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Press Release: Reggie Soul & The Soul Swingers “My World Of Ecstasy/Mighty Good Loving” SJ553 Release Date: Monday November 14th 2023 Reggie Soul real name Reginald Stone is just one of many illusive recording artists who had a very limited recording career for a handful of small independent Chicago labels then disappeared into obscurity, Reggie reputedly left Chicago in the mid 1970’s for the lone star state of Texas never to be seen or heard from again! Reggie’s recording legacy is the sum total of 3, 45 singles two of which he recorded under the supervision of respected Chicago songwriter and producer Clarence Johnson., firstly the funk outing “I Got Jody” backed with the soulful “I Feel So Bad” for Red Balloon Records, “I Feel So Bad” was composed by Lee Sain who recorded his own version under the title of “Baby Don’t Leave Me” for the Broach label. Reggie Soul’s “I Got Jody” also came out as a B-side on Nation Time Records, the A-side was a version of the James Brown song “Soul Walkin’ but this side was credited under the mis-credited artist name of Reggie Smith? Finally, Reggie’s third release “My World Of Ecstasy/Mighty Good Loving” was released on the Scott Brothers own Capri Records label in 1968. Both sides of the 45 were written by Reggie with Charles and Walter Scott, arrangements were provided by John Jackson and Bill McFarland who provided the horn section to many of the Scott’s future productions. The Scott Brothers of which there were several (all musicians) had begun their own careers during the late 1950’s recording under the group name of The Masquerades on the Formal label. Often referred to as The Scott Brothers Orchestra with Howard Sephus Scott at the head of their growing musical dynasty they formed their own company Capri Productions circa 1968, their initial recording productions were Fred Johnson (Shi-Lush Records) and the aforementioned Reggie Soul & The Soul Swingers. The Scott’s were also the house band in one of Chicago’s Southside’s most popular night clubs ‘The Bonanza Lounge on 7641, South Halsted. The Scott’s often used the Bonanza as a source of finding future artists for their labels, such as The Soul Majestics, Judson Moore, Bobby Jones & Duke Turner amongst others, they even recorded a live performance on The Bonanza Lounges’ resident comedian Randolph Browner which gained a release on the Shi-Lush label. “My World Of Ecstasy” like several Capri 45 releases were heavily imported into the UK, often sold in soul packs before finding favour with aficionados of the Crossover Scene in the late 1980’s with it’s popularity still remaining high to the present day. Soul Junction through their licensing deal with Scot-Tees Publishing would like to present the first release of their Capri Records series. For Further information please contact Soul Junction at: E-mail: sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk To order visit SOUL JUNCTION RECORDS

Press Release: Jesse James “Everybody’s Talking At Me/Your More Than A Friend Of Mine” SJ552 Release Date: Wednesday August 30TH 2023 Jesse James returns to the Soul Junction roster with a new 45 that features his own unique interpretation of a classic song that is backed with one of the more popular songs from his 1990 “Looking Back” album now brought to you for the first time as a 45 release. Beginning with the A-side, “Everybody’s Talking At Me” which is Jesse’s unique cover of the folk rock singer Fred Neil’s penned song “Everybody’s Talkin’”. Which although recorded by Neil originally, was made internationally famous by Harry Nilsson when used as part of the theme score for the acclaimed United Artists 1969 film “Midnight Cowboy”. The song has been much covered in the style of a ballad but Jesse’s version recorded under the production skills of close friend Willie Hoskins (Wilhos Productions and Boola Boola Records) is a great up-tempo piano driven version of the song. “Everybody’s Talking At Me” is yet another find from the unissued tapes from the self- financed sessions that Jesse recorded at the Searra Sound Studios in Berkley C.A during 1971 that also has brought us SJ543 “(The Girl In) Clinton Park” and SJ544 “If A Man Ever Loved A Woman (Baby I Love You)”. While the b-side, features the much, admired modern soul favourite “You’re More Than A Friend Of Mine” which first gained a release on the 1990 ‘Looking Back’ album (Gunsmoke Records). “You’re More Than A Friend Of Mine” was up to that point a previously unissued mid 70’s recording produced by the late song writer /producer Ron Carson. Carson the original owner of the San Francisco Soul Clock Records label remains highly respected for his work with the hit group, ‘The Whispers’ (both on Soul Clock and some of their later Janus recordings). Carson had produced and co-wrote Jesse’s 1975, 20th Century Records release “If You Want A Love Affair/I Never Meant To Love Her” now regarded worldwide