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A seriously good and consistent album. In the Neo Soul or Organic Soul categorisation but is more than that with jazzy, reggae, drum and bass beats and influences

Ketch a Vibe, the title track sets the mood, feel good but easing in and out, almost spoken but then soulfully sung over a fast drumbeat, almost freestylin'. 'Love' has a nice reggae groove with jazz undertones and changes, again there's a free flow to the lyric.

Faith is a complete life story, A Julie Dexter biog to a jazzy beat. I remember Handsworth Revolution, bought it at the time, groundbreaking British Reggae, saw them live many times.....the Klan mask eh? Rocking against Racism. 'How can you feel' also has a light reggae vibe, nice horns, hard hitting lyrics, personal I don't know, feeling it yes. 'God bless the Dub' is a nice interlude.

'What do I do' was featured on Organic Soul 2 and has a jazzy organic laid back feel. 'Thats Livin' is also downbeat and jazzy but has an easier vocal. 'Walk with me' I don't care for too much laid back and sung spoken with a chorus cutting in. I have to confess to being more of a verse and chorus man and some of this genre therefore goes over my head. This one falls into that category.

'I Dream' gets me back on track, we have looked at the past and now we have an upbeat look to the future. 'How Long' is mellow and jazzy. 'Movin On' is even mellower, bit of acoustic in there and good sax break.

A very strong album, well performed, very now, good songs, good production.

This one out of Lester and Monika Goodwine's LFP records in Boston, the home of James Aldridge as well. 'Tricia Kelly has arrived with an upbeat soulful get your groove on, 2002 release. With musical style of 70's disco and soulful banade. Led by a cast of veteran talent, Keep on Movin offers a sound that is not normally associated with Boston. Vocalist Composer Tricia Kelly and LFP producer Lester Goodwine place the craft of songwriting above hit writing. This is real band music, No one guy with a keyboard around here' says the blurb.

This album is so instant, no getting into. From the first play you find yourself knowing the songs. It is predominantly upbeat, happy toe tapping soul. Clear roots in the 70's but with a sharp sound of today. I particularly like 'That someone' which has a beat and a tempo for today's Modern Soul rooms.

The title track starts with a classical piano before the old school beat kicks in, a good pastiche, it has all the breaks, the lyrics, the strings and delivery of back in the day, yet somehow it doesn't feel like a retrospective. 'So into you' also has an old feel but is mellower and allows the vocal to come through more. If the opening track is a Shalamar then this is the Whispers.

'Show me' brings it down, a six minute ballad with an excellent vocal, in your head chorus, some nice acoustics. I come back to this but the ease of the album is exceptional, the feel good nature of the whole thing and the way it instantly grabs you. (Maybe too instant, or do I mean commercial, for the purist, or do I mean snob).

'I've got you' also is upbeat, roots in the past but still sounds fresh for today. If Anastacia can do it then I reckon Tricia can. Down beat again for 'I'm not ready', but again lyrically heartfelt and a short chorus that sticks.

'How do I stop loving you' - I don't know the story behind this but according to the notes this is an unreleased demo from 1984. It is Tricia and piano and illustrates how she can handle a standard and that there is power in this voice. It also leads me to mention that all the other tracks on the album are written by Tricia, illustrating not only her versatility but that the style is where she wants to be. Closing upbeat with 'Bad Habit', bit funkier and nice horns

Excellently put together in all ways (I mean we have strings and horns and this is an independent album) by Lester and his crew, I think he may well have come up with something here.

The debut album from UK soul and funk band Haramb¾ - well one piece of the press pack said it was but another said it was their third! This album will hit the streets in February 2003 distributed by Absolute/Universal. In the meantime it can be purchased online at http://www.peaceworkmusic.net/ or htp://www.jaggedmusic.com

The group are Dean Gannon - vocals, Karl Clews - bass, Gerard Blyth - guitar, Michael Koderisch - keyboards, Martin Andrews - drums, Mark Mullin - percussion sax and backing vocals with Ali Zwerger - backing vocals. White Elephant is a small independent label set up by producer and musician Karl Clews in assiociation with Patrick Ruane of On The Run Productions. Harambe are the first signing.

Influences in evidence are the likes of Gil Scott Heron, Meters, maybe Marvin Gaye, the album is an amalgam of influences, jazz funk, soul and rock, put together with enthusiasm and a good production. I would imagine that the band are very good live and would not sound too different to this. However I have tried so much to get into this because I would like to, and indeed will do encourage good UK talent - they are good I can appreciate that but I regret to say that it doesn't hit home with me.

