Jamel F Mitchell

I recently discovered that Jamel F Mitchell had a MySpace and we have become friends. Both of Jamel's parents were musicians - his father James Mitchell was a highly respected session man in Memphis and Jamel's uncle is Willie Mitchell.

I met Jamel in Italy a few years back and was impressed by his horn playing while he was in the backing band for an Ann Peebles tour.

Please drop over to his MySpace an listen to his own compositions.

Boomerang @ Canal Tavern Thorne 10/5/08

Floordroppa

I first heard Floordroppa on the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show - check them out on their MySpace

F L O O R D R O P P A are a project fused to the state of flux drawn together from the very limits of the sprawling metropolis that is London, England.

The core of the band:

Tad: Actor & Musician... Bassist with a list of credits that reads like a 'who's who?' of Reggae, Ska, Soul & Funk including ska /pop heroes Crunch!, Madness, Dubwiser & Pama International to name but a few!

Kev: Modest to the point of insolvency. He is a much sought after guitarist who has weathered many of the storms of England's vibrant and sometimes chaotic music scene. Kev recently toured Europe, U.S. and Japan with Madness.

Pablo: Pablo gives FLOORDROPPA it's voice, soul, vibe & feel all it's own. Pablo has been featured on more records than you could shake a stick at including human Beat Box genius Killa Kela. Pablo runs a mean sound system... spinning musical discs from dub plates to luscious rare grooves.

Wayne: Powerhouse holding it down at the back hails from the Jazz scene with credits such as Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes, Andy Gale, Soweto Kinch and Jamma.

The boys have been described as ‘Modern Brit Funk’...High praise indeed from the Soul Mafioso.FLOORDROPPA’s prerequisite is to get the floor moving and put a few grins back on faces. And that’s no bad thing..!But, hey! Don't take my word for it - Check 'em out...Modern Brit Funk style ..!

The Shaolin Temple Defenders @ Akwaba Châteauneuf de Gadagne 2/2/08

The Shaolin Temples Defenders consist of Laure Frejacques aka Yim Wing(Trumpet), Grat Martinez aka Boddidharma( Saxophones), Cedric Lacaze aka Phun Dao Dak(Organ), Pierre Petit aka Ng Mui(Guitar), Jeremy Ortal aka Mieu Hien(Bass), Mickey Fourcade aka Michel (Drums), Emmanuel Guerin aka The Lion Of Bordeaux( Vocals) aka Sir Right on ( Son live)

Check out their MySpace for more and listen to their sounds:

As the ardent keeper of an authentic Soul music legacy, Shaolin Temple Defenders brings a brand new breed to the French musical scene. True to the sounds and arrangements of 60's & 70's soul/funk bands such as, the JB's, the Meters or Stax's staff artists( Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor...) ,these 7 musicians, who play their own compositions, offer an explosive show to their audience. Their dynamic live act reminds of the overexciting atmosphere of legendary american vintage clubs. After setting fire to their audience on many stages, they keep on keeping on and it's impossible to remain indifferent to their appeal. To defend the temple of Soul, their weapons are as follow: vintage outfits, lamp amplifiers, a Hammond organ, tight horns, an unbeatable rhythm section and a roaring lion.

After the release of their 1st album, « Chapter one: enter the temple »( Nocturne/ Soul Beats Records) in March 2006, they hit the road for a series of about 50 concerts: Garorock, Printemps de Bourges, Reggae Sun Ska Festival, Euskal Herria, ZicZac Estival, Musicalarue in Luxey , Bars en Trans in Rennes…They also shared stages with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Maceo Parker, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Groove Collective... They have also been working with legendary Funky Diva, Miss Martha High, former vocalist of the James Brown Show. and now propose a tight and funky show with her as lead vocalist.

Movin' On Barcelona 16/2/08

Village Soul 9/2/08

Uptight Club Glasgow 7/3/08

The Lava Lounge 16/2/08

The Bongolian @ The Soul Cellar Southampton 9/2/08

Syl Johnson @ The Hideout Chicago 2/2/08

Mike Painter Trio @ Buzz With The Fuzz 2/2/08

00.Soul @ Safari Sam's 15/2/08

00.Soul are a band and came across on MySpace. Thie current line-up is:Steve Armstrong - Bass; Nic Chaffee - Trumpet; Jack Fulks - Flute & Saxophone; Troy Howell - Percusion & Drums; R. Scott - Keyboards; Don Skinner - Guitar; Mike Vasquez - Percussion, Drums, & Vocals and Scott Weaver - Loops & Sounds.

This is their blurb:

With every sold out show and thousands of fans, the word "understatement" is completely appropriate when describing the effect 00Soul has on the indie-music scene. They are a standout in a sea of Pop, Rock and Alternative Acts. With a notorious reputation for the seedy side of life, it's no wonder the Long Beach music scene has embraced this band and made their shows something special for those lucky enough to catch them performing live.

00.Soul get their funk out with a hypnotically solid beat, tasty bass to back it up and a "whole lotta" horn work. Tracks list "Squad Car" aren't short on it's cinematic value. This song plays like a movie, complete with sound effects, campy 70's dialogue and more grunts and groans than Shaft. Their rich blend of jazz, rock and Afro-Cuban rhythms will make a permanent dent in what you use to call "Funk".

Soul Syndicate Clifton NJ 23/2/08

Pressure Time Venezia Italy

Small Town Bullies

It is Saturday night and time for the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show - just heard another new band who have got in touch with him - The Small Town Bullies.

Find out more about the band and hear some of their unissued tracks on their MySpace.

The Bongolian

A band I fell upon while trawling through MySpace. The Bongolian are Nasser Bouzida - Bongos Congas Organ and Vocals. Trevor Harding - Bass. Bradley Burgess - Guitar. Bruce Brand - Drums. Dan EleXtro.

Here's their blurb:

While still writing and performing with Big Boss Man, multi-instrumentalist Nasser Bouzida, (or just Nass to you and me), disappeared into the studio to create a brand new sound in the name of his new alter ego The Bongolian. As The Bongolian, Nasser takes us on a solo musical journey through heavy Funk and Latin Soul writing, performing and recording all the material himself in the process. And for a young man whoseprincipal interests are drums and percussion being The Bongolian makes a whole lotta sense. Drawing on all his past influences, Nass produced an inspired recording blending elements of Funk, Soul and Jazz withgrinding percussion and heavy Bongo rhythms. The new sound is epitomised by the funky rhythmic stomp of his debut single 'Bongohead', and the eponymous 'The Bongolian' album which was released early in 2003, to much critical acclaim. The Bongolian's debut gig was a headline slot at the prestigious Rennes Jazz Festival in France. This has been followed by more gigs in Europe and a series of UK gigs including a sell out hometown show at Londons Metro Club. In 2005,The Bongolian toured with Holly Golightly (as support and also playing in her band) in the UK, the USA and Germany, as well as recording with her on her forthcoming new album. blueprint: the bongo-funk evolution continues...

So, finally the wait is over! Mr Bouzida has now completed 'Blueprint' the next stage of his Bongo Funk evolution, due out March 06. This is Nass in his element, taking us on a musical journey of dirty bongo driven Funk and spaced-out Latin Soul all 100% Heavy Bongo Vibes. Written, arranged, performed and produced by entirely by Nass at his Ramshackle Studios on analogue 8 track, and mixed by Mike Pelanconi (Graham Coxon, Big Boss Man).Please note, this album contains NO SAMPLES, just a groove that sounds good!

The Strides @ Club 85 Hitchin 15/3/08

Soul Funktion NY 30/1/08

More details on their MySpace

Racubah! North Wales

More details on MySpace

Tighten Up @ Soul Cellar Southampton

For more details - check their MySpace

Cabbage Alley

I first heard this band on Craig Charles' Funk & Soul Show when he played their pounding version of Eddie Harris's Freedom Soul Dance.

The band are; Morel - saxophones , vocals and occaisional percussion; John Ellis - organ , vocals , bass guitar (Freedom soul dance); Eryl Roberts - drums and percussion; Steve 'Billy' Buckley - Guitar, baritone and lapsteel guitars. Between them the members of Cabbage Alley have worked with - The Cinamatic Orchestra, Corrine Bailey Rae,Lilly Allen, Bob Mintzer, Fontella Bass, Hamish Stuart, Richard Hawley,Embrace, Chuck Berry,Vince Mendoza, Damon Albarn, Scott Hamilton, Kenny Wheeler to name a few.

They list their influences as: pies, chips n'gravy, tea, scrumpy, Fred Dibner, Jauque Tati , Shirley Crabtree, Eddie Harris, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Adge Cutler, Mikey Dread, cinnamon bagels, vintage British motorbikes, Hank Williams, Earl Bostic , lady esquire, massey fergi tractors particularly the massey 35 and its predecessor the little grey fergi, Ian Drury, Hunter S Thompson, Max Geldray, Harry Hawk, Peter Gurney etc etc.

The Strides

I must admit to liking a bit of garage especially when it has some Hammond thrown in which is what The Strides are all about! The Strides consist of Chris Cawdron: Hammond Organ; Si Hunt: Lead Guitar; Gray Smith: Bass Guitar; Mike Lobo: Drums and featuring:-Rob Taylor: Vocals and Vicky Stuart: Vocals.

