Oh Baby! Mix

This week's new mix over on Keeping Soul Alive is dedicated to the ladies. I am a bit late again having promsed to post a new mix every Monday. However, the bonus this week is nearly 60 minutes of femme goodies.

Oh Baby! Mix On Keeping Soul Alive

Walls Of Heartaches @ The Cavern Walthamstow

The Rhythm All-Stars

The Rhythm All-Stars Jomar CD Snippets

This CD has been creating a storm since it was given heavy plays by Mick O'Donnell on Soul Discovery.

It is now generally available and hasn't been out of my player since it hit the mat this week!!!

Get copies from Steve's Soul Sounds

The Rhythm All-Stars consist of Geoff McBride: Lead Vocalist; Stuart Redd: Lead Guitar: Eric Lampley: Bass; Chuck Ledford: Keyboard..Horns; Joey Shaling: Rhythm Guitar; Greg "Sticks" McCray: Drums.

I hope to bring you more information on the band in the near future.

Honeydripper Movie Trailer

Regarded by many as one of the founding fathers of American independent cinema, the director of such classics as CITY OF HOPE, LONE STAR and SILVER CITY, acclaimed writer, director and actor John Sayles's HONEYDRIPPER (Best Screenplay award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, 2007) continues his extraordinary examination of the complexities and shifting identities of American sub-cultures. Based on "Keeping Time" - his own short story, with his customary understated intelligence, Sayles uses the rhythms of the citizens of Harmony, Alabama to immerse the audience into the world of the Jim Crow south. It's a fable about the birth of rock n' roll - a quintessentially American subject, but with a fidelity to time and temperament that is unusual in an American director.

HONEYDRIPPER features an all-star cast including Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Stacy Keach, Mary Steenburgen, Yaya DaCosta and Sean Patrick Thomas; as well as such notable musicians as Keb' Mo' and Dr. Mable John. It also introduces a major new talent, Gary Clark Jr. who makes his electrifying film debut as Sonny.

Released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland 9th May 2008

Mable John In UK

Mable John was recently in the UK to promote the new movie Honeydripper which she appears and which is featured in the next post.

While she was here she gave an interview to Richard Williams in The Guradian newspaper:

http://music.guardian.co.uk/jazz/story/0,,2278689,00.html

Bobby Parker Latest News

I have been very busy over the last couple of weeks and I am still catching up with all the news that has come in.

One bulletin which arrived has provided me with some updated news on Bobby Parker even though I missed promoting the concert:

Bobby is resting at home and on the way to recovery. He sends a big THANK YOU to
everyone that has shown concern.

BENEFIT FOR BOBBY PARKER AT THE SURF CLUB LIVE, SUNDAY MAY 11
Terence McArdle is organizing a benefit for Bobby. Legendary blues singer and guitarist Bobby Parker has been hospitalized and needs your help with medical expenses. The DC Blues Society is sponsoring a Benefit Fundraiser on Sunday, May 11, 2008, from 4 pm - 9 pm at the Surf Club Live, 4711 Bladensburg, MD with The Nighthawks, Memphis Gold and Terence McArdleand Jumpin' Tonight, the Mary Shaver Band, & Robert Lighthouse.

If he can Bobby hopes to make an appearance!

For more information call the Surf Club Live at 301-927-6310 or visit www.dcblues.org.

With the knowledge that some people will find it difficult to attend the benefit
on Mother's Day you can still help Bobby out.

Contributions can be sent to:

Fundraiser 700
PO Box 2253
Upper Marlboro, MD 20773

Please make checks out to Bobby Parker

Irma Thomas Simply Grand

I had news through this week that the new Irma Thomas album Simply Grand is still on schedule for an August release.

Irma wrote on her website earlier this year:

Hello to all my Fans,

It has been a very good year so far for me. I am feeling very blessed. It seems as though I have a new career starting at this stage of my life. Instead of getting older and fading into the sunset I am working more then ever. Thanks to wonderful fans like all of you. I am back in my New Orleans Home still buying furniture but in my home. God has blessed me to see another year with blessing I never dreamed of career wise.

I am excited about my next CD with all the star piano players, so look forward to hearing it come August release time. It's all for you.

