Search "career crooks" 237 Items

Hilton Felton is a keyboardist with a strong following amongst rare groove fans for his sophisticated, mellow and groovy playing. He has released many albums during his career on his own label, Hilton's Concept, Inc. and Family And Friends This is the first time that P-vine has reissued this gem, which is sought after by many collectors due to the excellence of the music and the rarity of the record.

For this reissue, all tracks have been given state-of-the-art mastering. There are numerous cover versions of the Jackson 5's well-known hit 'Never Can Say Goodbye' (m3), but it is safe to say that this version by Hilton Felton is by far the best quality. Also impressive is the jazz-funk cover of the Delfonics classic 'La, La Means I Love You' (m5), including the opening track 'Family And Friends' (m1), which enjoys a superb groove created by Hilton's soft playing. The original compositions will satisfy even the most demanding jazz listener. The groovy soul of 'The Power Of Love (It's In My Heart)' (m8), featuring vocals from a young Angela Winbush and Hilton Felton themselves, is also a wonderful performance that offers great depth of sound.

The 7" set also includes 'The Power Of Love (It's In My Heart)', which has never been released as a single, and 'Spreading Fever (Part 1)', the original version of which is very rare and almost impossible to find!

For fans of Khruangbin, El Michels Affair, Madlib and Bonobo. Features the singles ‘It’s Real, ‘Amnesia’, and ‘The Ocean’. Will Dorey aka Skinshape has proven himself time and again a connoisseur for the cosmopolitan, across a prolific career expertly exploring understated sounds and theatrical textures. Taking his place alongside the likes of Khruangbin, Tame Impala, Bonobo and Madlib, Skinshape’s global kaleidoscopes are loaded with warmth and wisdom created on vintage analogue equipment applying a perfectionist’s touch. As a former member of indie band Palace, he has played everywhere from Glastonbury and BBC Maida Vale to headlining Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Speaking on his latest record Craterellus Tubaeformis, Dorey remarks, "As I continue to make albums, I always try to capture some elements of the original Skinshape style. Here I ran through albums 1-3. This record is really an echo of the "Life & Love" era of Skinshape, playful psychedelia, with punchy beats, fun surprises, and an attempt at meaningful lyrics." Named after a very specific genus of edible mushroom, Craterellus Tubaeformis shares all the attributes of its nutritious counterpart due to how difficult both are to cultivate. Skinshape’s music is the product of a highly devoted and meticulous composer who uses some of the rarest analogue equipment out there. The product is such a definitive sound heard nowhere else but so easily identified as Skinshape.

Dee Ervin suffered collateral damage from GRC/Aware’s bankruptcy. He only got to release two mediocre sides on Hotlanta but these recordings match anything he created in a successful career throughout the 60s & 70s.

By 1974 he was as much a composer as artist, but he excels at both on these two numbers that were fully produced and ready for release. ‘You Make Me Happy’ is a terrific uptempo dance track that recently featured on Cdkend 512 “Masterpieces Of Modern Soul; Vol 6”.

‘Give Me One More Day’ was issued erroneously in 1975 as a Tribe LP track on ABC, but the session details clearly have it as a Dee Ervin recorded number.

Reggie Soul real name Reginald Stone is just one of many illusive recording artists who had a very limited recording career for a handful of small independent Chicago labels then disappeared into obscurity, Reggie reputedly left Chicago in the mid 1970’s for the lone star state of Texas never to be seen or heard from again!

Reggie’s recording legacy is the sum total of 3, 45 singles two of which he recorded under the supervision of respected Chicago songwriter and producer Clarence Johnson., firstly the funk outing “I Got Jody” backed with the soulful “I Feel So Bad” for Red Balloon Records, “I Feel So Bad” was composed by Lee Sain who recorded his own version under the title of “Baby Don’t Leave Me” for the Broach label. Reggie Soul’s “I Got Jody” also came out as a B-side on Nation Time Records, the A-side was a version of the James Brown song “Soul Walkin’ but this side was credited under the mis-credited artist name of Reggie Smith?

Finally, Reggie’s third release “My World Of Ecstasy/Mighty Good Loving” was released on the Scott Brothers own Capri Records label in 1968. Both sides of the 45 were written by Reggie with Charles and Walter Scott, arrangements were provided by John Jackson and Bill McFarland who provided the horn section to many of the Scott’s future productions. The Scott Brothers of which there were several (all musicians) had begun their own careers during the late 1950’s recording under the group name of The Masquerades on the Formal label. Often referred to as The Scott Brothers Orchestra with Howard Sephus Scott at the head of their growing musical dynasty they formed their own company Capri Productions circa 1968, their initial recording productions were Fred Johnson (Shi-Lush Records) and the aforementioned Reggie Soul & The Soul Swingers. The Scott’s were also the house band in one of Chicago’s Southside’s most popular night clubs ‘The Bonanza Lounge on 7641, South Halsted. The Scott’s often used the Bonanza as a source of finding future artists for their labels, such as The Soul Majestics, Judson Moore, Bobby Jones & Duke Turner amongst others, they even recorded a live performance on The Bonanza Lounges’ resident comedian Randolph Browner which gained a release on the Shi-Lush label.

“My World Of Ecstasy” like several Capri 45 releases were heavily imported into the UK, often sold in soul packs before finding favour with aficionados of the Crossover Scene in the late 1980’s with it’s popularity still remaining high to the present day.

Soul Junction through their licensing deal with Scot-Tees Publishing would like to present the first release of their Capri Records series.

Nicky Prince has never been bound by musical genre. The Milton Keyes born and raised. Vocalist has the versatility to fit any vibe while not compromising her signature sound. Although best known for her Garage hits with Zed Bias in the early 2000s, Nicky was performing and recording with various acts well before the height of Garage’s popularity. She started her career singing in Soul and Funk bands, and over the last two decades has lent her voice to Electro, Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, House, and Ska tracks. In 2009 Nicky graced listeners with her debut solo EP “See What You Mean.” Within only five tracks the singer-songwriter displays impressive range, from the up-tempo, energetic funk of “I’m Hearing You” to a bluesy rendition of Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” to the hushed tones of the EP’s sole acoustic number, “Balancing Scales.” She is backed on this effort by her band Soul Selecta, which includes renowned UK session players Dave Baldwin on Hammond organ and Robert ‘Skins’ Anderson on drums/percussion. Sadly, the release was criminally slept-on.

