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Originally From East Orange NEW Jersey

THE Exciting Williams Brothers Band GOT Their Start BY Their Father AND Mother MR. Roscoe Williams SR. AND MRS Esther Maude Walker Williams IN THE Late 60’s. They StartED OUT IN Gospel Music Like Their Father AND Family OF Brothers Before Them Whom YOU Will SEE Photos OF “the Original Williams Brothers” Throughout This Site From Time TO Time. THE Group From Oldest TO Youngest AT That Time Consists OF: Roscoe Williams JR. (lead Vocals) Eugene Williams (lead Guitar AND Background Vocals) Osbert Williams (bass Guitar AND Background Vocals) Alexander Williams ( Keyboard AND Background Vocals) AND Anthony Williams (lead Vocals) Anthony WAS THE Youngest Member OF THE Group AT That Time When ONE DAY While ON Their WAY TO Perform A Gospel Show ON MotherS DAY OF 1969, They HAD A Terrible CAR Accident Which Brought THE Family TO A Stand Still DUE TO Injuries AND Left Anthony Paralyzed TO This DAY. BY THE Time THE Exciting Williams Brothers Band Began High School They Asked Their Father IF They Could Play R&B Music. AT First Their Father WAS Against IT BUT When They Began PlayING Dances AND Clubs, SO Many People Began TO Book Them That Their Father HAD TO Install A Business Phone IN THE House TO Keep UP With THE Calls. IN 1975 THE Brothers Auditioned FOR A Beer Company Based IN NEW Zealand (the NEW Zealand Breweries) THE Company Came TO NEW York TO Audition American BandS AND THE Exciting Williams Brothers WON Against 12 Other BandS. THE Brothers Career Skyrocketed. They Toured FOR SIX Months IN NEW Zealand, Recorded A Record AND DID 3 Television ShowS IN NEW Zealand AND A Soft Drink Commercial FOR Sarsaparilla Soft DrinkS. When THE Brothers Came Back TO THE States Their Father Auditioned Them TO THE NEW York BookING Agencies AND That Began THE Group Touring IN THE United States. They Began 3 Months ON THE Road AND 2 Weeks Home AND They DID This FOR 8 Years. THE Exciting Williams Brothers Band Have Come Together TO Unleash A NEW Dimension OF EDM Music Through ESP. They ARE True Legends OF Music AND ONE OF Their RecordINGS Today Sell FOR Nearly $4000.00 PER Copy. THE Brothers USE There Roots IN Gospel Music TO Deliver Hard Hitting Jams AND Grooves TO THE LateST Dance Music Scene, “live” AS They Emerge AND Establish ThemSELVES AS AN Exciting Opening ACT FOR Major DJS.

Limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on silver coloured 180-gram vinyl. Joe Turner was an American blues singer who is known by his nickname of "Big Joe Turner" (because of his corpulent stature), but is also known as various other nicknames, such as "Boss of the Blues". Big Joe Is Here, which is Turner's post-R&B era album. The album focusses on the jazzy blues side of Turner's career, closer to Kansas City jazz and traditional pop than his pioneering R&B hits.

Although Ben E King's name is synonymous with The Drifters, he only actually sang on a dozen tracks with them, most of which were recorded concurrent with the start of his own solo career. This compilation anthologises Ben's solo recordings between 1960-62, presenting his early singles plus a handful of standout album tracks.

All his early hits are here, including the Drifters-like First Taste Of Love, his first million-seller Spanish Harlem, his signature song Stand By Me, the lilting Latin shuffle of Amor, the dramatic, bluesy Here Comes The Night/Young Boy Blues, his Sex'n'Soul double-sider Ecstasy/Yes, the explosive Don't Play That Song, the soulful Too Bad, the haunting I'm Standing By and Goffin & King's Tell Daddy.

Ben E. King’s ‘Don’t Play That Song!’ album is pressed on a single clear LP and is a one time pressing.

This vinyl release is a part of Atlantic Records' 75th Anniversary vinyl collection.

James Ray kickstarted his career as a teenager in 1959 after he left Washington DC for New York, but debut single ‘Make Her Mine’ flopped. Two years later, songwriter Rudy Clark discovered Ray and got him signed to the Caprice label, the resultant ‘If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody’ a top-30 hit that the Beatles covered in early live sets. Ray’s self-titled debut album had that hit and the equally appealing follow-up, ‘Itty Bitty Pieces,’ as well as ‘I’ve Got My Mind Set On You,’ later successfully covered by George Harrison. An overdose would tragically cut short Ray’s career, this sole LP a testament to his enduring talent.

Vinyl with scuffs, hairlines and a couple of deeper marks

Renaldo Domino blasted onto the fertile Chicago soul scene of the late 60's with a voice as sweet as sugar and deep grooves that sound just as fresh five decades later. Releasing singles on Mercury subsidiaries Smash and Blue Rock, and later Twinight records, Renaldo’s all-too-brief career has still managed to leave an impact to all those lucky enough to hear it.

Domino's Renaldo first record: I Love My Girl & I'm Hip To Your Game, came out in 1967 on the impossible to find Arnell records. I'm Hip To Your Game was later released on Smash in 1969

Renaldo returned to the spotlight in 2007 when the Chicago reissue powerhouse Numero Group put him on the cover of their deluxe box set Eccentric Soul: Twinight's Lunar Rotation (which included other greats Syl Johnson, The Notations, and many more). Renaldo’s performing career began to flourish once again with shows around country. In early 2019 Renaldo teamed up with producer Jeremy Kay and arranger JB Flatt and set out to record new tracks that would live up to Renaldo’s great early records. Assembling a crack team of Brooklyn’s best they pulled out all the stops, creating a mix between the lush arrangements of Chicago’s early soul style and the hard-hitting beat of current Brooklyn soul. The new single “No Laggin’ & Draggin’” / “Give Up The Love”, released Feb 2020, is now available on Colemine Records. Backed by The Heavy Sounds, Renaldo’s live performances continue to deliver with passion and precision, making new fans young and old.

Family vocal group the Esquires was formed in Milwaukee in the late 1950s; by the time they moved to Chicago to launch their recording career the group featured Gilbert Moorer, Alvis Moorer, and Sam Pace and although Curtis Mayfield turned them down, Bunky Sheppard recognised their potential, their debut single ‘Get On Up’ a smash hit that led to the recording of this brilliant debut album, an excellent collection of upbeat melodic soul with the group’s vocal harmonies in the spotlight. Further permutations would follow but Get On Up And Get Away captures the group in its illustrious eginning, full of shining joy. A top-notch release!

MRBLP188 Beautiful debut album from the incredible, Célia. Conducted & arranged by Arthur Verocai and Rogério Duprat; featuring songs by Lo Borges, Antonio Adolfo and Joyce amongst others. Célia recorded four self-titled albums for Continental between 1971 and 1977, ‘Amor’ in 1982 plus several more before she sadly passed away late in 2017, aged 70. This is her debut album from 1970. Célia was a Brazilian vocalist who worked frequently with master arranger-composer Arthur Verocai in her early years and many other heavyweights over the course of her extensive career. Joyce was particularly supportive in the making of this album, writing the beautiful “Abrace Paul McCartney” and her husband at the time, Nelson Ângelo, recorded some of the songs.
Features an exclusive insert of a translated interview with Celia, completed in 2011 in her hometown of São Paulo. Focusing, in particular on her recording work with Arthur Verocai, it showcases her wonderful sense of humour and how she was embracing her new legion of fans, particularly in the world of hip hop. Official Mr Bongo reissue. Licensed from Warner Music.

Ten years into his role as poster boy for pop soul and peak-hour R&B, Syl Johnson did an unlikely about-face and cut the most inspiring and powerful song he'd ever touch. Issued on 45 in September of 1969, "Is It Because I'm Black" struck an immediate chord within the black community, forcing the song up the charts by sheer volume of call-in requests. It would be Syl's biggest hit for Twinight, climbing as high as #11 on the Billboard R&B chart during its 14-week stay, marking the defining moment of what had become more than just an occupation. Syl had his hands on a career and worked tirelessly rehearsing his next opus, an album of songs reflective of the changing times. With "Is It Because I'm Black" still bolding the pages of Billboard, the coming LP's title appeared to Syl plain as day _ or, in this case, black as night. Issued in April 1970 _ a full 13 months before Marvin Gaye's What's Going On _ Is It Because I'm Black can rightly be called the first black concept album, a distinction few give it credit for. But that factoid, whatever its meaning then or now, failed to inspire music buyers: Johnson's record never got a whiff of the two million copies Gaye's did in its first year of availability. Syl lays the blame squarely on the record's lack of marketability to a white audience. The album's cover didn't exactly move units either. Photographer Jerry Griffith dragged Syl to a burned-out building on 43rd Street to shoot the back cover image, and he finger-painted the iconic title over a stock photo of an eroding brick wall. The title track, coupled with the politically charged "I'm Talking About Freedom" and ghetto conscious "Concrete Reservation" sealed the album's cool reception as the work of an "angry black man." Which is unfortunate, as "Together Forever," "Come Together," and "Black Balloons" are positively uplifting, forming their own pot of gold at the end of a grayscale rainbow. The album's closer burns the brightest. "Right On" devolves into a full-on party track, ending with Syl riffing on the line "I'm gonna keep on doing my thing," as if to answer his critics before their needles reached the run-out groove.

