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Monday 1 March 2021

The Transitions [2001] - Rainy Night (In Harlem) [Biv Ten #440 013 366-2]


A one album group, presumably from New York, which is a surprise as this is a very good album throughout. The standout track is a retro southern soul deep ballad with Rashawn Worthen on lead (who appeared in 'The Fighting Temptations' movie in 2003 which featured many soul/R&B artists i.e. starred Cuba Gooding Jr. & Beyonce with Eddie Levert, Faith Evans, Melba Moore, Ann Nesby and Angie Stone among several others).

Listen to Full Album here


Details
Format: Album
Media: Digital/CD/LP
Label: Biv Ten
Cat No: 440 013 366-2
Year: 2021
Key: 8B
BPM: 79
Value: £5-£15 (approx.)


Stone Foundation Feat. Laville [2021] - The Light in Us (Boogie Back Soul Weekender Remix) [100%]


I originally posted this last April (2020) but it has just had a Boogie Back remix. I'm not sure that I particulary like the remix, I don't feel that it adds anything, in fact, if anythng it loses something. I don't understand the need for all these remixes, apart from the obvious to re-sell the record. The original mix, for me, is better.


Details
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: 100%
Cat No: None
Year: 2021
Key: 12A
BPM: 113
Value: £1


India Shawn Feat. Unknown Mortal Orchestra [2021] - Too Sweet [Epic]


A new single from L.A. singer/songwriter India Shawn released 25 Feb 2021. She debuted in 2012 with an EP 'Origin'.



Details
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: Epic
Cat No: None
Year: 2021
Key: 3A
BPM: 60
Value: £1


Lori Williams [2020] - Let's Stay Together [LoriJazz-CSI]


From a recent album by Lori Williams 'A New Book' released 27 Nov 2020 which I missed then but, having posted a couple of tracks from her recently on the Bob Baldwin album, have discoverd it.

It's essentially smooth jazz album but has a nice cover of Al Green's classic 'Let's Stay Together'.


Details
Format: Album
Media: Digital
Label: LoriJazz-CSI
Cat No: None
Year: 2021
Key: 7A
BPM: 95
Value: £1


Myles Sanko [2021] - Blackbird Sing [Légère]


On 28 Feb 2021 Myles Sanko released the fourth single so far from his forthcoming album 'Memories of Love' due 12 Mar 2021.

The previous three singles were posted in Jan 2021 here. I still rate 'Streams Of Time' as probably the best single this year so far and, even at this early stage, predict it will be in the top tunes of the year at the end of the year.



Details
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: Légère
Cat No: None
Year: 2021
Key: 12A
BPM: 100
Value: £1


Bradd Marquis [2021] - Love [Nia Music] (Full Album)


Bradd Marquis, who hit the UK Soul chart last Nov with 'Always' and 'The Thrill Is Gone', released his new album 'Love' on 26 Feb 2021. 

The album includes the two former tracks. Other highlights include 'The One You Love' and the title track which is the new single released on 28 Feb 2021 and featured in this post.

Listen to Full Album here.



Details
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: Soul Japan
Cat No: None
Year: 2021
Key: 8A
BPM: 67
Value: £1


Barbara Mason [1974/1972] - World In A Crisis / Give Me Your Love [Buddah #BDS 5610 / Buddah #BDA 331]


Written by Barabara Mason and arranged by that man again Richie Rome (who's been mentioned sevaral times on this blog).  It was album only until reissued in UK by Soul Brother in 2014 for record store day (19 Apr 2014) with 'Give Me Your Love' (written and also recorded by Curtis Mayfield) from the 1972 album of same name and was released as a 45. 

'Give Me Your Love' was also recorded by The Sisters Love and posthumously on Teena Marie's 'Beautiful' album in 2013 billed as Teena Marie Feat. Alia Rose (her daughter).

Barbara Mason [1974] - World In A Crisis [Buddah #BDS 5610]

A fine line between crossover and modern soul, but it doesn't really matter as it's a fine tune.


Barbara Mason [1972] - Give Me Your Love [Buddah #BDA 331]

I suspect that this one would have been picked up on by the 'rare groove' scene, although it's not rare as it was #9 R&B and #31 Hot 100.



Details
Format: Album / Single
Media: LP /  7"
Label: Buddah
Cat No: BDS 5610 / BDA 331
Year: 1974 / 1972
Key: 12A / 10B
BPM: 95 / 86
Value: £1


Flower Shoppe [1971] - You've Come Along Way Baby [Spring #SPR 111]


As it's the first day of meteorological spring, here's a track released 50 years ago in March 1971 on the Spring label by, aptly named, 'Flower' Shoppe (how many more 'tenuous' links could I squeeze in?).

It was a big sound on the Northern Soul scene (around 75/76 if memory serves correctly), which got a UK release on Polydor in 1972 and a reissue in 1976 (which would suggest that is when it was popular). Many (now) think it's a bit too 'poppy', but it's an upbeat, happy skip-a-long tune that was very popular at the time.

I don't think they are particularly rare, although there aren't many currently for sale, but seem to be very hard to find on issue/stock copies as I can't find a decent scan anywhere so checked on Popsike and there are no stock copies listed (hence the promo scan).


Details
Format: Single
Media: 7"
Label: Spring
Cat No: SPR 111
Year: 1971
Key: 8B
BPM: 129
Value: £30-£60 (approx.)


Ida Divine [2021] - In§omnia


Released on 22 Feb 2021 is a new single from Ida Divine (real name LaQuana Thompson) who is predominantly an independent R&B/Hip-hop artist from New York (Staten Island). There are certainly elements of R&B in this track but it's got nice groove/vibe about it.

I've not listened to her before but I like her music as she comes across like a blend of Erykah Badu and Mary J. Blige and her material is authentic.  I've posted links to some of her earlier material below.



Here's a few other recording she'd done over the last few years

2017 - Poison (Bell Biv DeVoe cover)
2017 - Sideline
2018 - 1979
2020 - Cyclone
2020 - More

Some of her earlier material from 2011-2014:

2012 - Sometimes
2014 - On And On (Erylah Badu cover)

Details
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: Unknown
Cat No: None
Year: 2021
Key: 4A
BPM: 65
Value: £1


Young Old Soul [2021] - Loops & Lullabies [Self Released]


This release on 14 Feb 2021 appears to be the fourth single in the last year from Young Old Soul who is a blue-eyed artist, songwriter and producer from Denver, CO.

It's a moody, sultry, soulful, ambient tune with a lush string arrangement.


Details
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: Self Released
Cat No: None
Year: 2021
Key: 6A
BPM: 82
Value: £1