While “See What You Mean” was available on streaming services and CD, the EP never received the vinyl treatment. So, rather than simply reissuing the project, Nicky has teamed with KU to offer what she calls a “reincarnation” of her debut on wax.

Now retitled “Listen Up,” this underrated affair has had new life breathed into it. To bring out the best in the original recordings, each song has been meticulously remastered by Christian Obermayer at Strype Audio. Then to fill out the 12”, Nicky has added a handful of unreleased songs, including a heavy groove cover of Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It,” which sees her reconnect with Zed Bias; a punchy, funked up tune titled “Listen Up;” and the original version of “Balancing Scales” that reveals what the track sounded like before it was stripped down to just guitar and vocals. This offering perfectly captures Nicky’s distinct tastes and inspirations. Further, it fills a hole in your record collection that you didn’t know was there until now.

Johnnie Taylor was an accomplished soul artist despite having little instrumental skill and he rarely wrote any of his own material. He was known variously as the ‘Blues Wailer’ and the ‘Philosopher Of Soul’ and recorded over 30 albums and 120 singles throughout a career that cemented his status as one of the leading male soul vocalists during the late sixties and throughout the seventies.

He started his recording career mid-50s with the doo-wop group The Five Echoes and gospel groups The Highway Q.C.’s and then in 1957, The Soul Stirrers, replacing Sam Cooke who had left the group for a solo career. Taylor followed that path a few years later signing for Cooke’s SAR label. and had a minor hit in 1962 with “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day”.

in 1964 he moved to Stax Records where he started as a blues artist enjoying many fruitful years, most notably with “Who’s Making Love” selling more than a million copies. Following the unfortunate demise of Stax in 1976 he moved to Columbia Records where he went platinum with the hit “Disco Lady” (ironically not a disco track at all) and the album from which it came ‘Eargasm’ (1976) was a commercial peak he would never scale again. However, he continued with many collectable releases before moving to Beverly Glen Music in the early eighties and then Malaco Records in 1984, where his style became the more soul-blues based sound that was synonymous with the label. He remained with them until he died of a heart attack in Dallas aged 66 in 2000.

“Let’s Get Back On” Track comes from the CD ‘Gotta Get The Groove Back’ (1999) produced (and co-written with Charlie Brooks) by Frederick Knight, who also used the same backing track some 7 years later with his production of the David Sea track “Stay In My Arms” which was a modern soul favourite and will help to register the significance of this earlier production. It is now available as a vinyl release for the first time. It was taken from his final album although Malaco released ‘There’s No Good In Goodbye’ posthumously in 2003

Bobby Bland

Robert Calvin Brooks, known professionally as Bobby "Blue" Bland spent his early career in Memphis, developing a sound that mixed gospel with blues and R&B and was known as the ‘Lion Of The Blues ‘and the ‘Sinatra Of The Blues’. His father abandoned the family not long after his birth and he acquired his name from his stepfather, Leroy Bland. His formative musical years were centered around the Beale Street scene and he was scouted by Ike Turner for Modern Records.

His progress was interrupted by a two year stint in the US Army and when he returned to Memphis he signed for Duke Records, run by Don Robey. Bland was illiterate and Robey helped him sign his contract which only gave him half a cent per record sold instead of the industry standard of 2 cents. He had his first hit in 1957 and continued a successful run of R&B chart entries without breaking through into the mainstream markets and was ranked number 13 of the all time chart-topping artists in Joel Whitburn’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-1995”.

Duke Records sold out to ABC and with them he managed to return to the R&B charts but he still couldn’t succeed in the pop charts. In 1985 Bland signed for Malaco who were specialists in the Southern black music sound and he recorded many albums and toured for them, frequently with B.B. King, and was inducted into the ‘Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’ in 1992.

Whilst “Heart Open Up Again” was a vinyl release in 1985 it was not chosen to be the single release from the Tommy Couch & Wolf Stephenson produced album Members Only (1985). This beautiful ballad, penned by George Jackson/Robert Miller/Michael Wooten, was never before released as a single and is a fabulous pairing with the topside - two of the best from two of the all-time greats.

Steve Hobbs (Solar Radio / Totally Wired Radio)

Dylan Chambers is a talented soul singer from Arlington, Texas, with a vintage style, who moved to LA at the age of 18 to start his music career, where he updated 60s~70s soul music with a modern formula and a unique pop style. Her name gradually became known as a vocalist.

The 70s Funky Northern Soul masterpiece by New York-born soul singer Judy Freeman is reissued for the first time on 7"

Ted Taylor was chronically unappreciated throughout his career. "Somebody's Always Trying" by Ted Taylor is a magnificent uptempo dance floor filler with a pounding rhythm, powerful drums, rocking horns and a great frantic, exasperated vocal. This stuff makes you immediately say, “Who is this?”

Licensed by Sony Music Portugal

Hilton Felton is a keyboardist with a strong following amongst rare groove fans for his sophisticated, mellow and groovy playing. He has released many albums during his career on his own label, Hilton's Concept, Inc. and Family And Friends This is the first time that P-vine has reissued this gem, which is sought after by many collectors due to the excellence of the music and the rarity of the record.

For this reissue, all tracks have been given state-of-the-art mastering. There are numerous cover versions of the Jackson 5's well-known hit 'Never Can Say Goodbye' (m3), but it is safe to say that this version by Hilton Felton is by far the best quality. Also impressive is the jazz-funk cover of the Delfonics classic 'La, La Means I Love You' (m5), including the opening track 'Family And Friends' (m1), which enjoys a superb groove created by Hilton's soft playing. The original compositions will satisfy even the most demanding jazz listener. The groovy soul of 'The Power Of Love (It's In My Heart)' (m8), featuring vocals from a young Angela Winbush and Hilton Felton themselves, is also a wonderful performance that offers great depth of sound.

