Source Magazine - Soul Music News & Articles

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

Leaflet Preview Scans

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

By Source Team in Soul News · Monday at 15:341 day

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

By Jmsoul in Soul News · Sunday at 08:242 days

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

By Jmsoul in Soul News · Saturday at 07:153 days

The return of the weekend heads up shouts, our weekly map view is back, check out the below for the details of where and how...

This Weekends Map View

The above is a static screengrab from our dynamic 'Weekly Event Map View', which not only gives you the local score but also offers a bigger picture as well.

In Action

The dynamic version allows you to drill right down to get all the relevant event info.

Where

To use just go to our Event Guide Main page and then tap the 'Weekly Map View (tap)' link as above

Tips
Just tap/mouse the screen to drill down for the full info
Use the full screen icon (top left corner) when viewing on phones etc
Event Guide link
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/events/

By Source Team in Event News · Friday at 11:534 days

Latin Soul Legend Joe Bataan Announces Rare UK Dates

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

By Source Team in Event News · Thursday at 15:265 days

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

By Eddie Hubbard in Soul News · Thursday at 07:035 days

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

Leaflet Preview Scans

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

By Source Team in Soul News · June 24Jun 24

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

soul source

By Source Team in Soul News · June 20Jun 20

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

books

By Source Team in Soul News · June 18Jun 18

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

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

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

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

By Source Team in Soul News · June 16Jun 16

Our video feature has had a bit of a revamp
Offering almost 1300 videos this Source feature has built up over the years to provide a decent reference feature offering the best of features found on sites such as youtube whilst avoiding the worse aspects of those sites.
The recent major site upgrade has led to various improvements...
The page views and the sections have been revamped, offering easier navigation
A review feature has been added, now all videos are now open to reviews by all members to pass on your take
Members can share Youtube, Vimeo and Daily Motion clips with all, if you can copy and paste you can add.
Members can now also upload their own event videos/trailers etc in our Event section, just hit the 'new video' button, then choose 'events' and then the 'upload' option
Link below...
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/videosdirectory/

By Source Team in Soul News · June 15Jun 15

P.P.Arnold - The Immediate Sessions - Charly LP
This is a brand new album from Charly Records ,celebrating 60 years of Immediate Records and showcasing the talents of P.P.Arnold ,by way of a series of never released demos ,studio alternative and stereo mixes .
The album opens with a great version of the oft recorded “ Piece Of My Heart “ a superb version .Next is a demo version of the wonderful “ Angel Of The Morning “ which doesn’t differ too much from the issued take .” Little Girl” is a really nice ballad ,followed by an alternate version of “ If You See What I Mean “ which was the flip side of “ The Time Has Come “ on a 45 .Side A ends with “ Baby ,You’ve Got A Good Thing Going “ ,a really good demo with organ backing and loud femme chorus .
Side two opens with the classic “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright “ a stereo remix which really showcases the song to great effect in a way I’ve never previously heard .”Is This What I Get For Loving You “ is an alternate version ,first recorded by The Ronettes and included on P.P. ‘s “The First Cut “ album .A duet with Rod Stewart follows “ Come Home ,Baby “ originally issued by Wilson Pickett .This is excellent ,in a stereo remix form .” Letting Go Of A Beautiful Thing “ is a demo also known as “ Sweet Thoughts “ ,an excellent Motownesque dancer .” How Does It Feel To Be Lonely “ finds Ms Arnold in a heavy ,psychedelic mood ,for me the weakest track .This fine album ends with a duet version of “ ( If You Think You’re ) Groovy “ with The Small Faces .
Mention should be given to the stunning front cover ,and also the back cover with the track details and photos of the master tape boxes ,excellent stuff !!
Charly Records Store
The Immediate Sessions
Celebrating 60 years of Immediate Records, this collection showcases the first lady of Immediate as never heard before—featuring previously unreleased Sixties recordings, unissued alternate takes,...

