Japanese Soul rarity at its best !!! This gem is going to blow you away. Released only as a B side of her 7” single “Foul play” on Canyon Records in 1984 in Japan. Stay tuned for more Japanese Soul magic in future posts. 
David is born in Philly while his voice is very similar to that of Teddy Pendergrass. I chose a wonderful stepper written by Butch Ingram. Taken from David’s 2nd LP entitled “The world belongs to me” released on Fantasy Records in 1979.
Smooth Modern Soul from Detroit group Enchantment. This mellow track was produced by the great Michael Stokes and it’s taken from their 1983 LP “Utopia” released on Columbia Records.
Here’s one of my favourite Soul-Funk Groups of the ‘80s. I chose the track “Try me” taken from their 1981 LP “Wanting you” released on Chocolate City Records. Needless to say that lead vocalist Renee Diggs who emerged from that group was one of the most talented vocalists in the history of Soul music.
Wonderful collaboration between Wayne Henderson (of The Crusaders) and the late Ron Banks (of The Dramatics). Taken from Wayne’s LP “Emphasized” released on Polydor Records in 1979.
Yolanda Adams is one of the most talented vocalists in Gospel music. In the early 90s she recorded 3 remarkable albums with producer Ben Tankard. The track I chose here for my post is also co-written by Yolanda and Ben and it’s taken from her 1991 album “Through the storm” released on Tribute Records.
Since February 1st we lost two remarkable vocalists: David Peaston and Whitney Houston. I have already posted David back in December 5, 2009. As far as Whitney is concerned, I decided to post 2 sublime rare steppers which she recorded back in 1990. “Feels so good” was written by Bryan Loren and “Dancing on the smooth edge” was co-written by David Lasley and Robbie Long. Both tracks were produced by Narada Michael Walden. These 2 gems were never released on CD and showcase Whitney’s commanding vocal range and soulful emotion.
Here’s one of the best compositions written by the great songwriter La Forest Cope aka La La. Taken from Glenn Jones’ 2nd LP entitled “Finesse” released on RCA Records in 1984.
She is one of the finest vocalists in music business. Here she delivers a killer groove written and produced by the mighty duo of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Taken from her 1985 LP “Gettin’ away with murder” released on Qwest Records.
It’s about time to present this incredible vocalist. I chose an amazing track where Luther Vandross does his magic on backing vocals. Taken from her 1980 LP “Step aside for a lady” released on Columbia Records.
Sublime stepper! The lead singer sounds like Teddy Pendergrass. It’s the title track from the group’s LP released on Muscle Shoals Sound Records in 1987.
Here’s a lovely Japanese rarity from a female trio called GAL consisting of Hiroko Ishida, Riyo and Mayumi Kuroki. The title is translated while the lyrics are sung in Japanese.
Soul perfection guided by highly talented producer, arranger and songwriter Michael Stokes. Ronn Matlock is already known in the Rare Groove Community thanks to his sublime stepper “I can’t forget about you”. Well, I chose to post this divine track which is also co-written by Ronn Matlock and Michael Stokes taken from Ronn’s one and only LP entitled “Love city” released on Cotillion Records in 1979.
Classy Jazzy Soul recording from legendary flautist produced by the mighty Skip Scarborough. It’s the title track from her 1977 LP released on Epic Records. It’s worthy to note that musicians who play on this track include Ray Obiedo on guitar, Bill Summers on percussion, Charles Meeks on bass and of course Skip Scarborough on synthesizer.
Top-notch sexy stepper written by the group’s lead singer Belinda Lipscomb. Taken from their self-titled LP released on Solar Records in 1988.
A delightful ear candy that sounds like The Stylistics at their best. Originally appeared on the B side of his 7” single “I think I’ll tell her” released on Philly Sound Works label in 1984. Many thanks to my friend Apostolis Barpakis (aka SoulLakis) from Volos who discovered this mellow gem.
Pure Soul balladry of the highest calibre. 8 minutes of Soul heaven from the legendary group of The Controllers. Taken from their 1977 LP “In control” released on Juana Records.
MEGA SURPRISE all the way from Mexico!!! One of the finest arrangements where Soul, Funk and Jazz blend together in perfect harmony. The overall groove sounds like Paulinho da Costa at his best. Taken from his 1981 LP “Gracias” released on Ariola Records.
I present with great pleasure an extraordinary vocalist. I still remember when I first heard her magical voice on her debut album in 1995 while she was only 17. The track I chose here for my post, is taken from her 2nd album entitled “I get lifted” released on Word Records in 1998.
SWITCH was a great band discovered by Jermaine Jackson. Group members included Phillip Ingram, Bobby and Tommy DeBarge, Greg Williams, Attala Zane Giles and Eddie Fluellan among others. This lovely stepper is written by Brenda Sutton and taken from their debut self-titled LP released on Gordy Records in 1978.
I’m back with one of my favourite underrated talents of the early ‘80s. Sheree Brown has been working closely with long time friend Patrice Rushen providing some of the most unforgettable Soul songs. This one here is taken from her debut LP entitled “Straight ahead” released on Capitol Records in 1981.
Wonderful collaboration released on 7" single on Capitol Records in UK in 1977. Talk is cheap, just enjoy and let the music flow !
Janine "Lady J" Nash hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, is a lyricist, poet and singer. She's the fornt woman for the soulful collective "Shades of J" blending perfectly poetry and Soul music. Check this thought-provoking and inspirational track taken from the CD album "Spoken word Soul" released on 70West / Full Circle Recordings in 2007.
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.
