UNIVERSE CITY - "Universe City" (Midland International 1976)

 

While I'm at it - here's another gem from the mid 70's for you. In the new millennium I was fortunate to see D'angelos premier "Voodoo" show at the Radio City Music Hall in N.Y. City. The Twin Towers were still reaching through the mist (when I was at ground zero) of the Manhattan skyline, and the hustle and the bustle of the Big Apple was just like it always had been prior the shock of 9/11. Record hunting in the Village one day lead me to Bleeker Bob's 118 W 3rd Street to find a minty fresh copy of this Jazzy Disco monster. "Can You Get Down With Me" is one of those tracks that will never stay out of any serious DJ bag for long - it's simply that strong a track. The 12" is super expensive these days, but I'll recommend tracking down the whole album at a more reasonable price as there are some more tunes for the serious collector. All basic tracks were recorded in N.Y. while strings, horns and mixing was done at Sigma Sound, Philadelphia. This is emerging as one of my all time favourite Disco records.

EDDIE RUSS - "See The Light" (Monument 1976)

 

I have to confess I've been in the Fusion/Jazz mood quite often lately which brings me into posting this classic. Again an album that's great throughout. Just take your pick! "Zaius" being the obvious choice here, my recommendation goes to the title track which is a combination of the intense and mellow. Starting out with an infectious groove that turns into a mellow delightful floater, a perfect example of what more to expect if you allow this jewel of a record to work it's way through your turntable at one point - an absolute classic! A perfect original copy shouldn't set you back more than about £20 - £30. Enjoy!

ALLSPICE - "Allspice" (At-Home 1977)

  

Ace Wayne Henderson production on a group put together on his own label At-Home, a subsidiary of Fantasy Records. Just can't believe they only managed to record one album. With high quality support from members of Pleasure, Side Effect and class studio musicians like Bobby Lyle it just couldn't go wrong. Superb blend of jazzy arrangements over some ultra soulful melodies delivered by the groups different members. A must have record that's going up in price as copies seem to dry up these days. I could have picked any of the 4 tracks on side A depending on the mood of the day. Just as a taste for you I'll go with the opener "Love Fire" since most people tend to mention the equally great " Destiny", "Slipped Away" or the gorgeous ballad "She's a Lady".

APERITIVOSOUL@BOLIVAR - New Sound System 9th March 2012

The Aperitivo Crew is in seventh heaven due to the new Martin Audio speakers and general improvement of sound with power amps and Allen&Heath mixer thanks to the expertise and guidance from Paal@Ljudia. Come and celebrate with us Friday March 9th and every Friday from 4PM 'till way past Midnight! In case you didn't know - we're @  Bolivar, Vibes gate 11B, Majorstua, Oslo, Norway.
New website coming soon : bolivar.no 

..... Musically, simply connecting the dots like Gilles Peterson would say .....

Make sure to catch one of the best atmospheres in Oslo!

Before any late night destination - Bolivar is were YOU should start! Aperitivo, Dinner, Coctails or just hangin' out - book your table @ +47 22467100

LOVE, PEACE & HAPPINESS - "Here 'Tis" (RCA 1972)

 

Just one out of several groups that are related to New Birth and producer Harvey Fuqua, formerly of The Moonglows. Ann Bogan, the female lead, and the Wilson brothers Melvin and Leslie released two albums under the name Love, Peace & Happiness in '71 & '72. Ann's vocals are wonderfully soulful in the tradition of Betty Wright and Patti Labelle. Her delivery on "Lonesome, Lonely & Alone", my choice track off their sophomore set, is from the Ultra Soul division. Ann Bogan, an amazing singer and once a Marvelette deserves far more recognition in my book. Enjoy!

STARPOINT - "It's So Delicious" (Elektra 1983)

Here's another trip down memory lane and a track that feels even better today - almost 30 years later! Yet another reason to reflect on how lucky you were if you - like me - were fortunate enough to discover this back in the day it was released. Unfortunately neither Renee Diggs nor Ernesto Phillips are with us anymore as they both passed away far to early around 2004/2005. But what we can appreciate at this very moment is the wonderful recordings they made under the guidance of producer Lionel Job. Their mid-paced ballads are something else and I've chosen "I Got The Love", which is 100 % goose bumps from first to last note. I had to play this twice at Bolivar last Friday - just couldn't get enough!

BOBBY GLOVER - "Bad Bobby Glover" (Columbia 1984)

Great memories as I've just dug this out of storage with a bunch of other fab records that seem to have matures like fine wine. I've always been a fan of the Zapp productions. Most people tend to think of them mainly for the funky floor fillers, but the soulful vibes that came out of the Troutman Sound Labs in Dayton, Ohio are unique in sound and production. "Happy" taken from Bobby Glover's only solo record is a classic in my book. In fact - the whole album is great - just grab it if you don't have it! If you thought the 80's lacked in quality, this will prove you're wrong. A timeless slab of soulful groove, and they just don't make 'em like this anymore. I played this in a bar on Friday and it felt just right.

