Al Olive - Dream - 2010 - Al Olive

This is the album I have been eagerly awaiting. "Slow Down", played on radio by Ralph Tee and included on Soul Togetherness 2010 is, for me, one of THE standout tracks of 2010. We've not had to wait too long for a full album from this massive talent, and I am sure that there will be something for everyone on it. The hit song is included here as you would expect but in a slightly remixed and extended form. It's lost THAT special fluid 1980s flavour, perhaps, from the original version for me and that's still not important. Why? It does, though, have extra haunting synths that are really, really tasty. STILL the song is a monster and this is EXACTLY the type of soul / R&B record that I want to hear in 2011. Record companies, are you listening? No, I thought not. Where I compared this groove to the sadly missed Luther Vandross, on many tracks we hear echoes of the vocal facets of Gerald Alston, Al Johnson and even Brian McKnight in the vocal arrangements.

Track two, "Dream" could easily be lifted from Brian McKnight's latest set. A song that totally floored me was track four, "There For You". Imagine Al Johnson produced by Brian McKnight on a song similar to "Anytime"...that is how essential this song is. I was in my car driving up the M25 when I first heard this and I can honestly say that if I hit repeat once I must have hit repeat half a dozen times. You know a certain song that grabs you, makes you really sit up and take notice...this is one of those songs. Add to this the amazing female backing vocals then...wow...simply wow. Almost on par with this is a song called "Never" and the haunting synths and piano line work well and the real instrumentation is second to none. The programmed "L.O.V.E" is worth a spin too, and the smouldering "Heartache" will appeal to fans of the old Soul'd Together compilations in the early 90s. Think Randy Wilson or Claytoven. Whatever happened to these artists and that label?! Anyway, fans of the man from the song they have heard will not be disappointed, and enough exists on here to appeal to a wider, radio-frindly pop/soul audience. And there's nowt wrong with that. What Al Olive has done is keep true to himself and NOT pander to the thug element. 'Nuff respect, Al. Keep on doin' what you're doin'.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Jameil Aossey - The Euphonious Suite - 2010 - Aossey Entertainment

The Euphonius Suite is a mix of various styles, all of which are music to the ears. Fans of Impromp2, Skalp and Jon B should find this set really in their comfort zone. Musically we are talking Impromp2 territory with an emphasis of a funky, warm Fender Rhodes filled summertime early '80s vibe. For some there may be too much reliance on rap BUT this isn't the brain-dead, finger-pointing, booty-shaking sort. Think classy with a Patrice Rushen / Freddie Washington vibe with the slab bass, soaring sax and warm keys. This set should have been in my hands in the summer, albeit typically brief. On the first track, Jameil lays out his stall. "Classy" says it all really. Sweeping aside who he calls the 'booty rappers' Jameil's guest rapper is Charles Lane and the vibe is SUPERB! You cannot fail to get into this groove, you really can't. The sax here is almost in Ronnie Laws' territory. Soulful rap with real spirit, and expertly laid down to boot. I really have all the time in the world for material like this that strikes a good balance and embraces genres...as long as it's done well. Jameil and his colleagues have certainly done that..

Charles lane's rap on "Koolwhip" is perfect for the summery 80s groove - fans of Snoop Dogg will dig this, as will those who appreciate funky early 80s vibes. My favourite track is the luxuriant downtempo ballad featuring Charles Lane on vocals sounding very much like Johnny Britt from Impromp2, complete trumpet and flute. This is SUPERB and I cannot stop playing this song!!! "We Don't Know" ups the tempo and includes some great alto sax from Andre Matthews, Charles lane sounding very much like A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip. Please do NOT be put off by these songs as they are very, very soulful and the rap - you know I am NOT a fan - is actually very good indeed. "Dreamin'" may well cool the brows of those who don't - the eerie synth and 80s flow is brilliant and the rap is more along the lines of Impromp2 or Skalp. A jazzy effort is "Classy Lady" featuring Rob Lee on Rhodes and Bass. This soon kicks off into a funky groove with plenty of tinkling ivories, stoic beats and cool, cool real singing by the multi-talented Charles lane. Add the sax and piano then this adds up to a great, great song. An all-round classy, fresh and jovial set that spans Soul, Funk, Jazz and Hip Hop. An excellent year-ender!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

SounDoctrine - Inspire - 2010 - Nianana Records

SounDoctrine by virtue of name and artwork may fool you into thinking that it's some rubbish rap / Hip Hop album along the likes of D12 or something. Well, thankfully, it isn't. Billed as Funkjazzfusion, this album represents a number of talented artists who collaborate on a set of quality soul tunes, jazzy instrumentals and contemporary - yet not crass - R&B efforts. A few names on here are familiar to us all - Carlton J. Smith, Marlon Saunders and Jere B to name a few, and other lesser known names work together to deliver a fine set of independent soul, funk and jazz tunes. Jere B is the man overseeing this project, and 14 tracks have been created for your listening pleasure. Sets like these have helped make 2010 a very good year for our music.

Marlon Saunders never fails to deliver, be it on his own work or production for other artists and on "Just Think" he has given us yet another strong, strong effort. Again, Marlon relies on real instruments and melodies and the warm keyboards, funky rhythm and scratchy guitar and pieced together with a summery guitar that takes us back to the early 80s. Asking us to think about better times, happier times and those things and people that we once had Marlon encourages us to re-evaluate our place in the world, taking it to the streets. Socially conscious, Marlon is a master of this type of theme and gets full marks for this effort. The synth that ends the song, too, is as haunting as you like and has had numerous rewinds so that I can enjoy it again and again and again! The conscious theme is continued with Larry Johnson and Stefano NuSoul with "Brother's Keeper. Filled with positivity, they implore us to let our lights shine. Nothing wrong with that and songs that not only mean well but contain real wisdom and not superficialdom always win my vote!

Instrumentals "Marriage" and "Sacred Place (For Gary)" are both SUPERB. Real instrumentation and properly in the jazz fusion bag we are not left wandering around a shopping mall or going up and down in an elevator on these tunes. The Wes McCann guitar is perfect as are the vibes and sax on both. Delicious! A song that I implore you to listen to carefully, and give a real chance to, is "Meant To Be" which is a contemporary R&B ballad featuring Stefano NuSoul and Jasmine Thompson. The music is lovely yet it has an appeal to the younger ear...if an old grumpy guts like me can appreciate this song then I'm sure you will like it too. The lyrics are lovely and the vocal arrangements are also quite clever. No use of auto-tuning either, to their credit. This almost sounds like a new track from, say, Najee or Brian Culbertson. Think Avant and Faith Evans for example guesting. Not usually my bag, but the gorgeous melody, the lyrics and Keith McKelly's sax is SUPERB. Think Najee and you're right there. Another funky instrumental features Keith McKelly, sounding very much like Everette Harp, along with Cliff Barnes and Paul Douds on piano and acoustic guitar. Topping everything, though, is the final song, "(That's Why) It's Called Love" featuring Kent Wallace, Nadir Omowale, Janet White and Janis Jones. This is real quality modern soul and renders the CD essential. A must-have release and no better to end 2010.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Eric Benét - Lost In Time - 2010 - WEA

Since Eric Benét stepped out on his own we have been treated to some awesome work and, like other 21st Century soul artists such as Kem, have been allowed by their Major label masters to create what they do best - soul music, and NOT what the homeboys – those not even born in the late 1980s, or were still in diapers - want. This rates as Eric's most consistent and essential set to date. On here Eric relates to us his true soulful nature and his healthy love and respect for the sweet Philly soul sound. It's blatantly obvious that Eric is a fan of the likes of Thom Bell. He has worked with his team to create a faithful representation of that idyllic sound but in a 2010 setting and my only regret is that he has not worked with Thom Bell himself...I would give anything to have this great man make a return to the recording studio and the likes of Eric Benét would be ideal a vehicle for his talents.

Every track is a winner...the Stylistics-like groove, complete with lush strings and sitar is immediately present on our platform track, "Never Want To Live Without You". To be honest, I would have bought this CD purely on the strength of this and this alone BUT the fact that every other song on this CD is equally as essential just makes my heart and soul sing. Kiddie's artist Faith Evans even sounds good (albeit with some computer tweaking) on the Emotions / EW&F sounding "Feel Good" and adds to her recent album that sees her start to grow up musically, albeit a little. Fans of New York City and the Stylistics early 70s sound will so love track 4, "Always A Reason" - a phenomenal track that really hits my heart. Songs like this with real talent, real orchestration and crafted with love and quality make me feel so warm, and this great sound feels perfect at this time of the year. I'll be playing this yet again today as I get the Christmas tree ready!

The Philly connection is strong with the legendary Eddie Levert stepping up to the mic to deliver the string-laden, wah-wah filled uptempo number "Paid". This is SUPERB! It’s really great to hear Eddie back in the studio doing his thing. The great man has had such devastating losses recently and this performance shows his inner strength coming to the fore. Chrisette Michelle workd well on the wonderfully arranged effort "Take It", the bassline is to die for as is the flute and piano lead. The vocalist is also competent and certainly far better than a lot of today's nasal whiners. The strings and horns that fill "Stir It Up" are magnificent. Again, "Lost In Time" gets a Thom Bell approach and ticks all the boxes and Ledisi comes on strong with a great performance with "Good Life" Mind you, ANYTHING is better than her last album which was the biggest pile of doo-doo I'd heard in ages. Welcome back, Ledisi! As usual, Eric Benét ends the album on a mighty strong note..."Something's Wrong" is a KILLER and with sadness we realise the CD is over. It is a magnificent thing that a major label today can allow a beautiful CD like this. Of course, many moons ago before the likes of Teddy Riley and his clones swept away adult R&B, this was perfectly normal as a release from the big boys. Hopefully some sanity will set in and these labels will release we are not ALL rap fans, ganstas or children. Albums like this are timeless and replenish the soul. More!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe.

Eumir Deodato - The Crossing - 2010 - Expansion

Deodato is a legend...his own work, his Latin pieces and his Funk offering with the likes of Kleeer in the 80s are sublime. I was overjoyed to see this, his new album, and what a corker it is. Full of blinding midtempo numbers with plenty of real rhythm and beautifully warm keyboards. Listening to this is, I'm sure, melting the 6-odd-inches of snow that I can see from my window! With this album, Deodato draws upon a wealth of vocal talent to bring his already vibrant songs and melodies to extraordinary life. It's thanks to this man that we have the best vocal work from Al Jarreau this side of his "All I Got" album in 2002. Al Jarreau gives us a top-draw performance on no less than three songs, "Double Face" both as an ordinary mix and a radio mix, and with the talented group Novecento and their lovely vocalist Dora Nicolosi on the gorgeously sexy "I Want You More". The famous scat is prominent on the aforementioned effort that almost spans 6 minutes. Surely this is the best midtempo Mr. Al Jarreau has given for years! Al is vocally strong as ever, undeminished and still very much in command of a song as he was 35 years ago. An international treasure, we surely have the man at his 21st Century best here.

An odd inclusion to proceedings is, perhaps, Londonbeat who gave us a few chart toppers in the late 1980s here in the UK, but here they are on this awesome funky groove and they sound FANTASTIC! Deep, powerful, distinctive and captivating are the only words to describe Jimmy Helms' vocals. Nice to hear this guy's great vocals again. Definitely on this type of material too. We only have to skip forward two songs to "No Getting Over You" and we are treated to Londonbeat again. This time we have a more summery, dreamy track and one that suits Jimmy's vocals perfectly. Guitarist John Tropea adds his ample skills to the Latin flavoured "Night Passage", and with an electric guitar performance akin to Santana or Carlos Rios, this effort is very much in an essential vein. He also provides his licks to the equally impressive instrumental "Summertime", and this time supported by a superb string section and warm 70s keys that take us right back to the days of Eddie Russ and Lonnie Liston Smith...this is a winter blues buster!

Continuing in a Jazzy and funky vein is the superb "Rule My World" which features the sublime Novocento and their delicious vocalist Dora Niciolosi pitted against Billy Cobham's experb drumming. Billy Cobham is a legend and so is Eumir Deodato...two legends and a sexy young talent such as Dora and her amazingly talented band members is simply out of the box! Legends aplenty here with Brazillian percussionist Airto Moreira on board with "Border Line", and proceedings really do get hot on here. I particularly like the sexual, rhythmic bassline, the eerie synth and warm 70s keys...sheer brilliance :) Closing the set is an edit of Al Jarreau's wonderful opening effort, and although this is but a 9 track set EVERY track is a winner...I did not expect the set to be as strong as it was, and on that basis I think that it would be a great idea to scribble down this title on your Christmas list and lob the letter up the chimney to Father Christmas ASAP...this would definitely be better than an old Satsuma in the jolly old stocking! Three cheers to Santa Tee and all soulful little helpers at Expansion!!!

Barry Towler
the Vibe scribe

JD73 - Pure Gold - 2010 - Z Records

Having a healthy respect for Z Records and all things Dave Lee is a good starting point when talking about new music from the great man and his label, and this new set from this amazing UK group based in Leeds. No longer do the Great Cities of the US have monopoly on great music. That they gave up many years ago. Influenced by legends such as Herbie Hancock, Patrice Rushen, Bob James, Quincy Jones, Bruce Swedien, Rod Temperton, Michael Jackson, Pfunk, Eddie Henderson, George Duke, Pleasure, Prince, D'Angelo, Jimmy Smith, Brian Auger, Dexter Wansel and others group members Rachel Modest (vocals), Johnny Heyes (guitars), Jay Irving and Simon Moore (drums) deliver a KILLER album of soulful, upbeat boogie tunes that whisk us back to the early 1980s yet still have their roots firmly in 2010 and all things Z!!! One of the best albums of 2010 I can do nothing but heap praise on this set. Today's yester-now sound fused with storming basslines, soulful vocals, real instruments and more grooves than you can shake a stick at, "Pure Gold" serves as an apt title for this remarkable album.

Kicking off with an Earth, Wind & Fire groove we have a track called "Fantasy" - NOT an EW&F cover but a truly scintillating uptempo number with brassy flairs and gorgeous funky moogs. Vocalist, Fraser, works the groove with his smooth style and in places reminds me of Jamiroquai. This is no bad thing, but I hope he doesn't overtake me on the A12 as madly as dear old JK does in those flash cars of his! Brass and groove is the order of the day and Miss Modest lays down vocals on the awesome groover, "Pure Gold". These two tracks alone make the set more than essential but hey! We have the rest of the album to go through yet! The UK's very own Nate James has never sounded so good on the brilliant early 80s sounding "Written In The Stars", and fans of the Sunburst Band will immediately fall into line with these songs, they really will. Again Frazer steps up to the Mic for "Step By Step", and blows the cobwebs away.

"Think Twice" featuring Ella May is pure Sunburst Band and oozes summertime flavours. Although this is not a cover of the Donald Byrd song from 1975, the vocal refrain is certainly aped on here and, again, is a nice throwback to a far warmer, friendlier musical age. From this era we move to a crackin' mid 80s synthy soul / Club vibe with "Round And Round" - this adds some real light and shade, and what better than a stomping 80s groover on an icy, cold and snow-threatened day such as today?! The sound familiar to us a la The Controllers' "Stay" hits us on the 80s inspired interlude "Storm Chaser" - this deserves to be a full song. I LOVE this type of groove. Brilliant stuff!!! This leads into a foxy 70s outing that would make Randy Muller smile. "Supersexy" has elements of Messrs Muller and Burgess, and will get a few feet moving on the dancefloor! Trust me, this is one hell of a CD and you can order this blind. An amazing release and perfect for the festive season that is fast approaching!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Nicola Conte - Other Directions (Expanded) - 2010 - Schema

This superb Jazz set was issued, originally, in 2004 and provide my first ever contact with the SUPERB Schema Records. This was an instant love affair, and one that continues to this very day. A label of high esteem and quality we can be rest assured that nothing lacklustre will be unleashed on us from this strong, strong label out of Milan. Roll forward to 2010, and in their wisdom Schema have released this set again, but this time as a double CD with new, bonus cuts on disc 2 as well as alternate versions of songs such as "Wanin' Moon" and "Nefertiti". Some songs were - shock! horror! - only released previously on the dreaded vinyl so appear here properly for the very first time in crystal clear CD quality. We deserve no less, us connoisseurs! These songs, "Bohemian's Dilemma", "Waltz Of The Sirens" and an extended version of my all-time favourite, "Kind Of Sunshine" appear and thank heavens to Betsy for it too with it's extended and frenetic percussion and horns. If you're not familiar with this set, then I highly recommend a listen as I know that fans of Mario Biondi, Was A Bee and Alessandro Magnanini will also love this. My favourite song remains as "Kind Of Sunshine". Man, when I first heard this song I had a proper bonafide Adrenaline rush! Playing this loud the latin percussion, hectic percussion and Fabrio Bosso's Fred Wesley-ish trombone solo truly nailed it for me big time and having a slightly longer version is a real treat too.

On disc 2, "Charade" is a track that I am hitherto unfamiliar with, and with a great piano based line and floating flute, vocalist Lisa Bassange is able to create a deliciously jazzy atmosphere that is both romantic and rhythmic. Michael Buble, anyone? No, I thought not. Unreleased, "Danubian" with a seriously strong double bass, vibes and drums by Lorenzo Tucci this is a KILLER track. The backing vocals are not credited but hark back to those used by classic Brazilian artists such as edu Lobo back in the heady Bossa Nova 1960s. Call this Nova Bossa Nova if you will. Also unreleased is "Teardrop Painted Blue", a bouncy effort complete with vibraphone and Bembe Segue on vocals. This great '60s sound in a smart, snappy and 2010 fashion proves that what is magical and timeless will always remain so. Also unreleased is the superb vocal cut, "Quiet Stars" featuring, again, our heroine, Bembe Segue. This material could have been recorded many years ago but is very Today, Modern and on-the-ball. It's a brilliant, brilliant song and I hope that Schema stay true to their colours and maintain a level of musicianship, craft and quality that we have grown to know and love. Total respect to Nicola, Schema and all the multi-talented musicians, singers and staff involved. This lover of REAL music salutes you all.

Barry towler
The Vibe Scribe

Winston Ward - The Warmth Of Of Your Love - 2010 -

This man is no stranger to us, and if you have rightly supported the excellent trio, Lov'N'It over the past year then you are indeed already familiar with this man's silky, soulful delivery. Having worked within the music scene here in the UK over the past 14 years, Winston has garnered a lot of kudos and respect and so smoothly steps out , carrying the torch for UK soul music with this, his new single "The Warmth Of Your Love". Available to download from iTunes, this comes in two versions: a shorter edited version and an extended mix. Of course, where quality is concerned we are not left wanting and what I'll do here is focus on the extended version which I think will be the version we will all plumb for.

This is, by definition a Soulful House track. I know that many have yet to dip their toes into the House Music scene, but should those brave enough do so they will be wonderfully surprised at the sheer talent of the artists and songs that they will find there. Many new US House songs come complete with strings, horns and a real boogie / disco flavour, compounded with warm 70s keys and THAT resounding beat. Along comes Winston from jolly old Blighty and adds a little more magic to that genre with his fine uptempo offering. From the rattling bongos, Brazilian party whistle and classic hi-hat house beat a la Sterling Void / CeCe Rogers Winston Ward throws in some warm Lonnie Liston Smith styled keyboards, flanged vocals and real soulful vocals that our very own Omar would be proud of. This isn't bass heavy, and my only criticism - IF you can call it that - is that it needs a bit more oomph in the bass department. That aside, soulful vocals, soulful instrumentation and the racing hi-hat make this a dancefloor bubbler of excellent proportions. G’wan! Head over to iTunes and download now! A real joyful song and highly recommended!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Dr E - Elevated - 2010 - Give Us Free Records

Dr E is a relative newcomer on the scene yet carries with her a wealth of experience that is indeed enviable in today's climate of ever-younger, mass-produced and incision-sharp marketing techniques. With a pretty countenance, a vocal style that leans towards the Erykah Badu / Billy Holliday school of vocals and abundant with a sense of fun, grace and sass we have a set that works on the party areas of the soulful brain as well as giving us a jazzy twist and element of stylistic swish! I warn you that some songs may not be immediate, and that's OK - we are conditioned these days as we live in a time of immediate gratification. Songs such as "Dance To My Song" when given a few spins edge under the radar and hit home. This, to me, is clever and a sign of something and someone with a little more to offer than many today. "Halle Berry" for instance is a lovely sax-filled swayer that is clever in picking up the down-to-earth themes that India.Arie is so good at and, let's face it, tells things as they are. Dr E is one of those artists who scribes a good song and lays it down on the line. Doing this soulfully and with class is a good thing and you will not be disappointed!

"Elevated" deals with positivity and espouses, in a funky, slow and bluesy way the old adage that change comes from within. the greatest soul sings - mayfield, Brown, Franklin - all knew about this and instead of chundering on about bling, cars, the club or getting down in bed, Dr E offers real insightful stuff here and having worked through this painful process myself, I can really and wholeheartedly understand this groove and where she is coming from. Who said wisdom no longer flourishes? Having already alluded to stylistic breadth, fans of acoustic guitar and a rootsier sound will soon pick up on "Your Everything". How simple a song can be with a good voice and an acoustic guitar! I think I can see Dwayne Wiggins and Sheree Brown smiling. I certainly smiled when I took a listen to "Walk This Road". The sax here is delicious and the feel reminds me, slightly of The Temptations "This Is My Promise". Easily my favourite song, this song oozes superior style and effortlessly and, for me, makes the purchase of this CD a must on this and this alone. fear not though - check out more songs such as "Good Girl Down" and the sultry sax-drenched "Giving My Life To You". Tasty stuff and more than worth a purchase for these alone. Recommended.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Rena Scott - Take Me Away - 2010 - Amor Records

The evergreen rena Scott has waited over 5 years to deliver this, her new album, but every moment has been worth the wait. I would say that for me at any rate, this rates as her best, most dependable, solid and consistent set in YEARS. To be fair, I don't think any track is going to disappoint you and that said i do have my favourites on here - and these are manifold. Rena Scott's instantly recognisable vocals are deployed heavily here in wonderful unison with some seriously sexy, chilled and sublimely soulful arrangements. Like other great female vocalists such as Susaye Green, her voice improves with age and hearing her expert pipes atop haunting and sensuous efforts such as the opening song, "Each Day Is Better". The swishing beat, the haunting synths and cool keys are droolsome and I could imagine fans of Susaye Green's recent work with Portrait's Michael Saulsberry. Loathed as I am to confront cover versions, Rena works magic on the Emotions' "Don't Ask My Neighbors" and Maze's "Joy And Pain", making these haunting, refreshing and flavoursome songs fit in perfectly with the flow of the new material.

Following the lovely, smiley rendition of "Joy And pain" we have a KILLER song dedicated to Rena's beautiful daughter, Nina who shares vocal duties. This is the prize possession of this album as far as I am concerned and it's one of those beautiful songs that is warm, touching and celebratory yet not at all sickly, schmaltzy or sugary. having played this song over and over again it is certainly one of my favourite songs of the moment. "It's So Wrong" is a dramatic number with real verve and comes at with a classic Gladys Knight delivery. I could easily imagine Gladys delivering this song, but don't get me wrong...rena is more than up to the plate on this one. I'm already very ensconced ibn the set by this point and being a fan of sax was very buoyed by the inclusion of said instrument in "Something I Wanna Say". Add the sexy rhythm and synths to this then we've got a real doozy on our hands here. For a great uptempo number please head over to track 11, "I Don't Wanna Wait" - it's a great number on it's own and yet I can imagine a remix with a more prominent and strident bassline - throw is a a little sax and a few strings this could be a very strong modern dancefloor / House number. Rena's vocals are perfect with depth, sensitivity and passion as well as gusto to bring something like this about. All told a great, great album and well no self-respecting soulful household should be without it.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe.

Various Artists - Monsters Of Funk And Soul - 2010 - Unique

Unique Records delve into their inventory for a worthwhile compilation of tunes that does not compromise on style or quality. These tracks are new, or fairly recent at least BUT could easily fool many four-to-the-floor buffs as being unreleased Northern monsters. Who would have thought that they would still be making music like this today - but I, for one, am glad they are. We have such a diverse landscape of sounds today in the broad church of soul, funk and jazz that anything like this is welcome. I have never understood those who refuse to acknowledge anything past 1969, or before the '90s, or even those millions who have no idea that R&B isn't a recent phenomenon. This set represents quality, and born from a quality label that has been on the scene for an amazing 22 years. You'll recognise a few tunes that I've waffled on about of recent years such as "Lean On Me" by Al Supersonic & The Teenagers and Glen Anthony Henry's early '70s styled set, "Relax And Love". The aforementioned hit is included here on glorious CD, and from the latter we have the awesome songs "Fired Up" and "I Don't Know". Delicious enough, but that isn't it. Of course not!

I was bowled over from the start with the KILLER Norther styled 60s belter "Am I Dreaming?" from Laura Vane & The Vipertones. This stomping, driving beat with vibes and punchy horns would easily slot into Richard Searling's "Old Bastards" set at Southport - many hours of sheer enjoyment i experienced during those late night sessions! I can cheerfully pour the same accolades onto "Good And Plenty" by the great-sounding Soul Snatchers, and "Shoot The Birds" from Plenty Enough should easily kick up the jolly old talcum powder too. Well worthy of a spin, too, is the excellent Meters / JBs sounding "Quick Sand" by Japan's very own Osaka Monaurail. Turn this UP! It's so funky that it hurts! Vocally we are in a gruff, tough and very gritty soulful mode. The Eternal Godfather would be pleased, that's for sure. A real joy to listen to is the cover version of Bobby Hebb's evergreen "Sunny" by Eli Goulart E Banda Do Mato. With Portuguese lyrics and real and proper Brazilian instrumentation this is a standout track. My final pick is a surprise for me as I love the original so much, and never would I think that I would like a funky / jazzy / retro cover of The Beatles 1964 chart-topper "I Feel Fine". This is, trust me, a real belter ! Yet another essential - if not Monster - release!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Preston Glass - Colors Of Life - 2010 - Expansion

As 2010 draws to a close we embrace yet more soulful magnificence, and yet again we have Ralph Tee and Expansion Records to thank for this latest of gems to hit the streets. "Colors Of Life" is the third set from legendary Producer Preston Glass, and following on from the collaborative "Music As Medicine" set we are treated to what I personally feel is a much stronger and essential release. Themed on colours, I can, without hesitation, recommend this set and suggest that you order a copy ASAP. In all we have 19 tracks and many of our most cherished and favourite artists sit comfortably with new talents, all gelled together by the expert oversight of Preston Glass. There are many highlights, and the set kicks off with three of the strongest tracks you will be hear at the time of writing. If you like a cool steppers groove with the benefit of Johnny Britt on trumpet and Preston himself on guitar, then look no further than the first tune, "Olive Branch". Our vocalists are Sharon McMahan and Laundon Kendricks and their harmony is MAGIC. The haunting synths, courtesy of Tomi is little short of sublime, and if I've played this song once I've played it a dozen times today alone.

My second of our soulful hat trick is the BRILLIANT Cool Million mix of Keni Burke's "Orange U Ready" and as usual Rob Hardt and frank Ryle have excelled themselves with this ultra-soulful groove; a groove that fits Keni Burke hand in glove. I cannot get enough of Keni Burke and pray that a new album comes to light soon from this genius. Brenda Holloway supplies our third massive song...who back in the mid 1960s would believe that in the far distant second decade of the 21st Century would be be listening to this great Lady of Motown, and that her voice would still resound so strong and soulful. As I always say, quality will always stay the day. The different, flange-effected Latin feel of "That Purple Passion" has all the hallmarks of a Michael Omartian / Roberta Flack collaboration from her "oasis" set, and as such this is a remarkable cut on many levels. How sad it is to hear the late, great and towering giant of talent who was Ali Woodson again. We lost this wonderful man way too early and fans of his recent work with Tour De 4force 1 will love this latest effort. One of THE voices of our time gone way too soon, and thank you, Preston Glass, for giving us another opportunity to enjoy this man once more.

Ron Tyson of the Temptations hits big time with the glorious "Bluer Shade Of Blue"...his Tenor sounding great against this 21st Century styled Stylistics-like tune. Russell Thompkins Jr would also have cracked this tune, but our hero Ron really is at home here. The piano line and harmonies hark back to early 70s Motown and make this a real treat on the ears. Newcomer Trizonna McClendon is someone I've trumpeted recently and here she is with the magnificent jazzy "Luscious Lavender". With gentle brushing drums, haunting synths and catchy keyboard riffs this makes for a great listen. Preston Glass himself delivers "Everybody Bleeds the Color Red" with a great piano line worthy of Motown / Invictus / Lamont Dozier - a song that really makes your soul feel good. Oh, how wonderful to be graced with tracks like this! His "Melancholy Grey" is also a real burner and will grow on you each play. Margo Lewis' "Brown" is a real cool, slinky funky number, and a sucker for a groove and funky Mtume type guitar lick is always gonna win me over! For these tracks I heartily recommend the album. If you love your soul music as much as you say you do then your collection is screaming out for this album. ESSENTIAL.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Tom Glide And The Luv All Stars - In The Name Of Luv - 2010 - Expansion

Another top-draw release from Ralph Tee and the boys at Expansion; one i didn't expect to receive nor expect to be so darn good! From the US we have a mighty collaboration of artists headed by the aforementioned Tom Glide, who's roster of talent includes vocalists Tim Owens and Orlando Johnson, and musicians as strong as Byron Miller, Larry Dunn, Patrick Green, Alex Al and James Gadson amongst many others. bar a few ballads this set is mainly uptempo and party orientated, perfectly in touch with the best of the best sets from the UK and Europe at the moment. This is an exciting project to both receive and listen to and it warms the cockles of my heart to see so many notable names on board from the US making proper music that will certainly make your senses sing! I am especially pleased to hear Tim Owens in action again...his 1991 set for Atlantic boasted numerous cream cuts and the promise of future classy releases. Unfortunately as the decade progressed the homeboys took over and any shade of quality was ditched for whatever urban tripe MTV favoured that month. Yet here he is, alongside Orlando Johnson doing what he does best - making crackin' music.

As you may expect from the inclusion of Larry Dunn there is a distinct Earth, Wind & Fire rhythm threading through all the songs, and I think that the brassy stabs and rhythm guitar are right in the bag from the word go - Tim Owens' totally enjoys his part in "Get It Off" immensely, and the flavour is both totally today yet mid 1970s to boot. Also, the following cut, "What's Your fantasy" enjoys some funky licks, percussion and soulful, zingy strings. This is blindingly good and still doesn't equal the amazing ballad which is track three, "I'm Crazy", featuring Orlando Johnson on vocals, a voice that has the echo of Lenny Williams in places. I am, as you should be aware, a sucker for a string section. What the guys have cooked up here is almost in THAT mid 1980s Columbia mode...Think Rodney Franklin's "Love Is The Answer" or Philip Bailey's "It's Our Time"...I have played this song so many times I'm sure the CD has burn marks on it! The strings are simply out of this world and all concerned have conspired to give this a wonderfully haunting atmosphere. If only there were more songs of this nature about today. I, for one, would be a much happier man.

The slammin' beats and Philly-ish guitar break boundaries with the edgy horn riffs on the uptempo number "I'm Not The Same Man" - a track that could easily become a modern soulful house thumper. Now this is a tasty thought, especially as it's increasingly the case that US House music resembles quality 70s soul dance material! the strong horn-filled EW&F effort "Can You Feel It" won't disappoint, nor will the super-strong "Luv Is Comin' Up"; a track that should get some feet on the floor. This is brilliant material from the US in 2010 and I cannot get enough of it! "Come To Me" rollicks along atop a shifting, shuffling gait, funky guitar licks and horns, and better than most of today's US material. The Zapp-like slammer "Love Me Like U Do" features vocalist Rahmlee, complete with hand-clapping beat. This is almost Roger Troutman circa 1980! Putting the CD to bed is the lovely and serene ballad, "In The Name Of Luv" which features Orlando Johnson. Albums like this, from the USA at least, are very few and far between. Every track a winner; no fills and no compromises. Another essential soul set for your collection.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Solomon Burke - Nothing's Impossible - 2010 - Ear Music

One cannot look at, nor listen to, this album without feeling incredibly sad. Incredibly sad, yet heart-warmed that this special album actually happened. We have, in 2010, lost two of the all-time greats: Willie Mitchell and now Solomon Burke. This album is remarkable in that after 35 years of trying, the two legends finally made it into the studio together to craft a beautiful album of southern soul that only Willie could produce, and Solomon could deliver. Recorded between 2008 and 2010, this album will appeal to anyone who loves either gentleman and if the style of Al Green's latest set - or Even Anthony Hamilton, come to that - is to your taste then you will equally love this. One o the strongest, most emotive cuts on offer here is the opening song, "Oh What A Feeling". It's slow, lazy, southern style is peppered with unhurried live drums, understated real strings and a thoughtful, bluesy guitar. Solomon at 70 is - was - as powerful and remarkable now as he was back in the early - mid 1960s and one can hear a lifetime of experience mingled in with that vocal swagger. This is the stuff of legend.

I would recommend the gorgeously string-laden "Dreams" as your next port of call. Mitchell is definitely at home on this sort of material, and restrained but passionate and insightful, Burke ministers over this groove. The horn section and organ take us way back to the early 70s and stylistically remains an aspect of timelessness. Credit, then, to these two giants of music and all those including Willie's sons who have tirelessly and meticulously learned what we may call the pre-tool production style to a tee. The title of the set, "Nothing's Impossible" allows Solomon some real room to expand and soar his voice uplifted by stirring strings and raw, edgy horns. A song that really grabbed my heartstrings is "You Needed Me"...this version of the old Anne Murray song penned by Randy Goodrum in1978 is really stripped down and given the Royal Studios treatment. We could almost forgive ourselves for re-imagining this as a brand new song and not an interpretation.

From Burke's own hand comes the traditional Mitchell uptempo number "You're Not Alone", and a fine piece to lift the spirits it is too. the horns get you every time, don't they?! The bitter taste of when a lover has moved on is tackled sensitively with "New Company" and again smacks of the traditional sound we all know and love. Now, I believe this to be the last works of either gentlemen, and as I said at the outset this is both very sad, but also very joyous. Willie Mitchell and Solomon Burke are a match made in musical heaven - a place I am sure they very much are now - and amazing that we have waited until the second decade of the 21st Century top receive the combined efforts of these towering talents. The crack is that both gentleman have remained true to themselves and what we have here is nothing short of what we could ever have hoped to have expected. Smouldering, raw and edgy ballads, horn-filled dancers and more pleading testifying than you will get outside any Southern Pulpit. A fitting and timeless tribute to both of these amazing, much loved, and now deeply missed gentlemen. An essential release.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Matti Roots - Beatroot - 2010 - Otherway Records

There have been a number of solid, essential albums over the past few years...albums that take you by surprise; grab you totally with mind, heart and soul and is uncompromising in soul and quality. Albums by the likes of Jazzanova, Liquid Spirits, Paul Mac Innes and T.B.O.I., Basement Soul Band, Richard Earnshaw and so on have been such recent monsters and so I am proud to add another modern day monster to the list...Matti Roots' sublime "Beatroot" set, due for release November 22nd. EVERY track is superb, well crafted and laid down with love. A young, British artist previously known for his remix work - Justin Timberlake springs to mind - this is an artist that many connoisseurs may regard with caution and choose to pass over. MONUMENTAL ERROR! Being of that nature I easily could have looked at this and turned up one's nose but one listen had me hooked within less than 30 seconds.

It's definitely in today's groove yet encompasses all that is decent, good and honest about the best of our music. In other words, the connoisseur will buy into this as much as the fly-by-night less informed 1-Xtra radio listener. It flows with a savvy tightrope of quality soul with a commercial - but uncompromising edge. It's both fresh and warmingly familiar. Encompassed in this set I hear sounds such as Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, Paul Mac Innes, and Mario Winans (the Motown set, before he went down the toilet with P Diddy.) There are no standout tracks. Purely and simply as ALL songs are standout tracks. That said, one song in particular touches me more than the others. More on that in a moment. From the vibrant opening, "Let's Get Back Together" with it's 70s guitar and live drum line and soulful delivery to the unashamedly programmed 80s uptempo Stevie Wonder type number "Lust" - I can even imagine better contemporary talents such as Justin Timberlake working well on this kind of groove. The current single, "OCD" is exactly what I had in mind when i talked about the crossover between the connoisseur groove and the popular radio song. Forger R&B crassness - this is the real deal.

The funky "What Am I Gonna Do", complete with sitar is essential and will definitely please, but I can guarantee one track to floor you is "Dope" featuring none other than ex-Supreme Susaye Green. This downtempo number gives me chills, and although many could not imagine Susaye singing a song with a young artist such as this, the result is devastatingly wonderful. Sounding as good as ever, and Matti stood shoulder to shoulder at the mic sounds soulful, self-assured and totally within his creative comfort zone. Both compliment each other perfectly, and Susaye gives me chills when she let's her more than ample vocals fly. Fans of Paul Mac Innes' "Welcome To The Bunker" album from 2007 will instantly fall in love with "Rough Love", and the classic "See You Again" will take you back, stylistically, to a better, halcyon era. Remarkable. The eerie and sensitive "I Miss You" would not be out of place on Mario Winans' superb 1997 Motown set and the tones and piano changes are more akin to, say, Brian McKnight's "Anytime". If this concept sounds tasty to you then please check this out. It gives me chills. Enough said.

I mentioned earlier about one particular track. "Don't Worry" is a compositional masterpiece. I have played this over and over and over and over again. Within 20 seconds of first hearing it I was welling up. We open with 90-odd seconds of beautiful forest full of birdsong, and ice-cold piano playing that would make Bob James proud. THEN we have some spine-tingling harmonies that are straight from the book of Mario Winans. If that wasn't enough Matti introduces some subtle yet amazing steel guitar - used to devastating effect by Lalah Hathaway and Chris Walker in 2005. Now, I'm in pieces by this time, then Matti suddenly changes up the groove into a wonderful and joyous warm, summery west coast number which Basement Soul Group used to their credit on their "Soul Talkin'" set. A track that would make a great cruising song down the coastal road by the beach. This song is beyond perfection. Sobering us up is the superb "Closure" with it's continuing, joyful, west coast flavour but it's the closing track, "Raw" which again gives rise to the jolly old lump in the throat. This is intelligent, grown-up soul / R&B of the highest order. It's so wonderful to not only have a musical rollercoaster these days, but an emotional one, too is also more than welcome. In these days of depression, austerity and gloom, albums and artists like this are a beacon of light. Matti Roots is a modern-day genius and for my money easily one of THE albums of not only this year but recent years.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Thelma Houston - Breakwater Cat / Never Gonna Be Another One - 1980 / 1981- Funkytown Grooves USA

Dare I say it, but I'm not the greatest fan of Thelma Houston but still to this day love her 1985 smash "Hold Me So Tight" which was, of course, a classy production from Jam & Lewis when they had their own special, magical sound. This two-fer will definitely appeal to fans of the Lady and for me the CD only really starts on track 11 which is her latter LP, "Never Gonna Be Another One". For these ears the 1980 set is too listless and weak and Disco-fied and seems to be quite messy production-wise. The 1981 album hits the ground running with a sax-filled, funky guitar lickin' midtempo called "Never Give You Up" which is SUPERB! This is the material that suits Thelma Houston well, and it towers over the previous year's meagre offering. Tracks like this make the whole reissue more than worthwhile and yet again I cannot thank the Funkytown Grooves chappies enough for making this type of material available on CD.

Next up is the warm and summery "There's No Runnin' Away From Love" with THOSE great, warm Fender Rhodes keyboards and smooth backing vocals. The production and instrumentation is fluid yet stylistically tight and directed, totally overshadowing tracks 1 - 10. If funky guitar licks and Keni Burke styles drum rhythms are your bag then I suggest the BRILLIANT midtempo effort "If You Feel It" which is a real breath of fresh air. I love this song and so pleased to now have this on glorious CD! Ending the set is another gem, "Hollywood" which also adds weight to the second half of the CD. Vocally Thelma Houston is on top form here, and songs like this make me wonder how we may have experienced her vocals with the backing of - say - Chic or Jaques Fred Petrus. Sadly this never came to pass, BUT this type of song gives us an indication and on the strength of the four aforementioned cuts I heartily recommend this CD!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Eloise Laws - Eloiise - 1977 - Funkytown Grooves USA

Although this is a welcome release on CD, this 1977 effort for ABC, I sincerely hope that her far more essential 1980s efforts for Liberty will see CD reissue giving us more of this wonderful Lady's work with Thom Bell and Linda Creed. I am sure Funkytown Grooves USA will oblige us in this with their much-welcome affiliation with EMI in the US which is soon to bring us the wonderful 1981 effort from Blue Magic. There is so much untapped music that begs reissue and the ability of labels like this to make this happen is something I find genuinely and truly exciting. Back to this 1977 outing then, and we have production from none other than Jerry Goldstein and the late, great and still-sorely-missed Linda Creed. Containing some real lovely moments, "Eloise" begs you to purchase this at the earliest opportunity. With original songs, as well as readings of earlier performances, the set is warm and still sounds very good indeed.

The ever-popular "Baby You Lied" still sounds as fresh as a daisy and brother Ronnie laws on sax duty adds more mystique to this. the warm keys and harmonies really square the circle and the string section - arranged by the legendary Gene Page is sublime. Her version of Dionne Warwick's "His House And Me" is also a standout BUT lacks the original genius production of Thom Bell and as such doesn't, for me at any rate, better the 1975 original. Her version of the Stylistics "Love Comes Easy" also doesn't beat the original but easily stands alongside it with some powerful strings courtesy of Gene Page. Her 1999 re-recording is also well worth a purchase. That album, "The Key" is still readily available so don't overlook that set also. The string-laden uptempo "1000 Laughs", reminiscent of an Mtume / Stephanie Mills workout is well worth a spin and the gentle floating "Someone Who Still Needs Me" is an exercise in musicianship and clarity of vocal skill that all of today's manufactured X-Factor sausages should really sit and listen to. they and the (mostly) goddamn-awful judges may learn something. The strings really work well on this album as you may expect and the Phyllis Hyman-ish melancholic "Love Is A Feeling" benefits greatly from this. This CD also benefits us with two bonus songs which are the extended 12" versions of "Number One" and "1000 Laughs". Quality, quality, quality.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Cashflow - Cashflow - 1986 - Funkytown Grooves USA

Nice to see this reissued on CD - NOT for the very first time ever as stated as this did get a CD release in Europe on Mercury back in 1986 as I have a copy!!! However, errors aside, this edition is far more essential for the fact that the artwork is far better AND we get the 1`2" extended versions of the hit single "Mine All Mine" and "Party Freak" which was not on the original CD. This was a blinding set in it's day and as far as this scribe is concerned, it still is. I have NEVER stopped playing tracks such as "Party Freak" and "Mine All Mine", and to a certain extent the follow-up 12" single release from December 1986, "Spending Money" and "Can't Let Love Pass Us By". All this from the classic period of Atlanta Artists releases courtesy of Cameo's Larry Blackmon. If you adored the Barbara Mitchell song " Never Knew Love Like This Before" also from 1986 (PLEASE release this on CD, fellas!!!!) then this album will be right up your street.

Strong as you like, "Party Freak" opens up this set and for me is stronger than the extended 12" version by far. Harder, more concise and full of everything that made this musical marriage so brilliant: The soulful vocals of the Cashflow crew as well as Larry Blackmon's super-funky production and more than able rap vocal break. This kind of stuff wipes the floor with today's insipid manufactured R&B drivel, and reissues such as this will always be right on time, vastly overshadowing any new release. The hit that was "Mine All Mine" was the pinnacle of well crafted adult R&B that successfully took both the US and UK hit parade by storm. Oh, what great days these were! A quality adult groove that stormed into the Summer with style, class and vigour. Again, the album version is the stronger effort here for me and is still, after 24 amazingly fast years, in rotation at home and in the car. This is 'fell-good' soul dance at it's 80s best, and similar plaudits accredit "Can't Let Love Pass Us By" also. A pity their follow-up release was nowhere in the same league, but comforting to know that the band still perform and will hopefully get back into the studio. This would be good news indeed! An essential release.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Brick - Waiting On You - 1980 - Funkytown Grooves USA

Being a terse, grumpy old bag of wind it takes a LOT to excite me, especially musically. Especially today. It's a label such as Funkytown Groove who have connected with the Big Boy major Labels in the US, AND who are also dedicated to issue as much quality product to us as humanly possible. Their recent flurry of issues in 2010, and their list of releases due-soon have had this aforementioned miserable git bouncing up and down in my slightly worn and past it swivel chair. This wonderful 1980 release from Brick is one of those albums that got me very puffed up and pleased! The great group who, on Bag Records gave us classic 70s funk numbers such as 'Dazz' and 'Dusic' released this superb effort which contains many brilliant gems such as my favourite "Get Started". This song, and this song alone would sell a compilation set to me, no matter how poor the other inclusions may be. Having never expected these releases to come to light - even in Japan where they are rather sluggish, if however willing, this is an amazing release at a very reasonable price.

"Get Started", complete with great rhythmic guitar and spacey synths and a gorgeous flute solo makes this an essential purchase by itself. Dancefloor veterans will no doubt remember the dancefloor single, "Push, Push" that updated somewhat the 'Dazz / Dusic' theme. The easier "All The Way" contains great Rhodes keyboards, and should have had greter radio potential in it's day. the lazy groove of "Don't Ever Lose Your Love" follows a more southern groove a la the Bar Kays, and the guitar really makes this song have some punch. The guitar is also prominent in the sax-drenched summery ballad "Let Me make You happy", a groove that would be easily comfy on a Con Funk Shun set from the same era. Being Funkytown Grooves, we don't just get the original LP, but we get this set in an expanded format and following the great midtempo "Spread love" we have full length versions of the classics "Dazz" and "Dusic". What more do we want? How about their other sets? Well, they be a comin' soon...until then another essential release from the guys at FTG!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Helen Bruner and Terry Jones - Hollyhood - 2010 - Philerzy Productions

This duo are totally new to me, and I was not certain as to what I may find, going by the title of the album and the cover. Having eyed it warily and thinking 'oh dear, here we go again' I am much relieved that within a few seconds my grossly and wildly inaccurate assumptions have - yet again - been laid to rest. This lovely little independent set is as soulful as you like and will definitely be up your street if you like mid-uptempo funky soul laced with real instruments, sass and soul! There is none of this crass girlie R&B drivel which I thoroughly expected. Instead we are treated to passionate vocals with energy and soul and very much NOT in the recent vogue of whining and vocalising. The wah-wah guitar, synths and live drums are totally in the right zone for me and tracks that I assumed would be crass urban rap nursery rhymes such as "Holla" could not be further removed from this.

having been so nicely surprised I have settled into this album very quickly and have warmed to these young Ladies in a big way. Who could be surprised, really, when young Miss Terry Jones has none other than the legendary Linda Jones whose recent "Soul talking" had the song "Baby I Know" earning a Grammy nomination for best traditional R&B performance. Talent, then, runs in the family! Fans of Rufus will easily find something in the opening song, "Better", to make them feel right at home. The great rhythm, scratchy guitar and spacey synth combined with the zestful soaring vocals easily wipe the floor with the likes of Mary J Bilge (sic) and all the other R&B nasal whiners and vocalisers clogging the airwaves like a blocked sewer. As far as this grumpy old, dyed in the wool toad is concerned, I am happy to pay full purchase price for this track alone. Thankfully there are far more gems on here, including the aforementioned "Holla" with it's funky 70's vibe. Superb! The dreaded title of "Hollyhood" is of course NOT a street dirge but another fizzing funky soulful number and a piece of social commentary to boot.

"You Know" me with it's clapping beat and stabbing synth/horns contains some great 80s styled warbling guitar and yet again a great, uptempo rhythm that is very much in the yester-now bag. "Miss Mary" has a nice vibe and the melody reminds me of something that I would have heard on something purchased in the 1986 - 1989 period. More social commentary and well worth a spin not only at home but on quality radio too. This being good, though, is surpassed by the SUPERB feel-good vibe of "Let You Go", a song that Rufus and Chaka Khan could easily have tackled in the early 1980s. This vibe would easily be welcome on an Eric Benét set, or even Rahsaan Patterson album. Truth is, if you loves these songs - and I know you will - you will appreciate the rest of the album. It's a genuine pleasure to hear these sorts of tunes emanating from artists flush with youth. Please check out this album and simply pop it on, enjoy it and smile widely.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe