Electric Soul Show - 21st January 2009 - www.icrfm.co.uk - Ipswich Town, England

Another Wednesday has reached us once again. Dark and dingy outside, but I was inside the warm studios of ICR FM Radio and was about to play various tunes on my show called the Electric Soul Show. The time was 20:30pm(English time), and I let rip with this as my first tune.

“Reach down in my Soul” by Sy Smith (2008 release from the album called Conflict.A truly soulful number with funky grooves make this single for me stand out on her recently released album called Conflict. She is helped along vocally when Wes Felton joins in half way through the tune and provides are really credible rap. But take no credence away from Sy Smith and her vocal abilities. She is spot on her with regards to her vocal abilities on this track. The drum line is strong and yet is so simply constructed. The same goes for the bass line. I’m telling you this. As soon as you hear it you are going to want to hear it again. It's that good. Please click on the track below to hear this track.



From the Usa to good old England, and the track in question was from a group called LKP. “I’m ready” by LKP (2008 release) is the track in question. LKP stands for (Stands for Lil Kriss P) so I’m told. Soulful and yet slow to mid tempo track that really works, and shows that the Uk can produce high quality Rn’b music that wouldn’t sound out of place in any USA Rn’b chart. Really caught the imagination of many an Rn’b Dj last year, and I can see why. It has an easily likeable groove and melody, and LKP voice together with the backing vocals make this tune stand out. In fact I like the lead vocals and the backing vocals working in unison on this track that make it so nice to listen to. Played this track about two weeks ago, and though originally released in Jan 2008 first time out. Still sounds good. Click on the link to see what I am talking about. You can go to the My Space website of this group, and hear this song there.


http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68460139

The next tune that I played has been getting enormous amounts of attention since it came out on prom during the latter stages of 2008. The tune in question is called “Amorous” by Jesse Boykins 3 (2009 release). Slow, soulful and sexy is what I like to describe this tune as. An acoustic guitar sets the pace, which is armed with a great selection of jazz chords in abundance, which makes this tune sound even dreamier then, possible. (I believe the guitarist name on this track is called Steve Wyreman if you would like to know?) The soft drum pattern style and lazy sounding bass line in the background adds even more weight to this to this effect. Then Jesse Boykin’s voice cuts in. Equally lazy and yet summer sounding all at the same time which makes you want to turn up the radio volume even more to hear this classic. Reminds me a little of Raheem De Vaughan when he came out with the album called “The Love Experience” back in 2004, and the track called “You”. It got that immediate feeling about if you heard that track? Please click on this track to hear more of this track there, and few others more.



The next track up was “Computer Love” by Maskerade (2008). A more traditional and up to date sound of today’s current Rn’b scene. This sounds like a track that could have been made for Donnell Jones. It’s got that slow to mid tempo that Donnell excels in. soft drum pattern and bass line, even softer like keyboards melodies and handclaps (or it sounds like it) make you immediately listen to this tune. Then Maskerade voice kicks in. He sounds a bit like another current day Rn’b singer that I have loved over the years, That singer is called Rell; remember him? Anyway Maskerade voice is paced just right over a delicious groove. And what a voice he has. Just lovely. He is helped along with great backing vocals on this track as well. Instead of me nearly fainting over this track. Please have a listen to it by click on the link below.

computer love - maskerade

Stayed new school with the next track. Yep I stayed with a more recent sounding tune with my next selection. The tune is question was this “Lets just be friends” by Kyra Simone, London, England. (2007 release). A nice slow jam, that ventures on the Neo Soul territory. Nice bass line and drum pattern on this track that adds weight to the track. Equally good are the backing vocals on this track with makes the song classier. No one can doubt the quality of Kyra voice on this track though. Great vocals. I just hope that artists like Kyra get more a chance in this competitive side of Soul music she is definitely a talent to be looked at. Please click on the link below to hear this song again on this page.



Another tune from London on my decks again in front of and I have to confess now that I have played this tune on a semi regular basis now for at least 1 month on the show and it still doesn’t sound old. “Imagine” by Lei-an, England (2008 release from the album called “Imagine me”) is a tune that I love. To be honest it sounds like it could have been released in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. It has that type of vibe about it. Starts off with a nice guitar riff, then the groove kicks in together with the melody of the track. Lei-an voice finally enters the fray and I must say that it fits this song like a glove. If Uk Soul/Rn’b music is to be taken seriously then tunes like this will not harm its reputation one bit when its comes to making the soulful side of Rn’b music. It’s starting to get good airplay on the up to date Rn’b show’s here in the Uk, and surely it’s only a matter of time that the Usa picks up on this.



Well once again time had reached for me to play the Rare Groove selection part 1 of the show. For those of you that listen in each week I need not say anything more. For those of you that is new to this well. Each week I play two sections of the Rare Groove selection. 3 songs in each section these songs are either bonafide rare grooves, or songs that people have simply forgotten about. (However, if you want to know what was played in this part of the show you will have to listen to the show!)

