MAZE TICKETS:
We have a few tickets left for the Maze concerts at Hammersmith Apollo
On Saturday 20th September we have stalls seated tickets @ £37.50 + £3.50 booking/ admin.
On Sunday 21st September we have stalls standing tickets @ £31.50 + £3.50 booking/ admin.
also check our Maze classic albums feature – click here
Laurence will be sitting in for Shaun Robbins on Sunday 7th September for the Sunday Soul Selection on Solar Radio. Tune in between 10am -12pm on www.solarradio.com tune in on Sky Digital Chanel 0129
NEW SOUL
It’s a good week for New soul albums. Eric Benet makes his best album since his 2 classic albums in the 90’s, ‘Love And Life’ incl the uplifting dancer ‘Weekend Girl’ .
Leigh Jones is a new name to us but her debut album ‘Music In My Soul’ on Peak is really nice. Danish producer Cool Million has his debut album featuring many singer incl Donald McCullom on Expansion will appeal to those who like the 80’s sound, Eclectik Soul have an album that has that live spiritual sound like Fertile Ground, and Kenny Lattimore has a covers album. See full reviews of all these in our albums of the month section.
NEW JAZZ
Two new Smooth Jazz albums are in this week, both on Nu Groove. Firstly trumpeter Gordon James’ ‘In-joy’, which is co-produced by Bob Baldwin and James Lloyd (Pieces Of A Dream) is at the funkier end of the Smooth Jazz spectrum. Nate Harasim is a keyboard player - a new name to us – but this set will help establish him with the Smooth Jazz fraternity. This collection of relaxed grooves is easy on the ear and includes the vocal ‘Feel The Love’.
For those that enjoyed Koop’s album a few years back, then Part-Time Heroes ‘Meanwhile’ should appeal. This album is creating a bit of a stir in Jazz and Soul circles.
Fans of the Freestyle label will probably enjoy the double CD entitled ‘Single Minded’. As the title suggests, the tracks are taken from the various sevens and twelves the label has released since its launch five years ago. It is a mix of Disco Funk, funk, Hip Hop and Jazz.- the selection is as eclectic as the label releases.
REISSUES
Denise La Salle has a retrospective of her ABC and MCA years double CD, Bobby Williams ‘Funky Superfly’ album is out on CD with some great funk tracks, and Frankie Valli’s Motown recordings are put together on a double CD.
VINYL
There’s some good 7” reissues this week from Tolbert ‘I’ve Got It’ (also on 12” with an unreleased extended version) both in limited supply, some of the main tracks from Bobby Williams album are available on a 3 x 7” pack, and we have a few more copies of Gloria Shannon’s great ‘Tears’ track back in stock.
PRE-ORDER FOR NEXT WEEK
there’s some good albums due next week as well preorder fro Raphael Saadiq,
Althea Rene, Independent Soul Divas, Lin Rountree and Urban Retropolitan Movement.
TOP TEN SOUL
Heston Storyteller
Phil Perry Ready For Love
Stephanie McKay Tell it like it is
Leon Ware Moon Ride
Sophia Nelson Woman In Love
Alex Lattimore Promise
Jeff Floyd Keepin it Real
Lalah Hathaway Self Portrait
Soul Children Still Standing
Various Artists New Soul Woman
TOP TEN JAZZ
Sabrina Malheiros New Morning
George Duke Dukey Treats
Bradley Leighton Soul Collective
Various Artists Nicola Conte presents Viagem
Nick Colionne No Limits
Shilts Jigsaw Life
Various Artists A Night At The Jazz Rooms
LA Chillharmonic LA Chillharmonic
Soil And Pimp Planet Pimp
