CARL HALL – “What about you” (1973)

One of the finest examples of Real Soul Music. Released only on 7” single on Columbia Records in 1973. Enjoy !!!

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:00http://www.mediafire.com/?s34ezn2seeu48r7

HODGES, JAMES & SMITH – “Sexy ways” (1975)

Back to the mid-70s with an appropriate sexy little treat simply called “Sexy ways”. Performed by the soulful female trio named HODGES, JAMES & SMITH which was the brainchild of Motown producer William “Mickey” Stevenson. Taken from their 1975 LP “Power in your love” released on 20th Century Records.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-3Yk8YVs8Q

PETE BELASCO – “I’ll come to you” (2004)

Here’s an underrated Blue-eyed Soul/Jazz artist recreating the old-school soulful feeling. This particular track is influenced by the magic of the late great Marvin Gaye. Taken from his 2004 CD album “Deeper” released on Compendia Records. Many thanks once again to my friend SoulLakis from Volos who introduced me to this mellow nugget.

Listen below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-qf4-Lzg8Y

NAOKO KAWAI & DAVID FOSTER – “Live inside your love” (1984)

Here’s an obscure mellow Soul-Pop duet by Japanese songstress Naoko Kawai with legendary songwriter/producer David Foster. Taken from Naoko’s 1984 LP “Daydream coast” released on Columbia Records in Japan.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 3:44
http://www.mediafire.com/?xpxsq4sbxqhsws4

HEATWAVE – “Turn around” (1980)

I was in high school when this wicked groove came out. An unforgettable era where Music was something very special in everybody’s life. Mellow Funk of the highest quality taken from their 1980 LP “Candles” released on Epic Records.

Download file below (320 kbps) – Total time 4:53
http://www.mediafire.com/?bx7sojxcd0ocj1b

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

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

http://www.mediafire.com/?2q4z1kdt9tpn7ff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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