Japanese Soul has always fascinated me. Here’s another example of smooth sophistication from Amii Ozaki taken from her CD album “Air kiss” released on Canyon Records in 1985.
Multi-talented singer/pianist Joe McBride performs a delightful duet with Analisa Ripke taken from his 3d CD album “Keys to your heart” released on Heads Up Records in 1996. Soul Jazz at its very best!!!
An obscure Soul stepper graced with a wicked arrangement. Taken from her rare LP “Action satisfaction” released on DJ Productions label in 1980 only in Canada!!!
This is definitely the smoothest track ever released by the legendary Soul-Funk band BRICK. Written and produced by Ray Parker Jr. Strings arrangement by Gene Page. Taken from their LP “Summer heat” released on Bang Records in 1981.
Here’s a historic collaboration. Aretha Franklin, Levi Stubbs (of Four Tops), Luther Vandross, Marcus Miller and Paul Riser join forces to create the ultimate Soul experience!!! A superb track overflowing with feeling, passion, impeccable musicianship and flawless production. Taken from Aretha’s classic LP “Jump to it” released on Arista Records in 1982, co-produced by Luther Vandross.
Husband and wife Bob & Pauline Wilson are two of the original members of the great Soul-Jazz group SEAWIND. In 1981 they released one and only LP as a duo entitled “Somebody loves you” on Myrrh Records. Check this excellent mid-tempo in a “West Coast” sound style.
Summertime…..and Caribbean Zouk music is the perfect choice for this time of the year. Mellow, exotic, stylish: blending European & American sounds into something beyond magic!!! Here’s an “essensual” example by Celia Delver released in 1995. Enjoy.
The title says it all: One of the finest gems from The Stylistics in only 2 minutes and 46 seconds! Especially the saxophone part is extremely tasteful. Taken from their wonderful LP “In fashion” released on Mercury Records in 1978.
Silky & sexy Bossa Nova – perfect sound for the summertime. Taken from her CD album “The three Americas” released on Blue Note Records in 1997.
Extra smooth ear-candy by sax player / singer Walter Beasley. Taken from his CD album “For your pleasure” released on Shanachie Records in 1998. Note that the original version of this song was released in 1958 by Bobby Freeman as a dance tune!!!
An irresistible Philly Soul mid-tempo gem surprisingly produced by Giorgio Moroder!!! Taken from their LP “3D” released on Ariola Records in 1979.
Russell & Joanne Stone is a married singing duo all the way from U.K. Here’s a laid-back Soul nugget taken from their LP “R & J” released on RCA Records in 1977.
Smooth Soul production along with Ray Parker’s warm vocals creates instant romance!!! Taken from the classic LP “A woman needs love” released on Arista Records in 1981.
When I first heard Tawatha singing lead vocals for MTUME, I was in heaven!!! Everything she has recorded as a lead vocalist or composer is top quality in terms of Soul, Funk and Jazz music ONLY. Here’s a classy Soul ballad taken from her only solo LP “Welcome to my dream” released on Epic Records in 1987 produced by James Mtume.
Cheryl Ladd is best known for her role as Kris Munroe in the famous U.S. TV series “Charlie’s Angels” (1977-1981) replacing Farrah Fawcett at the time.
Timeless Soulful magic all the way from the Windy City. Eugene Record wrote and co-produced with Carl Davis this sublime track for the legendary group of The Impressions. Taken from their last LP “Fan the fire” released on 20th Century Records in 1981.
Lyn Roman (formerly Linda Griner) has been recording since 1964. Here’s a sexy mellow Soul nugget taken from her LP “Wanted” released on Ichiban Records in 1987. Sensualize in style ………
This is truly an essential Soul stepper written and produced by Gene himself. Sweet backing vocals are provided by prominent session singers Lynn Davis and Porchia Griffin. Taken from his only LP entitled “What’s your pleasure” released on Tamla Records in 1982.
One of the sweetest female Soul groups formed in 1969 by Barry White. The group comprised of Glodean James (Barry’s wife), Linda James and Diane Taylor. Here’s a wonderful track written, arranged and produced by Barry White and taken from their LP “He’s all I’ve got” released on Unlimited Gold Records in 1976.
Pure mid-70s Soul magic recorded in Philly featuring Gerald Alston on lead vocals and a great production by Bobby Martin. Personnel include Norman Harris on guitar, Vince Montana on vibes, Ron Kersey on bass and the Don Renaldo strings. Taken from their LP “That’s how much I love you” released on Columbia Records in 1974.
Brilliant combination of sensual poetry, Jazzy-Soul melody and polished production. Sonja Marie has such a beautiful and soothing voice. This unique track is co-written and produced by Babyface. Also featuring Patrice Rushen playing a great piano solo!!! Taken from the famous film soundtrack “Waiting to exhale” released on Arista Records in 1995.