Try out The Strides:

Forged from a fusion of the past and present and as finely tuned as Jackie Stewart's Lotus, The Strides now sport a fresh new look and raunchy new sound with the addition of ex- 80's Psych outfit "The Nerve's" Hammond Grindster.This is "Vanilla Fudge" meets "The Small Faces" who then all pop down the pub for a Watney's and chaser with the two Jimies (Hendrix and Smith!)Playing a groove fuelled set of retro tunes and tracks lifted straight outta the 60's, The Strides dare you to take a pinch of Psychedelia and travel with them to Blow up a Go-Go.....

Update Dec 2007:- The Strides newest addition Vicky Stuart, (Northampton's own Julie Driscoll!!) applies her strong vocal talents to bring you the sounds of the late sixties. Vicky has been mainly a solo acoustic artist and writer (Visit Vicky Stuart's Page) but is equally at home with full on backing tracks supplied by The Strides. Singing a selection of the hippest retro numbers from artists including Julie Driscoll, Sharon Tandy and Grace Slick, Vicky will be appearing with the Strides at selected gigs throughout the year.

Bobby Wayne Soul Station

I originally featured Bobby Wayne on my Dark End Of The Street blog when he released his last album Hit That Thing.

I am pleased to say that he is back with another killer album on Bonedog Records. The album is a mixture of original songs such as East End Avenue, Over and Over etc. The best is a gorgeous Southern soul styled slowie called Right About The Rain. He also covers a few interesting sides Tommy Tate's I'm Taking On Pain, Willie Kendricks's Change Your Ways and Major Harris's Call Me Tomorrow.

Here is the Bonedog press release:

SOUL STATION-The third release by BOBBY WAYNE on BONEDOG RECORDS!Bobby Wayne has been Pittsburgh’s premiere soul singer for the past 30 years. His musical training began in gradeschool, singing in the New Canaan Baptist Church along with future recording artist “Terry Collins”. It was 1963 when Bobby was asked to join four other young men who called themselves The Exceptions. The group included Rodney Mason, James Russell, Sherman McCrae and Floyd Beck. The Vietnam conflict claimed two members a year later and the Exceptions disbanded before they had a chance to record.

At this point Bobby was introduced to Vann Harris & The Village Vanguards, a dynamic six piece band. The lineup included George Green, Larry ‘Butch’ McGee, Eugene Smith, David ‘Sugar’ Cain and Jimmy Norman, featuring Bobby & These Gent’s. Working all of the larger clubs the troupe eventually joined forces with popular WZUM radio D.J’s, Al Gee & Bobby Bennett to produce shows at the Savoy Ballroom every Saturday night. The revue opened for and backed some of the top R&B acts of the time including; The 5 Stairsteps, The Vandykes, Billy Stewart, Erma Franklin, The O’Jays, Mary Wells & Gene Chandler.On fridays they usually performed in Cleveland at the House of Blues opening & backing Jackie Ross, Fontella Bass, Kim Weston & Rudy Ray Moore. Near the end of 1964 Bobby & the Band relocated to Montreal, spending the winter at Rockheads Paradise and the Silver Dollar. As the house band they shared the stage with noteables as The Dells, Darrell Banks and The Artistics.

Back in Pittsburgh the following summer, Bobby was asked to sit in with Darrell Banks at the Hurricane Grill. A friendship developed and Darrell had Bobby open for his show. These shows gave the young singer a valuable lesson in showmanship & lead vocal delivery as Bobby watched from the wings after his opening set.

Bobby & the Vanguards stayed busy on the circuit through 1967. The following year they landed back in Montreal for a year run at the Esquire Showbar. There they shared the bill with among others The Sweet Inspirations, Etta James and Carla Thomas. Eventually the Vanguards drifted apart and Bobby headed back home.In 1969 Bobby went to Los Angeles, hooking up with Rudy Ray Moore and Theodore Toney to record Heart Of A Poor Man & Make Me Yours. Arthur Wright did the arrangements with The Leon Haywood Band providing the backing track. The single was leased by Atlantic Records #2670 and released using Bobby’s given name, Wayne Boykin.Bobby fronted the band ‘On The Corner in 1976 and ‘Takin’ Names in 1977. 1978 & 1979 had Bobby singing with the ‘Rhythm Kings’. An album was recorded, but never released.

Bobby worked with the ‘Marcels’ off and on during the ‘80’s and 90’s.Bonedog Records released ‘Long Hard Road’ in 1999. The CD was received well in Japan & England & a single with the title track was released on the ‘Grapevine 2000’ label in the U.K..For his second Bonedog offering ‘Hit That Thing’. Bobby fronted ‘the Bobby Wayne Band’ a ‘Classic Soul’ Sound.We hope you enjoy Bobbie’s third release,Soul Station, on Bonedog Records.

