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Featured Soul Music News

Latest Updates

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

Soul Jamaica -Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records
Featuring Alton Ellis, Jackie Mittoo, The Heptones, Sound Dimension and more!
New album from Soul Jazz Records, available in vinyl, cd and download formats
Release notes
Soul Jazz Records’ new Soul Jamaica brings together a wicked selection of reggae funk and soul tracks from the legendary Studio One stable, featuring a stellar line-up of artists including Jackie Mittoo, The Heptones, The Gladiators, Sim Smith, Peter Tosh and The Wailers, Cedric ‘Im’ Brooks and many more.
For a short period of time at the end of the 1960s and early 1970s, nestled between the end of rocksteady and the arrival of roots reggae, Studio One released a small stream of superb soul and funk reggae tunes – covering everyone from Sly and The Family Stone, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Nina Simone, Gene Chandler, Tyrone Davis and more.
Most of the tracks featured on Soul Jamaica were only ever released on Studio One’s UK-subsidiary label Bamboo in small-run pressings and are now consequently extremely hard to find.
The cover photograph features images of Air Jamaica, the new airline created by the Jamaican government at the end of the 1960s, showing how in the years following independence the country assumed its place on the world stage, with reggae music playing a key role in creating the island’s new cultural identity.

Tracks
1. Alton Ellis – Tumbling Tears
2. Winston Francis – Turn Back The Hands Of Time
3. Sound Dimension – Sing A Simple Song
4. The Gladiators – Fling It Gimme
5. Jackie Mittoo – Soul Finger
6. Winston Francis – Groovy Situation
7. Calvin Marshall – La La 69
8. Soul Defenders – Way Back Home
9. The Heptones – Young, Gifted and Black
10. Im and David – Up Fully
11. Slim Smith – Keep That Light
12. Sound Dimension – Give It Away
13. Zoot Simms – Real Gone Loser
14. Sound Dimension – Soul Bowl
15. Peter Tosh and The Wailers – Can’t You See
16. Joy Roberts – Someday We’ll Be Together
17. The Freedom Singers – Give Peace A Chance

https://soundsoftheuniverse.com/sjr/product/soul-jamaica

By Mike in New Releases ·

Two New Releases From Soul City via Charly Records

2 New Releases from Soul City label ,via Charly Records.

Kenny Smith - Lord What’s Happening To Your People / Lord What’s Happened -Soul City SC2503
Robert Thomas -Salvation / Cresa Watson - Salvation - Soul City SC2504
Two excellent new releases on the recently revived and iconic Soul City logo ,with both versions of two classic Rare Soul songs on each disc .Firstly we have the still socially relevant “ Lord What’s Happening To Your People “ by Kenny Smith on GAR Records ,a massive sound on the scene in the early 70’s ,plus the earlier 1971 Goldspot take on the flip .The Goldspot version is shorter and the bass etc is more noticeable.In my experience,this version seems more popular on the scene lately .
Robert Thomas - Salvation was a popular sound from Major Bill Smith’s Charay label
in the mid 70’s ,a great label out of Texas ,with many fine releases .The very rare Cresa Watson femme version has always remained an extremely rare 45 ,though was issued under the artist title of Rita Lee in the mid 70’s .Both versions are excellent ,and very popular dance floor favourites currently .Both records are available from Charly Records .
https://charlydirect.com/

Video

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases ·

Soul Up North #125 - Autumn 2025 Out Now

Not just the leaves that are dropping, here's details of the latest Soul Up North issue...
Soul Up North #125 - Autumn 2025 Out Now
#OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO
#GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES
Dave Halsall
#FUNK IN YO’ FACE – PHILLYFUNK
Howard Priestly
#SUBSTANCE & STYLE
Steven Riley
#SOUL SPOTLIGHT – BENNY GORDON REVISITED – PART 2
Steve Guarnori
#HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS
Howard E
#SOUL BOOK REVIEWS
I.M. / HFE
#CHICAGO SOUL
Shane Cox
#THE LADIES CHOICE – COLLECTING RARE SOUL
Julie Molloy
#SOUL IN PRINT – MAGAZINES & FANZINES (Part 28)
Iain McCartney
#A RAPID DISINTEGRATION – THE FOUNDATIONS' STORY
John Smith
#IN THE SPOTLIGHT – SPACE ARK (CREATIVE SOUL)
Cliff Steel
#LP REVIEWS – THE LATEST VINYL RELEASES
#SOULFUL SEVENTIES SPINS aka ‘PLUMB’S PEACHES
Steve Plumb
#NEW LABEL SPOTLIGHT – WEST GRAND RECORDS
Neil Rushton
#COLLECTING BRITISH
Lord Snooty
#SOUL IN A DIGITAL AGE
John Farrar
#COLLECTOR’S CD – TRACK LISTING
Denny Johnson
#WHAT IN THE WORLD WOULD ENCOURAGE TOU TO BUY THAT BOOTLEG??
Howard Earnshaw
#-- COMPETITION-- WIN THE LASTEST NORTH BROAD ST. SINGLE
#FLASHBACK FEATURES –LP’S ARE GOOD TOO!
Daryl Scott
#AND FINALLY – DEEP SOUL CORNER
Kevin Moore
Cover Photo … The Foundations

Availability
Available now from all the usual stockists including our very own Source Store (link below)
Tap here to purchase Soul Up North 125 Autumn Issue (updated)