Part-Time Heroes Meanwhile
| JUST ARRIVED 5TH SEPTEMBER |
NATE HARASIM |
LOVE'S TAKING OVER |
NU GROOVE |
CD |
NEW |
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£13.95 |
ERIC BENET |
LOVE AND LIFE |
REPRISE |
CD |
NEW |
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£13.95 |
NATALIE COLE |
STILL UNFORGETABLE |
RHINO |
CD |
NEW |
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£14.95 |
COOL MILLION |
GOING OUT TONIGHT |
EXPANSION |
CD |
NEW |
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£12.95 |
ECLECTIK SOUL |
ECLECTIK SOUL |
ECLECTIK SOUL |
CD |
NEW |
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£12.95 |
NOEL GOURDIN |
AFTER MY TIME |
EPIC |
CD |
NEW |
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£13.95 |
GORDON JAMES |
IN JOY |
NU GROOVE |
CD |
NEW |
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£13.95 |
LEIGH JONES |
MUSIC IN MY SOUL |
PEAK |
CD |
NEW |
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£14.95 |
DENISE LA SALLE |
A LITTLE BIT NAUGHTY (ABC/MCA YEARS) |
SHOUT (2CD) |
CD |
NEW |
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£13.95 |
KENNY LATTIMORE |
TIMELESS |
VERVE |
CD |
NEW |
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£12.95 |
JOHNNY OSBOURNE |
TRUTH AND RIGHTS (DELUXE VERSION) |
HEARTBEAT |
CD |
NEW |
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£14.95 |
PART TIME HEROES |
MEANWHILE |
WAH WAH |
CD |
NEW |
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£9.95 |
GLORIA SHANNON |
TEARS/SHINING MY LOVE LIGHT |
REALSIDE |
SEV |
NEW |
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£10.00 |
TOLBERT |
I'VE GOT IT |
SOUL 45 |
SEV |
NEW |
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£10.00 |
TOLBERT |
"I'VE GOT IT (UNRELEASED 12"" VERSION)/7 INCH VERSION" |
JAZZMAN |
TW |
NEW |
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£7.00 |
FRANKIE VALLI/FOUR SEASONS |
MOTOWN YEARS |
MOTOWN (2CD) |
CD |
NEW |
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£14.95 |
VARIOUS ARTISTS |
SINGLE MINDED |
FREESTYLE |
CD |
NEW |
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£13.95 |
WEE |
YOU CAN FLY ON MY AREOPLANE |
ASTERISK |
CD |
NEW |
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£14.95 |
BOBBY WILLIAMS |
"FUNKY SUPERFLY (3 X 7"" BOX SET)" |
JAZZMAN |
SEV |
NEW |
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£14.00 |
BOBBY WILLIAMS |
FUNKY SUPERFLY (FAN CLUB ED) |
JAZZMAN |
CD |
NEW |
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£13.95 |
ALITHIA RENE |
NO RESTRICTIONS (FROM 12TH SEP) |
BUNGALO |
CD |
NEW |
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£13.95 |
LIN ROUNTREE |
SUMTHIN GOOD (FROM 12 SEP) |
NU MILLENIUM |
CD |
NEW |
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£14.95 |
RAPHAEL SAADIQ |
THE WAY I SEE IT (FROM MID SEPT) |
COLUMBIA |
CD |
NEW |
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£12.95 |
URBAN RETROPOLITAN MOVEMENT |
URBAN RETROPOLITAN MOVEMENT (FROM 8TH SEPT) |
URBAN RETROPOLITAN MOVEMENT |
CD |
NEW |
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£11.95 |
VARIOUS ARTISTS |
INDEPENDENT SOUL DIVAS (FROM 12TH SEPT) |
LOLA WAXX |
CD |
NEW |
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£11.95 |
| JUST ARRIVED 29TH AUGUST |
artist |
title |
label |
format |
condition |
image |
price |
buy |
WILLIE BOBO |
BOBO MOTION |
VERVE |
CD |
NEW |

