 20231 yr

Dutch vintage soul outfit The Tibbs announce their new album Keep It To Yourself, to be released on January 26th and available for pre-order starting from today on recordkicks.com and Bandcamp (tap).
Listen to the first single “Ain’t It Funny”, out today on all digital platforms.

Dutch vintage soul combo The Tibbs present their highly anticipated new album Keep It to Yourself, to be released on LP, CD and digital format next January 26th on Milan-based label Record Kicks and now available for pre-order on the label’s website recordkicks.com and on Bandcamp.
The first single taken from the new album is “Ain’t It Funny”, a soul stomper available from today, November 29th, on all digital platforms. According to the band, “Ain’t It Funny” is “about a feeling of powerlessness. Some of the world’s problems seem too big to be tackled by yourself, and that can make you feel small. Do the things we do in our daily life really have an impact on the bigger picture?”

Produced by Paul Willemsen (Michelle David & The True-Tones) and mastered in Nashville by soul veteran Bob Olhsson, who used to cut vinyl for Motown back in the day, the new album Keep It to Yourself is the band’s third Long Play. It contains 12 fresh ‘n vibrant tracks that once again will take you back to the golden days of soul music. Prepare to be swept away on a groovy, soulful odyssey with one the most sensational and enchanting soul bands from the Netherlands!

Based around Amsterdam, The Tibbs is a group of seasoned musicians who draw inspiration from the timeless music of the 1960s, channeling the emotional depth and raw authenticity of that era's classics. Led by their charismatic female vocalist Roxanne Hartog and backed by a powerhouse lineup of drums, guitar, bass, organ and a three-piece horn section, they have been wowing audiences with their live performances. They took off in 2012 working right from the start with producer Paul Willemsen (Michelle David & The True-Tones). In 2016, their first LP Takin' Over marked their debut with Milan-based imprint Record Kicks, while their sophomore album Another Shot Fired was released in November 2020. Now, with their third album Keep It to Yourself, a testament to their dedication to keeping the soulful spirit alive, The Tibbs are once more ready for lift off.
Streams
https://found.ee/AintItFunny

By Mike in News Archives · November 29, 20231 yr

Soul Junction return to the long player format with Milwaukee outfit Impulse. Nothing Impulsive about the release that has been five decades in the making but it has been well worth the wait.

Impulse   ‘Impulse!’   SJLP 5015
Release Date:   Monday December 11th 2023
‘Impulse’ was a band of Milwaukee, Wisconsin musicians whose members included Michael Reese (Rhodes Piano and background vocals), Cedrick Rupert (Lead and Rhythm guitar), Jeffrey Williamson (Drums and background vocals) and Robin Gregory (Bass and background vocals). They would become a group in their own right with the eventual addition of another local artist John Gee, who joining them as their lead singer. John had begun performing secular music in the late 60’s with another Milwaukee group, The Chefs, who opened shows in Milwaukee for many distinguished touring acts James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Betty Swan and Joe Simon. John also featured as lead singer on The Chef’s 1969 tour to Jamaica performing alongside Bob Marley and Toots & The Maytels. After nearly 4 years John announced his departure from The Chef’s during 1970 his replacement being Michael Moncrete (the group’s lead on their desirable 1973 funk outing “Mr Machine” Pro-Gress Records). A brief flirtation with psychedelia with a band called ‘Rebirth’ and another outfit ‘Stars & Strips’ followed before John finally joined the musicians of ‘Impulse’. The Impulse musicians had been busy working as the backing and touring band for another Milwaukee outfit, the vocal quartet, The ‘Quadraphonics’. The ‘Quadraphonics’ members included Myron Lee, Michael Westley, Kenny Lee and Billy Brooks who recorded the solitary 45 single “Betcha If You Check It Out/Prove My Love To You” for the Carl Davis/E. Rodney Jones owned ‘Innovation II’ Record label during 1974. This release would later be nationally distributed by the major Warner Brothers label. With import copies of “Innovation II” single finding their way into the UK. The record found favour with the soul aficionados within the Highland Room of the renowned Blackpool Mecca and this new found popularity of “Betcha If You Check It Out” led to the 45 gaining a UK release on John Abbey’s Contempo label.

During 1976 the members of Impulse migrated to Oakland California, they had hoped that, The ‘Quadraphonics’ would join them but instead ‘The Quadraphonics’ chose to remain in Milwaukee and eventually broke up. It was fellow Brewtown producer and recording artist Harvey Scales who was responsible for inviting ‘Impulse’ to the west coast. Under the auspice of Scales, Impulse recorded their self-titled debut album project at Wally Heider’s Studio in San Francisco. The album was initially offered to Casablanca Records but no firm interest was to materialise, a subsequent approach to Jerry “The Ice Man” Butlers newly formed Chicago label, Fountain Records again failed to secure a release of the album, sadly leaving the project unreleased in the can.

In the ensuing years, the former ‘Impulse’ members have continued with their respective careers, John Gee would embark on a solo career, recording the 1980 release “Not Enough Love Makin’/You Are That Man (Why Don’t You Be That Man)” for Leroy Smith’s Oakland C.A, Pashlo label (Although the songs were recorded in Milwaukee), the Pashlo 45 reputedly achieved sales of over 20,000 copies in and around the Bay area. Followed by the 1985 modern soul dance floor favourite “So Good To Me/Just Get On” recorded under the artist name of Jon Pierre Gee on his own newly formed Kandi Inc, Record label, released as a 45/12” single and cd album project. Later projects included the 1995 Jon Pierre Gee & Touch album and the 2005, AhVantSoul cd album project, both project’s featured Jon’s business and real-life partner, Kathryn Hannemann (a.k.a the performing artist Kat Webb).

Throughout all the aforementioned projects Jon continued to use and enjoy performing with his former fellow ‘Impulse’ musicians. They were still performing on occasion together as AhVantSoul until the 2020 Covid Pandemic hit, often to be found jamming in a renowned Milwaukee Restaurant/Coffee House by the name of ‘Coffee Makes You Black’ a popular haunt of many local musicians. Only two original members now survive Robin Gregory and Michael Reese both credited as “integral and inspirational” in every project that they and Jon Pierre collaborated on. Sadly, drummer Jeffrey Williamson passed away during 2015 with Coley Jackson coming in to pick up the sticks! Lead and Rhythm guitarist Cedrick Rupert left the group as the 1970’s came to a close to follow his heart and married a girl from Lake Charles, Louisiana, his home with the exception of a brief period of stay in Florida. Sadly, Cedrick passing away in 2020, his position in future projects was filled by Joe Chatman a key member of the ‘AhVantSoul’ project and later Rudy Jacobs the original lead guitarist with Harvey Scales & The 7 Sounds.

The Impulse album project having lain dormant since the 1970’s was resurrected during 2018 when Jon Pierre Gee in conjunction with Stephen Chin of Nice Choice Records (USA) and Soul Junction Records (UK) breathed new life into the project. Beginning with the release of the first of two ‘Impulse’ 45 singles on Jon’s Kandi imprint. Firstly “What’s that Sound/You Changed Me” followed in 2020 by a second 45 “I Really Love You/Get The Funk Off my Back” both to worldwide acclaim. Initial plans for the release of the whole album project had been set in place which where unfortunately brought to an unexpected halt with the passing of Jon Pierre in November 2020.
Jon leaves behind a musical legacy of several highly collectable 45 singles and cd albums. He was known for his raw energy, vocal range and agility, thoughtful lyrics, inspiring many generations of musicians and singers. Jon Pierre Gee will not only be missed as an exceptional artist but also how he touched everyone he worked with or met with his knowledge, kindness, and humanity.
It may have taken nearly five decades to bring this lost amazing soul and funk ‘Impulse’ project to life, but I’m sure once heard in it’s entirety the old adage of “Good Things Come To Those Who Wait” will certainly ring true, enjoy.
Words By David Welding.
With Acknowledgements to the late Jon Pierre Gee, Robin Gregory, Michael Reese & Kathryn Hannemann.

Track Listing:
Side 1:
1.I Really Love You  4:38 (Full Length Studio Version)
2.Your Love Is Smokin’   4:40 (Previously Unissued
3.What’s That Sound   4:48 (Full Length Studio Version)
4.Free To Be Me   5:28 (Previously Unissued
Side 2:
1.You Changed Me (Part 1 & 2)   7:10 (Full Length Studio Version
2. Nice Beat (Easy To Dance To)   5:28 (Previously Unissued
3.Get The Funk Off My Back   3:20
4.Get It From The Bottom   4:02 (Previously Unissued

More Info / Purchase options
https://souljunctionrecords.co.uk/SJLP5015.html

By Chalky in News Archives · November 28, 20231 yr

News all about an interesting release featuring both a new reworked version and a remastered version from the original acetate,

'Some fifteen years later, and taken directly from Shirley’s personal dubplate, Sonar Kollektiv were finally able to restore and remaster this rare take from that session plus a sophisticated, balladic reworking that respects the original but gives it a very different twist'
Sonar Kollektiv are very proud to present a sweet slice of obscure Philly soul with deep connections to our very own Berlin family.
Shirley Turner’s 1965 recording of I Wish You A World Of Happiness has long been a crate digger’s delight and now receives a very special reissue, alongside a rather stunning cover version from Hamburg based quartet, The KBCS, featuring the vocal talents of Nora Becker.
Release Date: 24.11.2023
Label Release Notes
Shirley Turner’s 1965 recording of I Wish You A World Of Happiness has long been a crate digger’s delight and now receives a very special reissue, alongside a rather stunning cover version from Hamburg based quartet, The KBCS, featuring the vocal talents of Nora Becker.
Philadelphia in the early 1960s, and Virtue Records (headed up by musician and music producer Frank Virtue) had become prolific in releasing soulful underground hits like The Horse by Cliff Nobles & Co. and Boogaloo Down Broadway by Fantastic Johnny C. as well as producing a number of somewhat less popular, more low-fi soul and garage records that were slept on at the time but have remained highly sought after records to this day.
One of those records was I Wish You A World Of Happiness, which started life as a popular 60s instrumental cut Bird Walkin’ by Emanon’s Orchestra. The song was written by Weldon A. McDougal III and Johnny Stiles, with lyrics by Eddie Holman, of Hey There Lonely Girl fame. Virtue had been looking for someone to record a vocal version of the tune for some time, and having had a rough demo recorded by an uncredited singer, somehow said demo found itself in the hands of seventeen year old gospel vocalist Shirley Turner. The young, aspiring soul singer learned the lyrics from the dubplate by heart, and on the night she turned eighteen, went into Virtue Studios to record her version of the song. Several takes were laid down and three dub plates produced all on the same night, one of which was taken home by the eighteen year old hopeful, where it remained for years to come.
The recording was largely forgotten about as Shirley grew up and had a family, that is until her son started playing with the dubplate as a child. Shirley's son is Sonar Kollektiv’s very own Hollis P. Monroe - now a producer, composer and DJ as well as being responsible for the late 90s hit, I’m Lonely. Hollis took an interest in the record from an early age with the dubplate being one of the first records he learned to scratch with!
Some years later, and with the help of the internet, Hollis’ continued interest in his mother’s recording led him to a number of specialist soul blogs and in particular to UK based DJ Andy Rix who posted about a dubplate he had found which sounded very familiar! The 45 was widely credited as featuring vocalist Ann Robinson, but Hollis was soon able to set the record straight which enabled him to tell the true story behind this fascinating recording.
Some fifteen years later, and taken directly from Shirley’s personal dubplate, Sonar Kollektiv were finally able to restore and remaster this rare take from that session. Not only that, we commissioned Hamburg four-piece The KBCS to deliver their own interpretation of this timeless piece of music. The result is a sophisticated, balladic reworking that respects the original but gives it a very different twist that should please lovers of modern and two-step soul alike.
A - The KBCS - I Wish You A World Of Happiness
B - Shirley Turner - I Wish You A World Of Happiness

Digital Bonus

Label: Sonar Kollektiv

CAT-No: SK454

Voice: illicity

Barcode: 821730045471

Formats: 7inch, Digital

Release Date: 24.11.2023

By Mike in News Archives · November 27, 20231 yr

This Friday is a release day for Ace Records - including in the batch of release are 3 soul 45s that just may be of interest, details, label release notes, audio and such all follow below

CITY 089 - DEE ERVIN YOU MAKE ME HAPPY / GIVE ME ONE MORE DAY
'Dee Ervin suffered collateral damage from GRC/Aware’s bankruptcy. He only got to release two mediocre sides on Hotlanta but these recordings match anything he created in a successful career throughout the 60s & 70s.'
CITY_089-1-1.mp3
CITY_089-2-1.mp3

CITY 090 - THE MAYBERRY MOVEMENT - I CAN SEE HIM LOVING YOU / WHAT DID I DO WRONG?
This pairing was slated to be Event 218 in late 1974, but as no copies have emerged, it can be assumed that the single was pulled. It is hard to know why, but judging by its rarity the Anderson Brothers GSF release of ‘I Can See Him Loving You’ was a commercial failure - perhaps Event didn’t want to suffer a similar fate. This reading of producer Ray Dahrouge’s song is more soulful and vital than the Anderson Brothers which was huge on the Northern Soul scene, but without this take for competition at the time. Maybe the steamy finale to the Mayberry’s version was a bit too much for radio play, but surely the brilliance of the ballad A side would have compensated for that. Their loss; our gain.
mayberry-movement-side-a.mp3
CITY_090-2-1.mp3

REPRO 12 - TOMMY YOUNGBLOOD / THE OTHER BROTHERS - TOBACCO ROAD NORTH / NOBODY BUT ME
“The Soul Of Tommy Youngblood” 1970 Kent LP had many fine tracks, especially ‘Tobacco Road North’ though it was not attributed to the rightful writer, Jimmy Radcliffe, at the time. The music has been sampled for various hip-hop adaptations, including one by Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan, but the original stands on its own and deserves a 7” format. The Other Brothers ‘Nobody But Me’ is another UK Kent exclusive that sold out on its first Kent Select press and is still much sought-after and now expensive.
REPRO_12-2-1.mp3
REPRO_12-1-1.mp3
All now available via Ace Records website (tap), and of course various record stores including our very own Source Store - (tap)

By Mike in News Archives · November 23, 20231 yr

VARIOUS ARTISTS "SOUL PRESCRIPTION" LP (SOUL4REAL)
'Soul Prescription', the 4th album published by Soul4Real. We have included 12 tracks, all great examples of real soul music, a mix of well known classics, overlooked gems, and 4 original unreleased songs than most people have probably missed. A perfect gift for Christmas!
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 7th DECEMBER
www.soul4real.es
Soul Prescription
JAMES & BOBBY PURIFY – MY ADORABLE ONE
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
https://youtu.be/hYb-N6CN3EY
ARTHUR ALEXANDER – I NEED YOU BABY
https://youtu.be/D1wDrWkshjE
WALTER JACKSON – IT´S HARD TO BELIEVE
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗸𝗲𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
https://youtu.be/o1V50-_1SkQ
MAXINE BROWN – DON´T LEAVE ME BABY
https://youtu.be/YkPoDOLusec
SHIRLEY BROWN – WHEN YOU REALLY LOVE SOMEBODY
https://youtu.be/JselOKXJnCc
DREAM MACHINE – ALL MY LOVE
https://youtu.be/DGVKuy1u74Y
SOUL CHILDREN – MIDNIGHT SUNSHINE
https://youtu.be/JPmbOb4BUn8
THE ISLEY BROTHERS – HERE WE GO AGAIN
https://youtu.be/ZhrNnzlaGDk
JOHNNIE TAYLOR – YOU´RE THE BEST IN THE WORLD
https://youtu.be/Nh-U9mhlWWg
GIL SCOTT-HERON – YOUR DADDY LOVES YOU (FOR GIA LOUISE)
https://youtu.be/2yJsuvhoOlE
GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS – MORE, MORE, MORE
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
https://youtu.be/d5JcgiADfMY
ARETHA FRANKLIN – THE WIND
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝘀t𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
https://youtu.be/9saNwLCcv2U

PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 7th DECEMBER
www.soul4real.es

By Alexsubinas in News Archives · November 23, 20231 yr

The Ellis Hall Group - 'Those Passing Words' - Super Disco Edits
Upcoming quality soul 45 from Super Disco Edits, the actual release date needs to be confirmed but available now for pre-order, see link below
Label release notes
We are back after a fairly quiet summer. A case of me playing too much golf and just not being able to find the quality i like when releasing new music. But stop the press, after about 7 years of trying we have finally secured this amazing modern soul winner from 1978 by The Ellis Hall Group. Hailing out of Boston Massachusetts the group recorded a show reel for tv music show "Nightshift". This is where we first heard the incredible "Those Passing Words" and straight away knew we had to have the original studio version. Also on the tape was the beautiful "What Will I Do" with Gilles Peterson comparing the vocals to Debra Laws. Ellis Hall later became the main Keyboard player for The Tower Of Power.
Purchase Options
https://superdiscoedits.bigcartel.com/product/the-ellis-hall-group-those-passing-words-ehr-45rpm-pre-order
Listen

Images

By Mike in News Archives · November 22, 20231 yr

Now at #35 in the long running informative 'Northern Connections' series by @Kenb.
Northern Connections # 35 - Child Of Friendship, Train Robbers
The eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted two different addresses on the 2 versions of Natural Records 1516. 1516 25th Ave versus 1510 16th St. The latter being a small room and the location for Black Unity, Inc-at least from 1971 to 1974. Black Unity, Inc was incorporated in 1967 and was essentially founded to raise the political consciousness of black people through education. Whether this 'room' at 1510 16th St was vacated before the (apparent) release date and therefore has nothing to do with Black Unity, Inc. - OR - whether the release date is inaccurate (perhaps earlier than 1976) and it does have a Black Unity, Inc connection? I don't know.

