Stax Tour and New Websites

The Soulville people have let me know about a couple of stax related things:

The Stax Music Academy's, Summer Soul Tour is coming to your town. If you live in the area, please catch them at one of these great shows:

June 27, 2007 12:30pm
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH

June 29, 2007 7:00pm
Afro-American Music Institute, Pittsburgh, PA

July 2, 2007 11:00am & 6:00pm
Sunoco Welcome America Festival, Philadelphia, PA

July 4, 2007 6:00pm
The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC

For more information about any of these shows, please contact the Stax Music Academy at 901-946-2535, ext. 345. See you at the show!

We've recently launched a couple of new websites. Check 'em out. Bookmark 'em. Come back and hang out whenever you want.

www.StaxMusicAcademy.org - the official website of the Stax Music Academy, a non-profit urban learning center adjancent to the Stax Museum. This year, the Academy's after-school programs and annual summer camp will impact the lives of nearly 350 at-risk Memphis youth through music and performance.

www.StaxMuseum50.com - your one-stop shop to keep up with all the great new exhibits, events, and special programs that the Stax Museum has going on in celebration of soul music's 50th anniversary.Get down to 926 East McLemore Avenue in Soulsville, USA and see what's groovin'.

Thanks for your support.

Emerald City Soul Club July 14th

I 've had a bulletin from the guys at Emerald City Soul Club:

Hey California people -I will be in SF to DJ northern soul at the Elbo Room, and will be there from Friday the 6th until Sunday the 8th ... so we gotta hang.

Here is some tentative info as to my plans ...

Friday -Arrive in the am and do some diggin for records at Rookys. afternoon & evening will be hanging with Mike Callahan and a few other old Hawaii friends ... (other hawaii friends, if you are reading this get in touch). no specific locale, so suggest somethin.Saturday -Chill during the day ... maybe some more diggin or something. who knows. i wanna eat fish somewhere ... again, suggest.

Saturday night:
SOUL PARTY at the Elbo Rooma night of "stompin uptempo soulful rarities" with resident DJ Lucky and guests Dr. Scott (Hip City Soul Club) and yours truly!! Elbo Room is at 647 Valencia St. on the corner of Valencia and Sycamore.Event starts at 10pm and is $5.

Please come on out and dance! oh and if anyone has an afterparty in mind, let me know.

Sunday -KUSF Rock'n'Swap Record Fair hell yes!

George Bragg RIP

I cannot recall where I saw it first mentioned but I checked the Skull Snaps MySpace to discover that George Bragg the group's original drummer had died.

This is what they said:

It's with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of the funkiest drummer of all time, George Bragg. One of the original three Skull Snaps, along with Samm Culley and Ervan Waters, Bragg's contributions to music will not be forgotten as he still remains the most sampled drummer of all time.

He was laid to rest on June 18th and I wonder how many of the people who have sampled his music know what's happened?

George Bragg RIP

Hook & Boogie Friday 13th July

I've received a reminder for the above from Mr Finewine:

Hook & Boogie Productions presents an

R&B/SOUL DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA
FRIDAY, JULY 13
featuring

YOUNG JESSIE
THE MIGHTY HANNIBAL
THE DANSETTES

The vintage R&B event of the summer! Red-hot Los Angeles-based singer YOUNGJESSIE-a onetime member of the Flairs and the Coasters and a solo star onsuch smoking 1950s and early-'60s singles as the original "Mary Lou," "HitGit and Split," "Shuffle in the Gravel," and "I Smell a Rat," makes hisfirst New York City appearance in nearly 50 years on Friday, July 13.He'll be backed by local stalwarts THE DANSETTES, those three lovelyharmonizing ladies with rock-solid gentlemen right behind them on Hammond,guitar, drums, and bass (think Booker T. and the MGs-meet-the Vandellas).Young Jessie will be doing strictly the songs you know and love from his records!

Hammondbeat Records artists the Dansettes will play a set of their ownkiller material as well. And as if that weren't enough for one band,they'll also heroically support Atlanta/Los Angeles/New York City legend

THE MIGHTY HANNIBAL! Fresh off blistering appearances in Austin and his hometown of Atlanta (where the City Council presented him with acertificate proclaiming "Mighty Hannibal Day"!), the genius behind hitslike "Jerkin' the Dog," "Hymn No. 5," and "The Truth Shall Make You Free"is thrilled to be sharing a stage with his old L.A. running mate YoungJessie and promises that it will be a night for the ages. Don't miss thisrare opportunity to hear his new single "Hymn No. 9/11"!

After the live acts, the action will continue till 4 a.m. with a DJ danceparty featuring the great W. LEE of New York's long-running soulfulshindig the Empire State Soul Club, DAVE THE SPAZZ of WFMU's "Music toSpazz By," and the Hook & Boogie team of EL GUAPO and MR. FINE WINE(WFMU's "Downtown Soulville").

Cheap, delicious barbecue all night, too!

The Hook
18 Commerce Street
Red Hook, Brooklyn
718-797-3007
thehookmusic.com
Friday, July 13
Doors open at 9
$20 advance (ticketweb.com)$24 at door

MORE INFO: myspace.com/hookandboogie

DIRECTIONS: Go to thehookmusic.com for details....It's a 10-minute walkfrom the Carroll Street F stop; it's about an $8 car ride from Park Slopeor $10 to $12 from lower Manhattan; the B61 bus (which stops inWilliamsburg and downtown Brooklyn) will drop you one block away; there'slots and lots of free parking all around the club.

Soul Sides Vol 2 Release Party 28/6/07

Oliver Wang's Soul Sides is one of the daddy's of soul and funk blogs. He recently mentioned my Freddie Scott tribute on his blog and lots of people have dropped over to hear the tribute.

Oliver has released several CDs and his latest Soul Sides Vol 2 The Covers is out now.

The release party is as follows:

Thursday, June 28 - Casanova Lounge - San Francisco
The Official Bay Area SSV2 Release Party
DJ O-Dub w/ DJs Vinnie Esparza and B.Cause
10pm - 2 am
527 Valencia by 16th
Free!

Thanks Oliver!!!

Fela Ransome Kuti

Fela Ransome Kuti Expensive Shit Editions Makossa


I was visting another blog and was reminded of this 45 - thought you might dig it!!!

Orgone on Tour

Ubiquity Records have mailed me to let me know of a tour by Orgone.

This is Ubiquity's publicity blurb:

Orgone first appeared on Ubiquity with their cover of “Funky Nassau” on Rewind Volume 4 and are now signed to deliver their first full-length album.

Their excellent vinyl releases on the UK-based Nuff Rope label have been faves with DJs worldwide, including NYC’s Danny Krivit who liked “Funky Nassau” so much he offered up one of his legendary re-edits.

The band’s reputation is backed-up by an impressive resume including landing a spot in an Adidas campaign. They’ve been backing band to The Pharcyde, Plantlife (including an Australian tour with James Brown and BBC performance for Jools Holland), Tone Loc, and New Orleans funk legend Eddie Bo at the Hurricane Katrina benefit.

Members of Orgone also feature in the make-up of Ubiquity acts Connie Price and Breakestra and perform regularly at the Root Down in LA.

Catch them with Little Brother, Free with RVSP @
www.scion.com/livemetro

ORGONE/LITTLE BROTHER TOUR DATES:

Jun 26 2007@ Cats Cradle w/ Little Brother Carrboro, North Carolina

Jun 27 2007@ The Loft w/ Little Brother Atlanta, Georgia

Jun 28 2007 (Not A Scion Show, Tickets $15)The Parish @ House Of Blues w/ Little Brother New Orleans, Louisiana

Jun 29 2007@ Warehouse Live w/ Little Brother Houston, Texas

Jun 30 2007@ The Parrish w/ Little Brother Austin, Texas

FULL TOUR DATES AND INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT:
www.scion.com/livemetro/
www.ubiquityrecords.com
www.myspace.com/ubiquityrecords

Don't forget to check out their new 45 Duck & Cover/No More Gravy on Ubiquity

Bill Moss RIP

My friend Sis from Detroit mailed me last night with the sad news that the legendary gospel singer Bill Moss had died. He was a member of Detroit's Moss/Clark gospel music family and his sister Mattie Moss Clark founded the Clark Sisters.

Bill Moss is perhaps best known for founding the gospel group Bill Moss and the Celestials. A songwriter, Moss also started a record company, Bilesse, that recorded his group as well as other Moss Clark family members and Detroit artists.

Bill Moss played a crucial role in the development of gospel music and anyone who loves gospel music should seek out his music.

If you want to see Bill in action then YouTube has 2 videos you can watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLkwRu8Z3Z8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a4BscnQyMM&mode=related&search=

Bill - thanks for the music..........

Young Birds Fly Premiere July 21st

As regular readers know, I have followed the making of Young Birds Fly movie for nearly a year now and Leonardo has sent me another bulletin - which is probably the most exciting.Young Birds Fly will be premiered as follows:

As I've said before just wish I could be there to wish Leonardo and the gang every success!

Elizabeth Blanchard as C-Bird, The Girl About Town

David Sea on Soul Discovery 30/6/07

Just had the above poster through from Mick for what is bound to be a top show!!! Don't miss it!!!

Podcasts & Mixes

I seem to be listening more and more to podcasts and mixes than ever before.

Over the last couple of months, I have shared many links to mixes and radio shows on the net and below are some I haven't mentioned but are well worth subscribing to or downloading.

One blog which has been priceless for supplying links to podcasts and mixes is One Take Tapes and should be your first port of call in the search for quality mixes.

Try these out for size:

Waxing Deep Rund Funk

Right Direction

Paris DJs

Mr Phipson

I'll be back soon with more links and some more mixes of my own.

Boomerang Canal Tavern Thorne

Looks like a top night at a venue which was famous for breaking crossover and modern sides back in the 90's.

United Sound Of Soul 30/6/07

Federal Soul Every Week

Check Solid Soul website for more details

Fair Play Paris

Paris continues to be the soul capital of Europe!!

Without Boundaries Summer Ball 7/7/07

Mark Randle dropped me a message about above - cheers!

Swamp Dogg Discography

It is always pleasing to see good research getting published on the Net. David Chance's Discography on the Dogg is one such project which has to be applauded.

Richard "Kush" Griffith 1948-2007

I found out this week that the legendary Kush had died last Sunday. Kush was the legendary trumpeter and arranger for James Brown, Parliament/Funkadelic, and his own P-Funk spin off group, the Horny Horns, and work at Motown as the house band, "Bottom and Company". He was also an integral part of Bootsy's Rubber Band, the J.B.'s, and band leader for P-Funk spinoffs like The Brides of Funkenstein.

You can read a full bio on the man and listen to some of his music over a his MySpace and website

Kush (far left) with Fred Wesley

Living Blues 190

Hiya Bluesers, Check out our latest issue of Living Blues at your news stand or subscribe today at our website: http://www.livingblues.com/

Issue 190 Contents

Cover photo: Luther Allison, Ann Arbor Blues Festival, 1970.

Credit: Stanley Livingston

Blues In Black And White: The Landmark Ann Arbor Blues Festivals—The Photography of Stanley Livingston.

Introduction by Michael Erlewine

In 1969 Stanley Livingston, a talented young photographer and blues fan, had the opportunity of a lifetime. The now-legendary Ann Arbor Blues Festival was happening in his hometown. With unlimited access, Livingston took over 9,000 photographs at the 1969 and 1970 festivals. The lineup was a dream list of blues who’s who from prewar legends like Son House and Roosevelt Sykes to contemporary giants like B.B. King and John Lee Hooker. These never-before-seen photographs are an un-mined gem of blues history.