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£9.95 |

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GEORGE DUKE |
FACES OF REFLECTION |
MPS/VERVE |
CD |
NEW |

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£9.95 |

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ECLECTIK SOUL |
ECLECTIK SOUL |
ECLECTIK SOUL |
CD |
NEW |

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£12.95 |

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YVONNE FAIR |
THE BITCH IS BLACK |
REEL MUSIC |
CD |
NEW |

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£11.95 |

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GENE HARRIS/3 SOUNDS |
ELEGANT SOUL |
BLUE NOTE |
CD |
NEW |

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£9.95 |

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ISAAC HAYES |
ULTIMATE - CAN YOU DIG IT |
STAX (2CD/DVD) |
CD |
NEW |

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£14.95 |

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EDDIE HENDERSON |
HERITAGE |
BLUE NOTE |
CD |
NEW |

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£9.95 |

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HESTON |
STORYTELLER |
WORLDSOUL |
CD |
NEW |

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£11.95 |

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BOBBI HUMPHREY |
FANCY DANCER |
BLUE NOTE |
CD |
NEW |

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£9.95 |

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JOHN KLEMMER |
BAREFOOT BALLET |
VERVE |
CD |
NEW |

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£9.95 |

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BETTYE LAVETTE |
TELL ME A LIE |
REEL MUSIC |
CD |
NEW |

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£11.95 |

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RAMSEY LEWIS |
GOIN LATIN |
VERVE |
CD |
NEW |

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£9.95 |

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MICHAEL LINGTON |
HEAT |
NEW GROOVE |
CD |
NEW |

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£13.95 |

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ESTHER PHILLIPS |
ALONE AGAIN NATURALLY |
REEL MUSIC |
CD |
NEW |

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£11.95 |

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GAZELLE SMITH/MOCAMBOS |
WORKING WOMAN |
OLD CAPITAL |
SEV |
NEW |

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£5.00 |

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SOIL AND PIMP |
PLANET PIMP |
BROWNSWOOD |
CD |
NEW |

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£12.95 |

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KIM TOLLIVER |
COME AND GET ME I'M READY |
REEL MUSIC |
CD |
NEW |

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£11.95 |

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VARIOUS ARTISTS |
COMPLETE MOTOWN SINGLES VOL 10 -1970 |
HIPPO (6CD) |
CD |
NEW |

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£64.95 |

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REUBEN WILSON |
SET US FREE |
BLUE NOTE |
CD |
NEW |

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£9.95 |

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Listen to the Soul Brother Selection on www.solarradio.com or tune in on Sky Digital Chanel 0129
We're pleased to announce that Soul Brother Records now sponsors Shaun Robbins' Sunday Soul Selection on Solar Radio. Tune in every Sunday between 10am-12pm to hear the featured album of the week supplied by Soul Brother Records - click to hear again
PLAYLIST FOR TUESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER 2008
Click the to listen to individual tracks (tracks will open in new window) or right click, save as to save to your pc to play later. All tracks are now in .ram format (playable with Jet Audio, Real Player, etc) for preview purposes only
Click here for previous 2008 playlists
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NEW SOUL - SEPTEMBER 2008 More soundclips on our weekly radio show playlist - here |
HESTON – STORYTELLER CD £11.95
Atlanta’s singer/songwriter Heston who made that great track ‘If’ featured on ‘this is soul 2005’ makes his debut album and what a fantastic one it is. Real songs well sung with great real instrumentation, the quality just oozes throughout. ‘My Baby’ is a singalong brassy uptempo dancer that really kicks, ‘Distant Lover’ is Marvin-esq mid tempo with a great hook (but a different track) and ‘Easy’ also has a Marvin feel to it. ‘Radio’ and ‘Hello Sunday’ are catchy mid tempo’s , ‘Sunny Days’ is an uptempo groover and ‘Something In The Water’ a hypnotic mid tempo groover. ‘Dreamy Eyes’ ft Angela Johnson is a beautiful ballad and ‘No Way No How’ and ‘Your Perfume’ are gentle ballads that really work. Very strong album that will appeal to you if you like the Atlanta sound (Anthony David/PJ Morton) , one of the best so far this year.

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ERIC BENET LOVE AND LIFE CD £13.95
Eric makes a welcome return to the style of his first two albums after his last somewhat downbeat album. 'Love Patience Time' is a good horn backed mid tempo dancer , 'Weekend Girl' is a brassy uplifting dancer and 'Don't Let Go' and 'The Hunger' also have that 'handclapping' effect beat that keeps the feet moving. 'You're The Only One' is a really nice beat ballad and 'Chocolate Legs' is an interesting slowie whilst the latin tinged shuffler 'Spanish Fly' and soulful R&B dancer 'Iminluvwichoo' are also good.This will please his fans of his 90's work, welcome back.
also recommended 'A Day in The Life' and True To Myself' CD's £13.95 each