Thank you for being loyal and may God bless you as he has me.

Love Irma

Rounder Records staff producer Scott Billington is pairing Thomas with a different pianist on every song. The list includes well-known names from both within and beyond Orleans Parish: Norah Jones, Randy Newman, Ellis Marsalis, Jon Cleary, Henry Butler, John Medeski, Marcia Ball, David Torkanowsky, Davell Crawford and David Egan.

The songs include new compositions from Egan, the southwest Louisiana songwriter who contributed to "After the Rain," and famed composer Burt Bacharach. Recording sessions commenced in December and continued the week before Mardi Gras at Piety Street Recording in Bywater.

Soul Parade Pt 2 30/5/08

Kings Go Forth @ Stonefly Brewery Milwaukee 31/5/08

De La Buena @ Club Timbuktu Riverwest 25/5/08

Kloud 9 in London 25/5/08

Kylie Auldist Just Say Out 26th May

Kylie Auldist Community Service Announcement & Cut You Loose Snippets

I've picked this publicity shot from Tru Thoughts:

“Community Service Announcement” is the debut single from the sensational Australian singer Kylie Auldist on Tru Thoughts.

You might already be familiar with her distinctive and powerfully soulful voice though, from her contribution to recent releases by The Bamboos. On their latest single “I Don’t Wanna Stop” Kylie provided the summery, fresh and funky vocal that characterised the track.

From the first snare roll, “Community Service Announcement” is sprinkled with that same characteristically uplifting, sun-soaked soul vibe. The combination of Kylie’s breathtaking voice and production from label-mate Lance Ferguson (Lanu/The Bamboos) is red hot, with backing vocals that feel like a blissful breeze and a catchy, funky hook from the brass section.

The B side is “Cut You Loose,” a pure funk track, introducing the fiery side to Kylie’s songwriting and showcasing her power and versatility as a singer. As the title infers, a gentleman friend is being kicked to the kerb for being ‘no use’, and judging by the delectably steely edge to Kylie’s voice, the wise money’s on him not putting up much of a fight. The punchy intro gets straight in there, grabs you by the lapels and pulls you to your feet and this track doesn’t let go until it ends – in the way that all great funk should – abruptly and leaving you wanting more.

Kylie Auldist possesses an undeniable natural vocal talent and has been singing from the moment she could talk. She performed for years with a variety of funk bands in Melbourne and played stacks of gigs, festivals and also TV appearances. She then joined The Bamboos, touring Australia and landing on the fair shores of Brighton, UK, in 2007, where Tru Thoughts – having already heard her beautifully soulful delivery on The Bamboos’ acclaimed album ‘Rawville’ – finally snapped her up after witnessing her spectacular and charismatic live performance.

Look out for Kylie Auldist’s solo album “Just Say” which will be released on Tru Thoughts on 26th May 2008.

James Hunter The Hard Way

Randi Kraemer from Specialops Media dropped me this message:

Soul deep Brit James Hunter - who possesses a "tight, slithery soul groove" and a "sweet growl" (NY Times) - will make his Hear Music debut with the June 10 release of 'The Hard Way.' The new album finds Hunter delving further into the realm of deep soul on a set of all-original material.

'The Hard Way' was produced by Liam Watson (The White Stripes) at famed analogue haven Toe Rag Studios in London. The album will be carried in Starbucks company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada as well as traditional music retailers and digital download stores starting on June 10, 2008.

The instrumental palette is rich and the arrangements sharpened for 'The Hard Way.' Allen Toussaint joins Hunter on the sultry "Til The End," the rhumba "Believe Me Baby," and the title track. The gorgeous Echo Strings buoy "The Hard Way" and the romantic "Carina," with accompanying pedal steel. The jumping "Don't Do Me No Favors" is designed for the dance floor.

The album resolves with the romantic ballad "Strange But True," the first Hunter recording stripped down to just vocals and guitar. The album also showcases further evidence of Hunter's guitar prowess, his manic solos recalling the fretwork of Ike Turner.

