Thinksmart

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jan/10/james-mtume-jazz-and-funk-musician-dies-aged-75 Wonderful music. No introduction needed here I'm sure, but a good start to his many contributions was put together by Expansion Records: https://www.discogs.com/release/815992-Various-The-Best-Of-Mtume-Lucas Also, Adam White (writer on Motown) mentioned R. Dean Taylor may of passed on Twitter but I haven't seen any follow-up from him on it since.

Great to have these two together in their best sound quality ever.

Yes Valentino was the original I think.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/sep/08/carl-bean-singer-i-was-born-this-way-dies-aged-77?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Now that as of today's ministerial briefings 'vaccine passports' seem likely for mass indoor entertainment events after end of September in UK, it will be interesting to see if that has any requirement upon bigger or any events in the Soul scene(s).

I'm also unsure how it would be traced back now. I doubt anyone will report a specific event or even know precisely it was at the event it was transmitted. My guess is people will stay quiet.

Enjoying this new CD immensely. Thank you.

The article was okay, it wasn't patronising to the scene like many are.

Robert Brown's memories in a new book. A good article here with many memories: https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/leisure/19367050.looking-back-bradford-northern-soul-scene/

Some of those are on other Kent CDs including these other Vietnam war related ones - https://www.discogs.com/Various-Does-Anybody-Know-Im-Here/release/6435102 And https://www.discogs.com/Various-A-Soldiers-Sad-Story-Vietnam-Through-The-Eyes-Of-Black-America-1966-73/release/2495508

Hi all, Sarah had the USA TV show Station 19 on tonight and at a dramatic point, a song called 'One Soul' by Gsharp was played. A new artist to me and I couldn't find much so far. Page here: https://www.facebook.com/whoisgsharp/ and https://www.instagram.com/gsharpandthebizness/?max_id=1527177176552801762 Here is the song, which builds up well from just voice into the full arrangement at the end.

Very nice.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b03nt8wt From the Motown spoken word label Black Forum that ran 1970-1973.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/swamp-dogg-interview-rat-on-anniversary-bon-iver-b1818956.html

Yes and Invisible Man's Band too.

Thanks for sharing this sad news. Songwriters are often overlooked but he wrote some classics.

BBC reporting Mary Wilson has passed away aged 77.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/feb/05/disco-pioneer-tom-moulton-people-thought-i-was-from-another-planet Althought often typified as a Disco remixer, his contribution to uptempo Soul is equally notable.

"Sonos will premiere a new station on Sonos Radio HD titled the Sound of Philadelphia, hosted and hand-curated by Kenny Gamble himself. In partnership with Warner Chappell Music, The Sound of Philadelphia will explore the label’s greatest hits from artists including The Jacksons, Patti LaBelle, the O’Jays, and more. The Sound of Philadelphia will take listeners behind-the-scenes with Gamble, who will share stories from his time writing, producing and working on 120 internationally-beloved albums and over 40 gold and platinum records. The station will feature special guests, as well unique programming for Black History Month, Women’s History Month and more. The Sound of Philadelphia will be available February 24 on Sonos Radio HD. VMP (Vinyl Me, Please) in conjunction with Legacy Recordings will partner on VMP Anthology: The Story of Philadelphia International, an exclusive vinyl box set celebrating the renowned Philly Soul label coming in 2021. The Story of Philadelphia International reinvents the box set experience to take listeners on a sequential journey told across eight albums remastered from their original tapes and paired with liner notes and an exclusive podcast interview series in celebration of the label’s 50th anniversary. Snapper Music-United Souls in conjunction with Legacy Recordings will release a volume series of limited edition 8-CD sets throughout the year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of PIR. Each set will contain a unique giant poster, exclusive 12” single, endorsed numbered certificate, a lavish 48-page hardcover book with a comprehensive archive of rare photographs compiled and curated in association with artists, engineers, and producers relevant to the label’s story. All discs will be mastered from original tapes bringing together the entire PIR studio album collection for the very first time."

https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/philadelphia-international-records-celebrates-50-years-1846136010

https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/news/9515785/philadelphia-international-records-50th-anniversary-exclusive/

BEM not OBE

Great to see, preordered along with the new Birth Of Soul CD too.

An article: https://www.npr.org/2021/01/10/955052761/on-introducing-aaron-frazer-contemplates-love-and-the-road-ahead

This is a good album. Much more 70s Philly than the 60s R&B Soul that might be expected. Played live in the studio with a lot of care, across musicians of established vintage and younger enthusiasm.