Frank McComb
In my opinion this man’s talents know no bounds and his latest offering is testament to that. Released independently ‘Straight From The Vault’ is Soul music at its very best. Amazing vocals such as ‘The Thing I Failed To Do’, ‘The Things That You Do’, and the moving ‘Left Alone’ are intertwined within fantastic instrumentals showing the complete range and talent of Frank McComb. The CD is only available from Frank McComb himself or certain specialist retailers. But be warned it is extremely limited and is sure to be a collector’s item in years to come. Try: www.crazybeat.co.uk for one of very few remaining copies.
Introducing Gordon Chambers
Is the title of the first solo effort from the extremely accomplished songwriter Gordon Chambers. Gordon Chambers is certainly no stranger to the music business and has penned tracks for legends such as Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Ron Isley among numerous others. His first CD is a wonder to behold and with tracks of the calibre of ‘Touch You There’, ‘Never Fall In Love’ and ‘Slippin Away’ in which Gordon has sampled Spandau Ballets ‘True’. This is already one of the albums of the last few months and if artists like Gordon Chambers can release such quality music in 2005 Soul music has an extremely bright future. To purchase the album or find out more about Gordon Chambers click on: www.gordonchambers.com
Luxury Soul
Expansion launched 2005 with two fantastic releases; firstly their ‘Luxury Soul’ compilation released in conjunction with the Hilton weekenders is a fine three-disc set. Featuring the likes of Frank McComb, Impromp2, Maysa, Ali Ollie Woodson, Keni Burke and the late great Nathan Heathman. This box set certainly is worth the very reasonable price and is an essential compilation for this year.
After nearly ten years the long awaited ‘We Can Do Whatever’ album from duo Otis & Shugg has been given its well, deserved release by Expansion. Featuring such gems as ‘My First Mistake’, ‘Journey’, and ‘Something Inside Me’. This Raphael Saadiq produced album is Soul music at its best.
For more details on both of these releases check out: www.expansionrecords.com
Blackpool Hilton 2005
Speaking of Luxury Soul despite being engulfed in a hurricane the latest Blackpool Hilton weekender, which took place in January was arguably the best yet. Featuring the cream of UK soul music across four rooms these events are getting better which each one. The Saturday night performance from Glen Jones, Phil Perry & Howard Hewett was amazing and a privelege to be-hold. The moment they entered into ‘What’s Going On’ is one that will live with me for a long while.
The quality of music played was second to none and I for one can’t wait for the next weekender.
Brenda Holloway
Early February saw the release of the anticipated ‘Brenda Holloway: The Motown Anthology’. The two disc set which covers Brenda’s years at Motown features many of her well known tracks alongside some of her extensive un-released material with tracks such as Brenda’s version of ‘All I Do’.
This set follows on from 2004’s Jimmy Ruffin, Billy Eckstine and Barbara Mcnair collections and along with the recently released Velvelettes anthology this release gives further credence to Universal/Spectrum in the UK. With other projects in the pipeline including Chris Clark and her Motown years, Motown fans can rest assured that these artists are finally being given the exposure their efforts deserve.
T&T Tour 2005
Following on from the success of their UK tour in 2003, The Temptations along with The Four Tops embark on a European tour throughout Autumn/Winter 2005. The Temptations now a settled line up of G.C Cameron, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon, Ron Tyson & Otis Williams appear in the UK on the back of the highly popular ‘Legacy’. The tour will be the groups first since 1979 where they will be known as a former Motown act following their departure from the label in late 2004.
The Four Tops still without the services of Levi Stubbs due to illness are still a popular touring act in the U.S and featuring the likes of Ronnie McNeir and Theo Peoples along with Abdul Fakir and Renaldo Benson always put on a fantastic show.
The tour begins with a fourteen-date UK tour beginning in Belfast and ending in Bournemouth before the group head off to Holland, Denmark and Belgium. As always this tour will be highly popular you can find full UK tour details at www.rontyson.com/tour.htm or www.seanlivesey.com
Motown Exhibition
Staying with the Motown theme and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Motown package tour, which helped to launch the ‘sound of young America’ in Britain Redferns Music Picture Gallery has commissioned its Motown in Britain exhibition. In association with Motown UK and Universal records this exhibition is being cited as a must see for this spring.
The collection features many of Motown’s land mark acts such as The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves, Marvin Gaye to name just a few. With a special emphasis on the influence Motown had on the UK through archived pictures taken from the likes of ‘Ready, Steady Go’ and ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars’ along with the extensive collection of Motown pictures throughout the U.S.
The exhibition is open between April 6th -June 4th 2005 and is sure to be popular. Held at the Redfern Music Picture Gallery, 3 Bramley Road, London. For more details contact Jenny Wicks on (020) 7792 9914 or email: jenny@redferns.com .
Kev Roberts being at the forefront of the UK soul scene a fantastic read is ensured.
All for the low price of £4.95 For more information follow the link: GOLDSOUL