You can check out all Kens other quality 34 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

connections

By Kenb in Articles · November 20, 20231 yr

A quick shout about two most recent Penrose Daptone 45 releases

Videos and release notes below
Johnny Ruiz & the Escapers
"Sorry" b/w "Prettiest Girl"
Johnny Ruiz and the Escapers offer up two sides of haunting group sounds sure the scratch the itch of doo-wop and soul enthusiasts alike. Adorning the a-side is "Sorry", a stark, creeping, dirge-like ballad with a sparse rhythm track that swings eerily underneath Johnny's sublime lead and the Escapers plaintive harmonies, creating an hypnotic vibe that will have you dropping the needle over and over again. Continuing with the dark vibes but picking up the pace a couple BPMs, "The Prettiest Girl" brings a measure of hopefulness to the tune, evoking the earnest, lovelorn memories of youth.

Junior Scaife
"When My Heart Beats" b/w "Moment to Moment"

On his debut 45, Junior Scaife shows us he's a vocal heavyweight whose prowess on the mic is tantamount to the pen. Backed by house band The Penrose Scholars and co-written by producer, Anthony Masino, "When My Heart Breaks" is a bouncy stepper with feel-good vibes and groove in equal measure, serving up a Brenton Wood-esque blast of sunshine and soul. On the flip is "Moment to Moment" a gorgeous, bluesy ballad with a vocal performance that transcends the trappings of lesser tunes, giving it a depth and serious- ness that takes you by the heart and mind to a place where longing and love reign supreme.

Available now via their uk store at £7 each or via a both 45s bundle
https://daptone.bigcartel.com/

By Mike in News Archives · November 19, 20231 yr

New Release from Creative Soul - MT Jones - I'd Be Lying
MT Jones - I'd Be Lying / In My Arms - Creative Soul
There was a slogan carried on t-shirts and record bags a few years ago which simply said "Soul music, if I had to explain it, then you wouldn't understand". It's true up to a point, you have to listen, you have to have an ear to really appreciate to then understand what it's really about.
We think that our next release should have carried a strap line, "MT Jones.... soul music explained"
Available from mid-December, and available for pre-order now. We expect this to sell out, and those that have seen MT Jones supporting Jalen Ngonda's performances will certainly agree with us.
In MT Jones there’s unquestionable talent and passion for REAL soul music that crosses so many boundaries. It should come as no surprise that he now supports Jalen Ngonda's European tour. We are so excited to have his music on our logo and to release these tracks on the most fitting format…. on wax!
Here’s what soul music connoisseur, Brian Goucher has to say…
'In May 2023 I stumbled over MT Jones and his "I’d Be Lying", I was totally transfixed with the subtle nod to Robert Parker's immortal "I Caught You In A Lie" couple that with a unique and soulful voice and you have something very special.

He is already a seasoned singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who started his journey at the age of 8 on the piano, his music is grounded in his affair with soul music; Motown, Stax and Atlantic featured heavily in the early years, his earliest influence being the legendary Ray Charles. He has travelled the world honing his talents which he repeatedly reveals on his ability to seamlessly combine the past with the present day to output serenely soulful and timeless music.

Soul radio in the UK has already given airtime with frequent plays of the topside. Flip the 45 over for the stunning builder “In My Arms” which morphs into a compulsive piece of soul music in its own right.

An utterly fabulous release.'
More info and purchase options via
https://creativesoulcouk.bigcartel.com

By Wrongcrowd in News Archives · November 17, 20231 yr

A brand new Soul Double A Side Single from Suit Yourself Music.
The Syphons featuring Darrell Smith: Moving In On Somebody Else’s Heart
AA: I Don’t Know Where We Go From Here
Fresh from his show-stealing performance at July’s BBC Northern Soul Prom at London’s Royal Albert Hall, singer Darrell Smith has teamed up with producer and songwriter Andy Lewis (formerly bass player for living legend Paul Weller) and instrumentalists The Syphons for this double-sided slice of powerful 60’s inspired musical escapism with a propulsive beat. Smith’s incredible vocal range soars majestically over The Syphons’ authentically recorded backing track. Darrell has multiple bookings already in the diary to perform these songs live, including the Blackpool Tower Northern Soul Christmas Special

LISTEN HERE >> https://suityourselfmusic.com/products/moving-in-on-somebodys-elses-heart-the-syphons-feat-darrell-smith
site note
Pre-order info added below
Released: End November 2023. TBC
ttiled edited at authors request

By Suit Yourself in News Archives · November 16, 20231 yr

Secret History of Chicago Music - Pastor Mitty Collier
A new addition to the most enjoyable 'Secret History of Chicago Music' article series running on The Chicago Reader Website via Steve Krakow
THE SECRET HISTORY OF CHICAGO MUSIC
Pastor Mitty Collier spent the 1960s as one of the great voices in soul music
For 20 years she’s served the More Like Christ Christian Fellowship Church on the south side, but her old life deserves recognition too.
Mitty Lene Collier was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 21, 1941, the youngest of seven children of Rufus and Gertrude Collier. She started singing in church as a teenager and toured Alabama and Georgia with gospel group the Hayes Ensemble. After graduating from Western-Olin High School, Collier studied English at Alabama A&M College and Miles College. By then she was also singing R&B in nightclubs to subsidize her education, and when she was 18 she made a visit to Chicago that changed her life.
The full article can be read or listened to via
https://chicagoreader.com/music/the-secret-history-of-chicago-music/pastor-mitty-collier-spent-the-1960s-as-one-of-the-great-voices-in-soul-music/

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

By Mike in News Archives · November 15, 20231 yr

LRK are excited to announce their last 45 release of the year. The double A sided 45 by Texas soul man, Brian Scartocci
Brian Scartocci - Days Of Glory / No Kind Of Pitiful - LRK-24 - LRK RECORDS
Genre: Retro Soul
Release date: 8th Dec 2023
Pre-order from today! Only 300 copies pressed and already selling quick so make sure you secure a copy!
This is LRK's last 45 release of the year! Shipping before Christmas.
https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-glory-no-kind-of-pitiful

Brian Scartocci is a veteran soul singer and songwriter.
For more than a decade, the singer has been making a name for himself in the red-hot Austin music scene. The renowned vocalist has lent his voice to a series of popular local and regional bands including Austin Heat and Blind Lead The Blind.
In 2012 Brian Scartocci wowed an international audience as a contestant on the hugely popular competitive singing program, The Voice. Now based in Texas, the New Jersey native has established a reputation across the United States as a dynamic performer and gifted vocalist. Known for interacting directly with the audience, he can often be found offstage, getting down with the crowd.
"If it’s soul music, it absolutely has to come from the heart, from the depths, from your greatest pain, your purest joy. It has to be honest, unvarnished. It has to hurt, it has to heal. If it’s real, people will know. If it isn’t, you won’t be doing it long. I’ve been around damn near 20 years now. Something must be resonating.”

Days Of Glory / No Kind Of Pitiful by Brian Scartocci

By LRK in News Archives · November 13, 20231 yr

Details of the latest Soul Direction 45 release have just landed...
Press Release
Soul Direction Records are pleased to announce the next release in the catalogue.
The Natural Soul Brothers Ltd - 'Cement, Plaster & Gold' / The Four Thoughts - 'Kisses & Roses' - Soul Direction -SD019
Pre-Order from Friday 10th November for release date 24th November 2023.
Staying in my favourite state of Philly, we continue with 2 sublime tracks from the Wally-O Production stables.
The home of Herb Johnson & The Impacts, The Topics and the soul duo of Jeri Payne and Joe Freeman aka. Jeri & Joe. The two tracks featured in this latest Soul Direction Release are both prime examples of the forgotten and obscure talents from this Wally Osborne production line.
The Natural Soul Brothers Ltd consisted of Tom McNeil on lead vocals and Guitarist Clayton Johnson. Any additional members info is sketchy, but we know for sure that Clayton Johnson later went on to help form Thomas Buck Nasty who released an LP on RCA in 1980. This one song from 1970 never saw a release and thanks to Dave Louis made a debut on the 'Best of Wally-o' CD in 2000. The haunting sound and lingering vocals make this a prefect sound for today’s more mellow collecting crowd and crosses more than one sub-genre on this complex soul scene of ours.
The Four Thoughts - Kisses and Roses did gain a release in 1967 on the “Womar” label which was part of the Wally-O set up. A label subsidiary suggested to Wally by Herb Johnson. The name came from the initials of Wally Osborne, his wife, Mabel, and his father-in-law, Ambrose Robinson, who provided the initial funding to start the label. Still an obscure outing to more people than you would think this track although released, just seemed a perfect companion to the A side and hopefully now will gain some more traction across soul nights everywhere.
Thank you for your continued support as always
Alan Kitchener
(Soul Direction Records Ltd)
alan@soul-direction.co.uk
Purchase via https://soul-direction.co.uk/

Video - Natural Soul Brothers Ltd - Cement Plaster & Gold/ Four Thoughts - Kisses & Roses

Sleeve and 45 Scans

By Mike in News Archives · November 10, 20231 yr

Word received about an upcoming 45 from Cannonball Records available to pre-order now for an release on 24th November 2023
Label Release Notes
Unsung Heroes from the Golden Age of Philadelphia Soul
Philly local talents at the crossing of the 6’s and 7’s, they were initially known as The Twilights. At the time they only recorded three songs for demo purposes although all musicians were featured on many productions from Manny Campbell’s stables, The NuRons’ All Of My Life and I'm A Loner being a couple of them.
During the mid 1970's The Delights did go on to record and release a few 45's for the Phil-L.A Of Soul Label.
Like the previous release in the Unsung Heroes program, these masters are physically preserved at University of Pennsylvania.
https://cannonballsoul.com/cannonballrecords/

Video

By Mike in News Archives · November 7, 20231 yr

New Northern Soul inspired song SOON AS I SAW YOU by SALLY JONES & THE HEART HEALERS
Now available for download but for limited edition vinyl single sales please email info67Heaven@icloud.com (be quick they’re going like hot cakes!) more details on Facebook and Instagram at 67 Heaven.

Keep The Faith!
added by site
Facebook Link
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551518867422
Video
sally-jonesBy 67 Heaven.mp4
Press Release Sally Jones & The Heart Healers.
04/11/2023.
Northern Soul inspired new vinyl single fills the dancefloor!
During Lockdown 2020 Bristol singer songwriter Sally Larkin and London musician Jono Heale reconnected online and discovered their joint passion for Northern Soul music and dancing. Jono challenged Sally to compose some songs as a celebration of this genre but to also recreate their love for the 60’s Soul sound. They called the project Sally Jones & The Heart Healers and three years later this resulted in a self-funded vinyl record release under the same name.
Jono explains: ‘It became a journey of discovery in many ways from concept and composition to a lot of work going into the recording and production, even down to using analogue mixing techniques and effects to get the right results.’ He goes on to say: ‘Sally’s written these absolutely fantastic songs but it’s also about getting that authentic sound, which we both love, and hoping it could stand up against other classic Northern Soul tracks.’
The A side, ‘Soon As I Saw You’ is a Northern Soul anthemic dancing standard and the B side ‘He’s The One’ is a Supremes inspired tale of a young woman finding a true gentleman. The tracks were recently mastered at Abbey Road, London and pressed in the traditional way at The Vinyl Factory in Middlesex.
The first pressings are a numbered limited edition of 100 vinyl singles. These are already getting overwhelming feedback and praise from well-respected Northern Soul DJs and club goers around the country. The official release date is set for November, but Sally and Jono have already been busy attending Northern Soul clubs nation-wide and well-respected vinyl DJs have already given it a spin filling the dancefloor.
The single had its first public airings in early October at the Canary Club Norwich, The Sidney Barnes Weekender in Coventry and at various events in Manchester, Wigan and Bolton where it reportedly ‘went down a storm!’. On Saturday October 7th, Sally and Jono witnessed their song filling the dancefloor at their regular monthly haunt at the popular Bristol Northern Soul Club. Sally said: ‘It was quite emotional to see classic Soul fans dancing to your track which was the result of a 3-year journey’.
Sally and Jono hope that this initial release will be the first of more to come and are grateful to all the musicians they’ve involved along the way together with the support and encouragement from those in the vibrant Northern Soul scene.
For more information and interviews please contact 67 Heaven: Info67Heaven@icloud.com
Soon As I Saw You by Sally Jones & The Heart Healers

By FallenMonk67 in News Archives · November 6, 20231 yr

DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS
Too Many Tears / Cruisin' to the Parque [RELEASE DATE: 11/17/2023]
TRACKLIST:
A. Too Many Tears
B. Cruisin' to the Parque

Release notes
Durand Jones & The Indications are dropping a new 45 on November 17th, "Too Many Tears" b/w "Cruisin' to the Parque" (ft. Y La Bamba). This one was previously released as a tour exclusive, and has been highly sought after. We're excited to bring it back with new label art, and now pressed at the ever reliable, Gotta Groove Records. This new variant is also available on Sea Glass Blue vinyl (ltd 1,500 copies). Pick it up from your local record shop on the 17th, or secure your copy today at coleminerecords.com.
https://www.coleminerecords.com/collections/newandupcoming/products/durand-jones-the-indications-too-many-tears-cruisin-to-the-parque-release-date-11-17-2023

By Mike in News Archives · November 3, 20231 yr

Roberta Flack – Lost Takes
The twelve-track album which will be released on vinyl only features a collection of demos recorded six months prior to Roberta Flack’s debut album First Takes including Mongo Santamaria’s ‘Afro Blue’, Motown classic ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ and My Fair Lady’s ‘On The Street Where You Live’.
DJ, producer and label owner Gilles Peterson continues his exploration into the Warner archives with the release of Lost Takes, a twelve-track album featuring a collection of demos recorded six months prior to Roberta Flack’s debut album First Takes. The tracks were originally released on CD and are made available here on vinyl for the very first time. Set for release on January 12th 2024 via Peterson’s Arc Records imprint, the album features Flack’s inimitable take on songs including Mongo Santamaria’s ‘Afro Blue’, Motown classic ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ and My Fair Lady’s ‘On The Street Where You Live’.