The 7" set also includes 'The Power Of Love (It's In My Heart)', which has never been released as a single, and 'Spreading Fever (Part 1)', the original version of which is very rare and almost impossible to find!

Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. born April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C., was more than just a musician; he was a pioneer who left an indelible mark on the world of music. With a career that spanned decades, Marvin Gaye is celebrated as one of the greatest soul singers and songwriters of all time. His contributions to the Motown sound, his social consciousness, and his timeless music inspire audiences around the world. In the 1960s, he became a soulful crooner on Tamla-Motown Records, where he added an ‚e‘ to his name to dispel rumors of his sexuality. He created timeless duets with Tammi Terrell, including ”Ain‘t No Mountain High Enough.“ In the late 1960s, his music became more socially engaged. ”What‘s Going On“ from 1971 addressed war, racism and the environment. His voice was incomparable, and his live performance of ”The Star-Spangled Banner“ in 1983 is legendary. Gaye‘s personal life was marked by turmoil and tragedy, and he was shot by his father in 1984. Nevertheless, his musical legacy lives on and inspires artists worldwide. He received numerous posthumous honors, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and inductions into various halls of fame. ”songbook With Friends“ is a collection of his most beautiful songs, some interpreted in extraordinary versions by other artists.

‘Just Like The Weather’ was originally released in 1965 on the Chicago Constellation label. It failed to ignite the short-lived, flagging, career of Nolan Chance, talented as he was. However, in the early Seventies it was rediscovered by the UK Northern Soul scene and would go on to become an all-time classic. Reissued here, due to popular demand, with it’s much overlooked superlative B-side ‘Don’t Use Me’, yet to have its day on the dance floor. They really don’t get much better than this. Watch out for the simply stunning unreleased version of ‘Just Like The Weather’ by Mill Evans coming soon from Charly.

Webster Lewis – El Bobo

For the first time on 7” the reissue of rare groove masterpiece “El Bobo”. Jazz-funk, Disco, Fusion and Soul sounds from lesser-known American producer, arranger and key player Webster Lewis. His career started working alongside Stanton Davis, Tony Williams and George Russell – very much driven by super creative jazz piano playing. But, like many of his generation, he ended up in Europe as record deals in the US were getting harder to come by in the straight jazz world. So he ended in Oslo, where he made music for TV and one super cult album recorded live at Club 7. Webster had broken through at a time when The Headhunters and the rise of disco were fusing... and as such, he became the go-to guy for arrangements, production and that magic coat of boogie jazz glitter!

Several albums were signed to Epic, and some classic work with Gwen McCrae, Merry Clayton, Lamont Dozier, and Alton McClain.

THE Spirit OF Atlanta – Freddie’s Alive and Well

A cut from the album “The Burning of Atlanta” by The Spirit of Atlanta, a studio project produced by Tommy Stewart and Clarence Carter. “Freddie’s Alive and Well” is the answer song to Curtis Mayfield's “Freddie’s Dead” and is a huge funk classic.

Sedibus "SETI", is a collaboration between Alex Paterson (The Orb) and original 1990 Orb member Andy Falconer who first recorded together on "The Orb"s adventures beyond the ultraworld" in 1991 and The Heavens in 2021. Alex is the forefather of ambient electronic music and has put out 17 albums by The Orb and multiple other releases over the band"s 30 year career. He"s released collaborative albums with David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Lee "Scratch" Perry.

Jahmal Padmore, a Toronto-based singer-songwriter and drummer, is a master of introspection and musical innovation. Having begun his career as a punk rock duo with The Carps, Jahmal's solo artistry has since flourished, earning him critical acclaim for his contemplative R&B ballads. In 2022, he released his latest album, Esparonto, a testament to his unyielding commitment to artistic expression. Jahmal has graced the stages of Pop Montreal and delivered a mesmerising sold-out performance for his album release, cementing his place as a rising star in the industry. Set to tour Europe and the U.S. throughout 2023 and 2024, Jahmal's genre-blurring sound, which includes R&B, punk rock, and calypso, is a powerful meditation on love, relationships, and the human experience.

Jahmal Padmore, a Toronto-based singer-songwriter and drummer, is a master of introspection and musical innovation. Having begun his career as a punk rock duo with The Carps, Jahmal's solo artistry has since flourished, earning him critical acclaim for his contemplative R&B ballads. In 2022, he released his latest album, Esparonto, a testament to his unyielding commitment to artistic expression. Jahmal has graced the stages of Pop Montreal and delivered a mesmerising sold-out performance for his album release, cementing his place as a rising star in the industry. Set to tour Europe and the U.S. throughout 2023 and 2024, Jahmal's genre-blurring sound, which includes R&B, punk rock, and calypso, is a powerful meditation on love, relationships, and the human experience.

Tommy was born in 1945 in Homestead, Florida, and after his first foray into music in a church choir, he launched his secular recording career in Jackson, Mississippi, working mostly with Tim Whitsett and his Imperial Showband in the latter half of the 1960s. After a short stint with the Nightingales, he signed with KoKo in 1971 and had six impressive singles released, followed by records on Sundance, Juana and Urgent Records.

“I Can’t Do Enough for You Baby” is a mellow and melodic slow-to-mid-tempo song that sounds almost inspirational, while “Hold On” is a beautiful waltz-time ballad which James Carr released on Atlantic in 1971. Both of these songs were cut as demos probably in 1969 after Tommy and Carson Whitsett had signed a deal to become staff writers with Malaco Records.

Tommy was a magnificent singer and songwriter, who never got the credit he deserved mainly because of poor business choices and unfortunate incidents throughout his career. However, he was a beautiful person, gentle and humble.

