African Scream Contest

Craig Charles has been playing tracks off this CD over the last couple of weeks. I have been enjoying these raw sounds! Here's more info from Amazon:

After releases by Zimbabwean 70s bands the Green Arrows and Hallelujah Chicken Run Band, the Analog Africa label now delves into the amazing history of music from 1970s Benin and Togo. This compilation highlights forgotten raw and psychedelic Afro sounds, and the well-researched liner notes tell fascinating stories to accompany the mind-blowing music. The essence of Analog Africa is clear; searching in dusty warehouses for forgotten music to keep the sound alive. Label owner & vinyl collector Samy Ben Redjeb arrived in Cotonou, Benin, "without any special expectations, just hoping to lay my hands on few good records--what I found in the process cannot really be described in words".

Like most modern music in French-speaking West African countries, the music of Benin and Togo was influenced by a few main musical currents: Cuban, Congolese and local traditional music, as well as Chanson Francaise. Additionally, the geographical location of Benin and Togo--sandwiched between Ghana and Nigeria--exposed Beninese and Togolese musicians to Highlife music.

The cultural and spiritual riches of traditional Beninese music had an immense impact on the sound of Benin's modern music. Benin is the birth place of Vodun (or, as it is known in the West, Voodoo), and some of the rhythms used during traditional rituals - Sakpata, Sato, Agbadja, Tchenkoumé and many others - were fused to Soul and Latin music as early as the mid-1960s and later to Funk. In the late '60s and early '70s rock and soul music started creeping into the region. In particular, the music of James Brown and Johnny Halladay became immensely popular with university students. It was then that the music scene in Benin really started to take off. That fusion is the essence of this compilation. The CD includes a well researched 44-page booklet & rare photographs. (Amazon)

Gamble & Huff Inducted Into Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame

Rolling Out TV takes you to New York City for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame where legendary songwriters Gamble & Huff were awarded for their great work and accomplishments.

Footage by: Brian Wynder

Go to www.rollingout.com for more exclusive footage

Eugene Blacknell Revisited

Eugene Blacknell / Alternate Footage


I came across this video clip again this PM and thought I'd share it with IDR readers. I did post a feature on Eugene Blacknell last year. Here is the blurb which accompanies the video:

This video features rare vintage footage from 1960s/70s of Eugene Blacknell and his band in the city of Oakland and surrounding areas.

Oakland guitar ace Eugene Blacknell released multiple singles that ranged in style from raw r'n'b to power house funk. His musical career stretched from the early 1960s to the end of the 1980s and during that time he established himself as an East Bay original, an entrepreneur, an activist, and a family man. With so many accomplishments it's an irony of fate that he died before releasing an album despite having recorded enough material for several. This will be the first official Eugene Blacknell album, and the story of a Bay Area legend.

For more info visit: http://www . ubiquityrecords . com

Lee Fields Got To Get Through To You

I can never get enough of Lee and somehow I missed this one on You Tube - The Daptone Super Soul Review @ Southpaw - Dec. 8th, 2006. Lee covers the TSU Toronados "Got to get through to you".

Rickey Calloway Shed A Tear Kay-Dee 45

I just picked this up off You Tube:

Rickey Calloway's New Hit Single {Shed a Tear} on Kay-Dee Records Coming Soon
2008 New Video at Home with Film producer Tanika Calloway for Rical Productions
Thanks to Kenny Dope producer an David Griffiths Manager -- David Griffiths Manager

Ill Al Scratch ft Brian McKnight - I'll Take Her

I just heard Richard Searling play a version of this song on his Smooth radio show. I've dug out this video of the song.

Alice Russell @ La Cigale Paris 5/4/08

Ann Nesby I Can't Explain It

Ann has sent me a link to her latest video - excellent stuff as ever!

Allnighter @ Benn Hall Rugby 5/4/08

Sugar 'N' Spice Tonite In Paris

Dillard Crume RIP

I was passed the sad news below on the death of Dillard Crume:

This is from Jerry Mason's The Boogie Report:

"Dillard Crume, producer, guitarist and lead singer of the legendary SoulStirrers passed away Friday after an extended illness.

Dillard was born in asmall town in Missouri but due to economics the family of 10, eight boys andtwo girls, migrated to Chicago.

Dillard and the other Crume brothers wouldlater be introduced to Gospel music through their eldest brother A.C. Crume.Dillard quickly found out that this is what he wanted to do for the rest ofhis life and the brothers formed a group called the Crume Brothers.Other major Gospel groups became interested in the Crume Brothers because oftheir musical ability. At the age of 19 Dillard was approached by the BlindBoys of Mississippi. He accepted their offer and became their guitarist andbackground vocalist. After singing and playing with Blind Boys, Dillard became a member of the Highway QC's.

After singing with the Highway QC's. Dillard Crume will be greatly missed by his family, fans and friends, and bythe Gospel Community who admired and cherished his life's work.

The Funeral took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:00 AM Greater Bethel A.M.E.119 Oak St. Reidsville, Ga.

