Back catalogue: Soul

Review: The Extra Soul Perception label held a first ever writing camp in Nairobi in 2019 and Lynda Dawn was one of the pupils. She has already released 'Roses' on the label's New Tangents...Vol. 1 EP with other music from the UK, Kenya and Uganda. But this was the standout track so now it makes its way to its own 7". It is the sort of heart achingly beautiful slow motion disco-soul that will be perfect end of the night send home or early evening warm up for more cosy dance floors. There is a slightly more beefed up version from XL Middleton to complete this tidy 7".

Review: 'Listen To Me Girl' is a previously unreleased Philadelphia recording licensed from veteran producer Emanuel Manny Campbell Jr. Although featured on a Coastal Records CD project, this marks the first vinyl release of one of The Delights' best tunes. The group consisted of four young male singers, two of whom were Manny's cousins, Keith and Ellis Hill, along with their cousin Jaime and teenage friend, and all were all aged 16-17 and from Chester, Pennsylvania. Under Manny's guidance, they recorded this soulful dancer in 1968. Despite their potential, the group never completed the planned projects and so 'Listen To Me Girl' remains a rare gem from their short-lived career.

Review: Kent records brings a lesser-known soul gem back to vinyl where it truly belongs. Originally recorded by Terri Bryant on Verve in 1967, '(You'd Better) Straighten Up And Fly Right' has long been a fan favourite, but it has never before been available on 7". The Devonnes' version, led by a powerhouse female vocal group, captures the aura of 60s soul with an infectious melody, catchy hooks, and an exciting energy that makes it a standout in the era's soul catalog. On the flip side, 'Doin' 'The Gittin' Up' is another lively, danceable track that showcases the group's versatility. Written by the prolific Larry Banks, the song was first issued in 2005 on a compilation but has been in high demand ever since. Both tracks highlight the talent of the Devonnes, who, despite their impressive output, didn't gain the recognition they deserved at the time. This reissue finally gives their recordings the attention they've long warranted.

Review: The new soul project by ex-members of Silver Skylarks, Dorrington Drive, hears lush productions and distinct melodies channelled into the self-revelatory spirit of early 70s AM pop and soul. This cut could've easily been heard on one such radio station, a staple of the time. With the track named after the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Brooklyn, we find ourselves embarking on a thoroughly enjoyable Atlantic coastline jaunt here, through bombastic funk bass and slapping toms.

Review: The mighty Dusty Donuts return to Queensbridge where they encounter a 'Lost Girl' featured on a legendary mixtape by one of QB's finest. This bouncy, choppy Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night Remix is sure to ignite any gathering. On the flipside, the vibes shift from Queensbridge to Staten Island and bring a special sound to work the crowd - this heavy soul classic arrives in true Shaolin style with choppy, dark soul chords and classic hip-hop beats. It's a track that commands attention with the drums but also locks in head and heart.

Review: Former Paper Recordings artist Sophie Lloyd apparently started working on "Calling Out" whilst gripped by the January blues. Her intention was simply to make "happy music". To that end, she turned to her gospel roots. The results, shared here on 7" single for the first time, are little less than spectacular. With collaborator Dames Brown in tow, Lloyd's vocals - accompanied by a gospel choir, of course - simply soar above a jaunty, piano-heavy track rich in live instrumentation. It sits somewhere between traditional gospel, house and disco, with a flipside instrumental brilliantly showcasing the quality of the instrumentation throughout. The piano solos, in particular, are breathlessly good.

Review: Neo soul singer and producer Lynda Dawn follows up her 2019 debut At First Light with the sophomoric sopor 11th Hour. Prompted by the trauma of the global pandemic, which stunted the momentum garnered by her first LP, 11th Hour was made after Dawn found a defiant space of resilience and took up a music production course. Thus flaunting a newly strung skill, the record is a consumptive blend of emotions, with moods of both criticality and soothing. The subtlety of Dawn's ear in the company of producers Jackum and Blake Rhein is astounding, the likes of 'Love Is Callin'' and 'Do You Dream' exemplarily working down a slow-jammed, psych-soul sensitivity; Dawn's vocals also play out like gauzy mists, seemingly ungraspable and palpable at the same time.

Review: This long-lost 1973 album from Graham Dee is a fabled record from the man who was a key figure in the 60s London session scene and later a prolific songwriter and producer, and it is now released on vinyl for the first time. Dee was a renowned session guitarist who played with legends like Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck as well as artists such as John Lee Hooker and The Walker Brothers. After working with them, he became an in-house producer for Atlantic Records and honed a distinctive 'British Soul sound.' In the 70s, he moved to the U.S., writing songs and working at the legendary Muscle Shoals. Mr. Super Cool was only rediscovered in 2019 and it's clear to hear Dee's unique talent on a record that offers a fascinating glimpse into early 70s recording.