With Candi Staton hitting the UK to play the Love Supreme festival over the weekend of 30th June/2nd July, Ace records is delighted to reissue her debut LP, which has been out-of-print on vinyl for decades. "I'm Just A Prisoner" was released in 1970 and remains a definitive slice of Southern soul. Recorded at Rick Hall's legendary FAME studio in Muscle Shoals, "I'm Just A Prisoner" pulled together five tracks - 'I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart (Than A Young Man's Fool)', 'I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')', 'Evidence', 'You Don't Love Me No More' and 'Sweet Feeling' - that had appeared as A and B-sides on early singles issued in 1969 and 1970. These were augmented by another five tracks recorded specifically for the album; 'Someone You Use', 'Get It When I Want It', 'Do Your Duty', 'That's How Strong My Love Is' and 'Another Man's Woman, Another Woman's Man'. Like Southern fried chicken, this music is essential food for your ears. This new edition includes an inner sleeve featuring a new interview with Candi conducted by Ace Records' Ian Shirley about this magical stage of her career as well as photos from the period.

Catch this blistering funk rarity from 1971 - Do not sleep!

Clarence Reid should need no intro, but for the uninitiated he's one of the voices and creative forces behind numerous Miami funk and soul sides from the 1960s onwards. Known for his deep, soulful, rough and ready style and bugged out take on things (see Blowfly for example.... but be careful!) Reid recorded 100s of sides during his illustrious career. This particular record, originally released in 1971 on Henry Stones mighty Alston Records serves us up some red hot raucous funk. One side for the ladies, one side for the dudes! This one has long been a favourite of serious diggers and DJs hunting for breakbeats, and one spin of this 45 will tell you why, this one has it all.

Unmissable, rare as hen's teeth and now freshly restored and repressed for your 7" box! Clarence Reid's "Miss Hot Stuff / Mr. Hot Stuff", available again in repress form for the first time in over a decade. Fully licensed and agreed by Henry Stone Music / TK Disco and boasting some fresh new artwork for 2024.

Rudy Ray Moore
The Turning Point

Dolemite Records
DOL103-CD
8 29357 01032 2
$8.14

Throughout the 1970s, Rudy Ray Moore made his name as one of the most uniquely explicit, anti-establishment underground comedians working. With his profane, controversial material, and frequently taboo stories surrounding his famed pimp character Dolemite, Moore commanded a cult-fanbase throughout the decade, remained a star of blaxploitation films of the era, and was a strong influence on rap stars such as Snoop Dogg, Big Daddy Kane, and 2 Live Crew. His party records were considered too vulgar to be displayed in record shops, but word of mouth made his albums the stuff of legends.

Though Rudy Ray Moore was widely known for his provocative stand-up, less is known about his musical side. Though he found success as a comedian he had always wanted to be a famous singer, and deeply loved to perform music. (His stand-up shows regularly featured a backing band, providing his monologues a backdrop of jazz and R&B music.) In 1972, as his comedy career was booming with cult-popularity, Moore released The Turning Point, and fans were treated to the raunchy raconteur's previously unheard croon. The album features smooth R&B renditions of songs by Curtis Mayfield, The Impressions, The Platters, and other favorites of the comedian, even featuring two originals written by Moore himself.

The music on The Turning Point could easily stand toe-to-toe with the smooth, silky 70s soul of greats like Isaac Hayes or Lou Rawls. Over 35 years later, Dolemite Records, with a dedication to bringing Rudy Ray Moore's legacy to a modern audience, now brings you this compact disc reissue, complete with retrospective liner notes from Rudy's former manager Donald Randell.

Allen Toussaint had it all around him – the voices and spirits of black music, rhythm ’n’ blues, funk and soul. He was born in New Orleans and grew up there, the birthplace of jazz. As from 1960, he worked as a record producer and an A&R man at Minit Records, an independent label, which was closely associated with the transformation of the New Orleans Sound. His compositions for fellow musicians landed them in the charts, he frequently participated by performing with them on the piano, and so became a connoisseur and master of all possible sounds. "Life, Love And Faith" marks his launch into his solo career, and quite rightly so. In the songs, Toussaint amalgamates all he had mastered with a rocking R&B, funky rhythms and expressive soul to create his highly personal sound. Although it is a soul album through and through, one has the feeling that one is listening to an album from Reprise’s stable of singers/songwriters – including such artists as Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat and Joni Mitchell – rather than what usually came out of New Orleans in the early Seventies. And also because "Life, Love And Faith" captures an eccentric genius who pursues his own idiosyncratic vision. It is a structured, multi-layered album, which does not show Toussaint in his purest form, but it is his only album that shows just how widely ranged and profound his many talents were.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1972 at Jazz City Studios, New Orleans, by Cosimo Matassa and Skip Godwin Production: Allen Toussaint

During his long and fruitful career, multifaceted singer-songwriter Don Covay recorded in a variety of styles, including gospel, doo-wop, soul, rock, and blues, and his enviable skills as a songwriter were responsible for the likes of Chubby Checker’s ‘Pony Time,’ as well as Aretha Franklin’s ‘See Saw’ and ‘Chain Of Fools.’ Following his departure from Atlantic, Different Strokes For Different Folks was cut for the small Janus label at the esteemed Swampers HQ in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the resultant groove irresistibly mixing funk, soul, gospel, and rock, all the while working in plenty of Covay’s individual humour.

A quite unknown artist, Edith Peters was active between the 50s and 70s, singing as a member of the Peters Sisters, and as an actress; after marrying her Italian agent in 1958, she moved to Italy where she starred in several movies, TV series and ads.
In 1973 Sante Palumbo wrote and arranged a couple of songs for Edith Peters, perhaps with the aim of promoting her solo career. It was the same he released “Sway”, which was destined to become a cult LP.
“This Is the Moment” was originally released as the B-side of “Lord Please Hear my Prayer”, a rare 45 published by Cipiti Records. On Cipiti she had already released her rendition of “Speak Softly, Love”, a theme from “The Godfather” soundtrack, though her career was at that time orientated more toward her activity as a TV and movie actress. And when the single was released, it was rapidly overshadowed by more important releases like “The Dark Side Of The Moon” by Pink Floyd.
And it is a shame, since “This Is the Moment”, written by Tony Benn Feghaly (erroneously credited as ‘T. B. Feghall’ in the original release) and Sante Palumbo, is an amazing gospel-soul song. In only two minutes and a half The Sante Palumbo Orchestra accompanies Peters’ entrancing voice, delivering a groovy and intense interpretation – a richness that requires multiple listen to grasp all the nuances of this stunningly orchestrated piece.
The original 1973 version of the song is here featured as a B-side, while Gerardo Frisina signs the A-side of this reissue with a rework of the track – doubling the length and adding his signature rhythm patterns.

Limited edition for Schwarzer Freitag Record Store Day 2018! Only 1 per customer!

For the first time since 1973, her famed single “Deep Inside. You” is back in print on 7” vinyl, courtesy of Nature Sounds. Taylor’s records were characterized as “a unique musical brew that mixed northern soul with exotic percussion and fuzzy psychedelic guitars.... [in] a range of tempos and stylings from ballads to disco.” Taylor was nominated for the 12th annual Grammy Awards in the category of best R&B vocal performance by a female for the song “You Gotta Pay the Price”. The singles released by Gloria Ann Taylor are well-established rare
treasures in the Soul music canon. Although Taylor was nominated for a
Grammy, performed live on bills featuring The Emotions, Johnnie Taylor,
B.B. King, and The O’Jays, and had a circle of friends that included
Bootsy Collins and James Brown, by the the mid-1970s her career had
stalled and she abruptly quit the music business. Taylor’s records later
became highly sought-after by DJs and rare groove collectors, prized
for a hauntingly soulful sound that mixed northern soul with exotic
percussion and psychedelic guitars.
Gloria Ann Taylor passed away in December 2017 at the ago of 73.
Now, for the first time since 1973, her famed single “Deep Inside You” is
back in print on 7” vinyl, courtesy of Nature Sounds. This limited-edition
pressing of the often-sampled Columbia Records release also includes
the original B-side “World That’s Not Real”.