Heikki Suosalo

Both tracks are taken from the 1979 LP “Accadde A…….” by Arawak, which is a standout Italian Library recording. Arawak is one of a multitude of pseudonyms that Luciano Simoncini used in his career as a composer for film scores & background music for radio & television in Italy. The album laid virtually unknown until it was heavily sourced by #Madlib in 2000. Original copies fetch near $1.2K, but luckily the LP received a reissued for the first time by Light In The Attic subsidiary Golden Pavilion in 2017.

Both tracks offer up swift jazzy & funky sounds ranging between mellow dreamy moods & wicked addictive drum breaks. Side A’s “Bali” was sampled for “Real Eyes” by #Quasimoto(2000) while Side B’s “Belfast” blends bag-pipes fading in & out under punchy bass & steady drums that will have break takers & beat makers salivating.

Alice Russell is universally acclaimed as one of the best modern soul voices of our time, while her raw talent and charisma commands attention and affection. The much-loved British soulstress returns with the most personal album of her career. 'I Am' is vulnerable and bold while addressing how we must all work on ourselves to heal – so that we can love and connect with those and the world around us more honestly and with depth.

Life, loss and grief have been a central part of this period and a new approach to creating music: “Two little ones have joined me, and one has left - my dad passed away the summer after ‘To Dust’ was released. The day after my Dad’s funeral, I found out I was pregnant with my first little one.” Alice continues: “The grief journey has cracked me open and created a more urgent need to be focused and try to go deeper with how I communicate creatively and who I AM today, and I welcome it with open arms”.

Written and produced alongside long-time collaborator TM Juke, 'I Am' is the first offering of new music from the iconic singer in over a decade and marks a new era in the remarkable career of the down-to-earth vocal powerhouse. This summer, Alice graced the main stage of Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here, supported Nile Rogers and performed as part of a tribute to Aretha Franklin across France, marking her return to the stage, where she belongs.

Alice Russell is universally acclaimed as one of the best modern soul voices of our time, while her raw talent and charisma commands attention and affection. The much-loved British soulstress returns with the most personal album of her career. 'I Am' is vulnerable and bold while addressing how we must all work on ourselves to heal – so that we can love and connect with those and the world around us more honestly and with depth.

Life, loss and grief have been a central part of this period and a new approach to creating music: “Two little ones have joined me, and one has left - my dad passed away the summer after ‘To Dust’ was released. The day after my Dad’s funeral, I found out I was pregnant with my first little one.” Alice continues: “The grief journey has cracked me open and created a more urgent need to be focused and try to go deeper with how I communicate creatively and who I AM today, and I welcome it with open arms”.

Written and produced alongside long-time collaborator TM Juke, 'I Am' is the first offering of new music from the iconic singer in over a decade and marks a new era in the remarkable career of the down-to-earth vocal powerhouse. This summer, Alice graced the main stage of Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here, supported Nile Rogers and performed as part of a tribute to Aretha Franklin across France, marking her return to the stage, where she belongs.

Alice Russell is universally acclaimed as one of the best modern soul voices of our time, while her raw talent and charisma commands attention and affection. The much-loved British soulstress returns with the most personal album of her career. 'I Am' is vulnerable and bold while addressing how we must all work on ourselves to heal – so that we can love and connect with those and the world around us more honestly and with depth.

Life, loss and grief have been a central part of this period and a new approach to creating music: “Two little ones have joined me, and one has left - my dad passed away the summer after ‘To Dust’ was released. The day after my Dad’s funeral, I found out I was pregnant with my first little one.” Alice continues: “The grief journey has cracked me open and created a more urgent need to be focused and try to go deeper with how I communicate creatively and who I AM today, and I welcome it with open arms”.

Written and produced alongside long-time collaborator TM Juke, 'I Am' is the first offering of new music from the iconic singer in over a decade and marks a new era in the remarkable career of the down-to-earth vocal powerhouse. This summer, Alice graced the main stage of Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here, supported Nile Rogers and performed as part of a tribute to Aretha Franklin across France, marking her return to the stage, where she belongs.

This album features a culmination of hits, showcasing an impressive array of musical accomplishments. Recorded in 1983, months prior to his death, it serves as a poignant testament to the artist's talent and marks a significant chapter in their illustrious career. As it nears the end of the artist's musical journey, the collection becomes a retrospective exploration of their legacy, loaded with chart-topping tracks that encapsulate the essence of their artistic evolution.Pressed on double180-gram colored vinyl!

Known for her powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and diverse musical influences, LA-based soul and funk singer Nikka Costa returns from a musical career break with future-forward disco-inspired sounds on ‘Dirty Disco’.

The lyric “Everyone is welcome, everyone’s an Avatar” denotes a place where anyone can go to be themselves and let their freak flag fly! and sets the tone for her disco and soul fused, progressive album, which is recorded with and produced by Justin Stanley (Prince, Jamie Lidell, Beck etc). Along with the talents of versatile musicians such as Brandon Coleman (Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Donald Glover, Flying Lotus), Greg Phillinganes (Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder) and Kaveh Rastegar (John Legend, Beck), Nikka Costa invites you to immerse yourself in her “Dirty Disco” world.

“Dirty Disco is about a place anyone can go to be themselves and let their freak flag fly! It’s about a place where no one is looking, no one cares what you're doing or what you're into. It could be a disco, but it could also be another planet or headspace or vibe. It's dark and sparkly, blue and purple. Gritty, raw and sexy. Whatever you want it to be.” - Nikka Costa

Next up in Mr Bongo's Groove Merchant Records reissue series, sees an outing for a much-loved and heavily sampled funk/soul/blues album by Junior Parker. Originally issued under the title The Outside Man on Capitol Records in 1970 with an alternative cover, this reissue replicates the Groove Merchant release titled Love Ain't Nothin' But A Business Goin' On featuring the car cover released in 1971.

