The Dirty Dozen - The Best Of 2021... Part 4 (Feb 2021 Wk 8)

My selection of the best releases this week (Fen 2021 Wk 8)

In no particular order with [Camelot Key/BPM] where available.

Part 3

Part 2

Part 1

It's been a 'lean' week for quality releases, in other weeks some of these may not have made the final cut.

Benny Atlas  - Keep You [TLD] [12A/55]

Art Sherrod Jr. Feat. Lelah Jackson - If Only You Knew [Train Station] [12A/60]

Prince Ronnie Love - I’m The One [2B/60]

GLOW Feat. Nndi - All Woman (Original) [Archive] [12A/85]

Ronnie McNeir - Understanding (SoulStrutter Edit) [Blue Rivers] [11A/110]

Canita - Complacent [TopNotch Music] [5A/85]

SoulFusionSeven - Universal Love (T Groove Remix) [Funk Brothers] [6B/115]

Bob Baldwin - Friday Night (Newurbanjazz Remix) Feat. Regina Troupe [City Sketches] [1A/100]

George Anderson - I Would Give U Everything [Secret #SECCD249] [5B/56]

George Anderson - Love Makes U Feel the Pain [Secret #SECCD249] [3B/105]

Kim Tavar - Love Me For Now [Self Released] [N/A]

Kim Tavar - Trippin' Together [Self Released] [N/A]

 

Chanell J. Wilson [2021] - Light [Beaver Wilson Girls & Son Media]

From a (debut?) EP 'Black Heart on the Table Short EP Vol. 1: A Warrior's Lament' released 20 Jan 2021.

Details

Format:	EP
Media:	Digital
Label:	Beaver Wilson Girls & Son Media
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	10B
BPM:	95
Value:	£6.93

Tobe Nwigwe [2021] - Wake Up Everybody [Hollywood]

An update to Harold Melvin & Blue Notes Philly classic by Tobe Nwigwe on a five track EP 'Black History Always - Music For the Movement Vol. 2' released 26 Feb 2021 which features different artists on each track.

In the video's notes he 'tongue in cheek' labels himself as 'Tobe Pendegrass & The Mint Notes'!

Other tracks include a cover of Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson's 'Winter In America' by Freddie Gibbs and Tinashie Feat. TOKiMONSTA with a cover of Chaka Khan's 1978 debut solo single 'I'm Every Woman'. They're both too R&B to feature, but I've included links if you're curious.

Extended live version

Details

Format:	EP
Media:	Digital
Label:	Hollywood
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	2B
BPM:	94
Value:	£1

Dwele [2003] - Find A Way [Virgin #7087 6 17622 1 1]

A 12" release from 'Subject' in 2003 from Dwele (Andwele Gardner) which was a minor hit in US (#42 R&B / #93 Hot 100).

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	12"
Label:	Virgin
Cat No:	7087 6 17622 1 1
Year:	2003
Key:	3A
BPM:	98
Value:	£1

Toni Redd [2004] - Footsteps In The Dark [ASCAP Publishing Co. ‎#822024013220]

One of my favourite Isley Brothers songs, and there's a lot to choose from, covered in 2004 by Toni Redd on her 'Straight From The Heart' album.

Toni Redd also appears on Bob Balwin's new album 'New Urban Jazz 3' I posted yesterday, and he does a jazz instrumental version of it on there.

Details

Format:	Album
Media:	CD
Label:	ASCAP Publishing Co.
Cat No:	822024013220
Year:	2021
Key:	6A
BPM:	85
Value:	£1

Chaka Khan & Prince [1998] - Sweet Thing [Live @ Cafe De Paris, London]

I'm posting some 'randon' stuff today as new releases have all but dried up.

This is a live performance by Chaka Khan with Prince in 1998 (28 Aug) at Cafe de Paris in London.  It is arguably her best known 70s song, 'Sweet Thing', which was her second highest charting single with Rufus in US (#5) in 1975, after 'Tell Me Something Good' (#3) the previous year.

'The Artist (formerly known as Prince)', as he liked to be referred then, co-produced, and co-wrote 11 of the 14 tracks, on Chaka Khan's 1998 album 'Come 2 My House'.

Her 1984 hit 'I Feel For You' was written by Prince and he originally recorded it in 1979 on his second, self-titled, album.

Morgan James [2016] - Oh Me, Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby) [Live Unreleased]

A song generally associated with Aretha Franklin who had a #9 R&B and #73 Hot 100 hit with it in 1972, but it was originally recorded by Lulu in 1969 at Muscle Shoals for her 'New Routes' album on Atco. 

It reached #22 US Hot 100 /UK #47 for her 1969.  It seems rather odd that Lulu's version didn't enter US R&B even though it was top 30 pop and her only US R&B entry was with 'To Sir With Love' (which was #1 Hot 100), which I wouldn't regard as particularly soulful song.

