More Soulful Serenades - A review by Eddie Hubbard

This is the third various artists release from the ever growing, Coventry based, Hayley records logo, each one re- inforcing their reputation for discovering the finest un - released, rare and indemand Soul sides .This time however, label owner Rob Moss has really struck gold, in finally securing the release of both the legendary " I wonder why " and " Go back baby " sung by the mystical Sy Hightower, and only existing on a solitary Monarch acetate, discovered during the 80's, and both becoming top sounds on the ever growing modern / crossover scene of the early 90's, courtesy of Rod Dearlove . Both sides are ultra soulful, with Sy's" rough as sandpaper " vocals relating the lyrically superb, self penned song to fine effect, complimented by a lilting backing track .

Two re-makes of Detroit classics are included,firstly ex lead of The Platters, Sonny Turner, re- visits the group's " With this ring " classic, a real winning formula, as the contemporary arrangement retains the magic of the original, and compares favourably with the original waxing . Dathan Jones, produced by the Philly soulstess Cindy Scott, recorded a superb update of Stevie Wonders 1963 " Contract on love ", which has remained "in the can " until now, and as with the Sonny Turner side, is a refeshing uplifting version , both these recording's could find favour with both the modern and northern soul scenes .Also included on this CD is " Mysterious Desire " by Dathan, an excellent ballad that has become a favourite of mine with continued plays .

JJ Barnes is of course a legend of our music, his contribution to the CD are " The time has come " and " You're my lady now ", two sides recorded at the same sessions as his 1970 Magic Touch release " To an early grave ", both are the basic tracks, without the sweetening of strings etc, however both sides showcase JJ's superb vocal style to full effect, and are really worthy inclusions .

Tim Murray's " Thinking of you " was a popular side on the modern scene of the same time frame as the Sy Hightower tracks, here we have the original [ and better ] version by Detroit legend Melvin Davis, another superb side to add to his ever growing pedigree !!

Tim Carter's " Thank you Marvin " appeared for the first time on the initial Hayley CD release " Soulful Serenades ", surely one of the best Marvin Gaye tributes to ever gain release, here we have another wonderful track " Dream of a lifetime ", mid tempo magic, and very uplifting .

Sharon McMahon is only known to myself via her rare " Got to find another guy " for Ollie McLaughlin's Karen logo out of Detroit, and her writing contribution for a number of Deon Jackson sides amongst others . Included on this silver platter is the beautiful " Get out of my life " a wonderful Bobby Martin and Toxey French production, with Ms. McMahon excelling on this so soulful ballad .

Jerome Jackson is another completely unknown artist to myself, however the inclusion of " I never believed in love " [ penned by the legendary Van McCoy ] has me searching for more material by this talent, a superb example of 70's " sweet soul " at it's best .

As we go to press the long awaited appearance of Almeta Lattimore is expected at the second Northampton Luxury Weekender .Included here are three wonderfully soulful tracks by this former Aretha Franklin backing singer, the athemic and ever popular " These memories " [ released as a '45 by Hayley Records recently ], the duet with John Freeman " I need you " which has long been a favourite with collectors of Deep Soul, and to close the CD, the beautiful " La La ", recorded at the Stax studio in Memphis, under the supervision of Detroit legend George McGregor .It's Almeta's photo that adorns the cover of this very high quality CD, a very fitting tribute to a real Soul singer, who[ like many of the artists include on this CD ] has remained in the background for far too long . A highly recommended release .