The Mississippi-born, Memphis-based blues singer, harmonica player and songwriter Junior Parker (aka Little Junior Parker) had a stellar career in music. Since the early 1950s he released records on labels such as Duke, Mercury, United Artists Records and more. Sadly though, Parker died at the young age of 39 during surgery on November 18, 1971.

Originally released under the alternate title a year before his untimely death, Love Ain't Nothin' But a Business Goin' On is drenched in Parker’s trademark buttery vocals and soulful grooves, swaggering between smokey blues, raw funk outings and orchestrated soul ballads (with sublime arrangements by Horace Ott).

The album also features three Beatles cover versions in the form of ‘Taxman’, ‘Lady Madonna’ and ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’. For 'Taxman', Parker completely reinterprets the song taking into a New Orleans funk realm, a sample of which was used as the main hook line on Cypress Hill's classic 'I Wanna Get High'. Elsewhere, 'Tomorrow Never Knows' is flipped into a tripped-out, psychedelic soul-swamp blues ballad, whilst 'Lady Madonna' is given a funky blues makeover.

As shown with Cypress Hill’s use of ‘Taxman’, since the ‘70s Parker’s legacy has been immortalised for future generations through the deep well of samples that his music has become a source of. Tracks from Love Ain't Nothin' But a Business Goin' On have been sampled by some of the biggest names out there, such as A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Shadow and De La Soul.

A seriously smooth album oozing with soul and emotion from a Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Junior Parker’s Love Ain't Nothin' But A Business Goin' On is a superb example of the early ‘70s crossover funk/soul sound.

One of the most gifted, visionary, and enduring talents ever launched into orbit by the Motown hit machine, Marvin Gaye blazed the trail for the continued evolution of popular black music. Moving from lean, powerful R&B to stylish, sophisticated soul, to finally arrive at an intensely political and personal form of artistic self-expression. His work not only redefined soul music as a creative force, but also expanded its impact as an agent for social change. We present hits and highlights from two classic live performances where Gaye delivers a forceful retrospective that takes the audience back and forth across an impeccable career.Get Yer Vinyl Out presents a stellar selection of hits performed live, culled from two vintage broadcasts, professionally remastered and lovingly restored. Presented with background notes and timeline photos. Side 11 What’s Going On? 4.11 * 2 I Heard It Through The Grapevine 1.45 ** 3 I’ll Be Doggone (medley) 1.11 * 4 Let’s Get It On 2.46 * 5 Come Get To This 3.48 * 6 Trouble Man 5.41 * 7 Too Busy Thinking About My Baby 2.22 ** 8 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) 1.38 * 9 Ain’t That Peculiar / You’re A Wonderful One 2.15 **Side 21 Can I Get A Witness 1.12 * 2 Got To Give It Up 9.33 ** 3 Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler) 6.51 ** 4 Stubborn Kind Of Fellow 1.37 * 5 Distant Lover 5.18 ** 6 Hitch Hike 1.04 **

When it comes to musical performance, Charlie Bereal has done it all. Over the course of his 20+ year career, he's performed with and written for some of the greatest Hip Hop and R&B artists of our time (JAY-Z, Aaliyah, Snoop Dogg, and Missy Elliot to name a few).Now, he's shifting gears to focus on his career as a solo artist. On 5/10/2024, Charlie will re-release his second full-length record entitled 11-11-11 via Karma Chief and Colemine Records.Originally released in 2019, 11-11-11 was recorded over the course of a few casual hangs in Los Angeles. Charlie invited his friends Jairus Mosey and Raphael Saadig to join him in the studio and the trio started to jam. "We were just recording for fun - it wasn't for a specific project at first. Afterward, I listened back and decided to turn the best parts into individual songs." This flexible approach combined with Charlie's masterful production resulted in a soulful, psychedelic blend of original R&B. Think Sly and the Family Stone or Funkadelic.Charlie was born in Los Angeles and raised in Pasadena, CA. Musical talent runs in his family. He started performing at his grandfather's church at a very young age. "My grandfather was a pastor, and my dad was a preacher," he explained. "I started playing in the church band when I was 10, and I was drumming even earlier than that." When he was 16, Charlie and his brother Kenneth started making music professionally. He still works on music with his cousins on a regular basis. "I come from a very talented family. I can count at least seven family members who play professionally these days."Beyond the re-release of his second record, Charlie plans to record another album at Colemine's studio in Ohio. Stay tuned for more original music from this Grammy nominated legend.

Maurice White, the founder and leader of Earth, Wind & Fire and an undisputed soul legend, left us in 2016, leaving behind a treasure trove of unreleased recordings. Teaming up with producer and singer-songwriter Preston Glass, Maurice White's hidden gems come to light in the form of the collection "Manifestation." Although he only officially released one solo album during his lifetime, it turns out that he had recorded numerous wonderful tracks. The second volume of the unreleased demo recordings by Maurice White compiled songs with pop melodies from his archives that were never released to the public. Three bonus tracks from the version released on Omnivore Recordings are also included on this release. The songs are like diamonds in the rough, proving that his talent as a songwriter had not withered even his late career.

“I GOT A Feeling” was penned by Holland/Dozier/Holland for the Four Tops and first appeared on their 1966 album On Top. Great as that is – what’s not to like about the Four Tops – it is Ms. Randolph’s 1967 cover, and debut Motown recording, that stole the hearts of the emerging Northern Soul scene at the turn of the Seventies. A non-hit at the time, it has come to represent the sound that underpins and defines a Northern Soul dance record. Almost sixty years on it still fills the floor, compelling young and old to spin, stomp or shuffle to its joyous beat. Our flip-side – “My Love Is Your Love (Forever)” – is best known by the Isley Brothers and is perhaps the most treasured of their rare soul recordings (also available from Outta Sight, Sev014). Barbara’s unreleased take was completely unknown to the scene until Universal America unleashed it as a digital download in 2015. Barbara Randolph only released two singles for Motown on their Soul imprint. Perhaps Berry Gordy couldn’t see past her acting career? Whatever the reasoning at the time, a further 15+ songs were recorded and sadly remained in the vault until after Barbara’s passing in 2002.