PRE-ORDER ROBERTA FLACK’S LOST TAKES HERE
https://robertaflack.bandcamp.com/album/lost-takes

Gilles Peterson:
“Roberta is a true visionary and one of the great singers of modern times. Imagine the excitement when I saw she had recorded a version of ‘Afro Blue’ during her demo sessions for First Take. I knew straight away that it was a project we wanted to release via Arc Records and to make available on vinyl for the very first time. We’re thrilled to be releasing this and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
A four-time Grammy Award winner, Roberta Flack first rose to fame following the release of her 1969 debut album First Take which received widespread international acclaim. She went on to record a string of seminal, chart-topping tracks including ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ and ‘Feel Like Makin Love’.
Track listing:
1.    This Could Be The Start of Something
2.    Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
3.    Hush-A-Bye
4.    Afro Blue
5.    It’s Way Past Suppertime
6.    On The Street Where You Live
7.    Frankie And Johnny
8.    The House Song
9.    Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
10.  The Song Is Love
11.  To Sir With Love
12.  Groove Me

By Mike in News Archives · November 3, 20231 yr

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN - ANOTHER 2 WINNERS FOR YOUR COLLECTIONS.

£15 each + £3 UK postage (good for 1-3 records) OVERSEAS - please pm for current postage rates.

paypal – hitandrunsoul45@gmail.com - as 'friends and family' please.

HR 1554 THE MOOVERS One Little Dance + Someone To Fulfill My Needs / I Love You Baby .
Another of our great value 3 track 45s; contains both sides of their rarely-seen-for-sale 1966 Miami’s Deep City 45 (£500 a few months back) + the 1967 release on Brent of their 3rdtrack.
3 great male harmony vocal group sounds; if you don’t know them, real growers.
One Little Dance -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBgA86qZ6zE
Someone To Fullfill My Needs - www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHZiWPov4ZQ
I Love You Baby - www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1MJrPjh1qg

HR 1555 SPENCER WIGGINS Holding On To A Dying Love / I’m At The Breaking Point + Let’s Talk It Over
3 great tracks from Spencer’s Fame period; ‘A’ side never before available on vinyl, also cut by the great Otis Clay; 2 solid dance favourites on the flip, last released some 14-15 years ago and a new audience out there these days.
Holding On To A Dying Love – http://www.dropbox.com/.../HR-1555-A-Spencer-Wiggins...
I’m At The Breaking Point - www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jJ8QnY-N0Y
Let’s Talk It Over - www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S4R-J7yDcI
Both releases in stock now and ready to hit the mail.
Interested in a promo ? Please pm me for up-to-date availability.

By Dewsburyborn in News Archives · November 1, 20231 yr

Press Release:   Reggie Soul & The Soul Swingers    “My World Of Ecstasy/Mighty Good Loving” SJ553
Release Date:   Monday November 14th 2023
Reggie Soul real name Reginald Stone is just one of many illusive recording artists who had a very limited recording career for a handful of small independent Chicago labels then disappeared into obscurity, Reggie reputedly left Chicago in the mid 1970’s for the lone star state of Texas never to be seen or heard from again!

Reggie’s recording legacy is the sum total of 3, 45 singles two of which he recorded under the supervision of respected Chicago songwriter and producer Clarence Johnson., firstly the funk outing “I Got Jody” backed with the soulful “I Feel So Bad” for Red Balloon Records, “I Feel So Bad” was composed by Lee Sain who recorded his own version under the title of “Baby Don’t Leave Me” for the Broach label.  Reggie Soul’s “I Got Jody” also came out as a B-side on Nation Time Records, the A-side was a version of the James Brown song “Soul Walkin’ but this side was credited under the mis-credited artist name of Reggie Smith?

Finally, Reggie’s third release “My World Of Ecstasy/Mighty Good Loving” was released on the Scott Brothers own Capri Records label in 1968. Both sides of the 45 were written by Reggie with Charles and Walter Scott, arrangements were provided by John Jackson and Bill McFarland who provided the horn section to many of the Scott’s future productions.  The Scott Brothers of which there were several (all musicians) had begun their own careers during the late 1950’s recording under the group name of The Masquerades on the Formal label. Often referred to as The Scott Brothers Orchestra with Howard Sephus Scott at the head of their growing musical dynasty they formed their own company Capri Productions circa 1968, their initial recording productions were Fred Johnson (Shi-Lush Records) and the aforementioned Reggie Soul & The Soul Swingers. The Scott’s were also the house band in one of Chicago’s Southside’s most popular night clubs ‘The Bonanza Lounge on 7641, South Halsted. The Scott’s often used the Bonanza as a source of finding future artists for their labels, such as The Soul Majestics, Judson Moore, Bobby Jones & Duke Turner amongst others, they even recorded a live performance on The Bonanza Lounges’ resident comedian Randolph Browner which gained a release on the Shi-Lush label.

“My World Of Ecstasy” like several Capri 45 releases were heavily imported into the UK, often sold in soul packs before finding favour with aficionados of the Crossover Scene in the late 1980’s with it’s popularity still remaining high to the present day.
Soul Junction through their licensing deal with Scot-Tees Publishing would like to present the first release of their Capri Records series.

For Further information please contact Soul Junction at:
E-mail:   sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk
To order visit SOUL JUNCTION RECORDS

By Chalky in News Archives · October 31, 20231 yr

Out Now! - New Soul4Real Releases: Magic Sam (S4R31) & Aretha Franklin (S4R32)
MAGIC SAM - THAT´S ALL I NEED / EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY DAY (SOUL4REAL)
ARETHA FRANKLIN - CAN YOU LOVE AGAIN / I´M TRYING TO OVERCOME (SOUL4REAL)

MAGIC SAM - THAT´S ALL I NEED / EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY DAY - (SOUL4REAL)
What better way to herald Soul4Real's first foray into the blues: two wonderful sides by the late great Magic Sam!
Born Samuel Gene Maghett in Mississippi in 1937, in his teens he made the familiar migratory journey north where he established himself – along with the likes of Otis Rush – as one of the great exponents of the 'West Side' Chicago blues sound.
In 1967, Sam signed to Delmark and cut his first LP, the critically acclaimed 'West Side Soul' from which the two tracks featured here are taken. "Every Night and Every Day" is delivered in his familiar style, whereas "That's All I Need" reveals a more soulful side to Sam's vocals, pointing towards the blues-soul style that was to dominate the genre into the 70s and beyond.
His tragic death, aged just 32 in 1969, deprived the world of a wonderful blues talent, but he left a fine legacy of influential and inspirational work admired by fans and musicians alike.
Mike Lofthouse

ARETHA FRANKLIN - CAN YOU LOVE AGAIN / I´M TRYING TO OVERCOME (SOUL4REAL)
Atlantic records impresario Jerry Wexler had many strings to his bow, but undoubtedly his greatest stroke of genius was leading Aretha towards the Fame Studios in 1967 to conduct her first sessions for the label. A lady with many quite uneven Columbia albums to her name would turn the world of soul music upside down and reveal the Queen of Soul to the world. The music created was both harrowing and spine-chilling in equal measure, leaving everyone in its radius in a state of soulful euphoria.

“Can” was recorded during the ‘Hey Now Hey’ LA album sessions circa 1972, with Quincy Jones at the helm, and is a scintillating slow burner of exquisite beauty.

“I’m Trying” is a glorious 1969/70 outtake from her ‘Spirit in the Dark’ LP, cut at Criteria with Wexler and the MSS boys in tow.

A friend of mine recently alluded that you sometimes don’t realise the true greatness of a track until it is embossed in 7” vinyl. So true!
Jan Barker

IN STOCK, ORDER NOW!
www.soul4real.es

www.soul4real.es

By Alexsubinas in News Archives · October 31, 20231 yr

Ray Williams & The Majortones : Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine) Vocal & Instrumental EPS028
Ray Williams & The Majortones
Previously Unissued Modern Soul Crossover Monster
Vocal & Instrumental
A: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”(2:58)
B: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”instrumental (2:58)
Video

B: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”instrumental (2:58)
Written by: Lil Major Williams & Major Williams Sr Houston, Texas
As a young kid I always wanted to be a musician especially with my brothers.
My Dad, Major Williams Sr started it all with my Brother Lil Major Williams and Garland Williams.
They would travel and play music at venues all over Texas and surroundings States.
I myself stared playing the snare drum in Junior High school and eventually started playing with the Majortones Band which was my dad and brothers group.
I remember the first time I ever sat behind a set of drums it was like a dream come true.
We were playing at this club in Houston, called the Green Parrot.
Garland which was the drummer at the time, I think he got sick or something happened, that's when my dad came to me and said this your time Ray.
I was so scared , keep in my I was only 11years old, anyway I played that night if it had not been for the Bass player (Fox was his name) telling me how to work the foot pedal and high hats snare we wouldn't have made he just kept telling me to stay on the one, at that time I was wondering what was the one Lol.
As time went by I started really getting the hang the thing call music.
Little Major was a big James Brown fan, so we played a lot of Brown's music and if I tell you we were tight and right.
Major wrote Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine & Girl) Don't Leave in 1978 and I can't remember the real reason for the title of song but it did really good lot's of air play.
As time went on Lil Major, Garland and my Dad passed away.
That's when I started managing The Majortones Band and to this Day it's still going strong.
Yann Vatiste send me back to the studio early this year to re-take Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine & Girl) with new vocal arrangement on the original backing track.
I feel like it's my time in the music industry, I've been playing for over forty years and I'm still in love with it and still having lots of fun.
Ray Williams

BUY IT NOW:
https://www.epsilonrecord.com

By Yann V in News Archives · October 30, 20231 yr

The Essence Of Life: You're An Angel / Walking In My Shadow Epsilon Record Co EPS027
EPS027
The Essence Of Life
Incredible Sweet Soul Lowrider with a Raw Killer Rhythm Soul Funk B side
Videos

Charlotte NC / 1973
The Essence Of Life Group members
Larry Graves
Jacque Johnson Jr. (RIP)
Craig Young
Ken Lock
J Jerome Johnson
Info
Essence of Life was formed in 1973 in Charlotte North Carolina at Johnson C Smith University.
Towan Butler and Craig Young were basketball players on scholarship who were singing in the shower after practice, when a man named Jock Johnson who was a business major who had graduated heard Towan and Craig singing in the shower and asked if we would like to be in a singing group that he was putting together, if we did he asked us to meet him later that evening at a location on campus.
When we arrived we were introduced to Jerry Johnson, who is Jocks brother, Kenny Lock and Larry Graves and Essence Of Life was formed.
Essence Of Life has performed with such groups as Blue Magic, The Whispers and The Barkays to name a few.
Essence Of Life sang and danced their way into the hearts of fans all over the United States spreading love through high impact performances.
Craig Young

Managers Jacque Johnson Jr.(RIP)
Russell "Redbone" Thompson (RIP),
Gene Kelly was band director and drummer for the 21st Century Charlotte band.
Buy it here:
https://www.epsilonrecord.com

By Yann V in News Archives · October 30, 20231 yr

To be released: 26/11/2023
All Platinum - The Making of a Sound
Author: Steve Guarnori
ISBN: 978-1-3999-5659-8
Release Date: 26th November 2023
All Platinum – The Making of a Sound is the long overdue detailed history of All Platinum records from 1967-1979. The book contains 534 pages and over 300,000 words, dealing with each year in the company’s history as well as telling the stories of its artists and the musicians who signed for the company each year. With quotes from many of the surviving artists, it is a fascinating insight into how Joe and Sylvia Robinson’s record label started operating from a small basement and grew to become one of the most important black owned record labels of the 70s.
This was no ordinary record company. The creative talent that passed through All Platinum’s doors was phenomenal and the way the business operated was unusual to say the least. All Platinum – The Making of a Sound, also covers the acquisition of Chess, the once mighty Chicago label, as well as the company’s successful expansion into the U.K and Europe in 1975.
Additionally, the book contains the most comprehensive (and fully illustrated) discography on the records pressed on All Platinum and its related labels, as well as those records it distributed nationally for other record labels. The discography includes many records not included anywhere else.

books

By Steve G in News Archives · October 24, 20231 yr

LRK are super proud to announce we will be releasing "The Melody Within" LP by Gary Beals on a limited edition vinyl (300 copies) and a bonus limited edition 45 vinyl also only 300 copies.
"The Melody Within" is a musical journey that unfolds across two sides, much like a story that reveals new layers with each turn. The album is more than just a collection of songs; it's an emotional guide that beckons us to explore the depths of our own feelings and explores navigating emotions, self-discovery, and nostalgia through soulful melodies.
The tracks on the 45 are "All Of Me", a big favourite on the Craig Charles Funk and Soul show, and "Self Revolution", another Retro Soul sounding track that will be released on the same day the album comes out on Oct 27th.

The digital release date is 27th Oct
The vinyl will be shipping early Dec.
Pre-order here: https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-melody-within
The Melody Within by Gary Beals
Powerhouse R&B/Soul vocalist and Canadian Idol finalist. Gary Beals, is thrilled to be releasing his new album, The Melody Within. The Melody within is a musical journey that unfolds across two sides, much like a story that reveals new layers with each turn. The album is more than just a collection of songs; it's an emotional guide that beckons us to explore the depths of our own feelings and explores navigating emotions, self discovery, and nostalgia through soulful melodies. "This album serves as the aftermath to my previous album, "Bleed My Truth". It's a continuation of my musical journey, a fusion of soulful melodies and diverse influences that mirror both my personal and artistic evolution," said Gary Beals. "Each song is a chapter, a piece of my heart and soul, inviting listeners into my world of emotions, experiences and connection. It uncovers the melody that resides within. The anticipation is building as I look forward to sharing this collection of new music, and I hope it resonates deeply, offering a meaningful and memorable musical experience enriched with a multitude of emotions." With this new body of work, Gary had the opportunity to work with two talented primary producers,Beatchild (Drake, Justin Nozuka, Glen Lewis) and Myles "Losh'' Schwartz (Allan Rayman, Tobi, The Game, Pretty Lights). Additional production credits on the album include, Chris Guirguis, Frizzy Astro (Raz Fresco, Daniel Son), Jordan "Tempo" Farmer, Kobebeats (Rodwave, Kcamp, Sevyn),Sid Aakowa, Ty Danelley (Popcaan, Tory Lanez, Pressa) and Warren Williams, who all helped to shape the makings of the album while maintaining a consistent synergy. Side A of the album draws inspiration from the likes of Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, and James Brown, and pays homage to artists who have played an integral part in shaping Gary's musical roots. This side includes Gary's previously released singles, "Good People, Good Vibes" and "All of Me," and the album's title track "The Melody Within," that commends the process of self-discovery and introspection. Also included is the album's 5th single, "Self Revolution," which will be released on October 27th along with the official music video. On Side B, you'll encounter a fusion of R&B and pop elements while still staying true to the album's soulful essence. Included on this side, is Gary's third single "I Like That," featuring JRDN and KAYO ,and the new single "How Do I Say (I Love You)," released September 22nd. "How Do I Say (I Love You)" dives into the inner conflict of conveying affection, showing vulnerability, and the bravery needed to expose one's heart to someone else. About Gary Beals: Two decades ago, Gary embarked on his musical journey when he, a small-town kid from Nova Scotia (now calling Toronto home), made a remarkable entrance onto the national stage as a part of Canada's inaugural season of Canadian Idol. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the finale where Gary was crowned as the "runner up" on the show. The experience ignited a transformative period of self-reflection and discovery that propelled Gary toward personal growth, shaping his life and musical career in lasting ways.

