|
To coincide
with the eighth Soul Togetherness weekender in Fleetwood, Lancs in November
(12th/13th/14th), Expansion presents this year's collection of modern soul
room gems. All tracks have come to the fore at Togetherness events throughout
the year and are either new this year or revived by Togetherness DJs
including Richard Searling, Terry Jones, Andy Davis, Mike Stephens, Ralph Tee
and Roger Williams.
1. Taste - Rick James
Collection
opens with the prestigious 'Taste', the would be Rick James comeback record, and
his best groove since his 80s heyday on Gordy. The song comes from a brand
new album Rick was working on before his death this summer, and at the time
he had just guested on the new Teena Marie CD 'La Dona'. With a major TV
appearance with Teena also aired in the States this summer, his career was
definitely on the upturn before he shocked everyone by passing away in his
sleep.
2. Amazing - Chante Moore
This track
started life as a 'mystery track' on Solar Radio before being unveiled as
Chante Moore by 'connoisseurs club' DJ Geoff Bingham. Chante of course has
been an artist adored by our music scene since 1992's 'Love's Taken Over',
and 'Amazing' is in fact a bonus track on a hard to find Japanese greatest
hits collection featuring many of her finest moments
3. Knowing You (R'n'Groove Mix) - Nathan Prime
Here's a
track that originates from London but has been much sought after in the North
West for about a year - thanks predominantly to Togetherness and Solar Radio
DJ Mike Stephens. This particular mix is also sought after having been the
source of much frustration for those trying to find it.
4. Everyday - The Sunburst Band
Every now
and then a true anthem comes along, though these days they are more
infrequent. This is perhaps the biggest crossover soul dancer since 'Crazy
World' by Kenny Thomas and certainly the biggest floor filler at our events
this year. The song is the creation of DJ Dave Lee (aka Joey Negro) and Chaka
Khan's sister Taka Boom (who is the vocalist here) and has all the elements of
an ultimate feel good party record. It's taken from The Sunburst Band's album
'Until The End Of Time'.
5. The Whole Damn World Is Going Crazy - John Gary Williams
This most
wonderful soul tune has enjoyed brief moments of recognition and more
recently has been weaving its way back into our consciousness. The original
7' is extremely collectable, and the album 'John Gary Williams' (his only)
also hard to find. From Memphis, Tennessee, Gary is the brother of soul hero
Randy Brown and a member of The Mad Lads.
6. Inside Me - Stayce Branch
Having
already won over soul fans with earlier music, Stayce gets into her most neo
soul dance groove with a more than interesting song inspired by Minnie
Ripperton's 'Inside My Love'. While Trina Broussard did a faithful neo cover
on the 'Love Jones' soundtrack, Stayce uses only the original idea and
re-writes the song over some irresistible dance rhythms. Championed by
Richard Searling and new Togetherness DJ recruit Bigger, the buzz on this
track has already taken this track to the hip lists in B&S magazine ahead
of this official (and exclusive for now) release.
7. Blessing (You're My Blessing) - Mike Jimenez & The Power
Project
Mike's
Power Project are as horned up as Tower Of Power on this upbeat old school
soul tune from an album that came out earlier this year on his own label.
Made up of primarily Latino players, Mike and his crew have played around Los
Angeles for around fifteen years at parties and corporate events, but not cut
an album until now. Mike previously collaborated with Sheila E. on 'The
Glamorous Life' and El Chicano on 'Tell Her She's Lovely'.
8. Slow Down (8 Jam Mix) - Venus Tribe
Here's
another exclusive to this album, insofar as the desirable '8 Jam Mix' has
never been commercially released before (and is surely the best). Out of
London, Venus Tribe is the brainchild of DJ Dodge (with vocals courtesy of
Dianne Joseph, formerly of the group Truce) and other mixes of 'Slow Down'
were released on the Black Angel label, but never this - apart from a handful
of white label promos.
9. For Real - Flowers
Richard
Flowers collaborated extensively with ex-Crusader Wayne Henderson and Roy
Ayers on their album 'Step Into Our Life' which brought 'For Real' to the
attention of the jazz funk scene in the late 70s. However as great as it is,
that far more syncopated version could not compare to the smoothness of
Richard's own take on the track, which as a style bears all the hallmarks of
a top drawer Leroy Hutson production. An evergreen classic, it's been around in
numerous and dubious versions, edits and formats as demand never ceases.
10. Don't Look Down On Your Brother - Benita Arterberry Burns
We first
heard of Benita Arterberry in 1991 when her album 'Thank You' was released on
the SBK label. While that was a splendid album, this song we feel is her best
yet offering a superb vocal performance, a great message and a wonderful
groove. You can check out her brand new album at CD Baby.Com
11. Not Around - Trina Broussard
Trina was
recently in London to give Rahsaan Patterson a hand on stage at The Astoria,
both artists currently enjoying popularity on the contemporary soul scene
having worked and recorded together in the past. Officially the 2004 album
'Same Girl' on Motown is Trina's debut, though fanatics on the 'virtual soul'
scene will be more than familiar with the unreleased So So Def album from
1999.
12. Handle It With Care - Darrell Nulisch
A Dallas,
Texas native, Darrell has been making soul and blues records for nearly 30
years, but is a new name to the UK soul scene thanks to this incredible song.
The feel of the record is pure organic southern soul rarely captured in
modern times in such a timeless fashion. It sounds like a record you should
have known all your life, which is why a limited edition 7' has also been
issued on the rare 'Soul Togetherness' label for those who must have it on
vinyl.
13. Never Never Girl - Rocky Mizell & The Sugar Rock Band
With Joss
Stone bringing Miami soul and all those legendary players back into the fore,
it's no surprise that this sounds so fresh again. Originally produced in
1977, the original album from which this came was severely overlooked at the
time when Betty, Latimore, Little Beaver & co were stealing all the
limelight. Now is definitely the time for this superb track which has
gradually been building momentum over the past few years.
14. Making My Daydream Real - We The People
Becoming an
ever more valuable 7' asset as the years roll by, this wonderful piece of 70s
magic is once again enjoying a revival. The record is written and produced by
Landy McNeal who scored on the northern scene with 'Counting On You'. We The
People meanwhile features Bill McEachern who was also a member of those
Native New Yorkers Odyssey at one point. It's the first time back on CD since
Ralph Tee's marvellous 'Urban 3' collection for Polydor in 1989.
15. Am I Cold, Am I Hot - Bill Harris
We conclude
with a feel good finale record that epitomises the point where 70s end of
crossover northern soul meets modern soul and keeps everyone happy. Like the
We The People track, the original 7' exchanges hands for £100 - £150 while
re-issues satisfy the ever-increasing demand for this gem (which is even
harder to find on a US RCA 12'). Written and produced by the extraordinarily
talented late, great, Van McCoy it's a pure soul delight. Much like this
entire compilation!
Compiled by
Richard Searling & Ralph Tee
|