Eddie Blue & The Ravens UK Tour

I was tipped to this band by my e-friend Andrew Aitchison who told me to drop by the Rocking In The Blues site to get details of their UK Tour:

Eddie Blue Lester, originally form Texas, is a veteran of the music scene in the US having played in many bands and with many names over the years. Eddie Blue & The Ravens are the real deal and play the funkiest Rhythm 'n' Blues you'll ever likely to hear. They are on tour for the first time in the UK during March and April 2008. Get along to a gig and you'll see something very special!

Monday 31st March– Monday Blues at The Bullingdon, Cowley Road, Oxford http://www.famousmondayblues.co.uk/

Wednesday 2nd April - Malt Shovel Tavern, 121 Bridge Street, Northampton, NN1 1QF
Telephone: +44(0)1604 234212 http://www.maltshoveltavern.com/

Friday 4th April - Riffs 11 Station Rd., Blackpool

Saturday 5th April - Marchon Club, Whitehaven with special guests Judith Jones Band

Sunday 6th April - Hotel California, 2 New Chester Road, Tranmere Wirrall CH41 9AY http://www.thehotelcalifornia.co.uk

Monday 7th April - Alexander’s, Rufus Court, Chester http://www.alexandersjazz.com/

Tuesday 8th April - Salisbury Rock & Blues Club, Swansea

Thursday 10th April - Blues Dragon Club, The Gower (pub), Gwennyth Street, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4PH http://www.bluesdragon.org.uk/

Friday 11th April - Warner’s Blues Weekend at Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales http://www.boogaloopromotions.com/http

Saturday 12th April - Ain’t Nothin But The Blues Bar, 20 Kingley Street, London W1B 5PZ http://www.aintnothinbut.co.uk/

Sunday 13th April - The Oval Tavern, 131, Oval Rd, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 6BR 020 8686 6023

For more information on Eddie Blue & The Ravens and on tour dates contact:
Rocking the Blues on 01296 634991

Jimmy Radcliffe Where There's Smoke There's A Fire

I received a bulletin this AM to tell me this great news:

"Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire" - Release Date Category:

...."Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire" Is Finally Set For Release On May 6, 2008.

The Disc Contains 16 Tracks Of Previously Unissued Music, Alternate Takes And Original Demos."Long After Tonight Is All Over", "My Ship Is Comin’ In", "(There Goes) The Forgotten Man" and "What I Want I Can Never Have" Are All Here In The Alternate Take Category.The Original Demos Of "This Diamond Ring", "Deep In The Heart Of Harlem" and "The Complete Man" Have Never Been Issued Anywhere Before. Due To Popular Demand The Track "I Pretend I’m Loving You" Is Also In The Mix! The Song Has Been Featured In Two Major Motion Pictures: 1997’s "Eves Bayou" and the 2006 Romantic Comedy "Something New".

Alright Kids Lay A Little Lovin’On Me And Go Out And Get Your Copy!

Pre-Orders Are Availble At Amazon, Target, CD Universe And Other Retail Outlets.
Amazon CD Universe Media Creature Store Target

RIGHT ON !

And Welcome To The FUNKY BOTTOM CONGREGATION

Clutchy Hopkins

One of my favourite sounds at present is a track off the above album featuring the vocals of Darondo. Here's the blurb Ubiquity sent me on the album:

"If I were an emcee, I would want Clutchy on my squad. Much like MF Doom he has the unique ability to make the inanimate articulate, as if his instruments could speak. Not only is Clutchy 'next up', but he's also on some next shit."- Thick Magazine

TO ORDER / READ MORE - CLICK HERE

Don’t ask us who Clutchy Hopkins is; we don’t know. There’s a line of people waiting to learn his whereabouts. If you find out, perhaps you will be kind enough to hand over the contact info for the mysterious trickster, folklore guru, and marvelous musician.

We don’t have any of the usual stuff: no insight into his background, no list of influences or interesting anecdotes about his musical upbringing.We can tell you that this album might as well be the crackly soundtrack to a vintage spaghetti western crossed with a 70s porno. Rickety breaks n’beats and busted keyboard sounds pop out against lush strings, while a collection of guitars and mandolins strum alongside old-school synthesizers. Some tunes are hypnotic and build around a droning rumble or relentless chords while others are driving or change up to reveal new intentions. It’s an eerie blend of dusty-bar blues, mariachi soul and hard times funk that sounds like it was recorded in a backyard shack somewhere remote, in a small town where kids throw stones at each other for fun.

Prior to our release, an album called ‘Who is Clutchy Hopkins’ was made available in short supply. A further CD surfaced, featuring an apparent collaboration between Hopkins and MF Doom. On closer inspection, this was a collection of rare Doom joints backed with new Hopkins’ music.Since we made our intentions known to distribute more Hopkins material, we’ve been contacted by people who claim to have known, spotted, slept with, smoked, or gone through life-changing events with him. To these people, we apologize. We can’t help put you in touch. We’re just as in the dark as you. We hope you like the album.

Keep an eye on Ubiquity's YouTube Channel for Clutchy sightings, movies and interviews.The second disc of this 2 CD set will include taped confessionals, interviews and archived footage of Mr Hopkins, collected from various sources and anonymously mailed packages.

Darondo @ SXSW Video & Interview

Ubiquity have been in touch to say:

A big thank you to everyone who came out to the Ubiquity Records showcase at SXSW. The show was a major success - Darondo, Nino and Ohmega Watts brought the house down! If you couldn't make it out, check some audio and video brought to you by 89.9 The Current & MP3.com

LIVE VIDEO FROM THE 89.9 THE CURRENT SHOWCASE, BROUGHT TO YOU BY MP3.COM WATCH THE LIVE PERFORMANCE OF 'HOW I GOT OVER' + INTERVIEW / WATCH HERE

LIVE PERFORMANCE FOR 89.9 THE CURRENT AT SXSW SONGS PERFORMED: BEDROOM / HOW I GOT OVER / LEGS PT. 1
LISTEN TO THE ARCHIVE

Hot Wax Weekender 3/4 May 08

Shook No 1

The first issue of a magazine that's destined to be huge -- a publication that picks up the UK scene where Straight No Chaser left off -- but one that's also in funkier Wax Poetics territory too! The magazine's got the same size and great look of SNC, but covers territory that's even more wider-ranging -- with features on Leroy Burgess, Bhangra album covers, Nigerian music, Detroit underground, DJ Muro, Goya Distribution, and more -- all nestled in nicely amidst bits of graff, nice graphics, and shorter features that expand out even more! There's some great reviews and other news in the issue too -- and the whole thing's in bold color throughout. Dusty Groove

The Budos Band & Chico Mann @ SOBS Tonite!

The Diplomats Of Solid Soul CD Release Part 29/3/08

Soul Kitchen @ Memphis Cafe

Primavera Beat 29/3/08

Latimore My Give A Damn Gave Out Video

I got a message through today from Henry Stone:

Henry Stone Music and LatStone Records are proud to present the very first video from the new Back ‘Atcha CD!

Filmed live at The Blues Is Alright Tour stop at St. Louis Missouri, Latimore is performing to a packed house his smash hit “My Give A Damn Gave Out”.

Check it out right now at the Henry Stone Music Store Back ‘Atcha page! Or head on over to Youtube and see it there. Be sure to post your comment and add it to your video favorites.

Henry Stone Music USA Inc
Henstone Publishing Inc
www.henrystonemusic.com
myspace.com/henrystonemusicusa

Sound Dimension Mojo Rocksteady Beat

The title on this one says it all -- Mojo Rocksteady Beat! The Brentford Road big timers come correct on this explosive Soul Jazz revisitation of their 100% Studio One dynamite tracks! The names of the heavies that rotated through this bunch are already well known: Jackie Mittoo, Vin Gordon aka Don D Junior, Deadly Headly Bennet, Ernest Ranglin, Leroy Sibbles, and more, and the jams here are no less well known, whether it is on their own, or as the mad, soulful rhythm foundation for any of Coxsone's top numbers. 18 earth shaking blasts of Jamaican soul, including "Rockfort Rock", "Funky", 'Real Rock", "Reggae Time", "Mojo Rock Steady", "Drum Song", "Ironside", "Heavy Rock", "In Cold Blood", "Jamaica Underground", "Reggae Time", "Great Mu Ga Ru Ga", and of course, "Mojo Rock Steady". Dusty Groove

Connie Price & The Keystones Tell Me Something

Press Release from Ubiquity:

TO LISTEN / ORDER CPK'S "TELL ME SOMETHING " / CLICK HERE

+ CONNIE PRICE AND THE KEYSTONES PODCAST PT. 1 / LISTEN HERE"

Connie Price and the Keystones are to be praised for their originality and brilliance."- Lalo Schifrin (Grammy Award Winning, Oscar Nominated Composer - Mission: Impossible, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, Cool Hand Luke, Bullitt, Enter the Dragon, THX 1138)

"Connie Price has the 'Key' to success and a sound that's solid as 'Stone'"- Big Daddy Kane"

...the cast of top-notch, mostly West Coast guests thrives, rhyming atop the rich, cinematic productions of CPK’s Dan Ubick and Co. No doubt, these beats can be enjoyed vocal-free on the accompanying instrumental version of this album...Tell Me Something is the rare live hip-hop project where neither the MCs nor the band gets outshone."- XLR8R

"West Coast hip-hop has ventured into the urban and the suburban communities, taking with it a flavor that is undeniably its own. Connie Price & The Keystones have reached this level of authenticity...offering a unique mixture of live instrumentation, hip-hop heads can appreciate the relationship between MCs and the beats that inspire them..."- Vapors

On the follow-up to their Now-Again/Stones Throw album, Connie Price and the Keystones step-up with a heavyweight dynamic soundtrack-inspired hip hop album. While their debut was instrumental, Tell Me Something is the opposite, featuring a marquee-filling list of quality MCs. The legendary Percee P, Wildchild from the Lootpack, Ubiquity-labelmate Ohmega Watts, Soup from Jurassic 5, Blood Of Abraham, Mykah 9 from the Freestyle Fellowship and Project Blowed, plus vocalist Aloe Blacc provide lyrics n’rhymes.