Big James Montgomery by Tim Holek

Big James Montgomery, two-time winner of the LB critic’s choice award, fronts one of the hottest Chicago blues bands—and does so with a trombone as his lead instrument. Montgomery cut his teeth playing in the bands of Little Milton, Albert King, and others and today blends a refreshing mix of blues, funk, and soul into a unique sound.

Wallace Coleman by Larry Nager

Cleveland-based harp player Wallace Coleman honed his skills watching Sonny Boy Williamson (II). Later he landed a decade-long gig as a sideman with Robert Lockwood Jr. On his own now, Coleman has released four CDs and is touring heavily.

The Lee Boys by Scott Bock

The Lee Boys are carrying on the sounds of the Florida-based branch of sacred steel music. Rooted in the sounds of Reverend Glenn Lee, Henry Nelson, and the Campbell Brothers, the Lee Boys are mixing the secular influences of soul, R&B, and rap with their gospel roots, bringing a fresh take on sacred steel music.

Big Maybelle’s Roots by David Freeland

Maybelle Louise Smith, “Big Maybelle,” was one of the most popular vocalists in the 1950s and early 1960s. Her hit Candy still sounds scorching today. But Maybelle’s life was a complex and often dark journey.

Record Reviews

New CDs by Koko Taylor, Carey and Lurrie Bell, Denise LaSalle and Big T and Wesley Jefferson.Reissues from Gatemouth Brown, SPV Records, and the Numero Group.

New Gilles Peterson Podcast

I've had a bulletin from Gilles telling me of his new Podcast. The Podcast features some tracks from his forthcoming 2nd Digs America CD for Ubiquity.

Charles Walker & Dynamites In Memphis 29/6/07

Check out Soul Of Memphis for details.

IDR Mix 3

In Dangerous Rhythm Mix 3

Back again with another mix - a bit shorter than the first two but hopefully no loss of quality.

Here's the tracklisting and some notes:-

1. Life That's Life Reprise 45

The other side of the Northern Soul classic Tell Me Why.

2. Free Form Experiment Don't Lose It So Fast Inner Ear 45

Same label as the cult classic The Crow Autumn Of Tomorrow. Don't Lose It So Fast was an Ian Levine tip back in 1975 which got lost in the pack!

3. O'Donel Levy Hey Love! Groove Merchant LP Everything I Gonna Do Be Funky

Levy shares vocals with drummer Judd Watkins and I have had a soft spot for this track since I found it back in 77 in a local supermarket.

4. Spaceark Welcome To My Door Color World 45

Spaceark consisted of Troy Raglin on vocals and rhythm guitar, Peter Allan on lead guitar, Bryan Reed on drums and lead vocals, Jared Stewart on keyboards and Kenny Chavis on bass. They recorded at least 2 45s on Color World circa 1975 before cutting an album on Color World in 1978.

5. Mokie, JJ & R.O.B. You're So Real Sun Moon & Stars 45

This group features on the excellent new Luv N Haight CD California Soul 2 - here there are with a 45 but there was also an album which is scarce. Get the CD and find out more about the group!

6. Ron & Candy Lovely Weekend Inner City 45

I prefer this side of Plastic Situation which was reissued by Luv N Haight on their Inner City Records CD. The 45 was arranged by Arthur Woods, written by Woods and Ron Kenoly, and produced by George Semper. This record was released in 1973 and Ron is Ron Kenoly of gospel fame.

7. Dolores Hardy Don't Stop Fire Mountain 45

This is the slightly remixed version which came out in 1980. Dolores sang lead on the early version and she is not credited on the black issues of the earlier 45

8. Jose Hernandez Is That The Way You Planned It? Honey 45

A fast pounding 45 which had a few spins back in 1976.

O'Donel Levy above and Spaceark below

Ron Kenoly

I am working on the next mix so keep dropping by!!!

Westside Soul Club 29/6/07

See their MySpace for more details

Rozetta Johnson New 45 on Shotgun

Rozetta Johnson You Better Keep What You Got Clip

Paul Mooney has sent me a soundclip of his next release on the Shotgun label from Rozetta Johnson.

An excellent follow up to his David Sea 45. We are treated to another lost moment in Southern Soul history from down in Birmingham, Alabama.

I'll keep you posted when on the release date.

Young Birds Fly Update

Regular readers of IDR will know that I have regularly updated readers of the blog on the progress of the film Young Birds Fly since I was first in touch with the film's director Leonardo Flores.

For the benefit of new readers to IDR, Young Bird Fly is in the words of the Leonardo a film that

"Traces the wonder, discovery and disappointment of the contempory Los Angeles Mod/Skin/Northern Soul movement through the eyes of a quiet teenage girl named Jill."

The latest bulletin on the film from Leonardo came through last night:

I receive about 5 emails a day concerning the DVD release and Screenings of YBF. I have been focusing my attention over the last month on the Whittier, CA screening of YBF on July 21st. I want to screen to you all as much as you want to watch it but all the other areas that I have wanted to screen it have fell through. The only exception is if YBF gets picked up for festivals.

YBF is not on DVD yet, but after this Summer I will focus all my energy on the DVD release of Young Birds Fly as it seems that will be the best way to get it out to you, all over the world. I hope to have it on DVD by end of the year for you to purchase.

Thank you everone for your interest in Young Birds Fly and making it what it is.

Keep The Faith,

Leonardo Flores

Tracey Mathewson As Jill: The Venus Ace

Fortune Records - Any Stories?

There is a MySpace for the legendary Fortune Records and the people behind the pages are looking for any stories - so if anyone out there has any then please let them know.

I'd love to see a CD box set documenting the history of the label.

Don't forget that former Fortune Records legends Nathaniel Mayer and Andre Williams are still out there doing the business!

Soulidarity 23/6/07

Hip City dropped me a bulletin to let me know about the above - go over to their MySpace for more details.

Charles Walker & Dynamites CD Release Party Nashville 22/6/07

The Dynamites have dropped me a bulletin on their CD Release Party in Nashville this Friday:

Hey all o' y'all Southeasterners, the biggest Dyna-party of the decade happens THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 22 AT MERCY LOUNGE IN NASHVILLE.

The new album, KABOOM! is out, and we're going to throw down and celebrate!

Come on and check out all of the beautifunky sounds and the feel-good summertime soul stomp extraordinaire!!

We'd love to see all of y'all there! And the more of you that come to the show, the more outlandish, mind-blowing super soulness that comes out of Mr. Charles Walker!Please forward this bulletin on to all of your friends and something extra funky (good) will happen to you...Friday night...at the Mercy Lounge...in Nashville.

COME ON WITH IT!!!!The Dynamites

I will review the the new CD as soon as I get a copy.

Diplomettes On YouTube

A few posts ago, I mentioned the Diplomats of Solid Soul and their backing group The Diplomettes. My spies in the USA tell me that the Diplomettes are hot and you can catch them on YouTube to see what they mean.

Theo Peoples & Ronnie McNeir's Latest Single

Ronnie just sent me a bulletin on his collaboration with Theo Peoples. Check it out!!

Stax 50th Concert Memphis 22/6/07

A final reminder!!!

Elvin Spencer Interview

Over the last 2 years, Bob Abrahamian has been doing a sterling job interviewing Chicago based artists on his "Sitting in the Park" show.

The show is a weekly soul one that broadcasts every Sunday night from 7:30-9:00PM on WHPK 88.5FM Chicago. On the show, you'll hear Chicago soul and group soul, mainly from the 60s through the early 70s. You'll also hear interviews with soul groups. This webpage will contain archives of every interview, so you can listen to members of these groups tell their stories in their own words.

Click the following link to get to the list of interviews:

Interviews

You can email me, Bob Abrahamian, the DJ of the show at:

boba@panix.com

The latest show included Elvin Spencer. Go check it out!!!

Ponderosa Stomp In Brooklyn July 14/15

Dr Ike has mailed me over night a poster of the show - be there!!!

Ronnie McNeir New CD

Ronnie has sent me a bulletin to tell me that his latest CD is out this week:

What do Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie, The Four Tops, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendrick, Kim Weston, L.J. Reynolds, Kirk Whalum, Rena Scott, Rene & Angela, Carrie Lucas, and Theo Peoples have in common? Well, Ronnie McNeir has produced, recorded with, written for, and/or played keyboards behind this all-star soul list. Despite his impressive resume, Ronnie McNeir is virtually unknown… in the United States. Across the Atlantic, he enjoys a high level of acclaim and his records go for thousands of dollars on the elite UK soul scene. As a vocalist, keyboardist, producer and songwriter in his own right, he has consistently had a hand in creating superb soul music since his debut on an obscure Detroit soul label many years ago.

His mellow tenor voice epitomizes smooth. His grooves, though always funky, define smooth. His songs are intensely personal , alternating between the sensual style of Marvin Gaye to the pointed social commentary of Curtis Mayfield. Like yet another great soul man, Stevie Wonder, he is a pioneer in using synth instrumentation to create funky and soulful grooves.

McNeir has been heard alongside Teena Marie on the classic 80s soul ballad, “We’ve Got To Stop Meeting Like This” from Marie’s “Starchild” album. He also lent backing vocals to Smokey Robinson’s “Love Breeze” LP. Currently, he sings tenor with the Four Tops, a position he has held for the past years, hand-selected by best friend, songwriting partner and original Four Top, Obie Benson.

Today, McNeir returns to the scene with his tenth album, Ronnie Mac & Company. With 14 smooth soul tracks, the album is a must-have for those who crave a contemporary spin on classic grown folks’ music.

Ronnie Mac & Company is the singer’s invitation to get to know Ronnie McNeir. Ronnie Mac has seen and done it all and he shares his rich life experience in tracks such as Ain’t It Good To Know You’ve Got A Friend and his honest commentary on the state of the world, It’s A Shame People Have To Live This Way.

Just when you thought the brother was getting too deep, he serves up steppers’ grooves like Summertime Medley II and In The Mood to take your mind off such troubles. He invites listeners into his own confessional chamber with the painfully beautiful “Personal Testimony” which features Theo Peoples, his fellow Four Top and friend. The album portrays Ronnie in all his human complexity, sinner and saint; profound and playful all at once.

An updated version of McNeir’s Down In The Neighborhood will be a welcome surprise to fans of his last album, of the same name. Neighborhood portrays a gritty tale of life in the inner city with stark detail. From the troubles of the world to the troubles of love to the joys of summertime, Ronnie Mac & Company portrays a complex man: profound, playful, sensual and painfully aware of shortcomings – of himself and the world around him. A bonus track is his spoken word personal tribute to his best friend, original Four Top Renaldo “Obie” Benson.
Some of soul music’s most talented artists know who Ronnie McNeir is. So should you. Get to know Ronnie Mac by downloading "RONNIE MAC" & Company;Ronnie McNeir's NEW SOLO CD set for release on June 18th.

Who is Ronnie McNeir? Your new favorite soul artist!

Ronnie McNeir has always been one of favourite artists and I will always treasure seeing him perform in a small club in Manchester called Parkers back in the early 90's - priceless!!!!

Drop over to his Ronnie's MySpace to hear some clips of the new CD

The Big Throw Back Bloomfeld-Lawrenceville 28/6/07

Check their MySpace for further details

Bobby Eli News

I had a bulletin through from Bobby Eli on MySpace to giving me an update on his latest productions:

George Clinton is recording a new CD with Bobby Eli producing,which promises to be somewhat of a departure for the funkmaster.The Three Philly Tenors are putting finishing touches on their forthcoming September release,produced by Bobby Eli. Hall and Oates are scheduled to guest on this CD also contributing a new song composed by them for this CD.