Fast forward through three albums and twenty years, Gary's work and talent have made a remarkable impact and received widespread critical acclaim. Among his accomplishments are debuting in the top 10 of the Canadian sales chart, being nominated for a JUNO Award for "Best R&B/Soul Recording," winning an East Coast Music Award and seven African Nova Scotia Music Awards, as well as scoring nominations for an Urban Music Award and a Canadian Radio Music Award. These accomplishments led to his home province's Premier officially designating November 22nd as Gary Beals Day in acknowledgment of his achievements.
With his return, Gary is poised to make a positive impact on the ever-expanding global community as he prepares to release his new album The Melody Within. The album will stand as a tribute to the strength that resides within all of us and a reminder that true fulfillment comes not just from achieving goals, but from discovering the intricate beauty that lies within our own hearts and souls.
https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-melody-within

By LRK in News Archives · October 23, 20231 yr

Out now the latest 45 release from Big AC Records...
Nick Corbin & The Hang Ups - Feelin' Kinda Lucky / Time Alone - Big AC Records
Released Friday 20th October 2023, the label release notes and purchase details follow below
‘Feelin’ Kinda Lucky’ is the first single from Nick Corbin & The Hang Ups, recorded direct to tape at Kitty,Daisy & Lewis’ Durham Sound Studio in Kentish Town.
Corbin has previously fronted Acid Jazz act New Street Adventure and his own solo project as well as writing for the likes of Emma Noble, Laville, Lack of Afro and Carmy Love.
This collaboration with his touring band brings a raw edge to proceedings; a self-produced gem capturing all the energy of live performance in the studio. Corbin says “‘Feelin’ Kinda Lucky’ is about waking up and feeling as though all is right in the world. You don’t know why or how but you carry that energy and satisfaction through the day. We tried to capture that with the musical arrangement too - there are these breaks throughout that build anticipation about the next section, culminating in a raucous outro, where we intentionally sped up, taking advantage of the freedom the analogue recording process gave us”
“I had recorded at Durham Sound with Phono 48 a couple of years before and knew we could get a sound reminiscent of the Muscle Shoals studio, particularly with the rhythm section. Combining that with a few other Soul, Jazz and even Americana influences from the other guys in the band has given us a really refreshing mix of old and new – we hope people will find it an uplifting song to listen to!”
‘Feelin’ Kinda Lucky’ is the first of two new recordings which will sit either side of a limited edition 45, now available from https://www.bigacrecords.com and various record stores including our very own Source Store. Tap here to view Source Store page

Videos

Audio
Nick-Corbin-Hang-Ups-FEELIN-KINDA-LUCKY-cut.mp3

Images

By Mike in News Archives · October 20, 20231 yr

My name is Jim Cartwright, I am a playwright. We are honoured to be closing the 'Fiftieth Anniversary of Wigan Casino' celebrations in Wigan on this Saturday night with my brand new play NORTHERN SOUL.
We have a fantastic high profile cast. Tickets are FREE.
Please see attached press release for more details.
All best wishes,
Jim

Northern Soul by Jim Cartwright

When: 21 October, 8pm
Where: Trencherfield Mill (Machine Hall)
A one-off performance of a new play written by Jim Cartwright and Directed by Nick Bagnall, which pays tribute to the legendary music and dance venue; Wigan Casino, performed with support from students of Rose Bruford College.

NEW 'LIFE AFFIRMING' PLAY CELEBRATES NORTHERN SOUL ANNIVERSARY
A life affirming new play which captures what it was like to be at the epicentre of the Northern Soul movement when it exploded and the passion and exhilaration of the scene as it is now, is coming to Wigan, the very Mecca of Northern Soul.
NORTHERN SOUL will be performed by a remarkable cast (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies, Everybody's talking about Jamie) (The Full Monty,Wire in the Blood,Coronation Street)
The play is written by award winning internationally renowned playwright Jim Cartwright (Road, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice etc..) and directed by Nick Bagnall, whose previous works have been performed at The National Theatre, Manchester’s Royal Exchange and Liverpool Everyman.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, said: ‘Northern Soul means so much to the people of Wigan. Through this fantastic and high-profile cast list, alongside the commitment and work from Rose Bruford College who have played such an integral part in developing the play, it’s amazing to see the Northern Soul baton being handed on to the next generation of fans.'
The play is a part of a series of events put on by Wigan Council to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wigan Casino, including panel discussions, exhibitions and theatre productions.
Director, Nick Bagnall, added: ‘The play highlights painful and uplifting stories of quiet revolution alongside a joyous abundance of music and dance.'
The performance will take place at Trencherfield Mill on Saturday, October 21 from 8pm. To book tickets, please email wiganmuseum@wigan.gov.uk
Contact us visitwigan.com 01942 828128
https://www.visitwigan.com/Events/Casino-50.aspx

NORTHERN SOUL PRESS RELEASE with you tube links Oct 2023.pdf

wigan casino

By Jimbo in News Archives · October 16, 20231 yr

Out today (10th October 2023 ) 2 very strong releases from the Soul Direction label. Details follow below
Hank Hodge & The J Notes Band - Eye for An Eye / Since You Said Goodbye – (Soul Direction Origins SDO1008
The Caressors - I Can’t Stay Away / Sir Joe - Every Day (I’ll Be Needing You) – Soul Direction Origins SDO1008

Hank Hodge & The J Notes Band - Eye for An Eye / Since You Said Goodbye – Soul Direction Origins SDO1008
Info
Initially brought to the attention of the rare soul scene by Mark "Butch" Dobson in some of his first ventures into his DJ career covered as "Lancaster Johnson". A 45 that has always been very elusive for the years after it's initial plays and still commands a king's ransom to own.
After some initial research into Willie Henry Hodge (Hank to his friends and family) and sadly finding his obituary, further searching lead us to his brother "Larry Hodge". We contacted Larry, and we had a couple of conversations about Hank and the two releases
for the "Eye" Label. He did recall that Hank had already been with the "J-Notes" for a while before the two releases and that both were released locally but were only minor hits in the area, and "Eye for An Eye" being played the lesser of the two, so with no commercial
success came no financial rewards.
This led Soul Direction to propose a re-release of "Eye for An Eye" and a chance to at least give something to the family for what was an inspired piece of rare soul on vinyl. Larry spoke with the family and anyone else connected with the initial release and
agreed this would be a fitting tribute to his brother and the rest of the J-Note Orch. (sadly according to Larry have all but passed away).
Backed with the Joel Bernard Ledbetter song "Since You Said Goodbye" and all permissions granted, it seemed a perfect double sider.
Sleeve Notes
A native of Calhoun County, GA, Hank resided in Jacksonville, Florida, where he received his early education graduating from Stanton Senior High School-Class of 1957. Furthering his education, he earned his Barber License from Jones College. He helped form the J-Notes Band which were managed by Joe Giles and featured vocalists Evelina Smith and Henry “Hank” Hodge as lead singers with Ray Love on tenor sax and flute; Ron Tooley on trumpet, John Sanders on guitar and vocals, Ed Coley on bass and vocals and Dick Curtis on drums and vocals. The band played many of the local dances at the Women’s Club of Jacksonville in Riverside as well as other venues like the Southside Women’s Club and more. His brother Larry recalls the tracks recorded on Hank’s own label Eye with fondness and did play on some of the sessions but could not recall if he took part in the final recordings.
They only recorded 2 records on the label, and both have continued to be elusive to collectors and DJ’s alike. Unfortunately, they never made a huge impact on their release but did stay popular songs around the community Hank lived in. The J-Notes did record one album of classic covers named “Versatility” on their own label which again is rare itself. He later became a self-employed Carpenter and Owner/ Operator of Interior Design with 40 years of dedicated service. Mr. Hodge was a dedicated member of the church until his passing. Mr. Willie Henry Hodge, age 74, passed away July 16, 2012, in a local hospital with his family around him.

Discography:
Hank Hodge (With The J-Note & Orch) - Eye for An Eye / Since You Said Goodbye - Eye Productions
Hank Hodge - One Way Love / Thank You Girl - Eye Productions
J Notes Band - Versatility, Volume 1 - No Label Name
Licensed Courtesy of Larry Hodge & the Hodge Family

Alan Kitchener (Soul-Direction)
https://www.soul-direction.co.uk
Hank Hodge (With The J-Note & Orch) - Eye for An Eye
SDO-1007A-HANK HODGE - Eye For An Eye-cut.mp3
Hank Hodge & The J Notes Band - Since You Said Goodbye
SDO-1007B-HANK HODGE_Since You Said Goodbye-cut.mp3

The Caressors - I Can’t Stay Away / Sir Joe - Every Day (I’ll Be Needing You) – Soul Direction Origins SDO1008
Soul-Direction bring you these two classic and rare slabs of soul from the Ru-Jac stable fully licensed and ready to unleash on your turntables.
The Caressors - I Can’t Stay Away – Soul Direction Origins SDO1008A
Info
The Caressors needs no introduction as a veteran of the Northern soul Dance floors and an elusive 45, as most have been sat in collectors' boxes for many years, with only a few appearing for sale in collector's circles and internet auction sites.
Co written by Rufus Mitchell and George Charles Brown and released in 1968. Mitchell had a involvement in a few Ru-Jac outings including tracks with Winfield Parker and Gene & Eddie. According to the Label owners at Ru-Jac and other artists at the stable, no one recalls anything about the band at all. At that point they decided to change the label colour to yellow and adopted a new font for the label text, and The Caressors was the first release in the new colour. Other than a promotional photo of the group attached to an artist contract, they seemingly formed, recorded and disappeared again. They could have well been session singers who sometimes performed a song in the studio but never pursued a further career together.
Sir Joe - Every Day (I’ll Be Needing You) – Soul Direction Origins SDO1008B
Info
The Sir Joe track is one that has been around in sales boxes and on collector's tapes and CD's for the best part of 30 years without really breaking into the mainstream of the DJ playlists. This maybe down to its rarity and of course obscurity to many people outside the hardcore of collections. This is one release that Soul Direction had planned some time ago, but do to pressing plant constraints has taken it's time, but happy to say it has had some dance floor exposure recently, which is something that has been long overdue.
Penned and performed by Joe Quarterman himself in 1970 and remains an elusive 45 in the world of collecting. Joseph Patrick Quarterman hailed from the Shaw neighbourhood in Washington D.C. He started writing songs at a young age and after graduating from Dunbar High School he met song writers Eddie Best and Don Downing and began singing lead vocals with a Washington. DC group called “The Knights” and adopted the name Sir Joe.” He later formed a recording group Sir Joe and The Maidens” after most of the knights went into the armed services. The Baltimore label primarily active between 1963-1974, with one additional release in 1980.
“Ru-Jac” was named as such based on the initials of its founder, Rufus Mitchell, and associate Jack Bennett. The record label had no studio so recordings were usually done at Edgewood or Virtue studios so we can presume these tracks were recorded at one or both of these studios. Licensed courtesy of Omnivore Recordings.
Alan Kitchener (Soul-Direction)
https://www.soul-direction.co.uk

The Caressors - I Can’t Stay Away
SDO-1008-A-The_Caressors_I Can't stay away-cut.mp3
Sir Joe - Every Day (I’ll Be Needing You)
SDO-1008-B-Sir_Joe_Every Day-cut.mp3

By Mike in News Archives · October 10, 20231 yr

Introduction
For over 15 years I wrote a monthly column in the now defunct Manifesto magazine, latterly under the editorship of Mike Ritson. This was a premier, glossy monthly publication that in my opinion surpassed everything since Black Music and hard copy Blues & Soul went under. Most of my submissions were record reviews interspersed with articles on labels and artists. My many box files contained information from various sources from old copies of the Detroit Free Press to heart felt letters from 60s artists seeking some sort of exposure in Britain. They were akin to bits of jigsaw, each one interesting but insufficient to create a complete picture.
In a long-forgotten Detroit / Motown box were some cassettes of unissued Motown tracks from LA record dealer and DJ, Bob Cattaneo and also one time Motown employee, Tom Depierro. Connected to the latter was a letter from Tom to Soul aficionado, Ian Clark who I first met at the early 6Ts nights in London in the mid 70s, the letter gave Ian the tragic news of the slaying of Lester Tipton and how Tom and Lester had become friends in Hollywood.
So here, along with other bits and pieces accumulated while preparing the `Groovesville USA` book were enough jigsaw pieces for an article but sadly Manifesto magazine ground to a halt in the spring of 2019 and the story remained unpublished, until now.
LESTER TIPTON
Lester Fred Tipton was born 1st September 1948 in Detroit Mi. along with twin sister Leslie Viola to their parents, Mr & Mrs Willard Tipton. The twins had two brothers, Larry and Eddie. Lester and Leslie attended Goldberg Elementary school on Marquette St. then Hutchins Jr High on Woodrow Wilson and on to Northern High, on Woodward. At Northern, Lester showed great skills in design and some of his creations were bought by local celebrities. By the mid 60s, 2000 of Northern’s students were Afro-American with the likes of Ron Banks, Smokey Robnison, Pete Moore, Sylvia Moy, Lorraine Chandler and Aretha Franklin graduating from there.

Lester and Leslie were keen singers at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church on near by Elmhurst and soon after leaving school, Lester heard about a new record label that had opened up nearby at 6072 14th St. near Marquette in January ‘66 by Lou Beatty, called La Beat. Like other local young aspiring singers he would linger outside and stare in to the studios through the large windows. The building, originally a four bedroomed house was quite imposing which Beatty had converted, with the studio on street level and was well equipped with Crown two track recorders, Bogan mixers etc. Although he had experience in making music as a young saxophonist, Beatty’s inexperience in recording showed somewhat as 14th Street had heavy traffic and the recording room’s large windows allowed street noise in. He eventually overcame this by using the Universal Studios in Chicago for special sessions. No doubt in anticipation of his new venture, the previous year had seen him form a loose partnership with the Rev James Hendrix aka Hendricks who already had the Carrie label behind him, which featured both Motor City recordings as well as tracks leased from North Carolina and his home town Nashville. Hendrix’s labels originally had PO Box addresses prior to 6072 14th St. Soon other labels emerged that were connected to this address; Rambler, Arnold, Cool School and Mary Jane. Once La Beat got on its feet and Beatty became more confident he began distancing himself from Hendrix and engaged Teddy Harris Snr. as his music advisor.

La Beat Studios with Beatty
Beatty, who lived on LaSalle St like most other label owners in Detroit funded his sideline from his other business’, mainly Beatty Brothers Construction and motels, one of which stood almost opposite La Beat.
Lester managed to get the attention of Beatty who signed the 17 year old up for one session; La Beat 6607, “This Won’t Change” / “Go On”, written and produced by Johnny Mills and Curtis Trusell, both members of the LPTs (La Beat Production Team) but it made little to no impact on the Detroit music scene and so no more sessions followed. This was not the end of Lester’s venture into showbiz however as he and sister, who were great dancers entered a dance contest on Robin Seymour’s Swingin’ Time TV show on CKLW 9, broadcast around Detroit and went on to be the show’s regular dancers. When Seymour was asked who were his favourite dancers he nominated “The Tiptons, Lester & Leslie, they were probably the most famous. They were a black couple and great dancers, they were on the show every single day...Lester and Leslie would do things, and the other kids would try to copy them. They entered this national contest that Dick Clark had and won.. they won two Pontiac auto-mobiles.” Another competition prize was a trip to Florida and a third, a trip to Hollywood. Soon to become great friends, Tom Depierro said that on that occasion the siblings decided to stay there and they soon appeared as dancers in the film ‘Thank God It’s Friday` and Lester, with a different partner in `Cindy`, both released in 1978. He also appeared in a couple of TV sitcoms inc `Love Boat` and `Hollywood Dynasty`. But singing was still Lester’s driving ambition and in ‘75 he cut two sides with Jerome Russell but the record company were looking for a stereotypical Soul performer which Lester rejected as he knew what he wanted to achieve. The recordings remained in the can. By now he and Tom had formed a very strong friendship based around Lester’s musical aspirations but Tom began to witness Lester’s growing doubts about his singing ability which Tom described as “Ludicrous...he had rich natural tones, warmth, a wonderful sense of timing and harmonics, down to earth style and one ton of class. Why we couldn’t get a deal on him is something that remains a mystery”.
As many of you know Tom Depierro was in the music business and came to fame via his `From the Vaults` LP on Motown when he found hundreds of acetates that were in a skip outside a storage facility that originated from Motown when they were moving into 6255 Sunset in LA. They contained unreleased material from Detroit, recorded between 1960 – 67. With a plan to group together the best 35 tracks and then present a proposition to Motown, he approached the company but was rejected and “treated like a fool”. Instinctively however he knew the enormity of what he was sitting on and kept the idea on the back burner. He eventually found a position under Iris Gordy, Motown executive and wife of Johnny Bristol. Tom did not have a favourable opinion of Iris’s organisational skills and on one occasion when she was behind with a scheduled album release she impetuously demanded Tom deal with it. This was his opportunity to get his unreleased material onto vinyl and it was out on the streets before Motown realised it until reading about it in Billboard who had replaced a feature on Diana Ross with an article on `From the Vaults`. But by then 20,000 had been pressed and were selling well.