Get over to CD Baby and give the album a listen!!!

José James The Dreamer

I enjoyed José James's session on the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show - I am a sucker for anyone who has touches of Gil Scott-Heron or Terry Callier but he does have his own voice and sound which is so mellow! His new album The Dreamer is out now!

Drop by his MySpace for plenty more

"I thought singers like this didn't exist anymore, I was wrong, José James is here to remind us why we love music so much!"

- Gilles Peterson

"José James is continuing the legacy of the great jazz masters. With his extraordinary voice, timbered like an instrument, his ears that capture each Coltrane nuance, his lyricism - in his writings and in his passionate expression - the life of the music is being nourished by José James offerings. And when he sings, you can hear it smile."

- Janet Lawson

"Let us put away the dark days of 2006... and make some offerings to secure a more enlightened 2007. A good place to start is the forthcoming album by José James on Brownswood. The Brooklyn based jazz voice is set to follow in the steps of Jon Lucien... there's even a touch of Gil Scott Heron... we're definitely feelin' that version of Trane's 'Equinox'."

- Straight No Chaser

"A natural intimacy that very few people have."

- Andy Bey

"José James is the real deal! He has the voice, poise, charisma, and stage presence. All the ingredients... making him the most exciting singer I've heard in a long time!!"

- Junior Mance

Mary Gresham Soulscape Album

Garry Cape just let me know of his latest CD by Mary Gresham - Let's Walk Down The Street Together has already become a real fave of mine.

Garry - keep up the good work!

Fryer in Malmo

Fryer dropped his playlist from his Function gig in Malmo:

Soul Room (not in order some missing)

Soul - Burning Spear (Musicor)
Sonny Harris - The The Vibration (San-El)
Leroy Clofer - Mr. Big Man (Rosemont)
The Emotions - I Love You but I'll Leave You (Twin Stacks)
Big Ella - The Queen (Rush)
World Wonders - Funk Washing Machine (alarm)
Wee (Unreleased) Owl
Chris Columbus - Tighten Up "70"
Essex Iv - My Reaction To You
The Crampton Sisters - Baby Baby
Victoria Williams - Show Some Sign (Verve)
Rock Candy - Alone With No Love (Dontee)
Little Jimmy Edwards - Slappin Some Soul Upon Me (Key-Loc)
Pat Brown - The Good Got To Suffer For The Bad (Seven B)
Tolbert - I Got It (Rojac)
Dolly Gilmore - Sweet Sweet Baby (Dove)
Made In Japan Band - Mareefer (Cenco)
The Mighty Marvelows - Talkin' Bout Ya, Baby (abc)
The Blue Soul - Getting The Corners (Westwood)
Underground Resurection - Reality (Amg)
Claude "baby" Huey - Drifiting (MIOB)

Disco Room (again not in order some missing)

Wizdom - Im So In Love (Drive)
Sylvester - Down Down Down (Fantasty 12")
Sophisticated Ladies - This Aint Really Love (Reflection)
Dutch Robinson - Cant Get Along Without You (UA)
Emanuel Taylor (You Really Got A Hold On Me)
Tony Foxx - Love and Let be loved (blaster LP)
Lo End - Le Beat (New World)
Reuben Wilson - Got To Get Your Own (chess)

Next Night - Febuary 2nd - £4 Easter Sunday Special with Djs Dave Ripolles, Ian Wright, Jason Stirland, Fryer & Gino from 7pm till 3am

http://www.soulspectrum.co.uk/

All playlists from the night except Joppe's are here:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=235644907&blogID=348194942

Great night, thanks again Fryer and Craig!

Upcoming Function dates are:

February 9 with Markus Gora (Hamburg) and Kristoffer Ahl (S)
March 15 with Arthur Fenn + Fredrik (S)
April 19 with Butch and Micke Balkefors (S)

Love Sounds In Milwaukee 26/1/08

I've had a message from Any Noble from Lotusland Records:

Frank Straka and I are spinning the first ever one of these (hopefully this will be a monthly event).First 30 people get a free CD, professionally made w/ original artwork from my brother Davey. Come to the booth and ask for one, we don't want to give them out at the door.Check out the poster on our front page for details.

Thanks for looking!

