Seminal album from 1982 that has been a major source for countless hip hop and disco samples, Don Blackman’s self titled album includes the 2 step gem ‘Holding You Loving You’ and the popping boogie of ‘Hearts Desire’, along with the big party funkers ‘Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide’, ‘You Aint Hip’ and ‘Yabba Dabba Do’. The mellow, expansive ‘Since You’ve Been Away So Long’ is a slow burn soul gem. Classic album. Essential. Click on the album below to view youtube audio links.
New London Jazz keyboardist Ashley Henry follows up his superb ‘Beautiful Vinyl Hunter’ set from 2019, with a really excellent new album ‘Who We Are’, which will appeal to a much wider audience. It features some great musicians including Myele Manzanza and Peter Hill on drums, Alec Lewes on bass, James Messiah on flute alongside Ashley’s piano and keys, plus guest musicians and singers. Judi Jackson sings and scats on the modal jazz ‘Love Is Like A Movie’, a lovely melodic track. Ashley vocalises on ‘Take It Higher’ which features strings and horns and builds wonderfully, and the melancholy ‘Who...
Kelly Finnigan has established himself as one of the leading voices and producers of retro Soul over the past few years. His two previous solo albums, as part of the Monophonics and producing The Sextones amongst others, are all testaments to his talent. His third solo album 'A Lover Was Born' contains eleven new quality soulful songs that sound and feel as if they were recorded in the early to mid 70s, full of drama and changes as Kelly tells his stories. His vocals are as soulful as ever, supported by backing singers and full instrumentations with horns, strings and percussion....
Soul Brother Records released for Record Store Day 2017 one of the most elusive Soul LP’s of all time, a truly Holy Grail album. Susan Phillips ‘Soft Sexy Soul’ was recorded for Sylvia Robinson’s All Platinum label 1971, pressed in small quantities. Few copies have ever surfaced, it is so rare that many collectors doubt if it was ever released. However, a copy has just sold on Discogs for $20,000 (£15,500) and has still never been listed on Ebay. The album has that classic early 70’s New Jersey Orchestrated Soul sound. The album contains the in demand 2-step single ‘He...
Ezra Collective have become one of the most successful bands to emerge from the New London Jazz scene over the last decade, having won the Mercury prize with their last album ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’. Their forth album ‘Dance No One’s Watching’ is a joyous celebration of Jazz-based Dance music. Their sound encapsulates the sound of multi-cultural London, a mix of Jazz, Afrobeat, Reggae and Soul. ‘The Herald’, ‘Ajala’, and the cover of Fela’s ‘Expensive’ are full on funky Afro-Cuban beat dancers. ‘Shaking Body ‘ has an Afro-Cuban groove, and ‘N29’ and ‘Why I Smile’ a slightly slower, jazzier...
Trumpeter Luis Gasca recorded his fantastic 1971 album ‘For Those Who Chant’ for the Blue Thumb label in San Francisco. He is accompanied by an amazing line up of great musicians including amongst many others Joe Henderson on sax, Carlos Santana Guitar, Stanley Clark Bass, Lenny White drums, George Cables and Mark Levine Pianos, Hadley Caliman Flute and Coke Escovedo percussion. It contains four self penned tracks providing 40 minutes of pure vibe. From the first blasts of Gasca’s horn over the funky salsa groove of ‘Street Dude’ you know this album is going to be special. Henderson then takes...
Harpist Dorothy Ashby recorded this very hip and sophisticated album 'Afro Harping' for the Cadet label in 1968. It is produced and arranged by the magnificent Richard Evans, and features some great musicians, alongside the wonderful Ashby we have Charles Stepney on vibes and keys, Phil Upchurch on bass and In places Maurice White on drums. 'Afro Harping' is a beautiful uptempo Soul-Jazz groover. ''Soul Vibrations' an orchestrated funky track that has a beat made for sampling. 'Games' is a lovely mid tempo shuffler, the version of Freddie Hubbard's 'Little Sunflower ' is totally enchanting and sublime, whilst her cover...
Fred Wesley and The JB's released this classic album in 1974, recorded from the same sessions as James Brown's amazing 'The Payback'. 'Damn Right I Am Somebody', 'Same Beat', 'I'm Paying Taxes' and 'If You Don't Get It The First Time' are really funky tracks to really get you moving. The synth led 'Blow Your Head' was very ahead of its time when released but has become very in demand due to its compulsive beat and numerous samples. There is a good cover of Hank Ballard's funky 'Going To Get A Thrill' and a very slinky instrumental cover of...
The Wynd Chymes were a funk/soul band from Jackson Mississippi who made two album for RCA in the early 80s. Their debut 'Arrival' from 1982 was produced by Anthony Lockett of Cameo who also plays synths along with band mate Charlie Singleton. The original LP is now very rare selling for £100 it includes the upper mid tempo groover 'Body Rap' and a couple of nice mid tempo 2 steppers 'Love Has Come Again'' and 'Ain't It Good' and the down tempo ballad ' Sending My Love'. There are some good boogie tunes ' Checking Out Your Stuff' and 'Stylin Smilin and...
Bobby Hutton hailed from Detroit and recorded his only album 'Piece Of The Action' in 1973 for ABC. The ten track album is typical contemporary Soul of its time; good songs, great production, strings and full instrumentation. 'Lend A Hand' is a great uptempo early 70's Soul dancer, which became legendary on the Northern Soul s cene, but has a wider appeal. 'It's Been Said before' and 'I Can't stop talking' are uptempo, along with mid tempo cuts like 'Can't Get Enough Of Your Love' and 'I Love The Way You Feel' being highlights. The CD version includes 11 bonus...
