BETTY WRIGHT – “Miami groove” (1987)

Born as Bessie Regina Norris in Miami, Florida. She started at the age of 3 as a former member of her family Gospel group named “The echoes of joy”. Here is a joyous offering from her 1987 LP “Mother wit” released on Ms. B. Records.


Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:46    http://www3.zippyshare.com/v/74169089/file.html

CHANGE – “Promise your love” (1982)

The perfect ‘80s Soul-Boogie studio Group having talented members of Italian musicians and American vocalists. Although they released many uptempo hit singles, I chose a mellow slow-jam taken from their 3d LP “Sharing your love” released on Atlantic Records in 1982. This great composition was co-written by Fonzi Thornton and Mauro Malavasi while James Robinson is featured on lead vocals.


Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:28  http://www1.zippyshare.com/v/13143939/file.html  

HIROMI IWASAKI – “White nights” (1980)

Hiromi Iwasaki has been one of the most prominent artists of the J-Pop scene in the late 70s and early 80s, recording also some great soulful sessions. I chose a wonderful Soul rarity from 1980 released only as a B side on 7” single on Victor Records in Japan.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:21
http://www63.zippyshare.com/v/72073745/file.html 

TONY ORLANDO & DAWN – “To be with you” (1976)

Born Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis to a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother…..what a combination!!! His voice is pure velvet. Check this soothing melody which is the title track from his 3d LP released in 1976 on Elektra Records. Thanks once again my friend SoulLakis from Volos who introduced me to this excellent gem.


Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 3:28

http://www18.zippyshare.com/v/42227974/file.html  

MARLENA SHAW – “Without you in my life” (1982)

Killer smooth Soul written by Gary Taylor. One of the finest moments of Marlena’s glorious career. Taken from her 1982 LP “Let me in your life” released on South Bay Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Time 4:47

http://www63.zippyshare.com/v/87631743/file.html   

RODNEY FRANKLIN – “That’s the way I feel ‘bout your love” (1982)

A great melody from pianist/composer Rodney Franklin who combines perfectly Soul, Pop & Jazz elements. Taken from his 1982 LP “Learning to love” released on Columbia Records and produced by the great Stanley Clarke.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:32 http://www3.zippyshare.com/v/3306637/file.html

NIA PEEPLES – “Star crossed lovers” (1988)

This is the most soulful moment of this lovely singer/actress who is best known for her role as Nicole Chapman on the TV series of “Fame”. Also it’s worthy to note that she was married to Howard Hewett from 1989 to 1993. This great ballad is taken from her 2nd LP “Nothin’ but trouble” released on Mercury Records in 1988.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:48
http://www.divshare.com/download/19592465-281

BILLY PAUL – “Let’s make a baby” (1975)

Philly sound is more than music. Period.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 7:16 http://www.divshare.com/download/19526174-30d

TERI DeSARIO with K.C. – “Yes, I’m ready” (1979)

How I miss the heavenly innocence of American mellow music back in the late 70s! This specific cover record I’m posting is probably the best example of that era. Although the original song was composed and released in 2 different versions by Barbara Mason, this unique duet by Teri and K.C. is sweeter than honey and smoother than silk.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:14http://www.divshare.com/download/19454410-1da

SURFACE – “Gotta make love tonight” (1986)

Here’s a classy sensual stepper from a unique Group consisting of 3 very talented songwriters: Bernard Jackson, David ‘Pic’ Conley and the late David Townsend. Taken from their debut self-tilted LP released on Columbia Records in 1986. Many thanks to my Greek friend Minas Charamalis from Edessa who reminded me recently this specific gem.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:10 http://www.divshare.com/download/19454419-cd5

HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES feat. Sharon Paige – “I’m searching for a love” (1975)

What can I say about Sharon Paige….very underrated vocalist who never recorded a solo LP. Check this wonderful collaboration taken from the Group’s 1975 classic LP “Wake up everybody” released on Philadelphia Intl. Records. Pure Soul music !!!

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:24 http://www.divshare.com/download/19436491-3e1

BARBARA MASON – “You did not stay last night” (1980)

Sweet and sexy “Stepping Groove” by the great Barbara Mason produced by Butch Ingram. Taken from her 1980 LP entitled “A piece of my life” released on WMOT Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:35 http://www.mediafire.com/?ai6v3es38im6ed3

SMOKE – “Rainy night (Puts you in the mood for love)” - 1976

Back to the “Old School” magic with the group named SMOKE. This lovely ballad is taken from their 1976 LP entitled “Risin’” released on J. Bridge Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:19
http://www.mediafire.com/?gu6qz1laqa7bk40

NIGHTWIND feat. Janet Savage – “Why can’t we” (1982)

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 !!!

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:23 http://www.divshare.com/download/19311677-cfe

SKYY – “When you touch me” (1981)

Here’s one of my favorite sensual slow jams from the group SKYY. Taken from their 1981 LP “Skyy Line” released on Salsoul Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:32 http://www.divshare.com/download/19260499-322

BUDDY MILES – “I’m just a kiss away” (1974)

Here’s a serious “Mellow-Soul-Heaven” goodie written & produced by Johnny Bristol but most importantly arranged by the great H.B. Barnum.
Many thanks to an anonymous viewer who reminded us this “Soul beauty” from the mid-70s.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:09 http://www.divshare.com/download/19232394-a46

JEAN CARNE – “You are all I need” (1976)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:29 http://www.divshare.com/download/19190202-587

GENE DUNLAP feat. The Ridgeways – “Before you break my heart” (1981)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 6:03
http://www.divshare.com/download/18868071-16a

LILLO THOMAS – “Joy of your love” (1983)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:52
http://www.mediafire.com/?3wedrvxeb9636d7

D’NESSA – “Love won’t let me wait” (1997)

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.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 5:07
http://www.mediafire.com/?gqc4phi54i76fty