I used to say another Wednesday, another Electric Soul Show. Now that day belongs to Sundays. Not that I’m not complaining mind you. Sundays suit me fine to be honest.
In fact I stated this weeks show of with a beauty. The track in question was called “Unpredictable” by Jamie Foxx (*Released in 2006 from the album called “Unpredictable”). It had one of the best tracks on the album in my opinion. A really smoothing sounding track which features the faint sound of a trumpet in the background, and some soothing strings which makes this track sound extra sweet, together with simple drum pattern and bass line. Nothing fancy here mind you, but it puts you in the chill mood at the very worst. Jamie’s voice matches this song perfectly. In fact his voice was made for this song. He is helped along by an backing singing that adds weight to the song to be fair. From some research for this track it seemed as if Jamie sampled and obscure Herbie Hancock track to have been able t omake “Vip”. So that where the faint like Jazz Trumpet sound in the background came from did it? Please have a listen to the track in question by clicking on the link below.
Saying Soulful another great track up for my listeners, and it comes from the group called The Chestnut Brothers, based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The track is called “Come to me” by the Chestnut Brothers (released in 2008 from the album called “Retro Soul”). One of the best cuts from that album in my opinion. Pure vocal talent on this track from both of the brothers,(who are Al and Ty) who form the Chestnut Brothers. Simple, simple drum pattern; the same goes for the bass line. The keyboards employed here help set the scene. But it’s those vocals from Al and Ty that make this tune sound extra sweet. Please have a listen to this track if you love Soul music. Just click on the link below.
Well, two tracks in a row in regards to Soul music from me today so far in the show. You can't get better than that can you? Well yes you can because I'm going to drop another one. Here is another great track from me to you within the Soul music gender. Its called “Whatever you want” by Tony, Toni, Tone (Released in 1992 from the album called “The Revival”). Not as slow as the Chestnuts brother track before this one. But just as soulful, but this time with a touch of funk thrown in for good measure, and its all to do with the bass line. Starts of with us hearing the distance sound of acoustic guitar in the background, then all of a sudden all the instruments come together. Bass line, drumbeat, keyboards, guitar and then finally the lead vocals of Raphael Saddiq. Wow is all I can say. This is just a great single, even better then the two that I have played previously. The chorus of this single is great, you’ll find yourself singing to it at times when you hear this. One of the big tracks of Tony, Toni, Tone without doubt; please have a listen to the track to see why.
I completely changed the script around with my next track. Why not play some Soul and jazzy House music for my listeners I thought? Mix it up a bit has always been my motto when it comes to music. On that thought I dropped this for my listeners. “Chill” by The Urban Knights (The Booker T Mix) (Released in 1995). Wow, is this good or what? This still sounds fresh as when it was released in 1995.Originally an out and out Jazz tune when it was put together first in 1995. However, a copy reached the Uk House and Garage man at the time called Booker T, and what he bought out was something extra special. This still could be dropped today in fact. Nice and bumpy, and as the summer months are fast approaching this would go down a treat in any Dj’s set. Love his approach to this. He allows for the Trumpet soloing to continue way long into this track. However, it his approach that allows for that lovely 4 chord structure pattern to works its way throughout the song, together with that lovely Trumpet riff and Keyboard that he also throws down that makes this song so nice. Please have a listen to this Jazz Funk style House track that is a killer. Please have a listen to this tune. Remember if you are after this tune, it’s the Booker T version of the track that you want.
Staying Jazzy, staying soulful here within the realms of House music was another beauty for my listeners. This one is called “Penetration” by Mood 2 Mood, from the Usa (Released in 1992), and just wants to make turn up the Radio. Starts of so jazzy, and ambient like, then with the soft jazz like chords and the light bass line implied at first. Then all we get the full force as all the instruments are let go at once at us. The drum and bass line are just right not too fast and yet not too slow, but it’s the that Jazz like riff in the background that comes in and out the track every so often is what sets this track apart; and the use of the sampled and looped vocals which go like this - “I want you to be apart of my life”, which as the song progresses is shorten to just to “apart of my life”. A really classy track from one the big names in Soulful House and Garage music. Many people who get to listen to this track want more of it. Have a listen to it yourself by click on the link below.
The next track is a classic if you are a lover of Soulful House music from back in the day (from the early 1990’s to be precise?). The track in question is this “I can’t get no sleep” by The Masters at Work (The Mk Mix) (Released in 1993, Usa). Originally it was done by the duo known within House and Garage music as The Masters at Work, who at this time were fast becoming the new superstars of House music. There are so many mixes of this single at the time. I believe there could be at least 6 mixes of this track when it originally first came out. There is a Soul music mix of the same track that even Soul music purist of today love with a passion; but if you’re a House music man this is the mix that you should be heading for. It starts of with a simple four to the floor beat, which is gradually interspersed with other sounds such as a number of looped vocal samples, jangerly sounding piano chords and sweet strings that come in and out the song, but still make it a pleasure to listen to.