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LEON WARE MOON RIDE CD £14.95
Leon's unique style of smooth soul and vocal phrasing is an aquired taste but his Stax debut benefits from fuller live instrumentation and stronger production than his recent independent albums and will have a wider appeal. 'Moon Ride' a seductive bass heavy mid tempo groover with multi layered vocals. 'Smoovin' is a great 2 stepper with a nice hook and probably the albums standout track, this and 'To Serve You (All Of My love)' another mellow groover, both feature James Ingram on BV's. 'Just Take Your Time'co written by and featuring David T Walker is a quality slowie with a great hook which could easily have been taken from his classic 'Musical Massage' album. 'Hold Tonight' and 'Soon' are typical Leon atmospheric slowie's with acoustic instruments., whilst 'A Whisper Away' is a more percussive midtempo with nice sax backing, and 'From Inside' is co-written and ft Amp Fiddler on keyboards. Great down tempo album to chill to.

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JEFF FLOYD KEEPIN IT REAL CD £14.95
Superior southern soul album that is aptly titled as it features good songs with real instrumentation throughtout. Jeff has a great 'gruff' deep soul voice and the music here complements it perfectly. ‘Lock My Door' is an upper mid tempo chugger, 'Shake Something Loose' and 'Last Call' are good uptempo dancers, 'Do You Wanna' and 'How Do You Want It' are nice 2 steppers. On the ballads Jeff excels 'That Body' is a classic southern soul slowie, 'Woman's Worth' is a good duet with label boss William Bell and 'Wrapped' Up In You', 'Planning My Weekend' and 'Where Do You Go' are also nice.
Really good album probably the best of it's style so far this year..

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LEIGH JONES MUSIC IN MY SOUL CD £14.95
Nice new album from new female artist with a smoky voice , which straddles both soul and jazz genres. 'Music' is a quality mid tempo head nodder that will get the neo-soul folk going, 'Cold In LA' is slightly slower but still has the groove. 'All This Love', 'Free Fall', 'Same Game' and 'Who What Why' are good soul mid tempo tracks. 'Have It Your Way' and 'Sick Of Fools' are horn backed jazz ballads and the bluesy 'I'm Leaving You' adds another dimension to this varied album, well worth checking out.

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URBAN RETROPOLITAN MOVEMENT CD £11.95
The brainchild of Neal Conway the musical genius behind early Basement Boys products from Ultra-Nate, Crystal Waters etc makes a very good varied album featuring many different vocalists. Robyn Romele ads her slinky vocals to the chugging 'Love Like That', the Bossa 'This Love Of Mine' and a couple of mid tempos. Dana Weaver's great vocals grace 'Stop and Go' an upper mid tempo groover, 'The Drive' a nice breezy mid tempo dancer and 'Understand Me' a atmospheric mid tempo and Sharon Adams belts out the dancer 'When the World Gets In The Way'. Theres some good instrumentals from Neal 'Urban Bossa Nova' and 'Afro's philly Funk' and even Barack Obama add his spoken word over 'Obama's Theme' .

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ECLECTIK SOUL ECLECTIK SOUL CD £12.95
Great new independent album from 3 piece band from Mississippi featuring great live instrumentation (really nice keyboards and great drumming) with powerful vocals from Tawanna Shaunte. The album is lyrically strong and essentially a listening album being mainly mid to down tempo but it is spiritually uplifting and in places reminds me of Fertile Ground. '1-Achord', 'Snatchin Measures', 'Music' and 'Everthang' are mid tempo groovers , 'To Be', 'Fill Me Up' and 'Keep Going' are mid tempo floaters and ''Time' and 'Mama' are more mellow. There's also a couple of nice instrumentals. Music for the soul.

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COOL MILLION GOING OUT TONIGHT CD £12.95
Danish producer makes a very 80's sounding uptempo album featuring different vocalists incl Donald McCullum, Eleana Young, CJ Anthony, Laura Jackson, Lena Riebau and others. 'Pullin Me Back' , 'Make Me Yours' 'Lift You Up'and 'Close' are 80's style Synth led boogie dancers, on 'Musiq' and 'Going Out Tonight' the bass takes over. 'Leave Me' and 'Get Up On The Floor' are 00's modern soul dancers whilst 'Naughty Girl' and 'Give my Love' are stompers. 'Damn Beautiful', 'Walk Away' and 'Pride' are mid tempo bass led groove groover ala Juicy Fruit'. If you liked the Confection album then this will be for you.

