Modern Musings………news and grooves from the Modern Side with Mark Randle

 

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January 2006

 (These reviews appear first in Soul Up North, available from Howard Earnshaw, 19 Rectory Drive, Kirkheaton 44 1484 535999 £2 per issue  email soulupnorthhfe@aol.com web www.soulupnorth.org - Big thanks to Howard and all at Soul Up North for letting me feature this)

 

Tower Of Power                        Move You Lose/You Took The L Out Of Love                         (US Rhino CD “Dinosaur Tracks”)

 

I’m known for my love of new releases, but this newly discovered set of oldies from Tower Of Power is one of my favourite albums at present.  “Dinosaur Tracks” is a collection of studio cuts from 1980-83, which was released in 1999 on Rhino Handmade.  A kind of “lost TOP album” if you like.  There’s some real boss tackle on here.  I’m just listening to “Why Do You Do My Heart Like That” and I can hear this reverberating around places like Stafford’s Top Of The World during someone like Soul Sam’s spot in those early days of the modern scene.  In fact, there are several cuts here typical of that frantic early modern sound.  Of course, times have moved on since then, and in 2005 I’d say the most notable cut is “Move You Lose”, a brilliant 80’s two-step dancer which will be lapped up on the modern scene now that the word is out.  Unbelievable!!  This is right in that groove that turned me towards modern soul back in the days when this could easily have been “this weeks killer new release”.  Lead vocalist on most cuts is Michael Jeffries…….remember him?  Whatever happened to him after his self-titled solo debut LP for Warners in 1989?  “You Took The L Out Of Love” is the other cut that, whilst steeped in that 80’s nostalgia, has enough quality and less of that harsh production so typical of this period in time to warrant some exposure on the UK’s dance floors in the present day.  Did I mention it’s a limited edition run of 5000??  Get on the case…..it’s already six years old!!!

Tutu Jones                                 Can’t Leave Your Love Alone/I’ve Been Loving You                     (UK Real Side 7”)

 

When received a promo CD-R of this latest release on Real Side records, it was clearly one of the best things they have released so far, but I was intrigued because it was immediately recognisable.  This double header from Tutu Jones, “Can’t Leave Your Love Alone” b/w “I’ve Been Loving You” features on the topside, a cut from a late 90’s CD “Staying Power”, that resides in the old collection somewhere.  This was quite popular at the time.  However, I thought the equally strong flip was from the same CD, but a little digging revealed that it’s from a different album, which I don’t have!  Anyway, both CD’s are collectible these days, and so not particularly cheap.  Lots of credit goes to Francis and the Real Side crew for breathing new life into music as good as this.  I think some previous Real Side releases were possibly not so well received by some folk, but this beauty is a different proposition altogether.

 

Incognito                                               All cuts                                              (UK Dome CD “Eleven”)

 

The prolific and quite brilliant Bluey and Incognito return with a new album ”Eleven”, for UK Dome records.   Following pretty much the same formula as their last set, it’s a case of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!  The usual crew’s here……Maysa, Tony Momrelle and Imaani.  This is one of those “bankers” that you will be able to draw on reliably over those long winter months.  “We Got Music”, “Come Away With Me” and Show Me Love” are dead certs to keep the dance floors happy, with “We Got Music” just shading it for me at present, despite the slightly twee lyrics on the hook.  We do go out to dance and enjoy ourselves after all!  There’s plenty of variation of tempo and style on offer here though.  Check the rolling mid-tempo, guitar-picked “Baby It’s Alright” featuring Imaani on vocals, or the Maysa fronted melodic “Will I Ever Learn”.  The obligatory jazz-funk workout comes in the shape of “Jacaranda”.   My favourite cut though, is the Stevie sounding mid-tempo “It’s Just One Of Those Things”……….just fantastic.  The vinyl freaks amongst you should look out for a 3 track 12” doing the rounds too.

 

Mr A.L.I. & Ron Carroll feat. Eddie Arroya                       Dance All Night (Mr A.L.I. mix)                                               (US Unified 12”)

 

Unified records over in Chicago are shaping up to be one of a handful of new US labels with a lot to say.  We championed their first release in these very pages last issue and their latest release continues the form.  The wonderful Mr A.L.I. mix of “Dance All Night” is epic.  It’s easy to be put of a song by its title, but don’t let that fool you with this prime slice of US soulful house music for 2005.  Unmissable!  Must say it was nice to catch up with Brian Reaves, CEO of Unified records, at the recent Southport weekender.  Check them out at www.unifiedrecs.com and look out for future goodies from this very credible label.

