The Soul Mixtapes REVIEW of 2011

Loads to get through, so first off, below are my Best tunes of 2011 Playlist. Save the picture and peruse at your leisure:

Its interesting to note that if you downloaded the 70 odd tunes from Itunes/Amazon etc, it would, on average cost around £55 (UK pounds). If you got a voucher this Xmas, you could do worse than use the list as a strating point to get some great music.

I'm gonna select some of my favorites below. Not gonna include tunes in my list from LP's I've picked in our Best of 2011 post, though Erro's Picture Perfect (aside from being a great song it features the best drum programming of the year) and 9th Wonders One Night would definitely feature, so heres a reminder of those two gems:







So, after you've checked out my list above, take a listen to the 7 tunes I've singled out in no particular order, as the cream of the crop I couldnt live without this year.

BUT FIRST: Tunes that took you back to the 70's and 80's

Zo! Brought out his Just Visiting 3 EP, and this version of Wham!'s most soulful track (Didnt think I would ever say those words) killed



And then there was Vindhal's "Head over Heels", with a version of their 2010 tune arranged and sounding so 80's like, I nearly went out and bought some bad clothes. And not bad meaning good. Check that out too.....

As for the 70's, besides LP of the year lumiaries Electric Empire, we had this gem early in 2011.



Absolute quality from Aaries, taking you back to MJ "Off the Wall" days circa the great Rod Temperton.

In any case, here goes with my top 7 tunes:

7. Mark De Clive Lowe - The Why



After a great EP release from Mark, we got hints of what was going to be on the new LP and this tune leaked and it was a monster. This dude hasn't had enough exposure and we need to change that, check out his back catalogue too cause its hot. And search out the tribute to Tina Marie (Lovergirl) he produced at the begining of the year with Sy Smith after Tina's untimely passing, its great.

6. Jazmine Sullivan - Neverland



Harking back to the type of tunes you would hear from Betty Wright (Who released a great LP with the Roots this year) this may be a demo or an unreleased tune, but it knocked the socks off me when I first heard it and hasn't let go since. Produced by Salaam Remi, whose getting to be a favorite producer of mine since he also produced......

5. Amy Winehouse - Halftime



Didnt expect anything from Amy's posthumous LP of out-takes etc, then this tune got leaked. It has Questlove on drums, which brought to mind those rumours of a soul supergroup that Amy was going to front back in the day with names bandied about like Raphael Saadiq and Cee Lo Green. This, and I make no apologies for saying it, is one of the best songs she ever recorded. Something we at the Soul Mixtape HQ knew she was capable of, but we wont hear the like again.


Gonna take a break from the new, and have a little blast from the past. Came across the following on Youtube after watching a great 2 Hour talk from the Mizell Brothers online about thier recording history (See Grizz's mix on them and the inclusion of 2 of their great production pieces in our Best of the 70's LP list recently). Its an UNRELEASED tune from the one and only Marvin Gaye that really knocked both Grizz and I socks off. ENJOY!

Marvin Gaye - Woman of the World





After that Gem, back to our picks:


4. KING - The Story



Earlier in the year this tune from a brand new 3 piece vocal group not only blew me away, but the likes of Erykah Badu, Questlove and Phonte, who quickly got them involved in another fave's of my year "All the Kisses" from the Foreign Exchange. Great production, angelic vocals and harmonies, get the EP and wait on tenterhooks for the forthcoming LP.

3. Ayah - When it comes to you



I know I said I wouldnt list tracks from Artists that were on our Best LP's of 2011 list (Cause you should have them!), but this tune isnt off the "Back for More" LP. Its a great soul tune, with gutsy vocals from Ayah and a great lyric. "I need more than a drink, when it comes to you" she sings, and you believe. By the by, this video is directed by multi talented Slakah the Beatchild, our 2009 winner for Best LP here at the mixtape! His 2010 EP (On last years list too!) had tracks added to it by label BBE making it a fully fledged LP, and one of the tracks that blew my socks off was....

2. Slakah the Beatchild - The Cure



1. Thundercat - Walkin'



You could be mistaken into thinking that this is the funkiest tune Christopher Cross (Google it youngsters) made back in the 70's, cause thats what this tune brings to mind. As horrible as that sounds, its anything but, and I love it. Thundercats LP is a bit too left field for some, but this tune has not been off my playlist. Great Bass, great strings, great track.

We asked some of the great current artists creating soulful music a few questions about the year in music and what to look forward to and it makes great reading. They include Tracy Cruz ("Universoul Symphony" on our best of 2011 list), N'Dambi ("Pink Elephant" being on the Best of List 2010), Julie Dexter ("New Again" on our best of 2011 list), Deborah Bond ("Madam Palindrome" on our best of 2011 list), and Jason Heerah of our reigning No.1 of Best LP's of 2011 artists, Electric Empire :

1) Besides your own, what do you consider the best LP of 2011?

Julie Dexter: Jill Scott - Light of the Sun

Tracy Cruz: Thank you so much for your kind words about Universoul Symphony. I would say it's a tie between Eric Roberson's "Mr. Nice Guy" and Marsha Ambrosius' "Late Nights & Early Mornings"- both are incredible albums filled with heartfelt lyrics, stellar production and amazing vocals!

N'Dambi: One album that I think is a cool rendering is Rhianna's. I am a huge fan of how her album creatively tells stories using writing that is at times confident, clever, and very well thought out.

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - Adele 21, loving that a soulful voice like hers is getting so much love on radio

Deborah Bond: In my opinion the Best LP of 2011 is a tie!! I can't decide which one moves me more and they have equally inspired, moved, and enchanted me!! "The Lapdancer" -Soul Persona ft. Princess Freesia and Gretchen Parlato's "Lost & Found"

2) If you could have recorded a song released this year by another artist instead of them, what song would that be?

Deborah Bond: I am in love w/ the groove, the mood, the vocals, lyrics, arrangements of Princess Freesia/Soulpersona's "Stretched Thin"….this track is very ME I'd say and damn they NAILED IT! I'm a sucka for a hot dance, funk, groove, and this one will CRUSH live on stage! I sooo wish I'd done it! :)

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - I need a Dollar - Aloe Blacc. we don't want to stipulate that we need the dollar more than him, but we's definitley connect with this song :)

Tracy Cruz: "Blessed" by Jill Scott! :) I listen to that song every single day because it's so uplifting and inspiring!

Julie Dexter: Hear My Call by Jill Scott

N'Dambi: Actually, I have a tenor voice and a find myself strongly drawn to male vocals. With that being said, If I could have recorded any song released this year it would be "All I Want Is You' by Miguel.


3) Who should music fans be looking out for in 2012, in relation to new artists?

N'Dambi: In 2012 music fans should be on the look out for Bridget Kelly, Elle Varner, ACEG (All Cows Eat Grass) and Brandon Coleman.

Tracy Cruz: People should look out for the group KING. I can't stop listening to their EP "The Story". Beautiful,Beautiful,Beautiful!! I can't wait to hear more!