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INDEPENDENT SOUL DIVAS CD £11.95
Nice compilation featuring a variety of female vocalists. Highlights are Chanel 'Lovely Day' a mid tempo stepper, Lina 'Feel The Love' a really good dancer, Maya Neiada 'I Need A Moment' a strong modern soul dancer, Rene Jones mid tempo groover 'Summer Day' , Lea Lorien 'It's Not Easy' and Caprisha 'Flow Like A River' two more dancers, Rena Scott 'I Know It's Right', Lenora Jaye 'Taking Over' and Nikkola 'Breathe' are good mid tempo's. Also features Kelli Sae and Stacey Branche amongst others.
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BRADLEY LEIGHTON SOUL COLLECTIVE CD £14.95
Originally scheduled for release in the spring, this exceptional Smooth Jazz album will be a contender for the Smooth Jazz album of 2008 (alongside Jessy J). Bradley's flute playing is a joy and floats gracefully across grooves like the Latin flavoured 'Café Con Leche' and the funky 'Wake Up Call'. The lilting 'Undercover' adds a jazzier vibe, whilst the funky 'It's On' is to the point. Two vocal cuts include a fine smooth take on the Crusaders/ Side Effect cut 'Keep That Same Old Feeling and the mid-tempo Soul of 'That Man' compliment the instrumentals with a lady by the name of Katresse on vocals. The supporting cast of musicians is impressive and features Tom Scott, Jason Miles, Evan Marks, Greg Adams, Mic Gillette (ex Tower Of Power) and Rhonda Smith.

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LA CHILLHARMONIC FEATURING RICHARD SMITH CD £14.95
As a set of laid-back Smooth grooves, this strong album will fit the bill. The high quality production is a vehicle for Richard Smith's delightful guitar playing (electronic and acoustic). The full horn section and minimal programming gives the album a 'live' feel and with players of the standard of Patrice Rushen, Brian Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal, Gregg Karukas and Greg Adams you know that the musicianship is top draw. 'Checkin You Out' and the title cut hit things off on the right note, whilst 'Gift' with its acoustic lead guitar (not unlike Peter White) is a melodic gem. 'Being With You' is a funkier piece of Smooth Jazz, as is the punchy Fusion of 'Alvinator'.
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| NEW JAZZ/SMOOTH JAZZ - AUGUST 2008 |
GEORGE DUKE DUKEY TREATS CD £14.95
George Duke releases an album that is closest to his late 70's Epic albums (Reach For It'/ 'Dukey Stick' etc). Tracks like 'Everyday Hero' and the slowish 'Dukey Treats' have that P Funk tinged sound. 'Mercy' is a classic Jazz Funk style groove with a wicked instrumental break and keyboard solo following the vocal duet. 'Images Of Us' is slightly more leftfield but is another Jazz Funk groover. The gentler 'I Tired To Tell You' and 'Listen Baby' contrast with the frenetic Funk, as does the EWF sounding 'Are You Ready'. Also on the mid-tempo side check 'Somebody Laid It On Us' or the message based 'Sudan'. This is probably the best George Duke album for some time.

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LIN ROUNTREE SUMTHIN GOOD CD £14.95
Trumpeter Lin returns with his second album and like its predecessor 'Groovetree', it explores the funkier side of Smooth Jazz. Tracks like the riff laden 'Chillin On F' and the title song give Rountree the opportunity to express rich melodies soulfully over subtle undulating grooves. His warm tones echo those of Rick Braun (at his best). 'Seldom Sunday' ups the tempo, whilst the vocal cut 'Kiss On Ya Soul' and slinky 'Get Away' add a different flavour. Will appeal to lovers of his debut and Rick Braun fans.
Also recommended ‘Groove tree’ CD £14.95

