Yann V

New single from Henderson & Jones. Back to the studio after 40 years! Listen to both side: here Buy it here: https://www.epsilonrecord.com Henderson & Jones (new release) A side: Picture of Love B side: Can You Feel My Vibes EPS011 EPS011 Epsilon Record Co. 2022 Background: I met Kenneth Henderson and Alfonso Jones almost two years ago after searching for these guys for many years. I proudly re-released two remastered version of I'm Gonna Get Ya on Epsilon EPS003 on February 28, 2021. I have built a real friendship with these two fantastic guys and musicians. It was Alfie & Ken's dream to one day be able to get back in the studio and record more music and who knows one day get back on stage together. So I decided to make it happen and financed the whole project. I booked M.V.P studio (owned by my good friend El Willie aka William Travis from Nobody's Children) in West Palm Beach FL, who organised the entire session and booked studio musicians for this project. Alfie headed to Jacksonville FL to meet Ken for a week of rehearsal and lots of brandy. They travelled to meet El Willie for a one day session and recorded these two amazing tracks. Now their success is in your hands Please show your appreciation and support their brand new music Yann Vatiste Epsilon Record Co.

The latest Streams are entering the pressing facilities as we speak, so we are proud to present something a little more exotic than usual. Both the following new instalments are sprinkled with that latin flavour you all have a thing for, but bear a completely different story. ------ Bermudas’ finest CBLL038 - Leon Cook “Steppin in” b/w “The Last One to Know” Limited edition 250 copies - out Late November 2022 20 Test Pressings available as usual. Immediate digital download link included in receipt. Listen to Side A: Listen to Side B: Preorder: https://cannonballsoul.com/cannonballrecords/ A brief introduction to the sound. Almost all the islands east of the Americas developed a love for ballad singing in the 60s often via listening to doo wop and soul tracks from their own and occasionally US radio stations. This sort of music was interspersed with all sorts of varieties of jump up music from calypso, and later soca and so on. The dominant form of music though was the sound of Jamaica, starting with ska, through rock steady (the soul beat), and this particularly applies for those islands which were closer to the continent. But what about the Bermudas? Although its music is generally considered part of the Caribbean heritage, they are way more north and lost in the Atlantic Ocean than any other caribbean country thus they have been under many different influences due to being in the middle of oceanic routes between Europe and The New World. You could listen to some great Calypso imported from Trinidad and Tobago as well as bagpipe music Irish and Scottish soldiers imported during layovers on the 18th and 19th centuries. A big role was played by Soul Music aswell, pushed by the many Canadians and Portuguese residing on the islands and investing a lot in the entertinament industry (like they did in all the Caribbean after all). It’s the case of Leon Cook who came out with a brilliant Long Player by the title of “Cookin’ with Leon” out of which we licensed the brilliant “Steppin’ in” for a first-ever-relase on a 7” backed by the later ballad “The Last One To Know”. The album was produced by Eddy De Mello, a white portugese business man (radio plugger, event manager, music producer) based on Hamilton, Bermuda, who had put together a mix of white and black musicians and went to the pressing plant under his Edmar Records label. Cook has worked with Sonny Stitt, Jack McDuff, Clark Terry, Hank Marr, and numerous other jazz stars, and traveled with bands led by Richard “Groove” Holmes, Jimmy McGriff, and Rusty Bryant. “I think every musician should have the experience of being on the road with a teacher, like I was,” Cook said. “They taught me not only about music but about life. And playing jazz is a lifelong thing. It's something that teaches you not only how to play your instrument but it teaches you how to be a person.” ------ Flute extraordinare (rhythm flute, not too melodic mind!) TSL018 - Gillespie and Co. Featuring Dolly James ”Keep on Doin’ What you’re Doin” b/w Alberto’s Groove version Limited edition 250 copies - out Late November 2022 20 Test Pressings available as usual. Immediate digital download link incuded in receipt. Listen to Side A (original band): Listen to Side B (Alberto’s Groove): Preorders: https://cannonballsoul.com/teslagroove/ Not that Gloucester’s finest Andrew Gillespie needs any introduction, yet we need to talk a little about Dolly James, the great singer featured in this song. Dolly and Andrew met at a local recording/rehearsal studio in 2012 or 2013 where Dolly was rehearsing with her then band Soular UK. Andrew joined them on congas/percussion for a one off gig in Cheltenham and wasted no time in asking Dolly do the vocals for a song that he had just written (Keep On Doin’ What Your Doin’) which was influenced by the Salsoul records disco sound and may take on that style. Andrew Gillespie started off recording as The Aries Vibration (one self released 45) in 2009 then Gillespie & Co (various 45 releases), La Glosta Nostra (one 45 release) as well as doing session musician work for labels from California to Switzerland and UK. Dolly has had a long and successful career as backing singer for the likes of Matt Bianco, Van Morrison, Mick Hucknall and many others. Tesla’s very own Alberto has additionally produced the flipside to a 4 to the floor version you will want to blast out of your impeccable sound systems.