as Jesse’s signature song. Carson had a follow up release in the can, which never came to fruition due to Jesse and 20th Century parting company for the second time. Carson by then had moved on and was heavily involved in the production of the Janus distributed blackploitation album “Black Fist” for Happy Fox records. “Black Fist” was a various artists compilation which also featured the Jesse James composition “The Same Thing Happens (Part1 & 2)”. The shelved, proposed 20th Century follow up release would have been “Your More Than A Friend of Mine/I Don’t Want It To End” recorded during 1976. Carson had pitched the idea of a song in a similar vein to the Jackson Sisters 1973 Prophesy Records release “(Why Can’t We Be) More Than Friends” to the songs original songwriting team William Peele Jr and Warren Sams. They duly obliged, coming up with the aforementioned “Your More Than A Friend Of Mine”. Warren Sams along with his half-sister Christine Adams Tripp and their friend Rachel Sanders were none other than the respected vocal trio “Water & Power” who recorded the acclaimed 1975 album of the same name for Fantasy Records and a solitary 45 “Mr Weatherman/If You Don’t Want Me”. For further information please contact Soul Junction at: Tel: +44 (0) 121 602 8115 E-mail: sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk Order via Soul Junction's website HERE or via the usual stockists. Or simply give Dave a shout via PM on Soul Source @Louise Video

Press Release: Bill Albright “Sitting By The Phone/In The Middle Of The Night” SJ1020 Release Date: Friday 7th July 2023 Sophistication is a very apt description of both the music and the performing artist that is Bill Albright (real name Anthony Bills). Born in 1961 and raised in Baltimore, MD. Albright received a vocational as well as an associates degree in Electrical Engineering and Technology during 1981 the same year as he was blessed with the birth of his son Anthony Jr. From 1982 through to 1985 Bill had moved to New York City to model professionally for several major retail corporations such as Macy’s and Bloomingdales making good use of 170 pounds, six feet tall frame and handsome photogenic looks, while still finding time to hone his singing, songwriting and studio engineering skills through attending art Composers Theatre. His musical management and composing skills were to continue upon his return to his native Baltimore in 1986 as the prelude to him joining the national fundraising touring team for The United Negro College Fund in conjunction with the National Basket Ball Association (NBA) Slam Dunk Contests. Interacting with such celebrity players as Magic Johnson, Arsenio Hall, Spike Lee and Robert Townsend and Atlanta Hawks team mates Spud Webb and Dominique Wilkins. Through his travels during 1989 Albright decided to settle in Atlanta, GA, making it his home to this present day. Once settled he founded his own cleaning business ‘All Bright Cleaning Services Inc’ built on good old-fashioned ethics of hard work and a strong determination to succeed, the exact same traits that he would later display in his future musical journey. While providing his cleaning services to major commercial companies, home, office and car detailing Albright found the time to continue pursuing his musical ambitions with a strong emphasis on live and recorded performances. In 1993 Albright formed ‘Bill Albright Productions Inc’ working with the late Keith “Keecho” Rawls the former Keyboardist and Musical Director for Peabo Bryson. Albright’s work has often been likened to Peabo’s for obvious reasons as well as Luther Vandross and Johnny Gill, He also draws inspiration from the stars of his youth Nat King Cole, The Isley Brothers, Frankie Beverley and Marvin Gaye amongst others. Albright's productions while being contemporary still retain an old school leaning which widens his appeal to a broader audience. Feeling that the time wasn’t right to release his material Albright continued with his successful cleaning business and live performances, that was until 2022 when he released the first of his productions (as a download only) the stylish “Sitting By The Phone” which gives more than a passing nod to Billy Stewart’s timeless classic “Sitting In The Park” but recorded in Albright’s own unique way. Albright’s second and forthcoming release is the more contemporary mid-tempo mover “In The Middle Of The Night” (only available as a download in the United States) but is due for a simultaneous vinyl 45 release in the UK paired with the aforementioned “Sitting By The Phone” as Soul Junction’s next 45 outing. For further information please contact Soul Junction at: Tel: +44 (0) 121 602 8115 or E-mail: sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk To buy visit SOUL JUNCTION RECORDS or contact your usual stockist