Nice selection in the Rare Groove selection I must say myself. Anyway moving away from that to this.“It never rains (in sunny California) by Tony, Tone, Toni (1990 release from the album called Revival. Well what can you say about this brilliant, brilliant tune that hasn’t already been said. Probably the boys (Tony, Toni Tony) best ever track, and that is hard to say as they have released so many great like this over the years. I love that violin riff at the start of the track together with the simple drum pattern and bass line. Wow that makes you pay attention. Then the lead singer Raphael Saadiq on this track kicks in. Wow. What a lovely voice he has. But what makes the song sound even stronger is the interplay between the Raphael Saadiq and the rest of the group on this track. A truly wonderful piece of music, and wonderful vocals added for good measure. Please have a listen to this track by clicking on the link below.



The next track to be played is for a group that heralded from Denmark and Germany called Cool Million. That track that I played from them is called “Get up on the floor” (2008 release from the album called “Going out tonight”). This sounds great. It’s got that old style 1980’s groove to it even though it was made in 2008. And I am saying this about the whole album not just about this track. Mid tempo groove that starts of nicely with a Keyboard riff, then comes the injection of rhythm with a nice steady drum beat, bass line. A horn section that comes in and out of this tune is added to the mix, which adds flavour and colour. Then after about 30 seconds Donald McCollum voice comes to the fore. Soulful and well paced enough to match the music and of course riding on top of the music when required. He is helped along with some backing singers, which makes the whole vocal experience on this record sound even better. Have a listen to this track here below by clicking on the link below.



I decided on some different flavours entirely here for the next track. Some Soulful House music on the show I thought would sound nice for my listeners and break up the Soul music onslaught selection that I had played so far. “Feel the music” by Blaze feat Alexander Hope (1997 release) was the track that I hope my listeners would like.
Starts off with a couple of singers belting up the lyric “Feel the music” in a repetative loop the background. Then the music kicks in first the keyboards, then the vibraphone, and then the drum pattern and bass line. Wonderful it really is the way the start of the song with that concept. After about 40 seconds into the song Alexander Hope delicate and soulful vocals kick in, and yet always in the background you can hear the tinkering of someone playing a light and jazzy piano solo. Of course the chorus of “Feel the Music” vocal riff by John Milan and Kevin Hedges of Blaze fame kicks in whilst Alexander Hope sings the lead. For a House music track this is so soulful and jazzy that you will love this track. Please have a listen to it by click on the link below.



Time was now racing ahead for me to play The Rare Groove selection Part 2 of the show. I had 10 minutes left to play this as well. It was a race against time to get them in this week. One or two of the tracks I had to cut short, as I would never have played them all. I mentioned earlier on within this report that each and every week I play 3 songs from yester-year or bonafide rare grooves. However, if you want to hear them then please listen into the show so that you can hear them.

Well that was it for this week. If you listened to the show for the first time then I hope that you will continue to listen in next week. I’ll have more tunes for you. If you 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. Just click on the "Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.

If you are an up and coming artists who would like to have their material played on this show. Please get in touch. Just click on the "Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.

Electric Soul Show – 14th January 2009 – www.icrfm.co.uk

Electric Soul Show – 14th January 2009 – www.icrfm.co.uk

Wednesday again and I have to say its comes around so fast. Yep another Electric Soul show was up. I had a few brand new tunes for my listeners this week to play which is always good. The first tune for the evening on the Electric Soul show saw me going back in time. Well not that far back in time only back to the 1990’s. The first tune that I played this week on the show was called “What makes a man (Wanna cheat on his women?)” by Melvin Jones, USA – 1994. Melvin was the former lead singer of the group called “Ready for the world” back in the 1990’s. They themselves had a huge Rn’b hit with the song called “Oh Shelia”. I think it went to number of the Rn’b charts in the Usa, and also did well in the national charts there at the same time .

However, this song is a straight forward ballad, and one which make us aware of the chances you take when you play in the “Cheating game” when having a wife and kids on one side of the path, and a mistress on the other. However concentrating on the song I have to say that Melvin’s voice on this single is excellent, which matches the smooth arrangements and productions of this song. A classic slow jam. Don’t take my word for it please click on the clink below and have a listen yourselves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3ZVQlpK5N4

The next track up on the show was made in the year of the 2008, however you could be forgiven or mistaken for it sounding like it had been made in the 1980’s. The song in question is “Going out tonight” by the group called Cool Million featuring Nathallie Dorra (heralding from Denmark - Frank Ryle and Germany – Rob Hardt). This track comes from their debut album called “Going out tonight” (released on Expansion Records, Uk – 2008). As I have mentioned before has that this has a 1980’s groove about it even though made in the year of 2008. I love the vocals of Nathallie Dorra on this tune. Nice and bouncy and bumpy sounding, and of course soulful. I love the rhythm guitar on this, and the light and yet funky drum line and bass line synthesiser that makes this a joy to listen to. I also appreciate the great backing vocals on this and percussion instruments within this tune. Instead of me going on please have a listen to this tune yourselves? You will enjoy its carefree sound. Please click on the link below to hear for yourself.