Earth Wind & Fire is simply the GREATEST BAND ever recorded on this planet. Each and every member of the group has been a true talent. Here is a mellow gem taken from their LP “Open our eyes” released on CBS Records in 1974.
A very pleasant surprise from Russian songstress Larisa Dolina. Here is a fantastic Soul stepper taken from her latest CD album “Hollywood mood” which is entirely written, arranged and produced by George Duke!!! The whole album is really wonderful including also a superb duet with Al Jarreau. Released ONLY in Russia on Tempstar Records.
MASTERPIECE !!!! Ultra-Rare 7” single from Japan. Divine music with a real sense of style, sensual finesse, subtle groove and lush instrumentation. In fact this gem is the flip side to the A-side entitled “Chichiyo” released on Trio Records in 1975. Don’t delay any further. Download and enjoy like there’s no tomorrow.
Give it up for the sound of CHIC !!! Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards wrote, arranged and produced one of the finest “Jet Set” Grooves of all time. Released only as a single on Bearsville Records in 1979. Here’s the full 12” version for your listening pleasure.
Undoubtedly one of the best Soul songs ever recorded. Co-written by Allee Willis & Robert Wright. Donna’s performance is one of the kind. No cover version should ever be attempted! Taken from her debut LP “For the sake of love” released on Capitol Records in 1980.
Turn off the lights and enjoy…….....here’s a classy Soul ballad by Eddie Horan. Taken from his 1978 LP “Love the way you love me” released on HDM Records.
Barry White and his orchestra deliver the sexiest groove ever recorded during his glorious career. Forget all about “Love’s theme” or “Can’t get enough”. This sexy gem is the real deal !!! Taken from the great LP “My musical bouquet” released on 20th Century Records in 1978.
Pure Soul heaven !!! Producer H.B. Barnum provides a magical setting that allows Gloria’s warm vocals glide along with a soulful quality second to none!!! Taken from her only wonderful LP entitled “From the heart” released in 1985 on JWP Records. This great track was also released as a flip side on both 7” and 12” singles (see photo).
Another great gem all the way from Philly!!! Gentle Persuasion is a female trio performing a mighty fine smooth Soul stepper produced by the legendary Jerry Ross. Taken from their only self-titled LP released on Warner Bros Records in 1978. Enjoy in style.
This is a truly inspired cover of Weldon Irvine’s composition. Bernard Wright at 16 gives a splendid laid-back performance as well as playing a superb piano solo. He’s also supported by an all-star cast including Marcus Miller on bass, Bobby Broom on guitar, Dave Grusin on synth as well as Luther Vandross and Patti Austin on backing vocals. Taken from his excellent debut LP “Nard” released on GRP/Arista Records in 1981.
Mellow madness!!! This is one of the best soulful recordings ever released on AVI Records. Produced and arranged by Tommy Stewart & Roderick Smith.
At last, after 9 long years of absence, Norman Connors is back with a brand new album !!! Once again he works his magic with an all-star cast of established stars and new talents.
This wonderful track appeared only as a B-side on the 7” single “When am I going to make a living” released in 1984 on Epic Records. Jazzy-Soul elegance as always guaranteed from legendary SADE…….
Happy-go-lucky Brazilian Soul from multi-talented Filo Machado. Taken from his wonderful 1984 LP “Canto fatal” released on Pointer Records in Brazil.
Sexy, sexier, cumming!!! This is the ULTIMATE SENSUAL Soul stepper released in the ‘90s. Written, arranged and produced by Michael Lovesmith. HAREM is a duo comprised of Nancy Saad and Jenifer Cheng. Taken from their only self-titled CD album released on Motown Records in 1995.
Impeccable melody, soulful performance along with flawless instrumentation. What more can I say? This unique gem was recorded in Philly and released only on 7” single originally on Columbia Records in 1975.
Here’s a brilliant cover version of Chicago’s 1974 classic “Call on me”, performed in a classy Latin-Jazz style by lovely Khani Cole. Taken from her 1998 album “Places” released on Fahrenheit Records. The album is co-produced by Marion Meadows & Michael B.
Nicknamed “Little Randy” is the youngest son of the legendary JACKSON family. This is his first solo 7" single released on Epic Records in 1978 and quite collectible nowadays. Simply one of my all-time-favorite Soul rarities of late ‘70s. Enjoy!!!
Mellow sweetness!!! This is the very first single recorded by the late Gwen Guthrie. In fact, this is a cameo appearance she did for a studio session group named CHARME. Included also in CHARME’s only LP entitled “Let it in” released on RCA Records in 1979.
A beautiful ballad co-written and produced by Al McKay (of Earth Wind & Fire). Taken from the 1983 LP “Finis” released on Motown Records.
A sophisticated Jazzy-Soul “West Coast” gem from Japanese singer Mariya Takeuchi. This great track is co-written by her husband Tatsuro Yamashita. Musicians playing include David Foster, Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro. Taken from her excellent 1980 LP “Miss M” released on RCA Records in Japan.
