Today, celebrating my birthday, I decided to post a dreamy stepper dedicated to all Modern Soul connoisseurs around the world. Released in 1982 on 7” single as a B side to “Later for that” by an obscure group called NIGHTWIND. Enjoy !!!
Here’s one of my favorite sensual slow jams from the group SKYY. Taken from their 1981 LP “Skyy Line” released on Salsoul Records.
Here’s a serious “Mellow-Soul-Heaven” goodie written & produced by Johnny Bristol but most importantly arranged by the great H.B. Barnum.
Simply one of the best compositions written by the great Dexter Wansel. Cinematic intro grows into one of the finest Philly Soul gems of the ‘70s. Taken from Jean Carne’s debut self-titled LP released on Philadelphia Intl. Records in 1976.
This is the first single released by drummer Gene Dunlap featuring the heavenly vocals of The Ridgeway Sisters. Taken from his debut LP “It’s just the way I feel” released on Capitol Records in 1981.
Nowadays this track may sound like a typical Urban ‘80s Soul ballad, but believe me after three decades, this unique sound has a classic quality second to none. Taken from Lillo’s debut LP “Let me be yours” released in Capitol Records in 1983.
Exquisite cover version of the famous Major Harris’ classic. Taken from D’Nessa’s debut CD album “All about you” released only in Japan in 1997 on Rip Curl Recordings. Produced by Osny Melo. D’Nessa’s full name is Donessa W. Perry born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.
Excellent stepper co-produced by Philip Bailey and written by the band’s co-founder and sax player Robert L. Harris. Taken from their 2nd LP entitled “Dazz” released on 20th Century Records in 1979. A year later the band changed their name to THE DAZZ BAND.
Here’s another killer groove written and produced by James Mtume & Reggie Lucas. Marc and Tawatha provide their very best on lead vocals while bass playing by Raymond Jackson is simply awesome! Taken from Sadane’s 2nd LP entitled “Exciting” released on Warner Bros Records in 1982.
As I promised, this is one of my best posts so far all the way from Japan! A real “treasure-pleasure” oozing sheer SOUL class produced by Makoto Matsushita. Taken from Mai Yamane's debut LP entitled “Tasogare” released in 1980 on Continental Records only in Japan.
Here’s an exceptional stepper from the late ‘70s. On lead vocals is the late Belita Karen Woods who passed away some days ago on May 14th at the age of 63. Taken from Brainstorm’s 3d LP entitled “Funky entertainment” released on Tabu Records in 1979. Many thanks to my UK friend Paul Grestock for reminding me this great gem.
One of the finest examples of Real Soul Music. Released only on 7” single on Columbia Records in 1973. Enjoy !!!
One of the most soulful moments of the late Loleatta Holloway. Co-written by the great Sam Dees. It’s the title track of her 1975 LP released on Aware Records.
Sammy was a very talented dancer, singer, multi-instrumentalist impressionist, comedian and actor. Here he performs a classic Jazzy Soul tune written by the great Dave Grusin. It was the main theme for the detective TV series “Baretta” aired on ABC in the late ‘70s.
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.
