Here’s a neglected smooth offering from France, the land of sensual & sexy sounds. A wonderful sensual urban mid-ballad released initially on single. Included also on Kova Rea’s CD album “Pas de limites” released on Philips Records in 1991.
Here’s one of my favorite songs written and produced by Gene & Billy Page. Taken from Betty’s LP “Happy endings” released on Fantasy Records in 1975
Surprising Blue-eyed Soul obscurity from female group named The Boones. Taken from their LP entitled “First Class” released on indie record label “Lamb & Lion” in 1978.
Legendary Jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis teams up with songwriter/vocalist Michael Logan creating a superb sensual smooth jam “tailor-made” for late night romance. Taken from Ramsey’s CD album “Between the keys” released on GRP Records in 1996.
Soulful grace and style all the way from Philippines!!! Kuh Ledesma's music career spans 25 years of performances which include more than 300 concerts, 18 albums and numerous awards in the Philippine music scene. Here’s the title track from her 1984 LP released on Black Gold Records.
Stellar mellow gem!!! Taken from his LP “How do you take your love” released on RCA Records in 1978. Produced by Jerry Rogovoy.
Latin-infused Soul jam co-written by Michael J. Powell & Vernon Fails (CHAPTER 8) and Chanté Moore. Produced by George Duke. Taken from her debut album “Precious” released on Silas/MCA Records in 1992.
Ultra Soulful collector’s item co-written by Reggie Dozier and McKinley Jackson. Released only as a 7” single on ABC Records in 1974.
Exquisite Soul stepper produced by the great Skip Scarborough. Strings and Horns arranged by Patrice Rushen. Taken from the wonderful LP “Gonna tell the world” released on Polydor Records in 1981.
Dreamy sweetness arranged with a warm Jazzy instrumentation. Written by multi-talented Marcos Valle !!! Taken from Emilio’s wonderful CD album “Bossa Nova” released on Sony Records in 2000.
Early 70’s classic New Jersey Soul produced by the great George Kerr. Taken from her LP “So many ways” released on Alithia Records in 1972.
Wonderful voice! Before making his solo project, he worked as a lead vocalist for LAKESIDE in 1986 and THE TEMPTATIONS in 1998. The featured track is taken from his debut CD album “Best kept secret” released on UgoBo Enterprises in 2003.
One of the finest Soul gems recorded in the early 80’s. Written by Phyllis St. James and produced by Gene Barge. Although the same track was also recorded by Jean Carne the same year, Kitty’s performance is simply awesome. Taken from the LP “Excuse me, I’ve got a life to catch” released on Capitol Records in 1981.
Classy Soul heaven! This amazing song was included only as a bonus track on Peabo’s “Positive” CD album in 1988. Note that it’s co-written by Michael J. Powell and Dianne Quander !!!
Sweet perfection! One-off studio soulful group featuring the angelic voices of “The Sweethearts of Sigma” comprised of Barbara Ingram, Evette Benton and Carla Benson. Taken from the LP “The greatest show on earth” released on Salsoul Records in 1978.
Master flautist Dave Valentin teams us with session singer Vivian Cherry providing a flawless Smooth Jazz-Funk gem written by Phyllis St. James. Taken from his 1981 LP “Pied piper” released on GRP Records. Produced by Dave Grusin & Larry Rosen.
Barry White holds an unbreakable record. In only one year (1974), he produced 10 amazing Soul albums as follows:
A wicked slice of French groove oozing with sensuality. RoBERT’s whispery vocal delivery is “right on the money”. Don’t get me wrong but French artists have a unique talent for delivering great sexy gems.
Here’s one of the best compositions ever written by Keni Burke. High-caliber Soul entertainment by the legendary Jones Girls – Philly’s finest vocal groups. Taken from their classic LP “Keep it coming” released on Philadelphia Intl. Records in 1984.
Here’s an obscure delicious Soul stepper released only as a 12” single on NightLine Records circa late 80s.
BEYOND CLASSIC! The essence of sensual smoothness. I still remember the day when I first heard this hit single on the radio back in 1981. Need I say more?
GENAI is a duo comprised of female singer Ginai K. Johnston and male multi-instrumentalist Oliver Wendel. Both born in Chicago met each other in Hawaii in 1996. Here’s the title track taken from their debut album released on Videoarts Music in 1999. Hawaii-flavored Jazzy Soul at its best.
Real Soul excellence!!! The first time I heard this tune was about 6 years ago on the Terry Peters show on Internet Radio “Soul24-7.com” and I was totally blown away. Co-arranged by Melvin Griffin & McKinley Jackson. Released as a 12” single on Earthtone Records in 1991.
One of the most beautiful compositions written by the songwriting duo of Pam Swayer & Marilyn McLeod. This great remake was released only on 7” single on Venture Records in 1980. Magical production and arrangement by the legendary Tony Camillo. Note that the original version was recorded by Freda Payne in 1977.
Maxi Anderson is one of my all-time favorite session singers. She recorded one and only self-titled solo LP on Blue Note Records in 1977. The track I’ve chosen is co-written by the great Skip Scarborough (who also wrote the classic “Lover to lover” included on the same LP). Produced by the famous brothers Gene & Billy Page. Pure class!!!
Brazilian percussionist Paulinho Da Costa is definitely the most recorded musician of modern times. He has participated in thousands of recording sessions including 4 solo projects.
Sweet and sexy. A song of unique quality that flows like fine vintage wine. Taken from her excellent LP “Set my love in motion” released on Tamla/Motown Records in 1981.
Born blind William Robinson scores here with a majestic soulful gem which came out only as a 12” single on CBS' subsidiary label Coast To Coast in 1983. He became the lead singer for the group B.T. Express, in 1980, and shifted into music production around 1997.
Impeccable production from James Mtume & Reggie Lucas. Also flawless backing vocals by Tawatha Agee, Gwen Guthrie and Brenda White. Taken from her classic debut LP “Come on inside” released on Buddah Records in 1979.
This is a dreamy soulful instrumental from Burt Bacharach - one of the greatest composers of all time. Taken from the wonderful film soundtrack “Isn’t she great” released on Decca Records in 1999.
David Peaston performs a Jazzy-Soul gem dedicated to beautiful actress Keisha Knight Pulliam who portrayed little Rudy Huxtable in the legendary TV sitcom “The Cosby Show” in the ‘80s. Dave Valentin is featured on the flute. Written, arranged and produced by Stu Gardner.
Every erotic move is dictated by Nubiana as she takes you on a sensuous voyage of erotic discovery. Written & produced by the great Jazz pianist Dennis Bell. Released on independent label Guava Jamm Entertainment in 1999.
Donny Gerrard started his career as the lead singer of the Vancouver-based Pop group Skylark. Here’s a wonderful Soul stepper written by Tom Brock. Taken from his self-titled debut LP released on Greedy Records in 1976.
Killer Soul stepper from the late Jon Lucien. His singing captures the essence of romance with his rich and expressive voice. Note that this exceptional composition is co-written by Dianne Quander, Jeff Lorber and Stephanie Spruill. Taken from his album “Listen love” released on PolyGram Records in 1991.
Well, this is one of the very few soulful moments of contemporary Greek music. Composer & arranger George Hatzinasios teams up with Mando – one of the finest female vocalists in Greece - and create a smooth sound which is warm and subtle! To be honest that was a tough choice for my Blog, but believe me, it’s really worth posting. Looking forward to your comments. Enjoy!
Carol Zorina London is the full name of the songstress who performs this delightful orchestrated mid-tempo. Although it was originally recorded in 1977, it was included in Fats Gaines’ 1983 LP on Avamar Records.