Another friday dedicated to the black gold!

* Record Store Day Europe / UK 2019 Exclusive Release!
* Originally released on Westbound Records in 1973
* Pressed on 180gm vinyl
* Limited to 1,000 copies

By the time singer-songwriter Albert Washington went to record the tracks that would be released on his career-defining LP, Sad and Lonely, in 1973, he was already a veteran on the recording scene. He had singles recorded on a dozen labels, in styles ranging from gospel to blues and soul. Washington (born in Georgia, 1939) made his own guitar out of a gasoline can using rubber bands as strings at the age of seven. After the family moved to Cincinnati, Albert started going to clubs in the area where he was exposed to artists from the likes of B.B. King and Sam Cooke who would inspire him to become a performer. By the mid 1960’s, Washington had started his recording career, cutting several singles for various labels. His 1964 recordings for the VLM label, including the song he wrote called ‘Haven't Got a Friend’, got him noticed in England, and this in turn led to a deal with Fraternity Records in 1966. Lonnie Mack later joined Washington on several singles for Fraternity recorded in 1969. In 1970, he released two singles on the Jewel label before finally recording his first LP (Sad and Lonely) for the Detroit-based label ‘Eastbound Records’ in 1973. Recorded with the Memphis Horns, the tracks on Sad and Lonely are prime southern gospel-infected soul, funk and raw Albert King style blues…bearing the heavy influence of both James Brown’s funk and Otis Redding’s Memphis soul. Albert’s music is full of lament, urban hustle and lost love, the precise guitar strokes alongside Washington's soaring vocals create the mood for the blues to invade the funk parts. The female backup singers’ harmonies are the cherry on top and the album is a funky emotional onslaught with relentless dance grooves from start to end. The outpour of talent featured here on ‘Sad and Lonely’ was carefully produced by Bernie Mendelson (Donald Austin, Melvin Sparks, Ceasar Frazier), engineered by Ronnie Capone (Stax) and then mastered by the legendary Howard Craft. Because of complications from diabetes (Washington lost his sight and went completely blind) he had to put his musical career on and off hiatus…but despite the crippling effects and the tragedies that befell him over the course of his life, Albert remained an upbeat, positive figure. Washington continued to perform in blues clubs around Long Island prior to dying of complications from diabetes on October 23, 1998. ‘Sad and Lonely’ was originally released on Eastbound (whose parent label Westbound had hitmakers such as Funkadelic & the Ohio Players on its roster in 1973). This rare album has now attained a cult status and fetches hefty sums on the collectors-market. Now it’s finally back available as a limited deluxe 180g vinyl edition (1000 copies) featuring the original artwork. Released exclusively for Record Store Day (UK & Europe) 2019, available in participating stores on April 13.

Previously released as part of a double LP
compilation with her complete output on Selector
Sound and the Deep Inside You EP. However, this is
the first official reissue of the Deep Inside You EP as
it's on stand-alone release.
Soul singer Gloria Ann Taylor has no rags to riches
tale to tell. Her story is one of personal sacrifice,
failed relationships, and missed opportunity. She was
leading a hard knock life before being swept-up by
the flash and promise of a marriage and business
partnership with a successful record producer. She
would be nominated for a Grammy, rub shoulders
with James Brown and Bootsy Collins, and turn
heads from Motown. But in the end she rejected
professional singing, the music business, and the
lifestyle that came with it. Thankfully for music lovers,
before Gloria closed the doors on her singing career,
she left us with some amazing soul songs. Deeply
shaded by gospel roots, her haunting sound clearly
comes from the gut. Gloria did not fake the funk.
Gloria was a partial owner of the Selector Sounds
label, along with her husband/producer Walter
Whisenhunt (previously a right-hand man to James
Brown), and her brother Leonard. They released five
Gloria Taylor singles between 1971 and 1977. They
also released the three-song Deep Inside You EP,
under the name Gloria Ann Taylor and Walter
Whisenhunt’s Orchestra. In the studio Whisenhunt
would work up a unique musical brew that mixed
northern soul with exotic percussion and fuzzy
psychedelic guitars. He moved Gloria through a
range of tempos and stylings from ballads to disco.
Her gritty vocal performance was set to orchestral
arrangements creating a juxtaposition of grandeur
and solace. The pinnacle of their collaborations has
to be the jaw-droppingly epic EP version of “Love Is
a Hurting Thing”; a chugging, string-laden disco
track, that sounds like proto-Theo Parrish

Limited 180 gram vinyl pressing of this 1973 album from the soul icon. Let's Get It On is the 13th studio album by Marvin Gaye. Serving as Gaye's first venture into the funk genre and romance-themed music, Let's Get It On incorporates smooth soul, doo-wop, and quiet storm. It has been noted by critics for it's sexually suggestive lyrics, and was cited by one writer as "one of the most sexually charged albums ever recorded." Following the breakthrough success of his socially conscious album What's Going On (1971), Let's Get It On helped establish Gaye as a sex icon and furthered his mainstream appeal. It produced three singles-the title track, "Come Get to This", and "You Sure Love to Ball"-that attained Billboard chart success. Let's Get It On became the most commercially successful album of Gaye's recording career, and it further expanded his creative control during his tenure with Motown.

* New Pressing On Blue Colored Vinyl *In 1973, Davis Would Finally Kick Off Her Cosmic Career With An Amazingly Progressive Hard Funk And Sweet Soul Self-Titled Debut. Davis Showcased Her Fiercely Unique Talent And Features Such Gems As "If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up" And "Game Is My Middle Name." The Album Betty Davis Was Recorded With Sly & The Family Stone's Rhythm Section, Sharply Produced By Sly Stone Drummer Greg Errico, And Featured Backing Vocals From Sylvester And The Pointer Sisters.

Two fine examples of Sweet/Group Soul Harmony that was originally released as vanity project on the local Gibbs label by this former ex Prison group with original copies being excruciatingly hard to find in any condition.



Artist Bio:

The Mansion were initially a prison group formed by Charles Lorenzo Blakely in 1970 while serving time in the Green Bay Reformatory at Allouez, Wisconsin. The Mansion’s line up included at different times Michael Locke, Stanley Newburn, Carl Anderson, John Crawford, Michael Smith, Larry Moses, Ronald Hardin, Jerome Wagner, Larry Lister, Maurice Payne and Charles himself. One day while rehearsing in the prison chapel, the Mansion attracted the attention of the warden’s wife who happened to be showing some local dignitaries around. Impressed by what she heard the warden’s wife was instrumental in the Mansion being invited to perform for the city’s television station Wbay, where they recording two holiday programs. The warden later gave them permission to perform outside the prison which brought them to the attention of a Milwaukee neighbourhood program adviser by the name of Al Dunlap of the Commando Project One. It was through Dunlap that the Mansion recorded their solitary 45 release in 1974 “The Girl Next Door /Stop! Let Your Heart Be Your Guide” for a local Milwaukee label Gibbs (406). The label’s owner Bill Gibbs held the release back until some of the members of the Mansion were granted their release papers as at that time prisoners were unable to sign any contract agreements while still incarcerated. Although Charles Blakely remained incarcerated, he was later moved to a medium security prison in Fox Lake County, Wisconsin. While there he formed a gospel group, called the ‘Bell Tones’ who’s line up included Charles, Mayweather Lee, Joe Hayes, and Levell Rudd. The formation of this group was seen as major factor in Charles’s rehabilitation which led to his eventual parole in 1976. Once on the outside Charles with former ‘Bell Tone” member Mayweather Lee were joined by Charles (Sonny) Bryant and Jimmy Taylor to form a new ensemble by the name of The “Final Chapter”. As the final Chapter they recorded a solitary release for Marvel Love’s New World Label “Now I Know/Get Down For Your Action” (nw800) during 1980, a brief association that for several reasons was to eventually brake down. Although Jimmy Taylor left to pursue a career as a blues musician the remaining three members of the ‘Final Chapter’ continued to perform until they finally disbanded in 1987. Three previously unissued Final Chapter songs can be found on Soul Junction Various Artists CD compilation “We Got A Sweet Thing going On” Volume II. The Mansion’s Gibbs 45 is now is a highly prized and sort after item amongst Sweet and Group Soul collectors.

