Tommy Sims [2000] - A New Jam / When You Go [Cherry Entertainment Group #012 159 292-2]

A couple of tunes that were burning up modern soul dancefloors in 2000 from Tommy Sims debut, and so far only, album "Love and Peace". 

They were alluded to on the post for Darryl Anders AgapéSoul EP "Heart Conditions" EP as Tommy featured on the 2020 single "Bulletproof" included on the EP and Darryl regards him as his good friend and mentor.

The two tracks are "A New Day" and "When You Go". As a point of interest Stevie Wonder appeared on harmonica on the track "Summer" which may indicate the respect Tommy had getting someone of that stature to feature on a debut album?

Details

Rating:	8.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	CD
Label:	Cherry Entertainment Group
Cat No:	012 159 292-2
Date:	2000
Price:	£5-£15 approx.

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Kent Drake [1971] - Boss Thing Together [Wand #WND 11239]

The Deon Jackson song just posted reminded me of this class crossover/modern soul tune "Boss Thing Together" from 1971 by Kent Drake on Wand. Only promos are listed so whether it got an issue or not I don't know.

Drake has only two other recordings listed, one from 1961 on Jubilee and another from 1975 on SMI.

This outing has Chicago written all over it and was produced by Gene Chandler and co-written by Eva Dixon (a relation of Chandler whose real name was Eugene Dixon) and Lena Thompson (credited as Leaner Thompson).

The song has been known for years in modern soul circles and was reissued as part of an Outta Sight compilation "Soul On The Real Side #9" in 2018

Details

Rating:	8.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Crossover
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Wand
Date:	1971
Cat. No.:	WND 11239
Price:	£60-£90 approx. (based on Discogs prices)

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Deon Jackson [1972] - I'll Always Love You [Shout #S-254]

Deon Jackson featured here a few days ago with two sides of a new vinyl release by Hit And Run Records of two hard to find 60s recordings. We did a feature on him in June when a compilation of his songs was digitally released and this song featured there but the YouTube clip posted has been made private .. why do they do that?

Anyway, a good enough excuse to repost this superb side "I'll Always Love You" from 1972 co-written, arranged and produced by Leroy Hutson.

Details

Rating:	9
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl
Label:	Shout
Cat No:	S-254
Date:	1972
Price:	£25-£40 approx. (based on Disccogs prices)

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Both Worlds [1975] - Lost In The Shuffle Of Love / I Want The World To Know [Calla #LPS 5003]

Staying in a 70s mellow mood, as new releases are very thin on the ground as we approach the festive period, here's another killer tune from Both Worlds "Lost In The Shuffle Of Love".

It's an album only song from their one and only album "I Want The World To Know" billed as The Best Of Both Worlds on Calla from 1975. Also included is the title track, the other killer from the album, which is their only single.

In the fickle music world it's criminal that a group of this calibre released just one single and one album! Not much appears to be known about them but I believe they were from the Baltimore area and were formed by Winfield Parker who we did a feature on when he died in Jan 2021. A little anecdote from which is that he was the singer originally booked to record "Sweet Soul Music" which went on to became a world-wide hit for Arthur Conley!

UPDATE: They did actually release another album in 1977 "Don'tcha Hide It" (which is listed separately on Discogs) and looks like the group's line-up changed considerably between albums and their sound also changed to more jazz-funk.

Details

Rating:	9
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Deep Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Calla
Cat No:	LPS 5003
Date:	1975
Price:	£30-£70 approx. (based on Discogs prices)

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Odia Coates [1973] - Make It Up To Me Baby [ Buddah #BDA 371]

A record played today by Gary Van Den Bussche on his lunchtime show on Starpoint Radio by Odia Coates with "Make It Up To Me Baby" pricked up my ears, if I'd heard it before then I'd forgotten about it! 

It's a song written by Paul Anka and Scottish composer Johnny Harris. The version I knew was the later more uptempo/disco version on which she duetted with Anka on three years later in 1976, but this is the real deal, pure class and I would say should be in everyone's collection but as far as I'm aware it's only available on original 7" and hasn't featured on any compilation (but may be wrong) so it's not that easy to get hold of.

It was her debut solo single in 1973 having been a member of Sisters Love from 1968 who joined Motown in 1972 and released a few singles the MoWest imprint in 1972-73 before migrating to the main label for one single before disbanding. I don't know whether Coates was featured on those singles, one of which, "Learning to Trust My Man", got spins on the UK's Northern Soul scene and of course "Give Me Your Love" was a big on the rare groove scene.