Tom also recalls a less favourable episode in his life when a well known record `entrepreneur` visited him at the time when Lester was living with him. When Lester relieved that he didn’t own a copy of his La Beat outing, the visitor reassured him he’d get him one and he also borrowed Andantes and Frank Wilson 45s from Tom. Tom revealed that Lester never did received his record and he never saw his two rare Motown discs again. Upon hearing of this episode from Tom, his long standing UK friend Ian Clark sent him a Grapevine copy to give to Lester who was over the moon with it and sent it on to Detroit for his family, most of whom had never heard it!
Tom said that he intended to record Lester on his own fledgling Airwaves label but at that point finances were not in place to promote Lester and get him the dates he deserved. By 1980 Lester had given up his dream and flew to New York City to the School of Cosmetology. Having qualified as a hairdresser he returned to California and rented in his own apartment in down town LA but on the night of 9th February 1982 someone broke in and beat him to death. The police suggested robbery was the motive but Tom made the point that Lester had few material possessions to steal only a couple of rings and a watch. His body was found five days later on Sunday 14th February by his now married sister, Leslie Russell. Ironically, `Love Boat`, the sit-com he had a part in was broadcast the following day.
His remains were taken back to Detroit and his funeral took place on Tuesday 23rd February 1982 at the Lincoln Memorial Park on 14 Mile at Gratiot and the service was held at the Charles T Cole Funeral Home on E Grand Boulevard with Rev John H Kearney officiating. Anthony Earl (Tony) Thornton sang a solo and Leonard Cheatem read the obituary. Now that she had the full story about his legendary status, she told Ian that someone in England should write about her brother.

La Beat Studios - The Masquraders
La Beat eventually closed down in 1972 and for any indie set up to last over five years was quite remarkable. Such was the demand for Beatty’s Detroit recordings in the UK that legendary Glaswegian record dealer John Anderson, struck a deal with Beatty in the late 70s to issue his recordings on his Grapevine label including of course, `This Won’t Change`. Having never been boot-legged, this gave Britain’s Soul fans the opportunity to own Detroit Soul’s holy grail as the original was virtually unobtainable. Lou Beatty passed away on 7th March, 2001 and very sadly, John on 2nd October 2019.
You will notice that I have not referred to the value of Lester’s 45s on La Beat or Grapevine. I learned something some twenty years ago when I was in contact with and eventually met Leonard King Jr. a contemporary of Lester’s in Detroit, back in the day. Leonard told me as tactfully as he could that most of us in the UK only viewed the Detroit Soul scene through a hole in a 7” piece of plastic and if a name didn’t appear on the aforementioned disc of vinyl, then we would probably never know about them. I eventually realised this was oh so true, certainly as far as I was concerned once I started looking through various 60s entertainment mags and newspapers from mid sixties Detroit. But I also know there are British guys around who know more than me because they’ve looked beyond monetary value and have been to the States and befriended these artists for more that wanting what was in their attic or garage. In Leonard’s case, as a teenager he and his band, the Soul Messengers who had one release on Impact Records were, he told me taken to the cleaners financially and so never recorded again. They, along with scores of other Detroit artists made their money and reputation on the live scene playing the hundreds of clubs, lounges, ballrooms, bar etc. in the city.
I would like to thank Graham Finch, Paul Mooney and Dave Welding for their invaluable research, Ron Murphy for newspaper photos, Stuart Russell for layout and Ian Clark in particular for specific information on Lester Tipton.
Keith Rylatt

Video

artists

By Funky 4 Corners in Articles · October 8, 20231 yr

Our popular 'Featured Events' feature has undergone some work, improvements and updates
Source Event Guide Featured Events
Intro
The 'Featured Events' feature now allows promoters/organisers/members to 'upgrade' any Event's exposure/awareness via the event listings in our Soul Source Event Guide.
For a small cost members can now 'upgrade' their own or indeed other members Event Guide Entry in minutes
Prices have been upgraded
The trial 'opening' offer is now over, however the 'final' price for one week slot is now £15 not the full £20 as stated earlier
Now the 'opening' offer is over, the 2, 3, and 4 week slot prices have been reduced to offer better value as per the below
Price of Featured Event Slots (from Oct 2023)
Four types of slots are available...
One week slot will cost £15.
Two week slot will cost £25.
Three week slot will cost £35.
One month slot will cost £45.

Purchase Links
When purchasing slots, some members have had issues with copying and pasting the url while using mobile devices, to get around this we now have the following additions to the direct 'copy and paste' purchase link
A pm link on each slots page to purchase 'manually' by pm
A direct promoter/poster only link that shows on each event to the actual promoter/posting member only, Just tap the button and the url will be filled in for you Screenshot of Promoters/Posters Event View

More info on this feature can be had via the product page (link below)
For direct purchase go to the product page (link below) or use the 'on event' link as above
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/store/category/13-event-guide-featured-event-slots/

By Mike in Soul News · October 5, 20231 yr

JAHEIM - Just In Case / Diamond In Da Ruff (JAR11)
Jaheim H. Hoagland, known professionally just as Jaheim, is best described as an R&B singer, but as all his releases are post millennium, the term has a different usage now to the style of the 50s/60s/70s that once used the genre. A resident of Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, and the grandson of 1960s soul singer Hoagy Lands which gives him Cuban, African and Native American blood, plus a fine musical heritage.
His recording career started with Divine Mill Records (a division of Warner Bros. Records) and his debut album “Ghetto Love” was released in 2001 to great acclaim. His follow-up album “Still Ghetto” (2002) spawned two hit singles, “Put That Woman First” and “Fabulous”, that both went platinum, and his third album “Ghetto Classics” (2006) topped the US Billboard chart selling over 153,000 copies in its first week. He then was signed to Atlantic Records in 2007 and his success continued with another three albums, and his final album to date, “Struggle Love” (2016) was released through BMG on his own label Julie’s Dream. To date he has received three Grammy nominations and sold over 5 million records worldwide.
The tracks selected for their 7” debuts are “Just In Case”, which was from the 20-track album “Ghetto Love” and did actually get released on a 12” being a massive favourite at the more progressive soul events, and “Diamond In Da Ruff” from “Still Ghetto”, which was also released on 12” vinyl.
Steve Hobbs (Solar radio / Totally Wired Radio)

JOHNNIE TAYLOR / BOBBY BLAND - Let´s Get Back On Track / Heart, Open Up Again (JAR12)
Johnnie Taylor was an accomplished soul artist despite having little instrumental skill and he rarely wrote any of his own material. He was known variously as the ‘Blues Wailer’ and the ‘Philosopher Of Soul’ and recorded over 30 albums and 120 singles throughout a career that cemented his status as one of the leading male soul vocalists during the late sixties and throughout the seventies.
He started his recording career mid-50s with the doo-wop group The Five Echoes and gospel groups The Highway Q.C.’s and then in 1957, The Soul Stirrers, replacing Sam Cooke who had left the group for a solo career. Taylor followed that path a few years later signing for Cooke’s SAR label. and had a minor hit in 1962 with “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day”.
in 1964 he moved to Stax Records where he started as a blues artist enjoying many fruitful years, most notably with “Who’s Making Love” selling more than a million copies. Following the unfortunate demise of Stax in 1976 he moved to Columbia Records where he went platinum with the hit “Disco Lady” (ironically not a disco track at all) and the album from which it came ‘Eargasm’ (1976) was a commercial peak he would never scale again. However, he continued with many collectable releases before moving to Beverly Glen Music in the early eighties and then Malaco Records in 1984, where his style became the more soul-blues based sound that was synonymous with the label. He remained with them until he died of a heart attack in Dallas aged 66 in 2000.
“Let’s Get Back On” Track comes from the CD ‘Gotta Get The Groove Back’ (1999) produced (and co-written with Charlie Brooks) by Frederick Knight, who also used the same backing track some 7 years later with his production of the David Sea track “Stay In My Arms” which was a modern soul favourite and will help to register the significance of this earlier production. It is now available as a vinyl release for the first time. It was taken from his final album although Malaco released ‘There’s No Good In Goodbye’ posthumously in 2003.
Robert Calvin Brooks, known professionally as Bobby “Blue” Bland spent his early career in Memphis, developing a sound that mixed gospel with blues and R&B and was known as the ‘Lion Of The Blues ‘and the ‘Sinatra Of The Blues’. His father abandoned the family not long after his birth and he acquired his name from his stepfather, Leroy Bland. His formative musical years were centered around the Beale Street scene and he was scouted by Ike Turner for Modern Records.
His progress was interrupted by a two year stint in the US Army and when he returned to Memphis he signed for Duke Records, run by Don Robey. Bland was illiterate and Robey helped him sign his contract which only gave him half a cent per record sold instead of the industry standard of 2 cents. He had his first hit in 1957 and continued a successful run of R&B chart entries without breaking through into the mainstream markets and was ranked number 13 of the all time chart-topping artists in Joel Whitburn’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-1995”.
Duke Records sold out to ABC and with them he managed to return to the R&B charts but he still couldn’t succeed in the pop charts. In 1985 Bland signed for Malaco who were specialists in the Southern black music sound and he recorded many albums and toured for them, frequently with B.B. King, and was inducted into the ‘Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’ in 1992.
Whilst “Heart Open Up Again” was a vinyl release in 1985 it was not chosen to be the single release from the Tommy Couch & Wolf Stephenson produced album Members Only (1985). This beautiful ballad, penned by George Jackson/Robert Miller/Michael Wooten, was never before released as a single and is a fabulous pairing with the topside – two of the best from two of the all-time greats.
Steve Hobbs (Solar radio / Totally Wired Radio)

PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 14th OCTOBER
www.soul4real.es

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By Alexsubinas in News Archives · October 4, 20231 yr

WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEXT RELEASE BMR 1017 - THE EMBERS - 'JUST CRAZY 'BOUT YOU BABY' B/W 'AWARE OF LOVE', UNDER LICENCE FROM EMBERS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES/KHP PRODUCTIONS TO BIG MAN RECORDS.
THE EMBERS NEED NO INTRODUCTION TO THE RARE SOUL SCENE, FORMED IN 1958 BY Co FOUNDERS BOBBY TOMLINSON (DRUMMER) AND JACKIE GORE (LEAD SINGER) THE GROUP HAVE RECORDED A HOST OF ALBUMS AND 45's OVER THE YEARS, THE NORTHERN SCENE HAS ENJOYED SUCH RECORDS AS 'WATCH OUT GIRL' (MGM) 'FIRST TIME' (JCP) 'WHERE DID I GO WRONG' (ATLANTIC) AND THIS SUBLIME DOUBLE HEADER, 'JUST CRAZY 'BOUT YOU BABY' WAS ISSUED TWICE ON THE GROUPS OWN EEE RECORDS (EMBERS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES) LABEL THE RARER ISSUE BEING WITH THE SUBLIME JERRY BUTLER/CURTIS MAYFIELD SONG 'AWARE OF LOVE' ON THE FLIP ALSO RECORDED BY JERRY BUTLER AND THE IMPRESSIONS THE EMBERS SMASH IT OUT OF THE BALL PARK WITH A DREAM OF A VERSION WHICH HAS BEEN CHAMPIONED FOR MANY YEARS BY THE LIKES OF GUY HENNIGAN AT THE RARE SOUL VENUES AND RIGHTLY SO. THE TRACKS HAVE BEEN REMASTED AND SOUND FABULOUS. 'CRAZY 'BOUT YOU BABY' IS SIMPLY DANCE FLOOR DYNAMITE WHICH GAINED FAVOUR AT THE ALLNIGHTERS BACK IN THE EARLY 80's BUT NEEDS IT'S DAY IN THE SUN AGAIN.
THE RELEASE WILL COME IN A CUSTOM CARD PICTURE SLEEVE WITH SLEEVE NOTES, A6 COLLECTORS CARD, FACSIMILE SIGNED GROUP PROMO PICTURE CARD INSERT IN A POLY SLEEVE, THE RELEASE IS IN PRODUCTION AND WILL. BE AVAILABLE PRE CHRISTMAS, TO RESERVE A COPY PM MARK BICKNELL EMAIL bicknellmark@aol.com OR bigmanrecords1@gmail.com
THERE IS STILL AN EMBERS GROUP PERFORMING IN THE UNITED STATES BEING VERY ACTIVE AND ASSOCIATED WITH THE BEACH MUSIC SCENE THERE, THEIR BODY OF WORK AND RECORDINGS ARE LEGENDARY BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC,
THE TWO MORE MODERN PICTURES HERE ARE JACKIE GIRE AND BOBBY TOMLINSON THE TWO ORIGINAL Co FOUNDERS OF THE EMBERS.

Embers Promo-1.mp4

By Mark Bicknell in News Archives · October 3, 20231 yr

A quick heads up on a couple of recent improvements to our Soul Event Guide - Local Soul Events feature
Firstly we do now have a local text based search - just enter town/city/district for a 'ranged' (50 mile default) list of events which carries onto other weeks
Members can now also choose to use their profile location when logged in
Once a location is chosen it should then be your 'default' location in the 'local events' section for 14 days
Get over to see it all in action
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/events/14-local-soul/

Screenshot

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

By Mike in Soul News · September 29, 20231 yr

A sonic snapshot of America’s steel capital, developed in the prosperous cavern between the departure of the Jackson 5 to Motown and the collapse of U.S. Steel, Skyway Soul is a love letter to Gary, Indiana.
Featuring The New Day, El Anthony, Nate Evans, Sky’s The Limit, Wilton Crump, Lost Weekend, General Lee, Krash Band, Billy Foster & Audio, I.N.D., and Junei, this double album collects 21 lost songs from the southern-most tip of Lake Michigan.
Housed in a deluxe tip-on gatefold jacket, with a 16-page booklet crammed with photos, ephemera, and an in-depth essay from Jake Austen, Skyway Soul connects the dots between The Spaniels, Michael Jackson, and Freddie Gibbs.
Don’t forget to pay the toll.
Pre-order: Release date December 1, 2023.
Track List
The Newday Wait A Minute Girl
El Anthony I Want To Be Together With You
Nate Evans Main Squeeze
El Anthony Sweet Jo-Ann
Sky's The Limit Don't Be Afraid
Nate Evans & Mean Green The Look On Your Face
Wilton Crump Give Your Love To Me
Lost Weekend The Bridge of Love
Wilton Crump Think It Through
The Krash Band So I Can Make This Change
El Anthony We've Been In Love Too Long
General Lee & Lost Weekend Trouble
General Lee Pleasure
Billy Foster I Need Your Love
Into New Dimensions Stay Sweet
General Lee Magic
Junei' Let's Ride
Into New Dimensions You Just Be You
Billy Foster Night Music
Into New Dimensions Everybody Likes To Do It
General Lee & The Space Army Band We Did It Baby (Part 1)

By Mike in News Archives · September 29, 20231 yr

Anniversaries are prevalent in the Northern Soul World. This year there has been a lot of noise regarding Wigan Casino’s 50th and Morecambe Pier’s 40th. However, it seems to have gone unnoticed that the place where it all started The Twisted Wheel Club, Manchester opened its doors for the first time 60 years ago on the 27 Jan 1963. The all-important trademark Black Music all-nighter was held later in that year on 28 September 1963.
Please see the attached link The Twisted Wheel Anniversary soul source.pdf for more details.
Pdf link - tap below
The Twisted Wheel Anniversary soul source.pdf

"A good and comprehensive review of the second location of the Twisted Wheel - I ought to know I went there from 1963 the first Wheel and regularly until 68' being the dj at the nearby Blue Note club visiting the Whitworth St club after finishing to watch the fantastic acts at The Wheel after midnight on Saturdays up to 71'. That last night with Edwin Starr. My own book about the period is The Manchester Wheelers".

,
If anyone would like a copy of the book £15.00 by PayPal F&F POST FREE to Soul Source members please send a personal message
Rob Mckeever aka @Chapelisland
The Twisted Wheel Anniversary soul source.pdf

THE TWISTED WHEEL CLUB MANCHESTER 60TH ANNIVERSARY 28-9-63

A Brief Introduction from the Book 6 Whitworth Street Manchester, the Birthplace of Northern Soul

Anniversaries are prevalent in the Northern Soul World. This year there has been a lot of noise regarding Wigan Casino's 50"" and Morecambe Pier's 40' However it seems to have gone unnoticed that the place where it all started The Twisted Wheel Club, Manchester opened its doors for the first time 60 years ago on the 27 Jan 1963. However the all important trademark Black Music all-nighter was held later in that year on 28-September-1963.