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ROY HARGROVE EARFOOD CD £14.95
Prolific trumpet maestro returns with his working quintet (for live performances) on this fine straight ahead Post Bop set. There is a unity about the ensemble work that reflects that understanding and also that many of these pieces form part of the band's live repertoire. Cedar Walton's 'I'm Not So Sure' is given a forceful interpretation and 'Strasbourg/ St Denis' is a joyous upbeat piece. The wistful 'Starmaker' has a 'Canteloupe Island' feel to it albeit slightly slower. 'Mr Clean' is given a slightly staccato twist and 'To Wisdom The Prize' is a beautiful and delicate piece.
Also recommended Crystol Habana, Hard groove, Distractions and Nothing Serious CD £14.95 each

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FREDDIE HUBBARD ON THE REAL SIDE CD £14.95
To celebrate Freddie's 70th birthday, he has recorded this fantastic album with The New Jazz Composers Octet, whose contribution is outstanding. The arrangements by various band members especially on some of Hubbard's classics add a fresh dimension to the music. Freddie's playing (on flugelhorn) is his best since he experienced problems and though the power of old has given way to a more subtle approach, there is no disguising the rich soulfulness of his playing. Classics like 'Up Jumped Spring', 'Skydive' and 'Take It To The Ozone' are reinvigorated and the relatively shortish (c 6 min) take on the Latin Jazz masterpiece 'Gibraltar' is superb. 'On The Real Side' and 'Lifeflight' are new tracks and add a fresh dimension, whilst 'Theme For Kareem' has an Eastern/ modal flavour.

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ELIZABETH SHEPHERD PARKDALE CD £13.95
Keyboardist/ vocalist returns with a new album. Named after the district of Toronto where she lives, this album continues in the jazzy vein of its predecessor, though the sound is slightly more downtempo. 'Higher Ground' develops into a fine yet tough workout with a soulful trumpet solo courtesy of William Sperandei and delicate Rhodes work from Shepherd. Similarly groove driven is the heavier 'Long As You're Living' again with great trumpet work. 'Mirror Living' has a nice groove that builds and builds and 'Con Alma' has a subtle Latin tinge. Elizabeth has a distinctive vocal style, which whilst an acquired taste will appeal to those that appreciate the vocals of Janet Lawson or Judy Roberts.
Also recommended 'Besides' CD £13.95

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PART-TIME HEROES MEANWHILE CD £9.95
This jazzy set is reminiscent of the Koop CD 'Waltz For Koop' from a few years back. The atmospheric 'Shadowlands' and the awesome 'Ready For Change' reinforce the Koop comparisons. 'Sun will Shine' mixes a quirky optimism and a bluesy tilt, whilst the band is tight. On 'In My Soul' the percussive groove is compelling and it has an unworldly feel to it, whilst the head nodding beat drives the tune forward.

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VALIQUE R.A.W (RUSSIANS AT WORK) CD £13.95
This ultra funky Jazz Funk Fusion set hits the spot. This Russian artist/group sound like Down To The Bone at times, and this CD will appeal to DTTB aficionados. 'Trouble Girl' starts the album upbeat fashion replete with full horns, great solos and driving grooves. 'Taking Your Seat' hits a full-on retro 80's groove, Betty Wright's 'Where's the Love' starts as a fine vocal Soul re-work and then explodes into a Jazz Funk break. Try the string laden 'Wine Or Vinegar' with hints of Mass Production wicked horns or the flute led and slower 'Long Journey' with its deep running abss and fine horns. The DTTB comparison (or Afro Elements) come to the fore on the urgent and funky 'Latch'. The high standard of musicianship throughout is matched by the production on what is an amazing album. Love this.

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| NEW COMPS AND REISSUES - AUGUST 2008 |
YVONNE FAIR –THE BITCH IS BLACK CD £11.95 (orig Vinyl LP £20)
First time on CD for this excellent 1975 album mainly produced by Norman Whitfield. It features her big hit, the cover of Gladys ‘It Should Have Been Me’ on which Yvonne’s raw vocals really excel. She also tears up the beat ballad ‘Stay A Little Longer’ (prod by Harvey Fuqua and recorded in 1970). There’s also the more typically Motown ‘It’s Bad For me To See You’ (written and produced by Pam Sawyer and Gloria jones) and a good cover of Rufus ‘Tell me Something Good. The Whitfield Psychedelic funky soul tracks ‘Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On’ , ‘Walk Out The Door If You Wanna’ and ‘You Can’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover’ are really funky and suit her powerful voice. Classic 70’s Funky soul.