It was also recorded by several others before (and after) Aretha wrapped her pipes around it in 1971.  I've added links to many versions below.

Morgan James [2016] - Oh Me, Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby) [Live Unreleased]

The featured version is by Morgan James who recorded it live and broadcast it on YT in 2016, but it has remained unreleased.

Morgan James played Teena Marie in 'Motown: The Musical' on Broadway in 2013.

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Other Versions

1969 - Lulu

The original from Lulu. Here's a 'warbly' original video which looks like it was filmed in Chelsea as that's Chelsea Bridge and  Battersea power station in the background!

1970 - B.J. Thomas

Released as a single

1970 - Barbara Howard [S. Reece #700301]

From 'On The Rise'

1970 - Barbara Mason [National General #NGS 2001]

From 'If You Knew Him Like I Do'

1971 - Aretha Franklin

Here's some footage of her perfroming it on Soul Train in 1971 and again in March 2015, only three years before she died.

1971 - Walter Jackson [USa #USA 104]

Titled 'A Fool For You' on flip to 'The Walls That Separate Us'

1972 - Dayton Sidewinders [Carlco #4507]

This is a rare horn laden instrumental released on 45.

1972 - Joe Tex

1972 - From 'From The Roots Came The Rapper', a deep soul version with a predominantly spoken rap in his inimatable style.

1973 - Kerrie Biddell

From 'Kerry Biddel' by blue-eyed Australian singer

1973 - Bill Medley

From 'Smile' by member of The Righteous Brothers

1973 - Mike James Kirkland

From 'Doin' It Right'. Kirkland had most success in 70s a part of duo Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis.

1979 - Lisa Hartman

A mellow blue-eyed version from 'Hold On'

1991 - Irma Thomas

From 'Live! (Simply The Best)'

1992 - Karen Smith

Lovers Rock version from 'Everything I Need'

1993 - Oleta Adams

From 'Window Of Hope'

1998 - John Holt

Reggae/soul version from 'Fistful Of Holt'

2003 - Renée Geyer

Australian blue-eyed soul live version also released on 'Tenderland'

2008 - Tina Arena

Yet another Antipodean blue-eyed version released as a single.

2010 - Beth Hart

Blue-eyed 'blusey' version from 'My California' bonus track on Cd

2011 - Jennifer Hudson

A live, unreleased version performed on 12 Sep 2011.

2015 - Terisa Griffin

From 'Revival of Soul'

2016 - Ronnie Specter

From 'English Heart'

2011? - Patti LaBelle 

Live version as a medley with 'Ain't No Way'. I don't know wehn it was perfromed but posted in 2011.

Joss Stone v Willie Tee - First Taste Of Hurt

I've only recently become aware of Joss Stones's version of Willie Tee's crossover gem. I've posted Wilie Tee's version before in the Willie Tee Discography and on a specific post on the record itself as there are a few different variants of the recording, but any excuse to re-post Willie Tee's best recording, and that's saying something as he has recorded some incredible tunes.

Joss Stone ‎[2012] - First Taste Of Hurt [S-Curve #0731521011]

Released only on Deluxe Editions of 'The Soul Sessions. Vol. 2' with 4 bonus tracks in 2012 and only the US got a limited edition vinyl release which is now selling for over £200!

Live in Sau Paulo 2012

Gatur #509 Blue label

The 1005 mix GR-1672-B with Funky, Funky Twist on the flip

A 'softer' version piano rather than organ, the rarest and best version.

Gatur #509

The 1005 mix with Funky, Funky Twist on the flip

GR-1672-B-R / 1005-2

Gatur #G-557 

The 1003 mix with I'm Having So Much Fun on the flip.

Aaliyah v United Talents Of R&B v David Davis Feat. Elizabeth Dellinger - I Care 4 U

Three versions of a superb song written by Missy Elliot and Timbaland for Aaliyah (Aaliyah Dana Haughton) and originally recorded for her second album 'One In A Million' in 1996, but was withdrawn and re-recorded in 2000 for release on her 2001 self-titled album which was released only a month before her death. It was posthumously released as a single in 2003 and reached  #3 R&B and #16 Hot 100 but did nothing in UK.

Aaliyah [2003] - I Care 4U [Blackground #B0000241-11]

This, for me, this is easlity the best recording Aaliyah ever made. She was on her way to becoming a superstar and had released her third album just a month before her untimely death in a plane crash in Aug 2001 aged only 22. 

United Talents Of R&B [2002] - I Care 4 U [Big Eye #BIG 4228-2]

For some reason this is listed on Amazon as United Ladies Of Soul. It was released 12 Feb 2002 on a CD album called 'A Tribute To Aaliyah', before it was officially released as a pothumous single by Aaliyah.