The club was born out of the London Mod clubs specifically the Scene Club where Roger Eagle The Wheels first DJ visited before settling in Manchester. When he first arrived in Manchester, he struck up a friendship with a Roger Fairhurst; a fellow enthusiast As their friendship grew Fairhurst would visit Eagles flat where they would listen to records and according to Fairhurst.

"We got a bee in our bonnets about the fact there was nowhere to go and listen to this stuff. All the clubs in Manchester were playing beat/pop stuff The Beatles had started by then, it was ok in its own way, but not our thing. We had heard about Guy Stevens and the Scene Club in London and we were thinking why we can't do that".

The Scene Club was a small club in Ham Yard, 41 Great Windmill Street, Soho. Its R&B nights started in 1963 fronted by Guy Stevens who also sold R&B imports at the club. Stevens was a revolutionary player in UK R&B. At the Scene Club, he played obscure R&B records which attracted a growing number of Mods and musicians, including members of The Who, The Small Faces, The Yardbirds, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Richard Barnes in his book 'Mods' states

"It was exciting at The Scene there were lots of interesting people. The DJ Guy Stephens, the man with the best R&B collection in the country was playing some of his precious rare records. He had the best records before anyone else. I used to go along with [Pete] Townshend to his flat in Regents Park to hear records that the High Numbers [later The Who] might want to play on stage or record. He had hundreds of albums and piles of singles from unknown and remote small record companies. For a fee he would tape the ones you wanted".

When Eagle started his DJ career at the first all-nighter held at the Wheel on Saturday, 28th September 1963. He recalled: "That was the first time ever that a place [in the UK] played almost 100% Black music. It was danceable [music]. I had to keep people dancing for 7 hours and there weren't many Soul and R&B records about at the time, the bands played for 45 minutes [on that particular night Graham Bond Quartet and Spencer Davis]. I played Little Richard, Black Rock and Roll and Rhythm and Blues. The first few weeks were dismal, as they were attended by a scruffy bunch of ex-Left Wingers"

However, after about a month, following their customary few drinks in a nearby pub the two Rogers, Eagle and Fairhurst (who also DJ'd), set off for the all-nighter. As they turned in Brazennose Street, to their surprise they were confronted by the sight of a large crowd. Initially confused, they soon realised that people were queuing to get into The Twisted Wheel; there was even a coach from the Midlands. Word had spread that this club, on a Saturday night was offering something different. The two of them soon realised they had created by design, or accident, a new musical experience, at least for Manchester. The Wheel was playing sounds that could be heard in few, if any other, places outside the USA, possibly with the exception of the Scene Club and a few others in London. Even in the not so mobile 1960s, people would travel by any means possible to hear exclusive or rare music and to dance. They had inadvertently set a tone for the Northern Soul DJs of the future, where exclusivity and originality were paramount.

Although initially, the club was primarily attended by Mancunians, as word spread from the mid-'60s onwards, the club attracted youngsters from all over the North of England, North Wales and the Midlands, travelling by whatever means they could. They subsequently took the music back to their home towns. They collected (as best they could) the records they heard at The Wheel which they then played in local pubs and clubs. Like missionary zealots, they spread the faith, but it wasn't that difficult as people were readily converted. One such person was Carl Woodroffe who started going to The Wheel in November 1964 and continued until 1965. He later resumed his visits to The Wheel at Whitworth Street in 1967. Carl himself was a pioneer who took Northern Soul to the Midlands under his DJ name, 'Farmer Carl Dene'. He was responsible for starting the Soul nights at Chateaux lmpney,

from January 1965-1967, and the legendary Catacombs Club, Wolverhampton, which he started in October 1968. He recalls his early visits to Brazennose Street:

"The music at The Wheel was far superior to anywhere else and the atmosphere very special. When we first went, the dress code was very casual, but it seemed to change overnight. A few weeks after I started going the Mods had adopted the club and the dress code became smart, very smart. Musically everything at that time came out of The Wheel".

There is certainly evidence to suggest that The Wheel was setting the trend. Eagle was quoted as saying that Peter Stringfellow, manager/DJ of Sheffield's well regarded R&B club, King Mojo, brought a pen and paper with him when he came to The Wheel to write down the artists' details and song titles to buy the same records to play at the Mojo.

The Brasenose location closed and moved across town to Whitworth Street 11"" September 1965. By coincidence, the move to Whitworth Street was musically 'right-on- time' as far as UK releases of Black Music were concerned (imports at the time from the USA were either difficult or impossible). The Atlantic Record Company, one of the all-time great Black music record labels had sixteen releases in 1964 but over fifty in 1965. Although the company was registered in New York the music and artists came from the Southern (USA) States. Atlantic had set up a distribution agreement with Stax in Memphis and this is where most of the label's material came from. The Mods took to 'Southern' Soul with its edgy, double meaning lyrics with gusto and so did Eagle accordingly this type of music persisted for some time at the Wheel, until around 1967

Also in 1965, the Tamla Motown Label (TMG) was launched in the UK.

The label was the creation of Berry Gordy, but the name was suggested by Dave Godin. Godin founded The Tamla Motown Appreciation Society in the UK and was later recruited by Gordy as a consultant. Tamla Motown was an amalgamation for UK releases of his US labels, Motown, Gordy, Soul and V.I.P. Previous Motown releases in the UK had been on Oriole, Fontana and (mainly) Stateside. In that year TMG released 48 records. In the same year, other US labels with a presence in the UK had noted an increasing popularity in Black American music and followed suit. In 1965 Okeh, the R&B label owned by Columbia Records in the US released R&B and Soul music on Columbia UK

Similarly, Sue UK (apparently advised by Guy Stephens of the Scene Club) increased their releases but remained for the time being an R&B label. London, the UK subsidiary of US Decca, licensed material from US labels such as Imperial, Chess, Dot and Atlantic. In that year London released: Lou Johnson, 'Unsatisfied', The Soul Sisters, 'Good Time Tonight'; and Willie Mitchell, 'That Driving Beat'. Similarly, the HMV label released 'Woman's Got Soul' by The Impressions and two tracks by The Sapphires, 'Evil One' and 'Gotta Have Your Love'. All subsequently became Wheel classics.

Arguably the most respected UK label amongst Northern Soul followers was the Stateside label, owned by US Warner. In 1965, Stateside released over one hundred titles, which included a significant number of R&B and Soul recordings. These included Wheel favourites such as: Alvin Cash & the Crawlers, 'Twine Time'; Gene Chandler, 'Nothing Can Stop Me'; The Invitations, 'What's Wrong With Me Baby; Mickey Lee Lane, 'Hey Sah- LoNay'; and The Three Degrees, 'Gotta Draw the Line', etc. These and other records found there way to The Wheel where Soul music was starting to make an impact.

1966 brought a flood of releases. In particular it, gave the first glimpse of things to come when TMG (Tamla Motown Group) released Stevie Wonder's 'Uptight' in January and, a few months later, The Miracles' 'Whole Lotta Shaking in My Heart'. Both what would later be termed 'floor-shakers'. A term possibly first used by future Wheel DJ, Brian Phillips, to describe some of the records for sale on his lists back in the early '70s. Even the 'King of Rock and Roll' Little Richard was recording Soul records on the UK Columbia label by 1966 with 'A Little Bit of Something' and 'Poor Dog'.

Some of the content released on Tamla Motown tended to be of a commercial variety, particularly by Motown's biggest act, The Supremes. Although a lot of Motown was played at The Wheel, as the 60s progressed the crowd preferred the more uncommon releases such as Barbara McNair, 'You're Gonna Love My Baby'; The Temptations, 'Girl, Why You Wanna Make Me Blue'; The Contours, 'Just a Little Misunderstanding'; Marv Johnson, 'I Miss You Baby'; Gladys Knight, 'Just Walk in My Shoes'; The Velvelettes, 'These things Will Keep Me Loving You'; and Marvin Gaye, 'Little Darlin' to name a few. All of these recordings became enduring Wheel favourites and arguably, in technical terms, some of the best Motown produced.

After the move to Whitworth Street, Brian Phillips, who was soon to DJ at the club, noticed a change in Wheel personnel;

"The Brazen nose Street crowd had moved on, a younger element had arrived and they were demanding up-tempo records".

It was during the latter years of The Twisted Wheel at Whitworth Street that the term Northern Soul was first used. Dave Godin, an influential Black music fan, literary critic and visitor to The Wheel, used the term in his articles to differentiate between the type of Soul music then being played in the South (of England) to that in the North. It was first publicly used in Godin's fortnightly column in Blues and Soul magazine, in an article entitled 'The Up-North Soul Groove' (June 1970).

The club's reputation had stretched far and wide, and there were few towns and cities in the North, Midlands, North Wales and parts of Scotland that were excluded from its members' address list. Phil Saxe, who was a regular, then a DJ at the club from 1965-71, estimated that by the late 60s "50% of the attendees were from the Manchester area and 50% were from out-of-town".

No one, on a first visit, could fail to be mesmerised as they walked downstairs to the basement and into the DJ room early doors, to see the dancers in full flow. Fast and furious footwork, arms flying in the air interspersed with spins, drop-backs and the splits, at times complemented with spontaneous handclaps. At work the following week, some of these dancers would almost certainly be shrinking violets but, at that very moment in time, they were masters of their own Northern Soul universe, filled with a confidence and a look of invincibility that amphetamines readily gave.

Undoubtedly the dance style came from North America. According to Rylatt and Scott (authors of CENtral 1179), Alvin Cash & The Crawlers of 'Twine Time' fame, performed drop-backs, spins etc when they appeared at The Wheel; from then on, the crowd followed. If there are any doubters that Northern Soul dancing was inspired by Black artists then, with the benefit of hindsight provided by technology, we can lay that argument to rest. You can now observe on YouTube, Jackie Wilson's performance live in 1965, dancing and singing to 'Baby Workout', spinning, doing the splits and drop-backs with natural ease. Similarly, watch the 1963 recording of 'Monkey Time' by Major Lance, as he effortlessly displays his footwork 'Northern' style around the dance floor or any number of James Brown videos showing his finesse at the splits. Not only did Wheelers follow the music of Black America but also the dance moves. In 1967, Motown was massive at the club. Barry Turner was DJ'ing at the all-nighters and his repertoire contained at least 30% Motown records.

Until 1968 with some exceptions the Wheel plays were UK releases due to the lack of knowledge and logistics of importing records from the states except by a few 'in the know' individuals. However from 1968, imports were starting to 'come over' in a steady stream. One person, in particular, to take advantage of this was Brian '45' Phillips, who was responsible for introducing more rare imports to the club than any other DJ. Phil Saxe, with record collector Rob Bellars, also played a part by introducing amongst others: Jackie Lee, 'Darkest Days' (a Carl Woodroffe discovery); Sandy Sheldon, 'I'm Gonna Make You Love Me'; Gene Chandler, 'There Was a Time' (also by James Brown); Joy Lovejoy, 'In Orbit'; Larry Williams and Johnny Watson, 'Too Late' (Two For The Price Of One LP) and The Isley Brothers, 'Tell Me It's Just a Rumour' (Soul on The Rocks LP). It was common at The Wheel, that members brought in their own records to be played that the club didn't have; accordingly, the club had many new discoveries that came via this route. For Instance, Dave Godin on his famous visit brought The Adlibs; 'Nothing Worse Than Being Alone' and Sandy Sheldon 'You're Gonna Make Me Love You'. Ian Levine brought: Wingate's Love-In Strings, 'Let's Have a Love in'; J J Barnes, 'Please Let Me In'; and Rose Batiste, 'Hit and Run'. A number of the titles mentioned have proved to be enduring Northern Soul records.

Live artists were an important feature of the Wheel's format. Numerous Black artists appeared at the Whitworth Street, Saturday all-nighters at around 1.30am-2.00am and announced with great fanfare. Probably more Black performers appeared at the Wheel than any other UK venue. At Whitworth Street, there was a gradual shift from R&B, to Soul artists as the '60s progressed but not entirely.

In 1967 'new' Soul acts were introduced with The Spellbinders, Alvin Cash & The Crawlers, Mary Wells, Junior Walker and the Vibrations. In 1968 Robert Parker, JJ Jackson, James and Bobby Purify, Ike and Tina Turner, The lkettes, Clyde McPhatter, Oscar Toney Junior, The Showstoppers, and Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon. Similarly in 1969 Billy Stewart, Marv Johnson, The Platters, Jamo Thomas, Jimmy Ruffin, The Shirelles, Fontella Bass, Arthur Conley, Percy Sledge, and the one and only appearance of Northern Soul icon Major Lance. Probably the most respected and talented performer was Edwin Starr; Starr a big personality, who was an impressive vocalist and a talented writer. His records were Wheel anthems: 'My Weakness is You', 'Back Street', 'Agent 00 Soul', 'I Want My Baby Back', 'Way Over There', '25 Miles', 'Stop her on Sight (S.O.S)', and 'Time'. One of his best was '24 Hours to Find My Baby' from the 25 Miles LP; it was never released on a 45 and, as a consequence, remains underplayed to this day.

Ultimately, due to perceived? drug abuse, there was an air of inevitability about the club's closure. Manchester Corporation's introduced a restriction that any club in the Manchester area was forbidden to open between 12 midnight and 12 noon. Thus making the The Wheels Saturday all-nighter illegal and as this was the only functioning event at the club, closure was inevitable. The final appeal failed; the last all-nighter was 30" January 1971.

As far as Whitworth Street's Saturday early session and all-nighters are concerned, the main DJs, after Roger Eagle were: Bobby Dee, Barry Turner, Brian Rae, Paul Davis, Brian Phillips, Phil Saxe and Les Cokell.

In the history of The Wheel at Whitworth Street, one Northern Soul DJ stands out; Brian '45' Phillips. He is credited with introducing rare Soul, (by fellow and the longest serving DJ Paul Davies) especially imports, and it seems that at the time, nobody dug deeper to look for records more than Brian firstly as a DJ then as the first Northern Soul dealer. He had records no one else did. According to one member "It was a time when the Wheel was struggling with a lack of records, some were getting played three or more times a night when Brian started DJ-ing he made a difference". As Brian himself explained:

"In my time DJ-ing at The Wheel, imports were becoming more and more prevalent and accounted for around 35% of my plays. Soul imports started surfacing in the mid-'60s, turning up in obscure places, especially market stalls in London, where I visited on a regular basis. I went frequently on a Saturday getting the early train and returning on the last one. There were regular market stalls I used to visit, Record Comer in Ba/ham was a good source but I never had much luck at Soul City. Many shops seemed to have soul records in the 60s, I remember going into a book shop in Manchester and there was a stack of Okeh records lying on the floor".

"I dabbled in selling; swapping and dealing since the beginning of my involvement with The Wheel, say late '66. I remember in 1968 supplying Rob Bellars and Phil Saxe, but from 1969 I really got into it. Initially, I got most of my records in the UK. Later, as I established contacts in the US I imported directly from the States, sometimes 500 records at a time and started issuing lists. I had contacts in Philadelphia, LA and Jacksonville, another source was Martin Koppel in Canada who I forged a loose relationship with and got many from him. I supplied The Cats ([Catacombs)] guys at one time, Bob Crocker and lan Peiera. I had been interacting with Bob Croker for some time swapping records we were both obsessive about Soul records. The Cats were rivalling The Wheel for musical content in the late '60s. I also supplied The Torch DJs, Colin Curtis and Keith Minshull. Keith used to send someone from Stoke to collect them as he couldn't drive at the time. Ian Levine was a good customer".

Even after all these years, five decades of discoveries by dealers and collectors scouring every inch of the USA in search of records, many of the Wheel's records have a proven enduring quality. In Kev Roberts' book, 'Northern Soul Top 500', the Top 20 contains eight Twisted Wheel plays, as follows: 2-Dobie Gray 'Out on the Floor'; 5-Jimmy Radcliffe, 'Long After Tonight Is All Over'; 8-Garnet Mimms, 'Looking for You'; 10- Chuck Woods, 'Seven Days Too Long'; 11-Billy Butler, 'Right Track'; 15-Tony Clarke, 'Landslide'; 16-Larry Williams and Johnny Watson, 'Too Late'; and 18-Willie Tee, 'Walking up a One Way Street'. There are no less than 34 Wheel plays in the Top 100 and a total of 126 in the books' Top 500. The choice is, of course, subjective.