Hunter has extensively road tested the new album, crisscrossing North America and Europe since his 2006, GRAMMY nominated album 'People Gonna Talk' put him on the map. That album took him from being "one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R'n'B and Soul," as Van Morrison put it, to a major breakout success of 2006. He opened for Etta James, Boz Scaggs, Los Lonely Boys, and Aretha Franklin; reached #1 on Billboard's Blues chart; and made several national television appearances. 'People Gonna Talk; earned him critical acclaim as well, with Rolling Stone calling it "a treat not to miss" and USA Today raving about his "sublime soul."



James Hunter will be touring as follows:

Jun-07
Sat
Roscoe, New York
WJFF Series: Live from Big Twig

Jun-10
Tue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
World Café Live

Jun-11
Wed
New York, New York
Blender Theatre

Jun-14
Sat
St Louis, MO
Fox Theatre

Jun-17
Tue
Kettering, OH
Fraze Pavilion

Jun-19
Thu
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor Summer Festival

Jun-20
Fri
Highland Park, IL
Ravinia

Jun-24
Tue
Toronto, ON
Toronto Jazz Festival

Jun-26
Thu
Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Zoo

Jun-27
Fri
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Stir Summer Concert Series

Jun-28
Sat
Milwaukee, WI
Summerfest

Jul-01
Tue
Los Angeles, California
Troubadour

Jul-04
Fri
Quincy, California
High Sierra Music Festival

Jul-05
Sat
Quincy, CA
High Sierra Music Festival

Jul-06
Sun
Portland, Oregon
Waterfront Blues Festival

Jul-08
Tue
Seattle, WA
Triple Door

Jul-11
Fri
San Francisco, CA
Bimbo' 365 Club

Jul-12
Sat
Santa Barbara
Lobero Theater

Jul-16
Wed
Austin, TX
Antone's

Playground.... Most Eclectic Mix to yet.. Turn up the Volume!!

I received a message from my friends over at the Playground Studios:

Friends of Playground: We have changed our MySpace mix once again.. This time to include an eclectic mix of material recorded or processed by the Chief... Years run from 1968-2007...TURN UP THE VOLUME and enjoy!

www.myspace.com/playgroundrecordingstudio

Thanks for the support from all of our friends.. as usual a little bio on the tunes..Click on the link above no PW needed

Motivation Mary Gresham "A Voice From the Shadows" Soulscape

Released Just 2 Weeks ago by our friends in the UK.. enjoy the Raw Playground Soul of Mary Gresham.... backed by the infamous PRS Rhythm section.. This one here is a scorcher! and yes That is John Rainey Adkins on electric guitar and Brother David on Keys.....

No One Here Klaudia... Unreleased

This is not a PRS cut. Recorded in Nashville 1988.. The Chief recorded this in a studio that was located behind Jimmy Velvet's Elvis Presley Museum.. It's our ole bud James Stroud and his merry band of "Kingsnakes", which included St Louis guitarmaster, Mike Henderson with a little assistance from American Rhythm section ace Ed Kollis on Harp and Captain Memphis (Jim Dickinson) is even playing a little banjo on this cut backing Klaudia's Austrian accented vocals... The song is as relevant today as it was then.

How Much Can A Man Take? Big John Hamilton

Just can't leave off the Playground Soul.. This cut by Big John, perhaps sums up the epitome of PRS Deep Soul. This was cut at Fame in Muscle Shoals in 1968 written by RJ Benninghoff, and backed by the Fame Rhythm Section...If Soul gets any deeper south than this someone ought to let us know. Released by Sundazed in 2007.. expect a European compilation from Soulscape later this year that includes some of the Classic Big John cuts..

Sharecropper's Son The Waco Ramblers

This is T-BONE, fiddle player from the Wacos singing the classic Ralph and Stanley Carter tune... and doing a hell of a job.. The Wacos will be appearing all summer down here on the beach.. can't blame them for not wanting to go anywhere else when you can play with a gulf view and a bikini view. The Waco CD art is in the National running for an ADDY in CD art thanks to our award winning art department WWMAD DESIGNS. Any Americana Music Association members should please vote for the Waco Ramblers in all nominating categories.