By Eddie Hubbard in Soul News · June 13Jun 13

Time for a timely reminder on just what's happening soul weekender wise...
A list of upcoming weekenders taken directly from our vibrant 'Weekender' Source Event Guide Section
Links
Event Guide Main Page (tap)
Event Guide Weekender Section (tap)

event-guide

By Source Team in Event News · June 12Jun 12

We launch the 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢 𝘌𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 series with two EPs dedicated to Sam Cooke’s SAR Records and the Chess label (including its subsidiary, Cadet).
The SAR EP shines a spotlight on the Womack family, initially known as the Womack Brothers before transitioning into R&B as The Valentinos. Three of the four tracks are originally unreleased, while the fourth is the Womack Brothers’ version of “Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray” (SAR 123)—a virtually impossible-to-find gem that predates “Looking For A Love” by a year. Thanks to Friendly Womack for his help on this project.
The Chess/Cadet EP features songs by Laura Lee and Irma Thomas, recorded in the late ’60s at FAME Studios, along with some of the most sophisticated productions from Cadet, represented by Terry Callier. All tracks are originally unreleased and are making their debut on 7” vinyl.
𝗣𝗥𝗘-𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗙𝗢𝗥 20th JUNE
https://soul4real.es/shop/

RESERVA ESPECIAL 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗦 / 𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗧 (S4R47)
Terry Callier - Baby Take Your Time
Irma Thomas - Let´s Do It Over
Laura Lee - Sure As Sin
Terry Callier - Lover (Where Have You Gone)

RESERVA ESPECIAL 𝗦𝗔𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 (S4R51)
Womack Brothers - Couldn´t Hear Nobody Pray
The Valentinos - Put Me Down Easy
The Valentinos - Rock In The Cradle Of Love
The Valentinos - Don´t Go Away

By Alexsubinas in Soul News · June 10Jun 10

It's been a while...
A return of our competitions, with a chance to win a brand new (still sealed) copy of this fine just released lp...
This Is Northern Soul - Various Artists - BGPD 1120
Description
'The recordings featured on this release are tried and tested, often in the hot forge of the scene's earliest day, when new discoveries were coming thick and fast, and only the strong survived. These did.
So we have 14 tracks which filled floors in Wigan, Blackpool, Cleethorpes, London's 100 Club and many other legendary venues. From West Coast Mirwood and Kent/ Modern label classics by Jackie Lee, Bobby Garrett, Mary Love and Danny Monday, to the big City Chicago soul of Darrow Fletcher via the super rare recordings by Rita & The Tiaras and Little Ann, which are now accepted standards of the scene.
To enter, all you need to do is simply 'up' this article ( look down and right), then come next Monday morning, all those members who are listed as 'upping this article' will be entered into a draw and a lucky lucky winner will be drawn out.
Vinyl for nothing...

Side 1
01 My Little Girl - Bobby Garrett
02 Baby, Without You - Danny Monday
03 Lighten Up Baby - Ty Karim
04 You Hit Me (Right Where It Hurt Me) - Alice Clark
05 Cigarette Ashes - Jimmy Conwell
06 (Just A Little) Faith And Understanding - The Magicians
07 I Can Feel Your Love - Felice Taylor
Side 2
01 Gone With The Wind Is My Love - Rita & The Tiaras
02 You Turned My Bitter Into Sweet - Mary Love
03 Would You Believe - Jackie Lee
04 Try My Love - Toni & The Showmen
05 The Same Old Thing - The Olympics
06 What Good Am I Without You - Darrow Fletcher
07 What Should I Do - Little Ann

Can view full info and purchase details via
https://acerecords.co.uk/this-is-northern-soul

By Source Team in Soul News · June 10Jun 10

The latest Charly Podcast is out and about, posted up in our video section last week, this time around Kev Roberts aka @Goldsoul speaks to Simon Soussan. Titled the Soul Fox Chapter 1, this episode is the first of a three part series.
Release Notes:
Host KEV ROBERTS welcomes the legendary SIMON SOUSSAN to the Northern Soul Time studios. Simon talks candidly about his lifelong love of Northern Soul and his career in the music business as a producer and writer. His contribution to the Northern Soul scene in the early Seventies is unrivalled both as a discoverer and supplier of the most iconic records and, more controversially, as a creator! However, his passion and commitment cannot be denied or overlooked.
SIMON SOUSSAN | THE SOUL FOX CHAPTER 1

By Source Team in Soul News · June 9Jun 9

This evening's episode of Midlands Today news on the BBC , back on the Blue Plaque trail in Stoke On Trent , should follow News at Ten , if you missed it .