One can hardly imagine the genre-busting, culture-crossing musical magic of Outkast, Prince, Erykah Badu, Rick James, The Roots, or even the early Red Hot Chili Peppers without the influence of R&B pioneer Betty Davis. Her style of raw and revelatory punk-funk defies any notions that women can’t be visionaries in the worlds of rock and pop. In recent years, rappers from Ice Cube to Talib Kweli to Ludacris have rhymed over her intensely strong but sensual music.

There is one testimonial about Betty Davis that is universal: she was a woman ahead of her time. In our contemporary moment, this may not be as self-evident as it was thirty years ago – we live in an age that’s been profoundly changed by flamboyant flaunting of female sexuality: from Parlet to Madonna, Lil Kim to Kelis. Yet, back in 1973 when Betty Davis first showed up in her silver go-go boots, dazzling smile and towering Afro, who could you possibly have compared her to? Marva Whitney had the voice but not the independence. Labelle wouldn’t get sexy with their “Lady Marmalade” for another year while Millie Jackson wasn’t Feelin’ Bitchy until 1977. Even Tina Turner, the most obvious predecessor to Betty’s fierce style wasn’t completely out of Ike’s shadow until later in the decade.

Ms. Davis’s unique story, still sadly mostly unknown, is unlike any other in popular music. Betty wrote the song “Uptown” for the Chambers Brothers before marrying Miles Davis in the late ’60s, influencing him with psychedelic rock, and introducing him to Ji mi Hendrix — personally inspiring the classic album Bitches Brew.

But her songwriting ability was way ahead of its time as well. Betty not only wrote every song she ever recorded and produced every album after her first, but the young woman penned the tunes that got The Commodores signed to Motown. The Detroit label soon came calling, pitching a Motown songwriting deal, which Betty turned down. Motown wanted to own everything. Heading to the UK, Marc Bolan of T. Rex urged the creative dynamo to start writing for herself. A common thread throughout Betty’s career would be her unbending Do-It-Yourself ethic, which made her quickly turn down anyone who didn’t fit with the vision. She would eventually say no to Eric Cla pton as her album producer, seeing him as too banal.

Her 1974 sophomore album They Say I’m Different features a worthy-of-framing futuristic cover challenging David Bowie’s science fiction funk with real rocking soul-fire, kicked off with the savagely sexual “Shoo-B-Doop and Cop Him” (later sampled by Ice Cube). Her follow up is full of classic cuts like “Don’t Call Her No Tramp” and the hilarious, hard, deep funk of “He Was A Big Freak.”

A limited re-release of the very first single created by Virginia Soul Legend, Van Jones. Originally released in 1974, this release celebrates one of the most soulful, heartfelt recordings pressed onto a 7", the first step in Vans career defining his artistry & expression. The original release remains obscure due to the handful of copies known worldwide, now lovingly restored & released exclusively through Symphonical, in direct collaboration with Van Jones & Erwin Epps.

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.

This one’s for the steppers!

Gene Harris, the American jazz pianist, appearing on over 50 albums in his career, including on labels Blue Note & Concord Jazz, known for his warm sound and known for his warm sound and blues and gospel infused style that is known as soul jazz.

Originally released in 1974 on the classic soul jazz album Astral Signal, Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong gained a second wave of popularity when it was played as part of the London centric, Rare Groove scene in the late 80’s.

Remastered and lovingly reissued on the increasingly ‘buy or cry’ Selector Series label, this seminal laid back stepper is available for the first time In over 45 years!

Deepfunk / soul super rarity flipped with one of the best deep soul sides ever recorded, the family had some great images so we opted for a picture sleeve on this one, 400 copies only. forget about finding an O.G. Researched by our man, Brian Sears
Papa Bear And His Cubs were the brainchild of Eddie Disnute Sr., aka Papa Bear. A native resident of Hampton, Arkansas. Eddie started his music career in gospel then transitioned into secular music after moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1963. While living in Milwaukee with his wife and children, Eddie played with a group called the Fenders but eventually decided to start a group of his own with his kids aptly named Papa Bear And His Cubs.
Eddie Sr., a naturally gifted musician, taught his children how to play music. Creativity is a part of the Disnute DNA and before long Eddie's cubs were perfecting chops of their own. Papa Bear And His Cubs started performing together around the late 1960s. Although a few memorable gigs came their way, Wisconsin proved to be too cold for the Disnutes so they made their way back to Hampton, Arkansas.
The family continued to perform in Arkansas then made another move to Houston, Texas where they hoped to break into the music scene down south. They lived there for nearly three years and even recorded at SugarHill Studios, yet nothing materialized and the recordings remain a mystery to this day. For their final move, the Disnutes returned home to Hampton after Eddie's wife Christine (aka Mother Goose) received word that her father was ill.
In 1975 the group recorded their only vinyl record at Sam Griffith's home recording studio in Camden, Arkansas. Disnute Sr. recalls it only taking "one night, and one take" for both "Sweetest Thing On This Side Of Heaven" and "You're So Fine" to be born. Both songs have an entrancing quality that is inescapable and will surely resonate with listeners for years to come.
The group continued to perform until the early 1980s, at which point the cubs were bears themselves, who decided to go their own separate ways. When thinking back to their prime days, one thing will always remain clear in Eddie Sr.'s memory, "we could play, all it took was a countdown of 1, 2 ,3, 4 and we're gone".

We can’t think of many artists that have had as diverse a career and who have been involved in as many different genres of music as Asha Puthli. A musical pioneer who forged a path through 60's psych, free-jazz, pop, rock, disco, and more. Asha's 1976 album 'The Devil Is Loose' is maybe her most well-known record. Featuring the beautiful disco-funk-classic 'Space Talk’, Asha's ethereal soaring vocals take us on a journey that almost mirrors Asha's eclectic career. The track was championed by a wide-range of musical scenes and movements, and over space and time it has been commandeered as their own. You would hear it played by David Mancuso at the now ‘mythical’ underground New York party 'The Loft’, in the most discerning disco nightclubs across the globe, in the Rare Groove scene, and also being sampled by hip-hop heavyweights such as The Notorious B.I.G / P Diddy, and The Pharcyde. The appeal and lifespan of ’Space Talk’ keeps on extending and morphing as new audiences gleefully discover it for the first time - it still sounds as relevant and fresh on the dancefloor today - a sign of a true classic. Here at Mr Bongo we are thrilled to be releasing records by such an iconic musical maverick as Asha, from her roots in India to becoming a globe-trotting artist with a celebrated career in music and acting, whilst always staying true to her art. She has blazed a trail so that others could follow. Whether you are buying this album as a replacement for your worn-out original copy or it's the first time you've heard of Asha Puthli and you're just intrigued and drawn in by the cover, we hope you enjoy this quintessential slice of Asha's world.

We can’t think of many artists that have had as diverse a career and who have been involved in as many different genres of music as Asha Puthli. A musical pioneer who forged a path through 60's psych, free-jazz, pop, rock, disco, and more. Asha's 1976 album 'The Devil Is Loose' is maybe her most well-known record. Featuring the beautiful disco-funk-classic 'Space Talk’, Asha's ethereal soaring vocals take us on a journey that almost mirrors Asha's eclectic career. The track was championed by a wide-range of musical scenes and movements, and over space and time it has been commandeered as their own. You would hear it played by David Mancuso at the now ‘mythical’ underground New York party 'The Loft’, in the most discerning disco nightclubs across the globe, in the Rare Groove scene, and also being sampled by hip-hop heavyweights such as The Notorious B.I.G / P Diddy, and The Pharcyde. The appeal and lifespan of ’Space Talk’ keeps on extending and morphing as new audiences gleefully discover it for the first time - it still sounds as relevant and fresh on the dancefloor today - a sign of a true classic. Here at Mr Bongo we are thrilled to be releasing records by such an iconic musical maverick as Asha, from her roots in India to becoming a globe-trotting artist with a celebrated career in music and acting, whilst always staying true to her art. She has blazed a trail so that others could follow. Whether you are buying this album as a replacement for your worn-out original copy or it's the first time you've heard of Asha Puthli and you're just intrigued and drawn in by the cover, we hope you enjoy this quintessential slice of Asha's world.