David Davis Feat. Elizabeth Dellinger [2019] - I Care 4 U [3D Dynasty Music]

Released 28 Jun 2019 from an album 'Remembering Aaliyah' which consisted of covers of Aaliyah.

Details

Format:	Single/Album
Media:	12"/CD/Digital
Label:	See above
Cat No:	See above
Year:	2003/2002/2019
Key:	NA / / 5A / 5A
BPM:	N/A / 69 / 67
Value:	£1

SoulFusionSeven [2021] - Universal Love (T Groove Remix) [Funk Brothers]

A new release from SoulFusionSeven on 26 Feb 2021 which is a 70s/80s disco throwback.

SoulFusionSeven are a group of musicians formed by John Saltwell and Paul Baker in 2014. They had a UK Soul chart #1 in 2017 with 'Summer Breeze' and have had further top 10 entries since. The band are currently working on a new album 'Balance.

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Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Funk Brothers
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	6B
BPM:	115
Value:	£1

Bob Baldwin [2021] - New Urban Jazz 3 [City Sketches] (Full Album)

A new 15 track album of contemporary urban jazz/soul from Bob Baldwin released 26 Feb 2021 which features different female vocalists on various tracks, as well as a few instrumental tracks.

website

Top tracks on first listen:

Funk in De Pocket Feat. LaRita Gaskins

Friday Night (Newurbanjazz Remix) Feat. Regina Troupe

Sunday Afternoon Feat. Lori Williams

Lay Your Heart (Beside Me) Feat. Gianna "Gigi" Welling

Details

Format:	Album
Media:	Digital/CD
Label:	City Sketches
Cat No:	None
Year:	28/02/2021
Value:	£7.99

George Anderson [2021] - Songs Of Tomorrow [Secret #SECCD249] (Full Album)

George Anderson is the bass player with 80s Brit jazz funk band Shakatak, who are still active with the same line-up as 1981 (Anderson (bass), Jill Saward (vocals), Bill Sharpe (keys) & Roger Odell (drums)). 

He's just released his fourth solo album 'Songs Of Tomorrow' on 26 Feb 2021 which features several guest vocalists.

There's 13 tracks with 3 bonus tracks. The top tracks, for me, are:

Love Makes U Feel The Pain - uptempo dancer

Keep The Faith - a soulful stepper

I Would Give U Everything Feat. Debby Bracknell - smooth and soulful ballad

Flow - mellow jazz/soul

What The Hell 2020 Feat. Debby Bracknell - jazz/funk

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Details

Format:	Album
Media:	Digital/CD
Label:	Secret
Cat No:	None
Year:	26/02/2021
Value:	£7.99

Lloyd Brown [2021] - Untitled [PMI Jet Star] (Album Sampler)

A new 20 track album has just been released by UK veteran reggae artist Lloyd Brown. It's a mixed bag but I've selected three soulful tracks.

There is an in depth article about his career on DJSly.co.uk

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I'm going to pre-empt this post with a long time favourite lovers rock track he recorded with Tippa Irie in 1995. It always brings a smile to my face watching them perfom this.

Sublime

Melt With You

'Til The Music Fades

Canita [2021] - L.E.V.E.L.S. [TopNotch Music] (Full EP)

Finally! ... the best new release I've heard all week from a new 5 track EP, 'L.E.V.E.L.S.', by Canita which was released yesterday, 26 Feb 2021.

Listen to Full EP here.

Complacent

This track features Boston's Noel Gourdin who also co-wrote the song.

Lifeless

Details

Format:	EP
Media:	Digital
Label:	TopNotch Music
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	5A / 10A
BPM:	85 / 88
Value:	£3.49

Miracle Thomas [2021] - I'm All You Need (Rob Hardt Mix) [Sedsoul]

Hot off the press, released 26 Feb 2021, from Washinton D.C. singer Miracle Thomas who released her first record in 1993.

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Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Sedsoul
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	2A
BPM:	98
Value:	£1

Kim Tavar [2021] - My Story [Self Released] (Full Album)

Debut album from ex Boston police officer Kim Tavar was released 25 Feb 2021. It only seems to be available via BandCamp.  

Apart from the tracks she has already released as singles, Isiah and Movin', the standout tracks on the album, for me, are:

• Love Me For Now
• Time Won't Wait
• Trippin' Together
• Thank You

website

Jaber Kutzner [2021] - Spiteful Wizards [Spinnup] (Album Sampler)

From a new album 'Spiteful Wizards' released by Jaber Kutzner on 25 Feb 2021. The album is mainly R&B/Hip-Hop but there are a couple of 'soulful' tracks if selected to feature.

I can find absolutely no info about Jaber Kutzner so have to assume that this is a debut. The album has been released via Spinnup which is a global streaming service, which suggests that it's an independent release.

Arms Of The Unknown

The Right to Be an Individual

Details

Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Spinup / Independent
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	7B / 9B
BPM:	65 / 65
Value:	£7.99

James Aaron [2021] - Chosen [Self Released]

New single released on 19 Feb 2021 by James Aaron (formerly Francis). A British artist from south east London who debuted in 2017, this will be his sixth single since then.

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Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	10A
BPM:	120
Value:	£1

James Vickery with Musiq Soulchild [2021] - Come To Me [TH3RD BRAIN]

New blue-eyed south London R&B singer James Vickery collaborates with Musiq Soulchild for a new single released 24 Feb 2021 which is from his forthcoming debut album due May 2021.

He's already released two EP's Overture and Until Morning.

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Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	TH3RD BRAIN
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	12B
BPM:	105/52
Value:	£1

Raul Midon [2021] - Really Love [ReKondite]

New release on 13 Feb 2021 from Raul Midon who released his first album in 1999.

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	ReKondite
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	4B
BPM:	82
Value:	£1

Top Shelf [1971] - You're Hurting Me [Spectrum #SPEC 124] & Discography

It's interesting and intriguing how records connect and intertwine as I posted Finishing Touch discography a few days ago and have found this track by Top Shelf who are connected by the writer Andre Saunders who wrote this track and also 'Second Best (Is Never Enough)' for Finishing Touch.

For some reason this song reminds me a lot of Debbie Taylor & The Hesitations 'All That I Have'.

It certainly is a 'top shelf' deep soul tune recorded in 1971 on Spectrum, who released another superb deep soul cut by Northern Soul 'stalwart' Hoagy Lands with 'Reminisce' a year later on SPEC 129, a better deep soul record you will struggle to find! Previously posted here.

As far as I can ascertain Top Shelf released only 3 singles between 1969 and 1971, but all of them are well worth watching out for.

Discography

1969 - No Second Thoughts / Give It Up [Lo Lo / Calla #L-2304]

A: Northern Soul with 'pedigree' - written by Andre Saunders and produced by George Kerr

B: Sweet Soul Group Harmony

1971 - Stop And Listen (Open Your Heart) / Let Them Keep On Talking [Spectrum #119]

Both sides written by Patrick Adams

NB first link has both sides

A: 70s uptempo funky dancer

B: Sweet Soul Group Harmony

1971 - You're Hurting Me / Doggone Baby I Love You [Spectrum #124]

A: Deep Soul Harmony

B: Crossover

Brand New [1976] - Thousand Years [Du-Vern #F-4176]

I would classify this as crossover/Modern Soul, but 'technically' it's too late for crossover as it was released in 1976, but it sounds to me very like the material Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose were releasing a few years earlier (1971-73) as it reminds me of 'Too Late to Turn Back Now'. 

The group is from Florida and the flip is titled 'Party Time' so you know what to expect there, a tune that could have been recorded by K.C. & The Sunshine Band!

This is their only release and there were only two other 45s on the Hialeah,FL label, the first by The Gospel Diplomats in 1975 (gospel obviously) and the last by Formula 1 in 1977 (funk/boogie) which was reissued by Athens Of The North in 2015.

In 2015 Athens Of The North released a compilation 'Henry Stone's Miami Sound (The Record Man's Finest 45's)' on CD and Vinyl. The vinyl issue included a limited edition (500) 45 of the Brand New single.

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Du-Vern
Cat No:	F-4175
Year:	1976
Key:	N/A
BPM:	117
Value:	£600+ (approx.)

Mel Britt [1969] - Love Invented Misery [Fip #F-650]

Once again we have a superb, previously ignored, flip to a Northern Soul classic, It's Mel Britt 'She'll Come Running Back' (which he co-wrote with Robert Lee and Samuel Walker). Still a pretty rare record on original vinyl and one of the finest 'modern' Northern Soul tracks to ever hit the decks, but flip it over to the official A side for this wonderful, soulful, mid-paced, crossover tune 'Love Invented Misery'.

This side was written by William (Billy) Durham who also co-wrote 'Thank The Lord For Love' by Living Color and Mystery Men 'City Skies' (which is the instrumental).  Both sides were produced by Floyd Smith who was married to Loleatta Holloway.

Britt was a member of The Vistors in 1969-70 before recording his only solo single on Fip (Festival International Productions). This is the only record listed for him, but there is a 1982 record on Montage (a Philly label) credited to Melvin Britt (which I have), it's not a great record and I don't think it's the same artist.

This record has been bootlegged many times. An original sells for well over £2,500 these days.

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Fip
Cat No:	F-650
Year:	2021
Key:	?
BPM:	85
Value:	£2,500+ (approx.)