By Mike in New Releases ·

Land Of A Thousand Dances - The Twisted Wheel CD Charly Records

Land Of A Thousand Dances -The Twisted Wheel Club - 60th Anniversary CD ( Charly790CD)
Following the recent vinyl issue by Charly Records to celebrate 60 years since the The Twisted Wheel opened ,at its then new venue on Whitworth Street in Manchester ,we now have the record released in CD format,with the bonus of 5 extra tracks .
Kicking of the set is Jackie Lee’s great dance sound “ The Duck “ from Los Angeles Mirwood Records ,also released in the UK on Fontana and London .The Whispers - “Doctor Love “from Dore’ Records is next ,a great group version of the Bobby Sheen classic .Track 3 is The Olympics - “Baby ,Do The Philly Dog “,another storming dancer from Mirwood ,issued in the UK on Fontana and Action .Robert Parker “ Lets Go Baby “ is next ,the fantastic flip side to “Barefootin’ “ issued in the UK on the iconic Island label in the mid 60’s .Track 5 is The Esquires “And Get Away “ ,issued here on Stateside SS 2077,and an infectious Chicago sound .Track 6 is also from Chicago ,The Sharpees with the brilliant “ Tired Of Being Lonely “ ,also released in the UK on Stateside ,the epitome of a Twisted Wheel classic .Some blue eyed Soul next ,with the catchy “Girl Watcher “ ,again a UK Stateside issue ,a lot of these tracks were virtual new releases ,though pretty obscure and deleted quickly .Track 8 is the ever consistent Gene Chandler with “ Nothing Can Stop Me “ from Constellation Records in Chicago ,and yet another release from UK Stateside and later Soul City ,where it actually charted in the UK.Track 9 is The Mood - Mosaic ,with “ A Touch Of Velvet - A Sting Of Brass “ an infectious instrumental ,issued in the UK on Columbia and a theme tune on Pirate Radio Caroline.Next is a real classic ,Bobby Wells -“ Let’s Copp A Groove “ released in the UK on Beacon Records .Track 10 is The Kelly Brothers “ Love Time “ from Sims Records ,a thumping dancer which remained a dance floor favourite long after The Wheel closed .Track 12 is The C.O.D’s with “ Micheal “ ,a smooth group sound from Chicago ,reminiscent of The Impressions ,culled from Kellmac Records and issued over here on Stateside .Earl Harrison - “Humphrey Stomp” is up next ,a classic dancer from Garrison Records ,and also rare on Wand .Chris Farlowe appears next with his take on Garnet Mimms “ Looking For You “ ,Chris was a regular live act at The Twisted Wheel of course .Into Chicago again for track 15 ,it’s The Due-Ettes with with the classic “ Every Beat Of My Heart “ a neat Chicago sound issued on the superb President label over here .Jimmy Robins “ I Can’t Please You “ is the next inclusion,a pounding R & B dancer ,still very popular and rare on UK President .The title track to the CD “ Land Of A Thousand Dances “ by Chris Kenner is next ,the original New Orleans version of the song made famous by Wilson Pickett,and the title to Dave Godin’s famous Blues & Soul article about his first trip to The Wheel .Bob & Earl “ Harlem Shuffle “ is track 18 ,a classic among classics and issued on UK Island at the time .Little Hank “ Mr Bang Bang Man “ from Monument is next ,a great record which was withdrawn on UK London because of its risqué lyrics ,but later issued by UK Monument as listeners became more opened minded .Round Robin “Kick That Little Foot Sally Ann “ a very infectious dance record from Domain Records an early Wheel Classic is track 20.On to the closing track ,The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band with “ Spreadin’ Honey “ on Fred Smiths Keymen label ,a finger clicking instrumental reminiscent of Ramsey Lewis’s “ Wade In The Water “.
This CD has great packaging to accompany the music ,quality label scans and superb anecdotes about The Twisted Wheel ,from people like Elton John ,Dave Godin,Roger Eagle ,Brian “ 45 “ Phillips ,Richard Searling ,John Farrell ,Ian Levine ,and Pete Roberts .


By Eddie Hubbard in Soul Music Features ·

New Album - Love Dealer - Lack of Afro

New Album - Love Dealer by Lack of Afro
Out today, vinyl, digital and cd, release notes go like this...
Release notes
Here to dazzle you by the power of the disco ball, Lack of Afro is your friendly neighbourhood ‘Love Dealer’. Two years on from the funk & soul rebirth of ‘Square One’, powered by the ubiquitous ‘Loving Arms’ featuring Greg Blackman, Lack of Afro aka Adam Gibbons is now close to two decades deep in the game with soundtrack credits galore and online streams doing calculator-busting numbers.

With extensive touring taking ‘Love Dealer’ up and down the country this Autumn, Gibbons’ ninth studio album is all for "the thrill of seeing people on a dancefloor, all collectively locked into a track that you've produced - there’s nothing like it!”.

‘Love Dealer’ is the authentic modern disco experience, packing a stacked sole’s worth of club beats full of stardusted sing-alongs, style-outs and French touch-style cool. Despite being “written during one of the longest winters in living memory”, ‘Love Dealer’, featuring some co-production from fellow South Coast dancefloor scholar Flevans (and influenced by producer du jour Barry Can’t Swim), exudes warmth and will make you sweat when its highs take effect.

