Yann V

PRIME CUT I DON'T WANNA BE WITHOUT YOU / ANGEL EPSILON RECORD CO EPS031 (release date 26th of July 2024) PRIME CUT A Side: I DON'T WANNA BE WITHOUT YOU (previously unissued) B Side: ANGEL (previously unissued) I am very exciting to introduce EPSILON RECORD CO latest release EPS031 Prime Cut Two fantastic and previously unissued tracks, perfect for the summer vibes. In 2021, I was working on the T.A.X.I.E project with my good friend, the very talented Steve Fuji from Riverside CA, who later became Epsilon Record Co’s favourite sound engineer. Back in the 70’s, Steve Fuji worked as sounds engineer for several major studios in the Los Angeles area. He also made some appearances as an actor in a few movies and pursued his career as a solo artist, singing and playing guitar. He worked on hundred of recording sessions with many bands. Steve has always had a good ear for soul music artists. He made mastertape copies of his favourite recordings for himself which he kept securely for five decades. Four years ago I asked Steve if he had any interesting unissued material for Epsilon. He sent me these two tracks from Prime Cut. I was blown away by the quality of these recordings, both songs were originally about 6 minutes long. But I knew Steve could easily edit them for me. I started researching about Prime Cut Band and quickly realised that most of the members of the band were sadly no longer with us and put those projects aside hoping that one day I could find one of the remaining members. The original members were: James David Cobbin Steve Richards Ronald Murray Jerome Wilson Fleming Williams James, Jerome & Fleming were from Flint Michigan and were the original members of the 21st Generation. They recorded ”I Need Love" / "Hey James" released in 1970 on the Tri-City label. They moved in the mid-70s to Los Angeles and formed a new band called Prime Cut. They hired Steve Richards who later on became a permanent member of the band and was also a songwriter. A few months ago, I saw a post from Si Murray mentioning a Prime Cut song in the Modern Soul forum on facebook. James Cobbin & Prime Cut – Caught In The Middle [Tuckwood Record] from1984. This reminds me these two unissued songs that Steve Fuji gave me as a gift and I decided to upload on Facebook a short clip of I DON”T WANT TO BE WITHOUT YOU which is a much more early recording from 1978 by Prime Cut. The response to my thread was amazing and many people suggested I should release it on Epsilon. I had to think about it again, and in less than a week I managed to track down Steve Richards, one of the original members and actually co-writer of both sides of this new single. Deal done and authorisation agreed, Steve kindly remastered both songs for the release of EPS031. I hope you will enjoy these two amazing previously unissued tunes as much as I do! I dedicate this project to all the members of Modern Soul forum. You wanted the songs to be released, now I need your support. Best Yann Vatiste Quick note from Steve: Steve Fuji During the years I worked as a recording engineer, it was a constant source of frustration that most of the work I did was for demo sessions that never got heard by the public. That was especially true of these 2 songs by Prime Cut, because I felt that they were extremely good songs and also represented some of my best work as a recording engineer. It's very gratifying that now, after 45 years, they are finally being released and can be heard by music lovers. I hope you like these songs as much as I did when I recorded them in 1978. Steve Fuji BUY IT HERE: https://www.epsilonrecord.com

EPSILON RECORD CO. PROUDLY PRESENTS ITS FIRST 12" VINYL RELEASE EPSL001 "KEYS & FRIENDS” Eight incredible previously unreleased soul songs from the mid-70s of the highest quality, straight from a matertape sourced from Eddie Caldwell Vault, CEO and Founder of Music Of The Sea Inc. Keys & Friends is a group put together by William A Keyes, a very talented songwriter from Southside Chicago who has written songs for Sly Johnson, Little Johnny Taylor, Joyce Faison to name a few. This is the first time these songs have been released on vinyl. £25 EACH + Shipping UK shipping: £30 included EUROPE shipping: £37.50 included WORLDWIDE shipping: £42.50 included Contact uș if you require more than one copy so we can combine shipping. epsilonrecord45@gmail.com https://www.epsilonrecord.com/

EPSILON RECORD CO. PROUDLY PRESENTS ITS LATEST RELEASE EPS 030 Williams Brothers - Thats Life / Rap On - Epsilon Record Co. A SUPERB DOUBLE SIDER SWEET SOUL & DEEP FUNK MONSTER! ORIGINALLY ISSUED ON TWAIN RECORD IN 1972 (limited edition of 300 copies only) £17.50 including UK shipping £20 Worldwide shipping Available to order now, Shipping from Friday 11th of May https://www.epsilonrecord.com THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS EPS030: A: THAT'S LIFE (3:27) WRITERS / COMPOSERS Eugene Williams Produced and arranged by Roscoe Williams B: RAP ON (3:12) WRITERS / COMPOSERS Eugene Williams & his brothers Produced and arranged by Roscoe Ricky Williams Licensed by my good friend: Eugene Williams THE "EXCITING" WILLIAMS BROTHERS Osbert Williams: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals Kevin Moore: Drums Eugene Williams: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals Roscoe Williams Jr.: Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals Alexander Williams: Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals Stephen C. Washington: Trumpet ORIGINALLY FROM EAST ORANGE NEW JERSEY THE EXCITING WILLIAMS BROTHERS BAND GOT THEIR START BY THEIR FATHER AND MOTHER MR. ROSCOE WILLIAMS SR. AND MRS ESTHER MAUDE WALKER WILLIAMS IN THE LATE 60’S. THEY STARTED OUT IN GOSPEL MUSIC LIKE THEIR FATHER AND FAMILY. THE GROUP FROM OLDEST TO YOUNGEST AT THAT TIME CONSISTS OF: ROSCOE WILLIAMS JR. (LEAD VOCALS) EUGENE WILLIAMS (LEAD GUITAR AND BACKGROUND VOCALS) OSBERT WILLIAMS (BASS GUITAR AND BACKGROUND VOCALS) ALEXANDER WILLIAMS ( KEYBOARD AND BACKGROUND VOCALS) AND ANTHONY WILLIAMS (LEAD VOCALS) ANTHONY WAS THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF THE GROUP AT THAT TIME WHEN ONE DAY WHILE ON THEIR WAY TO PERFORM A GOSPEL SHOW ON MOTHERS DAY OF 1969, THEY HAD A TERRIBLE CAR ACCIDENT WHICH BROUGHT THE FAMILY TO A STAND STILL DUE TO INJURIES AND LEFT ANTHONY PARALYSED TO THIS DAY. BY THE TIME THE EXCITING WILLIAMS BROTHERS BAND BEGAN HIGH SCHOOL THEY ASKED THEIR FATHER IF THEY COULD PLAY R&B MUSIC. AT FIRST THEIR FATHER WAS AGAINST IT BUT WHEN THEY BEGAN PLAYING DANCES AND CLUBS, SO MANY PEOPLE BEGAN TO BOOK THEM THAT THEIR FATHER HAD TO INSTALL A BUSINESS PHONE IN THE HOUSE TO KEEP UP WITH THE CALLS. IN 1975 THE BROTHERS AUDITIONED FOR A BEER COMPANY BASED IN NEW ZEALAND (THE NEW ZEALAND BREWERIES) THE COMPANY CAME TO NEW YORK TO AUDITION AMERICAN BANDS AND THE EXCITING WILLIAMS BROTHERS WON AGAINST 12 OTHER BANDS. THE BROTHERS CAREER SKYROCKETED. THEY TOURED FOR SIX MONTHS IN NEW ZEALAND, RECORDED A RECORD AND DID 3 TELEVISION SHOWS IN NEW ZEALAND AND A SOFT DRINK COMMERCIAL FOR SARSAPARILLA SOFT DRINKS. WHEN THE BROTHERS CAME BACK TO THE STATES THEIR FATHER AUDITIONED THEM TO THE NEW YORK BOOKING AGENCIES AND THAT BEGAN THE GROUP TOURING IN THE UNITED STATES. THEY BEGAN 3 MONTHS ON THE ROAD AND 2 WEEKS HOME AND THEY DID THIS FOR 8 YEARS. THE EXCITING WILLIAMS BROTHERS BAND HAVE COME TOGETHER TO UNLEASH A NEW DIMENSION OF EDM MUSIC THROUGH ESP. THEY ARE TRUE LEGENDS OF MUSIC AND ONE OF THEIR RECORDINGS TODAY SELL FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND US DOLLARS PER COPY. THE BROTHERS USE THERE ROOTS IN GOSPEL MUSIC TO DELIVER HARD HITTING JAMS AND GROOVES TO THE LATEST DANCE MUSIC SCENE, “LIVE” AS THEY EMERGE AND ESTABLISH THEMSELVES AS AN EXCITING OPENING ACT FOR MAJOR DJS. https://www.epsilonrecord.com

Unfinished Unissued Until…now! Epsilon Record Co. proudly presents its latest release EPS029 1969 Milwaukee / City in Wisconsin HARVEY SCALES & THE SEVEN SOUNDS A: LOVE THAT ONE (2:38) (previously unissued from Cuca records stable) WRITERS / COMPOSERS T. Brown B: DON'T YOU EVER LET IT END (2:47) WRITERS / COMPOSERS Lennie Lacour Available to pre-order today! Limited edition 300 copies (release date 15th March 24) £17.50 inc shipping to the UK £20 inc Worldwide shipping https://www.epsilonrecord.com/

Pals & Gal - Lil Bit Different - Epsilon Record Co EPS025 Previously Unissued Funky tune with a killer sax A. "LIL' BIT DIFFERENT” (4:44) B. "LIL' BIT DIFFERENT” (instrumental version) (4:44) Produced, Arranged, and written by Ron Foster publisher: Ron Foster Publishing BMI Montclair New Jersey USA / 1980 Pals & Gals Tim Williamson Eileen Moore Ron Foster Malcolm Cobb Jr (sax) Eileen (Foster) Moore's Musical background started at an early age. I was singing and accompanying my mom and sister on many occasions at my church. At around age 13 my pastor asked me to play for our children’s choir and shortly after was requested by another pastor to play for their youth choir on alternate Sundays. I was playing and directing young adult choirs as well. I continued playing and directing these choirs for a great number of years. I stopped for a very short time when I was approached by another pastor to head up their music ministry which I did for an additional great number of years. I’m presently at that same church playing and directing the children’s choir. I’ve also played for other churches on off Sundays. I’ve been involved with music all of my life, teaching piano, playing, singing, and directing, mostly gospel music. I was hired by my brother (Ron Foster) to provide vocals on a few tracks one of which is Lil Bit Different! Musical background started at an early age. I was singing and accompanying my mom and sister on many occasions at my church. At around age 13 my pastor asked me to play for our children’s choir and shortly after was requested by another pastor to play for their youth choir on alternate Sundays. I was playing and directing young adult choirs as well. I continued playing and directing these choirs for a great number of years. I stopped for a very short time when I was approached by another pastor to head up their music ministry which I did for an additional great number of years. I’m presently at that same church playing and directing the children’s choir. I’ve also played for other churches on off Sundays. I’ve been involved with music all of my life, teaching piano, playing, singing, and directing, mostly gospel music. I was hired by my brother (Ron Foster) to provide vocals on a few tracks one of which is Lil Bit Different! Malcolm Cobb Jr Malcolm Cobb Jr is a jazz based saxophonist who enjoys performing at venues. I play many styles of music but enjoy playing smooth jazz and r&b. I have a video of myself on YouTube to wit: Malcolm Cobb- Europa which had garnered some likes and attention. I have performed with George Benson, the Legendary Escorts and many more. Ronald Foster Ron Foster has been a player in the soul and R&B industry for years, having appeared on TV shows including Don Cornelius Soul Train, the Mike Douglas Show and The Gene Woods Dance Show. He is an accomplished keyboardist and music writer and arranger. The former keyboard player with 70s group Ecstasy Passion and Pain, Ron Foster continues to build on his 50+ years in the music industry as a performer, songwriter, conductor, producer and arranger Get it here: https://www.epsilonrecord.com

EPS026 Kenyatta - Kick It Off - Movin' Music - Killer 70's Deep Funk / Soul Killer 70's Deep Funk / Soul Written & Arranged by James Crabbe Robinson & Keith Rose CBS studio in Manhattan New York 1974 (Special thanks for Paris Ford & Steve Clancy) A: KICK IT OFF (3:24) B: MOVIN' MUSIC (2:57) Kenyatta Members: James Crabbe Robinson Paris “Peewee” Ford Keith “Key Boy” Rose Henry “Butch” Jackson Paul (GQ) Service Kenny Kirkland Produced by Art Weiseger BMI: Little Jason Music Music Co. James E. Robinson, New York, U.S.A. Lead vocalist, songwriter & producer Based in New York, James sang guest lead vocals with artists including Norman Connors('Stella' and 'Listen') and Lonnie Liston Smith ('Song For The Children' and 'Love Is The Answer'). He replaced Luther Vandross in Change and singing lead with the group on songs including 'The Very Best In You' (1982). As a solo artist he signed to Tabu Records in 1987 where his one album was 'Guilty'. That album contained the popular track 'I Feel Like Going On'. Other artists he has recorded with include Jeff Lorber ('Every Woman Needs It'), Lenny White('Attitude') and Bob Baldwin. While with Lonnie Liston Smith, incidentally, James wrote 'Speak About It' on which he also played guitar. James's cousin is Paris Ford, who played with Norman Connors, Lonnie Liston Smith and was the original bassist on Tyrone Thomas And The Whole Darn Family's '7 Minutes Of Funk'. In 1995, Robinson teamed up with Mark Johnson for the track 'Daydream', taken from an album on JVC called 'Daydream', which became popular at Soul Weekenders and on London's Jazz FM radio station. In 2001, he teamed up with another jazz keyboard artist, Bob Baldwin, for his album 'City Sketches'. The track 'Stay', taken from this set, being highly popular. James Robinson is also known as James 'Crab' Robinson. Paris Ford, New York, U.S.A. Bass Player One of the most enduring Bassist of the past decades, PARIS FORD has taken his place as one of the most groundbreaking “New Old School” session players in popular music, from sharing recording sessions with the likes of Marcus Miller and Anthony Jackson to Recording and/or touring with everyone from Punk/Funk R&B recording artist Rick James to Jazz Fusion Violinist Micheal Urbaniak to name a few. PARIS FORD’s early days of Junior High School in the Bronx, playing in local bands with a great deal of his influences Larry Graham, Graham Central Station and Francis Rocco Prestia of Tower Power to name a few, makeup the unique style of his bass playing technique. His production combines the undeniably funky soulful song writing skills of R&B Jazz/Funk and Hip Hop. PARIS FORD has released several Recordings throughout Europe and has played Bass for Rick James, The B.B.&Q Band, Johnny Gill, New Edition, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Lenny White, Tyrone Thomas, Norman Conners, Lonnie Liston Smith, Micheal Urbankiak, Urszula Dudziak, James Robinson, Invisible Man's Band, The Village People, Glen Jones, Vicki Sue Robinson, Jean Carn, Val Young, J Plunky & Oneness and many other well known major recording artist also playing on many Jingles. PARIS FORD endorse Spector Basses (since 86'), EMG"s Bass pickups, Mutron products and DR Handmade strings Check Paris Ford new single: https://parisfordrecords.wixsite.com/my-site Keith "Key Boy" Rose, New York, U.S.A. Lead Vocals / Percussionist Lonnie Liston Smith, Hip hop Single and voice of 80s Rapper "The Rake - Street Justice" Paul Service(RIP) Recording the Platinum-selling group's Album GQ "Disco Nights" He was deported to his hometown of Jamaica where he succumb to his death in the 90s Kenny Kirkland (RIP) Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1955, Kirkland was six when he first sat down at a piano keyboard. After years of Catholic schooling, Kirkland enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied classical piano performance, classical theory, and composition. Kirkland's first professional work came with Polish fusion violinist Michal Urbaniak, touring throughout Europe with his group in 1977. Coincidentally, his next high-profile gig was with another Eastern European jazz émigré, Miroslav Vitous. Kirkland is featured on Vitous' ECM recordings First Meeting and Miroslav Vitous Group. In 1980, while Kirkland was on tour in Japan with Terumasa Hino, he met Wynton Marsalis, which began their long association. On Marsalis's self-titled debut album, Kirkland shared the piano duties with one of his musical influences, Herbie Hancock, but was the sole pianist on Marsalis's subsequent releases Think of One, Hothouse Flowers, and Black Codes. After his association with Wynton Marsalis, Kirkland joined Branford Marsalis's band. He is also on Marsalis's funk band album Buckshot Lefonque. When Branford Marsalis assumed the high-visibility role of bandleader for NBC TV's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Kirkland became the band's pianist. In 1991, he released his debut as a leader, Kenny Kirkland, on GRP Records. Thunder And Rainbows (1991, Sunnyside Records), by "Jazz from Keystone", is a trio album with Kirkland, Charles Fambrough, and Jeff "Tain" Watts. Leading up to and on June 1–3, 1998, Kirkland worked with long-time associate Jeff "Tain" Watts on the drummer's debut recording Citizen Tain. According to producer Delfeayo Marsalis, "He was clearly not in good shape." When asked about going to the doctor, Kirkland responded, "After the session. If I go now, they'll make me check into a hospital." On June 4, doctors told Kirkland he had a congestive heart condition that required an operation. He attributed his poor health to twenty years of touring without adequate vacations and exercise and deemed his chances of surviving any surgery 50/50 or less. Fearful of having a cardiac procedure, Kirkland accepted his fate and was soon on the road with Branford Marsalis again. On November 7, 1998, Kirkland attended Marsalis's wedding in New Rochelle, New York. Kirkland was found dead in his Queens apartment on Friday, November 13, 1998. The official doctor's report listed his death as due to congestive heart failure. He was survived by his mother, a brother and two sisters. Get it here: https://www.epsilonrecord.com

Ray Williams & The Majortones : Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine) Vocal & Instrumental EPS028 Ray Williams & The Majortones Previously Unissued Modern Soul Crossover Monster Vocal & Instrumental A: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”(2:58) B: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”instrumental (2:58) Video B: “Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine)”instrumental (2:58) Written by: Lil Major Williams & Major Williams Sr Houston, Texas As a young kid I always wanted to be a musician especially with my brothers. My Dad, Major Williams Sr started it all with my Brother Lil Major Williams and Garland Williams. They would travel and play music at venues all over Texas and surroundings States. I myself stared playing the snare drum in Junior High school and eventually started playing with the Majortones Band which was my dad and brothers group. I remember the first time I ever sat behind a set of drums it was like a dream come true. We were playing at this club in Houston, called the Green Parrot. Garland which was the drummer at the time, I think he got sick or something happened, that's when my dad came to me and said this your time Ray. I was so scared , keep in my I was only 11years old, anyway I played that night if it had not been for the Bass player (Fox was his name) telling me how to work the foot pedal and high hats snare we wouldn't have made he just kept telling me to stay on the one, at that time I was wondering what was the one Lol. As time went by I started really getting the hang the thing call music. Little Major was a big James Brown fan, so we played a lot of Brown's music and if I tell you we were tight and right. Major wrote Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine & Girl) Don't Leave in 1978 and I can't remember the real reason for the title of song but it did really good lot's of air play. As time went on Lil Major, Garland and my Dad passed away. That's when I started managing The Majortones Band and to this Day it's still going strong. Yann Vatiste send me back to the studio early this year to re-take Girl (You're So Sweet, You're So Fine & Girl) with new vocal arrangement on the original backing track. I feel like it's my time in the music industry, I've been playing for over forty years and I'm still in love with it and still having lots of fun. Ray Williams BUY IT NOW: https://www.epsilonrecord.com

The Essence Of Life: You're An Angel / Walking In My Shadow Epsilon Record Co EPS027 EPS027 The Essence Of Life Incredible Sweet Soul Lowrider with a Raw Killer Rhythm Soul Funk B side Videos Charlotte NC / 1973 The Essence Of Life Group members Larry Graves Jacque Johnson Jr. (RIP) Craig Young Ken Lock J Jerome Johnson Info Essence of Life was formed in 1973 in Charlotte North Carolina at Johnson C Smith University. Towan Butler and Craig Young were basketball players on scholarship who were singing in the shower after practice, when a man named Jock Johnson who was a business major who had graduated heard Towan and Craig singing in the shower and asked if we would like to be in a singing group that he was putting together, if we did he asked us to meet him later that evening at a location on campus. When we arrived we were introduced to Jerry Johnson, who is Jocks brother, Kenny Lock and Larry Graves and Essence Of Life was formed. Essence Of Life has performed with such groups as Blue Magic, The Whispers and The Barkays to name a few. Essence Of Life sang and danced their way into the hearts of fans all over the United States spreading love through high impact performances. Craig Young Managers Jacque Johnson Jr.(RIP) Russell "Redbone" Thompson (RIP), Gene Kelly was band director and drummer for the 21st Century Charlotte band. Buy it here: https://www.epsilonrecord.com