DJ Grizz_ Mellow Grooves 16

Hope you all had a good few days over Xmas and if it was anything like mine you'll be needing to crash out to recover! So for my last 2012 post heres some chilled out soul and jazz to lay back to!

Kicks off with songs from a couple of 60's Soul stars in Bobby Wade and Lee Williams, includes some mellow jazz from the Minority Band and the First Cousins Jazz Ensemble, disco queen Vicki Sue Robinson gets soulful and finishes with prolific jazz drummer Jimmy Cobb on a track featuring Gregory Hines on vocals.

We'll both catch you in 2013.... have a good one!

Grizz

http://www16.zippyshare.com/v/97528410/file.html

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 98

My last post for 2012, and it seems fitting to take a peek into what's coming up for 2013, while at the same time giving you a brand new mix for any New Year celebration soundtracks you need!

Cover star Bilal has an eagerly waited (At least by us!) LP coming out in the new year, and we get the excellent soul groove of "Back to Love" from it as well as a great cover of Stevie's "Too High" from his recently released mixtape.

There are a couple more covers on here too; A great re-work of "Last Night Changed it all" from the Love Loungers and another remake of one of my favourite songs ever made, "Black Gold of the Sun". True, there are many versions of it, and I didnt really need another, but the version by the Decoders has something fresh to bring to the song, and I love its Latin feel.

More? We got Seravince Feat. Renee Neufville (of Zhane Fame) on a great mid tempo tune; Brian McKnight stops all the stupidness and brings us a decent tune; Plus 4Hero alumni Carina Andersson's beautiful tune "Stars" and Soulpersona's re-work of Positive Flow (and Omar's!) "Do what I do". PLUS MUCH MORE!!

Enjoy, have a great New Year, and may 2013 bring you all that you wish for. See you soon Mixtaper's.

SoulNRnB

SoulNRn's Street Sounds Sessions 98

DJ Grizz - Soul Niceness 45

My last 'Niceness' mix of 2012 and as usual its 10 more rare groove and forgotten soul gems from the 70's and 80's.

Starts off with vocal version of a Jazz Funk classic from Ned Doheny, includes San Franciso soulfunk don- Darondo, ex Stax man LV Johnson, a gem from Delegation, the Stax connection continues with a 70's stepper from the Barkays and topped off with an early outing for Bobby Nunn with 60's duo Bob N Gene.

I hope Santa brings eveything you mixtapers want. Mr S will be back after the turkey and I'll catch you next week for something to wind down to.

Grizz

http://www46.zippyshare.com/v/71349058/file.html

Tracklist in comments 

Review 2012 PART TWO: The Top 10 LP's of 2012 PLUS AN EP!

Some real quality LP's released this year, though the big news in my opinion was the resurgence of Jazz. Artists like Darryl Reeves, Gregory Porter, Diggs Duke and others really brought back that Jazz flavour weve been missing for a moment now.There were decent releases from named artists, and the independents released quality music all year round; If your a soul music fan, you need to do some digging on Bandcamp and Soundcloud for those new artists with the talent that major labels have decided to ignore.

Also; Seriously, wheres that D'Angelo LP?????

Anyhow, 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. Positive Flow - Flow Line

A late entry into my list, this LP is gonna get comparisons to a 4Hero work. Including vocal talent from Omar to Stacy Epps, Colonel Red, Vanessa Freeman, Andre Espeut, Heidi Vogel (Cinematic Orchestra), the LP encompasses various styles from Galactic Soul, Jazz, House, funk and more. "Children of the Sun" is a tribute to Rotary Connection (as is "Tapestries of the mind") and is one of the years best; Omar blesses two tunes, "My Prediction being a killer; "The Quest" is 4Hero love all the way with its soulful groove and spoken word vocals; Almost took my number 1 spot, has the quality that makes it a contender, and Tokyo Dawn Records and the UK's own Jesse Reuben Wilson should be proud. Essential.


9. Karriem Riggins - Alone Together

Not since Dilla's DONUTS have I enjoyed what is essentially a beat tape so much. I do it a disservice actually; This LP (A combination of previously released EP's) is a black music soundscape. Karriem, multi-instrumentalist and successful producer, takes us through Hip Hop Grooves, Soulful melodies, Latin shufflers with no track lasting more than a couple of mins. Thats why there's 34 tunes. Karriem intersperses the beats with his much sought after drum work, keys and even harpsichord and leaves you wanting more than the snippets of tunes he provides. Those snippets together though, they make a terrific whole.


8. Diggs Duke - Gravity/Black Gold/Mass Exodus 

Cheat number 1. These are a set of EP's that Diggs started releasing late last year and throughout 2012.The first, Gravity, includes the soulful, drum laced "Epic Lie", and used to include the Jazzy "Black & Blue" (Which looks like its been withdrawn to feature in a future project); Black Gold has the stunning "Something in my soul" and the rhythmic "Black Gold"; The two Mass Exodus EP's released recently have heavily featured on our street sounds mixes.As previously mentioned, multi-instrumentalist Diggs has been at the forefront of this years Jazz revival I believe, but he crosses over into soul and funk to make even the most Jazz-Phobic people appreciate his work. A major Label should snap this dude up quick time. You heard it here first!


7. Dwele - Greater than One

I have alot of love for Dwele. I remember first hearing those bootlegs and the self released "Rize"; And when he signed to Virgin and released the great LP "Subject" I couldnt help but be over the moon. Like Diggs, a multi instumentalist and composer with his own sound. Subsequent LP's have included great tunes but did not hit me as hard as those original LP's. So I put on Greater than One with a little trepidation, especially as i liked, but didn't love, first release "What profit". Then the two mins of "Greater than One" hit me, reminding me of those 2 min joints on his first releases."Going Leaving", in my opinion, ranks up there with his best work. Real lyrics around the break up of his relationship due to the fact that his partner wanted children, which scared him, is grown folks music. "Swank" starts off in Rare Groove/Stepper territory before moving into a mid tempo Dwele Groove. And then there's "Frankly my Dear" which is the best slow jam he has produced in a while with a soulful groove and  lyrics like "I didn't know you had a man, till I checked your Facebook Page". A Real return to form.

6. Angie Stone - Rich Girl

And if we're talking return to form, then lets talk about Angie Stone. Angie, I love you, but I dont know who made you sit on a motorcycle for the cover of your last LP "Unexpected", or made you record tunes aimed for the pop market, but I didnt like it at all. Rich Girl, however, I like. Setting out your stall with the intro "Real Music", tracks such as the Mahogany Soul-like (My fave Angie LP BTW) "Do what you gotta do" and "Alright" remind us why we love you. And then there's "First Time" which is up there with your best work. Welcome back Angie, I missed you for a moment there.

