After a couple of excellent singles on Mpingo as Hodges, James, Smith and Crawford ("I'm In Love" and "Let's Pick Up The Pieces", here uploaded as a bonus), when Carolyne Crawford left, this Los Angeles based group became a trio. Despite its quality, their debut album was a commercial failure due to lack of promotion. Luckily, many years later it has become a favourite between collectors.
The Pioneers are a popular reggae trio, with plenty of titles in their discography. This album was issued in 1976 and is full of soul/disco numbers written and produced by Eddie Grant. The best for me are the dancer "I'll Treasure The Moments" and the slowie "You're My Kind Of Woman", not forgettin "Broken Man" and the title track. Jamaica got Soul!
This is the Chicago Sound! A record that needs no presentation, played at many soul venues through the years. The issue copy is much rarer but it's the one to have because of the fine ballad on the B side, a top version of Barbara Acklin's classic (not forgetting it's on vinyl and not crappy styrene).
This is the title track od Demo Cates' second album and is a Canadian release. Native of Detroit, Demo had a long career behind him as producer, arranger, songwriter, musician, and vocalist (he was one of the founder of The Counts in 1968). A very sophisticated record, with super cool jazzy arrangements.
An exciting dancer out of Miami, Florida. The song is based on a solid rhythm and catchy melodies, with great vocal harmonies too. The grand finale is a piano solo, too short to be really effective. Another goodie for the collection!
This is the only recording committed to vinyl by Miami based Billion Dollar Band. From the album two singles have been extracted, the excellent "Get In The Groove" and "Love's Sweet Notions", the best track of the whole lot. Sweet Soul magic!
I have always considered Tyrone Davis as a classy artist who epitomised the sound of Chicago. Hidden in one of his best albums on Dakar (take a look at the list of writers and producers involved and you will understand why), this is a very good interpretation of the song written and recorded by Lee Shot Williams.
A Modern Soul masterpiece to my ears! Once again a great 80s sound made on the West Coast. Launched in the scene by Dr Bob Jones, its popularity has increased in recent times.
Coming from the rare album "Get It Don't Stop It", issued in 1982 by the private label "Black Satin", this is a sophisticated stepper with a melanchonic trumpet solo that underlines the cry of loneliness and desperation of the vocals. Superior Elevation were an eight element band from Louisiana.
Thee Image were a rock blues trio formed by Mike Pinera, former guitar player with Iron Butterly, Blues Image and Cactus. This single is in their second album "Inside The Triangle", issued by Manticore in 1975, and is a groovy tune. Just hate it or love it!
