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

Master Force: Hey Girl/Don't Fight The Feeling (Rain Forest)

From the Big Apple this is the first release on Rain Forest Records. It is built on an airy groove sustained by a funky guitar and bongos. Check out also the brilliant boogie soul on the flipside.
hey girl
don't fight the feeling

David Nevin: You're For Me (Pardner)

Considered David Nevin's rarest 45 on the Pardner label, this fine midtempo has a catchy bassline and an effective sax break that pushes the song till the end. A competent tribute the golden era of soul music.
you're for me

Africano: Open Your Hearts (Hi)

On the legendary Memphis label, this record overwhelms you like a flood. They had another single on Hi but I prefer this one. A solid, compact sound blending together soul and funk to great effect.
open your hearts

Chuck Overton: Is It Possible/I'm So Thankful (Kapp)

This is one of the last releases on Kapp and was issued in 1970. Both sides are equally good: "Is This Possible" is a subtle crossover, using the same backing as The Perfections's "Get On Down" on Tri-City, while "I'm So Thankful" is a vibrant soul cut, with great vocals and powerful arrangements.
is it possible
I'm so thankful

Shirley & The Shirelles: Looking Glass (Bell)

Another lovely record from these ladies, in the same vein of theirs great interpretation of "Never Give You Up" (see previous post). Also in this occasion Shirley Alston Reeves's voice is in great shape. File under quality soul.
looking glass