RE: A Soulful Show this week!

On the 29th October, 2008 saw the Electric Soul Show riding out again. This time I decided on opening the show with a cut from the new album from Joe (Joe Thomas - is his full name) called "New Man"(Aug, 2008 release). The track that I played was called "Chameleon". Nice rn'b framework, yet overall a soulfully infused track from Joe. One of the strongest cuts from a very good album.

Decided last week to play a track from the group called "Foreign Exchange". A new long player has just been brought out called "Leave it all behind"(Oct, 2008 release); which is their follow up to the underground hit, debut album called "Connected" (2004 release). As per last week outing this still sounds wonderful. It is as good as any above average rn'b track that is out there at the moment. And this comes from a Hip Hop band!

It its not too fast, not too slow. Its nicely sung, and has a great groove to it. Easily one of the best tracks of the album.

My next selected track is close to being my favourite track at the moment . Its called "The Hunger" by Eric Benet (USA), which is also from his new album called "Love and Life (30th September, 2008 release).

Before I mentioned anything else about this track. I made sure that I dedicated it out to Elaine (Old Buckingham, Norwich, England). Who always listens to the show. I'm sure she would love it.

However I wish many of todays certified rn'b stars could pay attention to tracks such as these. Its so soulful, and yet has a lovely but soft rn'b/hiphop style groove rippling all the way through. This allows Eric to lay down his wonderful vocals on easily the best track from his present day album. Sends shivers down my spine this track.

The next two tracks that I played were on the same ilk. "Crown Royal"(2007 release) by Jill Scott from the album called The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Volume 3. I have to say that this is just a wonderful piece of music. My only complaint is that it is too short. Way too short for such a track (in fact only 1 minute 48 seconds long). This songs alone goes to show why the Soul, Jazz and rn'b music industry rates her so highly.

Another track that had me drooling when dropped was from Raphael Saddiq's new long player called "The way I see it " (Sept, 2008 release). The actual track in question that had my drooling and salivering all over the place was called "Never give you up" which features himself, CJ Hilton and Stevie Wonder (playing the Harmonica on this track).

A wonderful piece of Soul music. In fact the whole album sounds as if it has been transported back to the year of 1968 and finally let out the bag this year (2008). It does have that Stax or Motown type vibe about it thats for sure. But this is just quality and timeless Soul music. It really is. I just love Raphael's voice on this tune. It fits like a glove; and CJ Hilton, who sings a verse or two on this track has done a splendid job himself. Stevie plays his part by contributing a great harmonica lead to the track that works splendidly. I'm sure the listeners enjoyed this?

It was at this point that I noticed a couple of e-mails had appeared on the stations e-mail box. One was from Brenda, based in Canada asking for the BA NUSANCE track called "Run 2 You"(2008). The other was from a person called Fiona - who wanted for me to play any track from Al Green for Elaine Mayes. Also there was another track from a person called Chiz based in Philadelphia, USA, who also wanted to here "Run 2 you""2008) from B A Nusance.

With all that information gathered from the various e-mails. I decided that I would play one more track, before playing BA Nusance's "Run 2 you" track.

Searching through my green holdall I came up with a seldom played rn'b ballard like tune. "Grapevyne" by Brownstone (1994). Still a bonifide classic in my opinion. Great lead vocals (Nicci Gilbert), accompanied by even greater church like harmonies from the other two girl singers in the group who were Monica "Mimi" Doby and Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell. The Harmonies plus the lead vocals in this track are to wonderful for words.

Now came the time to play B A Nusance's track called "Run 2 you" (2008) for all of those people that had requested it. Not a bad HipHop track from BA. But as with last week. I still prefer the "Can't have my love" track. Much better tune in my opinion.

I played some "Lovers Rock Reggae" on last weeks show from a gentleman called Maxi Priest (London, England). I was going to continue the trend by staying with him, and playing another one of his early Reggae hits called "Should I" (1985 release). This is a lovely lilting soulful reggae track that has stood the test of time, and hasn't dated on inch to be fair. I love this track. I think the listeners did as well.