Mustard Greens @ The Cotton Club Wigan 19/4/08

Ready Steady Go @ The Trash Leeds

Raise Your Hand Allnighter 12/4/08

Bert's Apple Crumble @ The Royal Derby

Marie "Queenie" Lyons Soul Fever

A fab reissue from Vampi Soul:

A holy grail of funky music -- the one and only album ever cut by Marie Queenie Lyons, a heck of a hard soul single who's best known for her rare funky 45s! The album is stunning -- every bit as great as any of Marie's singles, and with an incredibly unified sound that should have made the album an instant soul classic as soon as it was released. Think Marva Whitney, Vicki Anderson, Lyn Collins, and other sock-soul divas -- and you've only got part of the picture! Plus, some of the tracks on the set were written by a young Don Pullen, who supposedly also played on the record -- in a rare funky appearance in his pre-avant jazz days. Includes a funky remake of "Fever", plus the cuts "I Don't Want Nobody To Have It But You", "Your Key Don't Fit Anymore", "You Used Me", "Daddy's House", "See & Don't See", "Your Thing Ain't No Good Without My Thing", "I Want My Freedom", and "Try Me". Dusty Groove

Asbury Park 45 Sessions 28/3/08

Nostalgia 77 One Offs, Remixes & B-Sides

Check out this new CD from the Tru Thoughts label:

Nostalgia 77’s “One Offs, Remixes and B-Sides” is testament to his acute and original musical talent and prolific creativity.

This generous double CD is a diverse collection of rare gems, complete with an impressive roll-call of collaborators, which displays Lamdin’s flair as producer, remixer, composer and more. Sit back for the perfect collision – between a host of instrumental pieces and a dazzling array of songs that show Lamdin’s more recent move towards lyrical work – drawing on the stellar performances of eminent vocalists including Corinne Bailey Rae, Bajka and new Tru Thoughts signing Lizzy Parks.

Disc 1 opens with the mesmeric “Quiet Dawn” (Examples of Twelves Remix) featuring sultry vocals from Beth Rowley. The Nostalgia 77 remix of “Knee Deep” by TM Juke is another atmospheric proposition, but on the other end of the mood spectrum, cranking up a palpable tension with layer upon layer of creaky strings. All is then blown away on the breeze that is the exclusive instrumental version of Nostalgia 77’s Little Steps, which floats along next to carry you up to that familiar Nostalgia 77 plain somewhere above the clouds.Wake up though, for Dirty Diggers featuring Nostalgia 77 with “So Grown Up”, Nostalgia composition and Diggers lyrics making a great couple, each adding a new depth to the other [Taken from the Diggers’ album “The Pleasure is All Mine” (Zebra Traffic)]

Continuing to demonstrate the strength in depth among the talent on the Tru Thoughts roster, “Solomon” by Natural Self (Nostalgia 77 Remix) takes another refreshing course. This instrumental is catchy, cheeky, idiosyncratic and irresistible.The Nostalgia 77 remix of Kinny & Horne’s “Forgetting to Remember” sports a gravelly beat that crunches through the verse like sturdy steps on a stately driveway…spine-tingling stuff. Kinny’s jazzy and exquisite vocal and the deep double bass from Riaan Vosloo add to the dazzling effect of this killer song that is left enhanced but mercifully intact by the remix from Nostalgia 77.

The previously unreleased Nostalgia 77 remix of “In Between The Lines” by Bonobo boasts sizzling drums from Graham Fox, Bajka’s bluesy vocals and the bassiest of sax lines. This gritty, stomping tone and a soaring counter-melody, with vocal harmonies towards the tail end of the track, give rich, intertwining layers. Next, The New Mastersounds’ “Your Love is Mine” featuring Corinne Bailey-Rae (Nostalgia 77 Remix). The vocal from Bailey-Rae is characteristically lush and, amid touches of Funk & Jazz innovation, subtly underpinned by the earthiness of an old time Jazz Standard.

Elizabeth Shepherd’s (Do Right Music) “Reversed” (Nostalgia 77 Remix) adds yet another twist to the tale. Wildflower, by Nostalgia 77 featuring a stunning vocal performance from Lizzy Parks, appeared previously as the B Side to the next track here, a remix of “Quiet Dawn”, provided this time by Bonobo. The countless positive reactions to this as a single were only to be expected from the joining of such maestros.The exclusive Grant Phabao remix of Nostalgia 77’s take on “Seven Nation Army” featuring the mighty vocals of Alice Russell is given a reggae makeover yet retains its irresistible appeal to those bluesy jazz enthusiasts who went wild for this cover version “first” time around.

Disc 2 of this set visits a selection of the finest Nostalgia 77 and Octet material, including live recordings of “The Hope Suite” and the previously unreleased “Nativeland”. “The Moon” by Nostalgia 77 featuring Capstone and Lizzy Parks opens with dreamy keys from Capstone (Wah Wah 45s, Ninja Tune) that conjure up evocative harmonies with the jazzy vocals of new Tru Thoughts signing Lizzy Parks. The bass simmering just under the surface all the way through this track, gives it a smoky haze that pays homage to the Jazz classics of years gone by.“The Grass Harp” by Nostalgia 77 Octet is another previously unreleased number and The Octet’s “Impossible Equation” receives its first and well-deserved CD release, having featured previously on a vinyl only. CD2 also boasts beautiful instrumental versions of Nostalgia 77’s “Eastwind” and “Stop To Make A Change”.

