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Thursday 30 June 2022

Thanks A Million!

Today the blog has reached a landmark ... a million hits, 650k of them in the last twelve months. We're also approaching the 6,000th post, the large majority of them (5,428) since Jan 2021.

I'd like to thank all our visitors, regular readers and followers and hope you will stay with us and spread the word to increase the figures further. I think it would be fair to say that much of the material posted here does not feature on the majority of other soul music websites, nor do many others post the same volume or arguably as varied material. Neo soul in particular tends to get left behind in favour of R&B/Hip-hop, traditional soul or jazz.

The blog was started back in 2009 along with another called Modern Soul originally posting only vintage material. Both blogs were dormant for many years as work pressures didn't permit spending a lot of time on them. At the commencement of Covid lockdown in March 2020 I reactivated SoulStrutter and merged the posts from Modern Soul which remains live but dormant.

At the beginning of 2021 a decision was made to focus on mainly brand new releases, including reissues, but still posting occasional vintage material. The blog has gone from strength to strength, vindicating the decision to primarily focus on new material.

Obviously, as the saying goes, you can't please all of the people all of the time, but the aim is to highlight the best of what's been released (or at least found) each day. The site is completely independent meaning that everything posted is at my sole discretion without any external influence or interference.

Suggestions on how to improve the site are welcome at soulstrutter@gmail.com

Artists, labels and PR people are encouraged to submit material for consideration at the same email address, but please ensure that it is soul related only.

Likewise, if you know about something good that hasn't been posted then let us know about it so we can share and you'll get a name check.

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved



Jess Connelly [2022] - Better [JCON / Above Ground]


Jess Connelly (aka JCON) is from Manila, Philippines. of Filipino-Irish descent, who has been active since 2016. She has a full album, an EP and just over a dozen singles in her catalogue to date.

Her latest single "Better" was released a couple of weeks ago on 14 June 2022.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.
Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist. 

FacebookTwitterInstagramOfficial WebsiteAmazonApple musicSpotifyDeezerSoundCloudDiscogsYouTube Channel

Details
Rating: 8.1
Explicit: Y
Genre/Style: Neo Soul
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: JCON / Above Ground / Self Released
Cat No: None
Date: 14/06/2022
Key/BPM: 6A/84
Price: £1
Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved


Irma Thomas [2022] - All I Wanna Do Is Save You / Turn Around And Love You [Soul4Real #S4R22]


The second new offering from Soul4Real is another pair of previously unreleased tracks from a 2014 CD compilation "Full Time Woman (The Lost Cotillion Album)" by 'The Queen of New Orleans Soul' Irma Thomas. The compilation was reissued this year both on CD and limited edition vinyl. I believe David Nathan (ex Blues & Soul) compiled it and Roger Williams did the artwork on the 2022 reissue.

The A side is a deep soul cut "All I Wanna Do Is Save You" produced by New Orleans legend Wardell Quezergue and recorded at Malaco Studios, Jackson, MS in November 1971. 

The B side is more uptempo crossover/modern soul song "Turn Around And Love You" written by Donna Weiss and produced by Joe Hinton recorded in May 1972 at Pac-Three Recording Studios, Detroit, MI.

Orders: soul4realrecordlabel@gmail.com


Details
Rating: 8.2 / 8/4
Explicit: N
Genre/Style: Deep Soul // Crossover/Modern Soul
Format: Single
Media: 7" Vinyl
Label: Soul4Real
Cat No: S4R22
Date: 30/06/2022
Key/BPM: 8B/83 / 4A/104
Price: €14
Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved


Dionne Warwick [2022] - Meant To Be / I Found Someone Else [Soul4Real #S4R21]


Soul4Real has announced the release of another pair of 7" singles. The first comes from a 2013 compilation of unreleased tracks by Dionne Warwick "We Need To Go Back: The Unissued Warner Bros. Masters".

The compilation consists of discarded songs from her 70s period after leaving Scepter to join Warner Brothers in 1972.

The A side "Meant To Be" was written and produced by Jerry Ragovoy and the flip side "I Found Someone Else" by Thom Bell, Sherman Marshall and Gabriel Hardeman with Bell producing it. It's the first time on vinyl for both sides.

