Bob James - Nautilus

Unfortunately I don't really know a lot about Bob James. I ran across this tune just looking around for some jams that were sampled in some old hip-hop tunes. This fantastic track was used by many, but probably most famously by Run DMC in their tune, "Beats To The Rhyme" Dig IT!!!

Bob James - Nautilus

Cymande - The Message & Brothers On The Slide

One of my closest friends, Brutha Rionne, turned me on to Cymande back in the day. His Pops had the LP in his archives and after a listening to "The Message" I became a big fan. Cymande's got a nice latin funk feel, even though they hail from Jamaica and The West Indies.







Cymande - The Message




Cymande - Brothers On The Slide

Madrill - Fencewalk & Mango Meat

I first heard "Fencewalk" by Mandrill on an AM station a few years ago that sadly is no longer around. They played all kinds of old skool Soul and Funk. Guess there are not enough folks here in Richmond to support such a station. Sad!! Anyway, "Fencewalk" is a badass funk tune with a, for lack of a better term, "Santana(esque)" breakdown in the middle. "Mango Meat" is another Latin inspired jam that was used in the "Product Placement Project" by DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist. If you're not familiar with that, it was a few special events and music releases centered on mixes of only 45's. It's pretty dope!!! Check out the "BrainFreeze Project" (video 1) and (video 2) as well.

Mandrill - Fencewalk



Mandrill - Mango Meat

Pandora Internet Radio

I was recently sent to this site by a friend and it's really quite cool. You just type in a song or artist name and it creates a radio station of similar music based on that. Here's some info:

About Pandora™

When was the last time you fell in love with a new artist or song?

At Pandora Media™, we have a single mission: To help you discover new music you'll love.

To understand just how we do this, and why we think we do it really, really well, you need to know about the Music Genome Project™.

For almost seven years now, we have been hard at work on the Music Genome Project. It's the most comprehensive analysis of music ever undertaken. Together our team of fifty musician-analysts have been listening to music, one song at a time, studying and collecting literally hundreds of musical details on every song. It takes 20-30 minutes per song to capture all of the little details that give each recording its magical sound - melody, harmony, instrumentation, rhythm, vocals, lyrics ... and more - close to 400 attributes! We continue this work every day to keep up with the incredible flow of great new music coming from studios, stadiums and garages around the country.

We've now created an interface to make this available to music lovers so they could use this musical 'connective-tissue' to discover new music based on songs or artists they already know.

Pandora™ is the doorway to this vast trove of musical information. With Pandora you can explore to your heart's content. Just drop the name of one of your favorite songs or artists into Pandora and let the Genome Project go. It will quickly scan its entire world of analyzed music, almost a century of popular recordings - new and old, well known and completely obscure - to find songs with interesting musical similarities to your choice. Then sit back and enjoy as it creates a listening experience full of current and soon-to-be favorite songs for you.

You can create as many "stations" as you want. And you can even refine them. If it's not quite right you can tell it more and it will get better for you.

The Music Genome Project was founded by musicians and music-lovers. We believe in the value of music and have a profound respect for those who create it. We like all kinds of music, from the most obtuse bebop, to the most tripped-out drum n bass, to the simplest catchy pop tune. Our mission is to help YOU connect with the music YOU like.

We hope you enjoy the experience!

Luther Ingram 1937-2007

One of the great soul voices of the 70's Luther Ingram sadly passed away on Monday. Luther had a massive hit with "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right" in 1972. He also co-wrote the Staples Singers' classic "Respect Yourself."

From "Wattstax":

Darondo - Didn't I

The great label Ubiquity Records through their specialty label "Luv N Haight" have re-issued some classic records over the years and one of best from last year featured this wild cat named Darondo. His silky voice on the track "Didn't I" is reminiscent of Al Green, but is completely original. You've gotta go to the bio page at Ubiquity and read up on this guy. It's a fascinating story. Legend has it he was also not only a "Pimp" figuratively, but literally. There are some kooky videos at the site as well.

Darondo - Didn't I



Here's my favourite video from the collection where Darondo explains that getting the ladies and the finer things in life all come down to saying the magic phrase, "Parlez-Vous Francais?" Classic!!!

William Bell - I Forgot To Be Your Lover & My Whole World Is Falling Down

An expansive new collection celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stax Records came out last week and among the many artists it features is William Bell. "I Forgot To Be Your Lover" and "My Whole World Is Falling Down" are two lovely songs of regret that have some really great string and horn arrangements. Enjoy...




William Bell - I Forgot To Be Your Lover




William Bell - I Forgot To Be Your Lover

Betty Harris - There's A Break In The Road

North Carolina native , Betty Harris recorded this Allen Toussaint scorcher, "There's A Break In The Road" back in the late 60's. Some have compared the relationship between Betty and Allen as the "funkier" version of the Bacharach/Dionne Warwick collaboration. Betty worked with Allen exclusively for four years and this tune is one of the best.

Betty Harris - There's A Break In The Road

Willie Tee - Teasin' You & Walkin Up A One Way Street

There are so many legends to come out of the great city of New Orleans that I'm gonna have to share, so you'll be seeing quite a few artists and songs from there. This is probably, not only just from N'Awlins, but one of the finest single releases ever and it comes from the great Willie Tee. Now, all the research I've done tells me these two songs were on the same 45. The one I have is a re-issue. They also appear on his best of collection. At any rate, "Teasin' You" was a big hit for him way back in 1965. Now that tune is obviously great, but tucked away on the B-side is the fantastic "Walkin' Up A One Way Street", a cool ode to the frustrations of relationships and love. These are absolute classics!! Enjoy...


Willie Tee - Teasin' You




Willie Tee - Walkin' Up A One Way Street

Betty Wright - Let Me Be Your Lovemaker & Tonight Is The Night

I was first introduced to the music of Betty Wright back in the "Quiet Storm" heyday of the 80's. Those were the days!! The song, "Tonight Is The Night", from her live album was played constantly on the radio. That tune about a young lady and her very first time is just about as classic as it gets. The way Betty commands the audience and stage is masterful.


I recently picked up a great collection of her earlier work and the song, "Let Me Be Your Lovemaker" really stood out for me and quickly became a fav. Betty just kills this one. Funky, soulful, and damn convincing!!!





Betty Wright - Tonight Is The Night



Betty Wright - Let Me Be Your Lovemaker

The Meters - I Need More Time

The Meters in their original incarnation were one of tightest, funkiest combos to ever come out of New Orleans. They had quite a few singles that never were released on the LP's. The great compilation, "Funkify Your Life"includes lots of those tracks and here's a great one. Yo, man needs more time to get things done, for real!!!





The Meters - I Need More Time



Check out this performance as well. Nasty!!!!

The Fabulous Originals - It Ain't Fair But It's Fun

This group only made one record. Luckily, it's been re-issued by this great company out of the UK called JazzMan Records. Here's some notes from the sleeve.

"THE FABULOUS ORIGINALS hail from Dayton, Ohio and they cut 'It Ain't Fair But It's Fun' back in 1967 while still attending high school. Produced by the drummer's grandmother, Margaret Harris, this record truly represents the enterprise and spirit of bands who made music for fun and the love of it - the song title itself is a comment on the ethics of the music business at the time. Only 1000 copies were pressed, and needless to say they have almost all disappeared over the years, leaving original copies to have become prized collectors items. And when you hear the music, you can hear for yourself exactly why that is so… a fast moving yet rock solid supertight bassline and choppy guitar are the rocks upon which everyone gets to solo, include an inspired maniac on the flute! Wild and heavy funk with the sound where you just know they were really enjoying themselves, you even get to hear the shouts of jubilation at the end, listen through and you'll be joining in with them!"

I think that says it all.

The Fabulous Originals - It Ain't Fair But It's Fun

The Sound Of Funk - Serious 70's Heavyweight Rarities

I ran across this great series out of the UK by Goldmine Soul Supply that's got some really obscure 70's Funk gems. Most of the stuff I've never heard before, but it's some nasty, funky stuff indeed. Here's a couple of tracks that are spinning in heavy rotation.

Willie Smith - I Got A New Thing



Brother Soul - Do It Good

Legends Of Jazz Guitar: Kessel/Burell/Green

Just got sent this great link by one of my SoulBro's, Todd Herrington, to a performance by three of the legends of Jazz guitar. Here's "Blue Mist" performed by Barney Kessel, Kenny Burrell, and Grant Green. Grant's one of my all-time favourite players, so this is a treat for me to see him live.

If you've got any suggestions for stuff to include on the site, just drop me a line. Peace....

Wofgang's Vault Concerts (Great Site)

Wofgang's Vault is a great place to hear some really fantastic concerts. They are culled from the archives of legendary promoter, Bill Graham. They've got concerts of all kinds, but the Soul/Funk artists include, The Average White Band, Booker T. & The MG's, Graham Central Station, The Impressions, Sly & The Family Stone, and Stevie Wonder. This place is great. Do yourself a favour and stop by the vault.

Sly & The Family Stone Re-Issues (NEWS)

If you've not heard, all the classic Sly records are to be re-mastered and re-issued with unreleased bonus tracks next month. The versions coming out in Japan are mini paper sleeve edtions with all the original LP artwork. I've got a few of these from other artists and they are always worth the extra cost if you're a serious collector. You can get them at this company I've used before called CDJapan. They're actually a pretty good price of $15. However the shipping from Japan can be a bit pricey, but like I said these items are quality. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Jimmy Smith in 1977

I ran across this record in one of my favourite shops, a local legend in Richmond, called Plan 9 Records. I was initially intrigued by the title, "Sit On It." The fine Foxy Mama on the cover in a look of pleasure atop Jimmy's Hammond B3 didn't hurt either. When I checked out the tracks and players, the first song was called, "Give Up The Booty." NICE!!! Among the group of players listed there was Herbie Hancock and the great Lenny White on drums. Needless to say, I snatched that baby up and here's, obviously, my favourite track. Hope you like it and always remember, if asked, to "Give Up The Booty!!"

Tribute To Mr. Fine Wine

Just wanted to pay tribute to the radio show called, "DownTown Soulville w/Mr. Fine Wine."

I ran across this show on the net, probably through a recommendation, about a year ago and it instantly became a weekly must listen. Mr. Fine Wine plays an hour of only vinyl, specifically 45's, usually some of the best SOUL music you'll ever hear. What could be better? Well, here's four tunes I discovered just by listening to the show. I've discovered many, but these are four of my absolute favs.

Oh Yeah, you can subscribe to the "DownTown Soulville" podcast via iTunes and it will automatically be downloaded every week there's a show.

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Joey Gilmore - Somebody Done Took My Baby And Gone



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Jimmy Ruffin - How Can I Say I'm Sorry



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Freddie Scott - (You Got) What I Need



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Lou Courtney - Hey Joyce



Peace and SOUL...

SoulBruthas' Doin' Their Covers

Following up the ladies, thought I'd give the SoulBro's a spin as well with some cover tunes. Here's another 6 song companion EP to go along with the SoulSistas'.

SIDE A:



1. Isaac Hayes put his spin on many a Bacharach tune, but "Walk On By" has always been my favourite. The orchestral arrangement in this one is ace!!!



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2. If there was anyone who could do serious justice to a Marvin Gaye tune and make it his own, it's the great Donny Hathaway. His version of "What's Goin On" appears on his classic live album.



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3. The Chairman Of The Board are best known for the ultimate classic, "Give Me Just A Little More Time". Here's their funky take on The Beatles' "Come Together."



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SIDE B:

I decided to dedicate the B side to instrumentals. They're good ones!!



1. Grant Green was one of the finest guitarists of the Blue Note era. During the late 60's and early 70's his music was greatly influenced by the Funky Soul of the day and he did loads of covers by artists like Kool And The Gang and James Brown. One of the best, "It's Your Thing" by The Isley Brothers, appears on this great Blue Note compilation of Lost Grooves.



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2. Everyone knows what an integral part Maceo Parker was to the James Brown family. Here's my favourite solo album that he did under the name, Maceo & All The King's Men. They do some damage on the Sly Stone track, "Thank You (Fallettinme Be Mice Elf Again)."



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3. Drummer Idris Muhammad started out in the 60's playing for such greats as Sam Cooke, Jerry Butler, and The Impressions. In the 70's he backed up some of the groove greats like Lou Donaldson and Grover Washington, Jr. This is from a series called, Legends of Acid Jazz that came out in the mid-90's. Idris does "Express Yourself", the great tune from Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band.



PEACE and SOUL...

Disco got a bad Rap!!!

The Brothers Johnson are one of my favourite groups from the era. They are best known for their song Strawberry Letter 23, but Stomp is a funky little disco nugget.



A Taste of Honey, I think had only one hit, Boogie Boogie Oogie. But, the two singers were some FOXY ASS MAMAS and played a mean disco bass.




In case you need lessons on how to move to the Disco beat!!! You gotta watch the whole thing and see how all the moves are put together. CLASSIC!!!

Curtis Mayfield - What a Soulbrutha!!!

Social Activist!!!!




Blaxploitation Soundtrack King!!!