It was at this point I included the first part of the Rare Groove Selection (Part 1) to the show. This is the part of the show whereby I play 3 forgotten about or bonifide Rare Grooves from yesteryear. (Unfortunately I'm not going to tell you what I played. You'll have to listen to the show to find that out!)

After the Rare Groove Selection Part 1. I played a track that previously had already been aired for the first time last week. The track in question is "My Destiny"(2008) by Maysa Leek. Its from her new album called "METAMORPHOSIS (October 14, 2008). I thought its such a good track that there wasn't any harm in playing this track again. However, I dedicated this track out to Fiona who wanted to say a big hello to Elaine Mayes (Old Buckingham) who they haven't met since 2001.

Her voice is such a great cross between the music's of Jazz and Soul that is better left to the listener to hear themselves instead of me trying to break it down for them. The music has a groove to it, but not so much that it dominates her voice.

Next track up was a modern day Soulful rn'b track that should really be heading towards that classic vault status. The "Take me" by Tendra Moses and Rapheal Saddiq (2004 release) is that type of track. The groove is spot on here. The vocals from both Tendra and Rapheal makes you want them to do more work together in the future. Its that simple. This track is actually to be found on the album called "Complex Simplicity"( 2004, USA Release).

As per last week I decided on playing once again "Can't Have my love"(2008) from B A Nusance (London, England) . Out the two songs that I have played from him tonight. This still remains my favourite.

Last week I played one track from a debut album called "Music is in my Soul"(9th Sept, 2008) by Leigh Jones (based in California, USA). This week I picked an even better beauty from the same album. Its called "Who, what and why"(2008). This particular track moves to towards the ballard end Soul music, but its different in so much that its got a nice groove to it, and its beautifully sung. One of my best tracks from the album. Check out the album. This girl can sing.

After I had touched down with "Who, what and why"(2008)" I noticed that the show was running out of time. I only just managed to fit in and finish of the Rare Groove selection part 2 of the show with seconds to spare.

(*Once again as mentioned above. If you want to hear the Raregroove cuts you will have to listen into next weeks show)..

And that was it until next week. Where I will have to do it all over again...

22nd October, 2008 - The Electric Soul Show rides again!

Yet another Electric Soul Show show took place on the 22nd Oct, 2008. Had quite a few new cuts to play on the show I announced, which I hoped my listeners would enjoy.

First track that I played was from Andy Caldwell ( A Los Anglos based Dj, producer and songwriter within the Jazz, Soulful and Deep House music vein) from 2007 with a track called "The Warrior". A nice track that definitely lends its self more towards Soul then electronica.

The next track that was up was from an album that I wanted to showcase throughout todays show. The album is called "Leave it all behind"(2008) by the group called Foreign Exchange. This new album is their follow up to the hugely successful debut album release called "Connected"(2004); which wowed the Hip hop world with its melodic and soulful take up on how Hip Hop music could progress to.

The first track that I played from the album was called "Take of the blues", which will surprise many on hearing it, as its a really good Rn'b cut. In fact a great Rn'b tune.

The next couple of tunes that I played came from these sources. One track in particular was called "Cali Spaces"(2005) by Mark Farina ( Mark is a house music devotee, but for this particular record he decided to give us a hip hop driven beat, and with a sensible half spoken, half sung Rn'b type vocal delivery). Nice record. After that came "Run to you"(2008) by BANUSANCE (London).

On last weeks show I ran out of time to play this, and "Can't have my love" at the same from BA NUSANCE . This time around I decided to make sure that "Run to you" got a hearing. I have to say its a decent enough Hip hop record, but I still prefer "Can't have my love".