If you purchased a snake plant, asparagus fern, peace lily, or what have you fromMother Earth on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles (or bought a Simmons mattressfrom Sears) in 1976, you also took home Plantasia, an album recorded especiallyfor plants. Subtitled "warm earth music for plants_and the people that lovethem," it was full of bucolic, charming, stoner-friendly, decidedly unscientifictunes enacted on the new-fangled device called the Moog.Before Brian Eno did it, Mort Garson was making discreet music. Julliardeducated and active as a session player in the post-war era, Garson wrote loungehits, scored the 1969 moon-landing and plush arrangements for Doris Day, andgarlanded weeping countrypolitan strings around Glen Campbell's "By theTime I Get to Phoenix."But as his daughter Day Darmet recalls: "When my dad found the synthesizer, herealized he didn't want to do pop music anymore." Garson encountered RobertMoog and his new device at the Audio Engineering Society's West Coast convention in 1967 and immediately began tinkering with the device."My mom had a lot of plants," Darmet says. "She didn't believe in organizedreligion, she believed the earth was the best thing in the whole world. Whatevercreated us was incredible." And she also knew when her husband had a good song.Novel as it might seem, Plantasia is simply full of good tunes.This release marks the first official re-issue of the long sought-after cult classic.Hearing Plantasia in the 21st century, it seems less an ode to our photosynthesizing friends by Garson and more an homage to his wife, the one with the greenthumb that made everything flower around him. "My dad would be totallypleased to know that people are really interested in this music that had nopopularity at the time," Darmet says of Plantasia's new renaissance. "He would befascinated by the fact that people are finally understanding and appreciating thispart of his musical career that he got no admiration for back then." Garson seemsto be every...

"Heaven & Earth" was a soul vocal group based in Chicago in the mid-1970s, and throughout their career, they left behind four high-quality albums. Among them, this first album released from Clarence Johnson's G.E.C. Label could be considered their most overflowing work of the charm of their sweet vocals. This piece, where you can thoroughly enjoy Dwight Dukes' consistently sweet falsetto, has never been reissued on record since its release in 1976 until today. The P-vine edition includes the additional track "Promises," which was only released on a single.

Limited edition of 1000 copies worldwide! We can’t think of many artists that have had as diverse a career and who have been involved in as many different genres of music as Asha Puthli. A musical pioneer who forged a path through 60's psych, free-jazz, pop, rock, disco, and more. Asha's 1976 album 'The Devil Is Loose' is maybe her most well-known record. Featuring the beautiful disco-funk-classic 'Space Talk’, Asha's ethereal soaring vocals take us on a journey that almost mirrors Asha's eclectic career. The track was championed by a wide-range of musical scenes and movements, and over space and time it has been commandeered as their own. You would hear it played by David Mancuso at the now ‘mythical’ underground New York party 'The Loft’, in the most discerning disco nightclubs across the globe, in the Rare Groove scene, and also being sampled by hip-hop heavyweights such as The Notorious B.I.G / P Diddy, and The Pharcyde. The appeal and lifespan of ’Space Talk’ keeps on extending and morphing as new audiences gleefully discover it for the first time - it still sounds as relevant and fresh on the dancefloor today - a sign of a true classic. Here at Mr Bongo we are thrilled to be releasing records by such an iconic musical maverick as Asha, from her roots in India to becoming a globe-trotting artist with a celebrated career in music and acting, whilst always staying true to her art. She has blazed a trail so that others could follow. Whether you are buying this album as a replacement for your worn-out original copy or it's the first time you've heard of Asha Puthli and you're just intrigued and drawn in by the cover, we hope you enjoy this quintessential slice of Asha's world.

Harari was formed in the late sixties and originally known as The Beaters, the South African group consisting of guitarists Selby Ntuli & Monty ‘Saitana’ Ndimande, bassist Alec Khaoli and drummer Sipho Mabuse decided to change their name to Harari during a tour through Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1976. The name is taken from a township outside Salisbury (which is now the capital, Harare). With their afro-rock/funk/fusion style they achieved huge successes back home and in the neighbouring states, and they were the first local black pop/rock band to appear on South African TV.

The Beaters/Harari had been disciples of ‘Soweto Soul’ – an explosion of township bands drawing on American soul and inspired by the assertive image of Stax and Motown’s Black artists. They supported Percy Sledge on his 1970 South African tour (and later Timmy Thomas, Brook Benton and Wilson Pickett). But their watershed moment was a three-month tour of Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) where they were inspired by the strengthening independence struggle and musicians such as Thomas Mapfumo who were turning to African influences. On their return, the neat Nehru jackets that had been the band’s earliest stage wear were replaced by dashikis and Afros. In the process, they created a sound that was labelled all too simply as ‘Afro-rock’ but was really a fusion of funk- and rock-inspired rhythms with African roots.

In 1976 Harari were also voted South Africa’s top instrumental group and were in high demand at concert venues across the country (they were the first Black band to headline their own show at Johannesburg’s Colosseum Theatre). Harari released several albums and their South African based label (Gallo), even got them a two-album deal with the US major label A&M. Their single, 'Party', entered the American Disco Hot 100 in 1982. After the untimely death of Selby Ntuli in 1978 they would go on to record more albums with a new line-up but it was never the same again. By 1984 the group disbanded, and Harari’s members launched successful solo careers.

Harari was a band that was deeply rooted in pan-African politics, the parallel cross-influences of the Black Panther Movement and Black Consciousness. African American soul music and Soweto Soul contributed to the way Harari became purveyors of all the styles we know today as Afro-soul, Afro-pop and Afro-jazz. The Beaters/Harari left behind a body of work that fused traditional African sounds with rock, funk, jazz, soul and psychedelia into a unique and coherent sound. It shows their ability to capture the many genres flying around South Africa during a time of intense political and cultural shifts.

The album we are presenting you today (Genesis from 1977) comes swinging right out the gate with a set of six monster anthems, explosive up-tempo jams, gorgeous vocal harmonies and chants, Afro-centric fusions of rock, funk and indigenous influences. The album is packed with mesmerizing drum-grooves, psychedelic improvisations and catchy Afrobeat rhythms. This is a quintessential Harari record that every serious collector or fan needs to have in his collection.

Originally released in 1977 on Gallo Records South Africa (and later repressed in 1982 on the same label), Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first official reissue of this rare album (original copies tend to go for Large amounts on the secondary market…that is if you’re lucky enough to come across one). This is also the First time ‘Genesis’ is being released outside of the African continent. This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies) with obi strip and featuring the original artwork.

Harari was formed in the late sixties and originally known as The Beaters, the South African group consisting of guitarists Selby Ntuli & Monty ‘Saitana’ Ndimande, bassist Alec Khaoli and drummer Sipho Mabuse decided to change their name to Harari during a tour through Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1976. The name is taken from a township outside Salisbury (which is now the capital, Harare). With their afro-rock/funk/fusion style they achieved huge successes back home and in the neighbouring states, and they were the first local black pop/rock band to appear on South African TV.

The Beaters/Harari had been disciples of ‘Soweto Soul’ – an explosion of township bands drawing on American soul and inspired by the assertive image of Stax and Motown’s Black artists. They supported Percy Sledge on his 1970 South African tour (and later Timmy Thomas, Brook Benton and Wilson Pickett). But their watershed moment was a three-month tour of Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) where they were inspired by the strengthening independence struggle and musicians such as Thomas Mapfumo who were turning to African influences. On their return, the neat Nehru jackets that had been the band’s earliest stage wear were replaced by dashikis and Afros. In the process, they created a sound that was labelled all too simply as ‘Afro-rock’ but was really a fusion of funk- and rock-inspired rhythms with African roots.

In 1976 Harari were also voted South Africa’s top instrumental group and were in high demand at concert venues across the country (they were the first Black band to headline their own show at Johannesburg’s Colosseum Theatre). Harari released several albums and their South African based label (Gallo), even got them a two-album deal with the US major label A&M. Their single, 'Party', entered the American Disco Hot 100 in 1982. After the untimely death of Selby Ntuli in 1978 they would go on to record more albums with a new line-up but it was never the same again. By 1984 the group disbanded, and Harari’s members launched successful solo careers.

Harari was a band that was deeply rooted in pan-African politics, the parallel cross-influences of the Black Panther Movement and Black Consciousness. African American soul music and Soweto Soul contributed to the way Harari became purveyors of all the styles we know today as Afro-soul, Afro-pop and Afro-jazz. The Beaters/Harari left behind a body of work that fused traditional African sounds with rock, funk, jazz, soul and psychedelia into a unique and coherent sound. It shows their ability to capture the many genres flying around South Africa during a time of intense political and cultural shifts.

