The New Soul Togetherness

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Various Artists - Leon Ware And Friends - 2009 - Expansion

At last a compilation that delves into the wonderful work of the one and only Leon Ware. Ralph and the gang have been savvy enough to juggle the well known and truly loved with some tasty connoisseur moments as well as some sing-along anthems. Sure, there's a lot missing from here but I think you'd need a box set to do any real justice and there are limitations to what can be done. Know this: you WILL be satisfied with the delicacies laid out here. I was very happy to see my favourite cut from his 1972 United Artists set, “What's Your World”, kick off the set in style. I love this track – it really stands out on that 1972 album and is, stylistically, a different breed than any other cut. This sound, a prototype for his work later with Motown, is timeless. The brilliant Al Wilson composition “You Do The Right Things” has been a fave of mine for years – and it's great to see it on here. From her BRILLIANT “One To One” album comes “I Don't Know” - the album was reissued on CD in Japan. From 1994 we have El DeBarge's “Mind, Heart & Soul” - a very Marvin-esc affair I think you'll agree. This was the first time I have heard Chuck Jackson's “No Tricks” properly – and to have it on CD too – nice one, guys. A brilliant track written for a brilliant singer. Also, to own “A Point Of View” by Rockie Robbins on CD is fantastic – what a vocalist! Leon's own work with Norman Connors is well included too – “Everything Inside Of Me” - and is one of Leon's finest moments.

Shadow's 1980 Elektra album, “Shadow”, yielded the KILLER “I Can't Keep Holding Back”. Utterly mouth-watering brilliance from start to finish, reminding me a lot, actually, of what Michael McDonald and the Doobies were doing at the time. “Almost Everything” from Melissa Manchester is excellent – the album it's lifted from, “Don't Cry Out Loud”, is still available on CD with bonus tracks. For me and many others, one of THE selling points has to be “Girl, Girl, Girl”, lifted from “The Education Of Sonny Carson” soundtrack. Now, if you see that album pick it up as it is brilliant! Booker T Jones' warm and summery “I Came To Love You”, lifted from his 1981 A&M set “I Want You” knocks me dead every time as does the ultra-sexy “Just Don't Make It Hurt” from Krystol's final album, “I Suggest U Don't Let Go”. Whatever happened to these fine ladies??? “You Make Me Wanna Love Again” is rendered passionately by Vesta Williams but personally I prefer Con Funk Shun's version though. Thelma Jones' 1976 cut “I Can Dream” and The Ice Man's “Thank You Early Bird” are monster cuts and if you didn't pick up Thelma's album on recent Japanese release then here is the prime cut lifted just for you! I hope that there will be a volume 2 on the way...Michael Jackson's “Euphoria”, The Miracles' “Give Me Just Another Day” and The Righteous Brothers' “Without You I'd Be Lost” would definitely be on my list! Unmissable, timeless soul from an original, timeless genius. Bon apetit.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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The Luxury Soul Weekender - Birmingham - 22nd/23rd/24th May 2009

The Luxury Soul Weekender team are extremely pleased to announce that they are back in 4-Star splendour at Hilton Birmingham over the Bank Holiday Weekend of 22nd/23rd/24th May 2009.Due to unprecedented demand from previous guests and overwhelming interest received at the hotel from those looking for their first Luxury Soul Weekender experience, The Hilton and Expansion have put this phenomenal event back in the diary.As well as top quality contemporary and classic soul, Jazz Funk and Soulful dance, played by our best-ever line-up of DJs, we will also be bringing you a live performances by THE SUNBURST BAND on Friday and on Saturday night, OMAR. Many of our regulars have asked to see these outstanding artists at one of our events, and we are delighted both have agreed to perform for us.DJs across the three days include: Bigger, Ash Selector, Mike Stephens, Norman Halley, Richard Searling, Joey Negro, Ralph Tee, Jim Hargreaves, Colin Curtis, Bob Jeffries, Pete Haigh, Gary Dennis, Barry Maleedy, Dean Johnson, Glynn Thornhill, Mark Grice, Roger Williams, Paul Clifford, and Shaun Robbins with Bob "the crate" and a few surprises too! Join this amazing line-up in four rooms of music:The Colonial (Jazz Funk, Reggae, Disco Anthems, Soulful dance) The Terrace (70s Rare Grooves and crossover) The Queens (Live acts) and the legendary Lounge (80's boogie, mellow grooves, new tunes and future anthems) Booking for our event has been made easier and we guarantee availability for our credit crunch-busting, great value accommodation packages until luxurysoulweekender.com says otherwise: * 2 night package inc. dinners/breakfasts only £169pp** or 3 nights for only £199pp* Bookings are based on 2 people sharing and are being taken now on 0870 240 6639 or you can book online: HILTON TBA. Limited Single Rooms available on a first come, first served basisMore information about this event at http://www.luxurysoulweekender.com/

Ebony Alleyne - Never Look Back - Expansion Records

Ebony Alleyne’s name’s been out there for a while now and she’s long been hotly tipped for the big time. There was a bit of false start with Columbia (where the young Londoner fronted a revitalised Okeh label) but now on Expansion, and with a lovely fresh, pop-soul sound it seems her time has come. Working with people like Ralph Tee, Ian Levine, Snake Davis, Shakatak’s Jill Saward and Muff Winwood (yes, Steve’s brother and ex Spencer Davis Group-er) Ebony has crafted a set of songs that show off her wonderfully emotive soul vocals to shimmering effect. There’s a generous 14 tracks on the album and though the credits are almost impossible to decipher they confirm my guess that the songs fall into two distinct categories. A goodly portion of the tunes were completed in 2003 and those “oldies” are chiefly wonderful Burt Bacharach pastiches. ‘Second Look’ for instance seems to echo ‘You’ll Never Get To Heaven’, ‘Walk Away And Never Look Back’ has obvious links to ‘Walk On By’, while ‘Love Is Not A Game’ has those lovely light Latin inflections so beloved of Bacharach. All feature full string sections and the strings are there too on the almost Northern ‘My Man’ (hear the hand of Ian Levine here). The “newer” songs veer more to the pop end of the soul spectrum with ‘Looking Over My Shoulder” having a M-People feel to it. I’m not complaining; nor am I complaining that the big cover is a version of ‘Hello Stranger’. The Barbara Lewis original is one of soul’s real crown jewels and Ms Alleyne does it full justice but its only one of many album highlights. Indeed you’d be hard pushed to nominate a dud amongst the collection. Hopefully with the right support the collection will fly and Ebony Alleyne will indeed ‘Never Look Back’.

Bill Buckley

The Sound Of Jazz FM - 2008 Expansion Records

Blimey, what a mighty old compilation this is and timed, unsurprisingly, to coincide with the much awaited and welcome return of Jazz FM. The CD explores the more soulful side of the station – and anyone listening to the station will already know that the station is very, very soulful indeed. The collection is excellent and comprises some old favourites with some new gems and it works very well indeed. Chaka Khan doesn't just take first place, she sends the set into orbit! “What Cha' Gonna Do For Me” from the LP of the same name in 1981 simply stops you in your tracks, and Michael Brecker's explosive sax adds extra pizazz Bobby Womack's “How Could You Break My Heart” is one of the man's best and easily deserving of a spot on here. I was overjoyed to see the inclusion of the stellar Narada Michael Walden produced “It's Supposed To Be Fun” for Lou Rawls' 1990 set included too. This was, for me, the ONLY worthwhile cut on on that album and to have it here is a confirmation of how superb that track is. From 2005 comes Eric Benét's “Pretty Baby”, again the only strong cut from his lacklustre “Hurricane” album. Eric at his very best! I always knew Leon Ware's “Smoovin'” would be a great smash on this sort of station and so it's lovely to have it represented here. A new song for me is the LA Chillharmonic featuring Richard Smith and “Gift” - if acoustic guitar is your bag then you'll lap this up.

CD 2 is as vibrant as the first disc, and I like the fact that quality cuts such as “Giving you The Best That I Got” by Anita Baker sits nicely with brand new cuts such as “Never Really Ever” by Maysa. I have always loved “Love It Away” from Ashford & Simpson' 1982 album, “Street Opera” and it's lovely to have it here on proper CD instead of a digital download! From 1981 we have the mind-blowing “Feel Like Loving You Today”. Produced and penned by the late, great Isaac Hayes, Donald Byrd definitely delivers the goods on this. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I heard this song, and on a hot summer's day this song always gets more than a few airings! We have, again, Phyllis Hyman's superb “Sleep On It”, and from Brian Culbertson's recent “Bringing Back The Funk” album we have the gorgeously uplifting “Always Remember”. Pity about the Jeff Lorber inclusion – for me this spoils the flow but is effortlessly swept away by the far more relevant and impressive “Lowdown” by the Marlon Saunders fronted Jazzhole. Jazz FM and Expansion have come up with a great compilation, and although a few songs for me are 'head scratchers' or are too smooth to have any feature we are still left with a great, great combination. Nice work, guys!

Barry Towler

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Soul Ecstasy - 2008 Expansion Records

This time it's Ralph Tee's turn to lay bare what makes him tick, and what music touches him at a deep level. This is, I have to say, an excellent compilation and contains many hitherto unreleased on CD gems from the 70s and 80s. “Let's Go All The Way” by Gayle Adams is, if you don't know this, a great track and is still a classy 'sing-along' gem. I am so pleased that the superb Beau Williams' gem “If You're Ready” has been lifted for a legitimate release. Pure class. Champaign have given us some quality gems on the quiet - “On And Off Love” is my favourite but “Can You Find The Time” comes a close second! Patti LaBelle's 1979 Skip Scarborough-penned gem “It's Alright With Me” is a strong, strong groove and was rightly included on Richard Searling's ground-breaking Soul Souvenirs Volume 2 as was incidentally, The Isley Brothers brilliant 1980 cut “Here We Go Again”. This compilation, now very rare and in-demand itself, is of a similar calibre to Soul Ecstasy so this compilation is a real must have for you if this is your bag. Soulchoonz recently highlighted George Duke's latest effort and his amazing “Say That You Will” from '79 still sounds great today.

A track I was very happy to see is the Manhattans 1983 corker, “Locked Up In Your Love”, lifted from their “Forever By Your Side” album. This was actually released in South Africa on CD but the quality was not brilliant. This sounds clear and unmuffled so I am over the moon about that! Damaris' “What About My Love” is a welcome inclusion and great to own this on CD now. Ronnie McNeir sees two inclusions - “The Good Side Of Your Love” which can be found on “Rare McNeir” and now a special tie-in 7” single on Expansion, and the ultra-brilliant René & Angela produced “Is This What Happens To A Love” from his rare “Ronnie McNeir Experience” set for Capitol in 1984. All I want now is “Keep On Giving Me Love” and “Be With Me” released on CD and we'll have the whole EP available on CD! Hubert Laws' excellent Columbia released “We're In Ecstasy” is sheer heaven. If you love his “We Will Be” and “Land Of Passion” tracks then you'll equally love this. My final choice is the boogie tune – collectible 7” version nonetheless – of The Main Ingredient's “Evening Of Love”has Cuba Gooding and the gang sounding on top form. This compilation proves that the man behind Expansion knows his onions and gets his buttons pushed by the right sort of stuff! The CD flows very nicely and is varied, keeping the attention glued to the speakers. Pure class throughout.

Barry Towler

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Soul Togetherness - 2008 - Expansion Records

I have always rated the Soul Togetherness compilations but this one really does do the business. All you need to do is pop the CD in your player and bingo! The vibe on here is very 'up' as you expect and the goodtimes vibe is so, so strong and WOW...what a cracking playlist, and it really sets your mood right! Bennson is a recent Soulchoonz winner and Expansion have chosen “Let The Love” to kick start the set. No better song to follow is the equally brilliant “Put A Lyric In It” by Dave Lee's SUPERB Sunburst Band. There is no end to Dave's talents on the soulful and house side...nothing but respect for the man. We all know and love George Benson's “When Love Comes Calling” and it has to be one of George's finest uptempo efforts since the 80s and all thanks to Bluey! “Amazing” by Reel People sees Tony Momrelle and Imaani giving it their all and is another top attraction from their latest must-have set. I reviewed the brilliant dancer “Tonight” by Peo earlier this year and it's fantastic to own this on CD! Soulchoonz spotlighted Sophia Nelson earlier this year and the choice cut, “Woman In Love” has been lifted...I definitely approve of this choice and know you will too.

Nice, also to see Richard Stepp's “Caught Up In A Whirlwind” on here too, and so we swing from Y2K to 1979 effortlessly and seamlessly. I always said that quality soul was timeless and this underlines the fact. A new one on me is the James Walsh Gypsy Band with “Cuz It's You Girl”, an RCA single from 1978 which has been big 'Up North' for some time...this is as uplifting as anything you are likely to find. The backing vocals are very Lamont Dozier inspired and the groove akin to anything that Ben. E. King was doing at the time. From 1968 is Jean Wells and the brassy, uplifting “What Have I Got To Lose” - using a spangly guitar rhythm that the likes of the Mizell Brothers would later use on A Taste Of Honey! A new song on here is from Sherree Brown – not the Capitol Sheree of course, but Scherrie Ford-Payne who, you may remember, released a tasty CD for Almo back in 1996. “Adore U” is one of the finest Gospel tunes I have heard for ages! The album is worthwhile too so check that out. J.P. Rogers' excellent “All My Lovin'” is lifted from his excellent 1982 LP on the Inculcation label and is as rare as the proverbial rocking horse doo-doo...worth checking the album out as there are more nice moments on there! So great to hear Teddy Pendergrass with a new tune, “My People”. What a stomping tune too...great to have you back, Teddy! Such a classy CD...no way can you be without this one!

