Funky grooves, psychedelic sitar, and mod Hammond organ -- a magnificent blend that's every bit as dynamic as the image on the cover -- served up as the long-awaited debut album from this cool European combo! The album's got a feel that's somewhere between 60s spy soundtracks and Brit library work -- but also carries a tighter, funkier groove overall -- a contemporary ear for the best funky elements of the old days, served up with production styles that continue a very classic groove! The whole thing's a real unexpected delight -- a set that grabs us with the same sort of energy as the older Blow Up scene during its best years -- with no kitsch, no nonsense, and a brilliant sense of sound throughout." ©dustygroove.com
The Temptations, who have maintained a successful recording career for almost 50 years, are releasing their 49th album, 'Still Here,' in stores May 4. Their notable five-part harmonies are instilled in their upcoming album, but with R&B contemporary touches -- thanks to current members Ron Tyson (first tenor and lead), Terry Weeks (baritone, second tenor, first tenor and lead), Bruce Williamson (sings lead, baritone and second tenor), Joe Herndon (bass) and only original member Otis Williams.
Executive produced by Williams and released on the Temptations own label 10:30 International, the politically-driven and soul record features tracks such as 'Listen Up,' pulling inspiration from their 1970's psychedelic soul 'Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)' and 'Shawtyismygirlooyeah,' a modern, R&B take of the classic ballad and signature song 'My Girl.' Other notable songs are the soul-funk 'Soul Music' with prominent bass vocals and 'Change Has Come,' which features a rap interlude and a string-driven melody similar sounding to a Black Eyed Peas hit. Lead by Bruce Williamson, the track is a tribute to the successful election of President Barack Obama
When Solomon Burke sings, you can hear his smiling eyes — he's having a laugh at his detractors. Over the past half-decade, the 68-year-old soul titan defied the odds, re-emerging from commercial oblivion with a string of albums that showcase his genius for ragged-voiced ballads, and for pure blarney. You can hear the latter on Like a Fire's title track, where Burke delivers the most hackneyed rhymes — "burning in my soul" rhymes with "yearning to be whole" — with an endearingly hammy baritone rumble.
Like a Fire pairs the old master with younger guest stars (Keb' Mo', Ben Harper) on songs that emphasize Burke's uptempo side. Producer Steve Jordan gives the music a clattery, funky underpinning, and though the material isn't as strong as 2006's country-soul tour de force Nashville, Burke wrings maximum pathos and humor even from the weakest stuff. The highlight: A wonderfully blustery reading of the cocktail jazz standard "If I Give My Heart to You." It's proof that Burke could spend his sunset years enthroned on a Vegas concert stage.
JODY ROSEN
AWB was formed in 1971 by Alan Gorrie and Malcolm "Molly" Duncan, with Onnie McIntyre, Hamish Stuart, Roger Ball and Robbie McIntosh joining them in the original line-up. Duncan and Ball, affectionately known as the Dundee Horns, studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (now part of the University of Dundee), and were previously members of Mogul Thrash. Gorrie and McIntyre had been members of Forever More.
The band's breakthrough was a support slot at Eric Clapton's comeback concert in 1973. MCA Records released their debut album, Show Your Hand, which sold poorly. Bruce McCaskill, who was Clapton's tour manager, liked the band's music and agreed to manage them. He borrowed money to take them to the U.S. and to promote them. McCaskill had many contacts from his days with Clapton and managed to get Atlantic Records to sign them. The band relocated to New York, signed to Atlantic and released the follow-up, AWB, better known as "The White Album". This album was the first of many with renowned producer Arif Mardin, and reached #1 in the U.S. Hot 100 chart.
McIntosh died of a heroin overdose on 23 September 1974. (Gorrie also overdosed but Cher kept him conscious until medical help arrived.)[5] McIntosh was replaced by Steve Ferrone (of Bloodstone, and, like McIntosh, previously with Brian Auger's Oblivion Express).
In 1975, the single "Pick Up The Pieces" from the album AWB also reached #1 in the U. S. chart. The track is probably their best known today. The band followed up with LPs Cut the Cake (1975) and Soul Searching (1976), both big sellers and yielding further Top 40 singles. Cut the Cake was dedicated by the surviving band members to Robbie McIntosh's memory. Their next LP, Benny & Us, was a collaboration with soul legend Ben E. King.