Harvest is the first Balthvs album composed by all three band members and the name reflects where the band is currently. After 4 years of the industry grind they have seen massive growth in the digital sphere with over 15 million streams; as well as gracing theaters and festivals across North America and Europe. It is truly Harvest time. Recorded in a villa amidst lush tropical hills in Colombia, Harvest is optimistic, groovy, and relaxing. The trio spent a month-long sojourn at a tropical summer house in La Mesa, Colombia to record. As the band recalls, “More than a studio we wanted to be inspired by nature. So we brought our recording equipment there and started working.” The tropical landscape served as more than just a backdrop; it was the wellspring of inspiration for Balthvs. Unlike their previous albums, where Balthazar Aguirre took the lead in recording, composing, producing, and arranging, this time around, the music emerged as a collective effort, with all three members contributing equally to the creation of every song. It is a sonic testament to a period of profound artistic and personal growth. The band comments, “It defines our closure with this beautiful stage of our life and career as friends and musicians.” The full album features vocals that harmonize like instruments, weaving lyrical poetry into a tranquil groove. Most evident in songs like “Like Coconut Water,” an effervescent song that captures the essence of a tropical escape. “Anouk” is a gorgeous groove dedicated to the house cat at La Mesa, the sphinx-like guardian who set watch during the recording sessions. “Mango Season,” a laid-back, funky, and soulful instrumental groove perfect for relaxing, skateboarding, and looking at clouds. “Aguacero” is one of the few compositions with lyrics and sung in Spanish by bassist, vocalist Johanna Mercuriana. “Lovin’” and “Sun & Moon” were released during the band's first North American tour where they were greeted by sold-out shows and critical accolades from their Sxsw sets.

‘Just Like The Weather’ was originally released in 1965 on the Chicago Constellation label. It failed to ignite the short-lived, flagging, career of Nolan Chance, talented as he was. However, in the early Seventies it was rediscovered by the UK Northern Soul scene and would go on to become an all-time classic. Reissued here, due to popular demand, with it’s much overlooked superlative B-side ‘Don’t Use Me’, yet to have its day on the dance floor. They really don’t get much better than this. Watch out for the simply stunning unreleased version of ‘Just Like The Weather’ by Mill Evans coming soon from Charly.

Another exclusive from Charly Records.

Northern Soul Girl Levanna and her Streets of Soul have reactivated this mid-Seventies modern soul gem recorded by Thomas East for Lee Anthony’s True Soul label out of Little Rock, Arkansas. East began his recording career in Chicago with his Fabulous Playboys scoring two 45s for Ernie Leaner’s Toddlin’ Town imprint. They were managed by Lee Anthony, hence the hop to Little Rock to develop their altogether more sophisticated funk-soul-jazz fusion.

Paul Johnson, aka the One-Man Band, was also rooted in Chicago recording a lone 45 for Checker before moving down the road to the Leaner brothers’ Kellmac imprint. ‘That I Love You’ is an emotive slice of Chicago mid-tempo, kitchen-sink, soul drenched in bluesy brilliance.

I am very exciting to introduce Epsilon Record CO latest release Eps031 Prime Cut Two fantastic and previously unissued tracks, perfect for the summer vibes. In 2021, I was working on the T.A.X.I.E project with my good friend, the very talented Steve Fuji from Riverside CA, who later became Epsilon Record Co’s favourite sound engineer. Back in the 70’s, Steve Fuji worked as sounds engineer for several major studios in the Los Angeles area. He also made some appearances as an actor in a few movies and pursued his career as a solo artist, singing and playing guitar. He worked on hundred of recording sessions with many bands. Steve has always had a good ear for soul music artists. He made mastertape copies of his favourite recordings for himself which he kept securely for five decades. Four years ago I asked Steve if he had any interesting unissued material for Epsilon. He sent me these two tracks from Prime Cut. I was blown away by the quality of these recordings, both songs were originally about 6 minutes long. But I knew Steve could easily edit them for me. I started researching about Prime Cut Band and quickly realised that most of the members of the band were sadly no longer with us and put those projects aside hoping that one day I could find one of the remaining members.

Unearth a rare funk gem from Snapdragon! In 1975, El Carey, a pivotal member of the Crowd
Pleasers, launched a solo career and released this 45 that became a local underground hit.
Recorded, produced, and performed by El himself, these tracks are now re-released by
Regrooved Records for funk enthusiasts worldwide. 'Hardluck' embodies the essence of 70s
psychedelic funk with its irresistible groove and soulful vibes. Dive into the groove and
secure your piece of musical history with this essential 7" record. Experience the magic of El
Carey's unparalleled artistry today.

The new album is ready and it’s the best! Cornell says “This is more than an album to me…. It is an up close and personal expression of the many things that move me in life and how I feel about life, love and all the things I value most. The love that went into making this album is without question a collaboration of great musicians and producers who put their Souls into it. No matter what your mood is, there is a song on this album that will relate to all of the different emotions we experience Every Day!” The first single from this album was “The Change”, released earlier in the year ahead of the massive new song “Everyday”. The album is coming 26th July on CD and will be followed up with a vinyl release (of selected tracks) 23rd August. Cornell is from Berkeley, California and raised in San Francisco where his debut album “Vindicated Soul” was released in 2017. Since then he has taken the soul scene by storm through further prolific albums “One Love”, “Absolutely” and “Next Life”. Earlier in his career he recorded with The Isley Brothers and performed on stage with James Brown. Cornell performs songs from the album for the first time at The Sussex Soul Weekender Friday 2nd August.

