WEEK 5:  A ROSE BLOSSOMS

Joy Rose has been an integral member of the Incognito experience over the last few years and

Joy now releases her solo debut album.  Living up to her Christian name, ‘The Rose In Me’ is a delight.   Another debut and this time from a new name, check out Carmen Liana, especially the latter part of the album. 

It seems that the independent side of things is enjoying a renaissance these past few months and you can add Walter Christopher to list that includes last week’s arrival by Al Olive (‘Dream’), Lenora Jaye (‘The Story’),  John Stoddart (‘Faith Hope Love’) and Rhonda Thomas (‘Listen’)  to name a few.

Smooth Jazz fans have new albums from Steve Cole and a compilation from Paul Hardcastle that has three unreleased songs to look forward to.

On the reissue front, the anthology on the legendary Doris Troy is creating quite a stir, whilst Jazzman continues to unearth some real gems this time visiting that well-known hot bed of Soul Nova Scotia for the Sidewinders.

On the Latin Jazz tip, check the mega rare late 60’s Latin Boogaloo gem by the Afro Soultet entitled ‘Afrodesia’.  Definitely worth a listen.

PAUL STENNING – FUND RAISER EVENING

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that a great friend of our shop Paul Stenning is suffering from motor neurone disease.  Unfortunately, Paul is not very well at all and I am sure you would wish to join us in extending our best wishes to him and his family. 

Paul is a superb radio presenter, a true lover of Soul and Jazz music and all round good guy.  He continues to broadcast his popular Sunday lunchtime show on Solar Radio.  His contribution to the success of the station is enormous and his enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication is an example to us all.

Paul used to be a near permanent fixture at the shop on Saturday mornings, where his cheerful and friendly demeanour endeared him to all our regulars.  Sadly the consequences of this horrible condition mean that we no longer enjoy the pleasure of his company and friendly banter each week.  Paul was never afraid to share his encyclopaedic knowledge of the music with friends and strangers alike.  In short Paul is one of the good guys.

To help Paul in his difficult circumstances, Solar Radio is organising a fund raising night on Saturday 26th February at Westfield and District Cricket and Sports Club, Greenmeads, Woking.  For details see the flyer.  I look forward to seeing as many of you who can make it at this event.
Charity night for Paul
SATURDAY FEB 26th Westfield & District Cricket & Sports Club, Greenmeads, Westfield, Woking, Surry, GU22 9QJ - entry - £8 All proceeds go to Paul and family.

STEVIE WONDER - SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE (REMASTERED) CD 13.99

MARVIN GAYE - HERE MY DEAR/IN OUR LIFETIME CD 13.99

LUTHER INGRAM - LETS STEAL AWAY TO THE HIDEAWAY/DO YOU LOVE SOMEBODY CD 13.99

BOBBY WOMACK - POET CD 9.99

Soulfully yours

Malcolm.

TOP RELEASES - ALBUMS OF THE WEEK (w/e 4th FEBRUARY 2011) click artist/titles for review/soundclips
JOY ROSE - THE ROSE IN ME CD 9.99	WALTER CHRISTOPHER - ITS ALL ABOUT LOVE VOL 2 CD 12.99	CARMEN LIANA - WHO I AM CD 15.99	RONALD ISLEY - MR 1 CD 15.99
STEVE COLE - MOONLIGHT CD 16.99	PAUL HARDCASTLE - DESIRE CD 17.99	DORIS TROY - I'LL DO ANYTHING (COMPLETE CD 14.99	SIDEWINDERS - FLAT FOOT HUSTLIN CD 13.99
AFRO SOULTET - AFRODESIA CD 16.99

TOP RELEASES - ALBUMS OF THE WEEK (w/e 27th JANUARY 2011) click artist/titles for review/soundclips