Out now! Epsilon 016 BLACK SMOKE BAND: I'LL KEEP SEARCHING / GET'N OFF - EPSILON RECORD CO. The Black Smoke Band were comprised of five members Norwell McNeill on lead vocals (and songwriting duties) Bobby Moore on bass guitarJames Jacobs on lead guitar Joe McLaughlin on keyboards Ronnie Brewington on drums. Joe was also the man behind the band’s resources, financing both the musical kit and studio time.All of the members hail from the town of Dunn, North Carolina - a state which has gifted us some amazing soul music from the 1960’s, 1970’s and beyond. All of the members of the group began recording music prior to the band’s two releases, before they met and formed as teenagers playing local bars, dance halls and night clubs. They gigged with other local acts. Both of the band’s releases were recorded in 1977 at Arthur Smith’s Studios in Charlotte - and both released on the group’s own label, Black Smoke Productions. ‘Starting my Life All Over Again’ was the first of two releases, a beautiful sweet soul effort, that really showcases Norwell’s earnest, soulful vocals. The flip is a solid funk cut called ’Skateboard’. ‘I’ll Keep Searching’ b/w ‘Get n Off’ was the second and sadly final release from the group - but what a record it is! A moody, funky, and compelling arrangement that eschewed the ubiquitous disco sound of the period and created a gritty masterpiece for lovers of hard edged soul music. Norwell’s gruff, captivating vocal and some stellar guitar work were all laid over a tight, rolling beat accompanied by strong horn stabs. The pleading, emotional dynamics of the record work brilliantly with its strutting, insistent pace. Delivering both emotionally and musically it was to be the group’s swan song, but left ample evidence of the talent that lay within them as a band. Eventually the group decided to go their separate ways in 1978, although that was not the end of their musical careers, with all of the members continuing to perform in and around North Carolina for many years. Ronnie sadly passed away, but the other four original members of the group are still actively making music, with Norwell and Bobby remaining in regular contact today. Bobby played with Kool & The Gang for a brief spell, alongside other well known acts. Joe continues to run his own studio, and has a large back catalogue of previously unheard material recorded both before and after the Black Smoke years. That is the story of the Black Smoke Band in 1977. Although short lived, the group have provided soul fans across the UK and beyond with two fabulous singles, considered by many to be shining examples of the musical talent that coursed through America’s suburbs and communities during the golden age of soul and funk music. A rich vein of talent which remains largely undiscovered even now... Buy it here: https://www.epsilonrecord.com