 

Chuck Love   Soul Symphony                                                (US Om 12”)

 

Chuck Love follows up the super “Frozen In Minneapolis” EP with the even stronger “Soul Symphony”, new for Om out of West Coast USA.  It’s the original version that you need to head for here, sounding very much in that Om/Naked/Miguel Migs bag.  Overall, the feel is not too dissimilar to “Spread The Love” from the aforementioned EP, but this has a more full vocal, with good time lyrics.  The classy, urgent production marries well with these lyrics, to produce a soulful dance cut destined to be big in UK modern soul clubs.  DJ’s such as Colin Curtis are getting good reaction to this, and quite right too!  Love the sleeve artwork too.  I’ve been there I have, honest!!!!

 

Jeff Hendrick Most cuts                               (US Bout Time CD “Soul Celebration”)

 

Having been one of the first UK soul men onto Jeff Hendricks debut album back in 2003, I’m pleased to tell you that the man is back with more of the same on his new “Soul Celebration” CD.  Like many artists, Jeff Hendrick struggles to make a name for his self in the hard-nosed music world, but I am really impressed with his material.  I would say that this album is even better than the last: more consistent let’s say.  And the crossover pop-soul feel is there, without detracting from its appeal to the serious soul man.  The album is quite obviously aimed at the dance floor.  “Celebrate” gets us of to a fine start, straight ahead finger-clicking beats………..an insatiable groove, with a killer sax break.  I can’t tell you how good this is.  Next up is “Old Skool Party”, familiar to most I’m sure, through it’s appearance via CD-R a year or so ago.  “I Just Wanna Dance” continues the assault on the floor.  “You’re All I Ever Wanted” takes the pace down a notch, with gorgeous rhodes chords, nice lyrics, warm vocals, and that sax again……..gorgeous.  I’m not going to mention any more tracks individually, you get the picture, it’s all good!!  My small criticism levelled at the last album was the occasional out of place use of synth, but not this time…………..quality sax all the way takes this album to another level. 

 

Kloud 9                                   So Many Reasons (Reel People mix)                                                                      (UK Copyright 12”)

 

I’m sure most of you are aware of this cut lifted from the super CD “Yearning To Love” on Expansion from earlier this year.  If you have that album, you’ll have noticed the Copyright remix tagged on as last track on the CD.  Said remix is included here, but the real bonus with this 12” is the Reel People mix.  OK, it’s got that chanted repetitive intro which tends to turn me off, despite being set to a nicely percussive musical backdrop, but drop this from the first break and vocal intro, and you reveal a superior slice of sweet, soulful dance heaven.  By retaining the soulfulness of the original cut, this is just begging for exposure on the UK modern scene, whilst appealing to the house crowd too.  As with most house cuts, being designed with mixing in mind it fades out in repetitive fashion too, but seek and ye shall find, as in the middle there, lies one of the sweetest soulful dance cuts of the year.  Essential stuff!

 

Various                                  Most cuts                                                                               (UK Expansion CD “Get This Party Started”)

 

This CD has been around for weeks, but it missed the last column.  I have to mention this, despite it being made up largely of previously available biggies from the modern soul circuit, for several reasons.  Firstly, it provides a good cross-section of popular cuts without being totally obvious, because it’s influenced by Chris Hill’s regional DJ variations.  Have you heard 66 Mello’s “New Version Of Soul” on the modern scene north of Watford?  I thought not!  Secondly, value for money.  For people either on the fringes of the modern scene, just getting into it, non-collectors or just those that can’t afford all the originals, this is a great way to own those nuggets you love burning the old shoe leather too.  So, just what do you get for your money?  Well, standard modern biggies from Solo, Sean Oliver and Terry Ronald, slightly more left field numbers, 66 Mello, Rhythm Factory, James Brown and Barrio Jazz Gang, and relatively new material from Frayne, Michael Cooper and Bah Samba. Big on a dance floor near you!