After several more albums, AWB's audience and sales dwindled. Their 1980 disco hit "Let's Go Round Again" (UK #12), was covered in the late 1990s by Louise. The group disbanded by 1982. Ferrone went on to work with Duran Duran whilst Hamish Stuart joined Paul McCartney's touring group. In 1985 Gorrie released a solo album, Sleepless Nights. Gorrie, McIntyre, and Ball reunited in 1989 to record Aftershock, but Ball left the band shortly after its release. Eliot Lewis co-wrote with Gorrie on this album and joined the band, replacing lead singer Hamish Stuart.
Average White Band has continued recording (Soul Tattoo 1997, Face to Face, 1999) and touring since. When Eliot Lewis left AWB in September 2002 to pursue other musical opportunities, he was replaced by Klyde Jones (see [6]). Their most recent album release in April 2003 was entitled Living in Colour.
AWB's line-up then included Alan Gorrie (bass, lead vocals), Klyde Jones (guitar, keyboard, lead vocals), Onnie McIntyre (guitar, vocals), Fred Vigdor (sax, keyboard, vocals) and Brian Dunne (drums). Gorrie and McIntyre are the only remaining original members of the band.
Brian Dunne was replaced by Rocky Bryant as drummer for the 2006 tour
1. Thank You (Falettin' Me Be Mice Elf Again)Sparks recorded seven albums of his own and played on over 100 other albums. As a session man for Blue Note and Prestige Records, Sparks laid his signature guitar work on many other musician’s albums without ever being in spotlight. It was during this time that Melvin defined the jazz-guitar sound of a generation.
Melvin Sparks is still a much sought-after studio player, both new and old talents seek him out now more than ever. He continues to perform with the greats of this genre such as Leon Spencer Jr., Mike Clark and Idris Mohammed and is now breaking out his legendary guitar wizardry with many younger bands and artists such as Galactic, The Greyboy Allstars, Karl Denson's Tiny Univers, Derek Trucks and Robert Walter's 20th Congress.
Melvin is geared up to show us all what he does better than anyone else. Groove hard and in the pocket. Melvin Sparks has perhaps the most inspiring and soul-energizing guitar chops on this planet or another. He is admired by many performers, and audiences old and young alike, but continues to be a hidden treasure for music fans worldwide. He is Soul-Jazzy and Funky to the core!
1. Think 05:40Jazzy soul and cosmic grooves served up warmly by Afro Elements -- their long awaited full length debut for the Freestyle label! Afro Elements does a pretty sweet job of blending diverse elements for an expansive, but somehow tightly groovy sound -- recalling the funky keyboards groove of prime George Duke, with timeless sound overall -- putting them in the company of modern masters such as Jiva! The playing is really impeccable throughout, with loads Fender Rhodes, bass, live and programmed percussion -- and occasional guest vocalists. Sweet stuff! Titles include "Think" and "Latinspiration" featuring Heidi Vogel, "It Remains To Be Seen", "Ju Ju", "Volcano", "Four Letter Word", "Lift Your Life" feat Tyaire & Benny Diggs, "Volcano" (Raydio mix) feat Jeff Lorber, "Stop You're Killing Me", "Casa Del Ritmo" and more!
1. Black BoxIn a nutshell this is Ocean Colour Scene with beats. Lead singer (and guitarist) Russell Nash has a croaky, raspy voice straight out of Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels that vocally and lyrically show his stage roots (a drama school veteran, he was a west end child actor in the likes of Oliver).
Along with DJ, producer and rapper Steve 'Tha Force' Ellington (last seen spinning tunes and cussing Ali G's patois on the comedian's TV show) and musicians Don Bannister, Pete Cherry and Izzi Dunn, Nash has produced a passionate mixture of hip hop, folk and funk that occasionally hits superlative highs on tracks such as the powerful ballad 'Soon To Be' and the recently released and very funky single 'A 100 Million Ways' (which the group re-perform in a semi-classical way at the album's close).
Honed over two years of hard gigging 'The Chancer' is a tight if occasionally self-indulgent record that manages to merge both street and chin stroking Dylan-like culture in a fairly neat trick. Each song tells a narrative while Ellington keeps the flow and the feet moving with forceful hip hop influences (he was once part of the Ronin posse). Worth a punt.
The Undisputed Truth was a 1970s Motown recording act, assembled by record producer Norman Whitfield as a means for being able to experiment with his psychedelic soul production techniques. Joe Harris served as main lead singer, with Billie Rae Calvin and Brenda Joyce, formerly of The Delicates, on additional leads and background vocals.
The Undisputed Truth - The Undisputed Truth (1971)01. You got the love I need
02. Save my love for a rainy day
03. California Soul
04. Aquarius
05. Ball of confusion
06. Smiling faces sometimes
07. We've got a way out love
08. Since I've lost you
09. Ain't no sun since you've been gone
10. I heard it through the grapevine
11. Like a rolling stone
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The Undisputed Truth - Face To Face With The Truth (1971)A1 You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth (6:50)
A2 What Is It (4:57)
A3 Medley: Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite The World) Friendship Train (8:50)
B1 Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are) (2:56)
B2 Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me (3:52)
B3 Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me (5:25)
B4 What's Going On (9:21)
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"Bailing Out"Little Barrie is a three-piece band from Beeston, Nottinghamshire, England, since relocated to London. The band consists of Barrie Cadogan (guitar and vocals), Lewis Wharton (bass) and Billy Skinner (drums). Before Skinner, Wayne Fulwood was playing drums and singing. On the first single, before Fulwood joined, session drummer Chris Lee is featured. Their music could be described as stripped-down soul-infused blues rock 'n' roll.
Little Barrie released their debut album, We Are Little Barrie, in February 2005. It was recorded over a series of 23 Wednesdays in Edwyn Collins' studio.
Wayne left the band before the recording of their second album. According to Lewis "Yeah, it was a surprise... I didn't think it would ever happen. The constant touring was driving Wayne insane. He was away from home a lot... It got to the point where we were about to go the US to record the new album and it dawned on him that he'd be away again, and that we would be touring it the year after that. So he said he couldn't do it anymore."
Stand your Ground was recorded between New York with Dan The Automator on the producing skills and the help of Russell Simins (of Blues Explosion) on drums and London with Mike "Prince Fatty" Pelanconi as producer and new drummer Billy Skinner.
01 Ug Ug Aah 04:11Hailing from Brighton, The Grits emerge with their own take on raw, rare
and grimy instrumental funk. Their journey began in 2005 with guitarist
Stuart ''Countryboy'' Carter and Nick ''The Organiser'' Harris. Bassist
James and drummer Johnny were recruited soon after, marking the birth of
one seriously slick funk four piece.
Their self titled debut includes a superb cover of The Soul Drifters
'Funky Soul Brother', as well as 'Boom Boom', the sold out 45 released
on Freestyle and its B side 'Jan Jan' - an instant raw funk classic
championed by Radio 2's Mark Lamarr and Radio 6 funkster Craig Charles.
With their roots firmly steeped in classic funk, The Grits add their own
slant with trashy guitars, crunchy drums and deep bass. Add to this
super-modulated Moog, a bag of percussion and their trademark guttural
vocal grunts and you have a live show that never fails to work their
live audiences into a funk frenzy.
On record, The Grits manage to keep the rawness alive, whilst upping the
stakes sonically with modular analogue synths, piano, harmonica and even
a huge metal cabinet played with a stick!
San Diego Music Award Winners for Best Jazz Album (2007), ON THE ONE walks alongside live acts Karl Denson Trio and the Greyboy All-Stars when it comes to export music from America's finest city. With their debut album “Love Addiction” recently picked up by the legendary Japanese label, P-Vine, through a licensing deal with Velour (Soulive / Lettuce), 2008 will see ON THE ONE touring North America and the Far East in support of their record. Drum King John Staten (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe) teamed up with long time friend and sax aficionado Jesse Molloy (Giant People) to create ON THE ONE in the summer of ‘06. Bassist Andy Irvine (Giant People) and the addition of guitarist Pete Lombardo square this funky soul rock quartet. With music industry heavy hitters calling him one of the best drummers in the business, Staten’s hard hitting hip-hop beats drive ON THE ONE’s sound. Sax, groove bass, and effortless guitar team up to bring generations of music lovers to the dance floor. Don’t miss the Funkdown.
1 Soul Intro
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