Andy

Heavy Funk & Soul Lolita Bar Broome & Allen NY

The what: HF&S (Heavy Funk & Soul) The when: Friday Jan 25, 10.00pm The where: Lolita, 266 Broome St (Broome & Allen), New York, NY 10002 Every record we played last month is now worth 20,000 quid. Our low-key monthly spin pays the bills for HFS island, Bahamas. First 20 in the door get a free chin nod and a what's up from us.

http://myspace.com/hfands
http://weirdgearnyc.com

New mixes up:

http://www.myspace.com/weirdgearforever

Soul Full Part 2 Paris 26/1/08

DJ Dom-e (Sausage Records) welcomes you on the dancefloor on the Baron Samedi for a vinyl only selection of Deep Soul/Gritty Funk/Afro Voodoo/Latin Jazz and Heavy Psych. Look out for hip visuals. Just be there!

Teddy Rosso

HERE WE GO (friday, saturday, sunday):

25.01.2008 @ GRIBOEDOV CLUB ... RIGHT ON! with THE FABULOUS MR.C ... and ... very special guest: DJ TEDDY ROSSO (STAVANGER, NORWAY // NOMADEN, STING CLUBS) heavyweight blaxploitation soundtracks, uk library stuff, dancefloor jazz, deepfunk, soul, latin 45s visual: blaxploitation and kung-fu flicks ... nonstop 23:55 - 6:00 (грибоедов, воронежская 2а, метро лиговский пр.)

26.01.2008 @ BUBBLE BAR DJ CHAK & TEDDY ROSSO (STAVANGER-OSLO, NORWAY) .... heavyweight blaxploitation soundtracks, uk library stuff, dancefloor jazz, deepfunk, soul, latin 45s 23:55 - 6:00 (bubble bar, конюшенная площадь дом 2, правая арка)

SUNDAY 27.01.2008 @ RADIORECORD on air 106,3 FM (1:00 -3:00) w./ Chakster and Teddy Rosso (Norway) late nigh chillin'

DJ biography: Fredrik Lavik aka Teddy Rosso (Norway)

Stavanger native Fredrik Lavik, a rare groove junkie of the third order, collecting vinyl records and dj’ing in clubs around Norway for over a decade. He’s been spotted abroad numerous times on specialist radio shows and been known to move dancefloors in London, Copenhagen, Hamburg and Porto. When he’s not playing music he’s a freelance graphic designer and runs his little bedroom label Jazzaggression records.

Musicstyles: Rare groove: Funk & Latin Jazz, Funk & Soul 45, Swingin’ Soundtracks, old school bollywood and groovy exotica. It all started back in the day when he got aware of his mothers record collection, a goldmine of jazz from labels like black jazz, verve, cti. Since then Fredrik’s been spotted early mornings on flea markets, car boot sales and thrift stores looking for that extra old gritty groove that keeps him happy, whether it’s jazz, funk, soul, easy listening or whatever keep his head noddin’ or his girlfriend angry for bringing in more dust to the condo!

Teddy’s dj game started in Bergen in the late nineties when he was invited to promote, build and contribute to a new club concept called “The Chase” held at one of west Norway’s biggest clubs Agora. Funky music, retro furniture, kitsch inventory and blaxploitaiton/chase films on big screen was a huge success with the crowd and the concept lasted until the summer of 2001. In late 2002 Teddy moved to Oslo and became a household dj regular at a tiny club called Nomaden, located in a back alley suburbs of Grünerløkka. A funky flavored place that was quickly to become “the place” to be for the undeground of club goers wanting to hear different sounds. Nomaden up to this day, is regarded among dj’s as the best place to spin if you’re in Oslo.

In the summer of 2007, teddy’s love for surfing forced him to move back to his originated location on the west coast: Stavanger, home of cultural capital 2008. Here Teddy has been spotted downtown playing at one of Norways most respected clubs called Cafe Sting, bringing with him his club concept from Nomaden called jazzpalace which focuses on dancefloor jazz, soul and funk. “The party ain’t over yet!”

Apart from dj’ing Fredrik Lavik’s been involved in several highly acclaimed record releases. Teaming up with record connoisseur Lars Finborud of Plastic Strip records they dug up unreleased recording history from the Maryland keyboard genius Webster Lewis, blew dust off some old recordings from folk flutist Guttorm Guttorms and next out is a dvd disc with old jazz sessions taken from the NRK archives.

The story continues, check out www.jazzaggression.com for updated information on future releases ..

blaxploitation mix by Teddy Rosso:

http://www.plasticstrip.no/files/Teddy%20Rosso%20Blaxplotation%20Mix.mp3

Wir Sind Soul 26/1/08

26.01 Wir sind Soul Edelweiss

Marc Forrest (Hip City Soul Club)
Kristian Auth (Soul Inn)
Johnny Hitman (Soulkombinat)
Steinbild (Soulkombinat)
Dynamic Don (Soul Inn)
Steven Inch (Tour de Funk/Rejuvenation Records)
www.tourdefunk.de

Lefties Soul Connection Skimming The Skum

Lefties Soul Connection give a new meaning to raw funk & soul with their new album ‘Skimming the Skum’. In Europe, but also in countries like Japan and USA, they got a lot of attention because of their energetic, heavy raw music on record and on stage. With the release of ‘Skimming the Skum’ they definitely can be placed among the best funk bands of today and they get a lot of love by the international funk community. And because of their heavy beats and stompin’ grooves they also gained a lot of fans within the Hip-Hop (bboy) and Dance community.