Entering the scene with the radiance of ‘Make It Shine’ featuring Greg Blackman, washing over the airwaves of BBC 6 Music and Radio 2 and taking up a 10-week residency on the Jazz FM playlist...  more
released October 10, 2025
Bandcamp
https://lackofafro.bandcamp.com/album/love-dealer
Streaming
https://found.ee/vmKgP8
Dates
https://lackofafro.com/live
By Mike in New Releases ·

New Single from Carolyn Walden - 'Was It Worth It'

Official Release A Single from the Carolyn Walden Album "Be Careful Who You Follow” which asks the question, "People, do you know what time it is relating to the condition the world is in, hunger. Civil Rights.
“Was It Worth It” is written and Lead Vocals Carolyn Walden. Featuring John Eric on background vocals and Brittany Soul. Spoken Words. Talbot Snow, keyboards, musical director and arrangement Lead & Bass Guitar Larry White, Curtis Davis, Executive Producer.
Recorded at Sound Masters Las Vegas Nevada
By starmakerrecords in New Releases ·

Weekend Soul Event Map Shout 10-13 Oct 2025

Weekend Soul Event Map Shout 10-13 Oct 2025
All the upcoming soul events you need!
Our guide has 100+ soul events on for this weekend,
Here's our static uk map view, as always check out the event index for our dynamic map view to zoom in and out


Event Guide Index - Just visit and tap the red link for our dynamic event map to pop up
Visit Soul Source Soul Event Guide Index

For more deliberate soul event searching can use our 'Events Near Me- Local Soul' Feature
Explore Our 'Events Near Me - Local Soul' Feature


By Mike in Soul Music News ·

New Album - A Long Short Story by Johnny Burgos - LRK Records

Details just in of a upcoming LRK Records album release, release notes below...
Burgos and Page's sophomore album, A Long Short Story, is a conceptual journey through the rise and fall of a fleeting yet profound love, one that blossomed, thrived, and withered within the span of four seasons. Each track unfolds like a page torn from Johnny's mind, capturing every stage of the relationship's evolution in raw, chronological detail. From the euphoric highs of newfound passion to the crushing weight of unreciprocated love and the bittersweet process of healing, A Long Short Story weaves a sonic tapestry of grand emotions, immersing listeners in the beauty, pain, and impermanence of love.

Growing On Me
Ready 03:38
Under Your Window
Tired Of Missing You (Album Version)
Tomorrow
Caught Up
Tell Me Why, You Again
Look At You
Sidelines
Sure
A Long Short Story
releases November 4, 2025
https://lrkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-long-short-story

By Mike in New Releases ·

Ballads in the Barrios: The Story of Lowrider Soul

Ballads in the Barrios: The Story of Lowrider Soul By Andy Thomas
Once these ballads find their way into the community, they never leave
Amazing to think , that a tune so popular at Allnighters in the UK over the last 50 years or more , Bobby Paris - Night Owl , was originally a Lowrider tune , topping a list of 790 tunes by Tony Allen & the Champs , Nite Owl , back in 1955 , according to the " Old Barrio Guide to Low Rider Music "
Whilst reading the topic you can press the play option & listen to some of the wonderful tunes & feel the vibe , possibly the origins of Soul music... possibly.
Once these ballads find their way into the community, they never leave By Andy Thomas
link
https://daily.bandcamp.com/lists/lowrider-soul-guide
By Happy Feet in Soul Music News ·

New Album - Soul On The Real Side #16 - Charly Records

Out today the latest in this respected series of albums, available in cd and digital formats, release details follow below

Soul On The Real Side #16 - Various Artists
10TH ANNIVERSARY CD COLLECTION OF THIS HIGHLY PRIZED, LONG-RUNNING, SERIES
- Curated and co-compiled with the Modern Soul Collective, Richard Searling B.E.M and Andy Rix
The architects of soul are back with a stunning new 20-track Summer 2025 collection of premium soul. Once again, we uncover the building blocks of modern soul with a play list of mid-tempo Northern and Crossover classics and rarities.

Volume 16 is packed with modern gems culled from the cavernous Charly archives and an array of US independent labels such a Lee Anthony’s True Soul out of Little Rock, Arkansas, Isaac Bolden’s New Orleans powerhouse Soulin’ and Wally Roker’s Los Angeles based Soul Clock.

Thanks must go to the Modern Soul Collective Andy Rix for helping us on our way to another hit album with this incredible selection featuring: Premium Fortenberry III, John Craig, Choice Of Colour, Kenny Smith & TheLovelitters, Music 'N' Motion, Thomas East and many more.

Be a part of the Real Side Records Revolution.

PEACE, LOVE, SOUL
released October 3, 2025
https://charlydirect.com/products/soul-on-the-real-side-16
By Mike in New Releases ·

Soul4Real New 45s: Arthur Alexander & Tony Joe White

What's new on Soul4Real?
Two highly collectable EPs by two fabulous singers and songwriters. Arthur Alexander’s finest tracks from his 70s album are available on 7" for the first time. All of Tony Joe White’s tracks are originally unreleased.
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 13th October https://soul4real.es/shop/

ARTHUR ALEXANDER – RAINBOW ROAD / DOWN THE BACK ROADS / IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL / COME ALONG WITH ME (S4R55)
Arthur Alexander was born in Florence, Alabama in 1940 and in his formative years listened to both Country and R&B radio stations, which influenced both his singing and songwriting style.
Two of his first single releases on the Dot record label in 1962, the self-penned “Anna” and “You Better Move On”, spawned cover versions by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones respectively, which elevated his prominence in the music world.
Further 45 rpm releases on Sound Stage Seven and Monument followed before he was signed to Warner Brothers in 1972. A self-titled album was released in the same year, produced by Tommy Cogbill in Memphis and recorded at American Sound.
Although two singles were released from the album, none of the four tracks featured on this EP were. Here you will find a fabulous take on the much-loved “Rainbow Road” and three other gems.
Arthur died from heart failure in 1993, but his legacy as a unique and individual artist will never be diminished.