'We got Soul' is one of those feel good, get on up tracks which I would hazard a guess is the opening track on live gigs.'Roots' is very Jamiroquoi in vocal delivery, that spoken kind of laid back pseudo funk. I cannot really see where the band is coming from lyrically, certainly as evidenced on these first two tracks. They certainly seem to be thought provoking and hard hitting. 'Push' is a jazzier, acid jazz track with a harder bassline.

'Lazy' is a nice mellow jazz thing with haunting overdubs. 'The Preacher' another Acid Jazz cut with a 'socio-political message. 'Radio Harambe' is where Gil Scott Heron walks in. 'Touch Me' I quite like, the vocals are less contrived against an Acid, almost drum and bass backdrop. 'Casually Cruel' is the nearest to a true funk track and is probably the pick of the album for me. 'Lifesaver' 'At this distance'

The whole things for me lacks a sincerity, a feel, although I wish them well.

An interesting package hit me the other day from Atlanta Georgia from an outfit called Zuudiakus. Apart from the fact that Jas's Cd is one of those irritating promos that chop every cut after a minute and a half, and the videos are US and therefore not compatible to mine so I have'nt been able to see it yet, this looks as if this is something to pursue further, and I certainly will be doing, particularly Jas Tunica El.

Jas Tunica El sounds particularly interesting from the snippets in evidence. A strong soulful vocal , yet very now, free flowing wide ranging and very different ranging through soul, R'n'B house funk and blues.

'Comforted' sounds very strong neo soul - I'd definitely like to hear the full cut of this. 'Hush Yo Mouth' is to be the lead single, with a somewhat tortured vocal, hip hop beats

'Right Now - Herbal House Mix' sounds a bit messy but may come into it's own on a decent mix, but I think I'm going to prefer the more soulful cuts. 'It's hard for me to stay' is a very spaced out ambient thing. 'Slow Down' takes us back to a more soul vibe but funkier and a bit Caribbean. 'Wanted - Friend' has a modern jazzy kind of feel but I think I'd rather hear the singing straight.

Sounds very promising and I look forward to getting a proper copy!

El Mo'roonz is I have to say more difficult for me. It is a spoken word album, as opposed to rap or hip hop. This is a debut album in Louisiana slang for Fire Water. Lu - T is the main man and the narratives are serene over some excellent beats, kind of a mellow hip hop but more ambient. The words are very meaningful, thought provoking and easier to take in than some hip hop, but I'm not sure. Tracks here are The Lion, Instrumental, Ev'ry Man needs a woman, Instrumental, Hook Groove, Instrumental.

Don't let the label put you off this is brand new, don't let the label put you off this is not Northern Soul. Though if you're into Northern Soul and you pick this up (if you can) because of what it looks like then you will not be disappointed, so long as you approach it with an open ear (which is often very difficult I know!!!!).

This is a limited edition promo release tastefully done on the Okeh imprint. Ebony Alleyne is a brand new artist for Sony and her first album will be forthcoming in the new year, and this is just a taster.

The two cuts in evidence were written by Ebony, Ian Levine and Clive Scott, produced by the latter pairing. Music by Snake Davis and the Suspicions and orchestration by the Urban Soul Orchestra.

Now, of course, Okeh wasn't a Northern label anyway, just that many top Northern sides happened to be on that label. The label is historically relevant, and included many top Soul and R'n'B sides and artists. I'm not sure that this falls into that perspective but it sure looks nice.

As for the grooves, which are, what matters to me the top side is a mellow, slow to mid tempo builder. It's kind of like say a Dionne Warwick track in both style and delivery. The vocal is not particularly strong but has a certain sensuousness. The song is well produced and the strings are a delight, not overpowering put lilting in and out and helping the track build to it's climax.

'Count the days' is a ballad, the kind of ballad that sticks in your mind, and is extremely pleasant on the ear. It is not hard and soulful, it is not retro, it is not urban, it is almost middle of the road if that genre still exists, though it usually gets dubbed smooth or adult orientated these days. It will be interesting to see whether this is typical and how the album will be marketed in due course. But I am sure with the might of the label behind it, it will go far and I wish it every success.

Nigel's website is at nigelgeorge - Nigel is a singer songwriter from Las Vegas, Nevada and has recently been performing in Las Vegas as part of the show EFX where he sang alongside David Cassidy. For now we will concentrate on this album released in April 2002. Nigel's first album on his own label. We will hopefully feature an interview with Nigel in the coming months.

The album is put together with Keith Nelson who co wrote the songs and produced the album. The album generally has a good professional feel to it, there is an easy comfortable vocal style and production which works on the mellow and the 'get down' tracks.

'Ready for Me', the title track and one of the highlights is a smooth but beat'y slow jam in a modern R'n'B style, something akin to Brian McKnight. This is far better than a lot of material coming out of the majors for sure. Continuing inna R'n'B stylee but much more punchy and upbeat is 'Shake that Jelly', with a vibe that will cut up the dancefloors.

'Flesh of my flesh' is more of a soul groove and reminded me very much of 'Nightshift' in feel but with sensual lyrics. 'When I cry' brings it back down with a moving, haunting sweet ballad. We have an acoustic feel to 'How can this be the end' which allows the vocal to dominate - not one of my favourite cuts, but nonetheless emphasises Nigel's versatility.

Harder bassline and more spoken, R'n'B hip hop style vocals on 'She's my woman' with echo-ey second track vocals weaving in and out. I'm sure that this more neo soul beat will grow on me but on the first few plays I found the drum track messy but it does have the kind of persistent, commercial beat that I am sure will win through. 'Haters' with hard hitting lyrics over one of those rock beat items, I could see a bit of Michael Jackson in there.

'Can I be with you' is a mellow soul ballad. 'Our time' is principally piano and vocal in the higher ranges on a very nice building ballad. 'No greater love' continues in this groove but with more instrumentation and choral work. This track is excellent which is handled well and illustrates again how comfortable Nigel is in the upper regions. The first two tracks on the album are maybe the pick, one for a modern slowie and one for having dancefloor potential, but in terms of quality this one probably just takes it. 'Larry's girl' is very pop and not very memorable I have to say. Closing with a piece of soulful gospel - 'Bless you Lord'.

Clearly a talent and there has been some recognition and this album only enhances that. A great debut album showing good style and sufficient versatility and awareness that could/will pick up in today's market place.

Great compilation this out of Lamar's stable Thomtay, a mix of Soul, R'n'B, Hip Hop, Inspirational and house.

Lamar Thomas's own cuts are - 'Life and love' - Raw House and Instrumental, and original album soul Mixes and 'Hold On (House Mix). Life and Love is well known and one I was playing big time last year, personally I still prefer the straight original mix and I don't think it quite works on the house mix. However Hold On certainly does and I like this a lot. Good uplifting soulful house which builds and builds.

Thomas and Taylor - What you gonna do - Mr and Mrs Thomas feature here on the 'Inspirational' cut. Good strong beat on a track that could feature in the Modern rooms of the UK. Questioning gospel lyrics.

Felicia Lundy - Friday straight and soul bonus mix - Strong, catchy R'n'B (of the current trend), bit of a girlie song, the Soul Bonus mix being slightly stronger ('I'll be with you in a minute aa-ight', is that you Maari?)

Mari - 'Love me right' straight and True Soul Dance Mix 'Little misunderstandin' - For just a little thing Mari has such a powerful voice and 'Love me right' especially the Soul dance mix is a great song, well delivered, with gospel overtones in the backing. 'Little misunderstandin' is a ballad allowing the vocals to strongly feature, bit of old skool to this when the backing kicks in.

Gladyz Elaine 'The Morning'- title cut for this album, slow moody r'n'b /hip hop. Nice groove to this, easy flowing hip hop.

Shziggz 'For the brothers''Yeah Yeah (winner click) - Continuing the hip hop theme two cuts by Shziggz, one I like a lot, the other I don't particularly care for. For the Brothers is the one for me, laid back, almost spoken and reminds me of a lot of French Hip Hop, but I'm not aware of any French Connection. Nice beats and samples and hook.

A fine sampler with Lamar and his team broadening out into many of the current genres. He/they succeed in most but I hope it doesn't spread things to thinly, or confuse the right direction. However, it's difficult to see what the right direction is!

A new promo CD from the UK based Fly by Nature. The band have metamorphosised into a line up that feature sTerry Joe on all vocals, and Roy Williamson on bass, keyboards, production and arranging. The outfit are looking for gigs to promo this so if you can help in any way at all let me know or contact Roy on flybynature@ukgateway.net.