The album we are presenting you today (Genesis from 1977) comes swinging right out the gate with a set of six monster anthems, explosive up-tempo jams, gorgeous vocal harmonies and chants, Afro-centric fusions of rock, funk and indigenous influences. The album is packed with mesmerizing drum-grooves, psychedelic improvisations and catchy Afrobeat rhythms. This is a quintessential Harari record that every serious collector or fan needs to have in his collection.

Originally released in 1977 on Gallo Records South Africa (and later repressed in 1982 on the same label), Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first official reissue of this rare album (original copies tend to go for Large amounts on the secondary market…that is if you’re lucky enough to come across one). This is also the First time ‘Genesis’ is being released outside of the African continent. This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies) with obi strip and featuring the original artwork.

The Black Smoke Band were comprised of five members

Norwell McNeill on lead vocals (and songwriting duties) Bobby Moore on bass guitarJames Jacobs on lead guitar Joe McLaughlin on keyboards Ronnie Brewington on drums. Joe was also the man behind the band’s resources, financing both the musical kit and studio time.All of the members hail from the town of Dunn, North Carolina - a state which has gifted us some amazing soul music from the 1960’s, 1970’s and beyond.

All of the members of the group began recording music prior to the band’s two releases, before they met and formed as teenagers playing local bars, dance halls and night clubs. They gigged with other local acts. Both of the band’s releases were recorded in 1977 at Arthur Smith’s Studios in Charlotte - and both released on the group’s own label, Black Smoke Productions. ‘Starting my Life All Over Again’ was the first of two releases, a beautiful sweet soul effort, that really showcases Norwell’s earnest, soulful vocals. The flip is a solid funk cut called ’Skateboard’.

‘I’ll Keep Searching’ b/w ‘Get n Off’ was the second and sadly final release from the group - but what a record it is!

A moody, funky, and compelling arrangement that eschewed the ubiquitous disco sound of the period and created a gritty masterpiece for lovers of hard edged soul music. Norwell’s gruff, captivating vocal and some stellar guitar work were all laid over a tight, rolling beat accompanied by strong horn stabs. The pleading, emotional dynamics of the record work brilliantly with its strutting, insistent pace. Delivering both emotionally and musically it was to be the group’s swan song, but left ample evidence of the talent that lay within them as a band.

Eventually the group decided to go their separate ways in 1978, although that was not the end of their musical careers, with all of the members continuing to perform in and around North Carolina for many years.

Ronnie sadly passed away, but the other four original members of the group are still actively making music, with Norwell and Bobby remaining in regular contact today.

Bobby played with Kool & The Gang for a brief spell, alongside other well known acts. Joe continues to run his own studio, and has a large back catalogue of previously unheard material recorded both before and after the Black Smoke years.

That is the story of the Black Smoke Band in 1977. Although short lived, the group have provided soul fans across the UK and beyond with two fabulous singles, considered by many to be shining examples of the musical talent that coursed through America’s suburbs and communities during the golden age of soul and funk music.

A rich vein of talent which remains largely undiscovered even now...

In the early seventies, Joey Gilmore embarked on his musical journey, captivating audiences with a series of unforgettable singles that showcased his raw talent and unique style. It wasn't until 1977 that the culmination of his musical endeavors arrived—the release of his highly anticipated debut record.

This debut album marked a pivotal moment in Joey Gilmore's career, solidifying his reputation as a self-taught guitar virtuoso and soulful singer. The record resonated with listeners, capturing the essence of his artistry and leaving an indelible impact.

Now, after a 45-year wait, the time has finally come for a vinyl reissue of Joey Gilmore's debut album. This reissue is a celebration of his timeless music, meticulously crafted to preserve the authenticity and integrity of the original recording. Every note, every lyric and the original design of the sleeve has been lovingly restored to transport you back to the magic of that era.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the unadulterated funk and soul of Joey Gilmore's music, as this remarkable reissue brings his debut album back to life. Allow the melodies and rhythms to envelop you, taking you on a captivating musical adventure that transcends time. Revisit the magic, rediscover the artistry, and let the music of Joey Gilmore captivate your soul once again.

In the early seventies, Joey Gilmore embarked on his musical journey, captivating audiences with a series of unforgettable singles that showcased his raw talent and unique style. It wasn't until 1977 that the culmination of his musical endeavors arrived—the release of his highly anticipated debut record.

This debut album marked a pivotal moment in Joey Gilmore's career, solidifying his reputation as a self-taught guitar virtuoso and soulful singer. The record resonated with listeners, capturing the essence of his artistry and leaving an indelible impact.

Now, after a 45-year wait, the time has finally come for a vinyl reissue of Joey Gilmore's debut album. This reissue is a celebration of his timeless music, meticulously crafted to preserve the authenticity and integrity of the original recording. Every note, every lyric and the original design of the sleeve has been lovingly restored to transport you back to the magic of that era.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the unadulterated funk and soul of Joey Gilmore's music, as this remarkable reissue brings his debut album back to life. Allow the melodies and rhythms to envelop you, taking you on a captivating musical adventure that transcends time. Revisit the magic, rediscover the artistry, and let the music of Joey Gilmore captivate your soul once again.

Small sticker on cover.

Writing on cover.

We're back with our 5th release! This time it's the certified dancefloor weapon by Alonzo Turner ‘Whoever Said It?’ Released on a 7 inch with a part 1 & 2, this record has been played on dancefloors worldwide by such players as Rahaan, Sadar Bahar and more, with those selectors favouring the part 2 in the most euphoric moments with that incredible vocal half way through. The record has remained hard to come by for most so we are thrilled to have this one out there as an affordable and great sounding reissue. Remastered as always by Frank at The Carvery and this time released with a vibrant company sleeve and a baby yellow label on the 7 to match the original. "Alonzo Turner was born in Northern California in 1955 and was introduced to music by his church, of which his father was pastor. As a young adult, Turner moves to West Hollywood and at 23, he starts to manage a local rock band while working day and night to write what will turn out to be his first and only release, ‘Whoever Said It’. The song catches the attention of Dave Crawford, A former producer at Atlantic. Like most stuff on Crawford’s label, LA Records, the single never makes it to the charts but helps Turner make a name for himself in L.A. and Orange County where he performs often. There is only speculation about what happened to ‘You’ve Got Something’, the LP on which the song was meant to appear, but five years later Alonzo ends up writing an eponymous piece for Norma Lewis (Shakatak, Charade) on her debut album ‘It’s Gonna Happen’. In 1984, struggling to make ends meet from his music career, Turner takes a part time job at a record store, while also pushing garments to an elite clientele in Beverly Hills, even selling clothes to one of Michael Jackson’s designers. In 1991, aged 38, Alonzo Turner will pass away from illness. Written by a loner who lived in a modest flat filled with antiques and expensive art pieces, ‘Whoever Said It’ is a testament to the idea that love does exist beyond our imagination. While asking who is to blame for spreading the opposite theory, Turner makes this simple yet compelling argument to debunk it: emotions are a motor of action, they literally set us in motion and therefore reality derives its very momentum from them." Alonzo Turner biopic originally written by Omar Krivit via musicismysanctuary.com

In the Spring of 1978, Aaron McCarthy Jr, a.k.a. ‘Jelly’ was invited to Miami by local producer, Thomas Fundora to assist Herman Kelly with his forthcoming album, ‘Percussion Explosion!’. Herman, who was studying at the University of Miami at the time, had met Jelly whilst studying Music Theory together at Henry Ford Community College in Detroit. Both Detroit natives, Jelly had founded the group the Soulful Sonics, later to be known as Pure Pleasure whilst Herman transferred to Miami. The group Life consisted of Jelly on Vocals, Percussion & arrangement, Oliver Wells on Keys, John DeMonica on Bass, Michal Cordoza on, Guitar, Travis Biggs on Horn Arrangements and Keys. ‘Percussion Explosion!’, which included the infamous ‘Dance To The Drummer Beat’, was recorded at ‘Miami Sound Studios’, as a forthcoming release on Fundora’s Electric Cat label, distributed by RCA. On reviewing which tracks made the album, there was a track recorded during those sessions that Herman decided to leave out, a song Oliver Wells had been working on and completed once Jelly arrived called ‘Everybody Needs Lovin, Now’s The Time’. Originally known as ‘Now’s The Time’, Jelly finalised the lyrics and arrangement and cut a deal with Fundora to transfer the master for an independent release on a joint label ‘fu-ja’, made up of FU (Fundora) & JA (Jelly). Jelly had started performing professionally after joining the Navy in 1970. Stationed at Naval Air Station Glynco in Brunswick Georgia, he was part of the Navy band as well as working the clubs with local groups. ‘Hey Look At Me’ was written whilst in boot camp, a song that when he performed & won with at a Whcb talent show upon returning to Detroit. The song was recorded using a 4 track in 1976 at Richard Wells Studio, Detroit. During the late 70s, Jelly was pursuing a successful career in music locally in Detroit by hiring spaces and hosting cabarets. A graduate of local teacher & Motown Orchestra player Ernie Rodgers, Jelly would hire musicians from his class to perform with him at these events. The majority of players who would become Jelly’s group, ‘Skybirst’. Both ‘Hey Look At Me’ & ‘Everybody Needs Lovin, Now’s The Time’ were mastered by Greg Reilly at Super Disc in Detroit and sent to Nashville to get pressed as a quantity of 200. Jelly released his single in July of 1978 as part of a show he had lined up at ‘Mr Kelley’s Lounge’, an exclusive venue in downtown Detroit. Fast forward 30+ years, Jelly was reminded about this single after Brad Hales of Peoples Records played this track at a European Soul Weekender that, needlessly to say, saw a regained interest in this elusive single. Jelly’s currently working on his biography so be sure to look out for that, it’s a pleasure to be able to present to you these two timeless tracks.