The Ironweed Project Dust Bowl

Craig Charles turned me onto this album:

The Ironweed Project is the brainchild of renowned writer, producer and vocalist, Aniff Akinola, founding member of cult manc hip-hop outfit ‘Chapter and the Verse’, co-writer of a Guy Called Gerald’s classic house anthem ‘Voodoo Ray’, co-writer of Kirsty MacColl’s hit ‘Walking Down Madison’ and general co-conspirator of such 90’s electronic luminaries as The Orb, Steve Hillage and The Beloved.

Seeking inspiration for his latest venture, Aniff appears to have taken the same trip to the Mississippi crossroads as legendary bluesman Robert Johnson, but rather than sell his soul to Satan, he merely passed him a bottle of Bourbon and the pair bonded over a love of George Clinton, The KLF and the Delta Blues. Just as Johnson returned from the crossroads as the greatest bluesman in the Delta, Aniff returns home (his soul still intact) a transformed man - an electro-bluesman for the 21st century: ‘Ironweed.’

Checkout the MySpace

The Small Town Bullies @ Zing Bar Ipswich 4/4/08

I gave The Small Town Bullies a shout on IDR after hearing them on the Craig Charles's Funk & Soul Show - check them out!

The Acid Gallery @ The George Tavern

Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves, Live at the Cutting Room NYC 13/2/08

Eli has just tipped me to the above 3 videos.

The Fantastic @ The Jazz Cafe

Pete from The Fantastics let me know of the above on You Tube!

Singing Sam Moore From The Old School

Last week's Soul Discovery had quite a few killer tunes and this guy Singing Sam Moore provided one of them of his album From The Old School.

You can find the album on CD Baby:

Singing Sam Moore was born in Perry County Alabama in a little town called Sprott, just outside of Selma. Sam is the third of nine children. When he was eight years old, his father passed and a few years later his Mom moved the family to Chicago.

Sam’s love of entertaining developed and grew as he listened to and finally joined singing quartets in the hallways of Chicago’s Englewood High School. Many great singers that performed and lived in the city of Chicago also influenced his emerging style: Chuck Bernard, Syl Johnson, Garland Green, Little Milton, and others.

Sam moved with his family to Battle Creek Michigan at the beginning of his senior year in high school. He attended Battle Creek Central High and received vocal coaching under the supervision of Pop Richards who was the school’s musical and choir director.

Sam began his professional career with the original Esquires and was given the nickname “Singing Sam” by Alfred Burch (one of the members of the Esquires). While refining his stylistic blues, Sam performed with Al Green, Junior Walker, Wade Flemons, and Edwin Starr.

Sam left Battle Creek to go on the road as a solo artist. He performed with Garland Green, Bobby Bland, and BB King. He later moved to California to work with Ronnie Laws performing background vocals. Sam was featured as the headliner at some of the most popular nightclubs in Los Angeles including BB King’s House of Blues, The Rubyiat, The Parisian Room, The Pioneer Club, Babe and Ricky’s Inn, Club La Louisianne, and the Living Room.

Sam also became a songwriter while in Los Angeles. His first major recording “I’m Gonna Satisfy You” was produced by Willard Burton and recorded at Paramount Studios. He later wrote and co-produced “Revenge” with the Konkord Record Company in North Hollywood.

Sam recently returned to Battle Creek to form his own production company. “From the Old School” is the first CD to be released by Dare To Dream Production Inc. The CD features eleven original songs and emphasizes Sam’s smooth easy style in R&B, County Rock, and Blues.

Old School

According to his CD Baby blurb:

Old School is a Chicago local performer on the move. His latest release is a compilation of listening pleasure at any age. Don’t let the name fool you. His performance is as explosive as his music. We call him “Old School” because he brings a flair of the music style of what we now call yesterday and he dresses up, not down – do you remember? The arrangements and creativity of these original selections are pleasurable and fun. ENJOY!

Old School is a talented musician who plays the guitar and keyboards. He also writes, arranges and produces Gospel and R&B music. If you are looking for great music and a great performer, you are looking for Old School.

Endurance A Few More Miles

I heard Endurance for the first time last Sunday on Soul Discovery. You can listen to their latest album over on CD Baby:

ENDURANCE is Carl Stewart, Claude Cummings, Michael Robertson and Earl Sampson. Carl Stewart, Windsor Village UMC, Claude Cummings, Fifth Ward MBC, Michael Robertson, Brookhollow BC, Earl Sampson, Pleasant Grove BC, these four spirit filled gentlemen are all Houston, Texas natives. Claude, Michael and Earl are Kashmere High School classmates who reunited some years ago to pursue a life long dream, which was to sing God's praises and share a message of hope and deliverance. These three along with Carl have been blessed by God to complete their second CD project. There are several who worked with Endurance over the years and the end result is a collection of uplifting song renditions filled with demonstrations of range and diversity from the marvelous talents God has blessed them with.

