Coolnotes

My first feature on this issue last year triggered some interest , positive feedback and a degree criticism and debate. I’ve provided an update on the wide range of music available under this genre that might appeal to Soul fans , but have decided to let the music speak for itself . Ive sought to provide a wide cross section of Black music styles that are still classed under a the label of Gospel , many of them have moved a long way from the traditional format of Gospel that I wonder if the phrase has any meaning any more , Spiritual Soul music seems to work for me and can embrace music that can reach the Soul without traditional evangelising that can be a turn off for some.Im also keen to promote UK artists and labels that have a thriving contribution towards Faith Music. Radio Shows Most of this music can be heard on the Solar Radio’s Sunday Morning Gospel show . ( 6 - 8 am ) It seems to have grown in popularity enough for them to allocate live DJ;s most weeks instead of recorded shows . (They sometimes provide playlists ) Whilst its called the Gospel Show be under no illusions the music provided spans a number of musical genre’s and indeed very little of it is ‘traditional ‘ evangelising Gospel as many people imagine . They travel from early Soul , through to the seventies , eighties and beyond , with most focus on R n B , Neo Gospel , House , Jazz and contemporary praise music from the US and UK . Its an eclectic and brave approach to faith music and I cannot recommend it enough. Weekday DJ Tony Monson must take most of the credit for this , Richard Marzetti does equally good job with occasional slots. Similar stuff can also be heard on allocated slots on the following shows. Richard Marzetti Solar Saturday Morning Gospel slot 7.30 on his 6-8 show. Tony Monson Monsons Mid Morning Mayhem . Weekday mid morning show. Andrew Ackerman Saturday 8 - 10 . Richard Marzetti Friday 3-6 pm Ray Bradshaw Show Robert Banks Shaun Evan’s show/podcasts also features a Gospel slot on 365 Radio. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/365soul/episodes/2018-04-22T06_11_46-07_00 Keeping the Faith on the Dance Floor : Some Dancer’s Robert Banks - A Mighty Good Way taken from his 1967 The Message LP on Verve and well established on the Northern Soul scene since being played at the Twisted Wheel. Mighty Clouds Of Joy . Mighty Clouds of Joy. 1975 from their Kickin . LP on ABC . Opening with a catchy guitar riff, that invites in brass and flute before the boys arrive led by Joe Ligon . Since forming in their LA roots in 1960 they have gone on to produce 26 albums and 34 singles , and with various line ups they went on to become Gospel royalty. They fused Gospel with slick dance moves and outfits common amongst Motown and Stax line ups. Between 1974 - 77 they released 4 albums on ABC records . Kickin , Its Time , Truth is the Power and Live and Direct. I could devote a whole post just on their material that come out of those years. Their ABC years saw their first 2 albums produced at the legendary Philly Sigma studio’s and its evident in this track with that classic Philly disco sound taken from Its Time LP and written by producer and flutist David Crawford. (Frank Wilson was brought in the produce the third ABC LP) The success of these records resulted in them being the first Gospel group to appear on Soul Train . Mighty Clouds of Joy Helping hand-arthur miles. I think I caught this on Pete Meadows show and Ive struggled over whether to include this 1991 gem from his A Love for All Seasons LP . Strictly it cannot be called a ‘Gospel’ record but there is no denying it delivers a heartfelt case for a ‘Helping Hand’. A Crossover hit in the making. Now aged 68 Miles is the nephew of the Jazz legend Wes Montgomery and son of a Californian night club owner . He went on to study music and journalism and developed a live career backing the likes of Edwin Starr, Tina Turner ,Jimmy Bo Horn, before moving to Italy where he continues to perform and record. 3 albums and 18 singles predominantly on New Music International . You can catch him at my favourite weekender , North Lancs Soul Festival , Morcambe 18th - 20th May . Main Ingredient . Rolling Down the Mountain side . Title track of the Main Ingredients 1975 album featuring Cuba Gooding. This cut from the pen of Jaqueline Dalya Hilliard & Leon Ware.Im indebted to Solar DJ Richard Marzetti who played this gem recently Co written by Leon Ware and taken from their 1975 album of the same name from their Cuba Gooding Snr period just prior to founder Tony Silvester leaving the group. Opening with a melodic string start , pitches into a haunting groove of reassurance and faith . Sublime vocals and equally the measure of Everybody Plays the Fool and Just Don’t Wanna Be Lonely. ‘ It reached No.7 in the US RnB Charts at the time. Contemporary / Neo Spiritual Soul Sophie Lloyd feat. Dames Brown. Calling Out .Classic Records 2018 Heard this on Kev Hill’s Freedom Principle Jazzy show on Solar. Various vinyl and CD versions available . Veteran London based dance DJ Sophie Lloyd teams up with Dames Brown a Detroit vocal trio . (Check out their 2013 ‘Super Fly’ single for some contemporary retro Soul ! ) Lisa Cunningham, Jael Coston and Teresa Marbury. Apparently this has been going down a storm on club dance floors around the UK and beyond . A fantastic hands in the air anthem. I love the black and white video that starts in what looks like a church ,takes it to the streets , and goes back to the church for an uplifting celebration of life. Erica Campbell "Well Done" (2017) Erica , was the older sister in Mary Mary ,one of the most commercially successful Gospel crossover acts . She’s released two solo albums and 7 singles including ‘Help ‘ is a worthwhile praise venture with rapper Lecrae , but I think this shows off her versatile talent and crossover appeal rather better. This is an awesome modern Neo Soul spiritual track , she's got SOME voice. LeJuene Thompson . Oh La La. , This track from her 2008 Metamorphosis album it total class and deserves to be up there with the likes of Jill Scott and Jean Carne. Its content borders on a secular/ spiritual homage to something that has inspired her life , but there is no doubting her gospel pedigree. Check out her Brighter Days” for a Neo Soul intro to Faith music. Lisa McClendon's 'Pause' . Born Edletha Lorraine McClendon the daughter of a Florida preacher , she has released 3 quality albums since 2002. This track comes from the latest Reality released on Blusoul 2009. A sublime example of Neo Gospel soul and a search for that peace we all need sometimes. Helen Baylor - Can You Reach My Friend. Another very contemporary Gospel artist seeking comfort for a friend. Helen was an LA child star who went on to support Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin and became a backing singer for Chaka Khan. Sadly her life fell apart due to bad relationships and drug misuse , but she found support in the church .She’s released 6 albums since 1990 , and has performed in prisons and women shelters. Check out her Sold Out more uptempo track . Or “Oasis” from her Full Circle LP. You Dont Know My Story - LeJuene Thompson A real emotive piece of self disclosure from Lejuene Thompson performed lived. No apologies for this powerful message of strength and survival. Pure quality. Jekalyn Carr " You Will Win Motivational speaker , Author , She’s had Grammy Award nominations, two Billboard nominations, five Stellar Gospel Award nominations and a GMA Dove Award nomination, and soon to be actress. singing from the age of 5 and preaching since she was 13 and she is still only 20 years old. This 8 min live declaration of hope and self belief wont appeal to everyones tastes in its unapologetic homage to her God. What ever your views on the faith there is no denying the strength of her voice and command of the stage and audience. She currently is tearing up US Gospel scene and I think we will be hearing a lot more of her. House’ of the Lord. : A selection of spiritual soulful House Tracks. Deep Swing featuring Kelly Jones . Mighty Mighty Love. Generate Music 2007 Deep Swing appear to have been a production duo from LA ,Eric Wikman & James Donaldson , between 1995 and 2010 they produced an enormous catalogue of Soulful Spiritual House predominantly on their own Generate Music label. They probably follow an already successful formula laid down by predecessors . Pull off a funky / hypnotic dance riff, pull in a Soul Diva ,.. preferably with a Gospel background and deliver uplifting anthems of survival , hope and salvation. The ‘Diva’s included Donna Washington (Im a Believer ) , Linda Jackson. (Life Up Your Soul and Spirit) and Kelly Jones (Mighty Mighty Love ) Im providing the latter but its worth checking out any of the above and more . This is One of those ambiguous tracks that could be secular or spiritual but its happening either way Joaquin Joe Claussell* – Unofficial Edits, Overdubs & Unreleased Remixes Part 1 Look at Your People . The original version of this comes from the Crowns of Glory 1976 ‘God Save the Children “ second LP on Peacock . That version likes this has echoes of Voices of East Harlem but I have to admit I prefer this version , but it drifts into a more churchy vibe towards the end. Joaquin (Joe) Claussel is a veteran New York DJ/Producer whose Spiritual Life label has been producing a diverse and often global catalogue of quality dance music since 1996.* Passionardor - "Everlasting Love" (JC's Distant Music Mix ) UK producer and songwriter Mark Moore teams up with vocalist Laura Vane. Brighton based Laura is both Solo singer and member of the UK/Dutch RnB The Vipertones. Faith Britannica Some recommendations from the thriving UK Gospel scene. The Sound Principle - Because You Love Me Old School Mix, Qanah - I'm Holding On Qanah‘s empowering track ‘I’m Holding On’ was written and produced by The Sound Principle. With vocal performances by a collective of talent including: Shaun Escoffery, Paul Lee, True Solace, plus a thought provoking rap by Solid Rock, ‘I’m Holding On’ is a fine example creative collaboration by some of the UK’ finest soul voices. Lavine Hudson - A Little Sensitivity (1991) from her Between Two Worlds 2nd and final album on Ten Records. For many Lavine could have been our Whitney has she not tragically died aged 55 after a long battle with Lupus after releasing seven singles over 3 years. Personally I think its tragic that she peaked in the 1980’s when her superb voice was often ruined by the drum machine productions common to the era. She had charisma and spirit and crossover potential . Her message was more subtle than the American gospel scene but no less felt Sarah Téibo - Like A Child (Official Video) ft. Tehillah Daniel & Jason Nicholson-Porter Like A Child’ is the first single taken from Sarah Téibo's forthcoming album ‘Keep Walking’ – set for release summer 2018.. Sharlene Monique - You Her debut EP ‘Destiny’ (released April 2018) combines emotive, soulful-tinged vocals with inspiring songs of empowerment, love and self-acceptance. Charlene-Monique is an award-winning singer-songwriter, who began singing in church aged 4. She won Best Inspirational and Music Video Of The Year at the Jump Music Video Awards 201 and recently nominated for Best Video in the UK Gospel Awards. Thats the lot. Feedback and suggestions welcome. Keep the Faith Cool Notes

Is there a Chicano soul scene we need to hear about .. ?

No crash helmet on a Scooter .. those were the days ..

This is the Shredded Wheat longer version . " Really good healthy stuff , mind and body" .. Shredded Wheat ain't bad either... !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn-rjN9QgA0 Bobby Angelle . Its Gotta Be That Way. There was a slightly longer spin off documentary type film to go with it.. , Think the bloke and his crew were from the Midlands ? . Looks cool. !

Radio Five Live mentioned they were going to run this issue this morning. Its been commonly known the therapeutic and medical benefits music can have on the brain and its increasingly used to counter dementia . Leading the way is Sarah Metcalfe and her husband. Feel free to post your own playlists .. mine will be up later. Hopefully we won't be needing them for ... well at least a year or two. ?!! But not dismissing the distress it can cause, but we all know the power of music to connect us . From Guardian 1/9/2017 Music is neurologically special. If your brain were to be scanned while you listened to your favourite music, the screen would light up like a fireworks display. Not just the auditory cortex, but areas involved in emotion and memory, language and decision-making, movement and reactions. Even if dementia erodes one part of your brain, music can still reach those other parts to tap into emotions, memories and even abilities thought lost. The results can be astonishing – and profoundly moving. People who cannot speak can sing. People who struggle to walk can dance. People who have withdrawn into themselves take an interest in others again. Psychologists have found that we lay down more memories between the ages of 10 to 25 than at any other time of life. So people can start by looking at what musical memories may be lurking in that “memory bump”. Once you have found the right music for an individual, research shows that listening for half an hour before difficult activities or times of stress should lead to a reduced need for psychotropic medication, reduced falls, and reduced stress and distress. We recently visited a care home where a woman with severe dementia had been receiving a particular sedative 60 times every month. Since the introduction of a tailored playlist of music for her, she had not taken it at all, in 24 days.

https://loafersvinyl.co.uk Trip to Halifax historic Piece Hal quarter found a quality little coffee bar / vinyl record shop Loafers . Opened a few months ago by Mark Richardson , and whilst not totally devoted to Soul music its worth a visit if you are in the area. Singles and albums ,, a bit of retro music album art work (main Oasis / Jam / Beatles) and a decent cup of coffee in their own for sale non slip mugs. This is a guilt posting cos ' to my shame I didn't;t buy the vinyl copy and went home to order the CD. (I'm on Probation here folks... !! ) Im indebted to Mark for playing Jazzy House LP 'Tourist' by French sampler / DJ / Producer St Germain which samples amongst others Marlena Shaw, Wes Montgomery, Ernest Ranglin .. and will appeal to people who might favour Colin Curtis/Bob Jones sets. Its OUTSTANDING .. !! You could do a lot worse than dip into the catalogue of Wagram Music for an eclectic mix of over 100 LPs . Including ... Spirit of Soul and Sex and Soul compilations. https://www.discogs.com/label/267079-Wagram-Music-SA?page=4 check it out.. Cool Notes

Im not sure if this has been posted already and its a sensitive one but also inspiring. Cancer Research broadcast this as one of their TV ads this week , showing Angie coping with chemo; and laughing through it to conclude with her doing her stuff to a Northern Soul instrumental at what looks to be Hitsville , which I think is a London venue. ? I don't; recognise the track .. nor does my Shazam .. any takers. Soul music helped me get through Radio Therapy for Lymphoma last year , and Im sure I won't be alone on that journey. Its one that doesn't always have a happy ending , so Im sensitive to loses people have suffered and anyone still coping with their own cancer or that of a loved one . What I think this ad and Cancer Research are trying to do is convince both the public, patients ,and loved ones and of course potential donors that more and more people are coming through cancer thanks to research and medical progress and advances. Im going to risk sharing some of the tunes that got me through radio therapy .. you might have your own. Songs of Survival.... Everything is Going to Be Alright . PP Arnold . Not necessarily a personal favourite before my health issues but its chorus provided both a positive beat and inane message of optimism that I needed at the time. Nothing Can Stop Me . The Impressions. Classic Chicago Soul , which was about survival from a broken heart .. but reinforced my resolve to come through Cancer. Aint No Stopping Us Now. Mc Fadden and Whitehead. One of my all time top Soul anthems , and a Philly classic with an inspiring message of optimism and hope. Optimistic . Sounds of Blackness. Spiritual Soul anthem with those unmistakable Ann Nesby vocals, .. also works for divorce, redundancy .. and most of life's hurdles. Just a reminder about the Soul Against Cancer fund raising group /events which deserve your support. https://wendyaoneil.wixsite.com/nsac

Im not sure if this has been posted already and its a sensitive one but also inspiring. Cancer Research broadcast this as one of their TV ads this week , showing Angie coping with chemo; and laughing through it to conclude with her doing her stuff to a Northern Soul instrumental at what looks to be Hitsville , which I think is a London venue. ? I don't; recognise the track .. nor does my Shazam .. any takers. Soul music helped me get through Radio Therapy for Lymphoma last year , and Im sure I won't be alone on that journey. Its one that doesn't always have a happy ending , so Im sensitive to loses people have suffered and anyone still coping with their own cancer or that of a loved one . What I think this ad and Cancer Research are trying to do is convince both the public, patients ,and loved ones and of course potential donors that more and more people are coming through cancer thanks to research and medical progress and advances. Im going to risk sharing some of the tunes that got me through radio therapy .. you might have your own. Songs of Survival.... Everything is Going to Be Alright . PP Arnold . Not necessarily a personal favourite before my health issues but its chorus provided both a positive beat and inane message of optimism that I needed at the time. Nothing Can Stop Me . The Impressions. Classic Chicago Soul , which was about survival from a broken heart .. but reinforced my resolve to come through Cancer. Aint No Stopping Us Now. Mc Fadden and Whitehead. One of my all time top Soul anthems , and a Philly classic with an inspiring message of optimism and hope. Optimistic . Sounds of Blackness. Spiritual Soul anthem with those unmistakable Ann Nesby vocals, .. also works for divorce, redundancy .. and most of life's hurdles. Just a reminder about the Soul Against Cancer fund raising group /events which deserve your support. https://wendyaoneil.wixsite.com/nsac

2014 Academy Award winning documentary featuring Mary Clayton , Judith Hill and Darlene Tap to view this Soul Source News/Article in full

Apparently there's an underground national dance scene where people travel some distances and thrive on dancing to music that is ignored by most of the music press and business and mainstream media. Their passion for the music, love of dancing and each other sees them rise above ridicule and contempt and commercialism... but thats enough about latin ,ball room and sequence dances .. Keep the Faith.

Well to be honest I was expecting worse.. started off OK , turned into a scene from Fame really but I don't doubt there will be many wishing to vent their fury , what a missed opportunity to have Tears for Fears on.. surely they could have afforded Lisa Stansfield...

Its a real shame because its not that they lack decent choreographers , they pulled off a real sensitive and class routine for last weeks remembrance sunday event. I think they go a bit Blackpool loopy and OTT . to be honest. I think they did a Motown routine this series , which came off ok. Id be happy to hear Out on the Floor , but would demand a refund if they played The Snake. !!

Strictly does Northern.. Tap to view this Soul Source News/Article in full

Great post Derek I found it fascinating hearing some of the history and anecdotes from the early Soul/Mod/Ska scene in London . Also good to hear that the North/South divisions were never as rigid as some people sometimes like to make out. Bob Jones looks like he's got off a pensioners coach trip in that hat, love it. They all come across as nice blokes which was a relief as Ive had a lot of respect for all of them for some years. Shame Ady couldn't make it but its not every night Leicester City will play in the Champions League. I love to hear another event cover the mid seventies scene onwards in London which I was involved in to include Jazz Funk/ Crackers, The Lacey Lady, the Purley All Dayers, 6T's at the 100 Club and W.Hampstead. Also the radio/pirate DJ's . A lot of credit to the organisers for recognising the Soul scene as a cultural event worthy of attention.

Don't think I can wait for Xmas for this collection. Quality selection from Expansion right up my street.

2009 Trailblazers of Gospel award ceremony sees Yolanda deliver faultless performance in tribute to Donnie Mc Clurkin . Cool Notes

Thanks Robert, some good recommendations , I;ll check em out. Yolanda Adams .. class act every time.

Congrats for a lot of hard work to a great cause and brilliant idea.

Cheers Mike.. Id picked up about the price hike .. and think Amazon were offering a DVD/CD package for about £55 . Perhaps Nicky is facing some IRS debts.!! Id be keen to know what people who have seen it/heard the DVD/ CD think of it. I personally couldn't stand that Studio 54 elitist type club thing which I think he got later involved in , which seemed a long way from his roots in The Gallery. Can;t fault his passion and commitment to Philly/early disco which was evident in the Sky doc.

Thanks Robert, some good recommendations , I;ll check em out. Yolanda Adams .. class act every time.

I sometimes dip into Sky Arts channel and an episode this week on Rock and Roll history was devoted to Disco and Dance Music. The highlight for me was Earl Young - drummer for Philly session players MFSB - provide a superbly simple deconstruction of how he helped develop the Harold Melvin Philly classic 'The Love I Lost'. There are also great memories recounted by Nicky Siano,ground breaking early 1970's DJ at New Yorks The Gallery Club . Apparently he's released a 74 mins DVD with vintage footage of the club and reflections from Siano and others involved. I haven't seen a copy yet as its release appears pending but Im hoping it will feature Larry Levan , Frankie Knuckles, David Mancuso, Lottetta Holloway and Grace Jones .There is talk of an CD release to accompany it. Cool Notes.

Cheers Ken.