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!