Their first CD Project, “A Few More Miles” has truly blessed the hearts of many people, the title song, A Few More Miles serves to remind us all that we are just pilgrims passing through while “Do Right” teaches us how to live holy in this world, and “New Way” is a testimony to the Christian life, and it is uplifting to all who have heard it.

The second CD Project “He’ll Make A Way” is composed of up tempo tunes, such as the title song “He’ll Make A Way”, “Oh What A Joy”, “Get Your Life Right”, that will surely make you clap and sing along, while "God Can Make It Better" "Ain’t God Good", “Gates of Heaven” and “Thankful” will touch your inner soul with a feeling of warmth. The Hit Christmas Single “Reason For The Season” is a perfect reminder of what Christmas is all about and is ideal for broadcast during the upcoming Holiday Season.

Endurance has its own record label, SCCME® (the Sounds of Carl, Claude, Mike and Earl) Records and production company, RAVE.

In addition to their Ministry as recording Artists, Endurance serves the community by living their motto “Reaching God’s People Through Song”. They volunteer as members of Justified Ministries and have gone behind prison walls to minister to inmates, both at the Jack Keegan State Jail in Houston and the Darrington Unit in Rosharon, Texas. They are in the process of setting up engagements to minister in song to inmates on the Texas death row. They have sang to the employees at Methodist Hospital to encourage them to stay uplifted as they work with patients that they see on a daily basis.

Endurance has worked with Angel Lewis and Evening Praise Ministries for two years, the toy drive in 2004 benefited all underprivileged children in Harris County and in 2005 the drive benefited Katrina and Rita Hurricane victims. When asked to do so, Endurance participates in all charities that benefit any and all underprivileged men, women, boys and girls. Realizing the severity of Pediatric HIV/AIDS, Endurance gives $1.00 to the Pediatric Aids Foundation from the sale of each CD that is purchased online through their website.

Endurance is the 2005 Winners of the Texas Gospel Music Awards Best Male Group and Best Quartet, the 2006 recepients of the AGQC'S New Nation Award and the sophomore project "He'll Make A Way" is ranked #1 by Gospel USA Magazine Top 30 Independent Gospel Chart December 2005-January 2006.

Rock'N'Soul @ Cock Tavern London

Foundation Presents Replife & DJ Simons 4/4/08

FOUNDATION in association with THE OTHER SIDE RADIO SHOW 98.7FMFriday 4th April 2008 (8pm - 2am)presents...REPLIFE (Oakland, USA) DJ SIMON S (Futuristica Music)

The Replife sound is often described as a fusion of hip-hop, nu soul, nu jazz, and broken beat. Starting at the young age of 12, Rep gained national recognition as a poet and rapper over a decade ago. But in 2001, replife decided to hang up his microphone, believing that his days as a performance artist had passed him by. Settling into a career as an award-wining journalist, columnist, and editor; replife never intended to perform again…Fast forward to the year 2004 – triggered by a run-in with aLIVE, a young producer from the Cleveland-based hip hop group the Muamin Collective, Rep was thrown back into the studio recording up to five songs a week. 3-years later, he would find himself working on his recently completed LP, “The Unclosed Mind” (Futuristica Music) with artists like Dego of 4Hero, Kaidi Tatham from the Bugz camp, Marc De Clive Lowe, Atjazz, Bembe Segue, Deborah Jordan and more. "One of the freshest MC's out there" - Gilles Peterson

SAMMY GOULBOURNE (The Other Side)...plus resident djs
PAUL HOBBS, CHRIS HARDWAY and MYKALALWAYS FREE ENTRY, NO DRESS CODE
The Yardbird Jazz Club Paradise Place Birmingham B3 3HJ**

ALSO LOOK OUT FOR:FOUNDATION presents... THE RESIDENTS SESSION
with DJ DEXTER DEX (Birmingham)
@ The Yardbird Jazz Club - Friday 11th April 2008
FREE ENTRYFor more information:

info@foundationcollective.com or visit:

http://www.myspace.com/foundationcollective

Soul Sessions 28/3/08

Hal Singer & Jef Gilson Soul Of Africa

A groundbreaking set of work from the team of Jef Gilson and Hal Singer -- a uniquely cross-cultural session recorded in the Paris scene of the 70s, and easily some of the best work ever from both musicians! Singer's probably best remembered on these shores for his older R&B tenor work of the 50s -- but sometime during the 60s, he moved over to Paris, where he cut some mighty great music -- including the legendary Paris Soul Food album, which predates this one by a few years. Gilson was always a great artist on the French scene -- a modern pianist whose work of the 60s was always fresh and new, and a player who moved into more of a world jazz sensibility as the 70s approached. Together, both players work some real magic here -- deep soul from Singers tenor, sharper tones from Gilson's piano -- and a range of weird and wonderful notes from other players who include Bernard Lubat on vibes, Jacky Samson on bass, Frank Raholison on drums, and both Del Rabenja and Gerard Rakotoarivony on percussion -- really helping the record live up to its "Africa" title! Samson's bass is especially amazing -- roundly-toned, and incredibly soulful -- as much so as his legendary work with Marco DiMarco, but pitched slightly differently here -- and titles include "The High Life", "Liberation", "Mother Africa", "Chant Inca", and "Garvey's Strut". Plus, as an added bonus the CD also features 2 incredible earlier tracks by Gilson -- material recorded with Lloyd Miller back in the 60s -- playing "micro organ" and balaphon, with a sound that's almost even more haunting than the main album. Other players include "Pierre Caron on tenor and Alain Tabar-Nouval on alto -- and titles include "Le Grand Bidou" and "Fable Of Gutenberg". (Dusty Groove)