Natchez Girl Mason Arnold and the Delta Wildcats

Recorded by the Chief in 1980 in Jackson, Mississippi... Natchez Girl has been covered by Chett Lott but we still prefer our orig..Mason writes about a Natchez prostitute.. in this southern classic... That's Violin virtuoso Mickey Davis along with piano legend Jim Dickinson playing with the Wildcats.. who include Mississippi Bobby Maxwell

Boggy Bayou Blues Clayton Lancaster

A song about a fish's trials and tribulations searching for contentment as he makes his way from the Great Lakes down the Mississippi. Southern Americana at it's best.. players include Fred DUMALOT, Ed Kollis, and our buddy, Doug, who has inserted some mandolin... This one is for the Mullet Festival guys

Thanks for your continued support of Playground Recording Studios in Valparaiso, Florida... Some product may now be purchased on our website at:

www.playgroundrecordingstudio.com

Wilbur Walton Jr. release date is May 15th..

The Playground Team

The Johnny Vincent Record Room @ Playground Recording

Spence James on the Circle label.. Produced by Buddy Buie, written By Buddy Buie and John Rainey Adkins from the Johnny Vincent Record room @ Playground Recording

Further Adventures of Mod Jazz

I picked up the news from the japanese iste Disk Union that Ace Records are issuing another volume of their excellent Mod Jazz series:

The intrepid Mod Jazz crowd take dance to another level, with the latest in the highly successful and critically acclaimed series that created its own genre.This time taken almost completely from independent soures, this compilation features many sought-after tracks and also some previously unreleased material from Ike Turner's Kings Of Rhythm and Michelle Harris-Spivey. There are more vocal tracks than normal and among the obscurities, several top names weigh in with some heavy mod jazz and R&B including Jack McDuff, Mac Rebennack, Googie Rene Combo and Jerry Butler.

Compiled by Dean Rudland and Ady Croasdell, it includes a highly informative booklet, featuring fascinating memorabilia and many label reproductions.

1. The Point - MAC REBENNACK & THE SOUL ORCHESTRA
2. Fredrick's Dream - KENNY RICE with LEO'S FIVE
3. Hot Barbeque - JACK McDUFF
4. COD - ALBERT KING
5. Tam-A-Rind - HANK JACOBS
6. Walk Tall - MICHELLE HARRIS-SPIVEY
7. All Around The World - CHUCK HIGGINS
8. Daddy's Blues - IKE TURNER'S KINGS OF RHYTHM
9. Bash Dance - BOBBY DONALDSON
10. Sweet Bread - THE MILES GRAYSON TRIO
11. Listen To Louie - RICHIE & THE PS 54 SCHOOL YARD
12. La La La - AFRO BLUES QUINTET
13. Senor Blues - DEE CLARKE
14. Motherless Child - JERRY BUTLER
15. Play It Cool - BILLY LARKIN & THE JIVERS
16. Whole Lotta Something - THE MERCED BLUE NOTES
17. Too Young - DALE CUNNINGHAM
18. Arabian Jerk - THE MERITS
19. Canteloupe Woman - GEORGE BRAITH
20. Soul Zone `65 - GOOGIE RENE COMBO
21. Camel Walking - IKE TURNER'S KINGS OF RHYTHM
22. Take Your Shoes Off Pt I - BOOKER T AVERHART
23. Crazy Lover - RICHARD BERRY
24. Hung Over - THE MARTINIS

Mississippi Heat's "Hattiesburg Blues" CD Release Party! 30/5/08

Kevin Johnson also let me know about another upcoming CD Release Party Mississippi Heat's "Hattiesburg Blues" on May 30th:

*Mississippi Heat's "Hattiesburg Blues" DELMARK CD release party!
FRIDAY, MAY 30, BUDDY GUY'S LEGENDS with special guest Carl Weathersby!! 754 S. Wabash, @10pm

“Pierre Lacocque was drawn to the sound of the harmonica, and by extension the Blues, before he even knew what the Blues were. He brings a perspective to the music that allows him to cherish the traditions of those who came before him, while having the vision to see how he can build on it. Mississippi Heat's Hattiesburg Blues is a great example of just how good a job he and his band are doing in fulfilling that vision.” BlogCritics.org