APERITIVO SOUL@BOLIVAR - OSLO - NORWAY

When ever in Oslo, Norway, make sure to catch us @ Bolivar, the perfect place to wine & dine. Get the Aperitivo between 5pm - 7pm, hang out in the Bar area or enjoy a full dinner in the Restaurant - whatever your choice - we'll satisfy your Soul 'till way past Midnight every Friday.

Map to Bolivar: please click here
Situated just off Oslo's most famous shopping street, Bogstadveien, for a picture of the outside: go here

HARD COVER - "Do You Care (Like You Say You Do)" Shanty Town 7" Mid 80's

Late H-D-H production and a 2-step groove to die for with ultra soulful male/female duo lead.  What more can you ask for! Though not stated on the label, some say this came out in '87, my tip is '85 due to the number on the record. The production also seems to have kept the warmth of the early 80's rather than the prototype '87 sound. Never the less - this is pure quality from the former masters of Motown and Invictus productions - Holland-Dozier-Holland.

THE HARDEN BROTHERS - "Deep Inside Of You" (H.B. Productions 7" 1981)

Another one of those singles that will take you by storm from the very first time you here it. Infectious mellow groove , the bass line, the acoustic guitar - the whole lot! An essential purchase for us both last year and a real treat for years to come. The information on this brother combo is scarce, but I believe they hail from Dayton, Ohio and were connected to the group Dayton in the early years. The 7" runs at 331/3 and not the standard 45.

THE BRIEF ENCOUNTER - "Just A Little Notion" (Twenty-Seven 7" 1974)

We just can't live without The Brief Encounter, a stunning group out of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Not a poor recording in sight - just pure class from start to finish. The group could have received a lot more attention if Capitol records had decided there would be space for another super group in addition to Maze, unfortunately it didn't happen so. With their quality recordings no wonder the singles that only got limited pressing on the Capitol label are going up in price these days. Their first and lone album on Seventy Seven is virtually impossible to track down. Welcome reissues in Japan and the UK in 2011 finally made it available to a wider audience. One out of several other gems that only saw a 7" release is the outstanding ballad "Just A Little Notion" with the heavy drums and the soaring lead vocals - unbelievable class! If music were to be valued as an  art form equal to the greatest painters this single should be valued  like "Guernica" - if you get what I mean!

THE LOST GENERATION - "Your Mission (If You Decide To Accept It)" (i2 - Innovation II 7" 1974)

In the next couple of weeks posts will be based on records that we've both discovered through each other and mutual fascination for digging the crates. We've both made several compilations over the years, though never commercially released. Micke's first "Favorite Records" hit me right in the face with some of those odd singles that never made it on any albums. The Lost Generation is one of those super fine Chicago groups out there. They first came to recognition with the title track off the debut album "The Sly, Slick and the Wicked" in '1970 - a top 20 R & B hit at the time. Their sophomore set for the same label Brunswick was released in '72 called "Young, Tough and Terrible". Essential stuff for every collector. Lowrell Simon hit the sweet spot under his own name Lowrell with the perfect jam and club classic "Mellow, Mellow Right On" for the AVI label in '79. Apart from that he's been a co writer and producer with Eugene Record of the Chi-Lites. "Your Mission" is a deep, funky, mellow groove and totally unpolished slice of Chicago soul at it's peak - enjoy!

CAMEO - "Knights Of The Sound Table" (Chocolate City 1981)

Another funk band capable of so much more than most people realize. Even the "Word Up!" album is great and the follow up "Machismo" is a must have if you thought it all died after "Single Life". Before the band diet and adding Charlie Singleton to the line up they were 8-10 member on 7 records in a row with Larry Blackmon as the leader. I'd like to show a side of Cameo that was not just pure funk."The Sound Table" is proof they could rival even the biggest commercial success in Black Music at the time - Earth, Wind & Fire - and still be exciting. Jazzy and wonderful!

FATBACK - "So Delicious" (Cotillion 1985)

For those of you who know me - recommendations would never be complete without Fatback. Used to have a laugh about every 6-8 month (the frequency between Fatback records during the first part of the 80's) only to look at the keyboard list on the album covers. And the way they squeezed out those funky sounds just added to the fun. Bill Curtis was playing around with his drum machines like toys - because he's a real drummer. Every album was an event in itself - especially "Tasty Jam", "On The Floor With Fatback", "Is This The Future?", "With Love", "Phoenix" and "So Delicious" had a huge impact on me. Please check out "She's A Go-Getter" for maximum satisfaction - the whole album is a gem, but unfortunately it all ended with this one.

PLEASURE - "Special Things" (Fantasy 1980)

Pleasure was simply one of my absolute favourite groups growing up, and still is. Hey it's New Years Eve and party time so  I feel like giving you some of that "flava" right now. Pleasure released 7 albums in total, a productive period between '75 and '82 produced 6 for Fantasy and a final one for Rca. Groups and real musicians were still very much appreciated and the 8 members out of Portland, Oregon sure knew how to play. If you ask  Eddie Piller, Giles Peterson and Dean Rudland, the founders and  early contributors to the Acid Jazz label in the UK, Pleasure may have even been the main influence behind that whole area and bands like The Brand New Heavies. Rumour has it that Dave Mancuso (The Loft) used to play tracks like "Take A Chance" on his beautiful sound system with all the lights out only to let this great sound and production speak for it self. And if you have heard this on a perfectly balanced stereo system - you'll know what I'm talking about. The warmth in this production, the instrumentation in general, the muted trumpet solo and that wicked bass line - "Take A Chance" is a prime example of the sophistication these guys came up with time and time again. Totally out of this world and as good as ever going into 2012.

INGRAM - "Night Stalkers" (Mirage 1984) BARBARA MASON - "Tied Up" (Other End 1984)

The Ingram Family are a superb group out of Philadelphia. Great producers and songwriters that never had a solid hit in their own name. They produced some wonderful tracks on Barbara Mason, Blue Magic, Major Harris, Ronnie Dyson and others. As simply Ingram and The Ingram Family 4 albums were released in two different periods - "The Ingram Kingdom" '76, That's All '77 and "Would You Like To Fly" '83, "Night Stalkers" '84. Their productions are so distinct, sophisticated, dynamic, beautiful and taken to perfection on tracks like "I Like It" from "Night Stalkers". As a bonus I can't help but posting Barbara Mason's stunning "Don't I Ever Cross Your Mind Sometime", which is one of my all time favourites. Satisfaction guaranteed!

MARC SADANE - "Exciting" (Warner Bros. 1982)

This is like posting the soundtrack to discoveries made during my early teens and for those of you who grew up in Scandinavia in the 80's.  I'm paying respect to my mentor Mr. Mats Nileskär at Swedish Radio P3 for attracting my love for black music in general. Mats started his radio show "Soul Corner" way back in January 1978. The show is now called P3 Soul so please check it out online here: http://sverigesradio.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=2680
Being a fan of the Mtume/Lucas sound "One Minute From Love" has matured like fine wine in my ears ever since the first time I heard it glued to the radio for Mats' Soul update on new and exciting releases almost 30 years ago. Quality never goes out of fashion! Marc Sadane only had two albums for WB, "Exciting" being his second. Be sure to check out "One-Way Love Affair" too. He just used "Sadane" on his debut recording. Both albums can be picked up for less than a coffee and a bun in a Norwegian coffee shop so there is no excuse not to press "add to cart" the next time you see them.

CATCH UP (Vol.1) - Max Greger jr.-Milan Pilar-Charli Antolini (Calig 1975)

Classic European Fusion album that's changing hands for big bucks these days. Recorded in Munich, Germany in '75 this trio will blow you away from the opening bars of "Catch Up" to their take on "Spinning Wheel" by Blood, Sweat & Tears. "Onkel Joe" is probably the most sought after track off this album, but my personal fave comes in the combination of two songs composed by Milan Pilar - "A Night Without Dreams/The Little Things That Make Us Happy" - a deep, dark,  funky groove that just builds and builds to transform into Jazz improvisation half way through. Mind blowing stuff, indeed!

THE LOVELITES - "With Love From The Lovelites" (Uni 1970)

We're back in Chicago with the glorious Lovelites. This is pure gold and a record that no home should be without. It's our main record provider's favourite record, and that really says a lot considering how deep he's digging in every corner of the world to find the rarest of the rare year after year. One time member of the Chi-Lites and later a legendary producer for Heaven & Earth, Brighter Side Of Darkness and others, Clarence Johnson also had his hands on this beautiful recording. Check "Oh My Love" on the sound file just as an example of the Lovelites vocal harmonies and warm melodies. Extraordinary!

SILK - "Midnight Dancer" (Philadelphia International 1979)

Next stop Philly. Anglo Saxon Brown transformed into Silk and released their sole album in '79. Quite disco influenced in total, but when the needle hits track 4 it's shivers and goose bumps from head to toe for a captivating 4 minutes - and you just can't get enough. There's an instant need for a repeat like a junkie waiting for the next fix. "I Can't Stop (Turning You On)" is a true steppers classic also re-issued on a high quality 12" by our friends at Expansion Records, UK. Debra Henry delivers that jazzy soulful lead that only a real singer like Jean Carne or Phyllis Hyman could do after her. A fabulous and truly outstanding performance!

LEON'S CREATION - "This Is The Beginning" (Studio 10 1969)

San Francisco magic! Funky rock, soul and jazz with a psychedelic twist was thrown into the melting pot on this rare private pressed album, which I believe came out in '69. Leon Patillo formed this racially integrated group, which was quite common in the Frisco area. Unfortunately only one record was released before Leon joined Santana and stayed with his band throughout the 70's. The original recording of "Mirage" was released on this album later to be recorded on "Borboletta" in '74. My choice is the female lead monster track "Until You Were Gone". Truly amazing and haunting!

IKE WHITE - "Changin' Times" (L.A. International 1976)

Ike's only known recording is considered a classic for two reasons - firstly, the music obviously is stunning. Secondly,  the sparse information with a certain Stevie Wonder asking to give the "Ike Whites" of this world a fare chance and not make the color of his skin his final fate for being behind bars. Special thanks goes to the Tehachapi State Prison and superintendent Jerry Enomoto in California. The album was recorded in prison with Greg Errico (Sly & The Family Stone) and Jerry Goldstein (War) as producers. The three killer tracks on the album are "Changin' Times", "Antoinette" and the San Francisco funky "Love And Affection". Even the Japanese re-issue is going up in price these days. I've posted the emotional title track for your listening pleasure.

WALTER JACKSON - "It's Cool" (Chi Sound 7" 1983)

 

Entering two-step heaven on the first visit. Words can not describe how much I love this mellow, groovy soul-floater from one of the recording industry's GREATEST. Walter Jackson sadly suffered from polio and spent most of his life on crutches. He died from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1983. Chicago Soul of the highest caliber!

RHETTA HUGHES - "Re-Light My Fire" (Tetragrammaton 1969)

Making way for the Ladies now - and what a way to start - Rhetta Hughes, an album recorded in my own year of birth. Superbly written and produced by Mike Terry and Jo Armstead this is as good as it gets. And the title says it all "You're Doing It With Her (When It Should Be Me)". Emotional, soulful, almost spooky backing vocals and rhythms to make you warm on a cold winters night. A timeless gem of a song, and a great album all together.

CHANGE - "Sharing Your Love" (Atlantic 1982)

Pure class out of New York with a touch of Italy and the West Indies. The team of Jacques Fred Petrus and Mauro Malavasi from Bologna hired top session musicians and vocalists like the late Luther Vandross (RIP) for their first productions and hits. They also managed the B.B&Q Band, High Fashion, Ritchie Family and several others. Petrus was murdered under very mysterious circumstances in 1987 in Guadaloupe, West Indies, were he was born 1949. All the Change records have memorable tracks mostly aimed at the dance floor. The title track off their third album is a wonderful ballad lead by James Crabs Robinson. A tune recommended by Mr. Richard Searling back in the day as well - I guess you know what that means! "The Very Best In You" is another winner from this album. I actually had the pleasure of playing "Hold Tight" from their "Miracles" album on our Aperitivo night last night - good vibes...
Soul with a capital S.

THE RIMSHOTS - "Down To Earth" (Stang 1976)

Disco territory with a little help from Al Goodman and Harry Ray. This record is stacked with good tracks like "Super Disco", "Do What You Feel" and "Groove Bus" but the one I'm enjoying the most these days is the lesser known "I Wanna Be Myself" that deserves way more attention. The album came with two different covers - the black and white band photo being my choice. Unfortunately no upload for "I Wanna Be Myself" so I've posted "Do What You Feel" below. What a groove!

HARLEM RIVER DRIVE - "Harlem River Drive" (Roulette 1971)

If you thought Magnum was Latin flavoured - Harlem River Drive is basically a Latin project from Eddie Palmieri putting Soul, Jazz and Electric Rock in the mix. The result - a classic record that also reflects the history hidden behind the highway of solid concrete called the Harlem River Drive - and the place obviously being Harlem. Brilliant record from start to finish. Also available in a quality re-press - enjoy!

MAGNUM - "Fully Loaded" (Phoenix 1974)

8 members strong Magnum brings Mandrill to mind due to the wonderful mix of Latin and Jazz flavours in their Funk. Unfortunately they only recorded 1 album - and a real winner it is! Most people have probably been exposed to the track "Evolution" through various compilations over the years. But the stand outs for me have always been the mellow grooves of "Natural Juices", "Witch Doctor's Brew" and "Composition Seven". A big money saver will be to pick up a re-issue, but if you want the real deal be prepared to make an investment!