EXPANSION RECORDS

Soul Togetherness 2002 - Various - Expansion UK

The third in this annual series of Modern Room monsters. Expansion are particularly proud of three tracks in evidence on this one namely an unissued Norman Connore productoion for Phillis Hyman, an unreleased dancer from Phajja and a long lost cut from Frank McComb

It must be love - Phajja, An exclusive cut by the three ladies Phajja, a fragile but hypnotic opening lead' taken over by an insistent modern soul room beat and good harmonies, and then a male lead, presumably by one of the Something for the people collective. Fine stuff.

Don't stop (D'influence mix) - Byron Stingly, a mellower mix and not so much in the higher ranges as is often experienced by Byron. A brand new solo recording and this one is kicking up a storm right now.

Golden Lady - Frank McComb, the Stevie Wonder track in a mellowy jazz piano tinged outing. It looks like Ralph is working on getting the full unreleased album from which this came released, so watch this Expansion space.

Friends can't be lovers - Dionne Warwick, From 1993 and recorded in the Soul Mecca of Rochdale with Lisa Stansfield. This however is a very popular cut, unmistakenly Dionne but in a building haunting 5 minute soul groove.

Not gonna change - Swing Out Sister, on the face of it an unusual inclusion but from that initial beat, the kind of beat that persistently gets people on the Modern Soul dance floor, you know it's gonna be a winner

A chance for hope - The Live Band, back to 1982 for this one, from an album that is now very in demand. Very much a band sound along the lines of a Tower of Power or a Maze - in other words more of a live beat than a mechanical one. Semi funky with a fine vocal, although not as strong as Frankie Beverley.

Sleep on it - Phyllis Hyman, the aforementioned exclusive cut from 1980, originally a Chaka Khan cut, retains a feel from that era but even so still sounds fresh.

Keep on Trying - Fir Ya, brilliant cut, a rare 7" on Star Glow from 1978. This cut is equally at home on the Northern Rooms these days as the Modern room, good lead, good harmonies, good strained jazzy sax break.

Lay it down on me - Gerald Mallory, from the early 80's but only the chorus break gives away it's age, otherwise a clasy vocal performance and persistent beat

Love's gonna find you - Gail Eason, very popular sound over the past few years, sounding a bit Latin in places and then a 'soul' chorus cuts in, and Gail's vocal is strong, builds into quite a showy number. .

It's you girl - Universal Love, Philly style from 1977, co written by Weldon McDougal III, becoming a bit of a Modern Soul (albeit 25 years old!) classic. Wonderful vocal generally although in a couple of places it tails of a bit flat. Nonetheless a great track.

Independent Woman - Jan Jones, another like Fir Ya that is an across the board item, in fact starting life on the Northern scene.

Who do you love - John Simeone, great track, top cut on the album maybe, cool cool sound, midtemo and apparently a big money item on 7" for those who care.

Angel - Troi, Closing with two monster upbeat cuts from the newer end of things, Angel is a typical in a typical Modern Soul room easy infectious groove, towards the R'n'B side of things, it eases down and then back up some. Great Stuff.

Family Affair - Jazoulster feat Maysa Leak, anthemic status for this over the summer and rightly so for this slab of upbeat soulful dance.