Talkin’ and Steppin’ all day long here. It’s time for another Stream of goodness. Once again two impossible-to-find modern soul bangers licensed and reissued for your pleasure! STR005 The Vee-Gees "Talkin" Mono / Stereo Listen: https://bit.ly/Vee_Gees Preorder: https://cannonballsoul.com/streamrecords/ Previously known as the Versatile Gents, The Vee Gees were from Greensboro, N.C. They started the band in 1967 originally as "the African Americans" performed at a talent show at Gillespie Park School, Geensboro, North Carolina. Soon After Virginia Massey a Senior Music Major at A&T joined the group and the name was changed to Gin And The Gents. After one year Massey left the Band and their name was changed to The Versatile Gents. They reformed and called themselves the Vee Gees in the early 70’s. The Members are Robert Evans (Vince Evans of the NFL's brother), Nathaniel Herring, Anthony Quick, CC Stewart, Cecil Young.In their band. Carlton Morales that wrote "Vallotte" and played with Julian Lennon on guitar. Kevan Tynes on drums. Walter Carlton on Bass. They recored a beautiful sweet soul side call It’s hard to say so long on Jump in 1973. They came back to the studio in 1974 and cut the incredible Talkin on Jump off records. Vee Gees Talkin is the ultimate crossover tune, Spun by some of the best deejays in the world. We’re sure you will be singing all day “Hey brother, brother, just had a talk with the man yesterday... what did he saaaaaay?" Enjoy and support the venture, and if you like the Curtis Lee too, please bundle up and spare something. One in every home! ----------- TSL006 Curtis Lee "Steppin" b/w "Funkadize Me Please" Listen: https://bit.ly/Curtis_Lee Preorder: https://cannonballsoul.com/streamrecords/ This what we call a Killer Modern Soul Dancer! Curtis Lee, real name Curtis Lee Lindsey out of Canton OH, sadly passed away much too young at the age of 58 in June 2012. He was a really special man & a really talented singer and musician. Curt worked for Canton City Schools as a crossing guard. He was also a social member of VFW Military Veteran organisation. He loved to sing and was runner-up for Canton Idol in 2007, and he also sang at the Fair Grounds and for some Hall of Fame events. We’ve managed to track down his family and licensed these two amazing songs that he recorded in 1979 on his own label Spade Record recorded at Kopperhead studio North Canton OH. Enjoy and support the venture, and if you like the Vee Gees too, please bundle up and spare something. One in every hom

Out Now! EPSILON RECORD CO PROUDLY PRESENTS! EPS015 Buy it now: https://www.epsilonrecord.com Listen to both side: A side (vocal): B Side (instrumental) Contact: epsilonrecord45@gmail.com

Out Now! Epsilon Record Co. Proudly presents its latest release: EPS014 MANTIS Back after 40 years with a brand new unissued single! Vocal: Rocky Whitaker / Producer: Alvin Harrison EPS014: A: WHEN I FEEL HOW YOU LOVE ME (2:56) (previously unissued) B: WHEN I FEEL HOW YOU LOVE ME (2:56) (instrumental version) Modesto CA 2021 Buy it now: https://www.epsilonrecord.com

OUT NOW! Epsilon Records Co. Proudly Presents its latest release: EPS013 (another double sider, listen to both side) FUNK JUNCTION A side: WHAT WILL I BE (3:23) Previously unissued funky disco dancer Listen: B side: LET'S TRY IT AGAIN (4:12) Killer sweet soul harmony to die for / previously issued in 1980 and nearly impossible to find on Fos-Glo Record Listen: Buy it here: https://www.epsilonrecord.com Shipping this Monday! Funk Junction Band Members James Greene, Fred Ross, Tony Rodrigues and Alan Ross played and sang on “Let’s Try It Again”. James Greene, Fred Ross, Alan Ross, Preston Delaney sang and played on “What Will I Be”. Back in October 2020 during the lockdown Steve Green & I were doing extensive research on an amazing and ultra obscured sweet soul 45 that was released on Fos-Glo record by a band called "JUNCTION". After a few days of investigation, I managed to find James Green, one of the original members, who turned out to be the actual songwriter of "Let's Try It Again" in 1980. We were finally making progress! James Green kindly redirected us to his friend Warren Foster, the manager of "Funk Junction" the band's real name and owner of Fos-Glo Records. I soon realised that I was talking to a big guy in the music business in the San Francisco Bay area. Warren Foster managed & produced phenomenal bands and artists like The Windjammers aka Masterplan, Little Stanley, Bill Griffith, Butch Tavares & Tavares Brothers, Con Funk Shun, Lenny Williams to name few. Warren's knowledge is just astonishing, he knows everyone in the music world and he is still very much involved in the music business. I am hoping one day he will write a book. After nearly a year of negotiations, I was finally able to license two songs from the "Funk Junction" straight from the original mastertapes from his vault. The A side, "What Will I Be" is totally unissued, it's a great modern funky disco dancer perfect for today's dance floor. The B side, "Let's Try It Again" is a the killer sweet soul was previously issued in 1980 on Fos-Glo Records. It's seriously awesome and I have no doubt that many of you will prefer this side. (nothing wrong with a good double sider!) I plan to visit Warren next month at his studio in Arkansas to plan more releases for Epsilon including "The Love Experience" and some other unissued and issued gems, so watch out! Thanks for supporting Epsilon Record Co.

