My Top-10 favorite soulful tracks for 2013

1. MAYSA LEAK & BLUEY – Good morning sunrise
2. SHEREE BROWN – Being in love with you
3. PHARRELL WILLIAMS - Happy
4. NAJEE feat. MELI’SA MORGAN – In the mood to take it slow
5. ROBIN BRAMLETT – This is my life
6. C. ROBERT WALKER – Something’s going on
7. WILL DOWNING & AVERY SUNSHINE – You were meant just for me
8. GUIDA DE PALMA & LEON WARE – A seed in you
9. TYRONE LEE – Get 2 know U
10. JANELLE MONAE – Dorothy Dandridge eyes

JAKI GRAHAM & DEREK BRAMBLE – “Let’s get blue” (1986)

Back to British Soul with an amazing sensual stepper. Derek Bramble (of the Group “HEATWAVE”) penned this great track performing wonderfully a duet with Jaki Graham from 1986. Taken from Jaki’s LP “Breaking away” released on EMI Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:28
http://www22.zippyshare.com/v/90625194/file.html

VINCE ANDREWS with KELLY CRUM – “Love, oh love” (1983)

Quite impressive Jazzy Soul offering from Sax player & singer Vince Andrews on this great duet taken from his debut LP released on Gerard Records in 1983.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:39
http://www46.zippyshare.com/v/60030693/file.html

MARION JARVIS – “Hell of a fix” (1974)

Here’s a delightful obscurity from an artist who recorded only 2 singles. This is her debut one released on Roxbury Records in 1974.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:24
http://www38.zippyshare.com/v/23472071/file.html

BOB JAMES feat. Rasheeda – “Sweet talk me now” (1999)

For some time now I was thinking which soulful track I should post from multi-talented pianist Bob James. Well, I chose an appropriate sensual nugget from 1999 featuring Rasheedah Buckner on lead vocals taken from his album “Joy ride” released on Warner Bros Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:48
http://www42.zippyshare.com/v/8459896/file.html

COFFEE – “Love’s alive” (1982)

Female trio from Chicago performs a wonderful stepper taken from their 2nd LP entitled “Second cup” released on De-Lite Records in 1982. Produced by Tony Valor.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:21
http://www31.zippyshare.com/v/36736094/file.html  

KEVIN OWENS with LUTHER VANDROSS – “You’re my everything” (1991)

Here’s a delectable duet between Kevin & Luther putting a new spin on the Temptations’ classic 1967 hit. Taken from Kevin’s only LP entitled “That time again” released on JBR Records in 1991.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 5:25
http://www57.zippyshare.com/v/91884425/file.html

TAKESHI ITOH feat. Cindy Fee – “This masquerade” (1984)

My UK friend Paul Grestock surprised me once again with this exceptional cover version of Leon Russell’s classic. Taken from Japanese saxman TAKESHI ITOH’s debut LP “Dear hearts” released on Columbia Records in 1984 in Japan. Personnel include Nathan East, Steve Lukather, Marcus Miller, Paul Jackson Jr., John Robinson and Larry Williams among others.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 6:03
http://www56.zippyshare.com/v/20709809/file.html

NIKITA GERMAINE – “My lovin’ man” (1999)

Here’s a lesser-known sensual treat by Nikita Germaine who possesses a unique voice and an inimitable signing style.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:50
http://www7.zippyshare.com/v/94626477/file.html

DECO – “Delicious” (1983)

Multi-talented ATTALA ZANE GILES and PHILLIP INGRAM (of the Group SWITCH), formed the duo DECO for only one album in 1983. Enjoy this great stepper which was also covered by TERRY STEELE in 1990.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:52
http://www47.zippyshare.com/v/4799706/file.html

RENE & ANGELA – “Everything we do” (1980)

33 years after this classic release, I can go on listening to this gem over and over again! To me, the magic of this song is beyond compare. A true evidence why music is the best invention of mankind. Period.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 5:17
http://www51.zippyshare.com/v/10705748/file.html 

RAIN BOWS VALLEY – “You’ve got everything” (1982)

What you see is what you get. An obscure 7” rarity from 1982. Indie Soul for those who’re looking for something extra……..

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:07
http://www75.zippyshare.com/v/35816256/file.html

SASSAFRAS – “I gave you love” (1978)

One-off project from 1978 released on H&L Records. This great track written by John Ingram (member of the Groups “Ingram” and “MFSB”). Vocals arranged by the very talented Barbara Ingram.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:14
http://www51.zippyshare.com/v/46343988/file.html

SEX O’CLOCK U.S.A. – “Get it up baby” (1976)

Great mellow Disco number taken from an obscure movie soundtrack released only in France and Canada in 1976. Music by Mort Shuman.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:46
http://www17.zippyshare.com/v/84235510/file.html

THE CAMPLAMENTS – “Falling in love” (1977)

Very obscure recording from 1977 released on 7” single as a B side on Dakar Records. 100% pure Soul session finally at your disposal……

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:36
http://www74.zippyshare.com/v/55934062/file.html

MASAYO KAWAGUCHI – “Melty” (1981)

The beauty of Japanese Soul is here again, this time with a great arrangement by Shigeru Suzuki. Taken from Masayo’s rare LP “Salute” released on “For Life Records” in 1981 in Japan.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:56
http://www28.zippyshare.com/v/59674487/file.html

THE NEO-JAZZ PROJECT – “We got to hold on” (2009)

Here’s another great find from my friend SoulLakis from Volos who has the knack of discovering deep soulful nuggets like this. A very talented trio from Detroit consisting of lead vocalist PATTI BIJOU, bassist ANTHONY BEAUFORD and guitarist DUANE FULLER who also produced this great project. Although it’s recorded in 2009, it sounds like late ‘80s kinda stuff.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:39
http://www11.zippyshare.com/v/39647076/file.html

VEE ALLEN – “If you spare the time” (1983)

Although she cut four 7” singles from 1972 to 1973, she recorded only one album in 1983 produced by Al Hudson. From this album entitled “All about love” I chose a delightful mellow stepper for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:20
http://www70.zippyshare.com/v/94088015/file.html  

CHOCOLATE MILK – “How about love” (1976)

Back to Old-School Soulful era presenting a Funk-oriented Group delivering a beautiful mellow number which sounds like Con Funk Shun at their best. Taken from their 3d self-titled LP released on RCA Victor Records in 1976.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 5:54
http://www58.zippyshare.com/v/10754691/file.html

BENITA ARTERBERRY with DERRICK McCAMPELL – “It’s always been about you” (1991)

Exquisite romantic duet between Benita & Derrick providing an excellent backdrop for tender erotic night affairs. Taken from Benita’s debut CD album entitled “Thank you” released on SBK Records in 1991.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 6:30
http://www47.zippyshare.com/v/30188130/file.html