Orders: soul4realrecordlabel@gmail.com


Details
Rating: 8.5
Explicit: N
Genre/Style: Modern Soul
Format: Single
Media: 7" Vinyl
Label: Soul4Real
Cat No: S4R21
Date: 30/06/2022
Key/BPM: 8A/118 / 9A/115
Price: €14
Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved


Meamimami [2022] - Me.Am.I [Frontrunnaz Entertainment] (Full Album)


I had this lined up in draft for posting on 4 Jun and decided not to post it as there were probably better candidates around at the time, but having heard "Can I" a few more times it's grown on me. 

Méami Maszewski (pronounced may-AH-mee) is a singer/songwriter/actress from the Bay Area, CA, now based in Dallas, TX, who goes by the name Meamimami. She is a former member of  Beloved Sister and has recently been playing Pearl Krabs in the national tour of The Spongebob Musical. 

She made her debut as a solo artist in 2021 and has released five singles to date with her debut album "Me.Am.I" being released on 3 Jun 2022 which includes four of her five singles. The single not included is her debut single "Can I" so a video for it is included below.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.
Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist. 

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Details
Rating: 7.8
Explicit: Y Tracks 4,7,9
Genre/Style: Neo Soul
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: Self Released
Cat No: None
Date: 03/06/2022
Price: £4.99
Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved


SoulStrutter Summary Jun 2022

The SoulStrutter Selections of the Week and The Dirty Dozen Mixes for June 2022.

Previous months
JanFebMarApr, May

SoulStrutter Selections of the Week

Week 25 (20 Jun - 26 Jun)

Week 24 (13 Jun - 19 Jun)
Tyra LeVone - Chronicles Of Life LP (12 Jun)

Week 23 (6 Jun - 12 Jun)
Mica Millar - Heaven Knows LP (10 Jun)

Week 22 (30 May - 6 May)
Blue Soul Ten - This Is Worth It LP (3 Jun)

The Dirty Dozen

NB Links to Spotify playlist on week number and to individual entries on title.

Week 25 (20 Jun - 26 Jun)
Micayla Rivera - His Eyes Are Not Yours (21 Jun)
Marc Staggers Feat. Brian Cunningham - You Make Me Feel (Smooth Jazz Version) (24 Jun)
The Bar-Kays Feat. Jazze Pha - Choosey Lover (24 Jun)
Todd Breed Feat. Kevin Soul - Be With You (24 Jun)
Funk Division - Symptoms of Love (21 Jun)
Arrisa - Always On My Mind (19 Jun)
Shirley Jones - Soul Steppin' (Soul Syndicate Remix) (24 Jun)
Dennis Taylor - Smile (Drizabone Remix) (24 Jun)
Crutchfield Jones - Queen Appeal (17 Jun)
Output / Input Feat. Antonio Mclendon - I'm In Love (24 Jun)
Julian Jonah Feat. Tamika - Now's the Time for Us (24 Jun)
Cool Million Feat. Heather Haywood - Moonlit Rendezvous (Radio Version) (24 Jun)

Week 24 (13 Jun - 19 Jun)
Dy Echols - Goodbye (10 Jun)
Lady Q Feat. Stefunie - My Man (14 Jun)
Starz Wint - Quiet (18 Jun)
Shelea - Final Say (17 Jun)
Napoleon Demps - The Remedy (31 May)
Rellek Brown - With You (10 Jun)
Tyra Levone - Better Place (12 Jun)
Shaun Escoffery - Set Me Free (17 Jun)
Sapphire - Remember When (12 Jun)
Tyra Levone - Shine (12 Jun)
Tyra Levone - I Like It (12 Jun)
Ivan Hampden Jr. Feat. Paulette McWilliams - Mama's Kitchen Table (3 Jun)
Lori Williams - Too Late (It's My Time) (13 Jun)
MOONGA K. - my mind (10 Jun)
Natalie Duncan - Hearts In A Cage (17 Jun)
J-Darius - Unbelievable (17 Jun)
Babyface Feat. Ella Mai - Keeps On Fallin' (17 Jun)
Shamara MXT Feat. Big Jay - Holding On (10 Jun)
Darron O'Neal - Hold On (17 Jun)
Iamcaldwell - Forward (4 Jun)
Walter G - Glamourama (17 Jun)
Tyra Levone - So in Love (12 Jun)
Brother Zulu - Who Knew (3 Jun)
Jayenne & Dave Lee Feat. Gina Carey - Love Walked In The Room (17 Jun)