Check out Bobby's MySpace for further news

In Dangerous Rhythm Mix 2

In Dangerous Rhythm Mix 2

To celebrate the 901st post on IDR we have a second mix as promised - enjoy!! It has a distinctly West Coast feel - most from the Bay Area.

Here's the tracklisting:

1. Jimmie Willis Soul Power Orr 45

2. Dyke & The Blazers Let's Do It Together BGP CD We Got More Soul

3. Gow Dow Experience Compared To What Luv N Haight CD Super Cool California Soul 2

4. Patrizia & Jimmy Trust Your Child Ala 45

5. Richard Berry Doing It Junco 45

6. Different Bags Closed Mind Westgate 45

7. Different Bags Fast Black Westgate 45

8. Paul Tillman Smith Ready To Live - Raw Funk 7 Bridges CD Welcome To The Newsroom

9. Electric Church We've Got To Find A Way 7 Bridges CD Welcome To The Newsroom

Pictures above "Dyke" Arlester Christian; Dr Benson of Gow Dow Experience; Richard Berry; Paul Tiiman Smith and Electric Church

Please check out the BGP double CD on Dyke & The Blazers because it is full of goodies and also take time out with Luv N Haight's second volume of California Soul because there are some monster cuts here!

Marva Josie

Marva Josie He Does It Better Thimble LP This Is Marva Josie

Marva Josie has had a presence on the web for awhile but I understand that she will be enhancing her site in the near future - so keep in touch.

2 Day Part in Brussels 22/23 June

2 days Party in Brussels

Friday 22/06:
Welcome party at Churchill Pub with "Going Underground" !
5 DJ's for a reggae, ska, rocksteady, soul and RnB nighter.
BXL: Fred "Souligan" (Dyn-o-mite, Going Underground)
UK: Fred (Copasetic)
BXL: Malik ( Going Underground)
BXL: Tomsteady (Forumska)
BXL : Thierry Steady Go (Dyn-o-mite, Heavy Soul)
Free Entrance from 9PM, Djs from 10 PM.
Happy Hour from 9 to 11
Churchill Pub: 25 rue de l'écuyer in the centre of Brussels ( near DeBrouckere ).

Saturday 23/06:
Allnighter from 10 PM till 6AM.On barge "Ric's Art Boat" Quai des Péniches 44, in the centre of Brussels(chanel Brussels-Charleroi near Yser).
11 DJ's from Perpignan, Brussels, London and Paris will share the decks(!!!) on 2 floors!
One floor dedicated to American Black Music : Soul ( Northern or not ),Rhythm n'Blues, Deep Funk, Hammond Grooves...
The other one dedicated toJamaican music : Early Reggae, Rocksteady and Original Ska.
Dj's:Jamaican cellar
UK: Fred (Copasetic)
Fr: Kingreg (7 of clubs)
Fr: Prince Charmless (7 of clubs)
BXL: Tomsteady (Forumska)
BXL: Dr Kitch (Forumska)
Soul attic
BXL: Thierry Steady go! (Dyn-o-mite, Heavy Soul)
BXL Fred "Souligan" (Dyn-o-mite)
FR: Romain (7 of clubs)
BXL: Malik (Chamaican Brothers)
BXL: Timmy (Northern soul master)
FR: Raphi "scorcher" (Lava records)
Door: 5 € before midnight, 8 € after.
Happy hour from 10 to 11!
More info: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea...endid=167886060

Ila Vann Interview On Youtube

You can catch an interesting video of Ila Vann talking and performing on Youtube. Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOSnKNGIXIE

Frankie "Loveman" Crocker Ton Of Dynamite

Frankie Loveman Crocker Ton Of Dynamite Turbo

I was reminded of this Northern classic when I was listening to the new Binky Griptite 45.

I think this was probably All Platinum cashing on Frankie's celebratory status as a radio DJ. The backing band were probably Willie & The Magnificents. The backing singers picked up on one of his trade marks "Do It Frankie Do It" - a totally atmospheric instumental which always puts me on a high!

Find out more about Frankie here:

http://www.powerhouseradio.com/frankiecrocker.html

http://www.soul-patrol.com/crocker.htm

http://www.frankiecrocker.net/

http://www.wfmu.org/Playlists/Monica/2000playlist.html

Binky Griptite New Daptone 45

Binky Griptite Mellomatic Mood

Daptone Records have informed me that Binky Griptite has a new 45 out on 19th June - Mellomatic Mood Pts 1&2.

Here's the rest of the message:

Hot on the heels of his festive Christmas single, Dap-Kings' guitarist/emcee Binky Griptite comes into his own on this two-part jaunt into the world of live-wire funk. The contrast between his laid-back lyrical message and the hyper-tight, up-tempo groove he chooses to lay that message over is staggering. With only a smattering of part two breakdowns and a handful of two-bar turnarounds to give them respite, it is no less than a miracle that The Mellomatics can keep this lightning-paced, Tighten-Up inspired tornado from spinning apart. But, alas, they do it, And with Feeling!

Another cracking 45 from Daptone!!!!!

The Best Of Kenny Hamber

Kenny Hamber was one the most friendly people I met in New Jersey last year and I am now pleased to see that he has hooked up with a friend of mine Andy Lothian to issue a new compilation CD. Andy has his own label It's Soul Time! which released The Persuaders Made To Be Loved CD last year to great acclaim.

Kenny met Andy at the US Soul Trip last year and this contact led to them getting together on what is an excellent retrospective of Kenny's music from his early Zenette 45 to his 2000 work.Kenny has a very informative website where you can find out more about the man but this is his profile:

Kenny Hamber was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Realizing that he was gifted, Kenny started his career at Weldon Baptist Church as lead male vocalist and sang with various Du-Wop Groups singing five part harmony. Kenny has consistently delivered his outstanding vocal qualities to thousands of enthusiastic fans around the country.

He has appeared with such performers as the Temptations, The Four Tops, James Brown, The Stylisitcs, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, The Manhattans, Blue Magic, Ray Goodman and Brown, Donna Allen, Shirley Murdock, Gladys Knight, Jerry Butler, The Platters and the late great Jackie Wilson. Kenny hosted his own TV show in Washington D.C.

His recording career started in Baltimore, MD with a local disc jockey. At that time he recorded a number of singles which did quite well. Kenny was the lead vocalist with The Hitchhikers, who were signed by ABC Records.

As we move into the new millenium Kenny is back in the studio working harder than ever on new material. With new producers and writers working together, along with Kenny's vocal ability, which has been building for decades, this man has definitely the Heart and Soul needed in today's sound. Listen and See!!!

If you wish to find out more about Kenny's career then there is an excellent interview with Kenny conducted by Larry Benicewicz on his site.

Kenny Hamber Anything You Want Arctic

I have decided to feature the above track which kicks the CD off. Anything You Want must rank in my all time 50 greatest soul sides - pure soul from a great singer. This is one of the best sides ever produced in Philly by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Also included is his version of the Valentinos Looking For A Love which he cut with some of the finest Philly musicians at Arctic including the legendary guitarist Ron Baker.

The full tracklisting is:-

Vintage publicity shot of Kenny from early 60's

Another highlight of the CD is the early doo-wop flavoured Tears In My Life which Kenny wrote and recorded when he was only 16.

Kenny also made one of the best ever versions of the Eddie Floyd classic Never Found A Girl which sits alongside other hard to find modern outings such as Paradise, Can't Let You Go and I'll Be There.

Kenny has a fine voice and his intepretations of other artist's songs go further than mere pastiches as can be seen on his version of David Ruffin's Walk Away From Love and a stunning rendition of Bobby Bland's Members Only.

If you go to Kenny's site you will be able to purchase further CDs which I highly recommend because Kenny has not lost anything of his great voice over the years and he is a good song writer as well!!

I wish both Kenny and Andy every success with this CD.

Kenny still works full time in the business which is good to see and he is currently working on a gospel CD which I will keep you posted on as soon as I hear more.

Kenny was a guest on the Right Track Radio Show last night and this interview will be archived and is well worth listening to because Kenny has some fascinating stories to tell of his time in Baltimore and Philly.

One track missing from the CD is another favourite of mine Let's Do The Camel Walk which Kenny hinted on the Right Track show may come out on another CD including other material which has not seen the light of the day.

Don't forget that Kenny also released a fine album for ABC as lead singer with a group called the Hitchhikers back in 1976. As far as I know no tracks off this album are currently available so getting searching because you won't be disappointed.

Sammy Campbell aka Tyrone Ashley Hollygrove 45s

I recently posted about the forthcoming CD from Truth & Soul Records on

Tyrone Ashley aka Sammy Campbell. Now I found out there are 2 other 45s out there issued by Hollygrove on Sammy:-

Hollygrove 004 Sugar, Would Ya/Crazy About You

Hollygrove 005 Hold On Till Tomorrow/Only For The Love Of You

Go to Hollygrove and listen to soundfiles

Ralph Soul Jackson

Like Roscoe Robinson, Ralph Jackson now has a presence on MySpace. Get over there and check his profile out.

Memphis Sounds

I have mentioned The Memphis Sounds blog in a previous post but it is good to see that Preston is digging deep into the music heritage of the city> He has had several recent thought provoking and informative posts on Rufus Thomas, Gus Cannon, Jimmie Lunceford, Emerson Able, Al Jackson Jr and Charles Heinz as well as previous posts.

Please drop over and dig a little deeper into the Memphis Sound.

Roscoe Robinson On MySpace

It is good to see Roscoe Robinson getting more exposure via MySpace. Roscoe should be heralded as a national treasure in the States for his musical career in gospel and soul spans over 65 years!!!!

Don't forget the next gigs he is performing:

Diplomats Of Solid Soul

Grease Monkey

Triple Starch

I have dicovered and met a lot of new people since I got more involved in MySpace.

One band from Iowa who I have fallen on is the The Diplomats of Solid Soul. They consist of David Basinger - alto and baritone sax Eddie McKinley - tenor sax Nate "Count" Basinger -Hammond B-3 organ, vocals Doug Roberson- guitar, vocals Jim Viner- drums and are joined by the Diplomettes on vocals.

Give the 2 tracks above a blast before going over to their MySpace to hear more and find out where they are gigging.

This is how they describe themselves:

Steeped in the sizzling, funky gumbo of Booker T & The MG's, The Meters, James Brown and the B-3 driven, backyard barbecue jams of Jimmy Smith, Lou Donaldson, Jimmy McGriff, Lonnie Smith, and Brother Jack McDuff, THE DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND surge forward in their passionate crusade to steam-clean the planet's dancefloors with their third full-length platter percolation, "Destination...Get Down!"

The new disc continues to extend the ever-upward arc that began with DOSS' acclaimed 2001 debut "Instrumental Action Soul," then took a quantum leap on 2003's groovathon "Let's Cool One." Their latest soul stew is jam-packed from jump street till closing time with a dozen more original workouts guaranteed to lubricate and agitate every bone in yer carcass, and the addition of sax maven David Basinger to the fold gives DOSS it's most muscular, inventive, and flexible attack yet! Smokier than a tiki torch, shinier than the chrome on a rib-joint's formica tables, tangier than Hecky Powell's secret sauce and funkier than a two-dollar hooker's come-hither, THE DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND are on a mission, and a dance club near you is gonna get booglarized. The word is out folks; you really ain't got a choice--so GET DOWN! before these birds knock you down!

Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The Trueloves

Eli Paperboy Reed The Satisfier

Eli Paperboy Reed It's Easier

Eli has long been a member of the Southern Soul list and I feel bad that I have not posted anything about him and his band The Trueloves before on the blog. But now that his vast talent is getting more exposure I thought I'd better rectify the lack of posts!!!

First up - get a load of the tracks above and if you want to hear more then drop over to his MySpace.