American R&B and soul singer and producer Al Johnson debuted as lead singer of The Unifics in the mid 60's and enjoyed a successful career as songwriter and producer after leaving the group. He is also well known as a producer of Terry Huff's classic album The Lonely One.

His first album Peaceful was released from a minor label called Marina Records in 1978 and was produced by Lloyd Price who is the singer that had some R&B hit songs in the 50's. In addition, thanks to the skillful supporting musicians such as Bernard Purdie on drums, Leo Nocentelli from The Meters on guitar, the album is an aural delight with soulful gems from start-to-finish.

Although it's less known than his 2nd full length Back For More which was produced by Norman Connors, P-vine believes this album will strike a chord with R&B lovers. Includes Japanese OBI-strip!

The last and most monumental chapter of Lou Ragland's Cleveland career. Understand Each Other serves as a spiritual magnum opus of generations of soul luminaries from the Forest City. The album opens with the socially conscious title track backed by the full force of the Cleveland Orchestra, gutting out a second place finish to Marvin Gaye's What's Going On in both its mission and its mix. This 45th anniversary pressing houses fresh remasters from the original reels in a replica jacket, while Remus Peterson's handsketched depiction of Lou Ragland as peacemaker implores a sabre-toothed tiger and a dove to "Understand Each Other."

P-vine is proudly reissuing a classic album of rare groove released by West Coast-born funky drummer Les Demarle at the height of his career in the 1970s, "Transfusion" with a Japanese OBI strip!

This is a studio recording in 1977 on the jazz label called "Dobre Records", which was run by Ray Lawrence. The introductory drum break to 'Moondial' has been sampled by many artists including Jurassic 5's 'Lesson 1', De La Soul's 'Stone Age', DJ Shadow and Greyboy. Other jazz funk tracks such as 'Canned Heat Suite' and 'Kaballa', and the bewitching Afro-latin funk of 'Bacchanal', this is a funky fusion full of groovy tracks throughout the album.

First time reissued on vinyl! This is in fact more than just a rare record and definitely more than just a vinyl share for insatiable collectors who only judge a record by it's monetary value. This is a prime example of overflowing talent coupled with a simmering passion for music and the hunger for life right at the moment. The story begins on Jue 7th 1957 in a small Ghanaian village where Kofi Kwarko Gyan, nicknamed Kiki, was born into a middle class family. Soon his talent as a musician began to show when he started taking piano lessions by the age of 5 and went professional by the age of 12. He dropped out of school shortly after and began living a life on the road with regional Ghanaian bands. One trip abroad took him to London in the early 70s where his career received a giant push at the age of 15. He joined afro rock legends OSIBISA in 1972 as their new keyboardist after his predecessor had left the band. By the mid 70s Kiki Gyan had played with OSIBISA to giant audiences allover the world and met personalities from the international music scene such as Elton John and Mick Jagger. He was not only a steady keyboardist for OSIBISA but also a very popular session man for fellow African bands and musicians, among them OFEGE from Nigeria. He released a couple of solo albums and we take a closer look now at his second effort from 1979, “Feeling so good”. The music keeps what the title promises as this is a delightful example of joy manifesting in music. Everything is bright here, the grooves are complex and powerful, yet always accessible. The harmonies enchant you with their friendly approach. The African sun shines from each note played on this record. Gyan mixes Western disco sounds, funk, African traditional chants and reggae sounds into an ever flowing groove music that has lot's of melody and mesmerizes by the swirling percussion patterns. “Feeling so good” is an equally physical and spiritual affair and contains six lengthy tunes. Tunes that live from the tight interplay of all instruments, the crisp, clear and powerful production and a wild and steaming atmosphere. Kiki Gyan was on the step of entering the 'Hall of Legends' like Stevie Wonder did, to whom he often got compared to. His legacy remains huge, not only for African music but for all black music that ruled the early disco scene in the 70s and whose popularity is still at full blossom. Next to Fela Kuti and Geraldo Pino, Kiki Gyan can be called a true force in African pop music of the 70s!

When Cobb's Corner nightclub owner Henry Normile was murdered, followed by the in-street shooting and death of Eddie Jefferson, the heart of the Detroit jazz scene was ripped apart. Through the advent of the Labor Day Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festivals starting in 1980, things picked back up measurably, but the club scene has never been the same. This live recording of the Lyman Woodard Organization, which was taped the day before Normile was killed in his next door apartment, more than any other album or event exemplified the never say die spirit of Motor City jazz. It also was a hallmark for a unique style of the music, an urban rhythm & blues infused contemporary jazz that stood tall for both listeners and dancers during the tail-end of the disco movement. Woodard was in his prime, determined that his idea was singular, and went beyond soul-jazz into a realm where only he could claim ownership. With guitarist Robert Lowe and saxophonist Allan Barnes, who would both go on to national acclaim as leaders, the Organization was a powerhouse in live performance not to be denied, and for sure a solid sending crowd pleaser. A much better recording than his studio cult classic "Saturday Night Special", this live set laid the groundwork for the continuation of Woodard's career for decades to come, and showed his fellow Detroiter's that better days lay ahead. Where the title track is happy and a bit more commercial than the rest with its slinky, straight, fingerpopping, sublime beat and seductive vocal line, "Disco Tease" prances along in a hard rock vein with conga accents from Lorenzo Brown and chicken scratch, dramatic guitar chords from Lowe. "Down Lowe" is a concrete, fatback groove from the guitarist, while "Djarum" turns the wick down in a slow, sexy nightshade visage, with Kerry Campbell's soprano sax expanding the horn section with Woodard's organ in stretched out phrases. The appropriately titled "Theme In Search Of A Sports Spectacular" is the killer track, as trumpeter Marcus Belgrave joins the band in an Olympic sprint, an irresistible melody that is catchy, infectious, memorable, and anthematic as any warrior clarion call to battle in the athletic arena. This driven, tenacious, forceful piece of music still stands the test of time for its ferocious attitude and champion-like strut. This recording documents not only the darkest days, but the bright hope a financially strapped Detroit offers to the rest of the world, and the determination Woodard always exemplified.

2019 Re-mastered – 180g black vinyl in gatefold Cover + 2 pages liner notes. It was originally released in 1979 which is (may be) the peak of Baris Manco and his band Kurtalan Ekspres’ musical career. True masterpiece ! It deserves to be a part of your collection. Every track in this LP, open any surprise. While one track is jazz-funk, the next one space rock and a pschedelic song will follow.

Originally released in 1979 on Mistlur Records in Sweden, Nyanser is widely considered Thomas Almvqvist’s masterpiece.

It's almost unspeakably beautiful.

With his adventurous, virtuoso guitar technique to the fore, the album explores a unique path through world music, folk, jazz and acoustic experimentation, whilst retaining a very personal vision.

It’s aged very, very well indeed and is now rare and immensely sought-after, coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres. This Be With re-issue, remastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press.

The majority of the album is a solo exercise with Thomas playing Rhodes, flute, synthesizer and percussion as well as his idiosyncratic guitar on all tracks. Alongside Thomas in the studio were an array of young, experimental Swedish musicians in the nascent stages of their careers including the much lauded Swedish composer Ann-Sofi Söderqvist, vocalist Turid Lundqvist and perhaps the key contributor to the album, Hans Peter Andersson, whose alto, tenor and baritone saxophone contributions shift the album from into the realms of jazz, most notably on “Horisont” and “E.M.”