This is not an easy mini album to get into, the sound is quite complex yet simple!, jazzy, groovy yet soulful and sophisticated. The jazzy groove gives it a kind of freestyle and Terry eases vocally over the bassy beats.

5 tracks are showcased here 'Shadow', 'Sugar for my Soul', 'When all is said and done', 'So fly', 'Platform lifeline'. As I said the cuts are not instant and if you're like me you will need to revisit them, but do persevere, as they certainly grow on you. The piano led third track is more of a ballad and less beat'y than the others. 'Sugar' has become my favourite cut, as I like the beats and the grooves. 'Platform Lifeline' if you want to pigeon hole is the nearest to a neo soul groove

Generally I felt that Terry strayed into the higher ranges a bit too much.

There is a basis of quality here and I would like to get to see them, so here's hoping I will

A compilation from Stefano Oggiano and Michele Boeri, the guys behind the great and informative website at http://www.lapellenera.com/

Jeff Perry - Love don't come no stronger (Than yours and mine) - Big track from 1975, that as I recall was quite big at the time coming out on a 12". Good to see it being picked up on. Seems that nearly everything under the name of Perry has a pretty reasonable chance of being pretty darn good.

Bottom & Co - Gonna find a true love - One of the biggest Crossover sounds of recent years, rare motown and a big big sound.

Smokey Robinson - Ever had a dream - Didn't know this and it is a fine choice from a 1979 album, unmistakably Smokey and this eases along in a nice midtempo danceable groove.

Brown Sugar - The game is over (What's the matter with you) - Brilliant 70's Philly from the pen and control of Vince Montana Junior, and great to see this getting a release. Massive and in demand.

Temptations - Aiming at your heart - Nice selection from the Temptations and produced by the great Thom Bell.

Gloria Gaynor - This love affair - almost broke through a bit back, this is sort of diva, sort of disco, eases along but for me lacks that final punch, though pleasant enough.

Cornelius Brothers & Sisters Rose - Big Time Lover - I like the Cornelius Brothers and Sisters Rose even though their albums are pretty much easy listening. The lead voice is certainly one that hits and the harmonies and catchiness takes this home. One that is instantly likeable, but enduringly likeable I'm not so sure.

Esther Phillips - Changin' - One of the voices I suppose, and one that I do like but sometimes, and on this one for example, I think she overdoes her 'uniqueness', if that makes sense. A big sound though nonetheless in both oldies and modern rooms.

Dells - Don't want nobody - The awesome and unmistakable Dells whose quality and longevity cuts it in any era.

General Johnson - Don't walk away - Another one with a distinctive voice and one who can come up with enjoyable and popular dancers, there is in fact a new album by his Chairmen of the Boards getting plays and accolades right now. This one is a solo outing from 1976.

Originals - Good lovin is just a dime away - Lamont Dozier produced in 1975. Hard as it is to pick a favourite from this album this would come pretty close. A top cut indeed that goes down well anywhere, anytime.

Gloria Scott - What am I gonna do - Lots going for this at the time of release, Casablanca label big at the time, Barry White production but never really made. 'A case of too much lovemaking' has been so big in recent years to the point of being over done perhaps. This one for me however is a better track, nice groove, nice voice.

Tata Vega - I need you now- 1978 Motown, Brian and Eddie Holland penned, Good production , good groove but I find the vocal a bit too strained for my liking.

Eugene Record - Overdose of Joy - This one has been released recently on another compilation but I assume it will still feature on any UK issue. Unmistakeable vocals, easy soulful groove and a top sound in many of the disparate sub genres that make up the UK Soul Scene. Hey it's just Soul!

Dynamic Superiors - One Nighter - Brilliant cut from an underrated group. Ashford Simpson written, produced and quality stamp. Slow introduction but when the song proper kicks in - wow!

Bobby Womack - How could you break my heart - Another unmistakable voice of Soul. Great to see this included - but although this wuold be great by any other person's standards it oesn't hit Bobby's highest peks

An excellent album oozing with quality, easy, midtempo, classy soul sounds. Probably in these days of confusing genres and sub genres this is post Northern and not quite as Modern as is going down these days, but quality nonetheless. You are as likely, if not more likely, to hear most of these in the Northern Room than the Modern Room. Coming out in the UK I believe with presumably the same track listing, although that doesn't always follow with licensing arrangements.