The Dictionary Of Blues & Soul in Mojo March Edition

I forgot to mention this excellent free CD in the latest Mojo magazine:

Doin' The) Boom Boom -- Eli 'Paperboy' Reed & The True Loves
Necessary Evil -- Edgar "Jones" Jones
Chicken Hall -- The Sugarman 3
What Have You Done? -- Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens
If This Ain't Love -- Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators
No Smoke Without Fire -- James Hunter
Return To Gijon -- The New Mastersounds
100 Days, 100 Nights -- Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Hard Times -- Watermelon SlimSo He Won't Break -- The Black Keys
Blackeyedsusan -- Jose James
Nobody's Fault But Mine -- Beth Rowley
Things Go Up -- Seasick Steve
I Don't Like The Man I Am -- Pete Molinari
Let Us Get Together -- Marie Knight

Also go over to Mojo's website to hear 3 other tracks:

THE MOJO POST bag has already been sundered with praise for this month’s covermount CD, The New Dictionary Of Blues & Soul. Reflecting a renaissance in old-school soul, blues and R&B stylings on both sides of the Atlantic, it draws together the best contemporary purveyors of same, from Nicole Willis, Edgar Jones, Eli Reed, James Hunter, The Black Keys, Seasick Steve, Sharon Jones and more.

So overwhelmed by choice were we, that we had to leave three brilliant tracks off the final CD. But thanks to the glorious wonder of the interweb, you can hear them online instead:

1. Ian Siegal – Revelator
2. The Budos Band – Ghost Walk
3. Congregation – Dose Of Hell

Eddie Floyd with Bamboos @ Prince Bandroom St Kilda 11/4/08

Lost & Found @ Make-Out Room

Eddie Bo In The Pocket

Eddie Bo is one of the most important and least known of the great funksters of the 60's and 70's. What we proudly present here is a complete vision this New Orleans genious as perfomer, composer, and producer. The only compilation or anthology with the complete picture!! From his early and formative years to the present days, and including both his own recordings and his productions for other artists. And of course the music comes together with a MASSIVE essay, biography, and liner notes penned by journalist/specialist Bryce White, to ensure you learn everything from the right source! (Vampi Soul)

One of the most comprehensive collections of work we've ever seen on Eddie Bo -- a really well-done set that finally gets at the full range of his massive funky talents -- including a host of rare singles done for a variety of other artists as well! Despite the dates in the title, most of the music here is from the 60s and 70s -- music from those glorious years of New Orleans soul and funk -- when it seemed like the Crescent City groove could never stop, thanks to the efforts of Eddie and some of his contemporaries! There's a massively heavy groove to most of the numbers here -- an emphasis on the funkiest side of Eddie Bo's sound, especially when he's working in the studio with other singers in the lead -- and even if you've got some other Eddie Bo reissues in your collection, there's plenty fresh stuff here that makes this one well worth owning. LP notes are great too -- a full history of Eddie's long career and all its different chapters. 30 tracks in all -- including "Funky Yeah" and "Shelly's Rubber Band" by Curley Moore & The Cool Ones, "What's Good To You (part 1)" and "The La La Man (part 1)" by Oliver Morgan, "Horse With A Freeze (part 1)" by Roy Ward, "Timber (parts 1 & 2)" by Candy Phillips, "Can I Be Your Main Squeeze" by Chuck Carbo, "I'm A Carpenter (part 1)" by David Robinson, "Garden Of Our Trees" by The Explosions, "Reborn" by Marilyn Barbarin, "Live It Up" by James K-Nine, "Mama Here Comes The Preacher" by Doug Anderson, ""Something You Got" by Barbara George" -- and the tracks "Chained", "When The Fingers On The Funk", "Rubber Band", "Getting To The Middle", "Check Your Bucket", "Lover & Friend", "Can You Handle It", "Fallin In Love Again", "Gotta Have More", and "We Like Mambo" all by Eddie Bo. (Dusty Groove)

Soul-A- Go-Go @ The Laundry Fitzroy 5/4/08

The Maze 28/3/08

Soul Discovery 23/3/08

Mick O'Donnell (MO'D) presented another wonderful Soul Discovery on Sunday featuring "The Soul Round Table" consisting of soul collectors Brian Goucher (BG), Mark Merry (MM), Kevin Oxberry KO and Paul Thrower (PT).

You can listen again here:

Cambridge 105FM

www.209radio.co.uk

souldiscovery@209radio.co.uk

Sunday 12.00-15.00

Archived show is currently available 23.3.08

http://209radio.co.uk/shows/profile...w=souldiscovery

Here is the guy's playlist with who chose the track indicated by their initials:

Jerry Butler “Stop Steppin’ On My Dream” (Mercury) MO’D

Bernard “Never Turnin’ Back” (B.S) MO’D

Denise Lasalle “Lady In The Street” (Malaco) B.G.