I just got this bulletin through from him as well:

Our first national tour kicks off this Thursday June 14th at Johnny D's Uptown Lounge in Somerville, Ma. We are joined on the bill (as well as in New York and Chicago) by Soul Legend Roscoe Robinson. It should be an amazing show so please come out and wish us well on the tour!

Thursday, June 14th
Johnny D's
17 Holland St. Davis Square, Somerville
Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves
Roscoe Robinson (backed by the True Loves)
DJ sets by PJ Gray of Galatic Fractures (www.galacticfractures.com)
Doors @ 9:00 PM
$14
21+

Below is a list of all the tour dates. You can find out more information about the tour, including addresses and set times for all the shows at elipaperboyreed.com or on our myspace
6/14: Boston @ Johnny D's Uptown Lounge
6/15: New York City @ Southpaw
6/16: Asbury Park, NJ @ The Saint
6/17: Albany @ The Lark Tavern
6/18: Pittsburgh @ Howler's Coyote Cafe
6/19: Arlington, Va @ IOTA
6/20: Cleveland @ The Beachland Ballroom
6/21: Chicago @ The Checkerboard Lounge
6/22: Bloomington, IN TBA
6/23: Chicago @ The Hideout
6/24: Indianapolis TBA
6/26: Baltimore @ The 8 X 10
6/27: TBA6/28: Philadelphia @ Whiskey Dix
6/29: Boston @ The Milky Way

Check the myspace and website for updates on the TBA shows and hope to see you guys at one of the shows!
I wish him and his band every success and cannot wait to get my hands on the vinyl!!!

Invictus Digital Only Album

Sanctuary have informed me of their first digital album:

We are proud to present Detroit's Invictus, Sanctuary's first digital only compilation, which is an enthralling journey through the original context of sounds which may be familiar to modern ears in the form they have been sampled by artist such De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, Fat Boy Slim and Pete Rock.

The 14 tracks featured on this compilation are all produced by the all-star song writing trio of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland who have produced legendary gems for the likes of The Supremes, Junior Walker & The All Stars, The Four Tops, Martha & The Vandellas, The Isley Brothers and The Elgins at Motown in the 1960s. When the trio left Motown in 1968 they set up the Hot Wax and Invictus labels. In the early 1970s Hot Wax and Invictus scored hits with a variety of acts including Freda Payne, The Chairmen Of The Board, Laura Lee, 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) and The Honey Co

This digital-only compilation from Sanctuary is one of the first “sampled” collections available for commercial download.

Checkout their MySpace

Young Jessie

Young Jessie Brown Eyes Come On Home Vanessa

Just thought I'd post up a Young Jessie track to remind anyone in the NY area to get on down to the gig he is doing with Mighty Hannibal and the Dansettes on July 13th.

Kim Tolliver Tribute

Kim Tolliver Tribute

I received more sad news last night with the death of Kim Tolliver being reported on the Southern Soul forum via Lou Ragland a long time friend of Kim's from their days in Clevelenad back in the 60's.

There is little information about Kim out there except what has emanated from Lou over the years in various interviews. It must be nearly 8 years ago that we first heard that she was in poor health and one of the early Northern Soul websites published a photo of her and some brief details but they have long disappered into the ether.

Kim did leave us some wonderful music and I have featured 3 of her Rojac 45's in the above tribute:

Cop My Stuff Rojac 128

I'll Try To Do Better Rojac 126

Driving Me To The Arms Of A Stranger Rojac 131

She recorded 45s for Rojac, Sureshot, Gar, Castro and Pathfinder plus 2 albums - Passing Clouds for Fantasy and the wonderful Chess album Come And Get Me I'm Ready as well as her best moment on vinyl - Where Were You a 12" for Rojac. Most of her work was produced or written by her husband Freddie Briggs.

I was first turned on to her music back in '75 when her classic Northern side I Don't Know What Foot To Dance On burned up the dancefloors as a virtual new release. I would have posted that song but my copy refuses to play on my new deck because it is worn out with plays!

Kim Tolliver RIP

Freddie Scott Hey Girl

Freddie Scott Beatlesfest 2002 Tribute to George Harrison

Freddie Scott Hey Girl Colpix

I have posted up Freddie's Hey Girl after some people asked me why I hadn't included it in my tribute to him. Freddie contnues to be in my thoughts because he was one of the warmest soul artists I have met and spoke to. I will certainly treasure the memory of seeing him perform Hey Girl in New Jersey

I would also like to say thanks to Allison Bravo who sent me the above photo of Freddie from 2002.

Shirley Slaughter Updates

You can keep up to date on Shirley Slaughter by dropping my mate John Carrier's MySpace.

Budos Band at the Lucky cat 22/6/07

More details on Budos Band MySpace

We Are Soul Berlin 16/6/07

Johnny Hitman has let me know of the above:

This event will be a one off, all the biggest Soul parties of Berlin united (well, except Soulexplosion, anyway they mainly play Funk from 66-74). This party will range from 60ies Soul, heavy Funk, Latin Boogaloo, funky Reggae, Modern and quality underground Disco A brilliant line up and a great location. The location is next to the river Spree, we have a nice sand beach and a big outdoor area. We will start at 16:00 with Soul- Music/BBQ and the clubnight starts at 23:00. This will be THE SOUL PARTY of the year in Berlin, don't miss it!! To complete the weekend the day before is Soulkombinat's "FUNK IS DIRTY" party. So a great weekender in Berlin!!

The Maverick's Podcasts

I met this lovely lady in New Jersey last year and her podcasts are always a delight! Go and see what I mean!

Rhythm & Booze

Haven't given this night a shout before!!! Brian Poust of Georgia Soul fame sometimes drops by to spin sounds.

David Axelrod Live Movie

Message from Wax Poetics:

Mochilla, ArtDontSleep, and Wax Poetics present the premiere of the concert performance film of David Axelrod Live at Royal Festival Hall, directed by Dana Axelrod.

David Axelrod, who graced the cover of Wax Poetics Issue 14, which you can purchase here, conducted a concert at London's Royal Festival Hall in the spring of 2004. Axe wrote new arrangements for each song, including "The Edge," "Holy Are You," "Tensity," and "Holy Thursday."

Join us on June 18 at 7:30 at Hollywood's beautiful Egyptian Theatre for the big-screen premiere! J.ROCC will spin a tribute set and Mr. Axelrod himself will be present for a Q&A session, so this event is truly not to be missed! Purchase tickets here.

The DVD, soon to be sold at waxpoetics.com, is for sale now here.
Monday, June 18
7:30pm @ the Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90028

David Axelrod
Wax Poetics
Mochilla

Blowfly & Blueprint Tonight!

Just had a bulletin to say:

The legendary, one and only, king of the XXX rated funk . . . Blowfly is making an extremely rare Pittsburgh appearance!!! Also on the bill is Rhymesayers Entertainment/Weightless Recordings artist Blueprint of Soul Position, plus Steel City representatives The New Alcindors (instrumental funk/soul), BZE The Cuban Cruise Missile (hip hop), and DJ's J. Malls & Omar-Abdul of The Big Throw Back (funk/soul)!!! This is an early event, doors open at 8:30 PM. Admission is $10 cheap!!! Pre-sale ticket info tba. If you have a freaky or funky bone in your body then you'll be here!!!

Check out Blowfly on myspace! Send him an add :)

Tickets are available now at:
31st Street Pub (Strip District) (412) 391-8334720
Records (East Liberty) (412) 661-7330
Brave New World (Oakland) (412) 682-5007
Dave's Music Mine (Southside) (412) 488-8800
Dave's Music Mine (Sq. Hill) (412) 421-6900
Paul's CD's (Bloomfield) (412) 621-3256
Stedeford's Records (North Side) (412) 321-8333
Service charges may vary per location.

Lynne Randell RIP

Lynne Randell Tribute
Over the weekend, I heard the news that Lynne Randell died in Melbourne after a long illness. Lynne is best remembered on the UK soul scene for her Northern anthem "Stranger In My Arms" on Columbia.

In 1967, Randell, who was then 17 years old, became Australia's first teen sensation releasing a hit single Ciao Baby.She followed that with a trip to the United States where she toured with The Monkees, and performed with Ike and Tina Turner. Randell later moved to Los Angeles and married record company executive Abe Hoch and the couple had a son, Jamieson. She returned to Australia in 1980 and became Molly Meldrum's personal assistant, a role she best described as "being his nagging wife - a very organised nagging wife". In 1986, Randell moved to New York to be closer to her son and to work for Seymour Stein, Madonna's record company boss. She returned to Melbourne a couple of years later and continued working in the entertainment industry until she became ill.
Stranger was first played in '71 and went on to be one of the most played 45s on scene. It was bootlegged in '74 which meant that it was dropped from DJ playlists until Northern DJ Dave Evison reactivated it for a second shot at the big time. It was even more popular the second time around and enjoyed a second reissue on the Columbia Special Products label in '77.
I always had a soft spot for Lynne because she was originally from Liverpool before emigrating to Australia at the age of 5 with her family. I don't know of anyone else from Liverpool who has recorded a Northern classic! The song is firmly associated with me with those steamy early morning sessions the Wigan Casino when Evison was on the decks or the monthly oldies all-nighters.

She recorded the 45 in New York. And it sounded like it! She recalled: "the producer said, look I just want you to go out there and sing into everyone's headphones - just so that they get a feel for what your vocals going to be, and they can play off of that. And I did that and he came running in and went - you can sing! You can sing! I wasn't sure from those recordings in Australia."

l to r: Barry, Cynthia, some guy I don't know, David Pearl, Lynne Randell, and Davy Jones) Two of the hottest young songwriters in the 60s. They wrote a couple of The Monkees best songs, "Shades of Gray" and "Love is Only Sleeping".

New Soul Express Deep

I've had a message from Heikki Suosalo telling me that he has a new Deep pages on Soul Express:

There are recent interviews with Denise LaSalle, Otis Clay (the best CD this year so far), Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, G.C. Cameron and a new William Bell protégé Fred Bolton at:

http://www.soulexpress.net/deep207.htm

...also from the vaults with the late Freddie Scott (with a discography), Frank Mendenhall and Jackie Neal.

Essential reading from Heikki!!!!

Freddie Scott

Freddie, Tony Orlando & Greg Bravo

I've had some further information through on Freddie from one of his best friends Greg Bravo. Incidentally, Greg Bravo will be giving his eulogy on this coming Monday June 11th, 2007.

New York, June 6, 2007

R&B/Pop/Soul artist Freddie Scott, singer of the chart-topping record, "Hey Girl" written by his good friends Carole King and Gerry Goffin, and also a string of other Billboard Hot 100 charted hits over the years, passed away of heart failure at his home in Queens, NY on Monday, June 4th, 2007 at the age of 74. Freddie is survived by his wife, Doris Scott, two sons, a daughter and several grandchildren. He lived a good life and went quickly so he had a lot to be thankful for. Besides Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Freddie's good friends and associates in his over 60 years in the music business included some of the biggest names in the industry like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Picket, Al Green, Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, Tony Orlando, Felix Cavaliere (Rascals), Bert Burns, Van Morrision, Ben E. King, Chuck Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and too many more to mention.

In addition to his music, he was well regarded and loved in his community and everywhere he went. It should be noted that he did a lot of volunteer charity work with needy and hospitalized children in the hospital, in the VA hospitals, and with the homeless in NYC with several community organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Babylon and West Islip of which he was a past president. Moreover, he did countless benefits for many major charitable and religious organizations in the New York Area including the American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House, and for the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE).

What can anyone say about somebody who had the voice of an angel and a personality to match? He brought much love into this world and will be missed by many.