* MISSISSIPPI HEAT, Hattiesburg Blues, (Delmark CD - DE 795), with special guests Lurrie Bell and Carl Weathersby -

This very underrated Chicago blues band is led by harp innovator/ band leader Pierre LaCocque and dynamic female vocalist Inetta Visor (you’ll love her and Pierre’s “green” song “Nature Is Cryin”), along with their fantastic new guitarist Giles Corey (check out his guitar and vocals on his spotlight song "Say Something Good!") Chris "Hambone" Cameron on keys (including clavinet) and the ubiquitous all star drummer Kenny Smith. Special guests besides heavies Lurrie Bell (singing a new Chicago Blues anthem "Chicago Is My Home!") and Carl Weathersby ("Hell and Back") are guest vocalist, Devin Thompson (Chicago Catz, Rico), and latin percussionist Ruben Alvarez (Howard Levy's Chevere) and the Chicago Horns (Willie Henderson, Hank Ford, Bill McFarland, and Kenny Anderson) - making for a very full sounding (but not cluttered) blues recording, with some unique twists!

You can listen to sound samples of this at:

http://www.mississippiheat.net/disc/hattiesburg.html

Dave Specter CD Release Party 21/5/08 & 22/5/08

Kevin Johnson from Delmark dropped me a mail this week to tell me about the above:

*Dave Specter "Live in Chicago" Delmark DVD/CD release parties!
Wed, May 21: Buddy Guy's Legends, 9:30-1:00, Featuring Tad Robinson & many special guests.

Thurs, May 22: SPACE (Dave's new club!) Featuring Tad Robinson & many special guests., 9:00-?, SPACE = Society for Preservation of Arts & Culture in Evanston, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL

“Live in Chicago is a consistently rewarding demonstration of Specter’s versatility.” - All Music Guide

“A gifted instrumentalist with a variety of styles at his disposal, Dave Specter is an unsung talent on the Chicago blues scene. Live In Chicago is an incredible display of Specter's talents as a guitarist, as a stylist, and as a bandleader.” - blues.about.com

* Dave Specter, Live in Chicago, on Delmark DVD- 1794 and CD - DE 794, with special guests Jimmy Johnson, Tad Robinson, and Sharon Lewis

- Specter is definitely one of Chicago's best guitarists- blues, jazz, funk, soul.- heavy grooves!! (You like Otis Rush, Kenny Burrell, and early Leo Nocentelli?) Not only do you get Dave's signature heavy instrumentals, the new release has not one or two, but 3 special guests!

The ageless Jimmy "Bar Room Preacher" Johnson and Specter sound so great together- you can tell they really feed off each other's unique styles. I dare you to find another 80 year old who can play guitar as funky and fluidly as Jimmy Johnson! Vocalist/harp player Tad "Mr. Blue-Eyed Soul" Robinson is one of the best soul/blues singers anywhere and he and Dave have worked together for years. If you don't already know Sharon "Texas Fire" Lewis, you won't forget her after hearing/seeing her original performances (esp. the moving "Angel") on this fantastic new release- one of Chicago's best female blues singers.

Check out the new Specter Blues DVD trailer on our web page, along with other new ones, including Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble! :

http://www.delmark.com/delmark.bluevid.htm

Len Wade Which Way Do I Go

Len Wade in 2007 Courtesy of Playground Studios

Len Wade Which Way Do I Go UA

Bookmaker

Bookmaker Mosquito's Mood

I came across this track on my ITunes and realised and had not mentioned Bookmaker before on IDR.

Drop over to their MySpace to hear more of their music and find out about the band.

Martha Smith As I Watch You Walk Away

Martha Smith As I Watch You Walk Away Pye

You know I have soft spot for 60's girl singers on IDR. You can find this track on this CD:

Wigan Casino Summer 1977

Wigan Casino 1977 Part 1

Wigan Casino 1977 Part 2

I was recently contacted by Bernie Kent an old friend from my days of attending the allnighters at the Wigan Casino. I originally met Bernie and his mate Peter Guy through my then girlfriend Christine. We used to travel together to Wigan from Liverpool on the last train for a night of music and dancing.

Peter Guy was the first person I knew who had a "ghetto blaster" which was a serious piece of tackle back then. He took the "ghetto blaster" up to Wigan many times and recorded various sessions at the Casino. We would listen to the sessions on the way back home on the train or when we were hanging around for the train.

When Bernie got in touch with me he asked me whether I had any of the tapes made by Peter. Fortunately, I had managed to retain one since 1977 though all the others were probably lost or copied over! I have decided to share this piece of history on IDR after transferring it to an MP3.

Cyril Neville The Healing Dance

Steve Dolan was in touch this week to tip to the above CD:

Just a quick note to let you know that I have loaded the new Cyril Neville CD
onto my site. It is called The Healing Dance and the link below will take you to
the relevant page where all the tracks have soundclips.

http://www.stevessoulsounds.co.uk/shop/product.asp?xPRODUCTid=826

Regards

Steve Dolan

Please check it out - Steve says:

Brand new CD from one of the legendary Neville Brothers. Check out "Better Half" for a tremendous slab of soul music, other favourites include "Let There Be Peace"; Uptown Ruler(funky and somewhat reminiscent in parts of Gil Scott Heron one of my all time heroes); and the "The Price Of Freedom" (great track!)

Soulville Radio Show 6th May 2008

Otis Clay

I've had a message through from my old e-friend George Reid:

Hi Folks,

I've just uploaded last weeks show to my myspace site or just use the
links below. Thanks for emailing/texting/posting/calling.

The show has now been going for nearly a year so thanks to all for your
support. It is a struggle not being able to play vinyl. I try to vary
the selections to keep it fresh so you don't know what's coming next. I
don't want to make it sound like a compilation CD so bear with me on
the more eccentric choices, the soul tunes are never far away :o)

Soulville 6 May 2008

Tavares Never had a love like this before
Banks and Hampton Gonna have to tell her
Al Perkins Yes my goodness yes
Nitin Sawney Broken skin
Satya Project Stranger here
Chairman of the board The bottom line
Otis Clay You're the one I choose
Earl Thomas I want to be around
Leroy Hutson All because of you
Leonard Julian What she don't know
Natural Four Count on me
Barbara Mason World in Crisis
John Gary Williams The whole damn world's going crazy
David Ruffin I wanna be with you
Four Flights All I want is you
Larry Bufford I think I'm gonna be blue
Freddie Hubbard Little sunflower
Nostalgia 77 Wildflower
Mop Mop Perfect day
Michelle Wiley I feel so at home here

You can find out more about the show here

http://www.myspace.com/soulvilleradio

http://wetpaint.com/soulvilleradio

http://www.essentialmodernsoul.nr/

If anybody wants to be a guest on the show please let me know. You don't
have to be a DJ just somebody who likes the tunes. Any era any style any
tempo.

Check out the archived shows:

15 April 2008

1 April 2008 Jock O'Connor

25 March 08

18 March 08

11 March 2008

4 March 2008

19 February 2008

16 February 2008

9 February 2008

2 February 2008

26 January 2008

12 January 08

5 January 08

24 Nov 07

17 November 07

3 November 07

27 October o7

13 October 07

George

Bettye Lavette @ Paradiso 9/4/08

Ponderosa Stomp 2008 Photos

I picked up a link this week to some fab photos by Jacob Blickenstaff of this year's Ponderosa Stomp:

http://www.33-13.com/data/web/stomp_night1/
http://www.33-13.com/data/web/stomp_night2/

Mighty Sam DVDs

Check out Mighty Sam DVDs:

Two DVDs to give you a look inside Mighty Sam's world. See his humble beginings in the deep south as a film crew follows him back to his home town for the first time in over a decade. Then watch an exciting show from Sam's tour through Turkey.

Fingerpoppin' Soul Radio Show 15/5/08

I received a message this AM from Harry Van Vliet of Fingerpoppin' Soul fame. In this Thursday's show, Harry and Hans will be playing all the tracks featured in their vinyl spotlight published in the latest issue of In The Basement magazine.

Take a listen to the show as follows:

Fingerpoppin' Soul
Thursdays 22 - 24 hrs
Groove FM, 103.3 Cable & 106.8 Air
Internet Live
Archived show available later

Cassette Mix

I apologise to regular listeners but I missed the Monday deadline for this week's mix over on Keeping Soul Alive!

However, I have posted a slightly longer mix to compensate based on group sounds from the 70's.

Long before digital downloads, CD-Rs and MP3s etc, the humble cassette was how we shared music and this mix is dedicated to that means of sharing music.

Please drop over and listen to the Cassette Mix and enjoy!

Steve Mancha

Steve Mancha Hate Yourself In The Morning Groovesville

This week, I received news that Steve Mancha was ill. Our thoughts are with this "Northern Soul Icon" and his family.

You can read 2 articles on Steve Mancha's music:

Steve Mancha - A Northern Soul Icon
Steve Mancha

JJ Barnes Interview 1992

JJ Barnes talks about Motown
Uploaded by mickeynold

This has popped up on Daily Motion - JJ Barnes talking to Bill Randall back in 1992 on a visit to UK.

The Gatherings "A Northern Soul"

A short film for Channel 4 following Steve Cato from Manchester to Soul Revolution in London. Synopsis on this documentary: The third of four elegant films following individuals as they prepare for and journey to diverse public gatherings. A Northern Soul Boy catches the early train to a late night in London.

The soundtrack running throughout the entire length of the film was "Soon Be Gone" by the Precisions.

Wax Poetics Magazine

Fufu Mix on Parkdale Funk Show

Recently, I haven't tipped too many mixes but here's one from my fellow blogger Vincent The Soul Chef from Fufu Stew over on Parkdale Funk Show.

Heres the link:

Fufu Stew Mix For Parkdale Funk ShowTracklisting:

01 A Joyful Process-Funkadelic (Westbound)
02 Gimme Some More-The JBs (People)
03 Marvin’s Groove-B.W. Souls (Round)
04 I Can’t Stand Myself When You Touch Me Pt. 1-James Brown (King)
05 Soul Party Pt. 2-Bobby Williams (REW)
06 There’ll Be Some Changes-Maskman & The Agents (Dynamo)
07 I Been Watching You-South Side Movement (Wand)
08 Bo Did It-The Hidden Cost (Marmaduke)
09 Finders Keepers-Chairmen Of The Board (Invictus)
10 Jungle Fever-The Chakakas (Polydor)
11 Smell The Funk-The Inner Drive (Zodiac)
12 Walt’s First Trip-Ohio Players (Westbound)
13 Pucker Up Buttercup-Jr. Walker & The All Stars (Soul)
14 Hunk Of Funk-Brother Jack McDuff (Blue Note)
15 Hook And Sling Pt. 1-Eddie Bo (Scram)
16 Sophisticated Sissy-The Meters (Josie)
17 Mod Squad You All-The Mod Squad (Tangerine)
18 Twine Time-Alvin Cash (XL)
19 Shake Your Tambourine-Bobby Marchan (Cameo)
20 The Frog-Kool & The Gang (De-Lite)
21 The Goose That Laid The Golden Egg-The Parliaments (Revilot)
22 Impeach The President-The Honeydrippers (Alaga)
23 The Stretch Pt. 1-Detroit Sex Machines (Soul Track)
24 Truck In-Midnight Movers Unltd. (Renee)
25 Black And White-Young Holt Unlimited (Cotillion)

Get over and take a listen!

Lee Shot Williams Shot From The Soul

I thought I'd give this another shout after Mick O'Donnell played one of my fave tracks of the moment on his show - Dirt Road To Your Heart.

Take a listen at Steve's Soul Sounds

Juke Box Jam 9/5/08

Hitsville Rare Soul Weekender 2008

Dublin City Soul Festival 22-25 May 2008

This week, I received 2 messages about the above festival - the first from organiser Chris Maher:

I hope you are all keeping happy & healthy and that life is treating you kindly!

Just wanted to take the time to drop you all a little note to let you know that SOUL is alove and well in Dublin Ireland with the launch of the 2nd annual Dublin City Soul Festival just 3 weeks away now.

This is my labour of love and I'm delighted to say that again this year we wil be joined by the wonderful and most amazing Rance Allen Group along with Queen of Beale Street Ruby Wilson among others.

There are lots of great events lined up for this year including an Irish Premier screening of "Respect Yourself - The Stax Records Story" which is FREE to attend if any of you are in the area! ;) Actually someone told me this will be a European Premier...but I'm not so sure the film has not already been screened somewhere in Europe...I'm sure one of you will let me know!?

Well if you want to know more you can check out our new site....www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie (still need to polish it up but I hope you like what you see so far!)

Peace & Soul for everyone!

Chris.

Chris Maher
Presenter/Producer
The Soul Kitchen
103.2 Dublin City FM

www.soulkitchen.ie
Ph: +353 - 87603 1022
Studio: +353 -1- 8658020

The second message was from Cecillia Wallace, Rance Allen's Secretary:

This is just a note advising all that The Rance Allen Group will be playing the Dublin City Soul Festival in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday, May 24. We played there last year (our first international trip) and had a blast and, by popular demand we are going back. If you haven't experienced the Rance Allen Group live you don't want to miss it!

Don't miss it because The Rance Allen Group are tremendous. Check out these videos:

http://www.idesktop.tv/#rance%20allen

Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show 3/5/08

Quantic Soul Orchestra

I am bit late this week with the tracklisting of the show!! Listen out for a great session from the Quantic Soul Orchestra - tune in here until next Saturday:

Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show 3/5/08

Corduroy – “London England” (Acid Jazz)
Tyrone Davis - “Is It Something You’ve Got” (Kent)
The Soul Snatchers feat. Curtis T - “Good Foot Down” (Social Beats)
The New Mastersounds - “King Comforter” (One Note Records)
Larry Davis “I’ve been hurt so Many times” (Kent)
Joe Bataan “Chick A Boom” (Edel)
Soul Messengers “Burn Devil Burn” (Numero)
The Temptations - “Get Ready” (Universal)
The Ovations - “Don’t Break Your Promise” (Kent)
Vessie Simmons - “I Can Make It On My Own” (Goldmine Soul Supply)
Malena - “Llega El Verano” (Freestyle Records)
Perez Prado - “Circle” (UniFunk)
Valique Featuring Fanny Franklin - “Where Is The Love” (Freestyle Records)
The Mowhawks –“The Champ” (Pama Records)
Alan Hawkshaw – “Flashpoint” (Showup Records)
Esther Phillips - “Use Me” (Kudu)
The Delfonics - “I Told You So” (Union Square)
Moody Scott – “I don’t dig no Phony” (Kent)
Bantu - “Oya Oya” (Quincy Jointz Remix) (Nesta)
American Gypsy - “Inside Out” (Philips)
Baby Charles - “Time Wasting” (Record Kicks)
Big Organ Trio - “Diva Mode” (demo)

Session Track
Quantic Soul Orchestra - “Que Te Pasa?”

The Sweet Divines – “Honeythistle” (TYCA)
Betty Harris – “Trouble with my Lover” (Charly)
Bettye Lavette –“Dropped In To See
Nina Tempo & 5th Ave. Sax - “Sister James” (A&M)
What Condition My Condition Was In” (West End)
Betty Everett – “Sweet Dan” (Fantasy)
Betty Davis – “Anti Love Song” (Just Sunshine Records)
Bettye Swann –“My Heart is Closed for the Season” (Capitol)
Betty Wright –“Gimme Back My Man” (Alston)
Blackrock – “Black Rock Yeah Yeah” (BGP)
Johnny Moore – “Haven’t I Been Good To You?” (Soul Jazz)
Sir Walter – “Who’s Been Warming My Oven” (BGP)
Willias Band – “Muziqawi” (Mantera)

Session Track
Quantic Soul Orchestra - “Enyene Kumbara”

Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers - “We Need Money” (Island Records)
The Jumbonics - “Take Me With You” (Freestyle Records)

Session Track
Quantic Soul Orchestra - “Melodious Wayfarer”

Willie Hutch - “Love Runs Out” (Goldmine Soul Supply)
The Vibrations - “’Cause You’re Mine” (United)
Parliament – “Chocolate City” (Mercury)

Session Track
Quantic Soul Orchestra - “Lead us to the End”