The Best of (so far) by TanQueray Hayward

Probably one of the revelations of 2020 was TanQueray Hayward who released a couple of singles that were particularly well received in the UK and was voted New Artist of the Year by SoulTracks readers. 

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TanQuerary was born in Philadelphia in 1978, and, as with so many of the best soul vocalists, she started singing in church.

She left a medical career (I believe she served in the US Navy as Hospital Corpsman 1st Class) when she got the opportunity to sing background vocals for pop star Pink and open for gospel artist Marvin Sapp in Philadelphia. She has performed with Carol Riddick, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Cedric Napoleon (Pieces of a Dream), Mozaic Flow, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, The Joy Boyz and Shawn “Coco” McMillan.

She has a new album 'Definition Of A Woman' scheduled for release on 26  March 2021 from which the first single  'Caught Up' has just been released, and having heard a sample of it, will no doubt be another UK Soul Chart topper in weeks to come.  Hopefully the album will also include 'First Thing' and 'This Kind Of Love' as well as some new material, so that's an album I'm looking forward to listening to.

I've already previously posted both her singles this year but thought I'd consolidate her material here with additions of unreleased live recordings she has posted on her YT Channel so newcomers can listen to her raw talent whilst we await the debut album in March.  

To kick the article off here's a 20 min. video she posted on 31 Dec 2020 looking back at her successful year:

TanQueray Hayward [2021] - Caught Up [TLS]

As stated above, I've heard this track and highly recommend it and think it will be even more popular than her previous hits last year as it has a broader appeal. It's not yet available at the usual places but exclusively available from her website so click the link and buy direct from the artist.  If you want a preview then check out the clip on her facebook.

TanQueray Hayward [2020] - This Kind of Love [TLS]

Released 21 Sep 2020.

TanQueray Hayward [2020] - First Thing [TLS]

Her debut single released 21 Aug 2020

TanQueray Hayward [2020] Single Mom Blues (Be In Her Life) [TLS]

Follow-up to 'This Kind Of Love' released 30 Oct 2020, is a 'message' song not as strong as her previous two singles and was probably released too quickly after her previous single to make an impact.

TanQueray Hayward [2020] - It's Christmas [TLS]

A Christmas single released 26 Nov 2020.

2019 - Get Here 'Live'

Footage from March 2019 singing Brenda Russell's 'Get Here' which of course was a Top 10 hit in 1991 for Oleta Adams.

2020 - Natural Woman 'Live'

Here's a live performance of the classic Carol King song made famous by Aretha, 'Natural Woman', recorded live (or at least posted) in July 2020.

2015 - Killing Me Softly With His Song 'Live'

This is nice 'jazzed up' rendition of Roberta Flack's classic which was actually recorded first by Lori Lieberman in July 1972.

2013 - Pearls 'Live'

A 2013 live performance of Sade's 'Pearls'.

2013 - Ain't No Need To Worry 'Live'

A nice cover of The Winans Feat. Anita Baker - 'Ain't No Need To Worry', it features Ray La'Mar on male vocals.

The Truths Inc. [2020] - If I Had A Love / Why Then [Capital City #CAP-001]

'If I Had A Love' was a previously unissued 45 played by Soul Sam and Arthur Fenn on UK rare soul scene. It got released on Gary Cape's Hit And Run label and has now been issued on new Sacremento, CA based label Capital City as their first release on 14 Sep 2020, with sweet soul harmony ballad 'Why Then' popular on the Californian Lowrider scene on the other side.

The tracks were written by John P. Jones and produced by a local DJ Gabby Bruce and recorded at Playground Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Florida in 1973.  The identity of the group is a mystery and some claim that it is in fact a group named The Dudes who recorded these and other tracks hoping to get an album deal but they were turned down by Buddah and hence they have gathered dust in the vaults for decades.

As you probably expect, the limited edition vinly 45s have sold out, but it is available as download from BandCamp.

The Truths Inc. [2020] - If I Had A Love [Capital City #CAP-001]

The Truths Inc. [2020] - Why Then [Capital City #CAP-001]

Mz Connie [2018] - Why U Gotta Act Like That [Mz Connie]

Originally released on 11 Feb 2018 but will also be on her forthcoming debut album 'Stir It Like Coffee' (due 5 Jan 2021), so currently seeing a revival in plays.

She's released a few previous singles from 2018 Neckbone Lady, and 3 in 2020: Grown Folk Good Time, Tha Mz Connie Cha Cha (both also featured on the album) and Merry Christmas.  They've all got that southern soul feel and are all posted on her YT channel.

Another great track from the album is 'Good Lovin'.

Dojo Cuts Feat. Carlton Jumel Smith [2020] - Here We Are [Colemine #CLMN-201]

Yet another vinyl 45 scheduled for release but due to Covid was released digitally only on 12 Jun 2020, but will feature on the double vinyl compilation 'Brighter Days Ahead' scheduled for 19 Feb 2021.

This is retro deep soul cut featuring Carlton Jumel Smith on lead.

Thee Sinseers [2020] - What's His Name [Colemine #CLMN-197]

Another vinyl casualty of Covid available on digital only, released 29 May 2020, or on forthcoming 'Brighter Days Ahead' compilation 19 Feb 2021.

This one's for the Lowriders - sweet soul harmony with a 60's feel.

Ben Pirani & The Means Of Production [2020] - More Than A Memory [Colemine #CLMN-191]

Blue-Eyed soulster Ben Pirani & The Means Of Production is another casualty of Covid meaning that currently only available digitally (released 4 Sep 2020) or on the forthcoming 'Brighter Days Ahead' double vinyl compilation album due 19th Feb 2021.

The Resonaires [2020] - Standing With You [Colemine #CLNN-181]

A great retro 60s release on Colemine from The Resonaires.  I'm not sure what the deal is on this single as it is not on, or no longer on, the Colemine website.  It is available digitally via BandCamp and Amazon.  Although there is a 45 scan I'm not entirely sure whether it was released on vinyl as can find no trace of it. Having researched further it would appear that is was scheduled for vinyl 45 release but because the pandemic was only released digitally but will appear on a Colemine compilation album, aptly titled 'Brighter Days Ahead', due for release on 19 Feb 2021, available for pre-order via Mark Coddington's First Experience Records 21 Jan 2021!

This track is their debut single and features Saundra Williams (Saun & Starr) on lead vocals and group members who have backed the likes of Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley and Lee Fields in the Daptone/Colemine family of artists in recent years.  It is a real retro 60s sound which the Lowriders will love.