The wake will be held at:

J Foster Phillips Funeral Home
179-24 Linden Blvd.
St. Albans, Queens, NY

Monday, June 11th 3-8PM

Funeral home telephone number: 718-526-5656

Hook & Boogie Dance Party July 13th

I've already posted on above but picked up this poster from the Dansettes! Cheers ladies!!!

2007 International Soul Music Summit Atlanta

More details here.

Asbury Park 45 Sessions July 6th

Art Of Stax Exhibition

DJ Tommy Pacello will be in the house this evening as part of the opening festivities for the new ART OF STAX photography exhibit. $10 general admission or free to all Stax Museum members.

Get on down to McLemore Avenue!!!

Otis Redding An Evening Of Respect

c) Photothèque Rancurel - Paris

The Georgia Music Hall Of Fame is holding two events to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of Otis Redding:

An Evening of Respect …The Legacy Continues - A Musical Tribute to Otis Redding

Fri, Sep 14, 2007
Time: 8pm
Location: Macon Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry Street, Downtown Macon featuringThe Macon Symphony Orchestra, Dexter and Otis Redding III and special guests

Tickets and information are available at otisredding.com.

Otis Redding: “I’ve Got Dreams To Remember” The 40th Anniversary Exhibition

Dates: Fri, Sep 14, 2007 - Wed, Sep 10, 2008
Location: Georgia Music Hall of Fame

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the passing of the legendary Otis Redding, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame presents an exhibit of music, photographs, film and artifacts documenting the singer’s life and musical legacy. Guest curated by Ellen Fleurov, president of Crossroads Traveling Exhibitions, Atlanta, Georgia

Call the Georgia Music Hall of Fame
478-751-3334 or 888-GA-ROCKS
e-mail Katie Roberts

Georgia Music magazine is a quarterly publication covering Georgia music and entertainment. The magazine is published by the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Foundation, which is supported by your subscriptions.

Georgia Music magazine, features a calendar of music-related events, in-depth artist profiles, news, reviews, eye-catching photographs and original illustrations. The whole gamut of Georgia music is covered: rock, hip-hop, country, jazz, blues, gospel, folk, classical, R&B, bluegrass, Americana, soul and children's—reflecting Georgia's divers and innovative musical landscape.

The most recent edition has a feature on James Brown.

Tina Mason

Tina Mason Are You There Capitol 45

Tina Mason A Good Kind Of Hurting Capitol LP Something Wonderful

I have quite varied tastes when it comes to soul music as regular readers of the blog will know. I do like the lush pop orientated big productions from the either West or East Coasts especially the female ones such as Laine Hill, Billie Dearborn etc.

Tina Mason falls into the above bag and I decided to feature 2 cuts to demonstrate her talents. There is scant information on the Net about her which is surprising given her recordings were for a label such as Capitol featuring a producer such as David Axelrod. Wax Poetics gave her a brief mention in their feature on Axelrod in Issue 16 and said that she was working at Disney before her break with Capitol.

Soul Music & The Vietnam War

Tony Mason Take Good Care RCA

I fell on this side while searching for something else - this 45 is a long line of sides which were turned out in the USA during the Vietnam War and this one is very explicit about the dangers of warfare.

Soul songs about the Vietnam War are almost a sub-genre of the music and the best 2 collections with informative notes and vintage photos can be found in the 2 Ace/Kent collections below.

Dan Penn's 45s

Dan Penn I Need Someone MGM

Sometimes people forget that Dan Penn was not just a songwriter but that he recorded quite a few sides.

An excellent resource on his recordings can be found here.

Clarence Reid New Recordings

News on the Clarence's MySpace is that he has been recording new product:

All this belated respect and attention has spawned the unthinkable – a new Clarence Reid 45! “Prime Time”B/W “Gas Guzzler” will be released in June 2007 on the Chicago soul label Rabbit Factory. Don’t call it a comeback – consider it an awakening. The great Clarence Reid, the inventor of the Miami Soul sound, has removed his mask and has restarted the Funky Party.

Cannot wait to hear it!!!!!

Don't forget Clarence and others in Brooklyn and Chicago:

Daptone News

Plenty of news from Daptone this time around:

Saturday June 9th
BIG APPLE BBQ BLOCK PARTY
The Budos Band, 12pm
Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens, 1:30pm
Binky Griptite & the Mellomatics, 3pm
Madison Square Park23rd & Park
New York, NY
FREE!
MORE INFO

Sunday June 10th, 1pm
Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens
Burlington Jazz Festival
Waterfront Gospel Tent
Burlington, VT
MORE INFO

Wednesday June 13th, 7pm
Booker T & the MG's with special guest, Sharon Jones River to River Festival
River Terrace & Warren Streets
New York, NY
FREE!

As the studio band that backed Otis Redding and Sam and Dave, Booker T. and The MG's are true patriarchs of rock and roll-and the classic track "Green Onions" only furthered their fame in their own right. In a match made in soul heaven, Booker T. and band are joined by Sharon Jones of Dap-Kings fame, whose sound smolders like a hot night in her hometown of Augusta, Georgia. Sharon Jones will be joining them on stage for 4 songs.

Thursday June 14th, 12pm
Booker T & the MG's with special guest, Sharon Jones
BAM Rhythm & Blues at MetroTech
On the lawn at MetroTech
Brooklyn, NY
FREE!
MORE INFO

Sharon Jones will be joining them on stage for 4 songs. MetroTech Center is situated in the Civic Center / Borough Hall area of Downtown Brooklyn at the corner of Flatbush and Myrtle Avenues.

Thursday June 28th
The Budos Band Montreal Jazz Festival
Stage Bell
Montreal, Quebec
MORE INFO

Friday June 29th
The Budos Band
Pepperjack Cafe
38 King William St. Hamilton, ON CANADA
MORE INFO

Saturday June 30th
The Budos Band
Harbourfront Festival 235 Queens Quay WestToronto, ONT CANADA
MORE INFO

Thursday July 5th
The Budos Band
Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial Way
Santa Cruz, CA
MORE INFO

Friday July 6th
The Budos Band
Boom Boom Room 1601 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA
MORE INFO

Saturday & Sunday July 7/8th
The Budos Band
High Sierra Music Festival
Plumas County Fairgrounds
Quincy, CA
MORE INFO

Saturday July 14th, 2007, 9:30pm
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
American Roots Festival
Manhattan Beach
2001 Oriental Blvd.Brooklyn, NY
FREE!
MORE INFO

Marvin L Sims Danger

Marvin Sims Danger Revue

Here is one of my occasional dips into my European picture sleeve archive. This time around we have Marvin L Sim's powerful Chicago recording "Danger".

You can read about Marvin's careeer at the ever excellent Soul Treasures site.

Rev Cleatus Update

The Reverend has kindly updated me on the group's current activities:

Greetings people of Planet Earth,It's time to update you all regarding the recent activities of Reverend Cleatus & The Soul Saviours, our side projects and various hangers-on (and pending court cases).

Here is the Good News:

Friday the 22nd of Junesees a musical team up so volatile that it could result in injuries, soiled undergarments and shredded eardrums - Reverend Cleatus are supporting profano funk-rock superstars Mother Earth at London's Jazz Cafe. This explosive combination may actually result in the earth tilting on it's axis and the end of life as we know it - so we felt it only fair to warn you in advance! We will take to the stage at 8.30 pm - with the full 6 piece line up including Mark Norton with his funky plumbing - and Matt Wilding slapping his congas of latino lust!

MOJO magazine- Our 'slightly delayed' album "2lbs Of Funk (In a 1 Lb Bag)" has been reviewed in the most recent issue:

"Reverend Cleatus mix Brian Auger's cosmic fusion with the New Orleans chicken strut funk of The Meters, the forthrightness of JB and a bit of ska too on their debut Lp. Cool! 4 Stars" MOJO Magazine

Although the release of our 4 star LP has suffered a mild delay - we are confident that you will be able to get your hands upon it before the summer sun finally fades away for another year... for more details keep an eye on the Soul Cookers Records website... you could even send them an email asking when it's coming out!

http://www.soulcookers.com/

Saint Paul Soul Jazz Festival:

It's official - Reverend Cleatus will be taking our place amidst a dream line up of organ funk and raw soul bands: James Taylor Quartet, Baby Charles, Fast 3, The Diplomats of Solid Sound, The New Mastersounds and Stoned Soul Picnic. Last years event was a total delight - and if you are into hammonds, funk, jazz and soul then this is the dream holiday you've always fantasised about!!

The festival now boasts it's own website - which has ticket booking and line up details as well video clips from last years festival - including a rather sprightly live version of 'No Bones' by us - check that out!!! Dates for the festival are 19th, 20th and 21st July, with us playing the final night.


http://www.soulcookers.com/spsj/

Other bits & pieces:

We recently had a quite spectacular time at Birmingham's newest and best funky venue - The Yardbird. Ollie, DJ Roy Roast Beef and the crew ensured that The Reverend was very well catered for (good quality wine and fresh nuns in the dressing room) and in return we turned out a rather spirited and lively performance which is rumoured to have been recorded on a early 20th century wax cylinder - which is hopefully going to be included in a 'Live At The Yardbird' compilation album!!

Check out The Yarbirds MySpace profile for more news as it happens:
The Fantastics come clean:


"yep - it was us wot done it!"In case you hadn't spotted it - 'Cheeba's Couch' the debut single from The Fantastics! (which is of course the members of Reverend Cleatus in cleaner underwear) was released by Raw Wax Records to great acclaim - Freestyle Records head honcho Adrian Gibson said it was "a very very very good funk 45" - superstar chap Snowboy said it's "one of the best new funk records of this year" Robert Elms opened his BBC London show with it on more than one occasion....even Craig Charles managed to play it once on BBC 6 Music - as did 'King Of The Mods' Eddie Piller...We are already well advanced on a follow up to The Fantastics first wax outing - so if you are intrigued by our side project shenanigans?

Find out more right here:

http://www.rw45.com/index.html


That's all for now - please come to the gigs - please buy our records....tell your square friends about us - after all - they are the ones with all the money.....The Rector(On Behalf of The Reverend)

Booker T & MGs Live at Winterland 8/6/68

Check out a concert by Booker T & MGs from 1968 on the ever excellent Wolfgangs Vault!

Get The Summertime Blues With Mo Indigo

I've had a message through from Robin Carr of Mo Indigo:

Our summer programme is looking good with the definite highlight so far being our appearance at The Nice Jazz Festival in the south of France on July 22. Alongside our old sparring partner Charles Walker, we'll be sharing the stage with plenty of other soul giants like Booker T. and the MGs featuring Steve Cropper, plus Isaac Hayes and Solomon Burke.

Nearer to home we're having a wild weekend in the north of England in June, and we're stepping up our appearances on what we call the Dance/ Blues circuit with a show for Boogaloo Promotions in Suffolk, and our debut at London's Swamp Rock club in July.

All the details:

East
June 15 Lowestoft, Gunton Hall Jump Jive Weekend 0870 601 6012

North West
June 29 Barrow-in-Furness, Kings Arms, 01229 827578
July 1 Maryport Rugby League Club 01900 816 275 (afternoon show)

North East
June 30 Barnards Castle The Black Horse 01833 631122

London
July 7 Swamp Rock at All Saints Art Centre, Whetstone, N20

Outer London
July 18 The Jolly Farmers, 1 Purley Rd, Purley, Croydon.

France
July 22, Nice International Jazz Festival: Booker T & The MGs, Isaac Hayes, Charles Walker & Mo'Indigo; Solomon Burke

Hope to see you soon

Robin, Harry, Frazer, John, Tony
Mo'Indigo

Freddie Scott Obituary in Local Paper!