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - We getting into an indie folk band from our home town melbourne called the paper kites.

Deborah Bond: They should be on the lookout for Kenny Wesley, Alison Carney, Kia Bennett, Princess Freesia, Ntjam Rosie, Tracy Cruz and Suga Sp!! These cats are bout to do it up in 2012! I'm so excited to see how their musical future unfolds!! Special mention to Levi Stevens - Dude is tight!!!


Julie Dexter: Avery Sunshine, if they haven't already heard (If people haven't heard, its not because we aint been telling them Julie!)


4) Who is on your wish list to work with in the future?

Tracy Cruz: I would love to work with other independent Soul artists. I would also love to be given the opportunity to share the stage with Jill Scott, Ledisi, The Foreign Exchange, Eric Roberson, Lalah Hathaway, Kenny Wesley, Amel Larrieux, Deborah Bond or Marsha Ambrosius.

Julie Dexter: Georgia Anne Muldrow (Check out her new LP BTW)

Deborah Bond: Of course I keep mentioning this name but definitely Princess Freesia, Tony Momrelle, Gregory Porter, Jose James, Simon Grey, Gretchen Parlato, Esthero, Anthony Hamilton, and Ed Motta.

N'Dambi: There are so many amazing talents that I am hard pressed to pick just one. What I will say is that I am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to work with any artist that is passionate about the music.

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - We would all agree that working with the legend himself stevie wonder would be an amazing experience. :) ( LOVE to see that happen!)

5) What's in the pipeline for you in 2012?

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - The pipeline for us is to delve even further into the songwriting aspect to EE, while still spreading the Live sound & show to the world

Julie Dexter: Continue striving to be a better Mother, Wife and Musician and continue promoting my new album New Again, releasing a couple videos too

Tracy Cruz: I'm currently lining up several shows next year to promote my new album Universoul Symphony. Also I will be recording a few more music videos and releasing a remix album for Universoul Symphony in 2012. Lastly I would love to travel and perform across the United States and overseas.

N'Dambi: In 2012, I plan to release an album and involve myself in other areas of writing such as writing a children's book.

Deborah Bond: US & International Tour, Lots of shows!!!! More video/visuals from db/3L, hopefully some tv spots, LOTS of musical collaborations, and possibly a new album from Deborah Bond/Third Logic




We can't finish the year without giving you a mix to download. Out of all my mixes, this one seems to have been the most popular. Our friend Philip Clark made this the mix of the week on his blog's weekly FREE SOUL MUSIC post a long while back, and since then people have really responded well to it. Was deleted from Rapidshare for a while now, but back here in all its glory:


SoulNRnB's Nu Soul Jazz Volume 1

And thats that. Thanks to all the talent that answered our questions, and just as important, Grizz and I want to wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Thanks for visiting the Soul Mixtape, spread the word, and lets enjoy what soul music has to offer in 2012 together, whilst taking a listen to the gems its given us up until now.

DJ Grizz- Uplifting Soul 2011 Vol. 2

My last post of 2011 and I'm ending the year on a positive note. Now i normally only post one volume of soul n jazz tunes that are unashamedly uplifting per annum but 2011 has been such a rough year for many of us I thought it called for a 2nd volume.

Contributions from The Main Ingrediant, Teddy Pendergrass, Roy Ayres, and topped off with a Keni Burke anthem that I played many a time as my final tune back when I used to 'play out'. Plus 6 more solid old school tracks all with a feel good and uplifting message!

I'll see you in 2012 after SoulNRnB gives us his always comprehensive review of the year.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AGHWZ05O

Tracklist in comments.

Seasons Greetings

Grizz and I would like to wish you all a Happy Xmas.

Don't miss Grizz's post at the start of the week, and my review of the year before year end!

SoulNRnB

The Soul Mixtapes Top 10 LP's of 2011

OK, first part of my big 2 posts of the year. Some of you have requested a re-post of last years best of mix (See The Soul Mixtapes Top 10 LP's of 2010 post for details) and thats here: The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of 2010

But now, onto this years list.

 

2011 was on a par with last years output soul wise in my Opinon. Some really excellent LP's and some that didnt quite make it but deserve a mention for sure. Some decision making around one particular artist (more to follow) plus a little cheating on a par with last years joint placing of Slakah's and Eric Rico's EP's. So, with no more hesitation, here are my list of the best LP's of the year, in no particualr order save for the No.1 spot.

10. Tyler Woods - The Mahogany Experiment

Presented by 9th Wonder (more of which later), this was a FREE EP released earlier in the year. Yes. I said it. FREE (more of which, again, later). So if you dont got it.....why the hell not?

All tracks on the LP were produced by 9th Wonder except the single “Lost In Your Love.” which in no way sounds out of place, the EP also features guest appearances from Talib Kweli and Styles P. Tyler gives props to the sounds of those he admires, (Jodeci, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green) whilst creating some great mid tempo soul tunes. GO GET!!


9.Phonte - Charity starts at Home + 9th Wonder - The Wonder Years -

Earlier this year, we tweeted that if you mashed up these two LP's into 1, you would have the best Hip Hop LP of the year. So eff it, its my blog, thats what I'm gonna do. These guys are all over each others work so thats all the excuse I need!

For "Charity starts at home", the LP resembles, IMO, FE's first LP, "Connected". Phonte shows off his rhyming skills to full effect on tunes like "The Life of Kings", "Who loves you more" and one of my faves, "Sending my love." Grown Folks Hip Hop for sure. Again, featuring 9th Wonder on production duties for some tracks, leading us to his LP "The Wonder Years."

Featuring the expected great production, with always a soulful inflection, featuring artists like Erykah Badu, Phonte, Terrace Martin, Teedra Moses and Marsha Ambrosius, the rhymes are hot, the vocals compete and the LP features one of my tunes of the year in "One Night" that was featured on a previous Street Sounds. Hot.

Mash these LP's up and realise Hip Hop aint dead.


8.Julie Dexter - New Again

Female vocalists have run things this year for real. (MORE LATER!!) This is one quality LP, full of Soul, Organic and sometimes Jazzy, its one of the rare LP's you can listen to from start to finish. "Sunshine" kicks things off right, a mid temp track with some great instrumentation, "Blue Skies" is another 70's mid tempo groove, "Love2Love" recalls Mr Gaye in its bridge, and elsewhere theres latin influence, soulful house grooves and lots more Soul. A Must purchase.

7.DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ayah - Back for more

Did I say "more later" when mentioning Tyler Woods Free EP? Then thats because of this. A free LP from another great produver, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and his recent muse, the great Ayah; with input from one of our "Great Producers" James Poyser this is another must have. How did Free music get so good?

What do you expect from these two artists? Oh well, you got it; Over 13 tracks. Jeff picks the samples and brings the beats; Ayah gives vocal attitude. Personal Faves? "One Life"; "Notorious"; "Be Alright" and "Tables Turn", but truth be said its a solid LP. Did I say it was free?