She will be best known for her #1 Hot 100 hit "(You're) Having My Baby" with Anka in 1974  which was Anka's first #1 hit for 15 years. The song was originally intended to be an Anka solo but Coates was in the recording studio at the time and at the suggestion of a United Artists executive was made into a duet.

Odia Coates recorded just one, self-titled, album in 1975 on United Artists which included a solo version of the hit with Anka (who wrote most of the original material on the album) but it doesn't include the song featured here which has become a collector's item now fetching up to £300 in mint condition. If looking for it make  sure it's the Buddah single and not the one on United Artists as that's the duet version with Anka!

There are couple of good soulful ballads on the album "Heaven And Hell" and "Do I Love You (Yes In Every Way)". The album is not available digitally but fairly cheap and easy to pick up on original vinyl.

Coates died from breast cancer aged 49 in 1991.

Details

Rating:	9
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl
Label:	Buddah
Cat No:	None
Date:	1973
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£150-£300 approx. (based on Discogs prices)

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Al Lloyd & His Orchestra [2022] - A Moment in Time [SoulMusic Records] (Full EP)

Al Lloyd (aka Alex Lloyd who has featured here a couple of times recently with songs he has written for Michael Williams and Dayton Grey released on vinyl by Cordial Recordings) has a new four track EP out of Friday (18 Nov 2022) titled "A Moment in Time".

If you appreciate a full lush orchestral sound then you can't go wrong with this release which draws influences from the likes of Thom Bell, Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, and Henry Mancini . 

The EP contains full orchestral strings, horns, and percussion alongside contemporary rhythm section and vocalists.

All songs were written by Al and three are instrumentals with a lovely vocal from Emma Watson on "You Don't Have To Prove I'm A Fool" which, in particular, has a Bacharach & David feel and Emma's vocal styling has shades of Dionne Warwick!

"I Count the Tears" has a 70s Philly feel and for some reason the word Masquerade springs to mind which is a title of, or a line in, a song it reminds me of, who's artist name eludes me at present, but the melody is running around in my head .. if you're able to get inside my head and help me out then drop a comment!.

The remaining two instrumental tracks are perhaps best described as easy listening, 'soul easy' if you will, with a late 60s / early 70s feel.

Al is a 27 year old a composer, arranger, and saxophonist based in Exeter (UK) who describes himself as a die-hard soul and jazz fan. He has written arrangements for Chairmen of the Board and the Drifters and has credits as a saxophonist for jazz composer Mike Westbrook and members of Motown's Funk Brothers.

I believe that this is his debut as a solo artist albeit with a full orchestra.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist. 

Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Soul Easy
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	SoulMusic Records
Cat No:	None
Date:	18/11/2022
Price:	£3.16

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Sherman's Showcase [2022] - Sherman's Showcase 2 [Mad Decent] (Full Album)

Sherman's Showcase is an US comedy TV series, created by Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle and presented by Sherman McDaniel which premiered in July 2019 on IFC with six episodes. Another six episode series commenced on 26 Oct 2022.

It's inspired by TV variety shows such as Soul Train, American Bandstand, The Midnight Special, and In Living Color which takes viewers through time via music and comedy drawn from the forty-year library of a legendary (but fictitious) musical variety. show.

"Sherman's Showcase 2" was released on 28 Oct '22 to coincide with the start of the second series and is the fourth album produced from the programme. 

It's a mixed bag and would appear to be 'tongue in cheek' comedy songs, but a track that is picking up some traction is "Looking For A Man" which unfortunately is only 1:40 in length but my 'man on the cans' has extended it to a more 'acceptable' 2:52. It's an unofficial, not for sale, version just to give the song a bit more and may post if approval is obtained.

The  album doesn't seem to be available on Amazon UK or US (yet?) but it is available via Bandcamp which has an additional four tracks compared to the version available on Spotify.

The additional tracks are:

10 - Clean Ass Dirty Draws 

14 - Dumpster Buddies Theme

17 - In Memoriam 

18 - Larvell

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

Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Retro Soul / Comedy
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Mad Decent
Cat No:	None
Date:	28/10/2022
Price:	$9.99

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

I.N.D. [2022] - You Just Be You b/w I'm Not Ready [Numero Group #5705]

The latest digital reissue from Numero Group consists of both sides of a 1980/81 single by I.N. D. on Momisey Records.

The A side was included on their 1981 "Into New Dimensions" album but not the B side "I'm Not Ready". The single is listed on Discogs but not 45Cat indicating that it may be quite scarce and the last one to sell on Discogs went for £120. It's not dated but must be from around the same time, perhaps a year earlier which prompted the album? The only other release listed for the Momisey label is an album by Lannie McMillan in 1981. 

I.N.D. were a nine piece band consisting of Cornell Monroe (trumpet/flugelhorn), George Lloyd (sax/flute), Lee Holloway (lead guitar), Michael Mills (rhythm guitar/vocals), Christopher Mills (bass guitar), Darron Farmer (keys), Elmer Caldwell (drums), Eugene Gillis (trumpet) Quincy Ford (alto sax/flute).

They recorded just one album in 1981 which was recorded at Pumpkin Studios, Oak Lawn, IL where prog rock band Styx also recorded, for Erect, which was based in Merriville, IN, so I originally thought that their name, I.N.D., may have had something to do with Indiana but no it stands for Into New Dimensions. The single here was released on Momisey Records which was based in Memphis.

The track listing for their album alternates between funk tracks and sweet soul ballads. The top side here is a funk tune "You Just Be You" with a nice sweet soul ballad/stepper flip "I'm Not Ready".

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from. 

Details

Rating:	8.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Funk / Sweet Soul
Format:	Single / Reissue
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	5705
Date:	22/11/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£1.79

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Steve Aggasild [2022-11-21 ] - SoulAndJazzFlavas [Soul Groove Radio]

This Monday's episode of  Soul & Jazz Flavas show from 'The Soul Master' Steve Aggasild on Soul Groove Radio 21st Nov 2022. 

Following the same format as last week, in hour one looking back at some of the fabulous music that we have had the pleasure of listening to in the earlier part of 2022, with hour two focusing on just some of the brilliant fresh soul from the last week or so.

Steve's show on Soul Groove Radio between 22:00-24:00 BST tonight is another two hours of fresh new releases that he couldn't squeeze in last night.

If you have yet to listen to Steve's shows please do take a listen as he is one of the best UK soul radio presenters around with a 40 year pedigree. 

Catch up with other SoulAndJazzFlavas podcasts at Mixcloud or from 27 Jun 2022 onwards Podbean

Playlist:

Hour One - Looking back to earlier in 2022 with some of the best new independent soul, soulful gospel & jazz from across the globe and Hour Two, some of the new releases from the last week or so, along with selections from our good friends at soulstrugger.blogspot.com.

Hour 1

01 - Tanqueray Hayward -  Complicated (The Realm Remix) (2022)

02 - Sunni Colon - Universe 4 Two (2022 JuJu & The Flowerbug LP)

03 - Dee Dee Davis - I Got My Happy Back (2022)

04 - Melba Moore- Company feat Carmichael Musiclover (2022)

05 - Blair Bryant feat Beth Griffith-Manley - Kiss of Life (2022)

06 - Najee feat - Frank McComb – Modern Lovers 

       (2022 Savoir Faire LP)

07 - Val B. King Feat. Najee - Ooh You (So Many Ways)

08 - Tyra Levone - So in Love (2022 Chronicles of Life LP)

09 - Jay King - Baby Lets Dance Tonight (Soulpersona Remix) (2022) 

10 - Rae (Raechelle Burns) - Fool (2022)

11 - LeVelle - Incredible Woman (2022 My Journey Continues LP)

12 - Desmond Parson - Possibly (2022 Resolution EP)

Hour 2

13 - Winston Surfshirt Feat. Kimbra - All I'm Saying 

       (2022 Panna Cotta LP) 

14 - Natalie Duncan - Let Go Release (2022)

15 - Jose James - Bag Lady (2022)

16 - Secily - battlefield (2022)

17 - Glenn Jones Feat. Y'Anna Crawley - Family Time (2022) 

18 - CENTRIC - Sunday Drive (Ride With You) 

       (2022 Love Received LP)

19 - Brendalynn Mckinney - Don't Lead Me (2022)

20 - Avery Sunshine - Sunshine For Christmas (2022)

21 - Richie Goods & Chien Chien Lu Feat. Jamison Ross - 

       Someday We'll All Be Free (Radio Edit) (2022)

22 - Deva Mahal - I Want You (For All Time) (2022)

23 - Tanya Nolan Feat. CeeLo Green - My Best (Remix) (2022)

24 - Object Heavy - For The Better (2022)

25 - S!MONE - Angel (2022)

26 - Sherman's Showcase - Looking For My Man (2022)

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

UK Soul Chart BREAKERS 19th Nov 2022 (Week 46)

Here are the latest UK Soul Chart Breakers for 19th Nov 2022 with links to tracks posted (or to Spotify for those not yet posted). 

