The latest super 7” from IZIPHO soul is a real double A sider from “BRIDGE” –  a music project masterminded by Oakland’s PAUL TILLMAN SMITH. Now we know that Paul  isn’t  one of modern soul’s big “names”, but the drummer/percussionist has been in the business for almost four decades and in that time he’s created some quite beautiful music that deserves a larger audience. In his career Paul has led several bands including Vitamin E, Park Place and of course the aforementioned Bridge.  FYI… He’s also the founding Board member of the “Bay Area Jazz Society” a non-profit music ..read more

Ever busy, BRIAN POWER returns to the fray with a new single – a classy  slice of soulful house, ‘Life’. This one’s built from all the ingredients that make the best of this genre so infectious – though with Brian at the controls, you’d expect nothing less! Helping Brian mix this delicious dance cocktail are the equally dependable Mike Patto Toni Economides while the cherry on the top comes in the form of the gospel-infused vocal of LUCITA JULES. The original ‘Life’ mix clocks in at a wonderful nine minutes plus, but for the faint hearted there’s a radio edit. ‘Life’s’ out now via Traxsou ..read more

Over the last few years, New Orleans soul man SARGENT TUCKER has won plenty of fans this side of the Atlantic with his simple but effective and catchy take on contemporary soul and his latest single will continue to win him support and plaudits. It’s ‘Perfect Lover’ and again it’s outwardly simple – but no less effective for that. There’s an almost  Latin vibe going on and we guarantee you’ll be hooked by the harmonic chorus break. This ‘Perfect Lover’ just exudes happiness… tasteful and sophisticated. Out now and recommended ..read more

MILES AWAY is a London based indie record label headed up by  Dom Ore and Mr O’s the curator  behind the label’s latest vinyl release. He’s put together possibly  the most varied compilation of rare and  eclectic soul jazz and funk you’ll come across this year. Imaginatively titled ‘Miles Away One’ it’s a 14 tracker; the double LP  features recordings from legendary musical figures side-by-side with perhaps lesser-known soulful gems – all beautifully bought together in one cohesive long player. The set’s immediate soul grabber is the wonderfully optimistic ‘Yes It’s Yo ..read more

UK music producer GEOFF WADDINGTON continues his fruitful professional relationship with TAMEKA JACKSON with the release of another sweet, Brit soul outing, ‘I Don’t Want To Fall In Love’. This ‘I Don’t Want To Fall In Love’ once again proves that good contemporary soul doesn’t need to be complex and overblown. Together with producer Ian Bland, Geoff and Tameka just get it right – no histrionics or clever stuff – just a great melody, tight beats, soulful vocal and a short 60s style catchy instrumental break. Out now ..read more

This August, THE HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS will be releasing a new album and so far w e’;ve enjoyed some tasty singles as the hors’ d’oeuvres for the upcoming LP feast. Now we can enjoy another testifying single, ‘Jesus Rhapsody, PT.1’ Like the previous singles this one’s taken from the extensive catalogue of The Numero Group and it’s, again, a cover. The original of this ‘Jesus Rhapsody, PT.1’ was released in 1974 by Preacher and the Saints. Released on King James Records as the B side to ‘The Mailman Cometh’, the 45’s listed on Discogs @ almost £300! Enjoy it now in an equally passionate, powe ..read more

Indonesian band, THEE MARLOES are back amongst us with yet another sweet, romantic, retro flavoured soul  ballad, ‘Not Today’. This release is very hot on the heels of the trio’s last single ‘Over’ and like that one it’s, we’re guessing, taken from the band’s upcoming debut album ‘Perka’ – due August. This begs the question of how many new songs will the LP feature? Over the last few months Thee Marloes have released  something like eight singles! We’ll wait and see. In the meantime we’re enjoying the laid back flavour of ‘Not Today’ – a perfect vehicle for Natassya’s naïve vocal acc ..read more

MOTHER EARTH were a popular UK 90s  band, pacted to Acid Jazz.  The core band members were Matt Deighton guitar and vocals, Bryn Barklam on organ,  Chris White on drums and bassist Neil Corcoran. They released a clutch of albums with their second outing, 1993’s  ‘The People Tree’ now hugely collectable. Thus to satisfy demand, Acid Jazz have just reissued it in a limited edition (just 1000 copies) with three previously unreleased tracks and  a further six making their vinyl debut. On release ‘The People Tree’ was described as “a crucial album  in acid jazz canon ..read more

Not too long ago, UK soul vet RAY HAYDEN resurrected to his OPAZ music project – the collective were big in the 90s; you may remember things like ‘Don’t Say Nuthin’’ and ‘I Don’t Want It’. Thus in May we enjoyed the new team’s ‘Make You Wanna Dance’ – an infectious up tempo funk/dance groove. Now RAY/OPAZ return with two tasty cuts – ‘To Be Loved’ and ‘In My Dreams’. The former is a big , big production  capturing that wonderful 70s soul vibe – lush instrumentation, velvety vocals, and hypnotic rhythms; the lot! ‘In My Dreams’ is more ethereal, hypnotic even. This one’s a spoken word piec ..read more

GEORGIE B’s  ‘Soul Night’ continues to give. We’ve enjoyed the classy, sophisticated original and a great “Control” mix. Now to celebrate his birthday this week (whisper it … George was 61 last Tuesday) he’s delivering another tasty mix of ‘Soul Night’. He’s dubbed this one “the Juicy mix” – and, yes, you’re right , this one takes its inspiration from Mtume’s  ‘Juicy Fruit’ . It’s a good ‘un and good to go now! Happy Birthday George and thanks for the music ..read more