TRIBUTE TO ASHFORD & SIMPSON

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!

Download both files below (320 kbps)
Bourgie bourgie (1977) – Total time 6:07
The download is no longer available.
Crazy (1979) – Total time 3:38
The download is no longer available.

SILVIO CESAR – “Pra voce” (1965)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 2:39

http://www63.zippyshare.com/v/67739953/file.html 

ULLANDA McCULLOUGH – “If it’s time that you need” (1982)

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.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsGooddC8yw

JOHNNY BRISTOL – “So good” (1993)

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…..

Download file below (320 kbps) - Time 4:35

http://www3.zippyshare.com/v/77839910/file.html

QUINCY JONES feat. Paulette McWilliams – “Mellow madness” (1975)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:29

http://www21.zippyshare.com/v/28306319/file.html 

FATBACK feat. Gerry Bledsoe – “Please stay” (1983)

Special 12” single version from The Fatback Band released on Spring Records in 1983. Enjoy 8 minutes of Pure Soul bliss !!!!

Download file below (192 kbps) – Total time 8:15

http://www33.zippyshare.com/v/46167234/file.html 

AXELL HILARICUS – “Grace” (1992)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) - Total time 5:05

http://www10.zippyshare.com/v/32003370/file.html  

ALLAN JEFFERS – “Stop still” (1977)

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….

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaoPP2RNtZw

ALFIE SILAS – “Stay with me” (1983)

Check this mellow nugget produced by Larry Graham. Taken from Alfie’s LP “Be yourself” released on RCA Records in 1983.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e_ngotf_1s

LAMONT DOZIER – “I ain’t playing” (1981)

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.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Oor_1vdMo

BODY – “Possession” (1987)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:52

 http://www41.zippyshare.com/v/tcgxEZF5/file.html

SAM DEES – “Love calls” (Previously unreleased)

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 !!!

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:57
http://www.mediafire.com/?1d1tvzhoa1lbbpb

A TASTE OF HONEY – “Your love” (1979)

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.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw8qpEUO8vo

GRADY TATE – “Follow the path” (1970)

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.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaWQWoPaTSU

STANLEY TURRENTINE feat. Jean Carne – “Night breeze” (1989)

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.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7Lar5xQVKI

CAMEO – “Feel me” (1980)

One of the smoothest moments of the legendary group CAMEO. It’s the title track from their 1980 LP released on Casablanca Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) - Time 6:07

http://www1.zippyshare.com/v/49737878/file.html  

TERRY BURRUS feat. Phyllis Hyman – “My heart goes out to you”

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:52
http://www.mediafire.com/?sugsnrrofrm7bql

OHIO PLAYERS – “School girl” (1984)

Wicked mid-tempo from the legendary Funk group The Ohio Players. Taken from their LP “Graduation” released on Air City Records in 1984.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMvtyUn-niI

MELBA MOORE – “Loving touch” (1983)

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.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJqZl5TSg8g

RANDY HALL – “I want to touch you” (1984)

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.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12WIccDDI_g