Down To Earth by David Moreu

Last year David Moreu, a music journalist from Barcelona (Spain), made this very interesting documentary about the relationship between Soul music and the Civil Rights Movement during the 60s in memphis. Enjoy it!
down to earth

Directions: I Want To Be Your Special Man/We Need Love/She'll Never Say It (Brunswick)

This long playing is considered one of the rarest item on Brunswick, definitely one of my favourite labels. It came out in 1976 but the sound seems to be three years earlier (and maybe for this reason it was a commercial failure). Recorded in the Windy City of Chicago, it is full of outstanding music as proved by the three tracks posted here. The group was made of five singers (the Directions) and six musicians (the Direction Band). My copy is signed by percussionist Jimmie Ellison, with a special dedication to a certain Sheila.
I want to be your special man
we need love
she'll never say it

Richard "Dimples" Fields: And Then Along Came Belinda (Dat Richfield Kat)

A double LP is not a common format for Soul music but, considering the high level of the material included, Richard Fields should have been very inspired at the time (he conducted, arranged and produced almost all the tunes). The album was recorded in California in several studios (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond), in collaboration with great pianist Clydene Jackson. "And Then Along..." is a fresh track hidden on finger lickin' good side D.
and then along came belinda

Admiral Ice: My Carolina Girl (Admiral Ice)

This single is a Beach Music classic, made in 1982 in the Carolinas. I have no idea who Admiral Shohn Ice is but the song is very well constructed, with great melodies and vocal lines. A record that sounds more 70s than 80s.
my carolina girl

Fourth Creation: I Think I Would Cry/Why Is There No Trace Of You (Daran)

If you are into Crossover this kind of discs are the dog's bollocks. Released in Evanston, Illinois, on Daran, a tiny label that printed other good stuff (Marshall & The Chi-lites), this 45 should be quite scarce. The production is extremely sophisticated, with strings and backing vocals supporting the lead singer skillfully. Flip it over and you will find another sweet soul gem.
I think I would cry
why is there no trace of you

La Familia Inc.: Do You Love Me? (Bsr)

Led by vocalist Joe D. Hernandez (Little Joe), this Texas based Chicano band did a bunch of records on Buena Suerte, Little Joe's own label. Hispanic influences are evident on the impressive trumpet solo that explodes in the second half of the song and make the whole thing different. After searching for this obscure single through Texas heavily, I was so lucky to find a copy in Southern California. That's life!
do you love me?