ROBERT AARON - TROUBLE MAN CD 15.99	AL OLIVE - DREAM CD 14.99	TIMMY REGISFORD - AT THE CLUB CD 13.99	KLEEER - INTIMATE CONNECTION CD 12.99
JON LUCIEN - I AM NOW CD 11.99	JON LUCIEN - RASHIDA CD 11.99	STEVIE WONDER - I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER -THE COLLECTION CD 6.99	VARIOUS ARTISTS - NORTHERN SOUL - 20 ORIGINAL CLASSICS CD 6.99
BREAKWATER - SPLASHDOWN CD 12.99	FAZE-O - RIDING HIGH CD 12.95
SPENCER WIGGINS - AT THE BREAKING POINT/MAKE ME YOURS 7" 10	WILLIE BOLLINGER/WILLE WALKER - I DON'T HAVE TO CRY NO MORE/RUN AEOUND 7" 10	RUDY LOVE AND COMPANY/PERCY MILEM - SUFFERING WRATH/CALL ON ME 7" 6	TONY HESTOR - WHAT'S HAPPENING 7" 8
WILLIE TEE - YOU'VE GOT TO PAY YOUR DUES 7" 8	MELODY - LOVE WOMANS A WOMAN/SELFISH ONE 7" 8	PAT LEWIS - LOVES CREEEPING UP ON ME 7" 8	LOS CHARLYS ORCHESTRA – DANA’S DANCE/ CHICO’S RIO SUNSET 7” £7

Italian Jazz is enjoying a golden period with labels such as Schema and Déjà Vu releasing some of the finest Jazz dance of the last few years. Schema is re-promoting some of the earlier titles from the earlier part of the decade. There are some real gems many of which were overlooked as the Schema sound had not yet fully developed and had not reached the peak of its popularity.
NICOLA CONTE - JET SOUNDS CD 15.99	GERARDO FRISINA - AD LIB CD 15.99	QUINTETTO X - NOVA ESQUIMA DA BOSSA CD 15.99	SOULSTANCE - EN ROUTE CD 15.99
NEOS - INDEFINITA ATMOSFEARA CD 15.99	ROSARIO GIULIANI QUARTETTO - TENSION CD 15.99	ROSALIA DE SOUZA- D'IMPROVVISO CD £15.99	NICOLA CONTE RITUALS CD £14.99
MARIO BIONDI HANDFUL OF SOUL CD £15.99	GERARDO FRISINA - HI NOTE CD £15.99

WES BERWISE’S JANUARY ALBUM OF THE MONTH

R KELLY - LOVE LETTERS

This the tenth solo release from the artist who in recent years has garnered almost as much attention for his exploits outside of the music arena as within it, appears to find Mr Kelly in a reflective and thankfully creatively mature mood. The recently turned forty-four year old has decided to give the Hip hop posturing and sexually graphic and innuendo laden lyrics a much needed rest, and adopt a more classically soulful attitude and sound.

Some may be mislead by the cover art, a sort of ‘60’s Motownesque picture, perhaps reminding you of little Stevie or Ray, but the genres of soul encompassed on this release cover a much wider breadth than just that period. Mid tempo numbers and ballads range in style from Marvin, Tammi & Smokey, thru the 70’s, invoking memories of Stevie Wonder and even the Four Tops, and bringing the listener right up to date  including a couple of well written steppers. Indeed it’s really not that easy to date the tracks, as they seem to set the mind scrambling, hurriedly attempting to remember where you might have heard a particular sound or phrase, before being made to get on the same merry go round again on the next song.

From the very first track it is obvious that a lot of care has be taken to respectfully pay homage to - whilst at the same time - not slavishly aping the feel of the tracks which have been his inspiration as an adolescence on this release. And whilst every track is not a total success, the sheer quality of not just the production, but also the writing and the humbleness of its sentiment, conveyed with Kelly’s so often underrated vocals are captivating if not even stunning in some instances.

If you are one of crowd who loved what R.Kelly achieved in his early years and have almost given up waiting for him to do what you’ve had to do, i.e. grow up, then
take time to check this CD out, its one of his very best. Recommended.
Wes

R KELLY - LOVE LETTERS CD - SEE REVIEW

VIEW ALL TITLES BY THIS ARTIST

WES BERWISE ON COLOURFUL RADIO Wes entertains his fans with two weekly sessions. Wes Berwise’s ‘Soul Food’ show is on Sundays from 1pm-3pm, and is a mix of the latest mid-tempo and classic urban jams; ‘Midnight Encounter’ is from Midnight-2am on Tuesday mornings, and includes Wes’ pick of ‘future classics’, the best of the newest ballads and slow jams, as well as little known gems from the past, which deserve another airing. Wes’ shows are sponsored by Soul Brother Records and we would like to congratulate him on his success.  Wes is a frequent visitor to the shop and customers who have met him would agree he is a worthy winner. Colourful Radio is on DAB, or www.colourfulradio.com and check out Wes’ page http://www.colourfulradio.com/presenter/wesberwise/

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