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The Andy Davies soul column (AUGUST)
UK Soul Singer Monique Thomas has just released her first vinyl 45 via my Streetsoul Record Label. Two tracks 'Daughter Shine' & 'Colourful' have been taken from her CD album 'Unbroken.' The album originally came out in April and with these tracks being the one's that received the most play I thought that it would be a good idea to license them & release them together on 7" format.
'Daughter Shine' is a strong up tempo dancer that has been featured quite heavily in the clubs and after talking to a few DJ's it seems that some of them prefer 'Colourful' to get the dance floors going. Maybe I should of released them as a double A side? but they are definitely two strong soul cuts & are fantastic to own on a 45!! you can go to www.streetsoulrecords.com for more information.
It was great to see Bobby Womack live at the King Georges Hall Soul night in Blackburn recently, which was his only gig outside London after his nights at the Jazz Cafe. Although he's not in the best of health and recovering from an operation Bobby gave 100% and was on stage for well over 2 hours! He sang all the classics including 'If You Think You're Lonely now', 'Woman's Gotta Have It', 'Daylight', 'Across 110th Street', 'No Matter How High I Get' plus many more & even included 'How Could You Break My Heart' which went down a storm with the Modern Soul fans! So much so that he sang it twice!! He had his full U.S band with him & also Altrina Greyson on Vocals too. After the performance the gig returned to it's usual format of a 3 roomed Soul event and was once again a fantastic night. The next event is on Saturday September 24th.
There are some very nice remixes of Richard Earnshaw's 'In Time' due on September 15th. The Morales & Moulton mixes are particular favourites of mine & enhance what was already a classic soul tune in my opinion and I'm sure both will be getting upfront spins already!
The last couple of months have thrown up some good albums. Kelly Price offered her new set entitled 'Kelly' which includes the in demand 'And You Don't Stop' plus other quality tracks such as 'Feels So Good' & 'Speechless.'
The latest album from Aretha Franklin is one not to miss! The Title of the album is 'A Woman Falling Out Of Love' and here you can find strong soulful tunes in 'How Long I've Been Waiting', 'Put It Back Together Again', 'New Day' - Plus the excellent jazzy tune 'U Can't See me.'
Other Indie projects worth a listen are albums from Kim Burrell 'The Love Album' & Roxanne Dawson 'Are You Ready.' Down To The Bone Have a new album on Dome Records 'The Main Ingredients' which is up tempo jazzy & funky and features former Incognito vocalist Imaani on vocals for 3 tracks 'Second Nature', 'Closer' & 'Watch Me Fly.' A couple of other tracks to keep an eye out for are Colie Williams 'In And Out Of Love' & Sarah Fonteyne 'Messing' both I believe are taken from their new albums.
Steven Stone & Marc Evans 'Never Give Up' is still a massive tune on the Soulful House tip as is Tom Conrad feat. Dawn Tallman 'So Happy' which I don't get tired of hearing at the moment! Another featuring Dawn Tallman is the excellent 'Outta My Head' which is a project with Neil Pierce on Mn2s Records that also has Groove Assassin feat Pete Simpson 'Gotta Make It Right' on the flip side of the 12". Another great value for money 12" is the Collective EP Vol 1 on Solid Ground Recordings. It features Danny Clarke & Jay Benham ft Robert Owens 'I Knew You' Kenny Bobien 'About Love' Groove Assassin Mix, Balage 'How Did We Get To Here' & Lisa Millet 'Closer' some of which were previously only around on digital download.
Rashaan Patterson has a new album out called 'Bluephoria' which includes some decent tracks 'I Only Have Eyes For You' kicks the set off & some other tracks worth picking out are 'Crazy (Baby)' 'Miss You' and '6AM.' Jill Scott's 'The Light Of The Sun' album on Warner Brothers is an eclectic mix as always and includes the excellent remake of 'So In Love' featuring Anthony Hamilton. Originally this was a demo of Anthony's with just his vocals but it has hit new heights as a duet!! 'When I Wake Up' is another nice track from this album.
My Ex Boss at Soul Bowl Mr John Anderson has just released a new album 'From Audio' feat Vince Broomfield on Soul Junction Records which is an LP of previously unreleased material from around the late eighties and early nineties. 'All My Love' & 'I've Got You Back' are stand outs for me and it's on vinyl too!
Kindred The Family Soul's new album 'Love Has No Recession' has an absolute killer soul track included called 'S.O.S (Sense Of Security).' A fine duet & although down to mid tempo the vocals are fantastic & make it worth the price of the album alone. Other strong tracks are 'We All Will Know' feat. Raheem D'evaughan. 'Take A Look Around' feat. BJ The Chicago Kid Bilal, this again has some seriously soulful vocals! An old style sounding Soul cut 'Magic Happen' keeps the quality going & 'Authentically You' feat. Lady Alma Horton is a more uptempo bass lead tune. There is also a track feat Snoop Dogg 'You Got The Love' which I like very much too! Definitely recommended to go out & buy!
Incognito have a couple of remixes on Dome records the Bluey Remix of 'Put A Little Lovin' In Your Heart' is very solid & 'Life Ain't Nothing But A Good Thing' has a much more jazzy feel with great vocals so it's one to make sure you get hold of!
Kent records continue with their wonderful series of 45's and they are all a must have for collectors! The best for me lately is Candi Staton 'One More Hurt,' I believe this is previously unissued and it is something that is going to be huge on the Modern/Crossover Soul scene.
Also look out for the new Yellorange 12" which includes the Kerri Chandler remix of AJ 'Can't Get Enough' plus Paul Simpson feat. Colonel Abrams 'Could It Be' and also B-Crew 'Peacemaker.' Los Charly's Orchestra returns with another strong 12" that includes 'Dancing On The Scene' feat. Stuart Lisbie which is my favourite track. A few Soulful House downloads to quickly mention are Kenny Dope & Josh Milan 'Stay With Me' DJ Fudge feat. Chappell 'Heaven' & Darryl D'Bonneau 'Strong Love.' These are all quality tracks & are well worth purchasing!
The Bournemouth Soul Weekender is now selling very quickly so it's advisable to get tickets as soon as you can if you want to go. The Weekender is being held over the weekend of October 28,29,30 at The Carrington House Hotel & includes DJ's Bob Masters, Paul Clarke, Chris Bangs, Kev Beadle, Gary Dennis, Andy Davies, Stretch Taylor, Mark Webster, Ginger Tony, Ed Stokes, Bob Jones & Steiner. Tickets are £45 for the whole weekend & are available from Music Meltdown 01273 413800. The only number you need for accommodation is 01202 399250. I will see you there!!
If you have any product you wish to be included in the reviews in this column please contact me on the email addresses below:
andydaviesccl@hotmail.com or mail@streetsoulrecords.com Thank you!