By Happy Feet in Soul News · June 6Jun 6

The Secret History Of Chicago Music has a new addition, link follows below
'The Radiants helped drive the shift from doo-wop to soul
Despite some minor hits in the 1960s, this Chicago vocal group couldn’t ride the wave they’d helped create.
Chicago’s famed soul-music scene produced beloved groups (the Impressions, the Chi-Lites) and legendary labels (Chess, Vee-Jay), and that’s reason enough to remember soul’s roots in doo-wop. Doo-wop hasn’t aged as well as soul—it hasn’t produced an answer to neosoul, for instance'
https://chicagoreader.com/category/music/the-secret-history-of-chicago-music/

By Source Team in Soul News · June 5Jun 5

An upcoming 45 from Daptone/Penrose

Thee Sacred Souls
"Somebody Knew" b/w "We Don't Have to Be Alone"

Thee Sacred Souls return with a new single, “We Don’t Have to Be Alone” – a gorgeous, floaty ballad that deals with two folks coming to terms with the fact that it’s ok to find comfort and joy in love at a provisional level.

Stream now & Pre-order the 45 (out June 20th)

By Source Team in Soul News · June 5Jun 5

Reggie’s ‘Lost’ Soul
Soul Junction's latest release features two previously unissued late 60’s Chicago Soul finds from the Scott Brothers Capri Productions vaults:
Press Release: Reggie Soul “So Many Miles Away/Groovy Thang” SJ560
Release Date: Monday 9th June 2025

Chicago recording artist Reggie Soul (real name Reginald Stone) recording career consisted of three 45singles spread over 3 separate labels. Firstly, the funk outing “I Got Jody” backed with the soulful “I Feel So Bad” for the Red Balloon label. “I Feel So Bad” was a Lee Sain composition which Lee himself recorded under the title of “Baby Don’t Leave Me” for the Broach label. Reggie’s “I Got Jody” also came out a second time on Nation Time Records as the flipside to “Soul Walkin’” a cover version of the James Brown song but mis-credited as the performing artist Reggie Smith?

Reggie’s third release “My World of Ecstasy/Mighty Good Loving” was released on the Scott Brothers owned Capri Records label in 1968. The fledgling Capri Records Company having been set up in premises at 409, East 47TH Street in Chicago’s Southside, used the front of the building as a record store with the rehearsal studios situated at the rear, the final recording sessions took place initially at some of the smaller independent studios across the city before using the major Columbia and RCA Recording Studios as Capri Productions grew. Reggie co-wrote both sides of his Capri 45 with Charles and Walter Scott respectively. The arrangements were provided by John Jackson and Bill McFarland who alongside Claude Williams provided the horn section to many of the Scott’s future productions. The Scott Brothers were also the house band at one of the Southside’s most popular night clubs ‘The Bonanza Lounge on 7641, South Halsted. Besides performing, they used the club to scout for potential artists for their label and it is believed that’s where their business relationship with Reggie Soul initially began.

Surviving witness accounts always cite Reggie as a solo performer which begs the question who are the credited ‘The Soul Swingers’ on the Capri 45? Well, it transpires that this was a pseudonym used by the Scott Brothers present on the recording, Charles (Chuck) drums, Tommy (bass guitar) and Walter (Rhythm guitar).
At the beginning of Soul Junction’s working relationship with Scot-Tees a further Reggie Soul unissued session was mentioned and sure enough two tape boxes arrived one containing “My World Of Ecstasy/Mighty Good Loving”, great, but disappointingly the second named tape had been reused as a rehearsal tape of several recognizable riffs of later Scott-Tees productions, doh!