The whole ensemble comes together on the centrepiece of the album, the joyous aquatic harmony of “Coral Reef”, one we've been playing out for the past 5 years to dropped jaws. The album presents a very visual aesthetic, each track evoking images of landscapes and far-flung corners of the earth. Almvqvist himself considered the visual aspect of his sound very important, describing his approach as “picture music.”

Nyanser is considered one of the earliest examples of a fusion of world music, jazz and folk traditions, certainly from a Scandinavian artist. Despite its impact on release being minimal outside of those aficionados tuned into such sounds, over the years the album has become something of a "lost" cult classic and a fine example of the experimentalism going on in Scandinavian music at the time. The English translation of nyanser - ‘shades’ - is a particularly apt description of the sounds contained within.

Thomas very sadly passed away in 2008 at the age of 55. We hope this reissue will go some way to bringing his unique output to a wider audience and secure the legacy he deserves as one of Sweden’s great guitarists and musical visionaries. It sounds sensational, if we do say so ourselves. Working with audio from the original analogue tapes, the vinyl mastering chops of Simon Francis are on full show here in what he considers to be some of his best ever work for Be With. Pete Norman’s cutting skills have made sure nothing is lost whilst the beautiful artwork has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to helping this revered work find a rightful place in every record collection.

The landmark 1980 album, representing a period of consolidation for Patrice Rushen. Her studio reputation as a go-to pianist and arranger among other artists and musicians was well established and was growing exponentially. Although never originally planning a career as a solo artist, she had built this side of her work through three Prestige albums and two sophisticated soul and disco albums for Elektra, 'Patrice' and 'Pizzazz'. "I was lucky to have a group of musicians that I knew well by the time of these recording sessions," remembers Patrice. "I had my pick of really incredible players because of all of the studio work I was doing. I also played with Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason and others almost on a weekly basis at The Baked Potato club in L.A." Tracks include the singles 'Don't Blame Me', 'Look Up!' and 'Never Gonna Give You Up'. "'Never Gonna Give You Up' came out of playing ideas at home. Bassist Freddie Washington was living with my family while he tried to get a foothold in L.A.'s music scene and that groove came out of those jams. With 'The Dream', I had been listening to Minnie Riperton's 'Come To My Garden', one of my favourite albums. With Charles Stepney's arrangements, I saw that he didn't have to use large instrumentation to be orchestral in his approach. So, 'The Dream' was a homage to that kind of writing." "After 'Posh', we had a much better idea from the performance side what was important in our music and that informed my next album, 'Straight From The Heart'. We took a little break after 'Posh' was released, although I was still writing and working regularly on scores for film and TV. That had always been my main focus in my music."

Soundway reissues the vocal and instrumental versions of ‘If I Love You’, from G.C. Cameron, the lead singer of the legendary soul group The Spinners. The release also includes two unreleased recordings from the same session - ‘Live for Love’ and ‘Thank You Baby’.

Hailing from Mall Creek, Mississippi, G.C. Cameron rose to fame at 22 years of age, when he joined Motown Records to become lead singer of The Spinners. After a string of well received releases, including chartbuster ‘It’s A Shame’, co-written and produced by Stevie Wonder, Cameron left The Spinners to pursue a solo career.

It was a trip to Fantasy Studios, San Francisco in 1977, where Cameron teamed up with Harvey Faqua, Greg Crockett and Elgie Stover to realise what is arguably his finest work. A full album was recorded, but only two tracks saw the light of day, via the short-lived UK label, Flamingo.

Soundway’s Live for Love release comprises the two in-demand cuts previously released on Flamingo - the deep and dubby disco-workout ‘If I Love You (Instrumental)’ and soul drenched ballad ‘Live For Love’, coupled with two unreleased recordings rescued from the abyss after 45 years of collecting dust. The modern-soul-dancer ‘Thank You Baby’, backed by Jeanie Tracy and Martha Walsh, is a jewel that displays Cameron’s full range whilst the vocal to ‘If I Love You’ elevates the recording to dance-floor-ready.

Limited to 100 copies

Wildfire was a household name in Tropical Island music circles due to their excellent albums and performances throughout Trinidad, Tobago, the Caribbean & US Virgin Islands and French Guadeloupe. In 1962, they started off as ‘The Sparks’ (a well-respected Calypso outfit who released a bunch of successful singles) but with the release of their hit single ‘Come On Down’ from 1975, they exploded into Wildfire.

Wildfire had a very fruitful career and released four top full-length albums and a vast amount of singles before calling it quits. Led by bandleader Oliver Chapman (bass & guitar player, vocalist, arranger, producer and co-writer for the majority of the bands’ songs) and comprised out of high talented musicians, Wildfire was out there with the big boys in the niche they carved out for themselves.

On the album we are presenting you today (Time Is The Answer from 1980) you’ll find the perfect mix of funk, soul and disco, basically the popular sounds of the day, and all tracks are originals. The album is Funky and the production quality can rival with any of their peers and records produced/recorded in the US. The performance of Wildfire on this album is beyond excellent. This release was also the first time the group took control over production and getting their album out in the world. Also included is the hit single ‘Say A Little Prayer For The Children’ which is just one of those songs that will be stuck in your head forever.

Besides virtuoso Oliver Chapman: the talent that was featured on ‘Time Is The Answer’ is exceptional. Anstey Hamilton carries around a rich, noticeable tenor voice. Arthur Byron, who also did vocals on the album, has a beautiful rasping tone that can knock you out anytime he gets into his act. Fitzroy Isaac on keyboards and Donald Leid on drums are the guys that were responsible for keeping the groove tight. Clifford Wilson, like Oliver, had been with the band since the start. He is calm in his approach, he played the bass guitar and sung background vocals, he also chipped in with Oliver whenever they wrote songs together. Finally, we have Cyllan Charles, who was known as the Wildfire voice. Cyllan had been doing most of the lead vocals since he joined the group in 1972, he was the most experienced of all the members, and can really take you to higher heights anytime he gets into doing his thing both on stage and on wax.

“Time is the Answer” by Wildfire is a scarce and increasingly sought-after LP. Filled with hit-bound songs, it comes as no surprise that the album has now become a much-wanted item due to its addictive and original-sounding nature. This is a must-have for any self-respecting record digger!

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first ever reissue of this fantastic Island Funk-Soul classic (originally self-released in 1980 on Wild Fire Records) & this is also the first time the album is getting a release outside of Trinidad & Tobago. This rare record (original copies tend to go for large amounts on the secondary market) is now finally back available as a limited 180g vinyl edition. Limited to 100 copies 180g Black ICE Color Vinyl Exclusively FOR HHV

Jackie Ross started her career when she was recruited by Sam Cooke and made her debut on his SAR records in 1962, and later she had sung in Syl Johnston's band. She was signed to the prestigious Chess label in 1964 and gave the world the big hit 'Selfish One', which reached number 11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and she was going on to have several releases for Brunswick label and others. "A New Beginning For" was produced by James Van Lear, an astute producer on the Chicago soul scene, and was released on his Golden Ear Records in 1980. P-vine recently informed you all about the release of her collaborative album with a Chicago based soul band called Southside Movement. Following on from that, we are pleased to announce reissuing for the first time in analogue form Jackie Ross' 1980 modern soul album 'A New Beginning For', released under her solo name!

Selector Series are back with more holy grail goodness, this time in the form of early 80’s boogie from Detroit.

Gene Dunlap was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He began his music career at age four when his father taught him to play the drums, honing his craft at Detroit Mumford High School. He went onto perform with Roy Ayers before releasing two solo albums in 1981, It’s Just The Way I Feel & Party In Me.

Alicia Myers - I Want To Thank You & Don't Stop What You're Doin' are staple classics and for the first time since their initial release in 1981 are together on one piece of vinyl. A serious double header!

Both tracks are produced by Kevin ‘Mr Groove’ McCord, heralded as Dam Funk’s favourite producers and one of the founding members of Al Hudson & The Soul Partners & One Way before going on to contribute to hundreds of r&b, funk, disco, and boogie dancefloor movers in the ’70s and ’80s.

At the height of his career he produced his One Way band members, Alicia Myers debut solo album, Alicia featuring both tracks on this release. I Want To Thank You, a certified classic that never fails to elicit a joyous reaction anytime it’s played & Don't Stop What You're Doin' famously sampled by J Dilla for ‘What It’s All About’ by Slum Village feat. Busta Rhymes on the legendary ‘Fantastic Vol.2’ album.

Another fully licenced and remastered essential release from the South Street family!