Yann V

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

Out Now! The Low Down Band "Music is The Answer" / Somebody 7"/45rpm Ltd. Listen: Order: https://www.epsilonrecord.com/streamlabel or https://cannonballsoul.com/streamrecords/ Lowdown Band The Lowdown Band is an African American funk and soul group from the United States that gained popularity in the early 1980s with their hit single "Music Is The Answer". Formed in San Diego, Ca in the late 1970s, the band was comprised of musicians from both the East and West Coasts of the United States. The group's sound was heavily influenced by the funk and soul music of the 1970s, with a blend of groovy bass lines, tight drumming, and soaring horn arrangements. Their music was often characterized by catchy melodies, tight rhythms, and funky grooves, which made them a popular choice for dancing. In 1982, the Lowdown Band released their most successful single, "Music Is The Answer". The song was written and produced by the band's keyboardists, John M. Lowe, Angel Hayes, and featured the soulful vocals of lead singer, Raul Gallegos. The track was an immediate hit and gained popularity which peaked at #72 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #20 on the US R&B chart. It also achieved success overseas, reaching #61 on the UK Singles Chart. The success of "Music Is The Answer" led to other releases from the band which included "Somebody", " You Got Me Hanging", "Beautiful People", and "Hanging". Although their time in the music industry was relatively short-lived, the Lowdown Band's legacy lives on through their music. "Music Is The Answer" remains a staple of funk and soul playlists to this day, and the band's contribution to the genre is still celebrated by fans and music lovers around the world. In conclusion, the Lowdown Band was an African American funk and soul group that made a significant impact on the music industry with their catchy melodies, tight rhythms, and funky grooves. The band consisted of the founders; John Lowe (drummer, the original J-Lowe) Raul Gallegos (lead vocalist) Angel Hayes (guitar soloist) Later came forth Ken Reeves (Bass Guitar) Skip Pendleton (rhythm guitar player) Ray Baker (keyboard) Raymond Gulley (vocalist) Prince Seawood (vocalist). In remembrance of passing members Anthony Current, James Chopper-Veal, and Cliff Girly. Their hit single "Music Is The Answer" remains a classic of the genre and is a testament to the band's talent and influence. The Lowdown Band's contribution to funk and soul music will always be remembered and appreciated by fans and music lovers. https://www.epsilonrecord.com/streamlabel

The official re-release of RHYTHM MACHINE EPS024 on 7” with a twist Including a superb different B-Side (lp track only). BUY IT HERE: (shipping now) https://www.epsilonrecord.com RHYTHM MACHINE EPS024: A: PUT A SMILE ON TIME (3:54) (re-mastered version) B: CAN'T DO WITHOUT YOU (3:53) (re-mastered version, first time on a 45) official re-release on Epsilon Record Co 7". 1976 Indianapolis / Indiana £17.50 incl UK shipping / £22.50 Inc Worldwide shipping RHYTHM MACHINE Donald Harris, James Boone, Maurice Puckett, Robert Dycus, James Brantley, Maride Williams, Dennis McNeil The Rhythm Machine formed in Indianapolis by former members of the Highlighters. In the early days they were primarily a live act, playing locally and touring frequently. They opened for Earth, Wind and Fire and The Emotions, among others. They released three 45’s and a full length LP during their time. Two 45’s “The Kick” and “Brenda and Me/Put A Smile On Time” were on Lulu, while “Freakish Love/Whatcha Gonna Do” was on Rodan. Their LP, released in 1976 towards the end of their run, was on Lulu. With the Indianapolis soul scene marked almost exclusively by 45’s, the LP release was one of few released locally in the 1970’s, and it is quite scarce and in demand today.

The odyssey of an original Soul Singer from Barbados, the movie... Ches was born in Barbados, and from that faraway small bunch of islands comes this outstanding piece of Caribbean Soul. Like many of the artists we love, Ches had his fair share of travels and troubles. He dedicated his whole life to music pursuing that ideal of living by the dream we all keep sticking to but just a few have the balls to engage. After his teenage years spent listenting to the sound of the American Black Music legends of the times, whose frequencies made it to the radio stations in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, he packed up and went to study music in New York City. He was gifted with songwriting, where he always puts soul, jazz and a touch of reggae music. Wirl label (West Indies Record Ltd.) was his recording home with which he released a number of tunes both solo and with his band The Outfits. He then traveled the world far and wide, spending a couple of years in Canada (another proof of Canada’s music industry solid ties with the sound from the islands), eventually ending up where Funk Investigators’ patrol member Yann Vatiste found him and secured the license for this release. ©2023 Lee "Buey Monsieur" Buers @soulbouybuet (thanks mate) ©2023 Tesla Groove / Stream Snag your copy of "Please Don't Go" on Stream Records here: https://bit.ly/Ches_Haynes_STR009

Bang! Bang! Previously unissued 45 alert!! EPS023 is Out Now! EPS023 is the second Mantis 45rpm on Epsilon Record Co. This is a sensational previously unissued double sider from 1976. Do We Have Love is a beautiful, sweet soul side with killer vocal from Rocky Whitaker. Click on play and put on your dancing shoes! MANTIS EPS023: A: LOVE WAS BORN FOR ME (3:17) (previously unissued) buy it here: https://www.epsilonrecord.com B: DO WE HAVE LOVE (4:34) (previously unissued)

Taxie: Dance (previously unissued) - Epsilon Record Co EPS022 Back in May 2022 I was lucky enough to travel to California in search of new sounds for Epsilon Record Co. After meeting up with my good friend Steve Fuji (engineer extraordinaire, originally from LA). I arranged to meet up with Woody Whittaker Ronnie Arch Wayne Chatman & his wife Loma They are from the incredible band called T.A.X.I.E (Talented Artist Xclusively In Entertainment). It was an exciting experience! These three guys performed many engagements through out the Los Angels Hollywood circuits. Opening and appearing with renowned artist such as Stevie Wonder, Dennis Edwards, and the Mary Jane Girls. The members of T.A.X.I.E. are not only great musicians and performers, but also very talented and awesome songwriters. I had the chance to hear some of their unissued tracks for the first time and struck a deal with them for this second project for my label with these two amazing tracks, Dance & Taxie Band. I hope that you will like them as much as I do. Two perfect tunes to cool you down for what seems to be a really hot summer 2023! OUT NOW! EPS022 Epsilon Record Co. https://www.epsilonrecord.com A: “Dance”(2:40) B: “TAXIE BAND” (3:57) Written by: Woody Whittaker, Ronnie Arch, and Wayne Chatman Los Angeles CA 1979 (both side are previously unissued)

2 New 45s from Stream records Ches Haynes and The Outfits cat # STR009 - 7"/45rpm Please Don't Go b/w Instrumental (Previously Unissued) 250 Limited Pressing Bundle Available With The Creators (see below) Pre-order now (ships July 23) https://cannonballsoul.com/streamrecords/ Ches Was born in Barbados, and from that faraway small group of islands comes this outstanding piece of Caribbean Soul. Like many of the artists we love, Ches had his fair share of travels and troubles. He dedicated his whole life to music pursuing that ideal of living by the dream we all keep sticking to when it comes to soul music. After the teenage years spent listenting to the sound of the American Black Music legends of the times, whose frequencies made it to the radio stations in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, he decided to pack up and go big studying music in New York City thus finding he was gifted with songwriting, where he always puts soul, jazz and a touch of reggae music. Wirl label (West Indies Record Ltd.) was his recording home with which he released a number of tunes both solo and with his band The Outfits. He then traveled far and wide, spending a couple of years in Canada (another proof of Canada’s music industry solid ties with the sound from the islands), eventually ending up where Funk Investigators’ patrol member Yann Vatiste has found him and secured the license for this release. Stay tuned for more tales about this man, he might be closer to you than you think. The Creators cat # STR010 - 7"/45rpm "I Can't Believe It's True" Mono / Stereo 250 Limited Pressing Bundle available with Ches Haynes (see above) "I cant believe its true" is a great uplifting Modern Soul tune produced, written and published by Gospel music veteran and Coconut record label owner Pastor Dr. Arris D. Wheaton from Dallas, Texas. He's now 77 years old, still kicking and licensing his stuff to respectful little labels like Stream Records. Counting on the vocals of Bobby Patterson’s of Pama and Jetstar labels fame, “I can’t believe it’s true” is a dancefloor destroyer of the highest order with perfect hooks and a production that still leaves you wondering why in the world these guys didn’t become acclaimed music stars as they sure deserved. Creators’ formation included Bobby Patterson (vocals), Andrew Jones (Guitar and background vocals), Timothy McNealy (Tambourine, Trombone, Organ and vocals), Ronnie Brewster (Drums), Robert (bobby) Simpson (Sax, Vocals and Band Leader), Billy ‘Sweet ‘Pea Thomas (Trumpet) and Michael Fugett (Bass and background vocals)