Week 23 (6 Jun - 12 Jun)
The Ton3s - Sexual (31 May)
Al 'Mizconcepttion' Boson - Never Knew Love (10 Jun)
The Ton3s - Got So Much Love (31 May)
Brettina - Spell (Extended Version) (10 Jun)
Brandon James - Know Better (10 Jun)
Midnight.Blue - Take The Time (2 Jun)
Mica Millar - More Than You Give Me (10 Jun)
Mica Millar - Flashlights (10 Jun)
AJ Cotton - In This House (10 Jun)
Two Jazz Project Feat. Marie Meney - Heaven's Place (6 Jun)
Captain Sky - Under tha n-Fluence (6 Jun)
Jonathan Jeremiah - Lucky (10 Jun)

Week 22 (30 May - 6 May)
Blue Soul Ten, Dennis Lorenzo - Like I Do (3 Jun)
Blue Soul Ten, ShaMain - Loving Me (3 Jun)
D-Smooth - Carefully (3 Jun)
Doobie Powell - Reminisce (28 May)
Blue Soul Ten, Syauqi Destanika - I'm Afraid I Might (3 Jun)
The Suffers - Could This Be Love (3 Jun)
Lee Wilson - Be With You (3 Jun)
Johnny James Dr J, SanginDiva - Foolish Heart (VocalSax Mix) (3 Jun)
Jully Black - Half Empty (27 May)
Garrett P. Tyler - New Normal (3 Jun / (Sep 2021 single))
Menava - Where We Go (27 May (re-edit from Jan 2020 single))
Eric Seats presents Project Sidiooo 3, Carol Riddick - I Don't Care (3 Jun)

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved


SoulStrutter Summary Jun 2022 Neo Soul

A summary of  some of the best Neo Soul releases from Jun 2022.
Previous Months

The Dirty Dozen

NB Links to Spotify playlist on week number and to individual entries on title.

Week 25 (20 Jun - 26 Jun)
Jaz Karis - OPTION (24 Jun)
LINDSJØRN - Step By Step (17 Jun)
I.R.I.S  - Weshside (23 Jun)
Rose Gold - Addicted (23 Jun)
Naoimi Sounds - Your Love (24 Jun)
Milan Jackson - High Talk (17 Jun)
Laneshia - Summer Come (19 Jun)
Jkabel - Believe (22 Jun)
THEHONESTGUY - Fight The Feeling (21 Jun)
Ms Jaey - Be My Baby (24 Jun)
Jkabel - New Friends (22 Jun)
Nia Wyn - Do You Want to Know Me (23 Jun)

Week 24 (13 Jun - 19 Jun)
Kaidi Tatham Feat. Lola Vialet - Galaxy (17 Jun)
Sherri Amoure - A Fool (15 Jun)
CHAI (Sejeong Lee) - Bloom (16 Jun)
Sara Diamond - Walk Away (17 Jun)
Jasmine Cassell - Touch (10 Jun)
Ambré - Drake and Drive (17 Jun)
Lynese - 9pm (Late Night) (15 Jun)
Kadeem Tyrell - Forever and Always (16 Jun)
Ambré - Superstitious (17 Jun)
Rainee Blake - Alone (17 Jun)
Morgan Munroe - Look What You Done (14 Jun)
Deej Jvon - Love Self (18 Jun)
Zara W - Coffee Shop Love (17 Jun)
Tsharna - Curfew (26 May)
Frances Baker - Soulful Baby (13 Jun)
Y.A.N.A. - The Next Me (17 Jun)
Elle Monae - Beauty (17 Jun)
Naomi Vaughn - ye, aha (17 Jun)
Nicole Chambers - All Day (16 Jun)
Saina - Thank you (17 Jun)
Y.A.N.A. - Shapeshift (17 Jun)
Roze Feat. Ty Benjamin - Bad Liar (16 Jun)
Piper-Grace - My Head (15 Jun)
KALLITECHNICS - Lights Off (17 Jun)
Morgan Munroe - Don't Roll With Me (14 Jun)

Week 23  (6 Jun - 12 Jun)
See You Next Year & Fana Hues - Drive (10 Jun)
Ann Weberg - Wasn't Meant (10 Jun)
Bailey - Again (23 May)
Cam Cone - Do Better (10 Jun)
The Ton3s Feat. Vanessa Ferguson - Comfortable (31 May)
Amalie Bryde - Found Love (10 Jun)
Chynna Mac - Me, Myself & I (10 Jun)
Juli Capelius - Gemini (10 Jun)
Alice Rowe - As It Seems (1 Jun)
Anto Neosoul - Are You Ready? (10 Jun)
Tash - New Thing (10 Jun)
Alexus J - So Many Ways (10 Jun)
Destardy - Shine (7 Jun / 31 May as single)
Greentea Peng - Stuck In The Middle (10 Jun)
Amalie Bryde - Love Again (10 Jun / 25 Mar single)

Week 22 (30 May - 5 May)
Jelisa - Perspective (3 Jun)
Jeyaia - No Love (3 Jun)
janïsa - Fly Away (15 May)
Eliza - Heat of the Moon (26 May)
JES - Dreamboat (3 Jun)
Chiara Jose - Fallin' (4 Jun)
Myranda Dominiq - See You Smile (28 May)
Nia Sultana - Proven (2 Jun)
Nia Sultana - Element (2 Jun)
Mikeila Janae - Sunday (16 May)
The Degrees - Nothing Else (3 Jun)
Rochelle Williams - Still On My Mind (1 Jun)
Paulina Delin - Did You Even Notice? (3 Jun)
Saïna - What a time to live in (27 May)

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved


Gregory Choyce Purnell [2014] - Runnin' To You [Unreleased] v 3D [2004] - Riff To The Smooth [215 Records]


A track I was asked about yesterday by a blog contributor, which is believed to have remained unreleased from 2014, is Gregory Choyce Purnell "Runnin' To You". It's a vocal version of an instrumental track "Riff To The Smooth" recorded by 3D on their 2004 CD only album "Soulride" which also features Roy Ayers on a cover of Leon Ware's "Rockin' You Eternally".

There's not much information on either artist. Gregory Choyce Purnell is from Austin, TX, and has featured on a couple of soulful house compilations but apart from that I can't find much else he's released.

3D released just the one album "Soulride" in 2004 and it appears that three singles were released from it but two look like they may have been CRr promos only ("2Nite" and "Riff To The Smooth") and the other "Set U Free" a 12".

Details
Rating: 9
Explicit: N
Genre/Style: Modern Soul
Format: Album Track & CDS / Unreleased
Media: CD & Digital / Digital
Label: 215 Records / Soundcloud Unreleased
Cat No: None
Date: 2004 / 2014
Key/BPM: N/A
Price: £1 / Unreleased
Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved


Ray Estaire [2022] - Baltimore [So-Uk Music]


London jazz singer Ray Estaire studied jazz at the prestigious Guildhall School Of Music & Drama and in 2018 joined the cast of The George Michael Story in which she sang backing vocals and performed the role of Aretha Franklin.

In 2013 she released a six track EP "Talk About It" which appears to have been her debut. She released her third single "Born To Do It" on 26 Nov 2021 (which was SoulStrutter Selection of the Week that week).

Her first recording since then is a cover of Nina Simone's, Randy Newman penned, "Baltimore" from 1978, which is due out tomorrow (1 Jul 2022) on the major platforms but has been available on Bandcamp for a few days. 

Included below is Simone's version which has more of a reggae beat so it might be sacrilegious  to suggest that I actually prefer Ray Estaire's jazzier cover.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.
Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist. 

FacebookInstagramOfficial WebsiteAmazonApple musicSpotifyDeezerBandCampDiscogsYouTube Channel
Details
Rating: 8.4
Explicit: N
Genre/Style: Soul Jazz / Cover Version
Format: Single
Media: Digital
Label: So-Uk Music
Cat No: None
Date: 01/07/2022
Key/BPM: 11A/86
Price: £1
Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved