Liason [2024] - Life / Disco Party [Fantasy Love #FL016]

Liason was a Bay-Area group led by Morris 'Skid' Clay who released just one single "Life" / "Disco Party" in 1977 on their own imprint, A.L.C. (apparently named after three of the group's members' astrological signs i.e. Aquarius, Libra, Capricorn). 

Only one other single appeared on the label around 1982 by Shad (Miller), one side written, and the other side co-written, by the writer of "Disco Party", Arthur Charles Handy.

The Liason single has been reissued on 7" by Fantasy Love (who appear to be related to Symphonical Records who reissued Equasions last week) and is also available digitally. It's the label's 16th reissue of all pretty obscure recordings.

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

Details

Rating:	7.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Rare Groove / Disco
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Fantasy Love
Cat No:	FL016
Date:	01/03/2024
Key/BPM:	8A/92 / 2B/131
Price:	£1

Copyright © 2009-2024 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

SoulStrutter Selections of Modern Soul & Rare Groove Pt. 6

The sixth instalment of Modern Soul and Rare Groove flavas. 

Previous Episodes

Pt. 1 / Pt. 2 / Pt. 3 / Pt .4 / Pt .5

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

SoulStrutter Selections of Modern Soul & Rare Groove Pt. 5

The fifth instalment of Modern Soul and Rare Groove flavas. 

Previous Episodes

Pt. 1 / Pt. 2 / Pt. 3 / Pt .4

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

SoulStrutter Selections of Modern Soul & Rare Groove Pt. 4

The fourth instalment of Modern Soul and Rare Groove flavas. This time digging a bit deeper with not quite as many established 'classics', although most are still pretty well known.

Previous Episodes

Pt. 1 / Pt. 2 / Pt. 3

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

SoulStrutter Selections of Modern Soul & Rare Groove Pt. 2

The second instalment of modern soul, rare groove, two step with the odd northern soul and crossover tune thrown in for good measure. We're still only scratching the tip of the iceberg.

Previous Episode

Pt. 1

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

SoulStrutter Selections of Modern Soul & Rare Groove Pt. 1

After yet another weekend scouring the new releases looking for those worthy of posting (for every one found a hundred others are dismissed) we're taking a break from new music and listening to our first love, rare vintage soul.

We were asked only last week what it was that we 'really' listened to, which has prompted possibly the first of many playlists highlighting rare vintage soul. These are just a small selection of the tunes that float our boat. Attempting to compile a Top 100, or any other numerator, is nigh on impossible, but these came to mind for the first instalment.

Most will be well known to soul connoisseurs, but second guessing what others know and don't know is problematic, so hopefully some will be new to you or forgotten. 

There's no need to get hung up on genre definitions as the playlist includes vintage rare soul unearthed by northern soul, crossover, modern soul, sweet soul, rare groove, two-step underground scenes over the years. Call it what you will, but we hope you'll agree all are rare soul gems from predominantly the 70s.

No disco, no rap, no auto-tune, no samples, no gimmicks, no nonsense, just classic, honest, timeless soul music of the highest quality that has stood the test of time.

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Odyssey [2023] - Our Lives Are Shaped By What We Love / Battened Ships [Soul Brother #SB7052]

Two tracks from Odyssey's self-titled, one-off, album on MoWest in 1972. They released just one single from it "Our Lives Are Shaped By What We Love" in the US but another "Battened Ships" was released as a single in Japan only. Both sides feature on a 45 reissue by Soul Brother due in Jul/Aug.

Both sides have been well known over the years and their album has been reissued numerous time on both CD and vinyl. Originals of album and both singles sell well into three figures.

This is not the same group who released "Native New Yorker" in the 70s and had several disco hits in the 80s, but a mixed race seven piece group from California who had former Chicago / Badfinger guitarist Donnie Darcus as a member. Another member, Royce Jones, later toured with Steely Dan and was a member of Ambrosia ("How Much I Feel"). So their roots were in soft rock or what is now termed Yacht Rock.

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:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl / Reissue
Label:	Soul Brother
Cat No:	SB7052
Date:	TBC Jul/Aug
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£13

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Crystal Clear [2023] - Stay With Me / You're So Unreal [Soul Brother #SB7051]

London's, Putney based record store Soul Brother has announced pre-orders for the release of five new rare groove / modern soul singles on their label which will be released in Jul/Aug '23. All were released originally on Polydor in the 70s and 80s.

The first is the first of only two singles released by Crystal Clear, both in 1980, the other is "Oomph In My Life" which is a nice rare groove two stepper which sells for high sums (i.e. circa £700).

Not much is known about the group apart from that Morris Bailey was a member and songwriter. He wrote many songs from 60s onwards recorded by the likes of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes,  Billy Paul, Patti LaBelle, Nina Simone, The Spinners, Jimmy Ruffin, Donnie Elbert, Ronnie Walker and many others.

We're not sure who the female vocalist is but may be Pearl Scott as a guess who was co-writer on two of the songs, but not "Stay With Me" which was written by Buddy Turner.

The flip side "You're So Unreal" is also a very nice two stepper which has been somewhat overshadowed by the A side.

All four sides recorded by this group, including the flip side to "Ooomph In Your Life", "Trademark", are well worth picking up if you ever come across them.

 

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

Details

Rating:	8.7
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl / Reissue
Label:	Soul Brother
Cat No:	SB7051
Date:	TBC
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£13

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Wendy Walker / Legal Assault feat. Dan-Elle [2023] - We've Got One /Nice & Slow [Athens Of The North #ATH149]

A forthcoming 45 reissue from Athens Of The North pairs two sides from UK reggae/lovers rock label Sir George owned by Sir George Brightly.

The A side is Wendy Walker "We've Got One" flipped with Legal Assault feat. Dan-Elle (aka Danielle Harvey) "Nice & Slow" both originally released around 1992/93 and produced by Anthony 'Pure Silk' Brightly the label owner's son who recorded as Pure Silk.

Available via AOTN Bandcamp store.

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:	8.3
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Lovers Rock / Rare Groove
Format:	Single / Reissue
Media:	Digital / 7" Vinyl
Label:	Athens Of The North
Cat No:	ATH149
Date:	09/06/2023
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£2 / £9.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Sylvia Striplin [2023] - Give Me Your Love & You Can't Turn Me Away [Expansion #EX7020]

A vinyl only reissue of a 1980 single on Roy Ayers' Uno Melodic Records which was the debut solo single for Sylvia Striplin.

Striplin was a member of Aquarian Dream in the late 70s and was also in a group set up by Roy Ayers named The Eighties Ladies (which included Marva Hicks) who released an album and two singles on Uno Melodic Records, most famed for "Turned On To You".

The two sides on the Expansion reissue align with the original, the rare groove classic "Give Me Your Love" and "You Can't Turn Me Away" (covered by Erykah Badu on "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)" as "Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY)" (2010)) and are released on a look-a-like label. Originals now sell for up to £200.

Striplin recorded both songs on her debut, and only, solo album "Give Me Your Love" on the same label in 1981. Ralph Tee / Expansion obviously believe in "You Can't Turn Me Away" as they have also reissued it twice before on 12" in 1994 and 1996.

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

Details

Rating:	8.3
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Rare Groove
Format:	Single / Reissue
Media:	7" Vinyl
Label:	Expansion
Cat No:	None
Date:	13/03/2023
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£13.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

VA [2022] - Soul Diggin' : Soul Music Gems From Vinyl Diggers [Wagram Music] (Full Album)

One of three new digital compilations  released yesterday by Wagram Music is "Soul Diggin' : Soul Music Gems From Vinyl Diggers".

It opens with a rare groove/modern soul classic from Jean Plum "Here I Go Again" which was sampled recently by Jimetta Rose "Still Here" on  her album "The Gift - Around The Way Queen".

A few other 'gems' include Alice Taylor "Sounds Ridiculous" which is a rarity on New York label Stage Art recorded in The Sound Room, Upper Darby, Philly in 1968 with only a limited number promos pressed. Alice Taylor was a backing singer who sang with The Delfonics and The Dramtics and this is her only known recording. The official A side is "(I'm in Love with A) Rock 'n' Roll Singin' Superstar" which, despite the title, is in the same vein and well worth checking out. Both songs were produced by Manny Campbell's Emandolynn Music.