The band consist of Hammond organ/percussion - Alviz Guitar/vocals/percussion - Onno Bass/percussion - Bram Drums - Vogel.

You can catch them next here:

1 Feb 2008

20:00

Amstelveen - P60

2 Feb 2008
20:00

Zwolle - Schouwburg Odeon (NL)

8 Feb 2008
20:00

Metropool, Hengelo (NL)

23 Mar 2008
20:00
Zieuwent - Paaspop

Corduroy Re-formed!

Last week, Craig Charles had Corduroy on his Funk & Soul show. They talked about re-forming the band and recording again. Craig will be broadcasting a live set from the new version of the band on his show this Saturday.

Corduroy were a four-piece acid jazz outfit based in London, formed around twins Ben Addison (drums/vocals) and Scott Addison (keyboards), who were previously in Sire Records act Boys Wonder (Scott had been guitarist with Boys Wonder, while Ben had been the lead vocalist). Joining the twins in the band were Richard Searle and guitarist Simon Nelson-Smith. Richard Searle had been bass player with Doctor and the Medics, who topped the UK pop charts in 1986 with a cover version of "Spirit in the Sky". Searle had joined the Addison twins in the final incarnation of Boys Wonder before the band gradually evolved into Corduroy in 1991, initially forming for a one-off New Year's Eve party.

The self-dubbed "fabric four" primarily recorded in a "groovy film soundtrack" style and many of their tracks were instrumentals. On the release of their first album Dad Man Cat, Paul Moody wrote in the New Musical Express: “Whereas the rest of the Acid Jazz roster fidget around in a world of skinny ribbed roll-necks comparing sideburn growth, Corduroy manage to swagger through the same po-faced domain with a couldn’t-care-less braggadocio... Corduroy have got their collective tongue stuck firmly in someone else’s cheek here and it feels staggeringly good.”

Releasing three eclectic albums on Eddie Piller's Acid Jazz Records, they received heavy radio airplay for their single "Something In My Eye" in 1993, but national chart success evaded them, although several singles from their 1993 album High Havoc charted in the UK Top Ten Independent Charts.

They remained a very popular live attraction, particularly on the college circuit. They also gained a healthy following in Japan, making the first of several trips to the country in 1993, and the following year they recorded a live album, Quattro - Live In Japan. After leaving Acid Jazz Records they signed to Big Cat Records, releasing two further albums: The New You! (April 1997) and the Goldie-produced Clik! (August 1999). But when they discovered that their record label, Big Cat, had been dropped by parent company V2, Corduroy decided to split up.

Agent 45's Recent Playlists

Brian Poust AKA Agent 45 has dropped me his playlists from a recent gig he did:

What a night. I was fortunate enough to pull double duty and spin 45s with my man T1 at the Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings show at Variety Playhouse last night. It seems like ages since they were in town and it was fun to see them on a large stage with a sold out house of 1000+ all digging their tunes.

Though it had snowed most of the day, the streets dried up nicely and the cold and snow didn't seem to keep anyone at home! Terry and I tag-teamed with he on one turntable and I on the other.

My half sounded a little bit like this:

Before the show until the Ivan Milev Band:

Freddie Scott - (You) Got What I Need (Shout)
Ralph Jackson - Don't Tear Yourself Down (Amy)
Betty Everett - Nothing I Wouldn't Do (ABC)
Lee Fields - Tyra's Song (A&T)Barbara Carr - Shake Your Head (Checker)
Soul Ambassadors - I've Got the Feeling (SS7)
Helena Hollins - Baby You're Right (Stonegood)
Jimmie Willis - Soul Power Pt. 1 (Orr)
James Crawford - If You Don't Work You Can't Eat (Mercury)
George Hughley - That's Why I Cry (Buddah)

Between the Iven Milev Band and the Dap-Kings:

Benny Poole - Pearl Baby Pearl (Solid Hit)
The Jades - Hotter Than Fire (Cherry Red)
Barbara Lynn - I'm A Good Wooman (Tribe)
Betty Harris - 12 Red Roses (Sansu)
Billy Butler - I'll Bet You (Brunswick)
Little Sonny - Latin Soul (Revilot)
Yvonne Fair - Just As Sure (Smash)

I nipped out before the encore to get over to Tim Lawrence's monthly Rhythm & Soul spectacular, our very own Rhythm & Booze. R&B is held right next door to the Variety at El Myr, so it was a quick stroll. Tim was already well into his first set of the night and I have to remark at how nice it is to leave a soul concert and walk into a small bar pumping great R&B - makes a man feel good. Here's what I wound up playing.