Chosen Gospel Recovery Singers “I Just Want To Say” (Parliament) M.M.

Mary Gresham “You’ve Been Doing” (Soulscape) K.O.

Dramatics “Got My Pride” (NCI) P.T.

The Rhythm Allstars feat: Geoff McBride“What You Wont Do For Love” (Jomar Promo) MO’D

Johnny Gill “My My My (Live)” (Motown) B.G.

Samuel Ham & MOG (S.H.) M.M.

Chuck Strong “Are You Having Affair” (S.M.) K.O.

Bill Brantley “Love Sweet Vibration” (SS7) P.T.

Fathers Children “Key To My Heart” (FC) MO’D

Joe Coleman “So Much In Love) (Infinity) B.G.

Singing Sam Moore “I Want You Back” (Dare To Dream) M.M.

Endurance “A Few More Miles” (SCCME) K.O.

Hurricane “Been Such A Long time” (RBEG) P.T.

Rhythm Allstars feat: Geoff McBride “I’ll Work For You” (Jomar Promo) MO’

DAdeva “You’re No1 In My Book” (Virgin) B.G.

JJ. Johnson “Slow Jam” (R&S) B.G.

Natalie Cole “Say You Love Me” (Elektra) K.O.

Terry Garmon “Anyway” (Expansion) P.T.

Spirit “My Dreams” (Night Mood Promo) MO’D

Ray Charles “Fresh Out Of Tears” (WB) B.G.

The Chestnut Bros “Come To Me” (CB) M.M.

Stanley Baird “So In Love (With You)” (Saxony) K.O.

Split 2nd “There’s Where I Want You” (A-Flat) P.T.

Duane Williams “Yes My Love Is Real” (Soul Junction Promo) M.M.

Luther Barnes “Till He Comes” (Air) B.G.

Pieces Of Peace “I Still Care” (Pop) M.M.

Yvonne Hodges “Heavy Thing To Do” (Guinness) K.O

Old School “Just A Man In Love” (Clef) P.T.

Roy C “Still In Love” (Three Gems) MO’D

Wilson Pickett “It Ain’t Game” (Blues) B.G.

The Impressions “Eternally Blue” M.M

Friends “I’ve Got Jesus” (Toc) K.O.

David Peoples “To Get My Broom Out” (Saru) P.T.

Maurice & The ET Group “It’s Been Revealed” (Glomar) B.G.

George Kerr “Takin’ It” (G.K.) M.M.

Sheba Potts Wright “I Can Give It Like Woman” (Ecko) K.O.

Positive Sounds “I Almost Blew My Mind” (Shiptown) P.T.

The Apples Live @ The Magnet Liverpool 5/4/08

Hank "Soul Man" Mullen He Upset Your Dreams

A new imprint from the Daptone peeps:

We are proud to announce the launch of our new imprint, EVER-SOUL Records, extending a careful selection of timeless vintage recordings to our customers. Daptone Records house of soul is musician-owned and run, as much as we see our reflection in the sound of bygone powerhouses like Stax and Motown, we also feel special empathy and affection for the smaller independent soul artist and effort. Daptone owes a special debt and feels a warm kinship to the example and aesthetic of these past artists and their recordings. Daptone’s Gabe Roth, Neal Sugarman, joined with David Griffiths in common accord to produce this past year’s Bob & Gene/ MODO project, in likeminded interest the trio hope to extend that vision here. So, Daptone goes forward, anxious to use this new arm of our company to tell the story of some of Soulful music’s little known sounds that continue to guide us today.

Our debut release, Hank Mullen’s ‘He Upset Your Dreams’ b/w ‘Listen’, is a record for which we have special affection . . . The A side is an up-tempo Grover concerning the saddest subject of all; not one, but two broken hearts.

An excellent 45 - give it a blast over on the Ever-Soul MySpace.

Here's some info on Hank "Soul Man" Mullen:

The Avengers formed in Buffalo, NY in the mid ‘60s and toured as a dynamic show with three very different vocalists: Hank Mullen, Moe Jones and Carlena Weaver; they released two singles in fall of 1970 on the homegrown/financed Audel imprint. Through then manager, all around music hustler and Macon, Georgia native James Reese, the Avengers traveled to Capricorn Records Studio (Macon, GA) for a session in October of ’70. “Listen” & “He Upset Your Dreams” were penned by two staff writers: Earl Simms & Alan Osborne for then Walden Artists and Productions, under the publishing Redwal Music (Redwal was formed in 1965 by Otis Redding, Phil & Alan Walden. Earl Simms was first Otis Redding’s, later Arthur Conley’s road manager and wrote Conley’s 1968 hit, ‘Funky Street’.) In the ‘70s the group toured the Midwest and the South as backing band for Eddie Floyd, Arthur Conley, Betty Wright and Betty Swan. Carlena additionally has a lone 45 on William Nunn’s MO-DO imprint and spent time singing with the Ikettes. Sadly, soon after the records release, Hank Mullen, then in his mid twenties, died tragically due to a heart attack.