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BETTYE LAVETTE – TELL ME A LIE CD £11.95
Bettye had hits from as early as 1962 and made some great southern soul sides in the late 60’s/early 70’s, but has reached wider acclaim much later in her career.This 1982 Motown was recorded in Nashville but sounds like it was Muscle Shoals and has that southern/country soul feel. The Sam Dees song ‘Right In The Middle Of Fallin in Love’ ft the Muscles Shoals Horns typifies that sound., with Bettye’s vocals soaring above the strong backing. ‘Either Way We Lose’ and ‘Suspicions’ are slinky steppers and ‘Tell Me A Lie’ a good ballad. ‘I Can’t Stop is a catchy soul dancer in a similar vein to ‘Got To Be real’, ‘\before I Even Know Your Name’ a string laden ballad, and there’s a cover of Gladys Knights’ If I Were Your Woman’. Good female soul album.

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KIM TOLLIVER – COME AND GET ME I’M READY CD £11.95
Kim Tolliver was one of those underground soul singers who was highly revered by those in the know but is generally unknown to the majority of soul fans. She possessed an incredible voice, powerful yet smooth and she excels on this great 1973 deep soul album recorded for Chess. ‘The Other Side Of Town’, ‘She Didn’t Know You (like I Do) and ‘The Way He Used To’ are great deep soul ballads. The string laden mid tempo ballad ‘Come And Get Me I’m Ready’ is another highlight and ‘Taking A Woman’s Stand’ another fine ballad. ‘I Need You’ (Come As You Are) starts as a heavily orchestrated semi funky song (ala Etta James from the same era)then moves into another fine ballad ‘Drop What Ever You’re doing’, whilst ‘Learn To Get Along Without You’ is a string laden ‘Modern Soul’ mid tempo beater. Great album

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ESTHER PHILLIPS – ALONE AGAIN NATURALLY CD £11.95 (ORIG VINYL LP £25)
Esther had one of the most distinctive voices in soul music, with a bluesy edge that sends shivers down your spine. This 1972 Grammy Nominated album for Kudu incl the brassy/funky version of Bill Withers ‘Use Me’ , the great brassy dancer cover of Eddie Floyd’s ‘I’ve never Found A Man’ and a cover of Gladys Knight’s ballad ‘ I Don’t Want To Do Wrong’. Their’s a blusy cover of Aretha’s ‘Do Right Woman Do Right Man’ and of Wither’s string laden ballad ‘Let Me In your Life’ (which Aretha covered later). The album closes with the jazz standard ‘Georgia Rose’ with spoken intro written for her by Gil Scott Heron.

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DORIS ALLEN A SHELL OF A WOMAN CD £14.95
Doris was a deep soul singer whose released output was limited to a few independent label singles in the late 60's and again in the mid 80's, which are featured here along with a lot of previously unissued sides.
'A Shell of A Woman' is a great deep soul ballad featuring her blistering vocals and great horns, 'Kiss Yourself For Me', 'Treat Me Like A Woman' and the duets with Big John Hamilton 'Let A little Love in' and 'A Place In My heart' are also good ballads. The uptempo dancers 'Candy From A baby' and 'Whats Wrong With Me Loving You Baby' and the stepper 'Lets Walk Down The Street' are also good on this interesting retrospective of this relatively unknown artist.
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GEATER DAVIS I'LL PLAY THE BLUES FOR YOU CD £14.95
Geater possessed a great bluesy soulful voice not dissimilar to Bobby Bland. The majority of the tracks on this CD or from his 1971 House of Orange album 'Sweet Woman's Love'. Highlights are the southern/modern mid tempo dancer 'My Love Is So Strong For You', 'Sweet Woman's Love' a brilliant ballad that was an R&B Hit, and his nearly 9 min version of Jerry Butler's 'Your Precious Love'. Also great are the driving 'Wrapped Up In You' (which has a similar rhythm to 'Who Is He What Is He To You) and 'II Know My Baby Loves Me' another great southern mid tempo. From the later sessions the 1975 mid tempo version of 'I'll Play The Blues For You' could have come from Bland's 'Dreamer' album whilst the '79 version highlights the difference in styles between the two years. 'Cold Love' from '77 is a good uptempo slice of southern soul. Excellent stuff.