Barry Towler

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Sam Bostic - Soul Supreme 2008 Soul Jones / Expansion

Sam Bostic is a very familiar name and for the likes of us soulsters is best connected to 90s trio Art 'N Soul. Their “Touch Of Soul” set was a highlight of 1996 and from there the man went on to produce a number of hard rap acts such as E-40 (no, you're thinking of WD 40!), Tupac and so on. Thankfully, a conversation with the very savvy Tim Christian Riley of Toni! Tony! Toné prompted Sam to return to his roots and what has been borne from that is a solid, compulsory album called “Soul Supreme”. Sam dedicates this CD to the preservation of soul music. Here's a toast to that! The bass may be heavy and the feel contemporary but the man has reached back and has firmly rooted the set in real soul with more than a hint of Philly which is something that I heartily approve of. The style of Art 'N Soul is apparent on the socially concious “Get Away” which advises youngsters to stop playing gangsta games and get out while they can. Sam grew up in that environment and is well placed to warn a younger generation inspired by years of negative rap. The following “Luv Game” is a definite 2008 chunky stomper, stripped down and will get the bass-pins rumbling; but it's the following song which should get you really fired up.

That tune is the BRILLIANT Philly groove of “Zodiac Sign”. This is a Toni! Tony! Toné! Cum Stylistics groove complete with electric sitar. Lush, beautiful, traditional yet firmly a 2008 soulchoon. Talking as we are about the Stylistics, two versions of “Break Up 2 Make Up” are included here, one short and one full. Both firmly 2008 and meaty yet uncomplicated and still remains true to the Russell Thompkins, Jr school of singing. Essential. The sitar pops up again in the early 70s sounding “This Is Your Song” which will be another song you should wet yourself over! LOL. I really love the freaky “One More Try” as well which is, again, very today BUT also very 1980s too with a Prince / Zapp / George Clinton flavour to boot with some tasty Marvin Gaye hooks. This proves interesting, and very, very satisfying. Is this not what soul music is all about? A 90s sound akin to Sam Salter is the flavour within “Take Our Time”, and is a good'un. You'll also appreciate the more acoustic soul of “Sexy Mama” and when we look back at the CD what Sam creates is a healthy mix of modern and traditional sounds, blended perfectly. One of the best sets at the moment, “Soul Supreme” certainly lives up to it's name.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon and all good record stores including Crazy beat and Soul Brother.

Kloud 9 - Enjoy The Ride 2008 - Expansion

These guys have long since won a place in the heart of many soul lovers, especially here in the UK. This, their third release as a duo sees a smooth but not monotonous continuation of their previous albums and if anything the Duffie brothers expose more of their inner soul than before with some more acoustic edges, more of what I call layers, and angles which have been bubbling under the surface for some time. They invite us to 'enjoy the ride' and you shall certainly do so, that much I can promise. Kendall states that these songs represent passion, commitment and dedication from a man who lives and breathes music...well, he has the CD in a nutshell. Take the opening song, “Everything I Need”, for example which has some nice scratchy acoustic / Spanish guitar in it, adding hot sauce to a rumbling groove but not over-egging the pudding. It's still, somehow, a gentle groove and nothing too heavy. The same can be said of the lovely “Appreciation”which swirls around you like silk; a really lovely song and one to play on a warm day. I was particularly impressed with the upbeat “Never Give Up” which owes a lot to the vocal styling of Frank McComb than anything else. You will love this chunky, yet subtle, groove.

If you are a lover of soulful sax then you are advised to pay heed to the Mitchell Jones / Commissioned-ish “All That Matters” which is a bouncy groove with some interesting drum arrangements and freaky keys! Lovers of brass a la Incognito should zero in on “Grateful”, and the vocal refrains are almost in a Ronald Isley fashion too which is no bad thing. “Step” adequately describes itself; a miasma of flute and dancefloor grooves with some sweet, smooth vocals that are both rich and warm. I bet this would be top-dog up loud on a dancefloor! One of my instant 'YES!” moments came with the excellent “Can't Hold This Love”, a midtempo magical groove featuring not only a brilliant tune but also the super sexy vocals of Tamara Jones. This cut really does cut the mustard and any soul fan worth their salt would latch onto a copy of the CD for this track alone! “I'm Calling You” works well too and, again, features a guitar and nice bassline. A second “YES!” track is “To Have Your Love”...it's the subtle eerie keyboard tucked away in the background that gets to me. The title song is more of a breezy '70s affair with live drumming and real live flute courtesy of Althea Rene! It always helps having a flute on there! “Duffie's Theme” is a choice instrumental cut, and the infectious “Love's Just Better With You” (The Realm Vocal Remix)” is also included on the superb Togetherness 2008 CD...A classy set and let's face facts...it's Kloud 9...I'm already won over!

Barry Towler

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