Press Release: Crystal Motion There’ll Be Another/Million Dollar Baby” SJ551 Release Date: Tuesday May 30th 2023 “Crystal Motion” were a vocal quartet of Cape Verdean descendancy from New Bedford, Massachusetts. The original members being lead vocalist “Kevin Gomes”, Kevin’ s cousin, Rodney “Skeeta” Santos, Daniel “Buddy” Monterio and John Paris the man responsible for coining the group’s eventual performing name “Crystal Motion”. The group was managed initially by Eddie Carter of Carter Management out of Onset, MA. As a then unnamed ensemble, the group entered the now defunct “Metcalf” Recording studio in New Bedford during 1972 to record the Kevin Gomes penned demonstration song, the sweet soul ballad, “There’ll Be Another”. A copy of this song was later submitted to the recently formed Independent Recording Studio, “Omega Sound Productions” in Philadelphia, PA. The label owned by Frank Fioravanti having just hit paydirt with William DeVaughn’s smash hit “Be Thankful For What You Got” continued with his policy of supporting up and coming talent and upon hearing Crystal Motion’s demo decided to offer them a recording contract. Although deciding against using the submitted demonstration song (which was to remain unissued) Fioravanti chose to record the group on a song he had co-written with another Philly writer and recording artist Pal Rakes, the title of the song was “You’re My Main Squeeze (Part 1 & 2)” an exciting disco dance orientated song that Frank released on them in 1975 on his Sound Gems label imprint. The song became a minor hit in Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island plus other towns throughout New England. The record was also popular in the Philadelphia area while also receiving extensive airplay in Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas. Following the success of “You’re My Main Squeeze” John Paris was to leave the group being replaced by a longtime friend of the other group members Douglas “Dougie” Mendes. With attention coming from the producers of “American Band Stand” and “Soul Train” the group continued to tour the East coast circuit throughout 1975 and 1976 in preparation for their proposed upcoming album project. The song “There’ll Be Another” was originally cited to be included on the album, rehearsals had begun on another two Fioravanti and Rakes songs firstly “Wrap Your Love Around Me” (although no actual recording of this song was laid down) and “Million Dollar Baby” which the group did manage to finish and record. The album was never completed as lead singer Kevin Gomes left the group due to unforeseen personal reasons and ultimately the group broke up. Little did “Crystal Motion” know at the time but their solitary 45 release was finding a new audience across the pond in the UK with “You’re My Main Squeeze” being championed by inspirational DJ Colin Curtis in the hallowed halls of Blackpool Mecca, a timeless classic that never fails to bring a smile to the listening audiences faces even to this current day. Sadly Rodney Santos, John Paris and more recently Douglas Mendes have all passed to a better place, leaving Kevin Gomes and Daniel Monterio to continue the Crystal Motion legacy. Now joined by the late Rodney Santos’s brothers Renee and Rory and first tenor Tony Simmons. They are from time to time are also joined by a female vocalist Angela Kronillis. Throughout their performing career the “Crystal Motion” members have often performed with their childhood, neighborhood and lifelong friends the Tavares Brothers of the hit group “Tavares”. Returning to the here and now, following Soul Junction’s introduction to Kevin Gomes and already being involved in a licensing deal with Melomega Music it was agreed to license both of the unissued ‘Crystal Motion’ songs from their respective owners and pair them together for a long overdue 45 release. With ’Crystal Motion’s’ “You’re My Main Squeeze” cult and anthemic status being forever assured with Northern/Modern Soul devotees we’d like to think this long overdue discovery and release of these two slightly differing Sweet Soul offerings will 's Mecca garner and enhance the group’s wider appeal with the growing aficionados of the Chicano, Group Harmony and Lowrider genres, Enjoy. Listeners of Mick O’Donnell’s popular “Soul Discovery” Radio Show may already be familiar with “There’ll Be Another” with Mick having championed a raw demo take of the song in his past broadcasts. Words By: David Welding With acknowledgements to Kevin Gomes. Photographs courtesy of Kevin Gomes. For further information please contact Soul Junction at: Tel: +44 (0) 121 602 8115 or E-mail: sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk To Pre-order visit https://souljunctionrecords.co.uk/SJ551.html

To help celebrate the purchase of The Shrine label by Kent Records and the release of the new Shrine Northern Soul Lp, here is a treat for Soul Music lovers. It is an audio from Sidney Hall that Sidney sent to Andy Rix when Andy was putting together the Shrine Story. 30 minutes long with one side of his Shrine 45 at the beginning and the end.

Press Release: The Petersons “Just What I’ve Been Looking For/What’s It Gonna Be” SJ550 Release Date Monday April 24th 2023 ‘The Petersons’ were a vocal trio from Waycross, GA, their performing name came from their founder, lead vocalist and drummer Kenneth Peterson, along with Keyboard player Salem Chatman and vocalist/bassist Johnny Members. The trio regularly performed shows along America’s East Coast, and it was while working in Philadelphia during early 1973 that the group answered an advertisement in Billboard Magazine quote “Masters Turned Down? We Are Looking for New Acts to Sign, Contact Omega Sound Productions, Philadelphia, PA”. Omega Sound was a fledgling independent Recording Company formed by Frank Fioravanti a budding songwriter and former Encyclopedia Britannica Salesman for the initial purpose of find some extra work for the musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra who were looking to earn some side money. As a result of answering the Billboard advertisement ‘The Petersons’ found themselves booked into Frank Virtue’s recording studio to record two Fioravanti and the late Alan Felder penned songs, the up-tempo “What’s It Gonna Be” backed by the melodic “Just What I’ve Been Looking For” Mel Omega (1833). With the release failing to make much noise, The Petersons returned to their native Georgia where they continuing to perform and record but under the group name of ‘Toll Darkness’. Fast forward circa 30 years and a couple of copies of this obscure Mel Omega 45 was introduced into the UK by Soul Bowl’s John Anderson where they gained belated recognition initially at the Soul Essence Weekenders through resident DJ Steve Guarnori with “Just What I’ve Been Looking For” being his chosen side. These initial copies had a paper sticker on them crediting the Artist as ‘Toll Darkness’ but the subsequent find of further copies with no sticker coverings, revealed the real artist to be ‘The Petersons’, intriguing? The reason behind the differing artist names is reputedly assumed to be that Ken Peterson took some copies of the Mel Omega 45 back to Georgia and pasted the ‘Toll Darkness’ group name stickers over the Petersons label credits to enable him to sell them at shows with his other ‘Toll Darkness’ 45 “Party/Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things on Alpha Records. The up-tempo backing track of The Peterson’s “What’s It Gonna Be” was a Frank Virtue arrangement that he had great faith in, hence it’s usage on plethora of other Philly artists recordings, i.e. Fred Mark, Liza Mae, Michael Christian, Cody Michaels etc over different record labels, Melomega, Concept, Fox Century Plaza and Merben. Frank Fioravanti also founded the Sound Gems label which brought us the timeless classic “Your My Main Squeeze” recorded on the New Beford, MA group ‘Crystal Motion’. Omega Sound’s most notable achievement would be William DeVaughn’s 1974 hit “Be Thankful For What You Got”. Words by: David Welding For further information please contact Soul Junction at: Tel: +44 (0) 121 602 8115 or E-mail: sales@souljunctionrecords.co.uk To buy visit https://souljunctionrecords.co.uk/SJ550.html or your usual stockist or give Dave Welding a shout on here via @Louise

The Chairmen of The Board (Featuring Ken Knox) have a new CD and download release on MoPhilly Records. 2018 will also see the group back in the Uk for several dates around the country. Confirmed so far... April 19th Under The Bridge London / UK April 20th Hamptons Sports and Lesuire Chelmsford / UK April 21st 1865 Southampton / UK April 26th Gorilla Manchester / UK April 27th The Plug Sheffield / UK April 28th Dudley Town Hall Birmingham / UK More details can be found at the group website https://www.thechairmenoftheboard.com/tour The Chairmen Of The Board (Featuring Ken Knox): “Words Left Unsaid” Liner Notes. When one of America’s most evergreen soul groups, The Chairmen Of The Board, collaborates with one of Philadelphia’s most prolific song writing teams, The Steals Brothers, who in turn are aided and abetted by one of Detroit’s most respected producers and arrangers McKinley Jackson, then you just know that the end product is going to be something that’s an extra bit special. Back in 1967, The Chairmen Of The Board became the flagship act of the newly formed Holland/Dozier/Holland inspired Invictus/Hotwax labels. As the 1970’s dawned, they scored a string hits with “Give Me Just A Little More Time,” You Got Me Dangling On A String,” etc which brought the group international acclaim while their 1972 outing “Elmo James” (although a US-non hit) also becoming a chart hit with their European fans. In later years the group became a headline act within the Carolina Beach Music Scene, with their 2002 Surfside records outing, “Bless Your Heart,” becoming a highly collectable classic. Sadly original group leader General Norman Johnson passed away in 2010, and at his request fellow Board member Ken Knox continues to lead the group to this day, being ably assisted by new group members Thomas Hunter and Brandon Stevens and a "Hot" six-piece backing band, The Executives. In 2017 Ken Knox’s Chairmen Of The Board called upon The Steals Brothers/McKinley Jackson’s Mac-Mer-Mel Production Co. to record the upbeat song, “All I Need Is You Tonight,” released as a down-load-only as the lead song for this CD album project on their MoPhilly International Records label. “All I Need Is You Tonight” is a song first written for Arthur Prysock (Released on Old Town Records in 1976) by respected Philly wordsmiths Mervin “Mystro” and Melvin “Lyric” Steals whose extensive song writing catalogue also includes the 1972 Atlantic records million seller, “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” which they wrote for another hit-making Detroit group, The Spinners. The third main protagonist within MoPhilly International, is McKinley Jackson whose horn playing and arrangements can be previously found on many other former HDH acts' recordings like Laura Lee, Honey Cone and Freda Payne as well as his own group, The Politicians Featuring McKinley Jackson on Trombone. He also produced Lamont Dozier’s “Out Here On My Own” an ABC album. McKinley is currently working as the Musical Director for Motown's Legendary Otis Williams’s Temptations. The opening track on the album is an up-to-date rework of The Major Harris Boogie Blues Band’s 1974 Atlantic records release, “Each Morning I Wake up,” a great up-tempo, feel good song to open an album with. The other up-tempo songs featured are the Steals Brothers/McKinley Jackson penned “Get Your Lovin’ While I Can,” a song previously recorded by another perennial favourite Beach Music group, The Embers, and later by Philly outfit, Earl Young’s Trammps. Followed by the Ken Knox penned “I’m Ready Willing And Able” previously recorded in 2014 by Ken Knox & Company, Soul Music Lovers should not only get prepared to put their dancing shoes on, but should also be sure to have a box kleenex close at hand. The two remaining tracks on the album are there to remind us of what The Steals Brothers do at their best and that is to compose beautiful songs of love. Firstly the title track of the album “Words Left Unsaid,” a ballad that just oozes that classic Philly Sweet Soul Sound, a song that they first recorded on former Fat Larry’s Band lead singer, Darryl Grant. Followed by a totally new song, which Melvin “Lyric” Steals wrote in collaboration with Philadelphia's Teddy Prendergrass’s former keyboard player, Alfred aka “Alfie” Pollitt entitled, “No One Else.” Now with The Chairmen Of The Board (Featuring Ken Knox) firmly ensconced as the flagship act at MoPhilly International (MPI) Records, we can only look forward to the future with great relish! Words By: David Welding Soul Junction