TONE B NIMBLE レコード& CD

Review: Rain & Shine's "Soul Is My Salvation" project is something of an epic: an eight-part series of "dancefloor friendly gospel songs" curated by veteran Chicagoan DJ Tone B Nimble (real name Anthony Fields). This first part - "Chapter 1" - opens with a sublime, gospel style sing-along cover of Sister Sledge classic "We Are Family" that sounds like it was actually recorded in church. It's brilliant, life-affirming stuff. Over on side B, scalpel fiend Al-Tone offers up an extended version of obscure New Zealand group The Pink Family's 1979 cut "Don't Give Your Life Away" - a warm-hearted - some would say righteous - disco workout that's almost as good as the A-side. We await the next volume in the series with baited breath.

Review: By now, you should be familiar with the "Soul Is My Salvation" seven-inch series, which sees gospel-loving DJ Tone B Nimble showcase some of his favourite gospel-soul, gospel disco and gospel boogie gems. This fifth 45 in the series is just as essential as its predecessors. On side A you'll find Fay Hill's 1981 single "I Know Who You Should See", a languid, jazz-funk era shuffle through glassy-eyed gospel soul pastures blessed with one of the most addictive choruses we've heard this year. Over on the flip there's a chance to enjoy Peaches Mann's synth-heavy, ultra-soulful gospel boogie number "Get In Rhythm With God's Love", a more upbeat affair whose many highlights include killer slap-bass, D-Train style synth solos and an infectious rhythm.

Review: By now, we shouldn't need to tell you that the Tone Be Nimble-curated "Soul Is My Salvation" series of gospel soul obscurities is nothing less than essential listening. He's dug out two more little known gems for the sixth volume in the series, and once again they're simply unmissable. The A-side sports the Gospel Miracles' little-known 1985 treat "Building Up Myself", a Leroy Burgess-esque chunk of soulful warmth full of intricate musical flourishes (including a bassline reminiscent of that Burgess's Universal Robot Band used on "Barely Breaking Even"). On the flip you'll find a more driving chunk of gospel soul-funk fusion from 1977 - the equally inspired "Don't You Worry" by Serenity, a pretty much unknown combo whose music was produced by sometime Barry White collaborator Doug Lambert.

Review: If you're looking for an introduction into the world of original 1970s and '80s gospel funk and gospel soul, you can't do better than Tone B Nimble's ongoing Soul is My Salvation series of double A-side "45s". This is the eighth edition in the series and contains two more thoroughly obscure workouts. On the A-side you'll find Bibleway Church of God in Christ's 'Since Jesus Came Into My Life', a fizzing gospel-soul stomper that was first featured on the organisation's 1980 private press LP What Do You Say About Jesus. Over on the flip there's a chance to savour Eliezer Mass Choir's 'Where He Leads Me', a more disco-tinged number that reminded us a little of the Joubert Singers' much-loved 'Stand on the Word'.

Review: Tony B Nimble's NeighbourSoul Edits Vol.4 is a journey through soulful rhythms and energetic grooves. Opening with 'Jesus,' Nimble sets the tone with gospel-infused house beats and a captivating bassline. 'Your Love exudes soulfulness with a great vocal, while 'Afrodemo' delivers an invigorating blend of funk and tribal beats, enhanced by captivating guitar riffs. Each track showcases Nimble's focus as a producer and we find the topic unique and refreshing in the world of house music.