A career-spanning Compilation, including new and rare mixes, compiled by Dr. Alex Paterson. "Orboretum: The Orb Collection" goes way back, but also focusses on recent highlights from albums such as "Abolition Of The Royal Familia" (2020) and "Prism" (2023) - which were cited by the media as some of their greatest work - up there with the bonafide gold of yesteryear. "I don"t want The Orb to end up milking it like Roxy Music, who were always cranking out another best-of, although we did release the "History Of The Future" best-of in 2013, and its part 2 in 2015 to be fair. We have such a gigantic catalogue though, that sometimes even I need a reminder of what I"ve done, especially these days. This is a sort of director"s cut, reframing our output, making new neuro pathways, and new juxtapositions. Some of these tracks are 30 years apart, but there are clear through lines, a continuum." Alex Paterson

LRK are excited to announce their latest limited edition 45 (lrk-28) release:

Dylan Chambers - I Can Never Get Enough/Comin' Up

Dylan Chambers is a vintage pop/R&B/soul singer, songwriter and guitar player from Arlington, TX. After graduating high school, Dylan got accepted to the Berklee College of Music in Boston but ended up moving to LA to work on his music career. He has since shared the stage and worked with numerous artists such as Haley Reinhart, Brett Young, Sabrina Carpenter, Gavin DeGraw, Dave Koz, Three Dog Night, etc. and toured around the country with ABC's hit television show "Dancing With The Stars" as a featured singer/guitarist on their 2014-15 National Winter Tour. For the past five years, Dylan has traveled around the world as a guest artist aboard the "Dave Koz and Friends" Live at Sea Jazz Cruise. As a songwriter, Dylan co-wrote jazz legend Herb Alpert's first single "Skinny Dip" off of his album, "Slow Down Turbo" for Indonesian rapper Rich Brian as well as country star, Brett Young's "Kiss by Kiss". Live TV appearances include the Radio Disney Music Awards, Access Hollywood, Hallmark's Home and Family, and The Today Show. Since 2020, he has released over a dozen singles as a solo artist which he co-produced with longtime friend and musical collaborator, Stefan Lit (Lil Nas X, One Direction, Andy Grammer). Throughout the years, he has shared the stage with Flatland Cavalry, Charley Crockett, Molly Tuttle, Haley Reinhart, Sabrina Carpenter, Delvon Lamar Organ Trio, and Prep. As a songwriter, Dylan has written tracks for UMI and Rich Brian, and he's also collaborated on singles with Cory Wong from Vulfpeck, G. Love and Special Sauce, and Alex Lambert

The Leonhart Brass Band was conceived during the 2020 Covid-19 quarantine when trumpeter/composer/producer Michael Leonhart was unable to perform with his 18-piece orchestra at NYC's famous Jazz Standard. Leonhart began composing music for a small brass band that would be capable of playing outdoors without amplification. Building on the foundation of the classic brass bands (Dirty Dozen Brass and Rebirth Brass Band), Leonhart has infused elements of hip-hop and funk to create his own sound. The Leonhart Brass Band features members of Antibalas, the Dap-Kings & Red Baraat. "Jabbar" – Dedicated to and inspired by hooping legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar (aka Lew Alcindor), whose father was a transit police officer/jazz musician and whose mother worked as a department store price checker. In addition to Jabbar's storied career on the hardcourt, Jabbar grew up surrounded by jazz and has been a die-hard music fan his entire life, tragically losing his vast record collection in a 1983 fire that destroyed his LA home. Leonhart's tribute centers around an infectious bass riff in C minor, punctuated by brass stabs and solos by Leonhart on trumpet and Jason Marshall on the seldom-heard bass saxophone. "The Iceman" – The title is taken from basketball great George Gervin's famous nickname given to him during his years playing in both the ABA (American Basketball Association) and the NBA (National Basketball Association) for teams such as the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. Legend has it the name came from Gervin's cool temperament on the court and his rare ability to play incredibly hard without breaking a sweat. "The Iceman" sees the Leonhart Brass Band horn section dividing into two groups as they play counterpoint melodies against one another. The tape echo effected bari sax solo is performed by Stuart Bogie.

Eddie Singleton had a musical career in Los Angeles after his Shrine Records venture had bloomed then died. He cut this heart-felt soul ballad on an undocumented group called the Exclusive around 1969, but it was left on tape only until now.

Weldon Irvine's album "The Sisters" is a significant release in his career which is featuring sessions he conducted from the late 1970s onwards, alongside Don Blackman and a young Marcus Miller, among others. P-vine announces the first-ever release of a 7-inch single coupling two exceptionally impressive tracks from that album. On the A-side, you'll find the velvety smooth mellow soul of "Morning Sunrise," known for being sampled by Jay-Z and Drake, showcasing the gentle vocals of Don Blackman. On the B-side, "Think I'll Stay A While," a superb funky tune featuring the powerful vocals of Toni Smith, famous for her vocals on Tom Browne's "Funkin' for Jamaica," synonymous with New York funk, awaits you. Don't miss the limited pressing ep!

Robert Glasper’s holiday album In December was released last year as an Apple Music exclusive. We’re now able offer it widely available to physical retail and all DSPs!



Is there anything to be done with carols like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Joy to the World” that hasn’t been done in the past 300 years? If there is, Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and producer Robert Glasper is the kind of artist to do it. “I like covering songs that people know well,” Glasper tells Apple Music. “That’s what I’ve done throughout my whole career.” It’s true: As a jazz pianist, he’s obviously learned his way around making classics his own, whether they were written by Mongo Santamaría or Kurt Cobain. But, he says, “The biggest challenge in making a holiday album was trying to do it in a way that feels festive but at the same time feels real and not corny.”



He succeeds on both fronts on In December, his holiday album that mixes classic carols with a set of originals, and which was recorded in Spatial Audio. Part of what keeps it credible is the fact that Glasper’s hiphop/R&B/jazz fusion is done on a compositional level instead of just a cosmetic one (no collages of sampled sax solos and drum loops here). The covers reveal a lot about his musical worldview: Sung by Tony winner Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple), “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is turned into dark, airy neo-soul, while “Joy to the World”—sung by Alex Isley—feels like a Stevie Wonder ballad. But the originals reveal even more. “The intention for this album was less about Christmas songs and more about songs that feel good during the holidays,” Glasper says. “I stayed away from thinking too much about Christmas and its traditional lingo, and concentrated on real things people go through during the holiday season.”