Dee Edwards "(I Can) Deal With That" was released with two different mixes, with and without strings, this sounds like the no strings mix. A later version was recorded and released on Morning Glory in 1990 which, as you can imagine, has more of an 80s feel. Soul Brother reissued both strings and no strings versions back to back on 7" in 2016. If you want to check the difference here's the with strings version.

Richard Coombs "Tammie" first appeared on a Kent CD compilation "Dave Hamilton's Detroit Dancers Volume 2" in 1999 which I believe was a previously unreleased track from tape.

There's plenty more amongst the thirteen tracks, including Ruby Andrews 1970 re-recording of "Casanova", but these are my personal choices.

As par for the course the Spotify playlist does not list the artists so click on cover image for full track listing.

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

Details

Rating:	8.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Soul
Format:	Album / Compilation
Media:	Digital
Label:	Wagram Music
Cat No:	None
Date:	16/09/2022
Price:	£7.99

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Three Pieces [2022] - If Only I Could Prove To You / I Need You Girl [Expansions #EXS032]

 

Three Pieces (3 Pieces) were a jazz-funk group from Washington D.C. consisting of  Andre Richardson (percussion), Jerry Wilder (bass/vocals) and Lincoln Ross (keys). They released just one album "Vibes of Truth" in 1975  (produced by Donald Byrd) from which only one single was released "I Need You Girl" which received a UK release with a different B side ("Short'nin' Bread") to the US issue ("Cool It"). 

Another track from the album "Self Dealin'" was reissued on 7" vinyl many years later in 2017 by Mukatsuku.

The album is highly sought after, selling for large sums, and Expansions Records is releasing two in-demand tracks from it on 7" vinyl "If Only I Could Prove To You" / "I Need You Girl". Both sides were previously reissued on a 7" by Fryers in 2009 and these are selling for up to £60!  

Rather than just post the two tracks that are being reissued I thought, as it's available (released digitally in 2017), I may as well post the full album.

It's available to pre-order from Simply Soul for release end of June.

Details

Rating:	8.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Expansion
Cat No:	EXS032
Date:	24/06/2022
Key/BPM:	8B/86 / 7A/113
Price:	£12

Bill Summers [2022] - Come Into My Life / Don't Fade Away [Expansion #EXS033]

Expansion Records is to reissue two 70s two-step tracks from Bill Summers. The A side "Come Into My Life" is from his "Feel The Heat" album and also released as a single on Prestige in 1977. The song was written and recorded as an instrumental first (but not released until later) by Alphonse Mouzon. The female vocalist is Deborah Thomas who's featured on recordings by George Duke, Ronnie Laws, Teddy Pendergrass, George Benson, Leon Ware, Diana Ross, Rick James, Jermaine Jackson, Lionel Ritchie and may others.

The flip side "Don't Fade Away" is from "Cayenne" and also released as a single on Prestige as Bill Summers & Summer Heat (which included Rodney Franklin) in 1977.

Summers is an Afro-Cuban Latin jazz percussionist from Detroit who now lives in New Orleans who is possibly best known in the UK for his 1979 club hit "Straight To The Bank".

Available to pre-order from Simply Soul for release around 24 Jun 2022.

UPDATE a comment from bluesky stating that the vocalist on "Don't Fade Away" is Leo Miller (Chocolate Jam Co). Mark Coddington's (Simply Soul) put out a compilation CD ("Simply Soul Flavas Part II") in 1999 on FER (First Experience Records) which included a track by him called "Pretty Lies".

"Don't Fade Away" was produced by Ndugu (Leon Chancler) (Chocolate Jam Co). He played drums on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and received a Grammy nomination for writing Dazz Band "Let It Whip" in 1983. He died in 2018 having worked with some jazz heavyweights such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, The Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, George Duke and many more.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Jazz Funk / Rare Groove / Two-Step
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Expansion
Cat No:	EXS033
Date:	24/06/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Price:	£12

Family Brown [2022] - Never Had A Love / Listen [Expansion #EXS031]

There really is very little new of any consequence or quality around this week so it looks like today is likely to be a retro day.