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COMPLETE MOTOWN SINGLES VOL 10 : 1970 6CD £64.95
Another 145 Motown tracks every A and B side from 1970 with 148 pg booklet. Incl 4 Tops 'Still Water', Rare Earth 'I Know I'm losing You, Diana Ross 'Ain't No Mountain High enough (long promo version), Temptations 'Ball Of Confusion', Marvin Gaye 'End Of Our Road', Gladys Kinght 'If I Were Your Woman' , Smokey Robinson 'Tears Of A Clown' David And Jimmy Ruffin 'Stand by Me', Spinners 'It's A Shame', Stevie Wonder 'My Cherie Amour' , Edwin Starr 'War' and many obscure tracks.

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MELVYN PRICE RHYTHM AND BLUES CD £13.95 LP £15.95
In the early 70's many US musicians recorded great but very obscure albums in Europe , Melvyn was one of them who with Argentine, French and Swedish sidemen made this great 1974 album in Sweden which is groove ridden jazz of the highest order. Albums like this show where modern day Scandinavian musicians get their groove from. 'Voodoo Love Dance' is an excellent piano and conga driven rhythmic jazz number illustrating the great musicianship. 'Behind Kungstridgarden' has some really nice sax and piano and a heavier but free rhythm. 'Happiness IS' has a slightly more latin rhythm and swings nicely , 'Last Train' has a more Crusaders feel to it illustrating Melvyn on the Trombone whilst 'Toward Brazil' and 'Five O Clock Traffic' are percussive workouts. Excellent Underground album nice to have available at last.

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EDDIE HENDERSON HERITAGE CD £9.95 Original Vinyl LP £20
Using Hancock/ Headhunter's rhythm section of Mick Clark and Paul Jackson, 'Heritage' has that funky edge that defined Herbie's ground breaking group. Cuts like 'Inside You', 'Acuphuncture' and 'Kudu' are driven by Jackson growling bass. Henderson's Miles like playing has an eerie and at times menacing quality to it. Patrice Rushen's keyboards are outstanding. This album combines the depth of his Capricorn albums (e.g. cuts like 'Dr Mganga' and 'Dark Shadows') with the Jazz Funk of his Capitol years.

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BOBBI HUMPHREY FANCY DANCER CD £9.95
Bobbi Humphrey's third album produced by the Mizell brothers and arguably the strongest and most consistent of the three. Latin tinged Jazz Funk cuts like 'Uno Esta' and archetypal Mizell grooves like 'The Trip' and 'Mestizo Eyes' define this album. Their easy going production shines through on 'You Make Me Feel So Good' and 'Please Set Me At Ease'. Ontrack often overlooked is the aptly titled 'Sweeter Than Sugar'. With a rhythm section including Harvey Mason and Chuck Rainey combined with the production, this is Jazz Funk of the highest quality.

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REUBEN WILSON GOT TO GET YOUR OWN CD £13.95 (FROM MID SEPTEMBER)
The title song is one of Jazz Funk's defining tracks. The groove on this track is incessant and the tracks build through the various solos to a crescendo. 'Tight Money' and 'What The People Gon Say' take a more full-on Funk route a la JBs/ Fatback Band (Reuben was briefly a member). The laid-back Soul grooves of 'In The Booth in The back In The Corner In The Dark', 'Together' and 'Back rub' are also worth checking. At last on CD.

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JOHNNY PATE OUTRAGEOUS CD £13.95 (FROM MID SEPTEMBER) Original Vinyl LP £75
Master arranger Johnny Pate famously wrote the soundtrack fro 'Shaft In Africa' and 'Brothers On The Run'. This album recorded in 1970 strikes a wonderful balance between his funky 70's material and his jazzier 60's work. Cuts like 'That Ain't Too Cool' and the heavily in-demand Blaxploitation theme like 'You're Starting Too Fast' will appeal to lovers of instrumental orchestrated Funk Jazz. Mellow grooves like 'Frustrating Disappointment' and 'Patience' compliment yet contrast with the more up tempo grooves. The band features the likes of Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, Richard Tee and Cornell Dupree plus Joe back and also a full horn section.

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