Let's have another blast from the past and particularly the magical year of 1980. Atlantic Starr scores with a superb album entitled "Radiant" produced by James Anthony Carmichael. I chose the jolly track "Does it matter" featuring David Lewis on lead vocals.
Here’s one of the rarest moments of early “Philly Sound” magic. Arranged and produced to perfection by Bobby Martin. Released only on 7inch single on North Bay Records in 1972.
Here’s a noteworthy Soul-Funk band which was assembled by Norman Connors. This particular mellow track features the amazing vocals of Gloria Jones. Taken from their debut LP entitled “Norman Connors presents Aquarian Dream” released on Buddah Records in 1976.
Sensual slow jam from two great voices for late-night quality-time listening. Taken from Gary’s CD album “The mood of midnight” released on Morning Crew Music in 1995.
Sharon Cuneta is a popular and multi-awarded Filipino singer, actress and TV host. Here’s a wonderful cover record originally recorded by Scottish Sheena Easton in 1980. Taken from her LP “Sharon & love” released the same year on Vicor Records only in Philippines.
Nickolas Ashford, one half of the legendary Motown songwriting team Ashford & Simpson, died of throat cancer at a New York hospital yesterday on August 22nd. He was only 69. Their contribution to mellow music is beyond compare! As a tribute to their legacy, I present 2 great tracks: The masterpiece instrumental “Bourgie bourgie” from 1977 and the gorgeous ballad “Crazy” from 1979. Enjoy!
Urbane, handsome and classy bossa crooner Silvio Cesar has had a lengthy and admirable career that has encompassed romantic balladry and big-time groovers. Here’s an exquisite melody taken from his LP “So tinha de ser…com Sylvio Cesar” released on Odeon Records in Brazil in 1965.
Another underrated female vocalist that deserves your attention. Although she recorded only 3 solo LPs, she did plenty of quality Soul projects as a backing vocalist. This great track is taken from her 3d LP entitled “Watching you watching me” released on Atlantic Records in 1982.
Here’s a special treat for you. Delectable stepper released only in Japan! Taken from his Jap CD album “Life & love” released on P-Vine Records in 1993. I’m sure you’re gonna love it immensely…..
Here’s the very first recording of Paulette McWilliams under the guidance of Quincy Jones, the master of Soul-Jazz excellence. It’s the title track of Quincy’s LP released on A&M Records in 1975. 
Special 12” single version from The Fatback Band released on Spring Records in 1983. Enjoy 8 minutes of Pure Soul bliss !!!!
Summer is best represented by cool tropical sounds that carry you away to sandy beaches and sunny islands. For this reason I chose a unique track from the French Antilles that oozes sensuality, Caribbean vibes and elegance. Axell teams up with multi-instrumentalist Ralph Perroni. Taken from her rare debut self-titled LP released on J.E. Productions only in France.
Feel-good groove released only in Europe on 7” single on Ariola Records in 1977. The magical decade of the ‘70s is full of hidden gems still to be discovered….
Check this mellow nugget produced by Larry Graham. Taken from Alfie’s LP “Be yourself” released on RCA Records in 1983.
Lamont Dozier is one of the most important songwriters and record producers responsible for numerous hits and rare recordings since the late ‘50s. To honor his precious contribution, I chose an exquisite stepper taken from his “Lamont” LP released on M&M Records in 1981.
Here’s a wonderful sexy stepper co-produced by Michael J. Powell and Sir Gant. Taken from their debut self-titled album released on MCA Records in 1987.
He is one of the most prolific composers and lyricists of the modern era. His mega hit “One in a million you” recorded by Larry Graham in 1980, was the defining moment in his career. Here I have the pleasure of presenting one of his best previously unreleased gems. Enjoy !!!
A taste of smooth heaven! A stellar production by Larry & Alphonso Mizell (aka The Mizell Brothers). Taken from the group’s 2nd LP “Another taste” released on Capitol Records in 1979.
One of the most underrated Soul-Jazz crooners. He’s mostly famous as a first-rate session drummer and during the ‘70s he was a member of the “New York Jazz Quartet”. Here’s a delightful performance taken from his 2nd LP entitled “After the long drive home” released on Skye Records in 1970.
Exceptional vocal remake !!! The late “Mr. T” also known as “The sugar man” collaborates with the one-and-only Jean Carne. The original is an instrumental version which was written and released by Bobby Lyle in 1977. This great cover is taken from Stanley’s LP “L.A. place” released on Blue Note Records in 1989.
One of the smoothest moments of the legendary group CAMEO. It’s the title track from their 1980 LP released on Casablanca Records.
A lost treasure for all Soul aficionados seeking mellow obscurities. A superb collaboration between talented keyboardist Terry Burrus and the incomparable Phyllis Hyman. Rediscover the regal beauty and vocal sophistication of the late Phyllis Hyman, rarely seen in today’s music industry. Note: The male vocalist on this duet is named Kevin Shell. This song was recorded in the late '80s.
Wicked mid-tempo from the legendary Funk group The Ohio Players. Taken from their LP “Graduation” released on Air City Records in 1984. 
Lethal groove by the legendary Melba Moore. Excellent “slap bass” by Wayne Brathwaite! Taken from her LP “Never say never” released on Capitol Records in 1983.
Here’s a great sexy stepper produced by the mighty Ray Parker Jr. Taken from Randy’s debut LP entitled “I belong to you” released on MCA Records in 1984.
Magical soulful moment from Brazil. The legendary late songstress Nara Leao performs a delightful track taken from her 1981 LP “Romance popular” released on Philips Records in Brazil.
Once again enjoy sweet Soul steppin’ from two great voices. Taken from Bobby’s LP “Love in the fire” released on Motown Records in 1984.
Deborah is a New York-born Puerto Rican with a superb sultry voice. Although many Soul collectors are familiar with her 1988 debut single “Slow down”, the title track of her 2003 debut album is a real peach. Released on Latin Cool Records. 
One of my all-time favorite soulful “easy listening” melodies performed with sheer finesse by the late Jesse Belvin. His success was sadly cut short by his death in a car crash aged 27. This classic track is taken from his LP “Mr. easy” recorded on RCA Records in 1959. Arranged & conducted by Marty Paich and his orchestra.
Japanese Rare Groove at its best. This great gem sounds like it was written by Rod Temperton! Taken from Miki’s debut LP entitled “Pocket park” released on Seesaw/Canyon Records in 1980 only in Japan. 
Help yourself to another mellow gem written by the great Leon Ware. Taken from the LP "I want you" released on A&M Records in 1981. 
Helen and Phyllis Duncan from Canada perform a delightful stepper showcasing their soulful vocals floating over its driving bass and funky beat. Taken from their LP “Gonna stay in love” released on Malaco Records in 1981. 
Leonard is one of the most impressive newcomers of the Soul scene in recent years. Apart from singing and composing, he’s also a respected sax player contributed to other artists’ recordings. This great track is taken from his CD album “Reflections of Soul” released in 2007.
Sublime Soul melody arranged in a Bossa Nova style. Apart from Linda’s exquisite performance, check also the heavenly backing vocals arranged by Luther Vandross! Taken from her LP “I’ll keep on loving you” released on Capitol Records in 1982.
Philly Soul never goes out of fashion. Here’s another delightful gem that reminds us the greatness of this glorious sound. Taken from Anthony's LP “Could it be magic” released on Philadelphia Intl. Records in 1976. 
Here is a wonderful “Philly Soul” Rare Groove. SILK were formerly known as Anglo Saxon Brown. They group later became SILK for one album entitled “Midnight dancer” released on Philadelphia Intl. Records in 1979. Enjoy pure Soul music from the unforgettable era of the late ‘70s.
Here’s a wonderful Soul-Gospel offering with a Jazzy feel performed by the angelic voice of Debi Dixon. Taken from her debut CD album “My sole desire” released on Masterpiece Christian Records in 2004.
Genius composition. Written by Vince Montana Jr. most known as a member of MFSB and as the founder of the Salsoul Orchestra. This great instrumental is a part of a one-off project by The Anvil Band released on Free Spirit Records in 1978.
Possessing one of most elegant baritone voices in the annals of recorded music, Chuck Jackson has set a benchmark for aspiring vocalists of all genres. Here’s the title track taken from his 1975 LP released on All Platinum Records in 1975 which came out also as a 7" single.
Simply one of my all-time-favorite sexy Disco tunes ever recorded. Released only as a 12” single on Prelude Records in 1981.
Hypnotizing Modern Soul stepper from the late ‘90s. Andrew Lee Caples (his real name) plays the bass, keyboards, guitar, drum program and also produced his debut album “So good” released on Avanti Records in 1997.
Yes, it’s true! This great track remained unreleased until very recently. Produced of course by Barry White and recorded back in 1974.
An exquisite track with soaring strings and lots of mellow warm instrumentation that reminds us the universal impact of Barry White’s sound. Taken from the LP “Love has come my way” released on Paula Records in 1978.