Then months later lady luck intervened, a box containing two unmarked acetates held together with a nut and bolt was found. After considerable investigation, it transpires that they are the missing Reggie Soul tracks which we now present to you. Both songs are A.C Carson compositions, The A-side “So Many Miles Away” is a wonderful crossover song that shares some lyrical similarities to fellow Capri stablemate Judson Moore’s released Chicago Music Bag 45 “Lisa” while the flipside of our release features Reggie’s interpretation of Judson’s “Groovy Thang”. So, at long last Soul Junction are able to present to the lost Reggie Soul sessions that several veteran soul scribes who known their onions have likened to another great Chicago recording artist, the mighty, Tyrone Davis.

For further information e-mail: sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk
or visit the website at Soul Junction Records

By Chalky in Soul News · May 25May 25

I'm excited to announce my UK Club & Radio Tour Dates for 2025.
Come on out or tune in via your listening device at any or all of these events.
Bring outcha selves and hopefully see you in a place near you!

By Greg Belson in Event News · May 23May 23

A quick weekend shout that our 'Local Soul Events Near Me' feature has returned after last weeks upgrade saw it getting a bit of a sort out.
Just tap the below to check out this weekends soul events close to you...
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/events/14-local-soul/

event-guide

By Source Team in Event News · May 23May 23

Following news sent in to us, bit of a delay due to ongoing site work...
New play Keep On Keeping’ On is touring to Crewe, Blackburn and Blackpool from 13-31 May
Press Release and news below
New play Keep On Keeping’ On is touring to Crewe, Blackburn and Blackpool from 13-31 May in unusual pop-up venues across the north; transforming a shopping centre, a working men’s club, and a library into a Northern Soul-themed discount shop.
The show is a celebration of Northern Soul music (which is having a recent renaissance) and an exploration of the ongoing decline of the Northern high streets, told through the eyes of a big-hearted family who battle to keep their discount shop on the high street afloat.
The pop-up venue’s shop counter doubles as a DJ booth playing Northern Soul has an immersive set designed by students from Crewe University Technical College.
Keep On Keepin’ On is a new feel-good play which will tour to three non-theatre spaces in Northern Soul strongholds, using the themes the play to connect independent retailers with local authorities and Business Improvement District (BIDs) as a way of starting conversations to generate real change. Foregrounding the challenges facing independent retailers through the story of a working-class family, and through the choice of site-specific locations, theatre company Northern Soul Productions aims to combine a good evening’s entertainment with a route to reinvigorate the high street and nighttime economies.
Bradford-based writer Mick Martin has created the new high-energy comedy as a sequel to his 2003 Once Upon a Time in Wigan, with his teenage dreamers now middle-aged and balancing co-parenting, a failing Northern Soul-themed discount shop and a ‘what could possibly go wrong’ scheme. Keep On Keepin’ On is a soul-rich, cash-poor comedy with a classic Northern Soul soundtrack about a dysfunctional family just trying to keep it together on a run-down northern high street.
Keep On Keepin’ On follows Eugene and Maxine; their teenage romance first ignited on the dance floor, but life has spun them in and out of each other’s arms ever since. Now, years later, Eugene is a weekend DJ and a full-time disaster, barely keeping his shop afloat. When Maxine reappears with one more plea for help – this time for their son, newly released from jail – their ‘what could possibly go wrong’ plan sets them spinning into chaos. Keep On Keepin’ On is a hilarious and heartfelt story of resilience, family, and the power of music to keep us moving, even when times get tough.
Each site-specific location – a shop in Crewe, a working men’s club in Blackburn and a library in Blackpool – will be set up as Eugene’s shop with the audience seated in and around the bric-a-brac, and a shop counter that doubles as a DJ booth after the show. The set has been designed in collaboration with students from Crewe University Technical College, and the locations have been chosen as areas that have poor nighttime economy and high vacancy rates.
Dates
Blackburn
St Paul’s Working Men’s 104 Montague Street, Blackburn, BB2 1EE – Wednesday 21st May – Saturday 24th May 2025.
Blackpool
Blackpool Central Library, Queen Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1PX - Wednesday 28th May – Saturday 31st May 2025
More info,,,
https://www.keeponkeepinonplay.co.uk/

By Source Team in Soul News · May 22May 22

Liverpool Soul Weekender & Tuff Love Soul Club proudly present Carlton Jumel Smith & The Wax Preachers Live
Performing on Saturday the 22nd of June 2025.
There will be chance to meet Carlton, shake the man's hand, have a chin-wag and get your records signed, if you're that way inclined. In fact, Carlton will be around hanging-out for the whole weekender.
It'll also be the official launch of CJSmith's new recording with The Wax Preachers (Teaser video attached below)
10d906cf-d132-4eac-ac01-bdc8ecf28ed1.MP4
Here's a few words from Carlton's biography to set the story behind the man...
Carlton Jumel Smith
Soul Man
Living in America in a time when far too many in power are completely devoid of Soul, it takes a Super Soul Man to keep the scales tipped to at least a Detroit lean for ‘stone to the bone’ balance! THAT brother is Carlton Jumel Smith.
Mr. Smith is a world-renowned, honest to ‘Good-God’ Soul Man - a self-made singer, songwriter, producer and actor who has set concert stages on fire from Shanghai and Helsinki to Russia, Turkey, London, France and, of course his hometown New York City. He has released several recordings including 2019’s critically acclaimed 1634 Lexington Avenue. He had the honor of portraying his greatest musical hero, James Brown, in the Barry Levinson film “Liberty Heights” (1999), and had a lead role opposite Cyndi Lauper in the off-Broadway musical “Largo” (about the life of Czech classical composer Antonín Dvořák). Above all, Mr. Smith is an entertainer, fortified by the traditions of golden eras past yet with razor sharp ears and eyes for the platinum-plus present. And like so many self-respecting Soul men, Mr. Smith lays first credit due at the feet of his mother, Ms. Corrine Brown.
Carlton Jumel Smith was born May 11 in Harlem - and specifically raised in Spanish Harlem - with three sisters and his mother. Naturally, his R E S P E C T for, and understanding of, women, runs very high which is apparent by the lyrical content of his love songs.
It was his mother who shepherded an 8-year-old Carlton to see The James Brown Revue at the legendary Apollo Theater – a venue that was not only hallowed ground for Brown (who recorded several incendiary live albums there) but sacred turf for all Black entertainers. The experience of seeing “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”- era James Brown and his 16-piece orchestra left an indelible imprint on Carlton. All the while, via records, his mother introduced him to the mastery of Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Joe Tex, Marvin Gaye, Johnnie Taylor, Al Green, the Temptations and so many more. The profundity of their impact was such that Carlton has their names tattooed up and down both of his arms.
It was in his second year of college that Carlton and a friend skipped a night class to see Stevie Wonder – Hotter Than July-era - perform at massive Madison Square Garden. To hear Carlton tell it (even though he was breaking ‘The Godfather of Soul’s strictest rule about staying in school), he quit college, never to look back!
Mr. Smith spent the 80s woodshedding under local vocal mentors Rick Torres and Greg Fore, trying his hand at songwriting and sending out demos - one of which Loleatta Holloway recorded. Though that song was never released, it led to a connection with her manager Yvonne Turner that resulted in Carlton’s debut single in 1986, a House Music jam fittingly titled “Excite Me.” In the 90s, Carlton would exploit this form of Dance Music under the alias Napoleon O-Soul - alone, and with Frederick Jorio presents ‘Sextravaganza,’ followed by the hard rockin’ band Thrill Cycle (First Taste is Free, Get Your Swerve On).
After hopping on a plane to Hollywood to hand-deliver his audition tape to director Barry Levinson which sealed the deal for him getting to play a hungry 1954-era James Brown in the film “Liberty Heights,” Carlton slid into B.B. King’s Club in Times Square in New York, 2002 – initially as a substitute for an ailing Ray Charles. This led to years of SRO hometown gigs there. Carlton also cut two indie live albums there: 2003’s Carlton J. Smith Live at B.B. King's (featuring songs associated with Brother Ray - who by then had passed on - other giants of Soul, originals and a funky remake of Bobbie Gentry's "Ode to Billie Joe") and 2006’s Thinking About James Brown and a Few Nice Things (recorded during a substitute gig - this time that Brown himself was unable to make because he passed away – it is, as yet, unreleased). Legendary artist manager Alan Leeds, who led the careers of Brown, Prince and Maxwell, affectionately dubbed Carlton. “Soul Brother Number New.”
This particular accolade proved prophetic as Carlton landed a lucky break. When a Jazz band bowed out of a residency at a club in China, the booking agent was frantically calling `round the globe for an 11th-hour replacement. Alan Pepper, who ran the legendary New York nightclub The Bitter End, referred Carlton who flew right over and wowed the Asian audience starved for authentic Soul on a platter. A 3-month engagement turned into nearly a decade of 6-nights-a-week/3-shows a day steady work for Carlton between 2005-2014. Word of mouth spread across the continents resulting in SRO appearances in Finland, Turkey, London and more.
During this period, Carlton also did more recording. First came Waiting (2006), a project of mostly soulful remakes of material by an anomaly influence: bohemian art house story-weaving songwriter Tom Waits who Carlton describes – like Bobby Womack – as an uncle-like purveyor of ‘the unvarnished truth.’ Two years later, he revisited the Waits songbook with The Skinnybone Tree, this time for Exile Records which also released Carlton’s Neo-Soul concept album, Diagram of a Relationship, tracing the arc of an affair from sweet to sour to ‘a kind of reconciliation.’
Home from China in 2014, Carlton released G.U.M. (Grown-up Music) shifting his focus back to more mature audiences. On fire, Carlton returned to globetrotter mode in earnest, racking up residencies in Turkey, the U.K., Switzerland, Romania, Bali, Indonesia, Russia and Norway. While in Helsinki, he linked-up with 8-piece R&B outfit Cold Diamond & Mink, did some shows with them and, by year's end, recorded Mr. Smith's most acclaimed album to date, 1634 Lexington Avenue (Timmion Records - 2019), named after the address of the home in which he grew up. Among its many highlights is the single “Woman You Made Me,” the lyrics for which Carlton drew heavy inspiration from love letters sent by his father to his mother. Music writer Kyle Mullin of the website Exclaim! waxed poetic of another song from the album, “Remember Me”: “There's a uniquely conversational quality to Smith's delivery…not to mention a palpable sincerity in his tone - a smooth baritone that is alternately grainy and sweet with a distinctive falsetto.”
Over the years, Carlton J, Smith has also reached into his acting toolbox in the 1992 interactive movie “I’m Your Man,” the comedy “Let There Be Clothes” (opposite model Carol Alt) and even a recurring role as a policeman on the long-running soap opera “As the World Turns.” Additionally, his recording of Tom Waits’ “Make it Rain” was featured in the 2015 Kevin Costner high school sports drama, “McFarland, USA.”
On the horizon for Carlton is a show in which he brings some of his treasured classic soul concert posters (many signed) on the road for a highly personal and nostalgic talk and music program he calls “A Lifetime of R&B.” This ties-in with his book “Nothing Matters Except the Music,” all about the experiences he’s had encountering luminaries such as Sly Stone, The Isley Brothers, Patti LaBelle and many more.
Carlton Jumel Smith is a Soul Man of the highest order. His passion for the music, the good people of the earth, and his belief in the principles of Love, Peace and Harmony, are solidly grounded “On The One.” And he still has all his mama’s 45s, LPs and 8-tracks.
A. Scott Galloway

www.carltonjsmithofficial.com

live show

By Nedmundo in Soul News · May 19May 19

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