TONY JOE WHITE – THIS GUY´S IN LOVE WITH YOU / JUST LOOK AT YOU / KEEP ON MOVIN´ TRAIN / MISSISSIPPI DELTA (S4R54)
The music of Goodwill, Louisiana’s “Swamp Fox” Tony Joe White always had soul at its core.
A songwriter of timeless classics including “Rainy Night In Georgia” and “Polk Salad Annie”, TJW never shied away from ‘outside material’ that suited his style – as demonstrated by two of the four rarities in this Soul4Real release.
Of the 400+ versions of Bacharach/David’s “This Guy’s In Love With You”, just ten preceded TJW’s upbeat treatment, cut at Memphis’ Lyn-Lou Studio in October 1968 along with his own “Keep A Movin’ Train” during his Continued album sessions.
His gutbucket essay on Bobbie Gentry’s “Mississippi Delta” and another original “Just Look At You” were recorded in Paris during TJW’s 1969 European tour – although audibly they could have been tracked closer to home.
These recordings waited 35+ years for release on a now-deleted CD boxed set. This EP presents their 7-inch vinyl debut.
Between 1968 and his passing in October 2018, TJW released 16 studio albums. These rarities from his 60s Monument sessions are integral to that long-playing legacy…








By Alexsubinas in New Releases ·

New Album - Ronnie McNeir - Makes A Move - Kent Records

Kent Records have a new album out,
Ronnie McNeir - Makes A Move - Kent Records CDKEND 524
Available in both vinyl and Cd formats, details and purchase options can be had via
https://acerecords.co.uk/ronnie-mcneir-makes-a-move-1
Release Notes
The tapes for “Ronnie McNeir Makes A Move” were found in Mickey Stevenson’s extensive master tape collection. A full new LP of classic McNeir is an absolute treat for his many soul fans; particularly in Europe where he is so admired.
Ronnie recorded over twenty tracks with Mickey Stevenson’s production company in 1971. Eleven of these were featured on his RCA LP “Ronnie McNeir”, but another ten were left in the vaults.
The title track, ‘Let’s Make A Move’ is an urgent, exciting funk sound, composed with Ronnie’s frequent writing partner, Andre Moore. ‘I’m Sorry’ is an earlier version of ‘Gone Away’ which featured on the 1972 RCA “Ronnie McNeir” LP, without the female singer’s vocal response track.
‘Say You’ is the Motown song first recorded by the Monitors in 1965. It has a more laid-back treatment here, giving it a whole new dimension. We issued the single version on a Kent Select 45 in 2022; both versions are featured on the CD. Another re-envisaged Motown number is ‘The Girl’s Alright With Me’ which features Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford’s backing vocals − as do other tracks on this album. Surprisingly, Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowing In The Wind’ is also covered; in a pleasing, jaunty treatment.
‘My Day Will Come’ is a slow-burning number Ronnie co-wrote with his wife Mona. It is one he is particularly proud of and has been picked up by moderns soul DJs as a potential crossover hit. ‘Tell Your Mama’ is a sensuous, Marvin Gaye-influenced groove, while ‘East Side, West Side’ is more streetwise, dealing with the social problems that face many young people.
As a multi-instrumentalist, heavily influenced by jazz, it comes as no surprise that Ronnie would record two jazz / soul instrumental jams which he simply named ‘Ronnie’s Bag #1’ and ‘Ronnie’s Bag #2’. The tracks are keyboard-lead, piano and possibly organ – or more likely one of the early synthesisers that Ronnie pioneered. ‘Ronnie’s Bag #1’ is more jazz-oriented, while ‘Ronnie’s Bag #2’ goes funky.
The CD comes with new publicity photos and a career overview from David Cole as featured in the In The Basement magazine.
Leaflet Preview



https://acerecords.co.uk/ronnie-mcneir-makes-a-move-1
By Mike in New Releases ·

LeRoy Hutson agrees deal with Home of The Good Groove Records

A very exciting announcement from Rod Bartlett and Gareth Donovan at Home of The Good Groove Records,
We are both so very honoured and privileged to announce that we have entered into an agreement with LeRoy Hutson to manage his Master Music Catalogue
The five year agreement covers all digital content, plus all mechanical content for production of vinyl formats, as well as usage of the music for sampling, re-editing, re-mixing, opportunities in Film, TV, advertising, gaming,  etc.
The Catalogue includes LeRoy Hutson’s own recordings during the Curtom Years, together with a selection of great music from other artists beyond 1973 up until the current day.
Home of The Good Groove Records, have agreed to a project, the “Hutson Sevens” series, which will see previously unreleased music from the “Curtom years” released to the 7-inch vinyl format. The first release is due on November 17th, with details to follow shortly.
Get prepared to hear some soul gems from the LeRoy Hutson stable that have sat on the shelves for decades.
By Rod HotGG in New Releases ·

Review: The Twisted Wheel - Land Of A Thousand Dances - Charly Records

Land Of A Thousand Dances -The Twisted Wheel 60th Anniversary LP
The Twisted Wheel started life on Brazennose Street in Manchester as The Left Wing Coffee House ,but by the end of 1962 it had been acquired by The Abadi brothers and changed its name to The Twisted Wheel .With a diet of hip jazz and blues ,with the highly influential DJ Roger Eagle and top class live acts like Spencer Davies ,Graham Bond ,John Lee Hooker ,Bo Diddley ,John Mayall etc ,it soon became THE club to visit .
However towards the end of 1965 ,the Blues and Jazz sound was sounding a little stale ,accompanied by the emergence of Mod ,and the punters wanting to hear the more uptempo and Soulful sounds of Motown and Stax , which probably led in some part towards the move to a new Twisted Wheel venue on Whitworth Street .
This great new compilation from Charly Records reflects that later ,more uptempo Soulful sound with 16 tracks selected by legendary Wheel DJ and record dealer / Collector Brian 45 Phillips .Many of the selections were pretty obscure and deleted soon after release ,despite receiving UK releases on labels like Stateside ,President ,Fontana and Sue .The title of the album was inspired by the heading in The Dave Godin column in Blues And Soul magazine ,which really brought The Wheel nationwide attention .As well as a diet of ever rarer records served up by DJs like Brian Rae ,Brian Walker ,Phil Saxe ,Les Cockell and the already mentioned Brian Phillips ,the Wheel also played host to the top Soul acts of the day like Edwin Starr ,Junior Walker ,Ben E.King and Ike & Tina Turner .It’s great that a quality compilation like this has been released on the 60th anniversary of The Twisted Wheel , thanks to Richard Searling for the concept ,and Black America for the music .
By Eddie Hubbard in Soul Music Features ·

New 45s - 5 Via Kent - New Select City and Repro Singles

5 brand new Kent singles now out and about. Four Kent Select/City and one Repro release. Release notes, scans and audio follow below...
Release Titles
CITY 104 - Clarence Daniels Orchestra/ Got A Good Thing Going On/ Hard Working Girl
CITY 105 - Doris Willingham/Taylor Brothers/ Make It On Out/Holding On
CITY 106 - The Sherilles/ Nobody's Gonna Love You/ Make It On My Own
CITY 107 - Pat Livingston/ We've Reached A Dead End/ Sugar Love
REPRO 28 - Jeanette Jones/ You'd Be Good For Me/ Cut Loose

CITY 104 - Clarence Daniels Orchestra/ Got A Good Thing Going On/ Hard Working Girl

01 - The Clarence ... A Good Thing Going On.mp3
02 - The Clarence ... - Hard Working Girl.mp3
The session that Clarence Daniel featured Obie (Young) Jessie as the vocalist, consisted of three marvellous jazz/soul tracks. Two sides sold very poorly on release on the Modern subsidiary Affiliated in 1966. However, early in the next millennium, ‘Hard Working Girl’ was picked up and played by retro DJs to great acclaim. The demand for the few, scarce existing copies, rocketed the price, thereby leading to Kent re-releasing it.
The third recorded track at the session, was equally excellent, so we have taken the opportunity to release ‘Got A Good Thing Going On’ on vinyl as a Kent Select 45 for its many fans. With ‘Hard Working Girl’ now deleted and still needed by more recent converts, it makes for a great new release.

CITY 105 - Doris Willingham/Taylor Brothers/ Make It On Out/Holding On

01 - Doris Willingham - Make It On Out.mp3
02 - The Taylor Brothers - Holding On.mp3
This exciting 45, features two previously unheard 60s, New York soul, dance tracks.
Big Apple session singer and occasional composer, Doris Willingham, first had a rare release on the Hi-Monty label in 1966 and then in 1968 cut four sides for drummer Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. All were produced by Richard Tee and co-written with Doris. They were licensed to Ed Kassner who launched his Jay Boy label with ‘You Can’t Do That’ in both the UK and the USA. A change of strategy caused the US label to be discontinued after two releases and the UK then switched primarily to home-produced recordings. The two best Willingham sides lay dormant at President’s tape library until Ace released the killer ballad ‘Too Much To Bear’ in 2005. The fourth track is this superb dance number featuring the great Purdie band, no doubt featuring his usual bassist Jimmy Tyrell, who arranged the Hi-Monty 45.
The Taylor Brothers ‘Holding On’ is a much grittier affair, produced by Maxine Brown’s husband at the time, Mal Williams. The duo were Bennie “Earl” Bunn and Sam “The Man” Taylor and they wrote this, the third track recorded at the session that produced the ‘People In Love’ single on Joy. Sam had been a major mover in NYC black music circles since the 50s with his own bands and had fingers in many pies. The duo gave a performance worthy of some of the great 60s male soul couplings.

CITY 106 - The Sherilles/ Nobody's Gonna Love You/ Make It On My Own

01 - The Sherilles - Nobody’s Gonna Love You.mp3
02 - The Sherilles - She’s Gonna Make It.mp3
West coast writer / producer George Semper recorded four sides on the Sherilles − a group led by Vessie Simmons, who had been lead singer for the Ribbons in the early 60s. She would go on to have a prolific solo career in the 70s, right through to the 90s. Ace sleuth Alec Palao found four Semper-produced sides on two DCT acetates and we licensed the rights from the Semper family. These fully realised recordings are from 1968 when the group had to swiftly change their name from the attempted one of the Shirelles − which they had hoped to get away with, and presumably cash in on that outfit’s fame. A court injunction put paid to that plan and though the name change was only slight, it was never tested in court, as the tracks were never issued. ‘Nobody’s Gonna Love You’ is an excellent George Semper song and judging by the 100 Club’s audience reaction to recent plays will become a staple of forward-thinking club’s playlists.
‘She’s Gonna Make It’ is in the same groove and not far short of the A side. Vessie would re-write and re-record it in 1975 as ‘I Can Make It On My Own’ for a solo release on her Simco label.

CITY 107 - Pat Livingston/ We've Reached A Dead End/ Sugar Love

01 - Pat Livingston - We’ve Reached A Dead End.mp3
02 - Pat Livingston - Sugar Love.mp3
The Money Records 2” multi-track tape of ‘Sugar Love’ and ‘You Bet I Would’ revealed an unknown title ‘We’ve Reached A Dead End’. This turned out to be a beautiful Richard Cason-penned ballad which featured a lush, dramatic arrangement by Los Angeles musician Ray Jackson, complete with male backing vocals.
Cason co-produced the three songs with producer Hadley Murrell who licensed the recordings to Ruth Dolphin at Money. ‘Sugar Love’ only appeared on the flip of the second pressing of ‘You Bet I Would’, the instrumental was used initially. ‘Sugar Love’ is in itself in-demand as a dance track. Money 606 did not sell enough to warrant a further release and the track lay unmixed in the vault until now.
Interestingly the tape was dated May 1973, just prior to the two releases, and was described on the box as a rework of a tape from July 1971 - the music certainly wasn’t rushed.

REPRO 28 - Jeanette Jones/ You'd Be Good For Me/ Cut Loose

01 - Jeanette Jones - You’d Be Good For Me.mp3
02 - Jeanette Jones - Cut Loose.mp3
The Golden State Recorders LP that Leo Kulka cut on Jeanette Jones in 1969 lives on, despite being undiscovered until this millennium. With the funkier end of the soul spectrum becoming more in vogue in recent years, ‘You’d Be Good For Me’ comes into its own as a perfect dance track for several current scenes. Co-written by Jeanette with the distinguished Gerry Goffin and Barry Goldberg, the song and production are exemplary – this 45 rpm release is well-earned.
We’ve grabbed the chance to reactivate ‘Cut Loose’ from the same sessions, as the original Kent 45 release now fetches a couple of hundred quid. With legendary 100 Club DJ Butch now spinning it from a recently acquired original acetate, it will only gain more interest among rare soul fans.

Availability
All three of these brand new 45s are now available via Ace Records website (tap here), and various record stores including our very own Source Store (tap here to visit)


By Mike in New Releases ·

New Bobby Hebb Release From Soul Direction 45

Soul Direction are pleased to announce the 25th Release in the SD catalogue.

Bobby Hebb – Hard, Hard Promises – Soul Direction

B/W – Alice Clark – Hard, Hard Promises

Release Date: 11th October 2025

Pre Order Date: Tuesday 30th September.

THERE IS A LIMITED EDITION BLUE VINYL COPY. THE ADDITIONAL £5 WILL GO TO THE MND (motor neurone disease) CHARITY.

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO A CLERICAL ERROR “Alice Clark”E” IS A grammatical error on the part of Soul Direction but has been post approved by Mainstream Music for which we greatly appreciate.




The Song “Hard, Hard Promises” showcased on this latest Soul Direction release, showcases Bobby Hebb’s song writing talents and brings together the album only release performed by Alice Clark and the Unreleased demo version sung by Bobby Hebb himself. Incidentally the studio dub was entitled “Hard Heart Promises”.
We don’t know if he ever intended to release the song himself, but it showcases his talent as a songwriter and a singer. After a few conversations with Universal Licensing, they graciously allowed Soul Direction to release this version and with the consent of Bobby Hebb’s Publishing Company. To both these, we are extremely grateful.

Bobby Hebb

Robert Von “Bobby” Hebb was born in Nashville, Tennessee July 26th, 1938. His parents, William and Ovalla Hebb, were both blind musicians. Bobby and his older brother, Harold Hebb, performed as a song-and-dance team in Nashville beginning when Bobby was three and Harold was nine. Bobby Hebb made his stage debut on his third birthday, July 26, 1941, when tap dancer Harold “Hal” Hebb introduced his little brother to show business at the Bijou Theatre. After various and curious music gig’s including playing spoons in Roy Acuff’s Band, Bobby Hebb got to sing backup on Bo Diddley’s “Diddley Daddy”. Later Hebb played “West-coast-style” trumpet in a United States Navy jazz band and later replaced Mickey Baker in Mickey and Sylvia. Move swiftly to the 1960’s and on November 23, 1963, the day after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Bobby Hebb’s brother, Harold, was killed in a knife fight outside a Nashville nightclub.
Hebb was devastated by both events and sought comfort in song writing. This led to him writing what was to become his biggest and best-known hit “Sunny”. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 3 on the R&B charts, and No. 12 in the United Kingdom.
When Hebb toured with The Beatles in 1966, “Sunny” was, at the time of the tour, ranked higher than any Beatles song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Bobby had a few lesser-known songs such as “Love, Love, Love” and “You Want to Change Me”, both having better success on the Northern Soul Scene. Hebb continued to live in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, until his death at age 72. On August 3, 2010, Hebb died from lung cancer.








Alice Clark

Little is known about her life outside her brief music career between 1968 and 1972. Alice grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York City. According to Billy Vera, who wrote and produced her first record, she belonged to a religious cult and rumour was, she could not bath or wash her hair, but this was never truly established beyond doubt.
Her first record, pairing two Vera songs, “You Got a Deal” and “Say You’ll Never (Never Leave Me)”, was recorded in 1968 at the Jubilee Records studio with musicians including Vera and Butch Mann (guitars), Jimmy Tyrell (bass), Earl Williams (drums), Money Johnson (trumpet). Produced by Vera, it was released on the Rainy-Day label owned by Chip Taylor and Al Gorgoni. Later the same year, Clark recorded “You Hit Me (Right Where It Hurt Me)” and “Heaven’s Will (Must Be Obeyed)”, both arranged by Richard Tee and produced by George Kerr. Released on Warner Bros.-Seven Arts Records, “You Hit Me” – co-written by Sylvia Moy and first recorded by Kim Weston at Motown but was not a hit at the time. In 1972, Bob Shad of Mainstream Records signed Clark to record an LP with arranger Ernie Wilkins. Produced by Shad, the album, Alice Clark, was recorded at the Record Plant in New York and included three songs written by Bobby Hebb. This track by Alice being one of the Hebb Penned tracks. The session musicians on the album included guitarist Cornell Dupree, keyboardist Paul Griffin, and drummer Bernard Purdie. The album was relatively unsuccessful, and Clark made no more recordings after the album. She retired from the music industry after the commercial failure of the album and returned to family life in Bedford-Stuyvesant. She died from cancer in 2004, aged 57.