David Washington, Laura Lee & Freddie in New Jersey 2006

Yesterday, I picked up Daily Post, a local paper, to read while travelling to a meeting in Liverpool on the train. To my surprise, the paper contained an obituary for Freddie which certainly surprised me.

Here is the obituary:

Freddie Scott
June 7 2007
Liverpool Daily Post

THE young man, who had sung with such fervour in Gospel choirs, seemed destined for a career in medicine and he was accepted on a PhD course at Paine College, Augusta, Georgia.

But he was more interested in the soul than the body and so became a singer, whose work was admired by hot-shot groups in the US and UK.

In this way, Freddie Scott became the Million Dollar Baby.

Like many black children, Scott swayed to the soaring harmonies of church music – first with Sally Jones and the Gospel Keyes, and then with the college combo, the Swannee Quintet.
Soon after their recording of Far Away Places, Scott moved into secular music, writing I’ll Be Spinning, a big hit for Johnnie and Joe.

In 1956, he was called up for military service, serving in Korea, but he was able to cut Tell Them From Me for a small label, followed by Please Call and A Faded Memory.
His deeply melodious voice and talent as a composer was noted. After the comparative failure of subsequent records, he joined Helen Miller as a composer at the Brill building in New York – the world’s greatest hit-making factory.

While there, he also sang on demo records, meeting Gerry Goffin and Carol King. Then Scott enjoyed one of those moments of luck which we all need.

In 1962, the pair had written Hey Girl for Chuck Jackson, a trusted singer, but they weren’t entirely happy with it and asked Scott’s opinion. As it happened, Jackson couldn’t record it because of other commitments. Scott was invited to do the vocal instead. It became a huge hit and he followed it with a fine version of Ray Charles’s I Got a Woman.

By this time, he was recording for Columbia, where he was named the Million Dollar Baby, releasing the LP, Everything I have Is Yours, to acclaim in 1964.

Although he released singles and albums in the mid-60s, topping the R&B charts in 1966 with Are You Lonely For Me?, his career’s momentum had slowed.

But he continued recording and touring, while writing advertising jingles. His soulful treatment of Dylan’s I Shall Be Released was a success.

In 2001, he released his Brand New Man album and two years later sang Brown-Eyed Man on the Van Morrison tribute, Vanthology.

Freddie Scott, singer; born April 24, 1933, died June 4, 2007.

Freddie Scott Tribute

With Freddie In New Jersey 2006

I have decided to post 4 mixes of Freddie Scott's songs as way of a tribute to him following his death on Monday.

Freddie Scott Tribute 1

Tracklisting:

1. Sing Girl Columbia LP Lonely Man

2. It's Been Like This All My Life Columbia LP Lonely Man

3. Blow Wind Columbia LP Lonely Man

Freddie Scott Tribute 2

Tracklisting:
1. Brand New World Colpix 45
2. Where Does Love Go Colpix LP
3. Mr Heartache Columbia 45
4. Spanish Harlem Shout 45

Freddie Scott Tribute 3

Tracklisting:

1. Where Were You Shout LP Cry To Me

2. No One Could Ever Love You Shout 45

3. Our Love Grows Shout Unissued

Freddie Scott Tribute 4

Tracklisting:

1. Don't Let Me Fall ABC/Probe LP I Shall be Released

2. I Shall Be Released ABC/Probe LP I Shall Be Released

3. Girl I Love You ABC/Probe LP I Shall Be Released

Freddie - Thanks for the memories - one of the coolest dudes ever!

Cadillac Zack at Chicago Blues Fest 9/6/07

Teddy Lee Hooker, Finis Tasby, Ray Brooks and Zack 2006

Just had a message through from my E-friend Cadillac Zack:

Hello Friends,I will be backing Elmore James, Jr. at this year's 24th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, this Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 12 noon on the Gibson Crossroad's Stage (one of my favorite stages!).

Details may be found on my website:

www.myspace.com/cadillaczackbluesband

I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Much love,

Cadillac Zack

Freddie Scott RIP

Freddie Scott New Jersey 2006

Last night, I heard the very sad news that Freddie had died from a heart attack on Monday afternoon.

I had known Freddie for several years before meeting him for the first time in New Jersey last year and I must say that it was a privilege to talk to him and hear him sing.

I will feature a number of his songs over the next day or so as a tribute to him because he was a truly tremendous singer and quite simply a top man!!

My thoughts are with his wife, family and friends.

I'll miss you Freddie........RIP

ZZ Hill Jnr New CD

4 Clips from New CD by ZZ Hill Jnr

I have exchanged a few emails with the producer of a new CD on ZZ Hill Jnr. Please take a listen to the clips above I hope you will agree with me that it looks like the new CD will be a strong one.

I will bring you more details when I have them and I am trying to set up an interview with ZZ Jnr to find out more about him. In the meantime, if you want to hear the complete tracks then drop over to Delta Roots.

East Coast Soul Connection CD

Larry Saunders Sweet Sweet Lady Clip

A cracking new compilation from Castle/Sanctuary featuring All Platinum, Vigor, Perception labels etc with a host of good cuts. The stand out for me is the above unissued track by Larry Saunders which is a version of the Moment's classic Sweet Sweet Lady.

Click on the image below for full tracklisting:

Strictly Niceness 9/6/07

Love these guy's posters!!!

See their MySpace

Marva Whitney I Am What I Am CD

At last, got my hands on Marva Whitney's album with the Osaka Monaurail with its European release on Freestyle Records.

Here is a message from Marva about her new album:

My dear fans and friends,

My brand new album "I am what I am", already going strong in Japan, is now released in Europe on London's Freestyle label. I hope that you'll like it.

There will also be a 12" release of "I am what I am (P.1&2)" / "Give it up or turnit a loose (P.1&2)".

As always, I'd like to thank my producers DJ Pari and Ryo Nakata as well as my fantastic band Osaka Monaurail for making this release happen. If you want some nitty gritty Marva Whitney, it will be a record for you.

I'd also like to thank everybody who came to see me in Europe in the last couple of weeks, playing with Push, one of the world's hottest Funk units. Tell me if I'm wrong, but we really had a good thing going.

Love, Marva

We have a real treat here which has had been bouncing around my office as thoughI was back on the dancefloor circa 1973!

Marva Whitney is backed by the superb Osaka Monaurail fron Japan. This album is Marva's first studio LP since 1969 and her first album since the 1970's 'Live At The Apollo'. Marva and Osaka have been touring Japan and between the tight schedules managed to get into the studio to record this LP. Earlier this year 'I am what i am' was released on 45 (originaly recorded to be given away at gigs) and gave us a taster of things to come.

What you get here is 48 minutes of pure Marva Whitney sounding just like she did some 37 years ago, the energy sounds rekindled in Marva's voice and the band sound so tight. The album certainly has an authentic feel allowing Marva to get back to where she once was!!

The album contains original compositions and classics such as 'Give it up or turn it loose'. Marva tears up the album with powerhouse dance numbers with 'Soulsisters Unite' or delivers pure gospel with 'Peace in the valley', where she delivers raw uncut soul the way she does week in week out in her local church in Kansas city.

You can read an interview with Marva in Bet where she talks about her new album and her work with James Brown

Osaka Monaurail and DJs Pari, Daisuke, Perry Lewis in Tokyo, 2006

Poets of Rhythm at Mother Funk 12/6/07

Checkout Motherfunk MySpace

40 Years of "Respect": Aretha Franklin's Anthem

The Detroit Free Press have an excellent insight into Aretha's song Respect in the form of video presentations.

Take a look!!!

Arthur Alexander The Final Chapter

Just picked up a press release from Conqueroo Records of an exciting release on one of my true heroes Arthur Alexander:

ARTHUR ALEXANDER'S REDISCOVERY CHRONICLED ON LONELY JUST LIKE ME, THE FINAL CHAPTER, DUE ON HACKTONE RECORDS,

AUGUST 21st

18-song CD contains full critically hailed Nonesuch album plus rare live tracks and hotel demos along with liner notes from original producer Ben Vaughn

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -

The only songwriter whose songs were covered by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley was Arthur Alexander. One of the greatest soul singers of all time, if not the best known, he penned "Anna," "Sally Sue Brown" and "You Better Move On" among many others. The Beatles modeled their early sound after him. Yet by 1980 - a young man, just 40 - Alexander had left the music industry and was driving a bus and working at a center for disadvantaged kids in Cleveland. That's exactly where the story of Lonely Just Like Me: The Final Chapter - a deluxe package chronicling his improbable, triumphant yet tragically short-lived comeback in the early '90s - begins.

In one comprehensive 18-track volume, Lonely Just Like Me: The Final Chapter (Hacktone Records, due out 8/21) combines Arthur Alexander's Ben Vaughn-produced final album for Nonesuch (awarded a rave feature review in Rolling Stone) with previously unreleased material from NPR's "Fresh Air" in a rare on-air performance, the never-before-heard hotel room demos (including Arthur's take on Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man") and a live version of "Anna" recorded at New York's Bottom Line. It's a document of the second half of Alexander's career. The sound is lovingly restored and remastered as well as re-sequenced to producer Vaughn's original design. Vaughn's liner notes provide a intimate and detailed story of the singer's all-too-brief re-emergence. "If heartbreak had a sound," he writes, "it was this voice."

The core of the set is the Nonesuch album Lonely Just Like Me, which won some of the highest accolades of any album released in 1993. The project was instigated by Elektra A&R executive Danny Kahn, who spotted Alexander in a rare performance in 1992 (the live version of "Anna" included on this set is from that very performance). Kahn signed him to Nonesuch, which had launched the American Explorer series. He called upon artist/producer Ben Vaughn to convince Alexander to record. Vaughn boarded a plane to Cleveland and the two formed a fast bond. The contract was signed and the album recorded in Nashville. Sessions featured a number of Alexander's accompanists from the '60s - Dan Penn, Donnie Fritts, Reggie Young, Thomas Cain and Mike Leech - along with Alexander newbies Gary Nicholson, Tommy Spurlock, Ashley Cleveland and Jim Spake. Reaction to the comeback recording was palpable, with positive reaction from the music press and such artists as Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, McCartney, Bob Dylan, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Kris Kristofferson. Alexander told Vaughn, "It looks like those seeds I planted a long time ago were good seeds."

The album's warm reception energized Alexander, who obliged his many interview requests, played the South by Southwest music conference and performed on a special live broadcast of NPR's "Fresh Air." The excitement culminated with a concert in Nashville. Sadly the show did him in. Alexander was checked into the ER at the city's Baptist Hospital. Within days he had, as Vaughn notes, passed on to the next life. The album was still a new release with reviews breaking daily. A major comeback and rediscovery was tragically cut short.Alexander's memory continues to burn brightly even 15 years down the road. HackTone Records' David Gorman and Michael Nieves have set out to create a definitive memorial to Alexander with Lonely Just Like Me: The Final Chapter. They enlisted the assistance of both A&R man Kahn and Vaughn and emerged with this sumptuous package. Just don't call it a reissue - at least without qualification - as it contains many never-before-heard songs that might have easily never seen the light of day.

Arthur Alexander - Lonely Just Like Me: The Final Chapter

Track listing:

1 If It's Really Got To Be This Way 03:59

2 Go Home Girl 03:49

3 Sally Sue Brown 02:41

4 All The Time 03:22

5 Lonely Just Like Me 03:07

6 Every Day I Have To Cry 02:42

7 In The Middle Of It All 03:54

8 Genie In The Jug 02:31

9 Mr. John 03:47

10 Johnny Heartbreak 03:31

11 There Is A Road 04:23

12 I Believe In Miracles 03:38

(1-12 from Lonely Just Like Me, re-ordered by Ban Vaughn)

13 Intro 00:10

14 Go Home Girl 03:44

15 Interview 1 02:51

16 Genie In The Jug 02:13

17 Interview 2 00:36

18 You Better Move On 02:58

19 Interview 3 01:35

20 Every Day I Have To Cry 02:51

(13-20 recorded live on NPR's "Fresh Air," May 7, 1993)

21 Solitary Man (Demo) 02:02

22 Johnny Heartbreak 01:45

23 Genie In The Jug (#2) 01:56

24 Lonely Just Like Me 02:41

(21-24 from original cassette of hotel room demos featuring Arthur Alexander, vocals; Ben Vaughn, guitars)

25 Anna 03:19

(#25 recorded live at the Bottom Line in New York during "In Their Own Words: A Bunch of Songwriters Sitting Around Singing," September 5, 1991)

26 Glory Road (exerpt) 00:48

(#26, hidden track, from hotel room demos)

HackTone was founded by a pair of crate diggers who believe that there's no such thing as "good music whose time has passed," and their new distribution deal with Rhino represents a return to the fold. Before launching design and marketing firm HackMart, co-founder David Gorman was Rhino's "Creative Czar," winning an Art Direction Grammy for the Beg, Scream & Shout: The Big 'Ol Box Of '60s Soul collection in 1998. Co-founder Michael Nieves served as head of Rhino's music licensing and publishing departments before founding licensing company Sugaroo!

Charles Walker & Dynamites Update

I have had another press release through on the the group:

NASHVILLE, TN - Outta Sight Records is pleased to announce their first release with The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker. Kaboom! will be released on June 12th and is a furious and unrelenting barrage of stripped-down, rhythmic R&B, funk and swinging soul. Bill Elder (a.k.a. Leo Black) is the 9-piece troupe's founder, arranger, and producer while Charles "Wigg" Walker receives the special billing as lead vocalist.

Walker deserves his due after decades as an unsung musical hero. He first became a professional entertainer in his native Nashville in the late 1950s, recording with hit producer Ted Jarrett and appearing nightly at the New Era Club, one of the South's leading black nightclubs. Walker spent most of the 1960s and '70s in New York, performing frequently at the Apollo Theater and Small's Paradise when the original funk scene coalesced. Walker released singles for Chess, Decca, and a number of smaller labels. After the recordings gained notice in Europe's Northern Soul scene, Walker found steady solo work overseas, and he lived in England and Spain before returning to Nashville in the 1990s.

For soul veteran Walker, finding songwriter Bill Elder has been an epiphany. More importantly, he's found in Elder a songwriter that writes for his voice. This stands in sharp contrast to the days when he was asked to record songs whether they inspired him or not. "I didn't have the songs that I felt were right for me. Now I can pick and choose the songs I want to do. When I was with Chess and Decca I did what they wanted me to do." The result being that Walker is more relaxed and at ease in the studio. "I feel so confident now. I can remember being under so much pressure to try and get a hit record. Now I'm just in there doing what I like to do." The

Dynamites reignited Walker's spark and pushed the versatile vocalist to sing the hardest, grittiest funk he's ever made.

The band's dynamic live show has already gained them opening slots for Widespread Panic and Galatic as well as appearances at Bonnaroo and the Austin City Limits festival.

June 12 Grimey's in store Nashville, TN
June 17 Bonnaroo Music Festival Manchester, TN
June 22 Mercy Lounge Nashville, TN
June 27 Chelsea's Baton Rouge, LA
June 28 Sticky Fingerz Little Rock, AR
June 29 Hi-Tone Café Memphis, TN
June 30 Gypsy Hut Cincinnati, OH
July 6 House of Blues Chicago, IL
July 7 The Hideout Chicago, IL
July 10 Middle East Upstairs Cambridge, MA
July 11 The Annex New York, NY
July 12 Iota Club & Café Arlington, VA
July 14 Criminal Records in store Atlanta, GA
July 14 The Earl Atlanta, GA
Aug 25 Southern Brew Festival Chattanooga, TN
Sep 15 Austin City Limits Music Festival Austin, TX

In Dangerous Rhythm Mix 1

In Dangerous Rhythm Mix 1

Track listing for IDR Mix 1:
1. Sly Stone I'll Never Fall In Love Again Columbia LP Dance To The Music
2. Ozz & The Sperlings Can You Qualify Goldenway 45
3. Little Tony & The Hawks The Tears Renfro 45
4. Leon's Creation Sightless Studio 10 LP Leon's Creation
5. East LA Car Pool Seeds Of Life Unissued GRC BGP CD Living In The Streets 3
6. Eight Minutes I Can't Get No Higher Perception LP An American Family
7. Brockingtons I Just Got To Know Today LP
8. Billy The Baron Communication Grill 45
9. Face Value Don't Go And Leave Me Blue Maxx Kid CD Washington Lost Soul

A few people have asked me why I hadn't posted some longer mixes rather than individual tracks. There was no particular reason why I hadn't so I have now made my first.

I am conscious that there is a plethora of podcasts and mixes out there most of which are excellent and some which have been featured on this blog in the past. My intention is to regular post a mix up and try and offer something a bit different by including some interview extracts and perhaps I'll even step up to the mic myself!!!!

I also intend on pulling out some artists featured on the mix and looking at them in more depth. This time around I thought I'd look at Leon's CreationLeon's Creation were a multi-racial Bay Area band featuring Leon Patillo on keyboards, Jimmy Calhoun on bass, Barry Frost on percussion, Billy Gerst on trumpet, Lenny Goldsmith on additional keyboards, Gerry Peterson on reeds, Carol Stallings on violin, and Orlando Stallings on guitar. Leon's Creation released a trio of independent LPs and was signed at one point to Atlantic Records.

The track featured above is from an album on the Studio 10 label recorded in 1969. Leon Patillo is attributed by some with influencing Sly Stone's music after Sly bought up bought Studio 10 and reputedly shelved everything that Leon was working on. Patillo joined Santana in 1973, and his vocals and piano work were featured on 1974's Borboletta album and the live Festival, which was released in 1976.

Leon still sings and has moved into gospel music.

Paris DJs.Com Blog

It never ceases to amaze me how much music is out there! I awoke early this morning and I have been searching out mixes to download when I stumbled on a new site to me - Paris DJs.com blog - which contains a wealth of podcasts to download covering the entire musical spectrum.

Here is what they have to say:

Loïk Dury, from the Kraked label, former Radio Nova programmer, and Djouls, from the TIMEC label, have been assuming in Paris for a few years now an active role of incubators for many artists and Djs.Disappointed by the formatting of the medias, they decided to launch this ParisDjs.com blog to spread their Podcast recorded with their crew of old veterans and young Parisian foxes.So mixes, selections, histories of the music, battles, debates and legendary mix-tapes will flower each week in there. You will finally be able (re-)discover the true soulful spirit of the North-East Paris.

Get over there and take a look!!!!

Leeds Mod Weekender 8/9 June 07

Friday night:
Baby Jupiter, York Place, city centre. 9pm until 2am. Free Entry

Saturday afternoon:
Coco Bar, Heatons Court, city centre. 1pm until 5pm. Free Entry
Open decks, stalls (please book), scooter ride out, plus Flying Squad & Lost 45s live.

Saturday night:
Coco Bar, Heatons Court, city centre. 9pm until 3am. £6 otd

Weekend DJs include:Mike Parry (Pow Wow)Gav Arno (Pow Wow) Smiler (Stepin Out East)Mark Thomas (Heavenly Blocked)Lee Miller (New Untouchable s)Plus Residents Neil Lee & Jonathan Marsden.

Music Policy: Soul, R&B, Jazz, Ska, Beat, Blue Eyed Soul

Email: mod@merseymail.com
Telephone: 07753 283048, 07956886917

Tourist Info:
www.leeds.g ov.uk www.leeds-uk.com
http://www.coco-leeds.com
http://www.geocities.com/baby_jupiter_bar

Beat Combination Pt1 - Funky16 Corners Meets Flea Market Funk!

Go over to Funky 16 Corners for a great mix from Larry and DJ Prestige of Flea Market Funk fame!!!

Here's the tracklisting:

Keith Mansfield Orchestra - Soul Thing/ Pronil
The Lou Garno Trio - Chicken in the Basket/ Giovanni
Fatback Band - Goin Home to See My Baby/ Perception
Soul Machine - Bag of Goodies/ Luv N’ Haight
Chuck Carbo - Can I Be Your Squeeze?/ Canyon
Isley Brothers - Keep On Doin/ T Neck
Jake Wade and the Soul Searchers - Searching for Soul/Mutt
Sidney Pinchback and the Schiller Street Gang-Soul Strokes/ Twilight
Ernie K. Doe - Lawdy Mama/Janus
The Family - Family Affair/ North Bay
Buddy Merrill - Funky/ Accent
Sonny Stitt – California Soul / Solid State

The Bamboos Forum Sydney 22/6/07

The Bamboos back on their home turf for an album launch show of their 2nd album Rawville.

The Bamboos are Australia's premier instrumental Deepfunk outfit and are masters of super-heavy, raw and upfront drum-break driven grooves.

Check out sound clips of their new album on Tru-Thoughts.

As Tru-Thoughts say:

More song based than Step It Up this album features vocals from Alice Russell, Falon Williams, Tyra Hammond and Ohmega Watts. They fuse more sounds and styles coming with traditional instrumental heavy hitters, hip hop funk party joints and soulful reflections. The horns are fatter and more layered and the breaks as crisp as an iceberg!!

Arthur Conley Live CD & DVD

Back in the 80's, Arthur Conley emerged from his self imposed exile and recorded alive album as Lee Roberts & The Sweaters for the Dutch label Blue Shadow. The album has now been reissued on CD with the addition of a DVD featuring a documentary on Arthur and a video of him telling the story of his life including footage of him singing and playing piano.

The excellent package has the story of how the original album came to be recorded with vintage photos of the concert.

Nicole Willis Marseille Tonight!

Sunday Soul Sessions At Twisted Wheel

Stax Digital Releases

Stax Records, the classic soul label that has been reactivated this year by Concord Music Group on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, has announced plans to offer gems from its catalog for digital download exclusively through iTunes in North America for 90 days.

The music will be offered on other digital retail sites after the initial 90-day period.Each of the initial 10 Short Stax collections will include three tracks: two top hits plus a third hard to find gem from the Stax vault.

The 10 key Stax artists are: Booker T & the MGs, The Dramatics, The Emotions, Eddie Floyd, Isaac Hayes, Albert King, the Soul Children, the Staple Singers, Johnnie Taylor, Carla Thomas and Rufus Thomas. Phase two of the Short Stax series will offer ten more EPs July.

Also on May 22, Stax will offer five full albums never before released on CD to be made available as online albums exclusively.

The albums include:

• Eddie Floyd – You've Got To Have Eddie –A long-lost 1969 classic from the "Knock On Wood" man includes the single "Don't Tell Your Mama" along with covers of Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual" and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary."

• David Porter – Gritty, Groovin' & Getting' It: The Porter half of the venerated Hayes-Porter songwriting and production team. This 1970 release includes the U.K. hit "One Part – Two Parts" as well as covers of Stevie Wonder and the Temptations.

• Freddie Robinson – At the Drive-In: This great electric soul/blues album spotlights an overlooked Stax artist best known for his early '70s guitar work with John Mayall circa Jazz/Blues Fusion.

• Lou Bond Lou Bond: A pure soul gem from 1974 . . . Curtis Mayfield meets Tim Buckley as a listen to "To The Establishment" will reveal.