To kick off then is another vinyl reissue from Expansion by Family Brown with two in-demand rare groove tracks ("Never Had A Love" / "Listen") taken from their only album "Imaginary World" released in 1978 by United Artists which are due for release on 25 Mar 2022. 

Before being named Family Brown they recorded two sweet soul/lowrider singles as The Compacts "Call Her" / "You've Got To Get It" (BunBea 1972) and "Why Can't It Be" / "That's How My World Began" (Carla 1973).

Both songs on the Expansion release were written by Gary Brown (bass) who along with siblings Renee (vocals), Anthony (sax) and Joseph (bass) made up the group along with Donny Lewis (guitar). Prior to Family Brown, Joseph Brown was bassist with Side Effect (billed as Joe 'Bunch' Brown) and, according to Discogs, was a long time collaborator on Wayne Henderson (The Crusaders) productions. Also, the same year the Family Brown album was released he featured on Starguard's self-titled debut album which included their hit "Theme From 'Which Way Is Up'".

Other new releases from Expansion include:

EXS026 - Thelma Houston - Nothing Left To Give / Baby Mine

EXS027 - Brief Encounter - What About Love / Got A Good Feeling

EXS028 - Corey Blake - How Can I Go On Without / Your Love Is Like A Boomerang

EXS029 - Chuck Jackson - Waiting In Vain / No Tricks

EXS030 - Freda Payne - Tell Me Please / I Get High (On Your Memory)

EXS031 - Family Brown - Never Had A Love / Listen

Details

Rating:	8.7
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Expansion
Cat No:	EXS031
Date:	25/03/2022
Key/BPM:	N/A
Value:	£1

Boogie Boots [2021] - Miracles (2022 Rework) [Space Dust]

An outfit called Boogie Boots have  released a new version (re-edit) of The Jackson Sisters rare groove classic "I Believe In Miracles" written by Mark Capanni who also recorded it. Both versions were posted here last year.

It's a fairy faithful rendition of the original.

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

Details

Rating:	8.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Rare Groove / Cover Version
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Space Dust
Cat No:	None
Date:	26/11/2021
Key/BPM:	7B/111
Value:	£1

VA [2021] - The Wants List 5 [Soul Brother Records] (Full Album)

Soul Brother Records in Putney is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and have released the fifth edition of The Wants List, which, for the uninitiated are compilations of modern soul and rare groove tracks. The first volume was released in 2003, with vol. 2 in 2005, vol. 3 in 2007 and vol. 4 in 2018. All tracks on the latest volume are from the 'so soulful' 70s.

Fortunately, I've managed to find all the tracks on Spotify with the only exception being Marlena Shaw's version of "Save The Children" from her 1972 self-titled album but I did find a live version recorded the following year.

Soul Brother website is stating that it's available on CD on 6 Nov 2021 but I've been informed that it is actually in stock now from Simply Soul. It will also be available on vinyl which, owing to the pressing plant lead times, is delayed until early 2022. Click links above or cover image to order.

NB Track 13 labelled Various Artists is Ronnie McNeir from  his self-titled 1975 album. The track on Spotify is from a 2006 compilation "Steppin Across The USA Volume IX"

01 - Barry White [1977] - Playing Your Game, Baby (Barry White Sings For Someone You Love LP)

02 - Sweet Charles [1974] - Yes It's You (For Sweet People LP)

03 - Edwin Starr [1973] - There You Go (Soul 45)

04 - Willie Hutch [1974]- Ain't That (Mellow, Mellow) (Foxy Brown LP)

05 - Sisters Love [1973] - Give Me Your Love (MoWest 45)

06 - The Voices Of East Harlem [1973] - Wanted Dead Or Alive (The Voices Of East Harlem LP)

07 - Mighty Ryeders [1978] - Evil Vibrations (Help Us Spread The Message LP)

08 - Etta James [1973] - All The Way Down (Etta James LP)

