Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The Numero Group's reissue of Bump & The Soul Stompers' 'I Can Remember' is a potent soul gem from 1970. Recorded at the prestigious Damon Studios in Kansas City, this single captures the essence of the city's classic-era soul scene, spearheaded by the charismatic Jerald "Bump" Scott. 'I Can Remember' is a vibrant, jubilant track that ignites with its energetic horns, echoing the lively spirit of the era. The accompanying song on Side-2, 'Standing On The Outside', slows things down with a smooth r&b vibe, perfectly balancing the upbeat nature of the flip side. The single's blend of infectious rhythm and soulful depth makes this a very desirable 45 to have.

Review: Kansas City's soul scene wasn't built around a famous label or studio, but on the tireless work of America's Best Attractions, a booking agency run by Allen Bell. Bell wasn't just a booking agentihe was the lifeblood of the local music circuit, keeping acts like Bump & the Soul Stompers on the road, paid, and gig-ready. Led by Jerald "Bump" Scott, the group spent years in the grind without needing to set foot in a studio. But when they did, they chose Damon Studios, home to some of the best recording gear in the regionithanks to its owner, Victor Damon, the man who invented the spring reverb. Their first single, "I Can Remember", echoes the smooth finesse of The Delfonics' "Do You Remember," before Bump & the Soul Stompers spin the melody in their own direction. On the flip side, "Standing On The Outside" slows things down, making it an irresistible lowrider groove. It's a soul story that almost never saw the light of day, but now it's hereitwo tracks that pay homage to a hidden chapter of Kansas City's rich musical history.

Review: Described by Numero as a viral smash hit, whose pathogenic preponderance warranted use of the term "viral" even before the advent of the internet, The Notations' 1973 steamer 'I'm Still Here' documents the peak of the Chicago vocal soul trio's salad days as band. This was the second 45 to come out after the TAD Records debut from 1969, 'Trying My Best To Find Her', and is a telling triplet waltz, scolding the feminine listener-subject for her many ignominious refusals of love. Revisiting the single for a new music video in 2024, The Notations are indeed still here, repeating an unlearned lesson; and clearly, they have no more to say, with the brightly-lit chorale 'What More Can I Say' backing up the B-side.

Review: US soul group and Chicago's Southside favourites The Notations endured many musical evolutions in their time. The group released on both major labels and minor ones and had the likes of Sly Johnson and Curtis Mayfield taking care of their production. Numero Group has put together a first overview of their indie-label golden age on the album Still Here 1967-1973 which is full of lush r&b ballads as well as socially-conscious soul. Two of their best now also get pressed up to this 7" with heart-rending A-side and the swooning 'What More Can I Say' both immediately drawing you in. These have been sampled by Anderson.Paak, redveil and so may well sound familiar.

Review: A lost gem of raw, heartfelt soul resurfaces with this blue vinyl 7", bringing back the stripped-down magic of Penny & the Quarters. 'You and Me' is a song that refused to be forgottenian unpolished, deeply emotional doo-wop demo that sat unnoticed for decades before finding its way to the big screen in Blue Valentine. Its warm, unfiltered harmonies and aching sincerity make it feel like a love letter from a bygone era. Originally recorded as a demo for Columbus, Ohio's Prix label, the track's simple yet powerful delivery captures a moment of pure emotion. Penny's tender, yearning vocals glide over a delicate guitar line, backed by harmonies that feel both effortless and intimate. The absence of overproduction only adds to its charm, making it sound like an unearthed relic from soul's golden age. On the B-side 'You Are Giving Me Some Other Love' continues in the same vein, with a rough-edged sweetness that perfectly complements the lead track. This release finally gives Penny & the Quarters their long-overdue spotlight, ensuring their music lives on.

Review: As the disco wave surged, Sharon Revoal's 'Reaching For Our Star,' a funky blend of James Brown intensity and cinematic flair, marked the final release on Marva Whitney's influential Forte label. This sultry, dreamy mid-west spacey soul gem has a heavy bounce to it. On Side-2. 'Run Between The Raindrops (While My Teardrops Fall)' is the ideal balance to the first side. This is a very classy soulful jam that already has it's own fans looking forward to this reissue. Originally released in 1980, this little 45 packs a punch and will be a desired release to get once word gets around.

Review: Kansas City soul trio Bump & the Soul Stompers recorded their dreamy 1970 track 'I Can Remember', which had the makings of a low-rider classic-if only it had been released. A few years later, Jerald "Bump" Scott returned to the city's famed Cavern Studios with his new group to record the harmony-rich 'Living in the Past'. This track remained unreleased until Numero unearthed the Cavern tapes. As disco rose in the early 80s, Sharon Revoal cut her infectious groove 'Reaching for Our Star', the last single on Marva Whitney's celebrated Forte label.

Review: A few years after recording at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers-led by Jerald "Bump" Scott-rebranded as the Unnatural Funk Band. Unable to find a label for 'I Can Remember' they recorded at Cavern Studios, a unique space built in a Missouri limestone cave. Their track 'Living in the Past' features a nostalgic falsetto, while 'Strange Happenings' showcases a standout funk groove. This previously unreleased music was rediscovered with Scott's help during the Numero Group's research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label collection, which now brings fresh attention to this rare Kansas City soul act.

Review: Years after their 1970 sessions at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers, under the direction of Jerald "Bump" Scott, adopted the name Unnatural Funk Band, a nod to the era's unconventional naming trends. Despite their efforts, "I Can Remember" failed to find a label. This led them to the famed Cavern Studios in Independence, Missouriiliterally carved out of a limestone cavern. The result is a fascinating juxtaposition of sounds: 'Living in the Past' offers a wistful, falsetto-laden journey with a laid-back narrative, evoking a nostalgic aura. In contrast, 'Strange Happenings' delivers a remarkable funk experience, revealing the band's prowess in crafting vibrant and innovative grooves. This track, a hidden gem from a virtually undocumented Kansas City soul ensemble, was uncovered with the help of Scott during the Numero Group's 2013 research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label compilation. Unnatural Funk Band's release, featuring these previously unreleased tracks, represents a significant find for funk aficionados. The limited-edition 10" vinyl showcases their unique blend of nostalgic funk and innovative rhythms, a testament to the enduring impact of their music.

Review: Heavyweight champions of the compilation world, Numero Group, defend their undisputed title once more with this collection of greats from San Antonio mogul Abe Epstein's Dynamic label. In its heyday, it became a hub for soulful music with its flagship band the Commands scoring a hit in 1966 with 'No Time For You.' Their success led to 20 more singles over 30 months and Epstein's inclusive studio welcomed a diverse racial mix of Texas talent which in turn created a melting pot of sound. This collection reflects that across 28 gems from groups like the Tonettes, Little Jr. Jesse & the Tear Drops and Bobby Blackmon & His Soul Express all exploring different soul niches.

Review: Eccentric Soul: The Cobra Label unearths a fascinating collection of soul and r&b from the obscure Cobra label, offering a unique blend of raw energy and heartfelt emotion. Opening with the infectious 'Wooleh Booleh' by Sonny Ace & The Twisters, the compilation quickly sets a vibrant, foot-tapping tone. Tracks like 'Buscando (Searchin')' by Mike & The Belairs showcase smooth, silky vocals and catchy grooves, while 'Funny Funny Funny' by Henry & The Kasuals introduces a more playful, upbeat rhythm. The diversity of sounds is clear, with everything from the introspective 'Someone Who Cares' by Royal Five to the funky 'Summer Rain' by Freddie Martinez. The compilation's eclecticism is a testament to the variety and depth of Cobra's catalog, making it an essential listen for soul enthusiasts.

Review: Numero Group is a buy-on-sight label for us and it should be for you too. Whether collating soul, gospel, indie or something more niche, it does so with real authority. This time we get treated to gospel-soul treasures that originally came on the Boddie Recording Company and BOS Records now brought to light by The Numero Group. This first volume highlights some of Cleveland's rarest and most powerful gospel recordings. Filled with soulful, funky gospel grooves, these tracks embody the city's rich musical legacy and are all carefully curated so as to offer an authentic glimpse into a vibrant era-saving you years of searching in the process.

Review: A typically powerful collection of gospel-soul treasures from the Boddie Recording Company and BOS Records now brought to light by The Numero Group, which once again stakes its claims as the greatest ever complier of vital and unusual comps. This first volume showcases Cleveland's finest and rarest gospel recordings so is packed with heart rending sounds and raw, real, spiritual uplift. Overflowing with funky gospel grooves, these tracks capture the heart and soul of the city's rich musical heritage and will make your own collection 87% better without having to do all the years of leg work the label must have put in. So electrifying it could inspire a congregation of its own.