Mike

Pama International and Record Kicks Word that Record Kicks have signed the renowned UK’s Dub-Fuelled RockSteady-Soul band Pama International and the release of their first single “Heatwave”, which is available now in all digital stores and in limited edition 45” vinyl come 20 January 2017. After 7 years Pama International return not only with a new line up but also a new album and a new single release. The album is titled “Love & Austerity” and is lined up for a spring 2017 release via the Record Kicks label. The single is taken from the album and the a side is their take of the Martha Reeves & The Vandella’s motown classic “Heatwave” which has featured already in various dj playlists. Flipped with 'Skies Are Blue' now available digital wise, with the vinyl 45 now available to pre-order and due to be released Jan Pre-ordering does opens up various options, 150 limited clear vinyl presses and so on, follow the link below for all details of these offers. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://pamainternational.bandcamp.com/album/heatwave-skies-are-blue" href="http://pamainternational.bandcamp.com/album/heatwave-skies-are-blue">Heatwave / Skies Are Blue by Pama International</a> Blurb: In their first 10 years Pama Int’l recorded 9 albums, 3 BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale sessions, won the Rebel playlist on BBC 6, and became the first new act to sign to Trojan Records in 30 years. Their collective nature saw them work with members of The Specials, Madness, Steel Pulse, Style Council, Galliano, Kasabian, Billy Bragg and Jamaican legends, Derrick Morgan, Dawn Penn, Dennis Alcapone and Rico Rodriguez to name a few; constantly touring with, among others, Toots & The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Prince Buster and Mick Jones (The Clash). The new Pama International line-up is built around the founder/keyboard player Sean Flowerdew together with guitarist Lenny Bignell, and it stars the beautiful lead vocal harmonies of Jewels Vass (Mad Professor - Zion Train) and Anna Uhuru, drummer extraordinaire Bullit (The Wailing Souls - Lee Perry - Max Romeo) and, from Pama International’s original days, Gary Alesbrook (Kasabian) on trumpet. To support the release of their ‘Love & Austerity’ album the band will kick off 2017 as part of the official Trojan Records UK club tour and 6 dates with the reformed Dead 60s. https://pamainternational.bandcamp.com/album/heatwave-skies-are-blue

Passed up to Soul Source by a member, word about a news article currently being run via the North East Uk based The Chronicle Newspaper website http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk that may be of interest. The article is all about a collection of 4000+ northern 45s up for auction via North Shields auctioneers Featonby’s on December 5 2016. The member has been informed on whose collection it may be but as the details are not definite and information is hard to find via the websites this does needs confirming before publishing. Information such as auction details does seem a bit scarce on it all, so a good dig may be needed, but anyway here's the links News Article on The Chronicle Live website 'A huge archive of Northern soul records amassed by a Tyneside devotee is to be auctioned amid international interest The collector has been described as a legend in his field and would fly to the United States to find records and then have them shipped back to this country,” said auctioneer Darren...' http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/tyneside-auctioneer-set-sell-4000-12240079 Featbys Auction Website http://www.featonbys.co.uk/

The current forum topic called Stax Dancers reminded me that had once 'ocr' scanned the sleeve notes of my copy of this old 70s lp comp titles Stax Northern Disco Sounds. While the cover has to be one of the worse northern comp covers around, the actual sleeve notes written back then by @Ian Dewhirst may now make interesting reading as they do provide a snapshot in time of attitudes and such and as have not seen them in easy to read text format thought they may be worth a pass on... I did buy this lp back when it was released in 1975 and it was quite a memorable purchase. Memorable as it turned out to be one of the lps that did open/expand my ears/taste quite a bit. At the time of purchase I was just a young 14 year scally type who thought he knew everything, when I got my hands on this lp some of the tracks didn't really hit it off with me on first play, stuff like Little Sonny, Rance Allen etc was quite far out (in its literal meaning) to kids like me at the time. But slowly over time with repeat plays those tracks slowly drew me in deeper and deeper. Anyway what does make the sleeve notes interesting reading is not so much the track reviews but rather the opening and closing paragraphs written by Ian d. This was the 'soul' narrative that was being said and pushed out at the time and being taken in by kids like myself. Though given the title of the comp and the cover picture the 'right on-ees' in the notes does make you smile now. No matter, here's the notes in easy to read text format... Cover (the worse northern soul ever comp cover ?) At a time when the words 'Northern Soul' have become a rather hackneyed cliche of describing basic, brash, fast, dance music, it is a refreshing change to suddenly find an L.P. dedicated to the real thing! As various new records run up the charts under the guise of 'Northern Soul' one wonders exactly how long it will be before the record buying public will realise that they have been brainwashed into buying sub-standard product. For the people who look no further than the top thirty for their tastes in fast-beat soul, this album is not for you. For the people who are willing to discover authentic Soul with that Northern beat and for the legion of fans of Northern music who are already aware of the treasures around this is the real McCoy! Having said that, what better record to kick off with than the immaculate 'At Last'. Right from the first two beats the Temprees superb harmonies compliment the brisk backing and give the classic song a brilliant re-working. This record established itself as one of the biggest records in the North and quite rightly so! Possibly the most commercially successful record on this album is 'Happy'. Of course the title epitomises what the record is all about and William Bell's bouncy vocals belt along and carry lyrics which make everybody wonder why they've ever worried. A record which should be played everytime you're feeling low! Instrumental time and here we go with Little Sonny's re-working of Ramsey Lewis 'Wade in the Water'. A Northern favourite at the best of times, and Little Sonny's version adds a new dimension to this classic dancer. The normally deep Soul and Funky Johnnie Taylor hits a solid Northern groove with Wylie and Hestors 'Friday Night'. Johnnie rips his soul out on this gutsy song .... and what a beat! A real 100% true Northern dancer which always packs the dance floors. The Gospel Veteran, Rance Allen turns up with a Northern goody and a high wailing rendition of 'There's Gonna be a Showdown'. Once again another gutsy item which belts along with Rances' voice hitting almost impossible notes. Of course Rances' roots show through this one right from the Gospel harmonies to the clanking piano in the background but this shows yet another branch of Northern Soul which the media continues to ignore. Hitting back with the happy Northern sounds are Mel and Tim with Philip Mitchell's 'Free for All'. A fabulous intro immediately starts the record and then Mel and Tims sweet-soul voices carry the joyful singalong lyrics. As with the Temprees record, once again,.a brilliant arrangement and a credit to all involved. Annette Thomas, who still remains relatively unknown delivers a modern but unmistakably Northern sound with 'You need a friend like mine' This is one which gathered many plays. when first issued and is just the sort of record which will probably spring up in a year or two, and have people•kicking themselves for not getting to it first! The Staple Singers although not associated with Northern Soul somehow hit the groove with 'Oh la de da'. Yet again another happy beater (and why not) with Mavis, Pop and Co. yelling the title backed by a frenetic beat. Not a record for devout intellectuals but who the hell actually thinks on the dance floor! A record to shed inhibitions to. Little Milton leaves the monologues behind and comes up with a relatively little known Northern dancer entitled 'Bet you I Win'. As always that typical Stax sound in evidence and Little Milton gets in perfect voice for this strutting item. Old Northern favorite Major Lance adds to his list of classics with 'That's the Story of my Life'. Perhaps not as well known as his other items but a completely captivating slab of Soul with the Major's smoothly shrill voice fighting against a perfect dance beat. As with the other records mentioned this side must be in line for some future plays. Here we go again with stalwart Jimmy Hughes who brings us perhaps his best known dancer, 'Chains of Love'. This has always been a much loved side in the North and it fully deserves its unbending popularity from those who dig real Soul. And now what a classic, we have Jones and Bloomburg's invigorating version of the 'Right Track'. The song, which has now joined the ranks as one of the handful of true Northern Soul anthems is beautifully handled by J. and B. with that ever important beat very much in evidence. Finally Margie Joseph. Once again, not a Northern heroine but Margie teams up with 'Medicine Bend' and wraps her delicious vocals around the lyrics and creates a nice danceable little item. And so there we are! Perhaps not a collection of sides which are all well known or even commercially viable but I do promise you that every cut is SOUL!, and that is a word which several parties do not seem bothered about. Look at the charts today. How many Soul records are there in the top thirty? 4? 6? 8?. But listen again are they not simply pop records sung by black people? When was the last time you saw a black singer really belting his heart out? Listen to the Staple Singers, Rance Allen and Johnnie Taylor tracks! When was the last time you heard a Soul record in the charts without computerised string sections and faultless harmonies? Listen to the Jimmy Hughes, Major Lance, William Bell and Mel and Tim tracks, and you'll realise what is missing in today's music! Hence for those of you who are already acquainted with these songs you'll already know what a gas this album is. For those of you who have just turned on to these records Congratulations you've got SOUL! D. J. FRANK (Ian Dewhirst) Cleethorpes All Nighter Lincolnshire Soul Club Samantha's Sheffield All Nighter Leeds Central Creative concept: Dave Godin italic emphasis added by site Tracklist 1–The Temprees - At Last 2–William BellHappy 3–Little Sonny - Wade In Water 4–Johnnie Taylor - Friday Night 5–Rance Allen - There's Gonna Be A Showdown 6–Mel & Tim - Free For All 1–Annette May Thomas -You Need A Friend Like Mine 2–The Staple Singers - Oh La Da Da 3–Little Milton - Bet You I Win 4–Major Lance - That's The Story Of My Life 5–Jimmy Hughes - Chains Of Love 6–Jones & Blumenberg - The Right Track 7–Margie Joseph - Medicine Bend Credits Compiled By – Dave Godin Sleeve Notes – D.J. Frank (Ian Dewhurst) Notes Sleeve Notes D.J. Frank AKA Ian Dewhirst Cleethorpes All Nighter Lincolnshire Soul Club Samantha's Sheffield Allnighter Leeds Central

A new month almost and so here's the what Ace Records has out this month shout.. En Anglais . . . Et En Americain Pop Sylvie Vartan CD £11.50 The queen of French pop’s best English-language recordings from New York, Nashville and London, 1962-1968. Featuring several unissued tracks as well as an exclusive interview with Sylvie herself. Chartbusters USA - Special Country Edition Country Various Artists (Chartbusters) CD £11.50 Two dozen top-tier mid-to-late 60s country hits that crossed over to the Hot 100. Rhythm On The Radio - Oval Records Singles 1974-1987 Pop Various Artists (DJs) CD £11.50 Founded in Clapham by Charlie Gillett and Gordon Nelki, Oval Records released a great range of music over its 30-year existence. From swamp pop to new wave to Afrobeat to house, here are 22 gems. Precious - The Anthology 1963-72 60s Soul Linda Jones CD £12.92 The first and only career anthology of Soul’s most beloved female vocalists. Full info via http://acerecords.co.uk/

Two senses information on a recent Kent Records soul release... Rozetta JOHNSON A Woman's Way: The Complete Rozetta Johnson 1963-1975 Kent CDKEND 456 Released: 28 Oct 16 Release notes preview from Ace Records website (link to read the full version follows below) Rozetta JOHNSON A Woman's Way: The Complete Rozetta Johnson 1963-1975 The 60s and 70s recordings of a supremely talented southern soul singer. Birmingham, Alabama singer Roszetta Johnson created marvellous southern soul, particularly when collaborating with songwriter Sam Dees, also from that city. (Note the spelling of her name; her records were usually issued as by Rozetta or occasionally Rosetta.) This CD features all her known recordings from the 60s and 70s; only some much later CD tracks are... ...Roszetta’s songs are as popular as ever among the cognoscenti. Finally her complete soul era recordings are available on one disc.... Juno Records Preview Player Youtube Music Video Trailer Album track listing 1. "I've Come Too Far With You (To Turn Back Now)" 2. "Mama Was A Bad Seed" 3. "You Better Keep What You Got" 4. "I Can Feel My Love Comin' Down" 5. "For That Man Of Mine" 6. "It's Nice To Know" 7. "That Hurts" 8. Rosetta Johnson & The Organettes - "Willow Weep For Me" 9. Rosetta Johnson & The Organettes - "I Understand My Man" 10. "Mine Was Real" 11. "A Woman's Way" 12. "Who Are You Gonna Love (Your Woman Or Your Wife)" 13. "Holding The Losing Hand" 14. "Chained & Bound" 15. "Can't You Just See Me" 16. "To Love Somebody" 17. "Personal Woman" 18. "(I Like Making That) Early Morning Love" 19. "It's Been So Nice" 20. "How Can You Lose Something You Never Had" 21. "I Can Feel My Love Comin' Down" 22. "I've Come Too Far With You (To Turn Back Now)" more info including the full release notes by @ady croasdell via Ace Records http://acerecords.co.uk/a-womans-way-the-complete-1961-1975

Very sad news just breaking... Soul singer Sharon Jones has sadly passed away at the age of 60. Sharon died on Friday (November 18) after a battle with pancreatic cancer. From Daptone records We are deeply saddened to announce that Sharon Jones has passed away after a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the Dap-Kings. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations: The Lustgarten Foundation James Brown Family Foundation Little Kids Rock Additional memorial details will follow soon above from the Daptone records site http://daptonerecords.com/ thanks to member @philb for passing on this sad news in the forums

Launched this weekend HITSVILLE The Birth Of Tamla Motown by Keith Rylatt Here's the company blurb Keith Rylatt’s Hitsville! The Birth of Tamla Motown is the debut title from our new publishing arm. This fascinating story of the Tamla Motown Appreciation Society’s pivotal role in establishing the Motown Sound in Britain is lavishly illustrated over 192 pages with unique photos and rare memorabilia. A carrier bag of photos and mementoes from the early 60s was the starting point for this in-depth history of the birth of Tamla Motown. Hidden away for nearly fifty years, they belonged to Clive Stone, who with fellow R&B fan Dave Godin, set out to bring the Sound of Motown to the attention of Britain’s teenagers. Encouraged by Motown’s Berry Gordy, Dave ran the influential Tamla Motown Appreciation Society from his suburban Kent bedroom, organising informal meet-and-greets with the stars for members, and keeping them up-to-date on Motown news. Keith Rylatt chronicles the story from Stevie Wonder’s fleeting visit in 1963 through to the Four Tops’ sell-out show at London’s Saville Theatre three years later – credited as being the point when the Motown Sound finally entered Britain’s pop mainstream. Beautifully presented in full colour, the book includes previously unpublished photographs taken by Clive Stone and other TMAS members, rare memorabilia and many pages from the society’s highly collectable magazine Hitsville USA. May have read the pre-advance news earlier this year https://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/news-soul/hitsville-the-birth-of-tamla-motown-r3403/ Well the book was launched this weekend and is now available for purchase via quality music book sellers An ongoing Photography Exhibition is being held at the at the North Mill Belper (Continuing until Saturday 26th November) and a similar motown related one is being held in December at the Horse Hospital London For more information visit the news section at http://www.house-of-soul.co.uk/