GLENN JONES – “Show me” (1984)

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.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyewKj1s9tY

PATTI AUSTIN – “The heat of heat” (1985)

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.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC8Hbv1xdb8

LANIER & CO. – “I just got to have you” (1983)

An unforgettable moment of Modern Soul magic from the group LANIER & CO. formed in Jackson, Tennessee. Taken from their 1983 self-titled LP released on Larc Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:53
http://www.mediafire.com/?4qv0a6ob7o39et4

CISSY HOUSTON – “Gonna take the easy way out” (1980)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 6:14
http://www.divshare.com/download/19544526-974

THE ROSE BROTHERS – “In the mix” (1987)

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.

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

GAL – “Being seduced” (1978)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:49

http://www.divshare.com/download/17346262-9ed

RONN MATLOCK – “You got the best of me” (1979)

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.

Listen below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdaHO3Sfa-k

BOBBI HUMPHREY – “Tailor made” (1977)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:04

http://www66.zippyshare.com/v/80132040/file.html

MIDNIGHT STAR – “Love song” (1988)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:39

http://www32.zippyshare.com/v/95935985/file.html

CECIL PARKER – “You’re everything to me” (1984)

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.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeIOe5ThQn0

ROBERTA FLACK – “Loving you” (1981)

Roberta Flack + Marcus Miller = Killer Groove! Taken from the Soundtrack LP “Bustin’ loose” released on MCA Records in 1981. Note that the same song was re-recorded by Marcus on his debut LP “Suddenly” in 1983 but this version here is a knockout.

Download file below (192 kbps) – Total time 5:53

http://www.mediafire.com/?p9q94n9e79mim6p

THE CONTROLLERS – “Somebody’s gotta win” (1977)

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.

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

JANE FOSTIN – “Par amour” (1997)

Jane Fostin is born in Guadeloupe and was a member of the legendary group Zouk Machine. Here she's featured on a wonderful Soul midtempo taken from her self-titled album released on BMG Records in France in 1997.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:11

http://www66.zippyshare.com/v/95247676/file.html

JOSE JOSE – “Solo tu y yo” (1981)

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.

Listen below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK4vehYHn6w

STEPHANIE MILLS – “My love’s been good to you” (1981)

Co-written by Tawatha Agee and produced by James Mtume & Reggie Lucas. Need I say more? Divine work from Stephanie Mills, one of the best voices alive! Taken from her LP “Stephanie” released on 20th Century Records in 1981.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:11
http://www.divshare.com/download/19544540-03b

DAZZ BAND – “Gamble with my love” (1982)

One of my favourite steppers from Dazz Band (formerly known as Kinsman Dazz) taken from their 1982 LP “Keep it live” released on Motown Records.

Listen below

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

KELLI WILLIAMS – “On my own” (1998)

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.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDRoR5yw2hM

SWITCH – “It’s so real” (1978)

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.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAYVeyZ29mU

SHEREE BROWN – “Happiness flows” (1981)

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.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQmM4zLwlKc

TAVARES with FREDA PAYNE – “I wanna see you soon” (1977)

Wonderful collaboration released on 7" single on Capitol Records in UK in 1977. Talk is cheap, just enjoy and let the music flow !

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qZVqIht_1I