• The Sons of Truth – A Message From the Ghetto: From 1972, a funky soul outfit that delivers a memorable cover of James Brown's "I Feel Good" and more.

The digital albums will list for $9.99 apiece. A second round of digital exclusive reissues goes live on July 24.

The Stax sound defined such classic hits as "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, " "Respect Yourself, " "Hold On I'm Comin', " "Mr. Big Stuff, " "Soul Man, " "Green Onions, " "Knock on Wood" and "I'll Take You There."This year, on Stax's 50th anniversary, Concord Music Group announced the relaunch of Stax Records as the creative home for present-day soul stars (Angie Stone, Soulive, Lalah Hathaway, N'Dambi and Leon Ware), alongside heritage artists such as Isaac Hayes, who has now returned to the label home of his hits.

Throughout the year Stax is participating in a reissue campaign that includes the just released Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration 2 CD deluxe box, new individual artist "Best Of" CDs, and many rare or currently unavailable Stax albums from such artists as Carla Thomas, the Staples Singers, Booker T and the MGs, Isaac Hayes and much more.

Stax has also announced two live shows featuring many of its classic artists: a benefit for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to take place on Friday, June 22 at Memphis' Orpheum Theater, and a Hollywood Bowl show to take place Wednesday, July 18. In addition, a documentary film, Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story, a "Great Performances" special from Thirteen/WNET New York, will have its broadcast premiere on Wednesday, August 1 at 9 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings).

Keb Darge Barcelona 7/6/07

Fair Play Paris 16/6/07

Dj Le Renard (aka Dom-e) spins rare and classic 60's Funk/Soul/Jazz/Psych downstairs at The Lizard Lounge from 10PM til 02AM. Come along, beer is great and it's free entry! FAIR-PLAY #4 10PM - 2AM The Lizard Lounge 18 rue du Bourg Tibourg 75004 Paris France Metro Hotel de Ville

Out & About With Miss Shing A Ling

Had a message through from the lady:

Wow, I'm all over the place!

Catch me in any of these 4 zipcodes in the month of June.

Friday, June 1

Smokin' Soul @ the Lime Spider w/ Legendary Illstyle B-boy/DJ Forrest Getemgump http://www.thelimespider.com
207 S Main St Akron, OH 44308 (330) 762-2350 9PM – 2AM http://www.myspace.com/forrestgetemgump

Friday, June 8 – 11
http://www.myspace.com/modchicago
I'm not DJ-ing but I'll be selling records on Sunday @ Delilah's Tuesday

June 19 The Lost & Found
w/ DJ Young Chris (Downtown 161) , Jared (Big City Records / Bumpshop) and HoneyDripper (Daptone Records) @ Savalas 285 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 10-3am http://www.myspace.com/foundthelost

June 20 Digger's Delight

At St. Nicholas Park 4-8pm - June 20 - Harlem NYC
Free for All Ages! Presented in association with The Friends of St. Nicholas Park, four of Hip Hop's favorite record collectors and selectors spin the rarest cuts from their deepest crates and collections. Miss Shing-A-Ling (Jazzman Records) Jazzy Jay (Strong City) Lord Finesse (DITC) Rockin' Rob (Mean Machine Crew) plus The Legendary Superman Sound System! St. Nicholas Park Plaza 135th St. & St. Nicholas Ave. Harlem NY 10031 B or C train to 135th St. http://www.myspace.com/ToolsofWar

Check out Miss Shing A Ling on My Space

Soul Republic 17/18 August 2007

A WEEKEND OF UNDERGROUND SOUL UNDER THE SUN.PERPIGNAN South Of France. Fri 17th & Sat 18th Of August.

Tony Jackson.Andy Bellwood.Paul Rockey.Maria Willingham.Chris Morgan.Chic.Guy Joseph.Les Hare.Raphi 'Scorcher'+ Guests.

www.freewebs.com/wesoulrepublic

Will be a fantastic weekend-or go for longer, in the french catalan capital -excellent (cheap) wine, fantastic food , lots of sun , historic city and unbelieveble coast and beaches near -not forgetting the Pyrenees!

Satisfaction Club Tonight

Details on

Brooklyn July 13th to 15th

Young Jessie

Friday, July 13:

Hook and Boogie Productions presents

The Dansettes

THE MIGHTY HANNIBAL

YOUNG JESSIE

+all-night R&B/soul dance party with W. Lee (Empire State Soul Club) and Dave the Spazz (WFMU) plus delicious BBQ and Mr. Fine Wine

$20 advance/$24 at door 9 pm-4 am

THE HOOK Red Hook, Brooklyn Saturday,

Bobby Patterson on Austin earlier this year (Courtesy Nick Sands)

Saturday July 14:
Tami Lynn
Willie Tee
Roy Head
Bobby Patterson
Ray Sharpe and MORE!
MAXWELL'S Hoboken, NJ

Sunday, July 15
Same lineup as Saturday... outdoor show at McCarren Park Pool, Brooklyn

GET YOUR PLANE!!!
TICKETS ADDITIONAL INFO TO COME email me for details: finewine@wfmu.org

Poets Of Rhythm In Manchetser 3/6/07

THE POETS OF RHYTHM
Manchester - Sunday 3rd June
At Lamarrs, Hilton St (just off Lever St in the Northern Quarter)
8pm-1am (band on around 9.30pm)
With DJs George, Adam Leaver & Barrie "Striker"

Don't miss this unusual opportunity to see the world's best funk band perform for free in a small venue!

Further info: george@concourserecords.com / 07854 729328.

Ronnie McNeir Soul Files Interview

Don't miss Ronnie McNeir's interview on Soul Files.

Wilmer & The Dukes Forevermore CD

I featured Wilmer & The Dukes on an earlier post on NY Soul.

I have now picked up a CD from Forevermore Records which collects together all the sides Wilmer & The Dukes released on Aphrodisiac Records including their album.

Apprently, Wilmer & The Dukes achieved legendary status back in the day in NY State. Wilmer Alexander Jr. & the Dukes were the premier R&B/Soul party band of the Upstate NY region during the late 1960s to early 70s. They only released one album and a couple of singles on the Buffalo NY-based Aphrodisiac label.

The Cd has 12 cuts and the best is Give Me One More Chance which is a powerhouse song from the opening organ chord courtesy of Gap Mangione with the Dukes' pulsating rhythm to follow. Wilmer has a very strong voice and comes on like Otis Redding with his opening line, "FA-FA-FA-FA...AH!" The song bursts out with a horn section led by music legend Chuck Mangione. The single peaked at #80 on Billboard's Hot 100 Pop Chart and helped the band land a TV appearance on "Upbeat!"

Sadly, the group faced an early demise due to Wilmer becoming ill, which forced him to leave New York State for recovery in Florida. The Dukes reunited a few years ago and still perform to this day.

There are two clips on You Tube spotlighting the song. One clip has photos of Wilmer & company from 60's/70'sback in the day and was compiled in part by Forevermore Records, who own the band's masters:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2foh2cYbhM

The CD consists of a mixture of original and covers and has some hard hitting instumentals including "Get It!" which would have given the Mar-Keys a run for the money. Their album was cut at Olmstead Studios in NYC ("Give Me One More Chance", "Gettin'" and "Get It" were recorded in Upstate NY).

The album is good although the feel was subdued in comparison to the three tunes mentioned. They also cut a version of J.J. Jackson's "But It's Alright" which is pretty good. Wilmer's second single was their version of the Stones' "I'm Free", which was released with a picture sleeve featured on my previous post. My favouriteoff the album is another cover version but Wilmer does Billy Stewart's I Do Love You proud.

All in all - a good CD from a group I knew littel about until I picked up theri 45s off Ebay.

Valencia Northern Soul Club

Watch for regular nights at the Valencia Northern Soul Club

Countdown with Hotshot Sound System June 22nd 2007

Hamburg Soul Weekender 5-5 October 2007

See more details here:

http://www.loveshake-music.com/weekender/

Catch The Beat June 22nd 2007

This Is Ska 22/23 June 2007 Wasserburg

S.M.A.R.T. Club Madrid 21/7/07

4th Anniversary s.ma.r.t. club MADRID 2003-2007.

Soul Mod And Rhythm Time s.m.a.r.t. club djs + Top guest dj's:Bazza (All Saints Mod Holiday, Italia) Richard Karström (The Uppers Organization, Sweden)

CLUB: "De nombre publico". 11 Mostenses sq. (Tube Station: Plaza de España)
From 24:00 till 06:00Ticket: 10€ (included one drink)More info:www.smartclub.info
thinksmart@smartclub.info

Angel City Soul Club 22/7/07

Right Track 137

Ace Records's In-house magazine Right Track is out again this month.

The front cover is a cracking photo of Barbara Brown who is featured inside with a review of Kent Records new CD on the lady. This CD features her Sound Of Memphis recordings and has many unissued tracks. Hats of to the Dean Rudland and Alex Palao at Kent for unearthing these sides and creating a wonderful package of Memphis music.

Dean is also behind another must have CD Golden State Funk which he reviews in Right Track 137. This CD is drawn from the vaults of Leo Kulka's Golden State Recorders and and this collection is another mouth watering one with more unissued gems and classics.

Issue 137 also feature on Thelma Jones, Link Wray amongst others.

Stax In Brooklyn 7/6/07

Just been sent some more info on the above event from Brooklyn Bodega:

POWERHOUSE ARENA
37 MAIN STREET AT WATER STREET
DUMBO, BROOKLYN
6-9PM -
SPACE IS LIMITED ARRIVE EARLY
F TRAIN TO YORK STREET
MUSIC PROVIDED BY LARGE PROFESSOR AND UNCLE RALPH MCDANIELS
GIVEAWAYS FROM STAX RECORDS, WAXPOETICS, POWERHOUSE AND BROOKLYN BODEGA
ALL NIGHT LONG!
RSVP: INFO@BROOKLYNBODEGA.COM W/ "RSVP" IN THE SUBJECT

Barons On Home Of The Groove

Barons There's More Out There Sunshine Movement

One of the best sources on the Net for information on New Orleans music is Dan Phillips's Home Of The Groove.

One of his latest posts features The Barons. Checkout his in-depth look at one of the NO's most underrated outfits.

Cleethorpes Phase 2 July 13th 2007

East Coast Connection Summer In The Parks

After 30 years: The CLEETHORPES PIER is back

CLEETHORPES PHASE II, Friday July 13th 2007

Mini All-Nighter 8 p.m. - 4 a.m.

NORTHERN ROOM:

Original Pier DJs Ginger Taylor, Soul Sam, Ian (Frank) Dewhirst, John Manship, Dave Appleyard, Chris Dalton, Rick Todd, Dick Jervis

MODERN ROOM:

Ian (Mastercuts) Dewhirst, Colin Curtis, Soul Sam, Rick Scott, Callum Turner

£8 advance £10 OTD,

Tickets now available from SOLID Entertaiments Tel: 01472 349222

Further information contact Promoter Payo 01472 602852

Great to see it back after all these years. This venue is up there with the other legendary venues of the Northern Soul scene due to its adventurous music policy back in the mid 70's.

Some of my fave sounds from the Cleethorpes era:

1. Norma Jenkins Can you imagine that

2. Skullsnaps I'm your pimp

3. Crow Your autumn of tomorrow

4. Willie J & Co Boogie with your baby

5. East Coast ConnectionSummer in the parks

6. Stanley Woodruff What took you so long

7. Jobell Orchestra Never gonna let you go

8. Bobby Foster If you really need a friend

9. Troy Keyes If I had my way

10 Danny Reed What makes her a woman

A couple of DJs on the bill who I will be featuring in coming weeks who have influenced my collecting - namely Soul Sam, Ian Dewhirst and Johnny Manship.