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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wonderful collaboration released on 7" single on Capitol Records in UK in 1977. Talk is cheap, just enjoy and let the music flow !
Janine "Lady J" Nash hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, is a lyricist, poet and singer. She's the fornt woman for the soulful collective "Shades of J" blending perfectly poetry and Soul music. Check this thought-provoking and inspirational track taken from the CD album "Spoken word Soul" released on 70West / Full Circle Recordings in 2007.
Let's have another blast from the past and particularly the magical year of 1980. Atlantic Starr scores with a superb album entitled "Radiant" produced by James Anthony Carmichael. I chose the jolly track "Does it matter" featuring David Lewis on lead vocals.
Here’s one of the rarest moments of early “Philly Sound” magic. Arranged and produced to perfection by Bobby Martin. Released only on 7inch single on North Bay Records in 1972.
Here’s a noteworthy Soul-Funk band which was assembled by Norman Connors. This particular mellow track features the amazing vocals of Gloria Jones. Taken from their debut LP entitled “Norman Connors presents Aquarian Dream” released on Buddah Records in 1976.
Sensual slow jam from two great voices for late-night quality-time listening. Taken from Gary’s CD album “The mood of midnight” released on Morning Crew Music in 1995.
Sharon Cuneta is a popular and multi-awarded Filipino singer, actress and TV host. Here’s a wonderful cover record originally recorded by Scottish Sheena Easton in 1980. Taken from her LP “Sharon & love” released the same year on Vicor Records only in Philippines.
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!
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.
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.
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…..
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. 
Special 12” single version from The Fatback Band released on Spring Records in 1983. Enjoy 8 minutes of Pure Soul bliss !!!!
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.
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….
Check this mellow nugget produced by Larry Graham. Taken from Alfie’s LP “Be yourself” released on RCA Records in 1983.
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.
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.
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 !!!
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.
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.
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.
One of the smoothest moments of the legendary group CAMEO. It’s the title track from their 1980 LP released on Casablanca Records.
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.
Wicked mid-tempo from the legendary Funk group The Ohio Players. Taken from their LP “Graduation” released on Air City Records in 1984. 
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.
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.
Magical soulful moment from Brazil. The legendary late songstress Nara Leao performs a delightful track taken from her 1981 LP “Romance popular” released on Philips Records in Brazil.
Once again enjoy sweet Soul steppin’ from two great voices. Taken from Bobby’s LP “Love in the fire” released on Motown Records in 1984.
Deborah is a New York-born Puerto Rican with a superb sultry voice. Although many Soul collectors are familiar with her 1988 debut single “Slow down”, the title track of her 2003 debut album is a real peach. Released on Latin Cool Records. 
One of my all-time favorite soulful “easy listening” melodies performed with sheer finesse by the late Jesse Belvin. His success was sadly cut short by his death in a car crash aged 27. This classic track is taken from his LP “Mr. easy” recorded on RCA Records in 1959. Arranged & conducted by Marty Paich and his orchestra.
Japanese Rare Groove at its best. This great gem sounds like it was written by Rod Temperton! Taken from Miki’s debut LP entitled “Pocket park” released on Seesaw/Canyon Records in 1980 only in Japan. 
Help yourself to another mellow gem written by the great Leon Ware. Taken from the LP "I want you" released on A&M Records in 1981. 