Set One (11:30)

Roosevelt Lee - Hey Little Girl (Fraternity)
Danny White - Miss Fine Miss Fine (Frisco)
Buddy Cantrell - You Ain't No Good (Tuska)
E. Rodney Jones - R&B Time (Tuff)
Betty Everett - Nothing I Wouldn't Do (ABC)
Johnnie Mae Matthews - Lonely You'll Be (Jam)
Laura Lee - To Win Your Heart (Ric Tic)
Butch Baker - The Fat Man (St. Lawrence)
Lavern Baker - Batman To the Rescue (Brunswick)
Johnny & Lily - Your Love Is Getting To Me Babe (UA)
Sharon Jones - What Condition My Condition Was In (Daptone)
Gwen Davis - My Man Don't Think I Know (SS7)
Johnny Williams - You've Got It (Kent)
Robert Ward - I Will Fear No Evil (Groove City)
Soul Partners - Spead (Bell)
Ike & Tina Turner - Finger Poppin (WB)
Gerri Granger - Breakdown (Big Top)
The 5 Royales - Within My Heart (King)
The Invictors - Put Her Down (TPE)
Nappy Brown - Coal Miner (Savoy)
Lester Young - Wobble Time (Chase)
Louis Jordan - Workin' Man (Tangerine)

Set Two (1:30)

Gary US Bonds - I Wanna Holler (Legrand)
The Knight Bros - Second Hand Lover (Checker)
Jesse Henderson - The Gator (Gold Dust)
James Brown & the Famous Flames - I Feel That Old Feeling Coming On (Federal)
Demon Brothers - Uh Huh (Quinvy)
Nathaniel Mayer - Leave Me Alone (Fortune)
Huey (Piano) Smith - Don't You Just Know It (Ace)
Ronnie & the Ramblers - Woman of Mine (R and R)
Mickie Champion - What Good Am I (Musette)
Little Johnny Taylor - Somewhere Down the Line (Galaxy)
Little Walter Hammond - Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide (Duo Disc)
Alan Knight - Chills (Tide)
ZZ Hill - One Way Love Affair (MH)
Ray Pettis - Don't Use Me (Exodus)
Major Lance - Do the Tighten Up (Dakar)
Eddie Bo - Every Dog Got His Day (Ric)
Lonnie Lester - You Can't Go (Nu-Tone)
Otis Redding & The Pinetoppers - Shout Bamalama (Confederate)
Junior Wells - Shake It Baby (Vanguard)

Some very tasty sounds there!!!!

Amie Jo Interviews

Damon Harris

See exclusive interviews performed by Amie Jo for her TV show.

She does in-depth interviews with for instance Damon Harris (Temptations), Candi Staton, Little Anthony, Bobby Rush, Earl Turner, Morris Day...

http://www.corner4success.com/i_television

Sitting In Park Radio Show In Honour of Martin Luther King Day

Bob Abrahamian who presents the excellent Sitting In The Park Radio Show has dropped me details of last show:

Hi. I just did an entire radio show of conscious, Black uplift records in honor of Martin Luther King day tomorrow.

You can listen using the following mp3 link.

Thanks for your continued interest.

http://www.sittinginthepark.com/1-20-2008.mp3

Impressions - We're a winner - ABC

Curtis Liggins Indications - What it is? - Kaycee-soul

Delon Washington - Getting mighty close - Lovelite

Fuller Brothers - Time's a wasting - Soul Clock

Notations - A new day - Twinight

Four Voices - We live in the ghetto - Voice

Knight Brothers - Ghetto Joe - Mercury

Harry Caldwell - A new world is just beginning - Carnival

Baby Dave Greenbee - We need love - Steel city

Lorenzo Carpenter and the Black Heritage - My Black sister - Vincent

Desires - Black girl - Starville

Triplett Twins - Black Sensuous Girl - Jay Pee

Donald Jenkins and the Delighters - Pretty Black Girl - Black Beauty

Original Breed - I'm somebody - Karol

Scott Brothers - Top of the mountain - Toddlin Town

Isley Brothers - Brother Brother Brother - T-Neck

CQC's - Wake up (you're sleeping a bit too late) - Funk Factory

Impressions - Keep on pushing - ABC

Van Dykes - No man is an island - Mala

Main Ingredient - Black seeds keep on growing - RCA

Billy Paul - Am I Black enough for you - Philadelphia International

Thoughts - Walk on brother - SSS

Curtis Mayfield - Move on up - Curtom

Regular readers of IDR will know that I have also put 3 mixes together with a political theme similar to Bob's show. If you are interested in hearing them then you can still download them here:

Download Topics Mix

Download IDR Political Mix

Download I Am Somebody Mix

Shirley Slaughter @ Club Damani Philadelphia 1/2/08

John Carrier has let me know of an upcoming performance by Shirley Slaughter:

She will be joined on stage with the amazing backing vocals of Tasha Mountfort and Dwight " Big D ", with musicians from Richard Tucker & The Universal Concept. Richard played rhythm guitar on Shirley`s debut CD " Philadelphia Soul" .

Richards band will also be supporting the loverly Shauna "K" the first Lady of
Fahrenheit Records for this showcase event.

Groovement Manchester 27/1/08

GROOVEMENT: 27 JAN feat FUNKAARH

Last week’s double header – DJ Andy Smith and Timber – blew the mucky roof off. Original RnB, raw funk and soul from the soul – did ya feel it mate? The shows’ll be up for download on myspace.com/groovemanc soon enough, together with Kelvin Brown’s from the week before. Now let’s take a breath…

More details on their MySpace.

Falling Off The Reel Volume 2

Truth & Soul have been in touch to let me know of the release of Falling Off The Reel Vol 2 on March 4th:

Truth & Soul presents the second volume of their singles collection entitled, Fallin Off The Reel. Truth & Soul have been consistently releasing limited edition 45 singles never exceeding 2000 copies pressed. For the first time, those who don't have a record player or simply missed out on these singles, will finally be able to hear these musical gems that have given Truth & Soul their impeccable reputation for quality music.

Fallin Off the Reel vol.2 has every Truth & Soul 45 single presented in chronological order from 2006 until now, including one unreleased bonus track. It features songs from El Michels Affair with Raekwon, Bronx River Parkway, Lee Fields, Quincy Bright, Black Velvet, Tyrone Ashley & Funky Music Machine, Timothy McNealy, & more. Also available will be a gatefold vinyl edition of VOL.1 & VOl.2 that includes four unreleased songs

Persuaders In Concert 28/3/08

Tony Riley, one of The Persuaders has been in touch to tell me about an upcoming concert by the group.

GOOD MORNING TO ALL MY FRIENDS PLEASE PASS THIS ON, YES THE BAD BOYS OUT OF NEW YORK ( THE REAL DEAL) PERSUADERS WILL BE AT THE ( FAMILY LIFE CENTER ) ON MARCH 28TH FOR AN EVENING OF CLASSIC SOUL R&B ALSO APPEARING WILL BE KYLE RIFKIN. THIS WILL BE AN OLD SCHOOL TYPE OF AFFAIR (B.Y.O.B.B) TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT WILL BE $25.00 IN ADVANCE (MORE AT THE DOOR) ALSO WE WILL BE VIDEO-TAPING THIS EVENT SO WEAR YOUR BEST.



FOR TICKET INFO PLEASE CALL (TONY) AT: (917) 501-7672. THE PERSUADERS WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME TOO THANK ALL OF OUR FRIENDS FOR YOUR CONTINUED LOVE AND SUPPORT, UNTIL THE 28TH WE WISH YOU PEACE FROM THE VALLEY OF LOVE, RICHARD,DAVID,TONY"MR.SHOWTIME" RILEY AND EVAN (YOUR REAL PERSUADERS)

Fantastics Guest Mix

The Fantastics have sent me e link to a guest mix they have produced:

Fantastics Guest Mix

Playlist:

O'Baby (I Believe I'm Losing You) - Billy Hawks
Soul Saviour Stew - Reverend Cleatus & The Soul Saviours
Finally Found You Out - Brian Auger & The Trinity
Play It Back - Lonnie SmithJan Jan - Fabulous Counts
Funky Crawl - Detroit Sex Machines
No Way! - Boogaloo Joe Jones
Paper Cut - Reverend Cleatus & The Soul Saviours
Dub Organiser - Augustus Pablo
Do It 'Til Your Satisfied - Skin, Flesh and Bones
Yes We Can (pt1) - Lee Dorsey
Blue Sunday - The Fantastics
Loose Here - KainBlack Gun - Charles Earland
Root Down (And Get It) - Jimmy Smith
Jungle Strut - Gene Ammons
The Doctor Is In (live) - The Fantastics
Free At Last - Rusty Bryant

Enjoy....The Fantastics!