Paul Mooney's Best Of 2007

Next year, I intend on inviting some of my old friends to contribute to the blog. To kick things off I have asked Paul Mooney to contribute his reflections on his soul highlights of 2007.

I have known Paul for many years from his time as a writer for the UK Black Echoes newspaper and as someone I bought many deep soul sides off back in the 80's. Paul had his first label Ardent back in the 80's/90's on which he released some fine music by G.C. Cameron, Sam Dees and others. He worked for many years at Grapevine Records which issued a whole batch of high quality soul music. He now runs Millbrand Music which has it's own labels Selecta and Shotgun as well as a publishing arm.

Over to Paul:

For me the musical highlights of 2007 were essential new albums by BETTYE LAVETTE, MAVIS STAPLES, LAMAR THOMAS and SHARON JONES.

I've also enjoyed new music by Butch Williams, Ann Nesby, Simone De, George Soule, Sharon McMahan, Kashious, Al Lindsay, Patrick Harris, Bobby Hutton, Marcelle & The Truth, Oak III, Lee Fields, Big Joe Louis and the WaCo Ramblers.

My tip for crossover success in 2008 is ELI 'PAPERBOY' REED & THE TRUE LOVES. I hope the long-awaited debut album includes my favourites "Am I Just Fooling Myself", "It's Easier" and "Take My Love With You".

Eli Reed

2007 was another great year for reissues and it's always an added bonus when previously unheard material is found in the vaults. My favourite vintage discoveries were "Walking The City Streets" by GEORGE JACKSON on Kent and "You Better Keep What You Got" by ROZETTA JOHNSON on Shotgun and Soulscape.

Grapevine/Soul Junction came to an end after seven years but I've been busy running Millbrand Music and our Selecta and Shotgun labels. I've also continued to work with Garry Cape and enjoyed helping him to establish Soulscape Records which already has a strong catalogue of albums including BILL BRANDON, TONY BORDERS, ROZETTA JOHNSONand others.

Next year Soulscape will dig deeper into the Malaco, Quinvy / South Camp and Minaret catalogues so there's a lot more to look forward to - including albums by MARY GRESHAM and DORIS ALLEN.I am particularly proud of the Soulscape album 'Personal Woman' by ROZETTA JOHNSON. I'm biased of course but it really was my favourite classic soul album of 2007.

It's a privilege to work in the music industry and I'm thankful that 2007 was another busy and successful year. We signed many new publishing deals at Millbrand Music, including Jim Lancaster's historic Southern Americana / Chu-Fin catalogues, the Notes of Gold / House of Orange catalogues, Hayboogie Music and classic songs by the late Kim Tolliver.
We also issued some wonderful singles on Selecta / Shotgun by SHEBA POTTS-WRIGHT, BOBBY HUTTON, SIMONE DE, DAVID SEA and ROZETTA JOHNSON. The response was very encouraging and I'm looking forward to 2008 which will start off with the amazing "Fool Of The Year" by SAM DEES.

Simone De

At Millbrand we became more involved in media licensing this year and I was delighted to place ten classic soul songs in a new movie called 'Clubbed' which will be released in 2008. Our featured songs are by SAM DEES, LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY, DOROTHY NORWOOD, BOBBY HUTTON, TONY COOK, CAROL ANDERSON, DAVID BATISTE & THE GLADIATORS, LORRAINE JOHNSON and BOB RELF who passed away in November after a long illness. I'll miss him as a friend and a valued client.

I was also pleased to place the soulful ballad "Testimony of A Fool" by BOBBY PURIFY in the 'Clubbed' soundtrack on behalf of writers Dan Penn, Carson Whitsett (deceased) and Bucky Lindsey who are represented by Lisa Best.

Best wishes to everyone and thanks for all your support and encouragement,

Paul Mooney

www.millbrand.com

Thanks to Paul for his contribution. I will be inviting Paul back in the New Year to host a guest mix of his favourite deep soul sides.