Paulette Reaves: You Are My Star (Blue Candle)

From Paulette's second album issued in 1977, this dreamy track is the last on side 2. A premier league stepper, written and produced by Horace Straws and Nathaniel Dean. Another gem on the highly collectable T.K./Blue Candle stable.
you are my star

Geoffrey Stoner: Brand New Woman (Ovation)

On the same label that delivered us The Band Of Thieves' great album (see a previous post), here comes another choon that should capture the attention of crossover/modern soul lovers. The man was a talented singer operating in the Chicago area. Sadly he passed away few years ago.
brand new woman

Tim Murray: Thinking Of You (Detroit Traks)

Written with the help of legendary Detroit producer Mel Davis, this is great mellow soul. You can read the whole story behind the record here (and do not miss the video!).
thinking of you

Life Ensemble: On A Summer's Day (Lifestyle)

I first heard this jazzy tinged record on a cd compiled by Gambettolla Soul City's connoisseurs. The sound is fresh and solar, as suggested by the title, and made precious by piano and sax solos. The band was from Gary, Indiana.
on a summer's day

Jo Ann Garrett: That Little Brown Letter (Duo)

Written and produced by Andre Williams this catchy crossover was issued in 1968 after Jo Ann Garrett left Chess and joined Duo Records, a new label owned by distributors Jack White and Seymour Greenspan. Garrett grew up in the rough West Side Maxwell Street area of Chicago.
that little brown letter