09 - Bobby Bland [1974] - Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City (ABC 45)

10 - The Dramatics [1971] - Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get (Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get LP & 45)

11 - The Four Tops [1976] - Strung Out For Your Love (Catfish LP & 45)

12 - The Reflections [1975] - She's My Summer Breeze (Love On Delivery LP & 45)

13 - Ronnie McNeir [1975] - I'm Your Lover (Ronnie McNeir LP)

14 - Thelma Houston [1973] - Nothing Left To Give (Thelma Houston LP (NB not on US edition)

15 - Jeannie Reynolds [1977] - I Don't Want To Be Second Best (One Wish LP)

16 - Penny Goodwin [1974] - Too Soon You're Old (Portrait Of A Gemini LP)

17 - Marlena Shaw [1972] - Save The Children (Marlena LP)

18 - Mike James Kirkland [1972] - Hang On In There (Hang On In There LP)

Details

Rating:	9
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Album / Compilation
Media:	CD/LP
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Date:	06/11/2021
Value:	£13.99 / £?

William Stuckey [2021] My First Time [Athens Of The North]

Back in Jan 2021 Edinburgh based label, Athens Of The North, reissued William Stuckey's one and only 1979 album "Love Of Mine". It is available in three formats, digital, CD and vinyl.

 . 

On Friday (17 Sep 2021) they also reissued the lead single "My First Time" digitally and on 7" vinyl, which has an instrumental flip side in both formats . They vinyl release is available from Athens Of The North BandCamp store.

The track is regarded as a rare groove / modern soul classic in UK rare soul circles and this is the first time it's been available on 7" vinyl.

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

Details

Rating:	8.8
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital/7"
Label:	Athens Of The North
Cat No:	ATH114
Date:	17/09/2021
Key/BPM:	7B/82
Value:	£1.38 / £9.16

Dayton [1980] - Eyes On You [United Artists #UA-X1374-Y]

Dayton were an 80s boogie/funk band (from Dayton, OH, naturally!) which included members previously with Magnum and Sun and are probably best known for "The Sound Of Music". They released five albums between 1980-85. 

I posted another track from them "Promise Me" earlier this year. The track featured here, "Eyes On You", is their second single, released on United Artists in 1980,  which sank without trace. It appeared on their eponymous debut album.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	7"/LP
Label:	United Artists
Cat No:	UA-X1374-Y
Year:	1980
Key/BPM:	2A/121
Value:	£10-£0 (approx.)

Starfire [1976] - Make The Most Of It [Dynamic Artists #DA 1001]

A 'spacy' modern soul/rare groove tune from 1976 by Starfire. Be wary of another version with the same name (usually suffixed with Version A) which is on a 2005 compilation on Funky Delicacies by them, as it's a completely different song and nowhere near as good.

Starfire were a five piece funk/soul band from Richmond, VA. They released two albums and around six singles, all on Dynamic Artists, between 1976-80. Only they, and The Fabulous Waller Family, released material on the label which was also based in Richmond.

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

Details

Rating:	8
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Dynamic Artists
Cat No:	DA 1001
Year:	1976
Value:	£200-£250

Rare Pleasure [2021/1976] - Let Me Down Easy [Good Time Records]

A modern soul/rare groove classic which I linked to recently on the Vera Powell post (as it was released on the same label Cheri) has got a digital (only?) reissue on Good Time Records (30 Apr 2021). 

The digital issue has both short and long versions as appeared on the original 7". It was also released on 12" in 1976.

'Let Me Down Easy' was covered by First Choice on their 1979 'Hold Your Horses' album (which I've included below), and has been sampled many times.

I notice they have also released another track by them 'Superfine Feeling' which was originally on a 1977 single sided 12" acetate only, but was reissued on vinyl by A's & Bee's in March this year. Good Time have also given it an Ashley Beedle NSW (North Street West) rejig in both 12" Edit and 7" Edit.

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

Details

Rating:	8.6
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Good Time Records
Cat No:	None
Year:	30/04/2021
Key/BPM:	8B/129
Key/BPM:	3B/126 (First Choice)
Value:	£1