You can catch the breakers show each Saturday at 7pm-8pm presented by Andy Tee on Starpoint Radio.

Artist - Title	Rel'd	Post
Kim Tavar - Problems	25/11	19/11
Glenn Jones Feat. Y'anna Crawley - Family Time	14/11	14/11
Bluesforthehorn - Rainbow (Painful Love EP)	04/11	04/11
Object Heavy - For The Better	04/11	16/11
Alton McClain Scarborough - While I'm Alone	01/11	11/11
K. Huggs - Back 2 The Music	18/11	18/11
Raja-Nee' Feat. Wilfred 'Nenja' Frelix - On Less Bell To Answer	15/11	15/11
Al Lindsey & Sugar Rainbow - Something Special	08/12	19/11
Say She She - Wrap Myself Up In Your Love	15/11
Whitfield Batson - Girl Like You	09/05
Cool Million Feat. Susanne Ørum - Maybe You're The One	18/11	18/11
Ingram Street - Natural High (The Realm Remix)	11/11	11/11
Homemade Soul - Hear You Say	17/11	18/11
Cupid - If You Don't Want Me To	10/11
Kiko Pryor - Ooh Baby	28/10

NB tracks in yellow are forthcoming

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

UK Soul Chart 21st Nov 2022 (Week 46)

21st Nov 2022

The new UK Soul Chart for 21st Nov 2022. 

Summary: There are 5 risers, 14 fallers, 3 non-movers, 8 new entries

New Entries: Hil St. Soul (LP) (1), STR4TA (7),  Hil St. Soul (single) (11), Julian Johan (18), Raja-Nee' (20), The Shapeshifters (21), Will Downing (26), Andre Ward & K-Jon (27)

Highest Risers: Kevin Robinson (BB&Q Band) (+7), Darryl Anders AgapeSoul (+4), Bob Baldwin & Kathy Kosins (+3)

Biggest Fallers:  Victor Haynes (-22), Chris Jasper (-10), Saint Jaimz (-8)

Losers: Acantha Lang, Dawn Tallman, La'Zay, Soul Messengers, The Shapeshifters, Hil St Soul, Mark Knight & Lukas Setto, Don E

Pos	Last	Chg	Artist - Title
1			Hil St. Soul - Back To Love LP
2	5	+03	Bob Baldwin & Kathy Kosins - Let's Rewind (Nigel Lowis Philly Mix)
3	1	-02	Penny Wells - I Wanna Be More (You Are)
4	3	-01	Maysa - Whatever
5	9	+04	Daryl Anders AgapeSoul - Heart Conditions EP
6	2	-04	Lynn Davis - Can I Come Over
7			SRTR4TA - STR4TOSFEAR LP
8	9	+01	Candace Woodson - Step Into This Love Song (Nigel Lowis Mix)
9	8	-01	Sound of Superbad Feat. Joyce Mateo - Loving You (Ubiquity Mix)
10	10	0	Melvin Gentry - Soul Weekend LP
11			Hil St. Soul - A Feeling So Beautiful (Nigel Lowis Mix)
12	7	-05	Kim Tavar - Good Ole Days
13	13	0	Lisa Dietrich - Move Me No Mountain
14	21	+07	Kevin Robinson (BB&Q Band) - You Make My Dreams Possible
15	11	-04	Kim Tibbs - The Science Of Completion Volume 1 LP
16	16	0	Lindsey Webster - Reasons LP
17	19	+02	The Realm - Stuck In The Middle
18			Julian Jonah - Now's The Time For Us / Comin' Back For Your Lovin'
19	12	-07	The Jack Moves - Cruiserweight LP
20			Raja-Nee' - The Sovereign Of 14742 LP
21			The Shapeshifters - Let Loose LP
22	14	-08	Saint Jaimz - She's My Monday
23	17	-06	Michael LeBlanc - I'm Not Pushing
24	23	-01	Isley Bros - Make Me Say It Again Girl LP
25	16	-09	Richard Burton & Randy Roberts - I Miss You
26			Will Downing - Kinda Guy
27			Andre Ward Feat. K-Jon - Casualty Of Love (Remix)
28	6	-22	Victor Haynes - Back To Love
29	19	-10	Chris Jasper - We Are The People (We Are The Nation)
30	27	-03	IshMaleSings - A Hearts Journey LP

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved