Leon’s classic and best album , a masterpiece recorded in 1976 for Motown , just after he wrote and produced Marvin’s ‘I Want You’ album. This is in a similar style, and was over shadowed at the time by Marvin’s classic but if anything this is actually a better album. The sensual mood of the album is epitomised by the heavily orchestrated mid tempo ‘Learning How To Love You’, ‘Instant Love’ (ft Minnie Riperton) ‘Body Heat’ (Leon co-wrote and sang on Quincy’s original a year earlier) , ‘Journey Into You’ , and the slower ‘Holiday’ (ft Marvin and Womack) ,...
The band Eramus hall were apparently named after a famous Detroit landmark building by George Clinton. Their debut album 'Your Love Is My Desire' was released on Westbound in 1980 , the last album on the label, although it was recorded a couple of years earlier. It shows influence from Ohio Players, Blackbyrds and not a long way off Breakwater. 'Your Love Is My desire' is a lovely jazzy soul modern soul mid tempo horn backed dancer. They cover J.R.Bailey classic stepper 'Just Me N You' with a lusher jazzier soul production. There are some nice mid tempo ballads 'She...
October London’s ‘The Rebirth Of Marvin’ has been one of the most sought after contemporary Soul albums since it appeared as a download nearly two years ago, now it is finally available as a limited edition CD and LP. October displays a very credible and heavy influence from Marvin Gaye in his vocal delivery, style and songs on this very strong 11 track album. Most of the songs are mid tempo beat ballads like ‘Rollercoaster’, ‘Back To Your Place’ and ‘You Give Me Love’. There are more upper mid tempo semi funky tunes like ‘Make Me Wanna’ and the slightly slower but outstanding...
British-Ghanaian Singer Songwriter Myles Sanko releases his fifth studio album 'Let It Unfold', a unique blend of Soul and Jazz. It is a strong self written, produced, mixed and released album. Myles has a very rich voice and his songs have powerful lyrics of self-fulfilment, healing, hope and positive energy. Myles is backed by some good musicians that include Tom O'Grady on keyboards and drummer, percussion and vibes player Ric Elsworth (both from Resolution 88) and long term associates, Jon Mapp on bass and Gareth Lumbers on sax and flute, plus Samuel Ewens on trumpet and flugelhorn. Highlights include the...
Emilia Sisco from Finland has previously released a few nice 45s but now has her fine ten track debut album ‘Introducing Emilia Sisco’ backed by the excellent Cold Diamond & Mink. It is a superb retro early 70s soul album recorded and mixed at the Timmon studios. Emilia possesses a sweet wistful soulful voice and harmonises beautifully over the sympathetic backing from the five piece, horn led band that includes Jukka Eskola on trumpet and flugel horn. ‘Say Yes’ is a lovely mid tempo groove oriented track. ‘Your Girl’ is a mid tempo beat ballad, as is ‘Love So...
The ever reliable Will Downing returns with another 6 tracks of quality romantic sophisticated soul ‘Luscious’. The tracks are all conversions of classic songs restyled by Will featuring some great musicians. Marcus Johnson plays piano on his version of Junior’s ‘Mama Used To Say’ taken at a slower pace than the original but in someways it actually suits the song better. Jon Lucien’s beautiful ‘Rashida’ features Marion Meadows on sax and naturally, it is a very soulful version. ‘The Power Of Love’ features Randy Bowland on guitar and Rhodes and the song epitomises Will Downing’s music. No surprises, just quality music...
Gina Sedman (formerly Gina Carey) returns with 'Valuable People', a collection of 11 self-written and produced songs, her first album in a while. The title track and 'What The World Needs' are very funky grooves. The mid tempo 'But What's Inside' has an 80s Soul feel. 'Smile' is a highlight featuring Michael J Calhoun of Kinsmann Dazz on guitar and Kevin Flournoy on electric piano which has a rare groove approach. There is also a remix which has a more percussive groove. 'Grace' is another highlight, an upper mid tempo groove. 'I Refuse' is more uptempo. 'Living In A World'...
Roy Ayers Ubiquity's first Polydor album from 1970 includes gems like ‘Pretty Brown Skin’, Nat Adderley’s ‘Hummin’ and the psychedelic ‘The Fuzz’. Roy’s take on ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ has a wicked walking jazzy bass line. The funky ‘Love’ has a groove that later would-be known as Jazz Funk, whilst ‘Can You Dig It’ is funkier still. Ubiquity’s members at the time included keyboard wizard Harry Whittaker., Edwin Birdsong on organ and vocals and Alphonse Mouzon on drums. This album laid the foundations for one of the best exponents of the jazz-funk genre throughout the 70's and early...
Saxophonist Benny Golson had already been recording for 20 years as a leader, when he made this Jazz-Funk album for Columbia in 1978. Golson is joined by some great musicians including James Gadson on drums and vocals, Ray Parker guitar, Bobby Lyle keys, Paulinho Da Costa percussion, plus great backing vocals from Clydie King, Julia and Maxine Waters and former Ikette Jessica Smith. ‘I’m Always Dancin’ To The Music’ has become a rare groove 2 stepper anthem over the past 30 years, a great track that has a punchy groove and is hard to sit still to. ‘Blues March’ and...
James Brown funky people was originally issued in the mid 80s as a single album, but now issued as a double lp with 13 classic funk tracks produced by the godfather. It includes the J.B's 'Gimme Some More', 'Hot Pants Road', 'Pass The Peas', 'Givin Up Food For Funk' , 'J.B's Monouail' , 'Same Beat' and 'Damn Right I'm Somebody' alongside some great sister funk from Lyn Collins 'Think (About It)', 'Rock Me Again and Again', 'Mama Feelgood' and Take Me The Way I Am'. Brilliant funk compilation. Click below to purchase the album and check out other albums in...