Went back to 1994 once again with regards to the next selection.“Forget I was g” by the Whitehead Brothers USA (1994 release) was the tune in question. Its simple and yet effective opening guitar riff is what makes us pay attention straight away. Around that truly funky guitar riff comes an equally funky bassline and great yet simple sounding bass line. Just as good are the vocals on this single. Not your classic soul stirrings in regard to vocals, but a vocal style more geared towards New Jack swing side of Rn’b music. It incorporates a great rap as well within the song, which basically states that the artist doesn’t wants to be a gangster anymore. Please have a listen to this track it will bring back memories for sure. Click on the link below to be able do so.



From 1994 I went back to the year of 2008 for my next track selection. The tune in question was called “Clap Again” by Akon USA (2008 release). I think what brings people’s attention to this track is the lovely yet light synth sounds and strings that greets us upon the beginning of this track, and the simple and light hip hop groove that is also incorporated within the tune. I have to say that this tune, or groove was originally created by Hakin and Samir Nasir on the tune called “Click, Click, Click (2007). However, I like this spin on it by Akon. I like his voice. It’s just different. Its soulful mind you, but different. Please have a listen to this version by click on the link below.



Stayed new school with the next track. Yep I stayed with a more recent sounding tune with my next selection. The tune is question was this “Lets just be friends” by Kyra Simone, London, England. (2007 release). A nice slow jam, that ventures on the Neo Soul territory. Nice bass line and drum pattern on this track that adds weight to the track. Equally good are the backing vocals on this track with makes the song classier. No one can doubt the quality of Kyra voice on this track though. Great vocals. I just hope that artists like Kyra get more a chance in this competitive side of Soul music she is definitely a talent to be looked at. However I have to apologises to Kyra for messing up the that track on the first couple of seconds of the track. The track never came up properly via the sound levels disappearing. I stated on-line to make up for that that I would be playing the song later in the show to make up for it. Anyway please have a listen to the track here.



The next track up directly after Kyra Simone’s track was a tune that I had recently heard when I was surfing the Internet myself. “House on a beach”(2008) by Glen Lewis was the track that literally stopped me in my Internet tracks. What a tune this was I thought. I had to get it. Now that I have it I wanted to share it with my listeners. I have now played this tune for the last 4 weeks on this very show. It seems like that they have sampled the track called “Sexual healing” by Marvin Gaye within the very first part of the song. Very light melody, and there seems to be an echoing synth riff line going through the track, which makes it so contagious. The drum pattern is funky and simple, but light and not over powering. Then we have Glen Lewis voice to contend with, and I have to say that its spot on. To be fair he is helped on his way by some back vocalists that add the cherry to this iced dripped cake of a tune. Wow, this is going to be huge. However, there are some concerns that this tune was already put out last year by a group/or artist called “Floss” (and was original made by Ryan Leslie). Anybody knows the truth that’s going on with this track origin? Please have a listen to this track via clicking on the link below. Great tune this is.



Well the next tune up on the platter so to speak was “I told myself” by Dionyza (2008 release from the album called “Quite like me”). The album was released on the 23rd December 2008 to be precise. Already this single has been released as the album first official single, and I from all reports its has done remarkably well for the new Rn’b and soul star. Played this last week as well and it seems to be capturing quite a few people imagination. It has a beat and a groove that reminds me of Hip-hop music. However the chords and melody and voice of Dionyza all give it that soul flavour. Hip Hop soul? Yes this is and it works. Have a listen to this cracking track by clicking on the link below. See what you think?



Well, time had reached for me to play the Rare Groove selection part1 of the show. For those of you that listen in each week I need not say anything more. For those of you that is new to this well. Each week I play two sections of the Rare Groove selection. 3 songs in each part. These songs are either bonafide rare grooves, or songs that people have simply forgotten about. (However, if you want to know what was played in this part of the show you will have to listen to the show!)

Well what was I going to play as the first song straight after the Rare Groove selection I thought? Well why not try this I thought, “Reach down in Soul” by Sy Smith (2008 from the album called Conflict - 2008). Just a great tune this is. Groovy and funky and yet so soulful at the same time. The beat is so simple yet it all works trust me on this. Sy Smith’s voice is so good, and soulful that you just want to replay this track and over and over again. To make it even better we have an additional voice on this track Wes Felton. His additional voice on this is like adding a cherry to the top of the cake (In fact he adds rapping to the track!). I just hope that this song gets a single release so that everyone has a chance of marvelling at how good it is.Please click on the link below, and listen to quality.



Staying modern and up to date I decided on playing another tune from the group called Cool Million (Denmark and Germany). I had already played a track from them earlier on in the show called “Going out tonight” for my listeners. This time I decided on the track called “Pride” by Cool Million featuring Aaron Washington (from the album called Going out tonight 2008). Even though this album was made in 2008, it really does have that mid 1980’s soul groove to it. In fact this reminds you of a Loose Ends or a Nick Martinelli release to be honest. Slow to mid temp groove tune that I can see being really big in the Soul world, and might even break big time in the competitive modern day Rn’b music world. Aaron voice sounds so good on this and fits the groove spot on. Please go to their website to find out more about this group and their excellent album release.Please click on the link below.

http://www.myspace.com/coolmillionproductions

The next track up was from the group called the Chestnut brothers who I have played religiously on this show for the last month or so. This week I had decided on a track called “Come to me”. However I dedicated this tune out to Diane Rose (From Woodbridge, Suffolk, England) who e-mailed me asking for a request from me to her. “Come to me” (2008 was released from the album called “Retro Soul”)by The Chestnut Brothers was the tune that I choose on this occasi. Probably the best slow soulful cut on the whole album. Both Brothers Al and Ty Chestnut combine together here to give a stunning vocal performance. It’s got that Freddie Jackson appeal if you know what I mean? It fact it’s a pure and unadulterated love tune. It has that Quiet storm music feel about it. Have a listen to the tune you will love it. Please click on the link below



As I stated earlier in the show that I would be playing this tune again as I sort of messed it up for Kyra Simone(London, England) when I attempted to play this the first time on the show. This time the song to played in full with no missing seconds of the track this time. The tune in question is called “Lets just be friends” by Kyra Simone, London, England(2007 release). Please have a listen to the tune hear once more. Yet another quiet storm track here folks? Please click on the link below.



Two quiet storm type like tracks played back to back for my listeners meant that I had to beef up the selection so what and I did so with the track called “Still lives through” by Little Brother (2005 release from the album called The Minstrel Show - 2005. Yeap I decided to drop some Hip Hop music. Little Brother on this track incorporate Soul and Jazz music favour on this track and it so works (9th Wonder the producer please take a bow). It samples A Tribe called Quest’s “Oh my God” in the composition of the song, but it is the delivery and flow of the lyrics from Phonte and Big Pooh (members of the group) stand out on this track. The interplay between them seems like that they are having a conversation. Wonderful advert for how hip hop music should be trying to head towards. Please have a listen to this track by click on the link below. You will like it.



Well, time had reached again for me to play the Rare Groove selection part 2 of the show.To be truthfully for this week I had run out of time. So these tunes within this part of the show would be the last on the show. For those of you that listen in each week I need not say anything more. For those of you that are new to this as well. Each week I play two sections of the Rare Groove selection. 3 songs in each part. These songs are either bonafide rare grooves, or songs that people have simply forgotten about. (However, if you want to know what was played in this part of the show you will have to listen to the show!).

Well, time is now up.....and I'm away until next Wednesday show. If you want to leave any comments that I have made about any tracks that were played; or any stories that I mentioned relating to the tracks as well. If you are an Up and coming artist and would like your material played on the show. Then please add your own personal comments below via clicking on the "Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.

Electric Soul Show – The first show of the New Year – 105.7fm – www.icrfm.co.uk - 7th Jan 2009

Electric Soul Show – The first show of the New Year – 105.7fm – www.icrfm.co.uk - 7th Jan 2009.

Well as the title states this is the first show of the New Year. Doesn’t feel like 2009 to me, however as soon as you turn on the television or radio you are soon reminded of it via various news reports of how deep the credit crunch is going to be.

Anyway the first tune up in regards to the Electric Soul show for this evening was called “Look after my girl”(2008 release from the album called Signature) by Sway featuring Darren B, England. This is a tune that I like. A simply Hip-hop driven tune that features a nice dash of Rn’b music within the composition. I like the lyrics, the storyline and the flow of the rap that is supplied by Sway. The music that is the background is light and mellow enough for the rapper (Sway) and singer (Darren B) to take advantage of this. Instead of me going on please have a listen. I think you will like it.



Went back a few years for my next track. “VIP” by Jamie Foxx, USA (2006 release from the album called Unpredictable). Jamie is a man of many talents, first of all he is a movie star (anyone seen the film called “Collateral” that he was in together with Tom Cruise?); also he is a Stand up Comedian; and lastly he is a fine recording artist and vocalist. This album when released did well for Jamie, and I have to say that this is my favourite cut from the album. Smooth as silk this track; I love the distant and light horns that are in the background, together with the Jazz like chords and the Soulful favours which have been added to make this sound good. It uses a music sample within the composition of this track by the great Herbie Hancock called “Butterfly” which bind everything together. One has to give credit in a big way to Jamie Foxx, and the backing singer who he is with on this track. Vocally they have nailed the tune. They work well together intertwining brilliant between each other vocally to get the best out of each other. Have a listen to the tune below to see what I mean.



Changed the script once again for my listeners. However this time I decided on playing some Soulful Hip-hop music. Yes soulful Hip-hop music. I have played this track for the last 3 outing on t his show, and still it sounds wonderful. The track in question is called “Life is better” by Q-Tip and Norah Jones, USA (2008 release from the album called Renaissance). A light vibraphone like riff greets us on the opening bars of this track, then Norah Jones voice together with the simple Hip-hop drum beats together with Rhodes like piano lines in the background makes us all smile whilst we are only 50 seconds into the tune.I have to say Norah Jones sounds like Jill Scott (Or could it be that Jill Scott sounds like Norah Jones?). The bass line is so funky, and together with the drum line that it does make your head nod. However, I am in love with Norah Jones voice it is so light, and hits all the right spots. Then after 2 minutes into the song Q-tip enters the fray. The speed, delivery and flow of his lyrics are something to behold, and take the song to another level. Wow. Q-tip has got to have probably the most recognisable voices in Hip-hop music. However, the star of the show on this track has to be Norah Jones. Her voice is so soulful. Have a listen to this track by clicking on the link given below. You will be have this on repeat it is that good.



One more tune from the Soulful Hip hop camp. “My Story” by Sy Smith, Nicolay and Kay, USA (Released on the album called “Here”, 2006). This particular tune makes uses one of the greatest harmonic bass lines in history to come good. The explanation is that Nicolay has sampled a portion of the tune called “Portrait of Tracy” which is to found from the 1976 album called “Jaco Pastourius” by Jaco Pastourius. The group called Swv have used this particular sample on a track that they released called "Rain"(1997) and the artists called Chingy featuring Tyreese did the same with the track called "Pulling me back"(2005) It such a wonderful track to use as a sample for Hip hop or Rn’b music. Jaco was considered the greatest bass player who ever lived because of his use of "Harmonics" when playing the fretless bass guitar. He used this Harmonic style of playing to create "Portrait of Tracy"(1976.

As stated above this is a wonderful tune to use in regards to getting soulful vibes for. Sy Smith backing vocals and the rap provided by Kay are nothing short of marvelous. Both of them give top rated performances on this track. The Rap has a get flow to it, and the vocals are so soulful. Please have a listen to this track by clicking on the link below.



Another tune from London to have reached my decks and I have to confess that I have played this tune regularly now for at least 3 weeks on the show and it still doesn’t sound old. “Imagine” by Lei-an, England (2008 release from the album called “Imagine me”) is a tune that I love. To be honest it sounds like it could have been released in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. It has that type of vibe about it. Starts off with a nice guitar riff, then the groove kicks in together with the melody of the track. Lei-an voice finally enters the fray and I must say that it fits this song like a glove. If Uk Soul/Rn’b music is to be taken seriously then tunes like this will not harm its reputation one bit when its comes to making the soulful side of Rn’b music. It’s starting to get good airplay on the up to date Rn’b show’s here in the Uk, and surely it’s only a matter of time that the Usa picks up on this.



Well the next tune up on the platter so to speak was “I told myself” by Dionyza (2008 release from the album called “Quite like me”). The album was released on the 23rd December 2008 to be precise. Already this single has been released as the album first official single, and I from all reports its has done remarkably well for the new Rn’b and soul star. It has a beat and a groove that reminds me of Hip-hop music. However the chords and melody and voice of Dionyza all give it a soul flavour. Hip Hop soul? Yes this is and it works. Have a listen to the track by clicking on the link below. See what you think?



Well, time had reached for me to play the Rare Groove selection part1 of the show. For those of you that listen in each week I need not say anything more. For those of you that is new to this well. Each week I play two sections of the Rare Groove selection. 3 songs in each part. These songs are either bonafide rare grooves, or songs that people have simply forgotten about. (However, if you want to know what was played in this part of the show you will have to listen to the show!)

The next track up directly after the Rare Groove Selection of the show was a tune that I had recently heard when I was surfing the Internet myself. “House on a beach”(2008) by Glen Lewis was the track that literally stopped me in my Internet tracks. What a tune this was I thought. I had to get it. Now that I have it I wanted to share it with my listeners. I have now played this tune for the last 3 weeks on this very show. It seems like that they have sampled the track called “Sexual healing” by Marvin Gaye within the very first part of the song. Very light melody, and there seems to be an echoing syth riff line going through the track, which makes it so contagious. The drum pattern is funky and simple, but light and not over powering. Then we have Glen Lewis voice to contend with, and I have to say that its spot on. To be fair he is helped on his way by some back vocalists that add the cherry to this iced dripped cake of a tune. Wow, this is going to be huge. However, there are some concerns that this tune was already put out last year by a group/or artist called “Floss” (and was original made by Ryan Leslie). Anybody knows the truth that’s going on with this track origin? Please have a listen to this track via clicking on the link below.



I have already played one tune from Dionyza here on the show earlier that I liked from her new album called “Quite like me”. This was the second tune from her tonight on the show. This is a really funky cut. I like the bass line and the drums that greets us here. Really funky. Dionyza voice matches well with the groove and the background singers add weight to the song as well. Have listen to this tune by clicking on the link below. Remember the this tune is called “Quite like me” by Dionyza, Usa (2008 release from the album called Quite Like me)



I have previously played this track on and off for the last 3 weeks. This track features more Rn’b flavours then Hip hop bravado. “Innocent man” (2008 release) by Mark Morrison (England) and DMX (USA) have a created a wonderful tune here. A mid tempo tune that has your mind well and truly locked into the groove from the outset. A funky and yet lazy sounding bass line is aided with the whispery sounding Mark Morrison vocals. We also have the help of truly great backing vocals that makes you pay attention within the first 30 seconds of this track and mid way through the track DMX provides a creditable rap. I feel that this is going to be one of the first big tunes of 2009. Have a listen to the tune below via clicking on the link supplied. However, I was racking my brain when I have listen to this before. I’m sure that I have heard this before? I think I’ve heard the artist called Cassidy perform this first. Has anyone got any news on this? Have a listen to the track via the link provided below.



Over the last month or so I had played tracks from the group known to us as the Chestnut Brothers (USA). They have recently released a new album for us called “Retro Soul” which is a 13-tune album, full of different vibes and grooves. This week I decided to play a track from the album called “Whole lotta you in me”(2008 release). "Whole lotta you in me" (2008 release from the album called "Retro Soul") (2008 release) is still my favourite cut from the album. The start or build up of the track is great. Then that voice kicks in reminds me of every so slightly of Ron Banks (The former lead singer of the 1970's Soul group called the Dramatics). A nice mid tempo Soul cut with just a slight tinge of funk within the composition. In my opinion many people on purchasing this album will quickly make this their favourite cut. Reminds me so much of the early 1980's soul/funk music scene as tunes like this was the norm. Played this last week, and this hasn't diminished in my love for this track. More please Chestnut brothers. Please listen to the track yourselves here by clicking on this link given to you below.



Time was now racing ahead for me to play The Rare Groove selection Part 2 of the show. I had 10 minutes left to play this as well. I mentioned earlier on within this report that each and every week I play 3 songs from yester-year or bonafide rare grooves. However, if you want to hear them then please listen into the show so that you can hear them.

I mentioned this before that I believe that tunes that are to feature more soul or soul/funk vibes within their releases this year will be the way to go for the modern day Rn’b market. Its seems as if today’s releases within that market are moving away ever so gradual from the hip hop side of making Rn’b records. Saying that the next record that I played comes from the year of 1986. However, it’s a tune that could have easily have been made today, and wouldn’t have been out of place if dropped within a current modern Rn’b Dj set. The tune that I am on about is called “Read my mind” by Tashan (1986 release from the album called Chasing a dream).

The drums and cowbells start of the track in a real funky but lazy way. And then an equally lazy, but funky yet sounding bass line is added to the mix. Then Tashan’s light and yet soulful voice makes it all comes together. Slow to mid tempo groove that will make you press the replay button again so that you can hear this groove all over again. Was one of the big songs of 1986, and if this were released all over again to a newer young generation they would buy it. Please have a listen to this tune by licking on the link below.



Last tune for the evening comes from the Uk. The tune in question is called “Slow” by Don-E featuring Lornette Ford (2006 release from the album called “Try this”). I still adore this track. I have played this tune frequently on this show to allow anyone who loves soul from the 1960’s and 1970’s only that they missing out if they just listen to soul music only from that decade. Wonderful whispered like vocals from Don-e, and the backing vocals from Lornette Ford are right on the money for this track. The music that is supplied is light and carefree. I have to say that if they can produce a track like this, I want to more. This is delightful. If you are Soul music head you will love this. Please have a listen by going to Don-e My space website by using this website address.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=54659434

Well that was it for this week. If you listened to the show for the first time then I hope that you will continue to listen in next week. I’ll have more tunes for you. If you 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. Just click on the "Yellow or Blue Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.

If you are an up and coming artists who would like to have their material played on this show. Please get in touch. Just click on the "Yellow or Blue Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.

Electric Soul Show – New Years Eve Show – 31st December 2008 – www.icrfm.co.uk - Ipswich Town - England

Electric Soul Show – New Years Eve Show – 31st December 2008 – www.icrfm.co.uk - Ipswich Town - England

New Year eve wow we've reached it. I bet your getting ready to celebrate that you have reached another year and at the same time saying goodbye to 2008? On the Electric Soul show I was tempted on playing a DJ set which would see me playing the most influential and popular tracks that have featured on the show over via 2008. However, I decided against that and went ahead with it being just another show to bring in the New Year.

“I feeling like oh” by Sir Verse, USA (2008 release taken from the album called Bodimuzik that was released in 2006!) was the first track that I played on the show. Slow groove which had a melody and groove similar to “Human Nature” (by Michael Jackson)in parts. I haven’t heard of this artist to be honest before. I got to found out about him after surfing around on the Internet and was lucky enough to come across his My Space website which gave me information about him and his songs. I was immediately stuck by the quality of this track. To be honest it’s a pure and simple love song, but there are no apologies about that for this track. The vocalist hits all the spots here that marries his voice perfectly with the music. In fact have a listen to the tune yourselves by clicking on the link below. See what you think?



Wow has it been 4 years since this next song got released that I am about to play? The track that I am talking about is called “Like you” by Bow Wow featuring Ciara, USA (2005 release). This track has more Rn’b qualities to it then Hip-hop. However it does feature heavily of the lyrical skills of Bow Wow which gives it another edge. Ciara voice for someone so young is spot on here. She steals the show on this track in my opinion. She reminds me very slightly of Beyonnce Knowles in fact. Voice wise anyway. The groove I have to say is slow to mid tempo, but I do love the start of this record. A Hip-hop driven drumbeat and bass line track soften by the raindrop like effect of vibraphones and strings in the background. Then Ciara voice kicks in.Wow.Still a brilliant track, and one that you will be able to drop on a Radio Dj set 4 years from now at the very least. Have a listen to the track by clicking on the link below if you want?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36gCvoijYw

I really did change the script completely when I decided on my next track. For instance I went back to the year of 1977. Yeap. 1977. Why? Well, a week before I had met a few friends who had managed to listen to the part of the show called “The Rare Groove Selection”. They loved the track then, and wanted me to play it out again. However due to the time restrictions of the show I had to play it around now as I know that I would run out of time eventually to get this in. The tune that I decided on playing was this “Giving it back” by Phill Hurrt (1977 release). A mid tempo Soul Disco tune that just makes you smile. Phil Hurtt hails from Philadelphia, USA originally. One of Phil's biggest song writing successes was 'I'll Be Around' which he co-wrote with Thom Bell in 1973, a classic soul recording for the Detroit Spinners and later a U.K. hit for Terri Wells. At the same time he began working closely with Bunny Sigler, an early co-production being a 1973 Atlantic album 'Sweet Charlie Babe' for Jackie Moore. As a recording artist he signed briefly with Fantasy in 1978, his single release 'Giving It Back' being a popular soul / dance record that year and a U.K. Top 40 hit.

He was also involved in the Hi Gloss album for Prelude, for which he co-wrote all of the songs.

In 2007, Phil became involved in a project involving Soul Artists from Detroit and Philadelphia, entitled 'A Soulful Tale Of Two Cities'. If you want to hear the tune please click on the link directly below this paragraph.



Slowed things down completely with the selection of my next track. Rn’b and Hip-hop combination was the next track up on the music platter in fact. “Brandi” by Dwele featuring Slum Village (2008 release from the album called Sketches of a man). One word that can sum up this track and that word is “smooth”. Smooth is the order of the day when this track was being created. A nice and slow hip hop drum beat used on this tune, together with a nice accompanying bass line that makes you head nod. The melody and groove of this tune is so good. Soft, smooth and mellow all at the same time. This allows for Slum Village team to fire off some lyrics (Rap wise), and eventually leads nicely into Dwele sexy and seductive sounding voice over this groove. Probably the best track on the album. Have a listen yourselves don’t just listen to me. Click on the link below to hear it.



Staying with the Rn’b and Hip Hop combo type tracks I continued with this tune called “Take off the blues” by Foreign Exchange featuring Darien Brockington (2008 release from the album called Leave it all behind”). This was their latest album release in their follow up to the hugely successful debut album release called "Connected"(2004). That album release alone wowed the Hip hop world with its melodic and soulful take up on how Hip Hop music could progress to. I have been playing various tunes from the album since it was released in October 2008.

I decided to playing the tune called "Take of the blues", which will surprise many on hearing it, as it’s a really good Rn'b cut. Once again it has that slow to mid tempo groove to it. But I got to say I just love Darien Brockington voice on this.

The right man for the right song I think. He is helped along by some backing vocals on this track. But I think the inclusion of a horn section within the song at around 2 minutes and seven seconds into the tune is a mark of genius. Already in the Usa they have gained a lot of interest over this song already. Don’t just take my word for it. Have a listen to the tune yourselves by clicking on the link its self.



Moved the goal post slightly just as everyone was getting comfortable with the selection of Rn’b and Hip combo like tunes. I dropped this as my next tune “Good morning” by Vivian Jones, England (1980 release). Lovers Rock Reggae makes its appearance on the Electric Soul Show for this evening. And to be honest can it get better then this? A simple rhythm created here via the use of the drums, rhythm guitar and bass line under a Reggae beat. The piano colours everything, and so does the wonderful voice of Vivian Jones. You can feel the emotion that he puts into this song as well. A love song that works and one that is not slow, but mid tempo in pace.
Have a listen to this wonderful single yourselves. Just click on the link.



Decided to stay on this same path with my next selection with “Sitting and Watching” by Dennis Brown (1981 release) which is now considered a classic tune within Reggae music as a whole and not just within Lovers Rock Reggae. The bass line and drums sound as if they are set in a happy marriage. Its prefect, simple made and constructed, but prefect. The Rhythm guitar adds colour to the tune. Even more so with the brilliant voice of Dennis Brown is add to the preceding. After hearing it the first time you just want to replay it over again. Please don’t take my word for it try it yourselves.



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 bonafide 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!)

Directly after the Rare Groove selection part of the show I decided on playing some Hip Hop Music in the show. Been slacking of late in regards to this type of music, and wanted to readdress the balance. With that in mind I choose this track to be my next track within the show. “Feels Good” by Naughty by Nature featuring 3LW (2002 release) was the tune that I played. And what a cracking good tune this is. Sounds very Rn’b, and to be fair it is. However, instead of the tune being sung 60% of the time, it’s the other way around here. The Rappers (Treach and the boys) take the responsibility here with the Rn’b group (Three little women – 3LW) singing the chorus here. This is a real nice bumpy song that works well on the dance floor, or on the Radio. I love this tune. Please listen to the tune yourselves by clicking on the link below.



Went straight into the next track without giving my listeners no introduction as to what the track that I was playing. However, the track in question that I was playing was called “Check the Rhime” by A Tribe called Quest (1991 release from the album called The Low End Theory). Still sounds good after all these years. The sound hits you all at once, the hip-hop drums, bassline and the horns. The interplay between the group’s two rappers Qtip and Phife is nothing but brilliant. The use of Minnie Ripperton’s “Baby, This Love I Have” as a sample is so well woven into the song that you don’t really notice it unless you are really, really listening out for it. There are other samples but that is the one that stands out. Also listen out for the line that is uttered by Qtip as this “"Industry rule #4,080: Record company people are shady". A brilliant Hip Hop tune. Have a listen to it by clicking on this.



Staying with one more Hip-hop tune. I decided on a classic one.“Come Clean” Jeru Tha Damage (1993 Release). The groove and beat are so funk here. In fact I think that the music was created by none other than Dj Premier out of the Hip-hop group called Gang Starr. However, the lyric content is so good. It flows so well, and you can get a visual story out of it by what he is saying. Just listen to this track. And notice how your head is nodding to the beat. Just click on the link below.



I thought I’d better change over from my love of Hip Hop to Rn’b otherwise I would never get away from it. What a better way to do it with the selection of my next track. “I’m ready” by LKP (Stands for Lil Kriss P), England) (2008 release). Soulful slow to mid tempo track that really works, and show that the Uk can produce high quality Rn’b music that wouldn’t sound out of place in any USA Rn’b chart.Really caught the imagination of many an Rn’b Dj this year, and I can see why. It has an easily likeable groove and melody, and LKP voice together with the backing vocals make this tune stand out. In fact I like the lead vocals and the backing vocals working in unison on this track that make it so nice to listen to. Click on the link to see what I am talking about. You can go to the My Space website of this group, and here this song there.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68460139

Well, time had reached again for me to play the Rare Groove selection part 2 of the show. For those of you that listen in each week I need not say anything more. For those of you that are new to this. Each week I play two sections of the Rare Groove selection. 3 songs within each part. These songs are either bonafide rare grooves, or songs that people have simply forgotten about. (However, if you want to know what was played in this part of the show you will have to listen to the show!)

Time was really up against me this week as I looked up at the clock. Just 5 minutes left in fact for the show to be precise. This meant that I just had one more tune to play for my listeners. And what a tune to end the show with “Bag Lady” (2000 release from the album called Mama's Gun) by Erykah Badu was the last tune of the show. A simple guitar riff starts the groove riding in the right direction together with a simple drum pattern and funky bass line makes you pay attention. But the backing vocals that are applied within this tune weave in and out of the groove already in play. Then the Billy Holliday like vocals of Erykah Badu comes into play and fits like a glove. Her voice works for this track plain and simple. Just have a listen to the track yourselves. You will see what I mean. Just click on the link mentioned below.



Well that was it for this week (The New Years eve show). If you listened to the show for the first time then I hope that you will continue to listen in next week. I’ll have more tunes for you. If you 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 website. Please leave your comments down on this site. I would love to hear them. Please don't be shy. Just click on the "Yellow or Blue Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.

If you are an up and coming artists who would like to have their material played on this show. Please get in touch. Just click on the "Yellow or Blue Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.