6.Josh Milan - Honeycomb music Volume 1

One half of renowned Soulful House duo BLAZE as well as writing, recording, and performing music with "Little Louie" Vega, dance music artist Barbara Tucker and producing giant Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, Milan has finally launched his own record company, Honeycomb Music; He brings everything you expect to his new Showcase double LP.

Milan has written and produced a full length CD that features songs with Sandra St. Victor of "Family Stand" fame, ChinahBlac, Crystal Johnson, Cinnamon Brown, and Angela Johnson. House grooves that welcome Soul, Jazz and Latin influences with open arms, this is, hands Down, best Soulful House LP of the year.

5.Deborah Bond - Madame Palindrome

Yep. I said it. The female artists are running things. Deborah's previous outings have fallen into the "like" category for me rather than the "Love". Thats changed.

This LP kind of brings together the "Acid Jazz" sound with an electronic sound, showcased on tunes like "Nothing matters", "Blind Paradise" and the great single "You are the one." Tracks full of strings, bass lines and good grooves. And then theres the shiver down the spine soul of "Say it" with another hint of the Mizell Brothers in its execution that sends the LP into the top ranks for me. Another must purchase, if only for the good taste of hooking up with the UK's Lewis Taylor (Where you been?) on the funky, incognito like "If I didnt need you."

4.Eric Roberson - Mr Nice Guy

OK. An admission. I like this LP less than any other Erro LP. Does that make it bad? Nope. It has moments of genius (As you would expect) like the single "Picture Perfect" (Featuring tigallo tigallo tigallo again?!?!?) with its great beats and atmosphere, the great lyrics of the title track (Check out when the drums come in.....great stuff), and the old school Erro sounding "Shake her Hand".

So why the reservation? I dont know if its the upbeat sentiment behind some of the tunes. Erro has always been about yearning and loss, which feeds into the musicality and atmosphere of the tunes he writes and sings on. "Borrow you", "Pen just cries away", "Obstacles". All examples. Theres some of that here, but, for me, it feels different. And, I guess, I'm in the minority (See next weeks Review of the year as a famous friend of the blog recommends this LP as best of the year) as theres LOTS of love for this work.

But hell, I love this guy, and the LP has enough good stuff on there for me to heartily recommend a purchase.....so do that! Its one of my best LP's of the year still damn it!!

3.Jill Scott - From the Vault Volume 1

So, I talked earlier about female artists running things. Here's another example. But I also talked about controversy, so here it is.

The prospect of 2 Jill Scott LP's in one year blew me away. But there was bad news; I love Jill Scott. I was disappointed by her new LP, "Light of the Sun". There were moments on there, (weirdly, mostly the bonus tunes, but So in Love and Blessed were good value too) but it seemed commercial and light. There. I said it. And, as above, there are LOADS of people and artists that disagree with me.

In any case, the good news for me was that Hidden Beach, her old label that Jill had a public falling out with, released an LP of unreleased tunes (approved by Jill) that reminded me of why I love her. And these were out takes.

Tunes like "Running Away" had that "Words and Sounds Vol 2" feel, "Wondering Why", "I'm Prettier" and "Dear Mr. & Mrs. Record Industry" all provided what I would have expected from her first Warner Brothers LP. Soul, heart and more great lyrics. Even the DJ Jazzy Jeff produced "Lovely Day" (A song we should all be sick of from over playing rather than quality) was fun and vocally on point. Maybe "The Light" was meant to appeal to more commercially, I dont know. But to me it was a lesser work and Im hoping we get the full blown Jill Scott on her next Warners LP. In the Meantime, "The Vault Vol 1" will do me fine.




One thing though, for both LP's: That voice is still ON POINT!!!

2.Tracy Cruz - Universoul Symphony

Tracy has been on my radar for a while right back to when I first caught her on "Feel'osophy" back in '08. "Son-Shine" was a favorite of mine back then and she had a real Neo-Soul/RnB vibe to her.

"Universoul Symphony" ups the ante, and as the title suggests, added orchestration. "Mind Travel", "Dream Flight" and "Electricity" all have a new, modern sound but harks back to a funkier, organically soulful period in black music. However, standout track for me, and one of the best of the year IMO is "Love's Galaxy" that featured on a Street Sounds mix earlier this year and hasnt left my iPod playlist since. Purchase and support good independant music!

1.Electric Empire - Self titled

And here is my favorite LP of the year. When I say this harks back to the 70's it does so with no modern pretentions. This LP could have been released then. This Australian bands influences stand out a mile; Donny; Stevie; Marvin to name but 3. And Pastiche is not what they aim for. This LP is reverence.

You may have caught the single "Baby your lovin'" or the great Donny /Stevie flavored "Always" on a previous Street Sounds Mix. If you have then youll know the quality of this LP and it shines. Recently touring with UK Soul god Omar and Beverley Knight, (us lucky folks in the UK had a chance to see them live) which if you search for on Youtube, you can see how good these guys are.

Support these guys and lets get good......nah....GREAT soul music back in the charts (Like we did with Aloe Blak last year, one of our 2010 recommendations).

A great LP and worthy of standing next to Slakah the Beatchilds "Soul Movement" (2009) and Zo's "Sunstorm" (2010) as LP of the year.

In addition, there are a few LP's that deserve a mention:

Rapper Big Pooh - Dirty Pretty Things
Musiq - musiqinthemagiq
Zo! - Just Visiting THREE
Kindred the Family Soul
Miles Bonny - Lumberjack Soul
Anthony Hamilton - Back to Love
Havana - Entervention
Lalah Hathaway - Where it all begins
TwinSpirit - My Beautiful Ugly
Betty Wright & The Roots
Georgia Anne Muldrow - Owed to Mama Rickle
Mark De Clive Lowe - Renegades
Ledisi _ Pieces of me
Reel People - Golden Lady


So thats all from me, If you agree or disagree, let me know on the blog. We got to keep promoting good soul music of all varieties! Will be posting up a review of the year next week including The Mixtapes Songs of the year plus recommendations from some of the artists in this years best LP's LIST!!

Dont forget ive included last years best of mix that got deleted from Rapidshare up above, so you can compare and contrast.

But here is a feel of what we believe are the best LP's of 2011:

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of 2011

Tracklist in comments.

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 30

My last Soul Niceness of 2011 and as usual its packed full of those hard to find grooves 'n' soul nuggets from the 70's & 80's.

Containing contributions from Ron Banks with a rare groove classic, The Moments just before they morphed into Ray Goodman and Brown, a Taana Gardener 1981 oft sampled club anthem, and topped off with a 70's soul cut from 60's star Mary Wells.

SoulNRnB is hard at work on his review of the best of 2011 for you. I'll be back next week and looking to end the year on a positve high!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LVUVPAEN

Tracklist in the comments section.

XMAS MEGA PACK: SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 70 and MORE

As promised, a bumper edition of Street Sounds Sessions:

Not only does this pack include the latest Street Sounds, but also those that were removed for one reason or another (As requested, see previous posts for Updates) and a couple of my favorites from the year.

Edition 70 though is fire: The UK's Black Einstien provides a tune that holds up with the years best, A track from the the Amy Winehouse LP, more from Common and 4Hero's Dego, plus the great Kyoto Jazz Massive, Big Pooh and Phife, and new artists like Patrice Covington.

Big stuff coming up from me in the next coupla weeks: 1) Best LP's of 2011 mix and review. 2) A review of the years music, including best tunes plus the picks of some of the famous friends of the Mixtape, at least two of which have LP's in this years Best of LP's List!!

Grizz back on Monday, see you with my list next week!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 70 and MORE

DJ Grizz- Xmas Soul 2011

Ho Ho Ho! 2 weeks to go and time to post my annual slice of Xmas tunes that Soul lovers can listen to. Containing an old time festive mix of soul, gospel, reggae n blues to get you into the spirit.

Includes The Drifters, Baby Washington (apparantly Dusty Springfields favorite singer!), reggae royalty Barrington Levy and topped off with some accapella goodness from the Persuasions plus much more xmas-soulness.

SoulNRnB's goes Street Sounds crazy at the weekend and i'll catch you you next week.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P1XYWS00

Tracklist in the comments section

XMAS SPECIAL: SoulNRnB's Rare as Rocking Horse Poo....2!

After the success of last years mix of rare and unreleased tunes from the likes of 4Hero, Raphael Saadiq, and many more (Deleted by Rapidshare, but re-upped here for your listening pleasure: SoulNRnB's Rare as Rocking Horse Poo Mix 1 ) we have chapter 2!

A good hours worth of rare and unreleased music from the likes of Maxwell, Carl Thomas, Musiq Soulchild, Jon B, Rahsaan Patterson, Sunshine Anderson, Raheem Devaughn/DJ Jazzy Jeff, Janelle Monae, Roy Ayers and much much more.

A Real RnB fest that you will hopefully love just as much as the first edition. Ive posted both tracklistings in the comments.

Stay Tuned for Grizz's Xmas mix next week (Nearly Here!!) and a Bumper Xmas Street Sounds Sessions from me!

SoulNRnB's Rarer than Rocking Horse Poo Mix.......2!!!!

DJ Grizz- New Funk Vol.8

After Mr SoulNRnB went all 70's on you guys last week, I feel I need to try and bring some balance back to the universe and post something upfront! So here's New Funk Vol.8 with another selection of retro-funk style goodies from the last few years.

Featuring tracks from The Sugarman Three, some Italian funk from The Esplanade Orch., The UK's Hannah Williams, and a supergroup full of Acid Jazz/New Funk artists- The Fantasy Funk Band, put together courtesy of DJ/actor Craig Charles who's Radio 6 Funk and Soul show is always good value. Plus 6 more heavy new funk cuts!

After another SoulNRnB weekend treat next week I'll be posting my annual Soulful Xmas mix to help you last minute shop with some Xmas style soul!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2KU0BUM6

For tracklist, click on comments.

The Soul Mixtape's TOP 11 LP's of the 1970's

This mix is firmly in Grizz territory; The 70's. So when compiling this mix I put forward my choices to the man himself. And, suprisingly, found that we had no real differences in artists. Just the particular LP's. Stevie? Check, on his list too. Marvin? Check. And so on, just a different LP preference.

I have to say, this era of music (and indeed this list) contains at least 2 of my favorite LP's of all time. I'll let you know what they are at the end. So, my choices for Top 11 LP's of the 70's are:

1.Donald Byrd - (Places & Spaces)
2.Aretha Franklin - (You)
3.Marvin Gaye - (I Want you)
4.Johnny Hammond - (Gears)
5.Stevie Wonder - (Songs in the key of life)
6.Earth Wind & Fire - (All n All)
7.Minnie Ripperton - (Perfect Angel)
8.Al Green - (Still in love with you)
9.Leroy Hutson - (Hutson)
10.Brenda Russell - (Brenda Russell)
11.Lonnie Liston Smith - (Loveland)

Why "I want you" rather than "Whats Going on"? I love that sound Marvin developed with Leon Ware. Is "Whats Going On" a great LP deserving to be on a list like this? Hell yeah, but one per artist is my rule!

"Songs in the Key of Life". Recognised classic LP. No need to go on about it. Same with "All n All" and "Still in Love with you". So, lets do a little bit on the others:

- "Places and Spaces" and "Gears" - Great musicians in thier own right, complemented by some classic production work by the brothers Mizell.

- "You" - Why pick this Aretha LP? It was a commercial failure, has been out of print since the early 1980s and has never been issued on compact disc. But theres some great work on here from Gene Page and Jerry Wexler and I think "It Only Happens (When I Look At You)", "You Got All The Aces" and "You Make My Life" are some of the best work Aretha has done and are rare groove classics.

- "Perfect Angel" shows off Minnie to great effect IMO, a great voice and includes some classic tracks like the Stevie Wonder written title track and "Take a little trip", but is better known for the much pastiched "Lovin' You".

- and then theres the underrated: Leroy Hutson, Brenda Russell and Lonnie Liston Smith. You should all know about Lonnie from Grizz's recent artists mix, but "Loveland" is a great place to start your LLS collection. As for Leroy, the man has made so many classic soul tunes. I would highly recommend you listen to all of his 70's and early 80's LP's, but picked "Hutson" for its listenability start to finish. As for Brenda Russell, what a songwriter. Aside from the tune that Luther made his own, "If only for one night", this LP includes classic tracks like "In the Thick of it" and "Little bit of Love".

And thats that. Ive done the Seventies, Eighties, Nineties and Noughties and between all of those lists you will have some of the greatest Soul, Jazz and Funk LP's I know. We start off the holidays with a list and will end the year with one, the best LP's of 2011, so stay tuned and feel free to argue, correct, or agree with my choices.

Oh yes, my Faves? Stevie's "Songs in the key of life" and Johnny Hammond's "Gears" which both are classics from first track to last.

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 1970's

DJ Grizz- Mellow Grooves Vol.11

4 weeks til Xmas and all very busy for most of us out there. Time to take a moment to chill with Mellow Grooves 11.... ten more downtempo soul n jazz tracks for you to appreciate!

It all kicks off with a Shalamar ballad, and then The Whatnauts, a japjazz take on Stevie Wonder & Garland Green all feature plus 6 more slices of mellow magic.

It appears there is very few of my old mixes now left to download on my old file hosts due to them deleting most of my back catalogue so holler if you need anything 're-upped'. SoulNRnB goes old school next... catch you later!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NWLCUR8C

For tracklist click on 'comments'

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 69

Last week of normal transmissions before a month of special stuff including the Rare mix, a MEGA Download XMAS Street Sounds Sessions, plus best LP's of the 70's, this year and best tunes of the year too. But on to the present.....

A corking Street Sounds mix to kick off the holiday season featuring a ton of new artists;

Some great beats and galactic soul sounds from the likes of Hi Res, Thundercat and Exampler, RnB from Andrea Martin, Musiq Soulchild and CJ Hilton, plus soulful house from the likes of Evan Burgeois Lasry Feat Rogiers. My pick? The Nicolay Remix of United Soul's Soul Clap Feat Phonte and Yazarah. Dont be put off if you dont know too many names on this mix; Trust me - Its Quality.

Grizz kicks off our holiday season on Monday, Ill be BACK TO THE 70's next week ;)

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 69

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 29

Morning Monday Mixtapers! I've another corking 10 Soul tunes from the crates, dusted off and mixed for your pleasure!

Includes a track off the same Hi Gloss LP as the massive 'You'll never know', Madeline does her take on the Pointer Sisters rare groove fave, some 70's Japanese soul from Char and a wicked spacey souljazz tune from Puzzle plus 6 more rare nuggets from a bygone era.

Loads more good stuff from me & SoulNRnB over xmas and the winter months so don't be a stranger!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YLC6EUX0

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 68

 

A first; an artist graces our street sounds mixes for a second time. And with good reason. Weve heard alot from Anthony Hamilton over the last few months, nary a mix goes by without his inclusion. But the track featured on this mix is the first recognised single of his forthcoming new LP and its called "Woo" and its great. He has said that previous tunes released will not feature on said LP, so make sure youve heard them on our mixes!

In addition we have more RnB from Carl Thomas and the Gap Bands own Charlie Wilson, some great Jazz from the UK own's Zara McFarlane who has a new LP out now, plus hip hop US style from Proh Mic and UK style from Ms Dynamite. All topped off with the new joint from one of our faves, Jose James.

More new music next week, then a shed load of specials for Xmas and the New Year including Top 10's of this year and the 70's, Rare as Rocking Horse......2, and an Xmas mega pack of Street Sounds Mixes including those previously removed.

Grizz back in full flow next week.

****Update****

Yet another takedown notice, this time from Anthony Hamilton's people. Isn't listening to our mixes like listening to the radio?? Am I missing something?

Ah what the hell, its Xmas. REUPPED: SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 68

DJ Grizz- Lovers Rock Vol. 16

Welcome to the new week mixtapers and as requested I'm back with another revival Lovers Rock selection.

Ten more soulful lovers nuggets including lovers royalty- Carrol Thompson, Derrick Harriots version of a soul classic, Carlene Davis' covers an 80's anthem and finishes up with an In Crowd reggae favorite.

I'll return in rare groove mode next week but up next and fresh from his holiday- Mr SoulNRnB.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UTFKUGEH

Tracklist in comments

MEGA PACK - SoulNRnB's Old School Odds & Ends

Starting the weekend off with a mega pack of mixes that got deleted from Rapidshare which include;

Art of the Remix
SAMPLED
Time Machine

and much more.....FILL YOUR BOOTS!

Back soon!

SoulNRnB's Old School Odds & Ends UPDATED 21/1/12

DJ Grizz - Jerry Butler mix

Its time for the next installment in our series of artist specials and today its the the 'iceman' Jerry Butler. A career that started with The Impressions in the 50's, to a prolific solo 60's output and then continued success through the 70's and early 80's there was a large back catalogue of quality stuff to choose from!

The mix includes boogie tunes, 2 steppers and ballads that Mr Butler could handle with equal ease with tracks like Cooling Out, Don't Let This Smile Fool You, a stirring version of This Is Your Life and topped off with a tune that gets played a lot at chez Grizz- Melinda Latina.

I'll be back with more Soul goodies next week after SoulNRnB's end of week musical interlude. PS As I mentioned last week my older mixes are being deleted at an alarming rate by my previous file host so let me know if you need any 're-ups'!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=M2E7PLI6

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 67

Some great Upfront music for you all to enjoy. A recent Twitter Buddy of ours, Greg Banks, put us on to his new single SOUL which is very nice, Sam Salter has a real good mid tempo tune with "Lets find a way", Maysa hooks up with Dwele for flower girl, Robin Thicke gets his soul groove on with "Love after war", and theres Hip Hop from Common (Looking forward to the new LP, check out the sample on this tune BTW!) and a great remix from another fave of ours this year, Electric Empire.

Much more on here, full tracklist included with download. Back next week with a round up of mixes that were deleted from Rapidshre plus more so stay tuned. Grizz up next!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 67

DJ Grizz- Soul Versions Ride Again

Happy Halloween Mixtapers! And we're marking the day with another 10 Soulful versions of familiar bygone tunes.

The mix starts with 2 funky O'Jays covers, The Four Kents take on an Edwin Starr 60's classic, Rita Pavones french translation of Barry White, Players Associations version of the oft sampled Isleys tune, and a William Devaughn anthem gets the Arthur Lee treatment plus 4 more cracking covers.

SoulNRnB up next with a bag of trick or treat goodies and I'll be back with my 2nd artist mix.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I6YYPFKQ

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 66

Back again with another edition of new music.

A real RnB flavour to this edition of the Sessions which features cover star Carl Thomas whose been quiet of late but has some new material coming up, Beyonce's sister Solange returns with a new tune as does Rodney Jerkins produced Anesha. Avant releases a nice RnB tune and Tynesha Keli gets your head nodding with "Aint gotta Worry". Some soulful niceness from Andre Henry and Hip Hop from Terrace Martin add some spice whilst my pick of the bunch is Vindhal's "Head over Heels" which has a great electronic, laid back 80's feel to it.

Getting some great stuff ready for the Xmas period, including another edition of my "Rarer than Rocking Horse Poo...." mixes as last years was such a success.

Grizz back next week, have a great weekend.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 66

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 28

Back with another 10 soul nuggets from back in the day... we've done the diggin' so you don't have to!

We start off with a much sought after piece of blue eyed soul from Evans Pyramid, some classic Johnny Bristol, a stringless version of the Dee Edwards rare groove anthem, a Roberta Flack soul gem and 6 more 'dusty groove' goodies.

Just to let you know that Rapidshare have started deleting some of my older mixes so if there's anything you've missed and needs reposting leave us a comment and we'll happily put it up on our new file hosts!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8YN8OQ5X

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions PART TWO: 65

As promised, part two of our upfront mixes this week.

Cover star Ben Westbeech has a new LP, and he kicks this mix off with a soulful groover that Im really feeling; A tune offa Phonte's new LP leads into a treat - An unreleased mix of "Nic's Groove" by the Foreign Exchange; Great House tune from Miguel Migs featuring our recent cover star Miss Ndegeocello; A heap of music you may not have caught from the likes of Benedek, Bug, Seinabo Sey; More Hip Hop from Proh Mic; Topped off with more soul from Anthony Hamilton and Jesse Boykins.

Check it out, let us know what your into at the moment.

By the way, got a shout out for our Twitter friend Robert Carvalho @Bassheaddred (Not the football player!) who sent us a link to his new tune on youtube below; Keep it up Robert!!





Grizz back as the week starts, make sure you check him out!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 65

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Part ONE: 64

Gonna do things a little different this week, gonna post a mid-week mix, then at the weekend starts our XTRA LONG Street Sounds sessions, now with added tracks!!

So, here is your mid week treat;

I felt that Raheem Devaughn lost his soulful edge recently with some of the tunes that have been floating about, but "Red Carpet" on this mix takes him back to what I think he does best; Eric Benet returns with another old school ballad that follows hot on the heels of his last "retro" LP; Then there are new artists; Rimar and They bring good grooves; Anesha and Ensavi some R&B; Something for everyone!

Join us again at the weekend for Volume 65. As I said, XTRA LONG!!!!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 64

DJ Grizz - Soulful 80's Vol.13

Back to the 80's for more Soulful grooves to start the week.

We start off with our cover girl Grace Jones, then quality contributions from artists including Leroy Burgess, Gwen Guthrie and finishing with an 80's Soul anthem from Viola Wills. The mix also includes a funky track from Nile Rodgers the 'Land of the Good Groove' LP. I still remember buying the LP on import in 1983 from a record shop in Central London where I bumped into comedian Lenny Henry and we had a discussion on how good the album was.... a man who obviously knew his Soul music (and cheap hotels according to the adverts).

The brand new stuff still coming thick and fast from Mr S and I'll be back in rare groove niceness style next week.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TB0N7ZH5

Tracklist in comments

The Artists - Howard Hewett

So, Grizz kicks off this series of mixes with the great Lonnie Liston Smith. Doesn't even feel the need to include Expansions on said mix as the man has such a great body of work. If you haven't checked it out, do it now!

Here's my first contribution to our Artist series.

If I were to rate my top 5 vocalists, Howard would be in there.

A voice like honey, made for ballads, weirdly found success with many an uptempo tune for Shalamar. Not to say that Howard wasnt perfectly equipped to handle them (He proved so on many big tunes) but his voice is so subtle and controlled that you could be fooled into thinking it would be like putting a $10,000 needle on a $50 record player.

But then, Shalamar were not any group. Don Cornelius (Soul Train creator) introduced Hewett to fellow Soul Train dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel, and their group, Shalamar, was born. The trio had many hits such as "Friends" "A Night to Remember", "Make that move" and the ballad "This Is For The Lover In You". Hewett was the group's lead singer from 1979 until 1985 when they broke up. He produced many solo LP's thereafter.

I dont think he has received the props he should have (Actually, I KNOW he hasnt!) , with many looking down on his Shalamar days as "Disco/pop/r&b" and the belief that all he is currently is a gospel artist. (Both are not true; With Leon Sylvers III on production and the Solar family writing with the band, Shalamar were always a class act IMO, and this mix displays many non-Gospel tunes, although "Say Amen" is his signature tune.)

He is well respected by his peers, collacorating with the likes of George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Teena Marie (Where he duetted on Congo Square).

He is my first pick to be showcased in our artists series. One of the great Soul Voices, underrated, and needs to be making new music. Now since Leon Sylvers did such a great job with N'Dambi's last LP, maybe they could............awww. I'm dreaming.

The Artists - Howard Hewett

DJ Grizz - Lonnie Liston Smith mix

Welcome back and as promised, the first of our 'artist' mixes where we showcase the best work of much loved and sometimes overlooked Soul, Jazz Funk and RnB artists.

My 1st contribution is from one of my Jazz-Funk heroes- Lonnie Liston Smith. Lonnie started out in the 60's playing with big time jazz greats like Miles Davis, Art Blakey and later Pharoh Saunders before starting his own band, the Cosmic Echoes, in the 70's. There he helped pioneer that 'spacey' Soul-Jazz fusion with tunes for both dancers and chill out followers alike. I myself have seen him play 3 times over the years both on his own and as part of the 'Jazz Explosion' tours of the 80's and 90's and he never failed to deliver.

The mix includes the tracks Song for the Children, Sunburst, Journey into Love, and We Can Dream plus 6 more classic Lonnie tunes!

Back next week in 80's mode after a SoulNRnB musical interlude.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UCDEGMHD

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 62 and 63

Last of these double packs for a while, though no shortage of new music coming your way!

 

 This mix kicks off with one of my tunes of the year, 9th Wonders "One Night", then follows that up with a wealth of new Artists. Marc Mac produces cover star Ayanna's version of "Roxanne", the Neptunes are back with a tune for LaShawn Daniels, and there is soulful class from Ntjam Rosie and CJ whose "I used to love her" marks him out as one to watch.

Then theres another tune of the year contender that kicks off 63, cover star Thundercats "Walkin'". Soulparlour's "Real" gets an Opolopo Remix, Avant shows off his soulful side, the UK's Native Sun show you how to mix influences and styles, and theres more class from Kimbra and Cleo.

There you go. New Artists. New Music.

Talking about Artists, next week is going to be a doozy. Were kicking of a series of Artists mixes with a double bill. Grizz will be posting the first on Monday, and Ill post my first at the end of the week. these mixes should highlight some of the artists you know and love, as well as some that have been slept on.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 62

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 63

DJ Grizz- 60's Soul Vol.12

Welcome back for another installment of music from the origins of Soul!

Ten tunes including an early one from 70's rare groove man Chuck Jackson, The Royalettes original recording of a well known tune, Arthur Prysock covers a classic 1st written in the 1930's, and topped off with our featured poster group- The Impressions.

Just to re-iterate what SoulNRnB said on his last post, the downloads on this site are mixes not the individual tracks/LP's! We have spent literally decades of 'crate diggin', visiting record shops/fairs, online dealers etc to hunt down this music and the mixes are there for like minded people to enjoy, inform, use in their own right and hopefully promote/expose the artist/tracks to our fellow 'mixtapers'. It would appear to us - counterproductive for companies to have them taken down!!? Rant over! :)

I'll be back next week with the 1st in our series of artist specials!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CJDCY60A

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 60 & 61

Before I start, need to explain something.

The blog has recieved takedown notices on the last few postings of the Street Sounds mixes. Weve complied with them where they explain who the complainant was.

TO BE CLEAR: These are mixes, produced for music lovers with the aim of letting them explore new as well as big named artists with the hope that they are PURCHASED. And statistics show that people do purchse the music they like. These mixes are no different to a podcast or a 1/2 hour radio show.

Its petty of big named acts to insist on these mixes being taken down when other lesser known artists would like the exposure. Yes, I'm talking to you Mary J Blige's publishing company.........

In any case: ON TO THE NEW

Aside from the ever soulful Anthony Hamilton (Whose album drops in 2012 I hear) and the return of the great bassist and artist Meshell Ndegeocello (Whose suddenly popped up on a couple of tunes) this mix comprises of mainly new artists. I would recommend Anesha and A+ for the RnB heads and Maimouna Youssef for the Soul lovers. But my tune of the mix? Mark De Clive Lowe's new single "The Why". Yes, hes an established artist too, but slept on IMO. His single is hot and needs your attention!

Mark pops up on this mix too, but its the Hip Hop that shines. Great tune from Strange Fruit Project, a great instrumental track from Slakah the Beatchild and Hazel, but its the cover star, none other than 9th Wonder, who takes centre stage. New Album is great and as I said on twitter, mash it up with Phonte's new LP and youve got the Hip Hop LP of the year (They are all over each others LP's like a rash anyhow!). More to come from 9th in future weeks, but enjoy this mix for now. (Barring any takedown notices!)

More new music next week, cause we dont stop. Get your fix of classic soul from Grizz to start your week though!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Session 60

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Session 61

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 27

As Jean Carne and Al Johnson once said.... 'I'm back for more'.... and its more high calibre rare groove/soul in this case!

Includes a much played & well worn (in the Grizz household anyway) 1967 classic from the Soul Brothers Six (B side to their big hit too), Love Unlimited Orchestra provide the string laden soul, a solid 'boogie' tune from Donna Washington and a Slave classic from the Stone Jam LP.

I'll be back with some 60's Soul goodies next after SoulNRnB trys to keep you in touch with more good new stuff coming out. Also we've had one or two mixes taken down by 'the man' so don't hang around on these!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XXWF6BF5

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions Volumes 58 and 59

To say that new music, GOOD new music, is coming in thick and fast is an understatement.

I've got Street Sounds mixes coming at you thick and fast over the next few weeks, and whilst I'm gonna be posting more TOP 11 mixes as well as the ARTIST series I'm working on with Grizz, Ive got to keep all our followers up to date with whats new to check out musically, and I aint gonna slip!!


Therefore.................

Right off the bat, New Phonte from his forthcoming LP. Produced by (and re-united with) ex Little Brother and producer extrodinaire 9th Wonder and featuring Elzhi from Slum Village. Can you guess the sample? More excellent Hip hop from Jakk Frost (Produced by the Neptunes and featuring Amerie) and Stalley, who cheekily samples Steveland Morris to great effect. Add to that Soul from KING (Excellent MdCl remix) and Robin Thicke; Plus R&B from Latif and Syleena Johnson.

But that aint it.

More HEAT from Goapele, a new tune from Monica (That I previewd back in 2009 with Voyce Alexander singing on one of our deleted NU-Soul Comps), stalwarts Mary J Blige, Anthony Hamilton and Gap Band member Charlie Wilson, topped of with a great version of "I Cant help it" from Yazarah.

Grizz back after the weekend, back with more new music next week.

###Update###

Received a takedown notice for Street Sounds Sessions 59. After investigation it seems the problem is around the Mary J Blige track. I have removed the link and apologise to the others on that particular mix who didn't mind the exposure.

##Update 2###

Now Fileserve have deleted both mixes. Hey ho. Get them while you can I say. Who knows what a future MEGA PACK may hold. ;)

DJ Grizz- Mellow Grooves Vol.10

The UK Summers over and Autumn begins and although you try resist putting the heating on in the morning you know those cold nights are coming! Time to wrap up and put your feet up to something chilled-out... so heres 10 more mellow soul n jazz tunes from back in the day.


Includes Luther giving us his version of a Bacarach and David classic, Terry Calliers velvet tones , The Queen of Memphis Soul Ann Peebles, a somewhat non-PC but still classy Shirley Brown tune and topped off with a jazzy but finely covered take on Earth Wind and Fire from Japan.


See you guys n gals next week after SoulNRnB's weekend offering.


Grizz


http://www.megaupload.com/?d=X7IL0EI9



Tracklist in comments

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 90's

So, another Top 11 mix. We've done the Noughties and the 80's, now lets take a trip back to flat tops, New Jack Swing and the Fresh Prince......nahhhhhhhhh. Forget that. The decade started pretty....Wack......but halfway through Neo-Soul was born, and essentially, artists decided to make music again taking inspriration from the 70's.

OK. Lets get down to it. My choice for Top 11, in no particular order.

4hero - Two Pages
Driza Bone - Conspiracy
Camp Lo - Uptown Saturday Night
Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lucy Pearl - Lucy Pearl
Eric Benet - A day in the life
Blaze - 25 Years Later
D'angelo - Brown Sugar
Jamiroquai - Return of the Space Cowboy
Maxwell - Urban Hang Suite
Adriana Evans - Adriana Evans

Most of these LP's need no introduction. So ill say something about a few.

Adriana Evans - IMO, the LP that birthed "Neo Soul". Pre Brown Sugar. (CORRECTION: Post Brown Sugar....but to me for some reason...pre! I do think though that this LP influenced the Organic sound more than Brown Sugar which kicked the door down of New Jack Swing. THX MIMI SOUL) Like a breath of fresh air, organic and soulful.

Blaze - One side featured thier brand of excellent house music, the other? A virtual history of 70's Black Music. Influences from Curtis to Stevie. Absolute class.

4hero/Jamiroquai - Cutting edge; Jazzy; Soulful; featuring actual musicians. 2 of the best LP's from any decade IMO. And British. :)

Camp Lo - 70's inspired Hip Hop? This is it. From the samples to the House of Bamboo references, to the 70's pimpalicious flow. My choice for Hip Hop LP, though I know Hip Hop heads will widen thier eyes.

And thats it. Except the one I always forget. Dont think I dont love you Erykah, cause I do. Ever since I first heard "On & On" and saw you double billing it with Jamiroquai in the UK back in the day. I dont know why I havent put an LP of yours in one of my lists. Cant work it out. My bad. But here you are in spirit.





The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 90's

DJ Grizz- Lovers Rock Vol. 15

OK so its 2 weeks since the Carnival but I need no excuse to post some more of those old time soulful reggae grooves. perfect for all you mature winders and grinders.

The Investigators try and wring a few more days of sun out of our summer, Rudy Thomas does a Billy Paul classic, Black Magic cover the Jones Girls, the In Crowd do their stuff and reggae royalty The Tamlins all feature plus much more.

I know Mr SoulNRnB is trying hard to keep up with and share all the new stuff coming out but we've both got a series of 'artist' specials coming up over the coming months so stay tuned. Of course if theres any Soul/JazzFunk/RnB artists you'd like featured then let us know via comments etc and we'll do our very best.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LNDYS3E8

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's LIVE! Soul Show MEGA PACK

A little treat for you all this weekend........

....a MEGA PACK of the 4 Live shows that I compiled as "Dream" shows we would like to see.

Very Popular when I made them (Even Grizz has a version on the site, check that out before it disappears...) this is a collection of all 4 including rare appearances.

SoulNRnB's 4 Nights of Soul LIVE! Mega Pack

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 56 & 57

Yet another double bill, just because there is new music coming out thick and fast. Dont want that New music missing anybody....so here goes:

First volume has some great new music from Nina Vidal and Sharlene Hector, two artists you should keep on your radars, a great soul tune from Tasha Taylor; Johnny Taylors daughter. If you dont know who Johnny Taylor is, google him. Some great soul music from that man and it looks like it runs in the family. On top of that, youve got more Anthony Hamilton, and remixes for Teedra Moses and India Arie. Track of the mix? In light of the anniversary of MJ's death, theres a great version of Never can say goodbye; Vocals by Mr Jackson, instrumentation by the great Electric Empire. Check it out. More MJ tributes on the mix forthcoming, including one from YahZara.

Then theres volume 57 featuring new music from cover star Lalah Hathaway (Do I need to tell you who her dad is?), Jazmine Sullivan, a "Musiq" style tune from Latif, Mr Eric Roberson featuring tigallo tigallo tigallo.....and UK newcomer Maverick Sabre. My tune of this mix? Boogie Arkestra's "Dont Forget", with its Jazz Funk/Boogie feel, its impossible to keep your feet from moving.

An excellent Soul Niceness from Grizz this week, I know theres loads of fans of his Lovers Rock mixes too, so come back for him on Monday.

Back next week, maybe with more of these or a top 11!!

***UPDATE***  Was taken down for "Music Violations", but this is a mix, promoting the Artists? Looked on Chilling Effects to see who placed the complaint so I could remove thier material, but nothing there. So I'm putting it back up. Why shouldnt the other artists enjoy some exposure!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 56

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 57

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 26

Yet another offering of top notch Rare Groove and Soul from the crates.

10 more quality cuts from the likes of Freddie Hughes, The Sylvers, a 70's cut from 60's soul god Jackie Wilson and a track from JazzFunk legend Weldon Irvine whose musical career spanned 5 decades!

I've had some pretty good feedback about Megaupload so will be sticking with them to share my mixes but let us know if you guys hit problems with the downloads. SoulNRnB up at the weekend and then I'm back with a Lovers Rock installment.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1RBBOFJ2

Tracklist in comments

Street Sounds Double Bill: Volumes 54 & 55

Well, the new music is coming thick and fast now after a slow start to the year. Got 5 more of these ready to share already with some killer music for you all, so stay with us in the coming weeks!

In the meantime.....

Check out new killer joints from Anthony Hamilton, a Neptunes produced track from Joe, great R&B from Andrea Martin and Teairra Mari, one of my (sure-to-be) singles of the year from Tracy Cruz, cover star Carlitta Durrand sharing the spotlight with Phontigallo on an 80's inspired jam plus much much more.....

....like the next volume.

Raheem Devaughn returns to the type of music he was producing back in the day, Marsha Ambrosius teams up with Daley to produce a monster, a tune from the excellent Jill Scott LP on Hidden Beach (MUCH  preferable to her new LP on Warners IMO.......and these are out-takes. But I do love me some Jill!), new kids on the block Colnel Red and UK songstress Fatima, topped off by cover star Mark de Clive-Lowe whose new LP is gonna be a MUST BUY and who we will have more tunes showcased on upcoming mixes.

There you go. Enjoy, Grizz back soon, and were talking about collaborating on a couple of new series mixes (Like we did on the Disco Soul) so stay tunes for more on that.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 54

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 55

DJ Grizz- On a Jazz Tip Vol.6

Time for some Jazz Funk goodies for all you dancers and head nodders alike!

Its volume 6 and we have Jazz Funk musical heavyweights Bobby Humphrey, John Handy and Ronnie Laws, 2 top quality jap-jazz cuts, 2 scandanavian jazz stormers and all topped off with a latin take on a funk anthem.

If you are off to carnival- enjoy, stay safe and take an umbrella as British Summer Time continues to be as bad as usual. SoulNRnB back with some new stuff after his 80's top ten (we had some serious debate on that as well as his upcoming 70's one- believe me... very difficult to pick just 10!!). I'll be posting more rare groove goodness with Niceness26 next week.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HM8HISGZ

Tracklist in comments

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 1980's

Over the next few months, we are going to bring you some "Top 11" lists of LP's we think every discerning soul fan should have in thier collection. We started this a while back with our Top 11 LP's of the Noughties here: The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the Noughties

Were going to running through our picks of the 90's and the 70's in coming weeks, but we are kicking off with the 80's.

Let's start with the list, in no particular order:

Prince - Under a Cherry Moon

Steve Arrington - Hall of Fame I

Debra Laws - Very Special

Kashif - Kashif

Howard Johnson - Keeping Love New

Anita Baker - Rapture 

Alexander O'Neal - Alexander O'Neal

Luther Vandross - Forever, for always, for love

Shalamar - Friends

Stevie Wonder - Hotter than July

Sylvia Striplin - Give me your love

A quick word about these; 

Prince = Genius, no doubt. Big producers of the era all present (Save one, seen below!). Kashif, Jam & Lewis (With the LP that really broke them, even after having success with the S.O.S Band, with Alexander O'Neal), Leon Sylvers (With Shalamar's most successful LP and perfectly melded great tunes with the great vocals of Howard Hewett) and Roy Ayres. Some of the greatest vocalists of the era are present with Luther, Anita, Stevie and the aforementioned Mr Hewett.

But most of all, these are LP's that I believe define the decade, are all listenable throughout and are worth your investment. You can hear some of the class in the mix below.

Now, here's the complicated stuff. These are my picks, and I know that Grizz has some different views (Which he's welcome to post!) but I have consulted with him on this decade and the 70's. There are 2 massive omitions.

1) Slave - Stone Jam

I left this out because I didnt feel that I could have 2 Arrington LP's on the list. Is Hall of Fame a better LP? No. I love them both, and I guess I am just more sentimental about Hall of Fame I, and Arrington's on every track. However, Stone Jam is an absolute corker. Not one duff tune. Mark Adams on bass outdoes himself, and the whole LP is funk personified. Here's what I mean:

So get it too.

2) The System - Xperiment

The truth? I plain forgot before I ran the mix off. For me, this LP needs to be on the list. Where I talked about all the great producers being present, David Frank and Mic Murphy are the exception. Who would I have taken off the list to replace them with this LP? I have no idea.

But Xperiment is a one of a kind LP. There was nothing like this in the Soul music world at the time. Heavily synthesised, a hard edged sound, yet mixed with the soulful songwriting of the pair and Mic Murphy's yearning vocals. Promises can break, Lollipops and everything, I wanna make you feel good..... all classics. As is the following.

So there we have it. Grizz would also like to record that he would have had the following on his list;

Jacksons- Triumph (A nearly ran of mine to, "Give it up" is a classic)

BBQ- Genie

Blackbyrds- Better Days

Jack Mcduff - Kisses

Tania Maria- Come with me

He's back Monday, and I'm back with some new music next week.

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 80's