We are excited to announce the release of the Complete James Brown Christmas Collection, a three-LP set featuring music from 1966-1970. You absolutely don’t need to be a holiday music lover to fall in love with the music spilling out over these James Brown records, as most of the tracks are original compositions that hold their own against many of the grooves that Brown was recording during this high-water mark of his career.

With bonus tracks galore and fantastic liner notes by Alan Leeds (former James Brown publicist and tour manager), and mastered/cut by legendary mastering engineer Kevin Gray, this is a must-have—even if you have to give yourself a well-earned, early musical present this year.Complete James Brown Christmas Recordings w/ Bonus Tracks

Triple LP Gatefold Includes Original Album Artwork Mastered and Cut By Kevin Gray Liner Notes by Alan Leeds, Former James Brown Publicist and Tour Manager Sourced from High Resolution Audio High Quality Vinyl Release

Freestyle Records drop another UK boogie 12" rarity from Eddie Capone's Treatment, this time the previously white label-only "Only You Know What I Like" from 1985. Limited to 300 copies worldwide.
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A mainstay of the UK's reggae, soul, funk & rock circuits since the early 1970s, Eddie Capone has played with a diverse and revered collection of acts; Chairmen of the Board, The Foundations, Black Velvet, The Elgins, Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come, Arthur Lee's Love, Billy Preston and Edwin Starr to name but a few. Eddie was also part of short-lived group Casablanca, with David Costa & Barry Clarke of early 70's folk-rockers Trees, signed to Elton John's Rocket Record Company.
Eddie founded the Treatment band in the early 1980s bringing in a revolving cast of singers and players, and created the Treatment Records imprint out of his own Black Rock studio in South East London in 1982. Releasing a string of singles - with efforts from Eddie Capone's Treatment, a side-project with singer Beryl Marsden as Salt & Pepper, and a single from Norwegian group Wave - Treatment Records then followed this up in 1985 with the 12" release of "I Won't Give You Up" with Diane Jones brought in on vocal duties. This received solid support amongst DJs and radio at the time, and was quickly followed with this solid slice of white label-only UK boogie-funk that has since become a favoured deep cut on the selectors circuit.
Treatment Records continued through the 1980s through to early 1990s releasing Eddie's music, both as a solo artist and as part of collaborative side-projects, and Eddie has continued to write, perform and produce music from his home studio right through to the present day. As a committed community figure & activist in South East London, Eddie has since 2014 re-started Treatment Records under the name of 3G Treatment - bringing together three generations of people from the local area to ensure young artists & musicians have access to the expertise and experience of their elders for support and encourage successful careers in the industry.

8 years after the official reissue of the LP “An Eye For An Eye” by Byrne & Barnes, Favorite Recordings proudly presents this new single release. The 7inch first includes the classic “Love You Out Of Your Mind”, extracted from the WestCoast classic LP, which was a one-stop collaboration between Robert Byrne and Brendan Barnes, however both display incredible music career and went on to produce for famous artists such as Pointer Sisters, Patti Austin, Earth Wind & Fire, or Phil Collins to name just a few. The song parades all the elements of the AOR style: a jazzy sometimes fusion approach, with modern soul and groove flavors. The other side features an exclusive and unreleased track by Robert Byrne, dug by the original executive producer up in his archives for our great pleasure. “Do You Wanna Make Some Love” is also nurtured with Westcoast and AOR vibes, while leering to Boogie and Disco influences. We have no doubt it will delight all the Byrne & Barnes music lovers and many more.

Milo MacMahon and Raúl Indipwo, arrived to Portugal in 1959 and, over next three decades, they developed an international career in the music industry.

In addition to Portuguese and the various Angolan languages, the group recorded songs such as “Sylvie”, “La Kwela” and “Le Palmier” in French, among others, and also covered Latin American, Spanish-speaking, Brazilian and even North American repertoires, where on their various tours they came into contact with the struggle for the Civil Rights of the black population.

In 1969 Duo Ouro Negro went on tour to the United States. Their experience there was decisive for what we would come to know three years later. “Don't forget your blackground”, Raul Indipwo would exclaim in 1972, the voice of ‘Blackground’, the Angolan band's landmark album. Awakened to the activism of Black Power, attentive to the jazz that was being created on American soil, combined with an interest in the independence movements of the African colonies, what was then the most international of Portuguese bands recorded an album in Lisbon that was a vibrant cultural statement through music.

In 1981, “Blackground” was revised with new arrangements, including the instrumental “Dança do Robalinho”. Jazz-Funk at its best and now reissued for the first time in 7” format. You can't miss this jazz-funk gem made in Angola.

Double vinyl LP pressing. New Edition's career-spanning collection showcases 17 essential R&B hits. This latest compilation includes all their major hits from their MCA era, such as "Can You Stand the Rain," "Mr. Telephone Man," "If It Isn't Love," and "Cool It Now."

Born in Hanceville (Alabama), Canzetta Maria “Candi” Staton possesses one of the most recognizable voices of southern soul due to its characteristic and unmistakable tone. Her musical journey began in the 50s as a teenager singing gospel with the Four Golden Echoes and the Jewell Gospel Trio. In 1967 she made the transition to secular music and two years later started an artistically and commercially successful recording career with Fame Records, under the umbrella of Rick Hall, recording a dozen singles and three outstanding albums. Candi was introduced to Hall by Fame’s main artist Clarence Carter, who eventually married her in 1970. A new chapter began in 1974 at Warner Bros, from which the two songs paired on this record originated. They are now available on 7” for the first time. “Can’t Stop Being Your Fool” is a powerful composition by Phillip Mitchell perfectly suited for her; on the flip side we find “You Bet Your Sweet, Sweet Love”, a country soul masterpiece produced by Dave Crawford. Another essential release on Soul4Real.