Moving on I decided on playing some "Lovers Rock Reggae" directly after the "Run to you" track. I haven't played any Lovers Rock Reggae tracks for weeks on the show I thought. I had to change that. The track the I decided to play was called "Strolling On" (1986) by Maxi Priest ( London, England). One of the first big hits for Maxi Priest, which still manages to bring forth a smile whenever I hear the track these days. Sounds summery even though we are well into mid October(2008).

It was then that I got a e-mail from Kelly, based within Ontario, Canada to the show asking for BANUSANCE'S (London, England), "Can't have my love"(2088) track again? She stated via the e-mail that she and her friends that were listening to the show I would love to hear that track again. I mentioned over the air that she and her friends would be able to find out more about the BANUSANCE via going to his myspace website which is - www.myspace.com/banusance

The next track that I dropped was by JOE from his new album called "New Man" (released Aug, 2008) called "Chameleon". Another really soulful rn'b cut that really allows Joe to cut loose with that silky voice that he possesses. I think that this should be his next single release from the album.

After Kelly from Ontario, Canada had taken the time to send in a e-mail request to the show. Who was I to deny them? I dropped the track that they where all waiting for called "Cant have my love" by Banusance . In which a few moments later she thanked me for playing it via another e-mail received for her.

Up came the shows first part of the Rare Groove Selection. This is the part of the show where I play tracks from yester year or bonifide rare grooves. (*If you want to know what I played you will have to listen into the show in future!)

Second track from the profiled album on the show called "Leave it all behind"(2008) by Foreign Exchange saw me playing a melodic sounding Hip hop track called "All or Nothing/Coming home to you". Melodic isn't the word here. Its so smooth for a Hip hop track that its bound to be a firm favourite of the album for many a listener. It is one of the reasons why they do have such a huge, underground following in the USA.

Staying on the soulful smooth rnb tip I decided on playing a track from the already released album called "Love and Life"(30th Sept, 2008) by Eric Benet. The track which I gave to the listeners was called "The Hunger". I just hope the record label management team sees sense, and maybe Eric himself (if he has any artistic control) in regards to making this the albums next single's release.

I like the way that they use in moderation Hip hop beats, which is heavily dosed and flavoured with Soul music on this cut. This is a "Wicked track". Eric Benet is already riding quite high in the charts with a single that is already officially released from the same album called "You're the only one".

Another new cut that I managed to play on this weeks show was called "Music"(2008) by Leigh Jones. This is another recently released album called "Music in my Soul" (Sept 2008). This cut is a right down the line Soul music track . Well sung, nice beats and yet as smooth as a baby bottom. I think I will be playing more cuts from this album next week.

Staying on the Soulful side of things again. I decided on playing another new cut from another new album release. This time it came in the form of the artist known as Maysa Leek from her new album called "Metamorphosis" (released 14th October, 2008).

Maysa is the lead singer of the group based and originating in London, England called "Incognito". But she has found time to release an album of her own. The track that I played was "My Destiny". This is the track alone will show many music fans as to why many in the Soul/Jazz music world rate her highly as a vocalist.

I love this track. Silky Soul, and yet modern at the same time. Many people from all avenues of the Soul music divide will love this track. Whether you'll be a Rn'b/Soul head, Motown Soul head, 1970's soul head, 1980's soul head or a 1990's soul head. This one works whether you are in either of those fractions.

Last up I played the second part of the Rare Groove selection - which I am not going to give you details about. You'll have to listen in the show for next week!

If you listened to the show for the first time. Then I hope that you will continue to listen in next week. More tunes for you. If you have have any comments that you wish to make about anything that I have mentioned in this weeks show; or any of the artist/s that I have managed to put down on this week blog. Please leave your comments down on this site. I would love to hear them. Please don't be shy!

If you are an up and coming artists who would like to have their material played on this show. Please get in touch.

The 2nd show in the Month - The Electric Soul Show

Yet another Wednesday (15th October,2008) saw The Electric Soul Show take place on www.icrfm.co.uk. Started the show off with a track called "No Danger" by Rahsaan Patterson (2007). A very soulful Rn'b cut and groovy at the same time. Played the new release from artist known as Joe called "Why just be friends"(2008). Joe has been around for a few years now. But this track alone is something else. A lovely track that allows Joe to show off his fabulous and yet tender voice . The best track on the album for me which is called "New Man" released in the month of August, 2008.

On the Hiphop music tip this week. I played a wonderfully funk tinge single from the group called Little Brother (Durham, North Carolina), called "So fabulous"(2002). The lyrical rhyming and the infectious groove on this single will make your head nod.

Dropped another Hiphop track. However this time it was infused with Soul music. The single is called "Getting Up" by Q-tip; and is the official release from the album called "The Renaissance", which will be out on the 4th November 2008. This single uses a sample from the group called Black Ivory called "You and I"(1971). A majestic soul music cut from back in the day that is so well infused into Q-tip latest Hiphop groove that you will hardly notice the blend.

Had a caller into show called Phil. Phil heralds from Witnesham, in Suffolk (England). He adorded the track called "Why you wanna play your games on me?" by Chukki Brooker (1995). A Lovely mid temp Soul cut that should have seen Chukki create a bigger name for himself than he did. Phil asked if I had any tracks by the artist known as Larry Heard aka Mr. Fingers. Eventually delving into my little old bag of mine. I eventually came up with Larry Heard and Anthony Nicholson, "And So to dance" (1999). A nice soulful, and yet jazz infused, deep House number. But it was groovy at the same.

Had a few problems with the track towards the ending of the song. It started to jumping around and playing up. Good job I had another track lined up. This was called "I might do something wrong" by Tortured Soul (2003). A true Soulful House cut indeed. Might convert a few other music fans over to House music!

Managed to incorporate the Rare Groove Selection Parts 1 and Parts 2 into the show again.(Well, 2 tracks I got through in parts 2. Should have been 3, but run out of time!). If you want to know what was I played then you'll have to listen in to the show!

Had an e-mail in from another listener called the Colonel C. Colonel C used to DJ on this very station himself. He congratulated me on playing the Joe track earlier on in the show called, "Why just be friends"(2008).

I decided to play a track from him. What I played was from the artist called Don -E from his 2006 album called "Try this". The track I touched down with was called "Slow". Boy what a sweet track that is! Heralding from London, England, Don- E has been going for sometime now. But this track could match anything coming out of the USA in regards to the soulful side of Rn'b music at the moment. Even Joe! Sheer class Don - E!

Another track that I played from the UK, came from a up and coming artist known as B A NUSANCE. To be precise he is from the borough of Chelsea, here in London. And he sent across to me two tracks. One was called "Run to you". The other one was called "Can't have my love". Decided on playing the "Can't hide my love" tune.

Love that track. Not a smooth as the Don - E track I grant you but it has that vibe about it . I can't put my finger on it. But I loved it when I was first heard it on his myspace website. You can get in touch via the website yourselves via going to www.myspace.com/banusance and checking the tunes that he has posted up there already.

I have to say this. If there are any up and coming artists that are on the Soulful Rn'b tip or bonifide Soul music vibe of things please get in touch. Love to see if I could play a few of your cuts on the show. Also the same goes for Soulful House tracks from artists trying to get a footing in this industry. Or Soulful/melodic HipHop artists who also are trying to follow suit.

Please listen into to next weeks show. If you have any comments about show, or that artists. Please, please leave your comments here.

The Dj set that took place on the 8th October, 2008. Saw tracks from Jennifer Hudson, Joe, Rapheal Sadiqq in regards to the more Soulful ends of Rnb. From HipHop gendre we saw cuts from Andre 3000 (Outkast) and Jay Z, QTip and Jean and 9th Wonder. From the Gospel music vibe we heard tracks from Keirra "Kiki" Shread and Lisa McClendon, and of course the famous Rare Groove selection Parts 1 and 2 of the show...

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