DOME RECORDS

Much heralded 16 Track compilation including some excellent tracks by some of the current 'vogue' artists (both UK & US) on the Soul and R'n'B scene in the UK over the past year or so - with most tracks come from the last 3 years.

The opener is Would you mind by Charlie Wilson- a great slice of Modern R'n'B from the 'Bridging the Gap' album, previously not available in the UK. Moving on to the Modern Gospel - Soul Sound of Darwin Hobbs with the Tommy Sims penned - Everyday - a track that has taken Modern Soul venues by storm. Then to Tommy Sims himself continuing the same groove with - A New Jam, again first time release for the UK. The Tommy Sims trio of tracks ends with Anointed - That'll do it.

The masterful Rahsaan Patterson continues with - Treat you like a queen - Rahsaan for me ranks with the best of the current soul artists and this mellow cut ranks with his best.

Then to my only gripe with the album is the substandard Mica Paris and Bobby Womack - I wish I'd never met you - can't see the point of including this as it's 10 years old and out of kilter with the rest of the album - perhaps it 's just 2 big names to add to sales. (By substandard I mean for Mica as well as Bobby.)

Also not too keen on a new cut from a forthcoming album by James 'D Train' Williams - Spirit Jam - but it's good to see his product getting an airing. Richard Anthony Davis - The more I get to know you - runs along at a mellow pace with a nice vocal. Robert Gordon's What's a man to do - is another mellow groover.

Beverlei Brown is newly signed to Dome and her 'Best Friend' is and this type of material should have her up there challenging with the best. Future by Donna Gardier despite the catchy hook is for me a weak song although she does have good voice.

Cooly's Hot Box from New York have an ever expanding reputation is Modern Soul and good US Garage and House venues. This track - Friend of Mine - featuring Angela Johnson is excellent - good vocals, nice groove and not to hard and well put together.

Of the British talent around Hil St. Soul is in my view one of the best around and here she contributes - Feel Good Factor - from Dome LP 'Soul Organic', the sample on here gives it an R'n'b Urban vibe.

One of the successes of 2000 follows in the shape of Dennis Taylor with Angel from Dome CD 24 'Enough is enough'. To show you how far he has come over the last year he is probably the most well known artist on here (excepting what I have already said about Mica & Bobby Womack).

Ledisi's acclaimed Soulsinger from last year was rated the top album by many a soul aficionado and it's great to see 'Take Time' getting a release over here, because the album is quite difficult to get hold of. Don't know whether there will be more from where this came from but this is quality with a capital Q and soul with a capital S.

Finally Denetria Chance with I will always remember you with a slow souljazz number - a bit Aretha but sorry didn't do much for me.

All in all a top album with something for everyone and an insight into some quality artists.