 

 

 

 

 

Jay                              Let Me Be/This Love Of Mine/I Want                                                          (JAP R-Soul CD “Let Me Be”)

 

It has to be said that the alarm bells ring when Japanese CD covers reveal an artist of far-eastern origin; rarely do they cut it.  Jay is an exception, and his “Color My Heart” album from last year is still a fixture in my play box………the title track is a dead cert!  This latest effort is possibly not as solid as the last, but it does have its moments.  The title cut is a cool, classy, mid-paced dancer set to see some action.  “Love Of My Life” is a quirky dancer based around Fatback’s “I Found Lovin’”.  Not for everyone I suspect, but I like this, such a good time feel.  There’s a great ballad for radio in the shape of “I Want”.  “I Will Give My Love To You” has that 80’s styled popping synth-bass that I love, with our man sounding not unlike Kem on this mid-paced beater.  “This Love Of Mine” is an up-tempo dancer, which could also see some dance floor action in the months to come.  As with the last album, not best value for money at 30 minutes long for a JAP CD, but very worthy of your attention.

 

SIMPLY SOUL MAIL ORDER HOT TEN SALES

(W/C 5/12/05)

 

1. Jay                     Let Me Be                         (CD album)

2. Ray Charles                   Genius & Friends                          (CD album)

3. Vince Montana Jr  That's What Love Does                 (12")

4. Meli'sa Morgan      I Remember                       (CD album)

5. Jiva                    Sun & Moon                       (CD album)

6. Angie Stone                   I Wasn't Kidding                           (12")

7. Various                Soul Togetherness 2005                (CD album)

8. Kimara Lovelace    Just A Dream                     (12")

9. Incognito             Eleven                              (CD album)

10. Chuck Love                  Soul Symphony                            (12")

 

Chart compiled by Fish…the above and much more available on 0116 237 5461/www.firstexperiencerecords.com. 

 

In brief, a few other bits to keep ‘em peeled for…………on the jazzy tip and for fans of Incognito, check out the recent Anderson Soares Project EP for West End Blue, containing three great cuts.  Apparently originating from Brazil, with an album doing the rounds too.  The third release on Fuzion sees them team up with Nicole Wright for “Beautiful”.  Lenny Fontana featuring Octavia “The Way” finally sees a release via Simon Dunmore’s Defected imprint.  Joyful Noise brings us the great “Call Me” for the future collectable Qalo Mota moniker from France.  Look out for a four track EP from Neolectrique on Little Angel from Italy.  “This Time” is just awesome with it’s funky bass-line….superb.  Hot off the press is “Just A Dream”, new for Kimara Lovelace on Home recordings, best enjoyed in its Reel Soul Deep Vocal mix.  Don’t miss Ron Trent & Quinten Harris on the achingly soulful “Happiness” on Need 2 Soul records.  Kirk Franklin puts a gospel slant on Patrice Rushen’s classic “Haven’t You Heard”, via his “Looking For You” cut lifted from the new Hero album.  On the real soul tip, Lou Pride returns with his latest effort for Severn Records, entitled “Keep On Believing”, with “Love Will Make It Alright” the one to watch here.  Joe McBride’s latest for Heads Up, “Texas Hold ‘Em” contains the sensational “Giving It All To You.  Will Downing dishes up his usual classy stuff on “Soul Symphony”, with “Soul Steppin’” being the key dancer.  Angie Stone brings us a “Best Of…” courtesy of J Records, with two bonus new cuts.  “I Wasn’t Kidding” is the one to do the business, using Womack & Womack’s “Baby I’m Scared Of You”, this is a biggie, and is also available on 12” vinyl now!  Lew Kirton returns with an indie Stateside that has its moments.  The Unifics return on….er, “Return”, with Al Johnson and the boys sounding on fine form to these ears.  On first listen, Meli’sa Morgan’s new album for Orpheus sounds superb, especially the down-tempo numbers, where the voice really shines.  And finally, onto something that really deserved a full review,  “In This Life Together” by Kindred.  This is a strong album, but what you really need to know is that it contains one of the 2005’s finest dancers in the shape of the wonderful “As Of Yet”.  Superior stuff indeed.

 

That’s all for now!!                                                                                                                                Mark     (December 2005)

 

 

Don’t forget, if you have material for review, contact me soulboy@randlem.freeserve.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

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