April 24, 2012

LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY – “Cry to me” (1975)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:45
http://www.mediafire.com/?b1ddg32i5352lv7

April 18, 2012

GENE PAGE feat. Merry Clayton – “With you in the night” (1980)


Magical collaboration between two of the most prolific artists in the Soul scene. The producer/arranger Gene Page and session singer Merry Clayton. This great composition was co-written by Leon Ware and Herb Alpert. Taken from Gene’s LP “Love starts after dark” released on Arista Records in 1980.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:52

April 12, 2012

MARVA HICKS – “Looking over my shoulder” (1978)




This is Marva Hicks’ very first recording released only on 7” single on Infinity Records in 1978. She joined the group “The Eighties Ladies” in 1981 and then she became well-known when she recorded her debut solo album in 1991 on Polydor Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:34http://www.mediafire.com/?ynuj9dvyqvmp0z7

April 08, 2012

SAMMY DAVIS JR. – “Keep your eye on the sparrow” (1976)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 2:24http://www.mediafire.com/?7nubh9b2nl337c2

April 02, 2012

ERI KOJIMA – “Lonely feeling” (1984)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:19
http://www.mediafire.com/?9m35my3at6r39j9

March 27, 2012

DAVID SIMMONS – “Hooked on you” (1979)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:14
http://www.mediafire.com/?f5wexbl4w4ngd3u

March 21, 2012

FAMILY OF EVE – “Having it so bad for you”


Feel-good Rare Groove from the late ‘70s. Released only on 7” single on indie label Full Sail Records. For those who like to chase obscure recordings, this one is a fine example that reminds us that the wealth of quality Soul music around the late 70s and early 80s is endless.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:46http://www.mediafire.com/?7g2q42x5i8obl59

March 16, 2012

ENCHANTMENT – “Don’t fight the feeling” (1983)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:44
http://www.mediafire.com/?zc5l9b25g7gaj7s

March 10, 2012

STARPOINT – “Try me” (1981)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:04
http://www.mediafire.com/?5d4fi4bwb0cwi5p

March 04, 2012

WAYNE HENDERSON feat. RON BANKS – “Dancin’ love affair” (1979)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:00
http://www.mediafire.com/?8cnwokwm4kkhuqu

February 27, 2012

YOLANDA ADAMS – “My everything” (1991)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:41
http://www.mediafire.com/?mp0rm4aucn8wi26

February 21, 2012

JERRY KNIGHT – “She’s got to be (a dancer)” - 1982


Let’s spice things up with a great Funky Soul number from 1982 produced by Leon Haywood. Taken from Jerry Knight’s LP “Love’s on our side” released on A&M Records. Let the groove carry you away!!!

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:10
http://www.mediafire.com/?n8en8qrsotqhq67

February 15, 2012

WHITNEY HOUSTON – 2 Rare Soulful Sessions – R.I.P.

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.

Feels so good – Total time 5:08
http://www.divshare.com/download/16821321-21d

Dancing on the smooth edge – Total time 5:01
http://www.divshare.com/download/16821335-81e

February 09, 2012

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

February 03, 2012

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

January 28, 2012

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

January 22, 2012

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

January 16, 2012

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

January 10, 2012

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

January 04, 2012

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