Sleeve Notes Edited by Soul Direction from various sources.
Label and sleeve design by Jordan Wilson
Bobby Hebb version edited by Green Door Studios and additional mastering by Swift Mastering Ltd.
Alice Clark version mastered by Swift Mastering Ltd.


Thank you for your continued support.

The Soul Direction Team.

availability on the site will be from Monday 29th September - www.soul-direction.co.uk



By Manfromsoul45s in New Releases ·

New Lp - Jackey Beavers - Someday We'll Be Together - Charly Records

A new lp released this weekend from Charly Records
Jackey Beavers - Someday We'll Be Together - Charly Records
Release Notes
First-ever long-play overview of rare soul hero Jackey Beavers
Includes his Baha productions and Sound Stage 7 recordings
Rare and unreleased tracks from 1968–1974
Features a printed inner sleeve with exclusive liner notes
Robert Lewis Beavers was born on June 19th, 1937 in Cartersville Georgia, he was a recording artist for over two decades, wrote a US #1 single and registered over 100 songs with BMI. He recorded his debut singles with his former Air Force buddy Johnny Bristol with whom he penned the No.1 hit ‘Someday We’ll Be Together’ for Diana Ross & The Supremes.
This solid soul set brings together, for the very first time, the best of Beavers’ rare soul 45s from his own Jaber and Grand Land imprints and the Nashville giant Sound Stage 7. We also include – for the collector – a stunning, unreleased at the time, version of the Johnny Bristol song “What Does It Take” and the self-penned and unreleased “Sad Memories”.
TRACK LIST
SIDE A
JACKEY BEAVERS - What Does It Take
JACKEY BEAVERS - Lover Come Back (Alternate Take)
JACKEY BEAVERS - Someday We'll Be Together
JACKEY BEAVERS - Sad Memories
JACKEY BEAVERS - I Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)
JACKEY BEAVERS - Where Did I Go Wrong
JACKEY BEAVERS - Place In The Sun
JACKEY BEAVERS - Ooh, I Love You
SIDE B
JACKEY BEAVERS - Bring Me All Your Heartaches
JACKEY BEAVERS - Don’t Wanna Lose You
JACKEY BEAVERS - Hold On
JACKEY BEAVERS - Gee Baby You're A Pretty Thing
JACKEY BEAVERS & THE CONTINENTAL SHOWSTOPPERS - Not Too Young
JACKEY BEAVERS - There's A Heartbreak Somewhere
JACKEY BEAVERS SHOW - Hey Girl (I Can’t Stand To See You Go) (Jaber version)
JACKEY BEAVERS - Someone (Bigger Than You And Me)
https://charlydirect.com/products/someday-well-be-together


By Mike in New Releases ·

New Book: Soul Voices - Soul with a Message 1960–1980 (with exclusive 7")

Soul Voices - Soul with a Message 1960–1980 is now available for pre-order.
This richly illustrated hardcover (250 pages, 350+ images) explores the political, spiritual and social sides of Soul music during two key decades.
The first edition includes an exclusive 7" single with two previously unreleased tracks, produced especially for this project.
Pre-order here: https://www.soulvoicesbook.com
Official launch in Oslo, end of October.
Best,
Tommy


By Tommy1 in New Releases ·

New 45 - SpaceArk - Creative Soul records

New Release From Creative Soul - SpaceArk - Phantom Lover
Release notes:
SpaceArk was the brainchild of founder members, Peter Alan Silberg and Troy Raglin who formed the group in Los Angeles in 1973.  The duo then enlisted talented musicians and vocalists and went on to perform regularly at music clubs, playing hits of the day from the O’Jays, Earth, Wind and Fire and other soul and funk groups and successfully introduced their own original songs which the group began recording from 1974.
Major record labels had difficulty pigeon-holing he group’s unique style and so sadly they were unable to secure recording contracts. Undeterred, Peter and Troy started their own private label, ColorWorld Records and released their first album “SpaceArk” in 1975, followed by two 45s “Do What You Can Do”/”Welcome To My Door” and “Don’t Stop” in 1976.
Their second album “SpaceArk Is” was released in 1978, from which the majestic “Phantom Lover” has been curated for our ‘A’ side. The lead vocals are from Troy Raglin, a.k.a Troy Dodds who’s “Try My Love” was a huge all-nighter spin during the 80’s.  Peter speaks very highly of “Phantom Lover” saying it may be the best song that Troy ever composed and Troy’s stellar vocal performance made this song really soar when performed live.
On the flip-side we’ve featured the previously unreleased extended take of “Don’t Stop (Loving Me)”. The shorter take was originally released under the pseudonym "Dolly Way & Space Ship Earth; the track features a 3-piece horn section, which in the extended take really brings the recording to another level.
We are indebted to Peter Alan Silberg for giving his kind permission for this release and for the wonderful music that he together with Troy Raglin gave to the world.
Creative Soul Records



Videos

By Wrongcrowd in New Releases ·

A Pictorial Journey Through Record Collecting

It all started around 1964. I'd been a Beatles fan & they kept doing interviews where they talked about the music that inspired them & that they did covers of. Then they would talk about their own favourite artists, many being Motown acts. So I decided to start checking out the music they liked. My mum bought a copy of the Supremes "Baby Love" (October 1964) & I noticed it was a Motown recording. Next up, records by the likes of Otis Redding ("My Girl" from November 65, Mary Wells "My Guy" May 64) came to my attention. I started to check out similar stuff & soon came across Bob & Earl's "Harlem Shuffle" (July 65). Local clubs / discos were now spinning loads of great soul dance tracks & I was hooked.
So the 45 buying commenced. First getting stuff from the local high street shops. I lived in Doncaster, so it was Fox's for me, plus other local stores that had record departments (the Co-op, W H Smiths, etc.). I then realised that getting the 45's I wanted needed a bit more work. I had to order many of them in advance to get hold of most singles I wanted in everyday high street shops. So, I started to make use of specialist shops (Soul City in London) and the like. I was now going to soul clubs most weeks but finding it hard to get hold of copies of many 45's that were being played. I landed my first full time job in September 66 & after that, more money became available for purchases. The job was in Wakefield & that opened up extra opportunities, there was a good record shop on the hill between Westgate Stn and the town centre. I also found a stall on Wakefield market where I occasionally would make decent finds (there was also a similar stall on Donny's open market). I also began sending for mailed out Uk based auction lists initially, before starting to write off to the States to get hold of stuff I couldn't locate in the UK. My US suppliers of choice then were Randys Record Shop in Gallatin & Ray Averys Rare Records in California (both sent out catalogues & had good mail order departments). Then I became aware of US discount record warehouses & managed to get on the mailing list for one in the New York area (though lots of the more obscure titles they listed were completely unknown to me at that time unfortunately).
I had been attending niters since the mid 60's (Sheffield, Leicester, Manchester, Castleford, etc) & guys selling 45's could be found in most clubs -- though the prices being asked meant there were few bargains). UK suppliers such as F L Moores of Leighton Buzzard & more local outlets (Boylans Record Shop, Conisboro & Peter Hall's on Donny market) joined in & were used. B&S magazine started to sell individual in-demand 45's (US copies) & soon after bargain priced soul packs. You could travel up to London to visit Contempo's offices & they had a record sales counter. A specialist outlet opened up in Canada & other US providers came on the scene. Discounted US soul LP's began to pop up in stores such as Tandys (the UK name for the US's Radio Shack) with deleted UK LP's appearing at cheap prices on the shelves at Woolworths. The next big player was a bit of a strange one. Bostocks Market Stall in Bradford. They mass imported loads of soul 45's & sold them off cheaply. Other specialists soon entered the fray; Soul Bowl and Oldies Unlimited becoming regular sources and Selectadisc joined the race to sell soulies even more product.
We'd now reached the mid 70's and the US market opened up even more as many Brit soul collectors started to go on crate digging missions to many US cities (having been inspired by earlier trips undertaken by Ian Levine and the like). So it actually became much easier to obtain the soul records I wanted in the mid 70's, 80's and beyond than it had been when I'd stated out in the mid 60's. Mind you, by then the prices of many prized 45's had placed them way beyond my reach. Everyone will have their own story of how their collections were built, with folk in other parts of the UK utilising different ports of call to satisfy their needs but my journey was influenced by my home locations (Donny, Brid, Worksop, Northampton, Oxford) and the locations of the clubs I have frequented down the years.










By Roburt in Soul Music Features ·

New Album - Twisted Wheel - Land Of A Thousand Dances - 60th Anniversary Charly Records

Twisted Wheel - Land Of A Thousand Dances - 60th Anniversary Charly Records
Upcoming album release from Charly Records, dates and release notes follow below...
LP ships from 26th September - CD ships from 24th October
Release notes
'This compilation celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the “cellar full-of-soul” years at the famed Whitworth Street location, September 1965 – February 1971. The groundbreaking years that saw the Wheel’s playlist move from Blues and R&B to the upbeat sound of young America, or as Blues & Soul journalist Dave Godin put it “the groove up North”. It was these pivotal years and these dance tracks that lit the Northern Soul torch.'
TRACKLIST LP
SIDE A
JACKIE LEE - The Duck
THE OLYMPICS - Baby, Do The Philly Dog
ROBERT PARKER - Lets Go Baby (Where The Action Is)
THE ESQUIRES - And Get Away    
THE SHARPEES - Tired of Being Lonely    
THE O'KAYSIONS - Girl Watcher
GENE CHANDLER - Nothing Can Stop Me
THE MOOD-MOSAIC - A Touch Of Velvet - A Sting Of Brass
SIDE B
BOBBY WELLS - Let's Copp A Groove
THE KELLY BROTHERS - Love Time
CHRIS FARLOWE - Looking for You
THE DU-ETTES - Every Beat Of My Heart
JIMMY ROBINS - I Can't Please You
CHRIS KENNER - Land of 1,000 Dances
LITTLE HANK - Mister Bang Bang Man
THE WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND -Spreadin' Honey
 
TRACKLIST EXPANDED CD
JACKIE LEE - The Duck
THE WHSIPERS - Doctor Love
THE OLYMPICS - Baby, Do The Philly Dog
ROBERT PARKER - Let's Go Baby (Where the Action Is)
THE ESQUIRES - And Get Away
THE SHARPEES - Tired of Being Lonely
THE O'KAYSIONS - Girl Watcher
GENE CHANDLER - Nothing Can Stop Me
THE MOOD-MOSAIC - A Touch Of Velvet – A Sting Of Brass
BOBBY WELLS - Let's Copp A Groove
THE KELLY BROTHERS - Love Time
THE C.O.D.’s - Michael
EARL HARRISON - Humphrey Stomp
CHRIS FARLOWE - Looking for You
THE DU-ETTES - Every Beat Of My Heart
JIMMY ROBINS - I Can't Please You
CHRIS KENNER - Land of 1,000 Dances
BOB & EARL - Harelm Shuffle
LITTLE HANK - Mister Bang Bang Man
ROUND ROBIN - Kick That Little Foot Sally Ann
THE WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND - Spreadin' Honey


Info and purchase options via
https://charlydirect.com/products/twisted-wheel-land-of-a-thousand-dances
By Mike in New Releases ·

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