5. Jarrard Anthony - Ready to Live

You want a great "Real R&B" LP? No autotune, euro pop influence, but still fun? This is your LP, trust me. Running off the blocks with a great mid tempo soul tune "Lucky Day", it follows it up with the Joe/Ryan Leslie sounding "Never see her again". Old school is represented with the shuffling "Something like love" and the Lonnie Liston Smith guesting cover of that Weldon Irvine classic "I Love you". "Cloud 10" is a stepper the Neo-Soul crowd loved back in the noughties; With other guests the like of Darien and Eric Roberson, you know what you've got here. A great modern R&B/Soul LP from a man whose released some good work before, but has finally made an LP to shout about.

4. The Sunburst Band - The Secret Life of Us

Joey Negro, founder and overseer of this congregation of great session musicians, has created another great addition to their celebration of all things 70's,80's and boogie. From the mashup of 80's electro (Sampling Davy DMX's "One for the treble") and Jazz stylings with "Jazz the DMX"; "The Secret Life of Us" recalls Chic; "opus de soul" brings the jazz funk/boogie Weekender sound and "Love One Another" is like a lost track on an early 80's rare groove LP. Added to this the fact that the Japanese Version unites the Band with one of my favorite's, THE REBIRTH, and you've got a mighty addition to this years best LP's.


3. Ralf Gum - Never Leaves you

A big name in the Soulful House scene, Ralf's been DJ'ing since the early 90's; As a producer, he's worked with notable artists as Monique Bingham, Robert Owens, Kenny Bobien & Caron Wheeler; He released his first artist album titled 'Uniting Music' in 2008 and this is his follow up; Tune after tune of that deep, soulful house that I love and always try to convince the "Soul-Heads" to get into. And how could they not, with vocals on here courtesy of the aforementioned trio plus others, its a real showcase of quality. The best Soulful House LP Ive heard this year.

2. Visioneers - Hipology

Marc Mac gives us a history lesson via his ensemble of musicians (similar to Joey Negro's Sunburst Band), showing us where Hip Hop came from musically, where it met 70's and 80's Soul and Jazz. "Come Play in the Milky Night" is like a Jazz Funk version of a Dilla Beat; Cover versions of "Shaft in Africa" (Sampled by Jay Z) and "Apache" (Sampled by many back in the day!) are respectful; "Luanne from Harlem" is Latin Soul at its finest, but where's the Hip Hop Connection? Check the old school beat that pops up around the 1:10 mark; "Swahililand" is a beautiful Jazz funk instramental and "Ice cream on my kicks" is head nodding funk. Best LP Cover of the year too! Essential purchase.


BONUS EP. Joanna Borromeo - Through the Dark EP

Cheat No.2 - I'm adding this EP in because its just so good. "Burn" is a mellow soul tune of the highest quality with great use of horns; "Through the Night" is one of the years best tracks. The sort of folky soul tune you get from the aforementioned Marc Mac in his 4Hero guise, its string and horn laden and reminicent of the great Minnie Ripperton; "Save my Soul" is almost Sade-like to these ears. All 5 tunes are of the highest quality and you need to seek this out!


and so on to the years best LP...........................

1.Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio


Led the pack early this year and just couldnt be beat. Momentum kept up by the Black Radio REMIXED EP released later in the year that im including in the no.1 spot (Cheat No.3). If your reading this blog, youve got this already. What can I say? Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, Bilal helping to cover Bowie, Lalah Hathaway helping to cover Sade, Mos Def commenting on the state of Black Radio and Pete Rock remixing it for the EP, 9th Wonder and Phonte, Ledisi, Meshell Ndegeocello, Questlove, KING's ethereal vocals on "Move Love"; The talent on this great LP is unquestionable. And its all topped off with Roberts beautiful Keyboard playing and arrangements. LP of the year no doubt.




Picking a top 10 was no easy feat this year. I cant consciously post it without the following LP's getting a name check. These are all well worth a purchase (and your support too!)

Special Mentions:

DivaGeek - He said, She said

Just missing out on my top 10, Ben and Vula have been around for a while but this is their first LP; and its hot. Mixing soul, funk, and electronica with a uniquely UK bent, they have developed their own style; "Go Hard" is a head nodder; "He said, She said" rides on a galactic soul vibe thats all about synths and soulful vocals; "Cant take the heat" is too short, coming over like a D'angelo Joint; "Hangin' Wid U" sounds like 1980's THE SYSTEM; There's even a version of the much covered "I cant help it" by Mr Jackson that actually brings something new to the track. 15 tunes showcasing a real talent. Dont let this LP get slept on!


Gregory Porter - Be Good

The LP I'm having issues about not being in the top 10, a great traditional Jazz LP. Gregory's excellent vocals ride along uptempo Jazz "On my way to Harlem" to beautiful souful tunes like "When did you Learn". Raises your soul on each listen, a must purchase if your jazz inclined in the slightest.

and also check these great LP's out too:

Funkommunity - Chequered Thoughts (Out in Australia 2011, got a worlwide release in 2012)
Conya Doss - Pocketful of purpose
Darryl Reeves - Mercury
Elliott Yamin - Lets get to whats real
Princess Freesia - Rainbow Ride
Mint Condition - Music at the speed of light
Sy Smith - Fast and Curious
Teri Tobin - So Good to me
Incognito - Surreal
Roane Namuh & Reva Devito - Cloudshine
Joy Denalane - Maureen
Cody Chestnutt - Landing on a hundred


So, all in all, a quality year for those soulful LP's and I hope weve pointed you in the direction of some good music to listen to this year. That's the last of my review posts for the year, next week we will be looking to 2013. (And asking the question again.....WHERE'S THAT DAMN D'ANGELO LP???)

Grizz back soon, let me take this opportunity to wish you all happy holidays from the Soul Mixtape. Oh, and dont forget to download our top LP mix below!!

The Soul Mixtape's Top 10 LP's of 2012 PLUS AN EP

DJ Grizz- Soul Weekender Classics Mix

'Tis the party season so here's something for all you guys who prefer their parties old school and choc full of classic jazz funk and 80's weekender nuggets-  its a Soul Weekender Classics mix.

Ten tunes from the days of the Soul Boys and Girls, the Soul Mafia and the occasional Southern UK holiday camp taken over by Soul and Jazz Funk aficionado's. Includes 80's floorfillers from Herbie Hancock, LAX, Skyy, Mass Production and Weldon Irvine.  So sneak this onto your party playlist and educate your guests on how we got down 30 odd years ago!

Back with my penultimate 2012 mix next week after Mr S carries on reviewing the best of the year.

Grizz



  http://www24.zippyshare.com/v/79012485/file.html 

Tracklist in comments

The Soul Mixtape's Review 2012 - PART ONE

Welcome to the first part of our Best of 2012 posts. This year, weve split our review into two; Part one will focus on picks from both current artists and my own picks with previews of some of our choices for you all to sample. Next week we will have the annual Top 10 LP's of the year for you to peruse, agree or disagree with, and maybe hunt down with some of those vouchers you got this holiday season!

So, without futher ado, lets introduce you to the artists who have kindly agreed to share their thought on 2012 musically.

Angela Johnson started out as part of the great Cooly's Hot Box before going solo with the awesome LP's They Do not Know (2002) and Got To Let It Go (2005) and A Woman's Touch Vol.1 (2008). Last year she released a great remix LP of some of her classic tunes. Similarly, Teri Tobin released a great debut LP Love Infinity (2011) and currently has So Good to me (2012) on release. Rhonda Thomas has been with us for a while now, from her debut EP Rhonda (1999), through various excellent LP's, a founding member of great Soulful Jazz group Jiva, to her current Xmas release Little Drummer Girl (2012).

Diggs Duke. Do we really have to fill you in on this dude? He's been all over the blog over the last year, and anyhow, we will be talking about him in detail next week. (Hint Hint) SoulPersona, producer/remixer/artist. Soulacoaster (2009) was an absolute corker of an LP, and this UK based artist has kept himself busy remixing and producing artists like Princess Freesia since. Sherry Davis is also UK based, one of our future bright stars who released this Omar produced corker this year, a definite entry in my tunes of the year list!


And finally, Mic Murphy and David Frank of the System. You dont know who these legend's are? Type "the system" in our search box at the top of the page and read up on our ARTISTS post and GREAT PRODUCERS post.

So lets get on with Question 1:

2012 has not been a bad year for Soul and Jazz music. Can you tell us about your pick for LP of the year?

Soulpersona: To be honest I don't really listen to music from the present as most of the stuff in my collection is from the 70's and 80's! My mate Nick Van Gelder released a great album called "Groovitas" as did Princess Freesia with her self produced "The Rainbow Ride" which is a wonderful album.

Sherry Davis: The best albums of the year for me have been Alex Clare, The Lateness of The Hour, Jessie Ware Devotion and my old fave Anthony Hamilton's Back to Love. I love the fact that Anthony stays true to his old school soul roots and I can't get enough of his smoky vocals. Jessie and Alex have broken a lot of ground in the UK Soul Scene and they are bringing in a Nu Soul Vibe which I find exciting.

Diggs Duke: I can say, without a doubt, that Hiatus Kaiyote's "Tawk Tomahawk" was my favorite album of the year. They were able to successfully translate all of their influences into a cohesive sound. I like almost every song on the album and the lead singer, Naipalm, has a great voice.

Teri Tobin: It's tie for me. Robert Glasper - Black Radio and Frank Ocean - channel ORANGE

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again; Miguel - Kaleidoscope Dreams; The Weekend - House Of Balloons; Rihanna (my guilty pleasure!)

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): Not sure about album of the year but I really really like Eric Benet's Harriet Jones....I also like Wale/ Miguel. Lotus Flower and generally Frank Ocean. There are more but those come to mind.

Rhonda Thomas: Gregory Porter's "Be Good" is unapologetically jazz at a time when so many others are moving away from the genre. His live performance is refreshing and honest. I've seen him perform with a pianist, upright bass, drummer, sax and trombone and completely whoo the audience.

Angela Johnson: That would be difficult for me. There's a lot of beautiful music out there that I haven't heard, but heard about. If I can give you honourable mentions...
I'm really digging Miguel's, "Kaleidoscope Dream". His style and his approach is nothing new, but something about it is refreshing. He's creating his own lane. Eric Roberson's, "Mister Nice Guy" and Anthony David's "Love Out Loud" are excellent LPs! They always put out quality music and continue to raise the bar.

Well, the Soul Mixtape will be announcing their choices for LP of the year next week, but lets give you a preview of one of the tunes on one of those LP's now...... an absolute corker that starts off in a jazzy rare groove steppers mode before coming with the Neo Soul.....

Question 2:

Of all the songs you've heard this year, which ones stand out as something special?

Soulpersona: I try not to think like that as I make so much music myself every day, so i'm pretty content... Plus as mentioned above my knowledge of modern day music knowledge is limited!

Sherry Davis: I absolutely love Never the Right Time by Cleo Sol. When I heard it I downloaded it immediately! It's so girly and attitude-ish! The perfect song to strut down the street to. I met her in a studio and was like, Omigod, I love your song! And then I ran over and sang it to her. Haha.

Diggs Duke: Bilal sings a David Bowie tune called "Letter to Hermione" on Robert Glasper's "Black Radio" album. It was a very special rendition. I think Bilal is as good as any singer in history.

Teri Tobin: Timothy Bloom feat V Bozeman, Emily King - Radio, Tonight - John Legend,
Mint Condition - Believe in us, Keyshia Cole - Trust and Believe, Leon Timbo - any he writes/sings.

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): Feel So Close by Alex Clare ; I Wont Give Up by Jason Mraz; The James Bond Theme (SoulNRnB: Can you imagine The System doing a Bond Theme?!? WOW)

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): Wow what a question. I'm happy for whoever did the songs that I like. I'm not the jealous type....except from a number of Years ago..."One thing" by Amerie....how original was that...to my ears anyway.

Rhonda Thomas: Sy Smith's "Fast And Curious", Eric Roberson's "Male Ego", Anthony David's "Love Out Loud", Jesse Fischer's "Gotham Underground", and The Endangered's "Calling On You", Gregory Porter's "1960 What?".

Angela Johnson: Miguel's "Adorn", hands down!! I've love that track and I wished I had written and produced it. It's so slick!

So here's Angela's pick that I really dug too;


And here's another pick of mine, the Pharrell produced Frank Ocean monster:

Question 3:

Whose music has most influenced you and your work?

Soulpersona : There's no one artist that influences me, there's a whole load of them. Freddie Hubbard, Marvin Gaye, Roy Ayers, Patrice Rushen, Kleeer, The Salsoul Orchestra and many, many more... I'd have to give Jocelyn Brown a special mention though as she sang either lead or background vocals on many of the tracks back in the day that I love.

Sherry Davis: There are so many. Vocally I have to say Mariah. Other than that, it's Diana Ross, Jill Scott, Michael and Janet Jackson, D'Angelo...I could really bore you with the amount of influences I have. I love film music also and try to incorporate that into my sound. Classic Composers like Karl Jenkins, John Barry and Hans Zimmer are my heroes. Nowadays I'm getting into the 70's soul and funk too. Betty Davis, Isaac Hayes, Black Merda...am I boring you yet?

Diggs Duke: Duke Ellington is by far the biggest influence on my music. He paid great attention to detail when arranging his music. There was never any fluff.

Teri Tobin: I have an eclectic taste in music and artists that inspired and influenced me along the way. Donny Hathaway is always at the top of my list. Marvin. Prince. Luther. Stevie.

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): Earth wind and fire.average white band. Stevie wonder.james brown.arif mardin as producer.Prince barry white.Omar.dr dre productions. Kashif productions.Traffic.the band.Aretha franklin. Glad knight and the pips.Rollercoaster by.....forgot the bands name..forgive me.(Editor: Ohio players?) other funk bands of that era.Chaka khan.many jacksons and michael jackson songs.Timberland productions with jimmy douglas 'engineering'And so many more. Currently datsik bassnectar excision zedd and other dubstep. Kuk hurrell vocal production...so much more

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): Music Of My Mind Stevie Wonder / David Bowie Young American / Curtis Mayfield anything Curtom Records (Baby Huey and The Baby Sitters featuring Chaka Khan, bet you don't know that one!) and /The Gap Band Magicians Holiday Album on Leon Russels Shelter Records / Mothers Finest / Mandre / (don't get me started hahaha) Sylvester & the Hot Licks / Buddy Miles "Them Changes" still kills me

Rhonda Thomas: Al Jarreau's vocal stylings are almost visual. He dances with his voice. I love vocal acrobatics and use a lot of percussive/scat elements when I sing.

Angela Johnson: Quite a few artists come to mind that have influenced me in different stages of my life and career. The artist that stands out most would be Michael Jackson. All around, his dedication to his art and his commitment to music was incomparable!

Well, if were talking influences, then the Isley Brothers have a special place in my love for music. So, as its Xmas, lets hear an Isley Brothers Christmas tune, one of my favorites, thats gone way under the radar.



 Question 4:

Were all about new talent too at the Soul Mixtape, so can you give us a heads up on who we should be keeping an ear open for musically?

Soulpersona: There's a keys player called Carl Hudson that's putting out an instrumental jazz/funk/soul album on my label Digisoul next year. It's one of the best albums i've ever heard.

Sherry Davis: My new EP is out in the new year, so look out for that! I would also say keep an eye out for Daley, who is currently blowing up with his new single Remember Me feat. Jessie J. He's an amazing artist and is incredibly flawless live. I would deffo encourage soul/funk/r&b lovers to get out to the local soul nights, there's an insane amount of talent out there that doesn't always get to radio.

Diggs Duke: There are too many and I don't want to single any of them out right now. I'm always talking about other people's music on Twitter, and I have a very extensive playlist of music from all over the world, modern and classic, on my YouTube channel. (http://www.youtube.com/diggsduke)

Teri Tobin: Leon Timbo, Cleveland Jones, Morris Alan, V. Bozeman, King

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): Blood Orange, Andre Cymone's return.

Rhonda Thomas: Bashiri Asad, Jon Bibbs, The Endangered, and Chantae Cann

Angela Johnson: Unfortunately, I've been out of pocket with all the new talent coming out. I have to do some catching up. When I do find new talent, I'm sometimes the last to know...LOL... I'm in the studio day in, day out, working on my new material. (SoulNRnB: You can remedy that! I recommend you download a few Street Sound mixes Angela! Your one stop shop for new talent!)

New Talent Eh? How about this great tune from Kameron Korvet that sounds like 90's Toni Toni Tone mixed with Chucki Booker/Troop? The lyrics are naughty in a way that Brian McKnight's cringeworthy "ifyouready2learn" could only hope to emulate...
Or this brilliant version of Aaliyah's "More than a woman" from slept on Mark De-Clive Lowe and Nia Andrews, talent in abundance...



 Question 5:

Finally, what does 2013 hold in store for us with regards to you? Is there any new music or live shows forthcoming?

Soulpersona: No shows at present, but i've got a new album coming in January 2013 called "Soulperfreesia" it's another collaboration with my favorite artist to work with Princess Freesia. There will be another Soulpersona album in the Spring, and i'll also be finishing off a raregroove album i'm producing for Jocelyn Brown. All will be available from my label www.digisoulmusic.com

Sherry Davis: My next show is on 22nd December at XOYO and I'm really really really excited about my new EP which is out in early 2013, so keep your eyes peeled for the release date : )

Diggs Duke: I'm going to be playing live a bunch. There is a show scheduled at Drom in New York City on February 10, 2013. I'm very excited about it because I know some excellent musicians up there and it will surely be an awesome performance. I will be putting my debut LP out on a prestigious European indie label next year, as well. Lastly, I'm working on forming an orchestra to play my music and the music of some of my more talented peers. I have a lot to look forward to right now. Check out http://diggsduke.bandcamp.com/

Teri Tobin: Currently I'm working on an EP that is untitled, but we hope to have that released in the latter part of the 1st Quarter (2013). We are also looking to bring the live show abroad and especially to the UK! The fans and radio have been so supportive since the release of my first full-length project. Also on my wishlist is....Brazil....South Africa. So be on the look out for those announcements. The best place to stay connected to be kept abreast of tours, releases, etc is http://facebook.com/teritobin .

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): New System Album "System Overload" will drop in January and then we are looking forward to taking it to the stage. ( Editor: you can find details on Mic and David's SYSTEM FAN PAGE here http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-System-Fan-Page/165063106875907 )

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): As above, The new system album will be out and we intend on touring. more details soon.

Rhonda Thomas: I'm excited to announce the release of my Christmas CD "Little Drummer Girl". My duet with Eric Roberson on the song "Mistletoe" is one of the highlights of the CD. One of my other favorite's is a duet with Alex Lattimore "Baby It's Cold Outside". I can't wait for you to hear it. My CD release concert is 12/21/12 at SW Arts Center in Atlanta. You can hear the music at www.rhondasings.com.

Angela Johnson: I'm cranking out another solo project in 2013 which I'm really excited about! I've also been putting ideas together for a children's record. Lately, I've been working with a 11yr old singer from Brooklyn and it's been an incredible experience. I'm still growing in this game and it feels good to know that I haven't peaked yet! :) (SoulNRnB: Check out Angela's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/angelajohnson.music?ref=ts&fref=ts )

And that's it. Just a little more space to highlight a couple more tunes to check out.

Slow jam of last year, for me, was Daley featuring Marsha Ambrosius "Alone Together", this year its this: Tweet.
And Conya Doss made a return with this great song

 And Finally, this great remix of Jose James "Its all over your Body";

There are so many more great tunes released this year. Check out our street sounds sessions mixes to find out what was hot in 2012. A BIG THANK YOU to the contributing artists for thier selections, we hope they made interesting reading and maybe pointed you in a direction of a tune or two.

As previously mentioned, Best LP's of the year next week, and to get you in the mood heres the last couple of years choices in one handy package. Download, enjoy, and see you back here next week for this years picks!

Top 10 LP's of 2010 and 2011.rar

SoulNRnB.

DJ Grizz- Xmas Soul 2012

The tinsels all over the living room, the weathers lousy and my bank balance is taking a hammering... can only mean one thing- Its Christmas!! As is usual at this time of December heres another 10 Soul tinged xmas tunes to help you avoid the usual dirge of music brought out around the end of every year. 

Including big hitters like Rotary Connection, Al Green, The Temps, some xmas reggae from Freddie Mcgregor, Stevie Wonder and a Marvin rariety.

I'll be back with something to help your xmas party go with a rare groove bang and the big elf himself- Mr S is beavering away at his end of 2012 treats.

Grizz

http://www64.zippyshare.com/v/61730203/file.html 

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's XMAS White Label Mix

Christmas Officially starts here. Grizz has his annual Xmas mix coming up at the start of next week, and here's my monthly White Label mix, albeit with a yuletide bent.

The usual rare, unreleased and generally slept on soulful tunes from all era's and soulful genre's; Only this time its interspersed with some great Xmas tunes that you may or may not be aware of!

A great mix to put on whilst your getting the Turkey ready or putting the tree up, as will be Grizz's forthcoming treat!

Im back next week with part one of The Soul Mixtape's Review of 2012. DONT MISS IT. Its a treat!

 SoulNRnB's XMAS White Label Mix

DJ Grizz - Soulful 80's vol 17

Its December already and we kick off the holiday season with some more grooves from the 80's.

Ten 30something year old tunes including Bill Withers, a classic from Nick Straker Band, some Dayton, Grover Washington proteges Pieces of a Dream and topped off with a 'Slave' connection with Steve Washington.

Mr S up soon with his 1st December offering and i'll bring out my annual Xmas soul- tunes mix next week.

Grizz

 http://www38.zippyshare.com/v/8498004/file.html

Tracklist in comments

The Artists - Omar

Omar. Also described as the UK's very own Stevie Wonder. Also known as Omar Lye-Fook MBE. Yes, you read that right.... the Queen has honoured the man. Whoever advised her to do that (Cause I know shes not banging "Say Nothin'" in her Bentley) needs a massive pat on the back.

Omar learned his craft classically, playing the trumpet, piano and percussion and spent two years at Chetham's School of Music and the Guildhall School of Music. No self taught Atari Keyboard playing in his bedroom for this man. In a time that house music, indie music, and the birth of new jack swing were all prevalent, Omar decided to create a track that sounded it had been made 10 years earlier, used real instruments, and was paced far lower than the fashionable 120bpm of the time.

That was the classic song, "There's nothing like this." from his debut LP released in 1990. Originally on Kongo Records (Owned by his dad), it was soon snapped up by Acid Jazz specialists Talkin' Loud and that track was released as a single that hit the UK charts.

This was followed in 1992 by his second album, Music, after which Stevie Wonder got in touch to say how much he liked it. Omar flew over to the US to work with his idol, but this wasnt the only major talent to seek him out. The likes of Motown’s songwriter Lamont Dozier, keyboard wizard David Frank (One half of the System), former Heatwave bass player Derrick Bramble and Marvin Gaye’s arranger Leon Ware all wanted to work with him.

Omar then moved to RCA,  and released "For Pleasure". What followed is my own personal favourite Omar LP, co-produced with David Frank, "This is not a Love Song".  On this LP, Omar fulfilled a dream by working with Syreeta Wright on "Lullaby".

By this time, Omar was a critical darling. His final LP for RCA, "Best by Far" included contributions from Angie Stone, Erykah Badu and his recently re-released 2006 LP "Sing (If you want it)" featured the man himself, Stevie Wonder.

Picking out tracks for a mix like this is hard work with an artist like Omar. He refuses to be pigenholed, with styles including funk, jazz funk, african rhythms, soul even recently broken beat, I have tried to reflect the essence of Omar, including some of his rare output for long time fans. But everybody will have thier own personal favourites. The songs on this mix are only a few of mine, his works so diverse, his talent so large.

The Soul Mixtape Presents - The Artists - Omar

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness Vol. 44

Back for another dose of soul and grooves from those dusty crates- Soul Niceness 44.

Ten more old time nuggets including 'Feel the Need' guys The Detroit Emeralds, some soulful gospel grooves from Robert Vanderbilt, the pre-cursor band to Kleeer- The Universal Robot Band, Tata Vega remakes the Al Johnson classic and finishes with a classic cut from Dayton.

Back in a week with some forgotten 80's treasures!

 http://www39.zippyshare.com/v/27376637/file.html 

Grizz

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 97

Were on the run up to Xmas, so lets get started early and treat yourself with the latest Street Sounds Session!

Cover Star Rhonda Thomas has a new Christmas LP coming out called "Little Drummer Girl" and included on the mix is the excellent tune "Miseltoe" featuring Mr Nice Guy himself, Eric Roberson; Prince Protege Andy Allo teams up with the NPG to bring some funk with "People Pleaser"; Lady (Terri Walker & Nicole Wray) go old school R&B with "Money"; German Hip Hop producers JRandPH7 hook up with Phonte to give us a tune with a Foreign Exchange "Connected" feel, and im loving it; Darien Brockington raids his archive and gives us the soulful "If Only".

On top of that, theres some great RnB from Miss Murphy, JoJo, Saunders Sermon and a current favourite of mine, Shafiq Husayn's "Star".

Enjoy this warm up for Xmas, and ill be back next week with another great mix.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 97

DJ Grizz- The Artists- Pleasure

As promised - something for you Jazz-Funk lovers out there- a 'Pleasure' special. One of the most fondly remembered groups with the serious Soul-Jazz-Funk fans out there they spanned the mid 70's until the early 80's. They brought us some of the best known Jazz Funk anthems of the day and also guest played on some of the finest Jazz Funk LP's of the era with the likes of Ronnie Laws, Side Effect and Willie Bobo.

The anthems are all there like Glide, Joyous and Ghettos of the Mind, the sublime Sasafras Girl, jazz-dancers fave- 2 for 1 and 5 more top class tunes from back in the day.

Mr S is working like Santa's elves on his Xmas specials. I'll be back in rare groove 'niceness' mode.

Grizz

 http://www9.zippyshare.com/v/2223301/file.html

Tracklist:
Ghettos of the mind
Joyous
2 for 1
Let me be the one
Whats it gonna be
Glide
Happiness
Thoughts of old flames
Sassafras girl
We have so much to give

SoulNRnB's GEMS: The 80's

Its time for another volume of our gems series. So far weve covered the 70's, 90's and 00's, so its time to go back to the 80's

Alongside stalwarts of the era such as Fatback, weve got some great music from the likes of Magic Lady, Atlantic Starr's Sharon Bryant, a great remix of the late Sherrick's "Just Call", and a personal fave; Randy & the Gypsies "I can't wait".

If your a fan of the era, your gonna love this.

Some Jazz Funk from Grizz at the start of the week, im gonna go back to working on some special posts for Xmas/New Year.


SoulNRnB's Gems - The 80's

DJ Grizz- Lovers Rock Vol. 21

As promised I'm back with another selection of the best in soulful reggae- Lovers Rock Vol.21.

Ten more Lovers nuggets including Rudy Thomas, a classic from Intense, Lovers Queen Jean Adebambo, Delroy Wilson covers the Chilites rare groove nugget and finishes off with an oldie from Carlton and the Shoes.

Mr S up next then I'll return with an artist special for fans of 70's/80's jazz funk.

Grizz

http://www42.zippyshare.com/v/97662095/file.html
Rudy Thomas- Loving you
Doreen & Brentford Disco Set- This Love
Ginger Williams- I’ll still love you
Blood Sisters- Don’t say goodbye too loud
Intense- The very best
Leroy Simmons- At the dance
Jean Adebambo- Hardships of life
Teddy Lincoln - If its love that your looking for
Delroy Wilson- Living in the footsteps
Carlton & the Shoes- Sweet Feelin’

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 96

Another edition of the latest soulful music from all black music genres.

Cover star Talib Kweli features on 2 tunes; One from his mixtape thats been remastered featuring Ryan Leslie, whilst his duo Idle Warship (Which featues songstress Res) have an excellent tune, this time from the "Man with the Iron Fists" Soundtrack.

Raheem Devaughn gives us the mellow "Lay Awhile", Ayah releases some tunes from her vaults including the featured "Something about you", plus a veritable heap of independant music that you need to check out even if the names creating the tracks are new to you.

I'm back next week with something a little more old school, but next up is Grizz with something special!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 96

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 43

Its time again for another dose of rare groove, soul nuggets and boogie tunes from deep in the Grizz crates- Soul Niceness 43.

10 top notch spins as usual. We kick off with a tune from the 'Back for more' man Al Johnson, some Southern soul from Memphis with the Ovations, 80's funk band Leprechaun give us a mid tempo goodie, Bill Murphey covers the Jimmy James hit and we close with 2 top boogie tunes from The Players Association and The Jones' respectively.

Back with some soulful Lovers Rock next week after a Mr S midweek interlude.

Grizz
http://www35.zippyshare.com/v/68569976/file.html

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's White Label STRIKES AGAIN!

Pinch Punch first of the month. That means another edition of our monthly white label series of mixes created to entice, confuse and exite those soul tastebuds!

Ok, some clues to whats on here........

1) Some new material.....
2) Some unreleased material.....
3) Some great 80's electronic soul....
4) Some 70's Funk.....

See how many you can name. As always, contact us on Facebook, here or on @SoulNRnB on Twitter.

Have a great weekend, Grizz up next.

SoulNRnB's White Label Stikes Again

RIP Terry Callier

Uber cool jazz/soul/folk singer who 1st came to prominence in the the 60's/70's and enjoyed a renaissance in recent years passed today...RIP






Enjoy Ordinary Joe -live

Grizz


 

And here's something a little more recent from the great man, In a Heartbeat Feat. Koop.

SoulNRnB

DJ Grizz- Soul Version, 2nd Time Around

Welcome back mix-tapers and we are back with another  batch of old Soul (and 2 Reggae) covers of much loved tunes. Soul Versions, 2nd Time Around.

 

We kick off with a Curtis rendition of The Carpenters,  Cedar Walton continues from a week or 2 ago with the War theme, Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson and reggae hitman Derrick Harriot both cover big 80's hits, The O'Neal Twins lend some gospel to The Bluenotes anthem, and we finish with a corking live cover by jazz trio The Peddlers. Plus 4 more versions to get your teeth into.

 

Back with some rare grooves next Sunday. It the meantime I'll be getting my Shrek look perfected for Halloween and SoulNRnB will be going as Leatherface... so not not much effort required for either of us! 

 

Grizz  

 

http://www20.zippyshare.com/v/3209769/file.html

 

Tracklist in comments

 

 

 

A SoulNRnB K-Tel mix - Dusty Crates

Another popular "K-Tel" style mix, with the theme of "Dusty Crates". Tunes that sound like they've been dug out of some 2nd hand LP store from the 70's Soul/Funk section. And in some cases, they actually have.

Upfront Artists like the Visioneers, Cody ChestnuTT and Electric Wire Hustle mix with the likes of Ruben Wilson, Smoke and Fatback with a couple of suprises along the way.

Enjoy the mix, have a great weekend and I will catch up with you after a visit from Grizz. That reminds me, its nearly Halloween right? ;)

SoulNRnB's Dusty Crates

DJ Grizz- 60's Soul 16

Its been a few weeks of setbacks with another file host getting cold feet over hosting these mixes but we persevere and hope my new shiney host will hold up and 'get' the 'promotion' message we are trying to share.

So my new beginning starts... well, at the beginning. Its 60's Soul 16 with 10 more tunes from the roots of Soul. Bob Meyer covers a Northern anthem, blue-eyed soul boys the 3rd Avenue Blues Band lay down a wicked little stomper, Karen Small borrows a little from Walk on By for her tune, and finishes with our featured cover guy- Willie Cobbs with the original of a big reggae hit. Plus 6 more old old soulful tunes.

Back with some more Soul covers next week. Up next- SoulNRnB.

Grizz

http://www42.zippyshare.com/v/74826603/file.html

Tracklist in comments
 

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 95

Prepare to be tested. This weeks Street Sounds sessions is eclectic as it gets, featuring house, hip hop, broken beat, soul, Jazz and RnB. But if your a regular to these mixes, you know what they've got in common. Quality.

Cover star Cody ChestnuTT has a new LP out soon and weve got his super soulful tune "Till I met Thee" included; Chokolate provides an absolute corker of an RnB tune with "Fly"; Robert Glaspers Remix EP came out last week and we have 9th Wonder's hot remix of "Afro Blue"; Diggs Duke releases Part 2 of his Mass Exodus EP's and we have the excellent "Well Repel"; Hip Hop Terrace Martin produced by the ubiquitous 9th Wonder and the best thing Kanye West has produced in a long time "White Dress" from the soundtrack of RZA's new movie.

Add to that a storming Janet Jackson remix, great soulful house from Ralf Gum and Kenny Bobbien, 4Hero remixing Watch Clan plus much more.

Grizz back next week, potentially with a new filehoster, and I will have a K-Tel comp.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 95

DJ Grizz- WAR the mix.

Third time lucky as they say! Here's hoping this tribute mix to Los Angeles Funk Band 'War' stays up for you guys longer than the last couple of mixes.

Laid back funkers War were a California band with latin, rock and jazz influences. Starting life a little out of left field as a late 60's backing band for UK rock/blues vocalist Eric Burdon (ex Animals) they went on to success in their own right in the 70's and 80's. Funk anthems like Galaxy, Low Rider, & Me and My Baby Brother all feature plus some less known gems like Smile Happy, Hey Senorita and Magic Mountain with Eric Burdon.

As we keep saying- we are here to remind you of, awaken you to and promote the Soul music we've been buying and listening to for over 30years. We don't claim to know it all but what we do know we'll happily share (in mix form) to hopefully help you on your musical journey.

Grizz

 DJ Grizz - War

Tracklist in comments

UPDATE-Nobody can keep a good funk band down. Mix back up, enjoy!

SoulNRnB's RETURN of the White Label!

Been about a month since the last excursion into the crates for some anonymously good soulful tunes.

Again; No rules. Jazz, Funk, House, Electronic, Folk, Soul............  whatevers got that certain something soulful can get on this mix. From any decade.

Enjoy, and lets hope that Grizz has more luck with his mix staying up next week. I'm sure I speak for everybody when I say we dont want to lose our weekly mix!

SoulNRnB's Return of the White Label!

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness Vol 42

Now you've no doubt read our opinion that these mixes tend to appeal to the connoisseur who are fairly likely going to find something buried in them that they must own or awaken/remind them of an artist they want to explore hence promoting as opposed to stealing. So we were pretty disappointed at last weeks record of having a mix taken down after 1 download!!? But never mind- we persevere... so fingers crossed for Soul Niceness 42.

Ten more rare groove gems from the 70's and 80's including LTD, Motown writing supremo Lamont Dozier, some soulful BrasilJazz from Copa 7, guitar maestro Dennis Coffey and topped off with a cover by Ms Franklin plus more goodies for your enjoyment.

Mr S up soon and I'll catch you in a week.

Grizz

UPDATE: Soul Niceness Vol 42

Tracklist in comments

UPDATE

Fight the power, thats what we say at the Soul Mixtape. A mix of Songs past, made with respect, with the intention to promote. Not a substitute for purchasing the tunes (If you can find them). RELOADED!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 94

I know I keep saying that each new Street Sounds mix is a killer, but not this time. In the words of cover stars "The System", its a Motha.

Yes, The System are back with a tune that took me back to their hayday, an absolute monster thats whet my appetite for their new LP on Science Lab records. What else? OK, a tune from Angie Stone's new LP that is a real return to form after the disappointment of the last, a brand new tune from last years BEST LP winners Electric Empire, an absolute blinder of a remix of a new Jose James tune, and hell......im just gonna roll out names: JAGUAR WRIGHT; KENNY LATTIMORE; JARRARD ANTHONY; D'ANGELO; ANTOINIQUE..............

This really is a great mix, and ive not even mentioned one of my favorite tunes of the moment by Lil K...spellbinding.....OH YES! And the Bobby Ross Avila tune!! So much Quality.

Grizz back with you soon, enjoy!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 94

DJ Grizz- Mellow Grooves Vol.15

Well the Xmas goods are already in the shops, the nights are drawing in...Summers definately over! Never mind- take some time out to let the river of life flow over you- Mellow Grooves 15!

Ten soulful chill out nuggets from the old days. Includes an 'end of the party' slow dance classic from High Energy, Northern hero- Jack Montgomery, disco kings Cloud One slow the tempo down and Swedish Jazz funker Nils Landgren does a nice cover of the Roberta Flack classic. Also The Stylistics, Nancy Wilson and more.

Mr S up soon and I'll be back rare grooving it in a week.

Grizz 

http://www.mediafire.com/?ggs3eg5nsn5fy15      (re-up)

Tracklist in comments

UPDATE
Sorry guys- looks like the fun police have decided that, despite it being a mix that promotes the music and half of the stuff on here being hard to find anyway, that we cannot share! Will try 'n' re-up but likely it won't stay up for long!

SoulNRnB's Gems - The 00's

Great Jazz Funk mix from Grizz earlier this week, lets finish off the week with one of my Gems mixes thats looking back on the soulful tunes released last decade.

Great music from the likes of Trina Broussard, Debra Killings, Dionne Farris (Whose released a new mixtape I hear....so thats where shes been!), Dwele and much more rare and hard to find tunes.

Have a wonderful weekend, Grizz will be back soon and I will return with a Street Sounds mix of the highest order......really....dont miss it.

SoulNRnB's Gems - The 00's

DJ Grizz- On a Jazz Funk Tip

Time to re-stoke the jazz-funk fires on the blog again. On a Jazz Funk Tip brings 10 top jazz funk nuggets from the 70's and 80's.

Featuring Paul Hardcastles first band Direct Drive, organ maestro Charles Earland, Azymuths original version of the big Airto hit, 80's funkers Ozone give us a jazzy gem, brazilian goodness from Joyce and Starship Orchestra's take on the Aquarian Dream dancer- both bands being part of the Norman Conners stable.

Some nice chilled out mellow grooves lined up for next week after a Mr S 'Gems' mix.

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?wdw7hw3b3qsdh43

Tracklist in comments   

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 93

A real treat for you with this weeks Street Sounds Session mix, some upfront soul thats gonna knock your socks off!

Cover star Jarrard Anthony hits the ball out the park with a tune from his new LP, "Lucky Day"; Some top RnB from Brandy and Chokolate; Soulful house and latin rhythm's from Ezel and a favorite of ours, Gregory Porter; Gensu Dean, S3 feat Miles Bonny and Cocoa St James give us some of that Galactic Soul with their respective tunes; And thats not even mentioning an unreleased tune from Anthony Hamilton, new band on the block Water Seed and the return of Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart.

I will be back next week with another edition of my "Gems" series, whilst Grizz kick starts your week with a Jazz-Funk mix that im looking forward to! Cant get enough of the stuff!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 93

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 41

Morning mixtapers and as promised I'm back with some hidden soul nuggets and rare grooves from way back when- its Soul Niceness 41.

Contains contributions from Alton Mclain & Destiny, brit Soul group the Foundations (with Clem Curtis obviously), a wicked little 70's post Ross track from The Supremes, and to finish some music with a message from Bill Withers. Plus 6 more top dusty grooves from the 70's and 80's for you to re-discover.

I'll catch you next week with a Jazz-Funk special. Up soon- Mr SoulnrnB!

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?3h1wxfndweo2t22

Tracklist in comments

Another SoulNRnB White Label

So Hopefully you know the score by now.

Mystery music for your enjoyment. Old, New, Soul, Funk, Jazz, house. No rules. Just Quality.

Hit us up on the comments on here or Twitter/Facebook with your thoughts!

Another SoulNRnB White Label

Enjoy, Grizz back next week.

DJ Grizz- New Funk Special, The Baker Brothers

Evening mixtapers and as the week and the UK summer draw to a close its time for another New Funk installment, this week ten top tunes from The Baker Brothers band.

Now I know recent New Funk mixes have met with the wrath of the 'Copyright Police' but a plea if if I may...! All the music on this site, old and new, is in mix form, put there from our own collections to be enjoyed by like minded Soul lovers. If my experience is right the music lovers/crate diggers/beat collecters who frequent here are very likely to go out and source an original, full copy of the stuff they really like so taking the mix down seems like an own goal to us (and being a West Ham fan I'm familier with those).

Enough soapboxing- on with the music. The Baker Brothers are one of my favourite upfront bands who champion those old Soul/Jazz/Funk grooves we love on this blog. Hailing from the South of England the Brothers can be tracked down gigging round the UK, Europe and Japan and any band that can get the Average White Bands Hamish Stuart to guest on their tracks are OK by me!!

Back to the rare grooves next week after SoulNRnB does his midweek stuff.

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?cbcwawv0mjwvpln

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 92

Its about time we hade this dude on our cover, been a quality year for him with some great music. Diggs Duke's "Nine Winning Wives" features on this mix, check out his bandcamp page too (http://diggsduke.bandcamp.com/).

But thats not it. A great remix from the UK's Reel People of an Aaries classic, Neptunes produced Robin Thicke, Talib Kweli collaborates with the great 9th Wonder, the return of Anita Baker. They're the names.

New talent you ask? What about a tune from a GREAT new EP from Joanna Borromeo? Friend of the mixtape Sarasvati with "Gold Scraps"? Plus a shiver down the spine remix by Freddie Joachim of a Chester Gregory tune........and more believe it or not.

Grizz returns after the weekend, Im back next week with another WHITE LABEL.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 92

DJ Grizz- Soul Versions Back Together Again

It's nearly the new week and I'm back with some more soulful cover versions of well known tunes-Soul Versions, Back Together Again.

Kicks off with a Gospel tinged take on a Motown hit, Sweet Stuff cover Leon Hayward, Norman Conners Jazz's up Steely Dan, 80's MJ sound alike Alfonzo disco's up Boz Scaggs, Bobby Womack lends some deep soul to Bacarrach and (the late) David, and the Detroit Emeralds covers the fab four. Plus more top soul versions.

Mr S back later in the week and I'll see ya next week with a New Funk special (fingers crossed this one stays up!)

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?9oyum0v52fqo8uk

Tracklist in comments

The Artists - Betty Wright

Its been a while since I posted an Artists Spotlight, so here we go with a fave of mine, the great Betty Wright.

Shes been around recently, helping out the likes of Joss Stone, Angie Stone (No relation!) and collaborating with the Roots on her great recent LP which featured what I believe to be DJ Grizz's theme tune. If you listen to the Lyrics of "Old Songs", its like Grizz has a soul mate. See below!

 

Born Bessie Regina Norris on December 21 (I only mention as its my Birthday too....Kindred spirits!), Wright began her professional career at the age of two when her siblings formed the gospel group, the Echoes of Joy. In 1965, following the group's break-up, 11-year-old Wright, who was already using the name Betty Wright, decided to switch musical styles from gospel to rhythm and blues, singing in local talent shows until being spotted by a local Miami record label owner, who signed her to her first label in 1966 at twelve.

In 1967, the teen was responsible for discovering other local talents such as George and Gwen McCrae, helping them sign with Alston record label, part of Henry Stone's TK recording and distribution company. A year later, Wright released her debut album, My First Time Around, when she was still 14 and scored her first hit single with Judy White's "Girls Can't Do What Guys Do". While still in high school in 1970, Wright released "Pure Love" at the age of sixteen.


About a year later, Wright released her signature song, "Clean Up Woman" when she was 17. The record reached number two on the R&B charts, where it stayed for eight weeks.and crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at number six. It eventually sold over a million copies and was certified gold.


Danger! High Voltage!, released in late 1974 was one of Wrights most popular LP's. It would be on this album that Wright would have her most successful composition, with the smooth soul ballad, "Tonight Is the Night", which Wright attributed to her first sexual experiences.

Wright's other albums at the end of the 1970s were less successful and by 1981, as TK began to struggle, she moved on to a bigger label, signing with Epic where her self-titled album was released.
The album was notable for the minor Stevie Wonder-composed hit, "What Are You Gonna Do With It". That same year, she contributed vocals on Richard "Dimples" Fields' Dimples album, especially on the hit, "She's Got Papers on Me", where she catches Fields singing out about another woman, verbally attacking him in the ending monologue.

In 1985, Wright formed her own label, Miss B Records. In 1988, Wright made history as the first black female artist to score a gold album on her label when the album, Mother Wit, was released. The album was notable for the hits, "No Pain, No Gain" and "After the Pain".

She has continued to record ever since, with many LP's included the aforementioned collaboration with the Roots, she's still discovering talent such as Joss Stone, provides vocal production for big name pop and r&b artists, and can still be found singing live with that one of a kind voice. Betty sings from the heart, about love, her man, and the world and you believe every word.


Check out my mix of some of my personal picks from her large discography and see what all the fuss is about. Grizz back with you soon with a Version Excursion that im looking forward too, and Ill see you in a weeks time.

The Artists - Betty Wright

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 40

Morning all, and Soul Niceness hits its 40's -a landmark we on this blog hit some years ago now!! Its Soul Niceness Vol. 40 and crammed full of usual soul rarities and rare grooves from way back when.

Features an early 80's offering from soul giants the Impressions, Lowrell Simons band -The Lost Generation, Detroits Sandra Feva and Ashford and Simpson. Plus 6 more top tracks to enjoy or add to your 'wants list'!

I'm on a version excursion next week after Mr S bring us a another cooking midweek mix. Enjoy Carnival if you are going today- not long left now for the summer to show its face again!

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?9466q9qumuc483r

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 91

A Bumper edition of Street Sounds this week. (Check out the mini bonus mix after the regular one!)

Big names like Elle Varner (Who has a new LP out now) and a rare find of an early Amy Winehouse tune, join forces with new artists like JSOUL, Jazzmine, the Soul of John Black (http://thesoulofjohnblack.bandcamp.com/track/summertime-thang) plus much much more.

As always, a great one stop shop to hear whats new and upcoming from both mainstream and independent Soul artists.

The White Label mix was a MASSIVE success last week and great fun. Lots of requests on Twitter to give up the tracklist...lol There will definitely be more to come. But next week were gonna have an Artists mix that ive been sitting on for a while.

First up though, Grizz returns with your early week soulful mix.

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 91

DJ Grizz - Soulful 80's Vol.16

Back to the 80's now, a decade that started with me still at school (just!) and where my overdraft straining record collecting odyssey began. Ten more quality cuts from that decade to make up Soulful 80's Vol.16.

Some heavy hitters on this one including 'Don't push it...' man Leon Hayward, Gene Dunlap, Italian based funky disco heavyweights Change, the mad man of funk George Clinton, and topped off with jazzfunk royalty in Lonnie Liston.

Mr S up later in the week and I'm back next week with another Niceness mix full of rare groove and soul that time forgot.

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?j78ix0rg8zklwbt

Tracklist in comments

SoulNRnB's White Label

Back in the 80's I went down to London's West End and partied at the famous Wag Club. This club had different areas with different DJ's playing anything from Jazz to Funk to Soul.

One of the DJ's was playing a consistently good set, with tunes I hadnt even heard before. But when I tried to sneak a peek at the record labels to find out what these great tunes were, he'd covered them up with White Label's.

I had to put in considerable time and effort tracking down these tunes, in fact, there are still some that I haven't heard since or know who they are. The mystery adds some real great listening as there are no expectations of what your going to hear or what to expect.

So this mix is my equivalent. All you need to know are there are no boundaries. Not time (Tunes range from 70's to present), not genre, not nothing. I just guarantee soulful music and hopefully a few tracks you didnt know existed. I hope this is a fun way to get your soul fix, and leave me some comments if you think you know all the tunes.

Im posting early this week as I have a busy few days coming up, so see you in over a week. Grizz will keep you company in the meantime.

NO TRACKLIST!!! (So dont look for it!)

SoulNRnB's WHITE LABEL

DJ Grizz- Mellow Grooves Vol.14

Its the morning after the night before and a few sore heads and blurry eyes out there. Time to chillax with Mellow 14. 10 more soul n jazz tracks from way back when to kick back to.

Includes Norman Conners fave male vocalist Micheal Henderson, an 80's offering from Starpoint, Bloodstone, Reggie Andrews brings us some sublime trippy jazz and finishes off with a mellow arrangement of Jerry Butlers gem -Melinda Latina.

Mr S has something up his sleeve later this week and I'll catch you later.

Grizz

http://www.mediafire.com/?blwykxbrsnh3vpu

Tracklist in comments