BOOM!!! Out Now! (shipping this Monday) KENI LEWIS / BA'E BROTHER Two sublime ultra obscure Northern Soul gems First time re-released on Epsilon Record Co. Recorded at Edgewood Studio Inc Washington DC, 1969 KENI LEWIS EPS012: A: BA'E BROTHER (3:10) B: BA'E BROTHER (Instrumental) (3:10) Hear it Now: Buy it now: https://www.epsilonrecord.com Keni St Lewis (Keni Lewis) Keni St. Lewis is predominanly a prolific songwriter who recorded only a handful of sides himself. He was a member of several groups The Dreams, The Cairos, The Enjoyables and The Chancellors. Ba'e Brothers was his first record as a solo artist. He wrote songs recorded by Billy Butler, Gene Chandler and The O'Jays. His repertoire includes many songs for many Northern Soul artists and includes several Shrine artists: D.C. Blossoms: Hey Boy Epsilons: Mad a the World / I'm So Devoted The Cairos: Stop Overlooking Me / Don't Fight It Shirley Edwards: Dream My Heart The Counts: Peaches Baby Cavaliers: Do What I Want Flower Shoppe, Vibrating Vibrations, The Dreams, The Coasters among others. In the 70s he wrote hits for The Sylvers and Tavares. Full infos & Photos: https://www.epsilonrecord.com

ALLISON & THE SOUTH FUNK BOULEVARD BAND AKA The T.S.U. Toronadoes (Houston, Texas) EPS010: A: PAY BEFORE YOU LAY (2:33) B: IT'S LOVE (3:01) Buy it now: https://www.epsilonrecord.com Contact: epsilonrecord45@gmail.com Listen About Allison & The South Funk Boulevard Band: Allison Lewis (Robert Alician Lewis) Allison was best known as one of the members of the great Funk band "TSU Toronadoes", who was the creator of the million seller, "Tighten Up" while backing Archie Bell & The Drells on Ovide & Atlantic and many more. Allison has also written some amazing songs such as, I Still Love You, The Goose, Only Inside, Work on it, to name a few. However, when the band "TSU Tornados" split in 1971, "Allison Lewis" went on to form "South Funk Blvd" with two other members Jerry Jenkins, Nelson Mills. They recorded a well known rare single with his band "South Funk Blvd" called "Skying High Getting Off On Your Loving" & "Be Together" on Captain Funk Records. The rest of the band attempted to continue playing under the name "TSU Tornadoes". Allison and "South Funk Bvld" moved to Alabama and released their first single "What Happen to Association / Turn On With Music" on the label "Ovide" (#255) using the name of "Allison & South Funk Blvd". South Funk Boulevard Band members were: Allison Lewis Ray Jackson Nelson Mills Carlos Tillman Michael Spencer Louis Howard In 2013, Allison wrote a fantastic book,The Hidden Man: The Story of An Unfulfilled Dream. I would recommend anyone to buy a copy from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Man-Story-Unfulfilled-Dream/dp/1514115689 The book was reviewed by his good friend, Mr Connoisseur Dave Thorley. THE HIDDEN MAN: The story of an unfulfilled dream. "The track Tighten Up that Al and his group of fellow musicians, The TSU Tornadoes, heleped create became one of the cornerstones of a style of music called Funk. Throughout the years, their style has been copied, mimicked, and sampled around the globe. I could end there by telling, the reader that they provided a complete new colour pallet that is still used to this very day by fellow musicians around the world. But having, read the pages of this book, I have to say that this is so much more. It is a story of a man that has strived and never given up. A man that has traveled down a road that has had many folks to navigate and has arrived at this point with an uplifting, story to tell." Dave Thorley, DI (Gloucester FM Radio 96.6 UK)