The Clubs Legacy

The lamented closure of The Twisted Wheel was far from the end of Northern Soul. Perhaps the most important part of The Wheel's immediate legacy was reviving the careers of Black America's forgotten artists. The Wheel was responsible for some UK Records re-releases in 1970. The Artistics, 'I'm Gonna Miss You' (MCA); The Contours 'Just a Little Misunderstanding' (TML); and Little Hank 'Mr Bang Man' (Monument), all saw UK chart success on the back of Twisted Wheel plays.

After The Wheel's closure in 1971, the momentum continued. The UK R&B charts compiled by Blues and Soul magazine were awash with Twisted Wheel classics including Bobbi Lynn, 'Earthquake'; Jackie Lee, 'Shotgun' and 'The Duck'; The Formations, 'At the Top of the Stairs'; Mel and Tim, 'Backfield in Motion'; Tony Clarke, 'Landslide'; and Ramsey Lewis, 'Wade in the Water'.

More importantly in the same year, there were some commercial breakthroughs in the national charts for records that 'flopped' on their original release. Tammi Lynn's 'I'm Gonna Run Away From You' reached number four in the UK Top Twenty Singles Chart. The Elgins 'Heaven Must Have Sent You' (TML label) reached number three. The Fascinations 'Girls Are Out To Get You' had three releases, on Stateside, Sue and Mojo; the later release and most successful of these reached number 32 on 3'° July 1971.

Northern Soul icon, Jackie Wilson, had three subsequent re-releases of 'I Get the Sweetest Feeling', a Brian Phillips discovery on import. The first reached number nine in 1972 (MCA); the second, number 25 in 1975 (Brunswick); and finally on the third release, number three (SMP) in 1985.

Even eighteen months after the club's closure, in June 1972, Blues and Soul magazine's Top 60 British R&B Singles (new releases) included:

Ramsey Lewis, 'Wade in the Water'; Donnie Elbert, 'A Little Piece of Leather'; Joy Lovejoy, 'In Orbit'; Earl Van Dyke, 'I Can't Help Myself'; The Sapphires, 'Gotta Have Your Love'; Phillip Mitchell,' Free for All'; Jimmy Holiday and Clydie King, 'Ready, Willing and Able'; Homer Banks, 'Hooked by Love'; Fontella Bass, 'Rescue Me'; Little Anthony and The Imperials 'Gonna Fix You Good'; and Roscoe Robinson, 'That's Enough'. All these records were played at The Wheel and over the following years the list just kept on growing.

Numerous clubs in the North and Midlands evolved as a result of The Wheel's clientele taking the music back to their towns and cities and starting their local scene; in Carlisle, they even named a club The Twisted Wheel after the Manchester one.

At the Wheels closure The Catacombs Club, Wolverhampton, which had been rivalling The Wheel for musical content in the latter years of The Wheel's existence, assumed the mantle of the UK's premier Soul club, reinforcing the Midland's Northern Soul scene. Outside of Manchester, most Wheelers from the North migrated thirty miles west to Blackpool, where upstairs in The Blackpool Mecca, The Highland Room was dedicated to 'rare Soul' .etc

The Wheel was instrumental in inspiring most 'things' Northern Soul: exclusive records, the dancing, talc (for the concrete floor), badges (originally worn on blazers), the traditional handshake and holdalls for the travellers. It spawned the first UK Black music magazine, R'nB Scene, and the first bootleg records on the Soul Sounds Label. Also 'the enders' (last records of the night) the most famous of which was Jimmy Radcliffe's 'Long After tonight is all Over' (borrowed from the London Mod clubs).

twisted wheel

By Chapelisland in News Archives · September 25, 20231 yr

Out Now!
The Low Down Band "Music is The Answer" / Somebody 7"/45rpm Ltd.
Listen:

Order:
https://www.epsilonrecord.com/streamlabel
or
https://cannonballsoul.com/streamrecords/
Lowdown Band
The Lowdown Band is an African American funk and soul group from the United States that gained popularity in the early 1980s with their hit single "Music Is The Answer". Formed in San Diego, Ca in the late 1970s, the band was comprised of musicians from both the East and West Coasts of the United States.
The group's sound was heavily influenced by the funk and soul music of the 1970s, with a blend of groovy bass lines, tight drumming, and soaring horn arrangements. Their music was often characterized by catchy melodies, tight rhythms, and funky grooves, which made them a popular choice for dancing.
In 1982, the Lowdown Band released their most successful single, "Music Is The Answer". The song was written and produced by the band's keyboardists, John
M. Lowe, Angel Hayes, and featured the soulful vocals of lead singer, Raul Gallegos. The track was an immediate hit and gained popularity which peaked at #72 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #20 on the US R&B chart. It also achieved success overseas, reaching #61 on the UK Singles Chart.
The success of "Music Is The Answer" led to other releases from the band which included "Somebody", " You Got Me Hanging", "Beautiful People", and "Hanging".
Although their time in the music industry was relatively short-lived, the Lowdown Band's legacy lives on through their music. "Music Is The Answer" remains a staple of funk and soul playlists to this day, and the band's contribution to the genre is still celebrated by fans and music lovers around the world.
In conclusion, the Lowdown Band was an African American funk and soul group that made a significant impact on the music industry with their catchy melodies, tight rhythms, and funky grooves.
The band consisted of the founders;
John Lowe (drummer, the original J-Lowe)
Raul Gallegos (lead vocalist)
Angel Hayes (guitar soloist)
Later came forth Ken Reeves (Bass Guitar)
Skip Pendleton (rhythm guitar player)
Ray Baker (keyboard)
Raymond Gulley (vocalist)
Prince Seawood (vocalist). In remembrance of passing members Anthony Current, James Chopper-Veal, and Cliff Girly.
Their hit single "Music Is The Answer" remains a classic of the genre and is a testament to the band's talent and influence.
The Lowdown Band's contribution to funk and soul music will always be remembered and appreciated by fans and music lovers.
https://www.epsilonrecord.com/streamlabel

By Yann V in News Archives · September 23, 20231 yr

BBC Breakfast - Wigan Casino 50th Anniversary Northern Soul 22nd September 2023
Mainstream media has been going in heavy on the 50th Anniversary of Wigan Casino opening, in recent days there's been Wigan Casino related articles all over the place.
BBC Breakfast joined in this feeding frenzy this morning and ran a 9 minute feature broadcast live from Blackpool.
For those who don't do early mornings here's a clip...

By Mike in News Archives · September 22, 20231 yr

Secret History of Chicago Music - Brighter Side of Darkness
A heads ups on the latest addition to the enjoyable and worthwhile 'Secret History of Chicago Music' article series running on The Chicago Reader Website from Steve Krakow
THE SECRET HISTORY OF CHICAGO MUSIC
Don’t call Brighter Side of Darkness one-hit wonders
The R&B vocal group had a lone smash with “Love Jones” 50 years ago, but their music deserves to be judged by more than chart success.
Brighter Side of Darkness formed in 1971 at Calumet High School in the south-side neighbourhood of Auburn Gresham. The original trio included Ralph Eskridge and Larry Washington, both 17, and 18-year-old Randolph Murph. While gigging locally, they attracted the notice of Anna Preston, described by Robert Pruter as a “local R&B maven” in his canonical book Chicago Soul.
Full article can be read or listened to via
https://chicagoreader.com/music/the-secret-history-of-chicago-music/dont-call-brighter-side-of-darkness-one-hit-wonders/

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

By Mike in News Archives · September 20, 20231 yr

Latest issue is now out and about, issue details follow below
SOUL UP NORTH - issue 117
Contents...
# OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO
# GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES
Dave Halsall
# ISSUE CD TRACK LISTING – ‘AND IN RETURN’
Tony Mac
# FUNK IN YO’ FACE – LARRY GRAHAM (PT.1) - “CALIFORNIA MY WAY”
Howard Priestly
# MAYFIELD; THE BAND, THE STUDIO & THE RECORD LABEL
John Smith
# THE LADIES CHOICE – COLLECTING RARE SOUL
Julie Molloy
# RECORD HUNTING IN BRAZIL
David Sheldon
# SOUL SPOTLIGHT – FROM COUNTRY TO SOUL IN ONE MOVE-JEAN RECORDS AND THE AMBERS
Steve Guarnori
# HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS
Howard E
# PICTURE ME GONE (BUT NOT FORGOTTEN) PT. 5
Martin Scragg
# SOUL IN A DIGITAL AGE
John Farrar
# SOULFUL SEVENTIES SPINS aka ‘PLUMB’S PEACHES’
Steve Plumb
# SOUL IN PRINT – MAGAZINES & FANZINES (Part 20)
Iain McCartney
# MIKE STUART SPAN
John Smith
# MD RECORDS – THE STORY CONTINUES PT. 5
THE SENSATIONS
Mark Anderson/Jordon Wilson
# FEET TO THE BEAT
E.C.S.C
# CHICAGO SOUL
Shane Cox
# COLLECTING BRITISH
Lord Snooty
# VINYL PRESS EXTRA
Howard E
# VIEW FROM THE APE HOUSE
Tim Brown

Availability
Available now from all the usual stockists including our very own Source Store
Tap here to purchase Soul Up North 117 Autumn Issue via Source Store

By Mike in News Archives · September 14, 20231 yr

The official re-release of RHYTHM MACHINE EPS024 on 7” with a twist
Including a superb different B-Side (lp track only).
BUY IT HERE: (shipping now)
https://www.epsilonrecord.com
RHYTHM MACHINE
EPS024:
A: PUT A SMILE ON TIME (3:54)
(re-mastered version)

B: CAN'T DO WITHOUT YOU (3:53)
(re-mastered version, first time on a 45)

official re-release on Epsilon Record Co 7".
1976 Indianapolis / Indiana
£17.50 incl UK shipping / £22.50 Inc Worldwide shipping
RHYTHM MACHINE
Donald Harris, James Boone, Maurice Puckett, Robert Dycus, James Brantley, Maride Williams, Dennis McNeil
The Rhythm Machine formed in Indianapolis by former members of the Highlighters. In the early days they were primarily a live act, playing locally and touring frequently. They opened for Earth, Wind and Fire and The Emotions, among others.
They released three 45’s and a full length LP during their time. Two 45’s “The Kick” and “Brenda and Me/Put A Smile On Time” were on Lulu, while “Freakish Love/Whatcha Gonna Do” was on Rodan. Their LP, released in 1976 towards the end of their run, was on Lulu. With the Indianapolis soul scene marked almost exclusively by 45’s, the LP release was one of few released locally in the 1970’s, and it is quite scarce and in demand today.

By Yann V in News Archives · September 14, 20231 yr

MD 117 – Blinded by Pride / I Found A Love – The Sensations
At MD Records, our main mission has always been to ensure that the music we release is handled fairly and ethically. We put a significant amount of effort behind the scenes to ensure that all legal requirements are met before we make a release public. Sometimes, this task can become challenging when dealing with tracks that come with limited information. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when many of the people who contributed to the music have unfortunately passed away. In these instances, we engage in extensive ancestry research to locate their descendants or next of kin, which can be quite intricate. It's like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle, where the pieces have been missing for over 50 years. We admit that this process can be frustrating at times. However, when all the puzzle pieces finally fit into place, it brings us immense joy. Sharing the complete story and providing the families of the artists or groups with their musical heritage is truly gratifying. This process assures us that we've taken the necessary steps, not only to honour the creators' legacy but also to bring positive recognition to our label.
We count ourselves lucky because Gary Rubin of Pioneer Studio meticulously chronicled his experiences in yearly diaries. These diaries aren't just recordings of daily studio visits; they also contain a wealth of information at the back—a directory of group names complete with their names, old phone numbers, and often addresses. Having access to this unprocessed information always gives us a solid starting point. It enables us to delve into old telephone and address directories, allowing us to follow trails to find the artists or families associated with these musicians. For example, when we found the unreleased Tomangoes tracks, we found two uncredited names, associated with The Tomangoes, but that’s another story…
Through our research efforts, we've overcome challenges and successfully located Detroit talents like Tommy Rodgers, The Gambrells, and even established connections with the families of the late Dr. Brockington, James Lately and Lamar Thomas. Our continuous dedication stems from our desire to uncover more of these hidden gems and ensure that they're aware of our ongoing project, leaving our conscience is clear.

Promotional Photograph of The New Sensations
In April 2022, we announced an incredible double-sided release from a previously unknown group named 'The Sensations’. The Sensations were set to have a release on the Pioneer label alongside The Gambrells in 1966. Unfortunately, Gary informed us that Milt Olsson, the arranger, had recorded the "Blinded by Pride" and "I Found A Love" band tracks in a way that was considered too fast. It was almost impossible to sync the vocals and instrumentation using the technology available at that time. As a result, these tracks remained locked in the vaults until we restored, mixed, and mastered them using modern technology, which allowed us to finally release them back in April 2022.
Our label partner, Jordan Wilson, took on the task of tracking down the lead singer of The Sensations—Greg Glazer. Gary Rubin had vivid memories of Greg because he really stood out among the other groups he was recording at the time. Greg was a remarkably talented Jewish, white male, with a voice that held the soulful richness of a black man's. However, Gary found it challenging to recall the other members of The Sensations. His diaries only contained Greg's name, followed by “and The Sensations” with no other finer details.
Gary was determined to gather the additional information we needed. He eventually returned with news that he had discovered the original contract that had been signed when The Sensations were brought on board Pioneer's publishing Tru-Soul. This contract listed the names Greg Glazer, Lawrence Bliss, Jack Wiener, and Richard Berk as members of the group.
It also revealed the group was in fact called ‘The New Sensations’ as there were other groups already using the name 'The Sensations'.

Contract signed by The New Sensations on 21st November 1966
Gary's memory continued to jog further, as he recollected that he thought some members of the group may had been students at Mumford High School and their musical style was heavily influenced by the early street corner doo-wop harmonies that were popular at the time. Delving even deeper into Gary's extensive archive of song composition sheets, we found evidence that Greg Glazer was not only the lead singer but also the songwriter behind the two tracks we were eager to release by The New Sensations - so we then knew our priority was to find Greg Glazer.
With the surname 'Glazer' being quite distinctive, we quickly managed to connect with the delightful Sarah and Dan Glazer, who still reside in Detroit, Michigan. They were genuinely moved that we, all the way from the UK, had successfully located them after all these years.
The two Pioneer tracks we unearthed had a profound impact on them, bringing them to tears as they heard their father's youthful voice recorded for the very first time. Sadly, they shared news that their dad, Greg, had passed away some years back. However, they did have knowledge that he had been part of a singing group during his early musical journey but was not aware that the group had ever been recorded.
Through collaboration with Dan, Sarah, and Gary, we devoted ourselves to meticulously arranging the details of song writing and publisher royalties. But an unusual challenge emerged. Dan and Sarah had come into the world much later than their father's days in his teenage singing group. As a result, they lacked any information about the fate of the other group members. Nevertheless, the connections we established allowed us to proceed with releasing the song on MD.
When we initially released The New Sensations tracks, we made an effort to find the other members of the group - Lawrence Bliss, Jack Wiener, and Richard Berk - but unfortunately came up empty-handed. The common nature of the names, combined with a lack of prior address or telephone details, hindered our search efforts. Additionally, since these other names were not the songwriters of the two tracks and instead served as group members, the names were not registered as songwriters with BMI music or ASCAP.
After a year since introducing 'Blinded by Pride' and ‘I Found A Love’ to the UK soul scene, and adding it to the MD Records catalogue, we are now thrilled to announce our successful discovery of another group member of The New Sensations - Lawrence Bliss - who goes by the name 'Larry'. He still continues to reside in Detroit, Michigan.
On Sunday 13th August, Jordan telephoned Larry and during this conversation, he shared the details about our ongoing project centered around the Pioneer master tapes. Larry, having been located, was now able to provide the missing pieces of the puzzle. We can now share the complete story behind The New Sensations group.
On the 9th of April, 1948, Lawrence Bliss made his entrance into the world. His early days were spent in Oak Park, Michigan, his hometown, where he grew and flourished. His educational journey led him to Oak Park High School, a place where his passion for music began to take root. It was within the school's music programs that he crossed paths with Rick Wiesend, lead singer of Tim Tam and The Turn-On’s who influenced his style in music.
Other groups like The Valadiers and The Reflections of Golden World Records, also left an indelible mark on Larry. These 'blue-eyed' ensembles drew inspiration from early black doo-wop harmony, serving as evidence that soulful singing wasn't confined by racial boundaries – a testament to the fact that one’s skin colour did not define their ability to evoke soulful emotions.
As the mid-1960s unfolded, Larry Bliss found himself captivated with the melodies that churned out from groups like The Contours, The Supremes, and The Temptations - groups that blasted through the airwaves of Detroit at the time. He attended The Motortown Revue’s at The Fox Theatre in Detroit, and enjoyed 45s being released by the various independent soul labels during that era.
Larry was a familiar face at the Pool Halls in Detroit, a place where teenage guys gathered to socialise, indulge in games of pool, pinball and plan their evening night spot destinations. The parking lot served as a focal point, attracting the attention of girls who recognised it as the central hub for the boys to meet. Beyond the confines of the halls, groups would assemble outside, comprised of street corner soul and doo-wop singers, who captivated passers-by with their harmonious performances.
It’s at the Pool Hall is where Larry met Stuie Avig, a notable figure as a member of The Valadiers, the first all-white soul group on Motown Records. Interestingly, for us, Stuie also has gained recognition in the UK's rare soul circles under the alias 'Stewart Ames,' famous for his track 'Angelina, Oh Angelina.' Remarkably, this track shared its backing with ‘Jock Mitchells - Nomad Women,' another recording accomplished at Pioneer Studio.
Even though Larry had not previously recognised himself as a vocalist, he found himself irresistibly drawn to singing along with the well-loved soul melodies. It was amid these occasions that his path intersected with certain individuals whose influence would prove pivotal, notably Greg Glazer and Richard Burke. Larry recounted to us that his initiation into singing was somewhat unexpected, almost forced, as his friends acknowledged his natural ability to harmonise and offered him the opportunity to become part of the group ‘The New Sensations’. Around this time, Stuie Avig would also socialise around the Pool Hall and would join in, singing with The New Sensations.
Larry also reminisces about the time when The Shades of Blue released their song "Oh How Happy." Larry recalls that Greg was disheartened by the release, believing that the song could have been theirs due to some connection. Although the exact details of the connection escape Larry's memory, he suspects it had something to do with the songwriter Edwin Hatcher, also known as Edwin Starr.
Remarkably, the record gained significant traction upon its release, achieving further recognition in Canada and the UK.
Individuals within the music industry would park their vehicles outside the Pool Hall, and listen to the harmonies from the gathered groups. Impressed by the musical prowess on display, they would extend a business card as an invitation, urging the talented performers to partake in a studio session. During these interactions, the prospects of more substantial opportunities were dangled before them, promising potential breakthroughs and a chance to record a vinyl record.
In Larry's recollections, Woody Swartz remains a prominent figure – a sound engineer and partner associated with Pioneer Studio. Woody welcomed them to Pioneer Records, an instance that stands out vividly. During this period, Pioneer Records had started open auditions for groups, as advertised in the Detroit Freepress Newspaper. The primary objective was to foster the expansion of their record label, building upon prior recordings such as 'The Modernistics.' This endeavor took place prior to Gary's studio's transition from its origins in his parents' basement to the newly established studio at 20014 James Couzens. Larry fondly recalls the amusing memory of Woody playfully impersonating his father on a phone call to his high school, saying that Larry was sick and then the two of them going horseback riding for the day instead.

Previously unseen photographs of Gary Rubin and Pioneer Studio.

Meeting Gary Rubin marked a significant turning point for The New Sensations, as they demonstrated their singing skills. These demo recordings captured their renditions of classics like 'My Girl,' 'Sunday Kind Of Love,' and 'Keep On Walking (Don’t Look Back).' Notably, the session also showcased Greg's song writing skills with the first demo’s of 'Blinded By Pride,' 'I Found A Love,' and another track called 'Searching.' Gary Rubin's response was nothing short of impressed, and he decided to sign the group to the Pioneer repertoire. Larry still possesses an acetate of these initial demo recordings made at Pioneer.

Acetate of The New Sensations demo’s curiosity of Larry Bliss.

On 21st November 1966, Greg Glazer, Larry Bliss, Richard Burke, and Jack Wiener officially inked their contract with Pioneer and Tru-Soul Publishing, marking a significant step in their exciting musical journey. Notably, Larry was the youngest member of the group and had to have his father sign his contract. Just one day after on the 22nd of November, 1966, a recording session took place at United Sound Studio, orchestrated by Danny Dallas who managed the engineering controls. The immensely talented Motown Funk Brothers were brought in for a ‘moonlit’ session, crafting the musical foundation for the next anticipated releases for The Gambrells: 'Jive Talk' and 'Find A Love', and in the same session they recorded the band tracks for The New Sensations' - 'Blinded By Pride' and 'I Found A Love'. The arrangement of the track was skillfully conducted by Milton Olsson, who had previously worked with Tim Tam & The Turn On’s. However, a hiccup emerged when the final master tapes returned to Pioneer for vocal overdubs – it turned out that the band track sessions had been recorded at an unexpectedly faster pace than what was anticipated.
With The New Sensations now a signed group, they embarked on participating in live performances to boost promotion in anticipation for their up-coming release. Pioneer Records arranged for the group, to make appearances at various black show bars around the city. Larry recalls how they were always embraced and appreciated and nicknamed ‘The White Temptations’. Under the guidance of Greg, The New Sensations also meticulously practiced their dance routines, striving to emulate the distinctive style of The Temptations and other Motown groups.
Larry fondly reminisces about their live show at Detroit's Masonic Temple - a renowned Detroit music venue. This particular event, a sold-out benefit, featured The Tomangoes providing backing support for The New Sensations. The headliner of the show was Billy Daniels. It's essential to recollect that prior to The Tomangoes release of 'I Really Love You' on Washpan, the Tomangoes were also under contract with Pioneer Records. The group recorded three tracks registered to Tru-Soul Publishing that were mixed and planned for release but ultimately remained confined to the vault. Among these tracks were 'Love's Got A Hold On Me' and the original Pioneer version of 'You've Been Gone Too Long,' both of which were complemented by the backing vocals of The Gambrells.
The progress of The New Sensations' tracks was momentarily halted as The Gambrells mixes took place, adding their overdubbed vocals and promotion began for the Gambrells first 45 on Pioneer. As the calendar turned over to the new year, precisely on the 1st of January, 1967, Gary Rubin's diaries unveiled the day's recording sessions. The line-up featured The Moniques, The Perfections, The Plus Two, and The Famous Brothers. The last session of the day saw The New Sensations in the studio in to conclude for vocal overdubs and mixing at 8pm. Numerous vocal takes of 'Blinded By Pride' were undertaken, yet a persistent issue persisted: the band track's tempo was just too fast. The evident frustration came across in the studio, notably embodied by Greg Glazer, the lead vocalist. He repeatedly found himself disoriented within the accelerating tempo, causing his lyrics to slip away as the pace surged forward.
After the session concluded, The New Sensations departed, leaving Gary to embark on the task of creating a mix for the track. However, the technological constraints of that era hindered the alteration of the band track's speed, as any attempts to slow it down resulted in an eerie and distorted quality. A rough mix was created, at an incredibly fast tempo. Each member of The New Sensations received a rough mix of the track on an acetate dub. These dubs were subsequently distributed to the local disc jockeys who had supported 'Jive Talk’ release.
The dubs reached the few disc jockeys in Detroit and at that juncture, Jack Wiener made the determination to pursue an independent path, which ultimately led to the dissolution of the group. The master tapes found themselves set aside, left dormant on a shelf, awaiting their destined moment.

Pioneer Vocal Overdub Tape and United Sound Band Track Tape

It wasn't until April 2022 that MD Records finally had the opportunity to digitise the long-lost master tapes from the Pioneer studio, unveiling the raw, unpolished mixes of The New Sensations' recordings. As we listened, the immense potential for a remarkable release became evident. With the invaluable possession of multi-track united sound masters, a decision was made to collaborate with Kevin Fingier, renowned for his involvement with 'Fingier Records' and his association with Acid Jazz in London.
Kevin's expertise proved pivotal as he embarked on the task of restoring and refining the tracks. With finesse, he meticulously adjusted the pacing of the backing track and seamlessly intertwined the vocal layers, achieving what Gary had struggled to accomplish all those years ago. Upon the completion of the remixing process, the two tracks underwent a transformative journey to GoldenMastering in Los Angeles, where JJ's mastering was harnessed to render them impeccably clear and primed for modern vinyl pressing.
Larry embarked on a journey to forge a career in architecture. Amidst his professional pursuits, he has maintained his love for music, singing karaoke and playing his harmonica. Fond memories of the Detroit music scene come alive whenever he reunites with his old friend, Jack Wiener. Regrettably, Larry remains unaware of the current whereabouts of Richard Berk.
We, the MD Records collective, extend our gratitude to Larry for his invaluable contribution in helping us tell the story of yet another Pioneer Records group.
Its great to be able to keep bringing forwards more of the forgotten story of Detroit music scene and the Pioneer studio – which remains an important player in the story of Detroit, albeit one that was overlooked due to its closure in the mid-seventies.
We have no doubt that more and more links and connections will be uncovered as we continue to work through the tapes and stories, some are not soul but still tell an important part of the Detroit musical melting pot story.
We are looking at bringing through some album releases possibly both CD and Vinyl to capture some of the songs that have a wider appeal to music fans and to help support the work of digitising and archiving this fabulous history. We will of course carry on with the singles too.
Don’t forget if you missed any of the releases pop over to the website and have a listen before picking up a single or two www.mdrecords.co.uk
We are looking at getting alternative payments methods to PayPal on the site so watch this space.
All the best the MD collective.

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By Northernjordan12 in Articles · September 13, 20231 yr

Jalen NGonda Uk & Euro tour dates
01 Nov - Glasgow, SCT @ King Tut’s
02 Nov - Liverpool, UK @ Jimmy's
04 Nov- Birmingham, UK @ O Institutes
06 Nov - Bristol, UK @ Exchange
07 Nov- London, UK @ Jazz Cafe
08 Nov - Rotterdam, NL @ Bird
09 Nov - Paris, FR @ Cafe De La Danse
More ticket info and Usa dates at https://jngonda.com/#live

By Mike in Event News · September 11, 20231 yr

The odyssey of an original Soul Singer from Barbados, the movie...
Ches was born in Barbados, and from that faraway small bunch of islands comes this outstanding piece of Caribbean Soul. Like many of the artists we love, Ches had his fair share of travels and troubles. He dedicated his whole life to music pursuing that ideal of living by the dream we all keep sticking to but just a few have the balls to engage.
After his teenage years spent listenting to the sound of the American Black Music legends of the times, whose frequencies made it to the radio stations in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, he packed up and went to study music in New York City. He was gifted with songwriting, where he always puts soul, jazz and a touch of reggae music. Wirl label (West Indies Record Ltd.) was his recording home with which he released a number of tunes both solo and with his band The Outfits.
He then traveled the world far and wide, spending a couple of years in Canada (another proof of Canada’s music industry solid ties with the sound from the islands), eventually ending up where Funk Investigators’ patrol member Yann Vatiste found him and secured the license for this release.

©2023 Lee "Buey Monsieur" Buers @soulbouybuet (thanks mate) ©2023 Tesla Groove / Stream
Snag your copy of "Please Don't Go" on Stream Records here: https://bit.ly/Ches_Haynes_STR009

By Yann V in News Archives · September 7, 20231 yr

JEWEL BASS - "IN AND OUT OF LOVE" LP (SOUL4REAL)
𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀´ 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗣 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 13 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹, 7 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱.
𝗣𝗥𝗘-𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗙𝗢𝗥 20th 𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥:
https://www.soul4real.es
Jewel Bass' recordings have, over time, developed a global underground following. The fact that Malaco Records used Jewel as a backing singer on so many of their A-Listers recordings (Johnnie Taylor, Latimore, Bobby Bland, Z.Z. Hill, Dorothy Moore, etc.) speaks far more to her talent than I can ever write in 300 words!
Jewel started singing in church but began her career in secular music when a friend approached her to ask if she would replace a singer in his band who was ill. She was only required for one song, and she agreed to do the gig on a one-off basis to help out. It was all that was needed to start her career. She joined the band and went on the road with them.
Then, in 1969 she joined Malaco as a backing singer. During her time there, she had four singles released in her own name, starting in 1973 with “I Tried It And I Liked It” – essentially ‘Mr. Big Stuff Part 2’ (Jean Knight had recorded the original song at Malaco in 1971). Three further singles followed.
Jewel also sang in a number of groups over the years and toured extensively, first with The VIPs (1973), later Polephemus (1976), and from 1979 onwards with These Days. Then there were her immense vocals on late 70s projects like the Carbon Copies “grail” 45 “Just Don’t Love You”, which also featured on the rare Centaura LP with another recording of hers.
Jewel is an artist who is consistently good. She is just as at home singing on a deep soul ballad as she is on a funky dance number.
Back in 2010, southern soul supremo Garry Cape issued all 12 of her Malaco recorded Jewels on a long since deleted CD on Soulscape. Now, thanks to Soul4Real, these tracks are available on this vinyl LP. Additionally, “Sweet High”, a non-Malaco track from 1981, is included as the closing song.
(Steve Guarnori)

Label design by Jordi Duró. Remastering by Jorge Muñoz Cobo (Circo Perrotti).

By Alexsubinas in News Archives · September 6, 20231 yr

Mainstream media are at it again. this Saturday, BBC Radio 6 Music offers the below,,....
BBC Radio 6 Music celebrates the 50th anniversary of Wigan Casino with a Northern Soul All-Nighter
6pm-9pm Craig’s Northern Soul special edition of his regular Saturday night Funk and Soul show (6pm-9pm) kicks off the all-nighter. The show will feature a ten-piece soul house band – The Signatures – and special guests including Wigan Casino legend, Richard Searling and all-female R&B group, The Flirtations. Craig will also be going in search of the rarest Northern Soul record, recently sold for £100k.
9pm-12am Stuart Maconie joins the party, as he and Craig introduce a broadcast of the Northern Soul Prom, created by Stuart and recorded with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
12am-4am 6 Music begins an audio tour of the UK’s iconic all-nighter venues, with hour-long playlists by DJs who were there at Golden Torch (12am-1am), Wigan Casino (1am-2am), Twisted Wheel (2am-3am) and 100 Club (3am-4am). These key figures from the scene share stories and songs, taking listeners back to the dance floors of these legendary spaces.
4am-7am, 6 Music’s Morning After Mix, Northern Soul Special, brings listeners a playlist of mellow soul numbers, featuring classic ballads and as well as contemporary selections.
7am Stuart returns to the airwaves an hour earlier than usual at 7am on Sunday morning (10 September) to present Lights On With Stuart Maconie. He’ll being the party to a close and bring listeners the original versions of Wigan Casino’s famous Three Before Eight – Time Will Pass You By by Tobi Legend, Long After Tonight Is All Over by Jimmy Radcliffe and I’m On My Way by Dean Parrish.
The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, Northern Soul Special (6pm-9pm), The Northern Soul Prom (9pm-12am) and All-Nighter Playlists from Golden Torch, Wigan Casino, Twisted Wheel and The 100 Club are produced by TBI Media.
Morning After Mix, Northern Soul Special (4am-7am) and Lights On With Stuart Maconie (7am-8am) are produced by Audio Always.
Info from
https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2023/6-music-northern-soul-all-nighter-50th-anniversary-wigan-casino

By Mike in News Archives · September 4, 20231 yr

A message from Geoff
Check out my new track -'GOT YOU IN MY LIFE' -ft- TAMEKA JACKSON, the official release date 4th of September, the track should start to appear at online stores.
'GOT YOU IN MY LIFE' -ft-TAMEKA JACKSONcut.mp3

By Mike in News Archives · September 4, 20231 yr

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