Mark “Mk” Kinchen, Usa is still to this day talked about highly about when it comes to remixing or making Soulful or Funky House music. His remixing work is greatly admired and lovingly looked back at. Please have a listen to this mix that he did a really great tune. I really love this tune myself
Well with all that Soulful House and Garage music being played. I nearly missed this part of the show. Yeap you’ve guessed it. It was time 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 are 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 as the last throes of the last song within the Rare Groove selection was finishing I had already made up my mind in what my next tune would be to play for my listeners. In fact I have recently played this tune on the show in last weeks show. The track is called “If I” by Justin Timberlake featuring TI (real name - Clifford Joseph Harris Jr) (Released in 2009). This single features a very infectious funky bass line and drum pattern to start the track off together with Justin and TI singing the songs main hook line. It works by just doing that. T.I when asked to come up with the rapping for the song comes correct and delivers. Justin when doing the singing part of the song sounds like Prince. Yes he sounds like the Purple one (*Prince!). I love this single. If dropped this on the dance floor it would get most people on it. Its not complicated, in fact its dance friendly. Towards the end of the song we even hear T.I singing himself. Please give yourself a chance if you haven’t heard this song before. Just click on the link provided below to hear the song in full.
The next tune that I decided on play was called "Take of the blues" from the group known as Foreign Exchange (Released in 2008,from the album called "Leave it all behind" Usa), which will surprise many on hearing it, as it’s a really good Rn'b cut from a steadfast Hip Hop group. Once again it has that slow to mid tempo groove about it. But I got to say I just love the guest singer’s voice on this who is Darien Brockington.
The right man for the right song I think. He is helped along by some really good 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 within the Usa they have gained a lot of interest over this song already, and I have to say the album to be fair. Don’t just take my word for it. Have a listen to the tune yourselves by clicking on the link its self.
Here is a tune from an artist that over the last 2 years I have been supporting via my Radio show. Here name is L Michele, from New York, USA, and the track called "You Should be here" (Released 2007) from her that I played for my listeners is more a more upto date uptake on the current Rn’b sound that is around these days. A nice hiphop driven beat and groove that works for L Michele. She can certainly sing there is no question about that. She is helped on this single with equally good backing vocalists that help her to soar. I think this single would work well in a good Rn’b type club. Please give this a listen. Please click on the link below which sees her performing this song live.
Oppps I’m always guilty if this because as I looked up at the clock again I noticed that time was racing away from me. In fact I’d better play The Rare Groove Selection - Part 2 of the show now so that wouldn’t run out of time to doing so. It’s that part of the show whereby I play 3 forgotten, or bonafide Rare grooves to my listeners. However, if you want to know what I played I’m afraid you will have to listen into the show. I keep saying this but you don't I?
Directly after playing the last Rare Groove selection track I decided on playing this – “Makes you happy” by Novel (Released in 2009 from the album called “The Audiobiography”). Yes we are back to the Soulful side of Rn’b music once again.
I like this single. It’s got that groove that the famed Rn’b singer Eric Benet or Joe is famed for having, or made a name around. I have been playing this track regularly now within the last month. But for those that missed it here it is again for you to hear again. Novel is a Rapper, Singer, Songwriter and producer all in one we are told. The track in question is called “Makes you happy”(released in 2009 – to be released on the coming album called “Autobiography”). Reminds me slightly of Raheem Devaughn as well, or something that he would release if it were also to feature a RAP on his release. You know what I mean? A big sounding bass line and Drum pattern on this tune, which is sweetened by good vocals from Novel on this track. Also soulful keyboards give this track a mellow edge as well. Novel is helped on this track by some underrated background vocals as well. As I mentioned before earlier on within this page that the vibe of Soul music either directly or indirectly is really making its mark on release within the Rn’b and Hip Hop music world for 2009. Lets hope it continues. Please have a listen to the tune below by clicking on the link and hearing the tune in full.
Another tune in which I have been playing heavily within the last month and one that has truly impressed me has been - Slakah the Beatchild featuring Drake track called “Bad meaning good” (released in 2008 on the album called “Soul Movement volume 1) I have only just picked up this album to be honest? All I have to say about this track is that it is really lovely. A real nice track, in which I enjoyed playing from start to finish. First of all it sounds so much like a summer track. I love the simple acoustic guitar chord strums employed by the Slakah the Beatchild. What they say about giving less to appear that you are giving more is true. I love the bass line on and the drum pattern that just touches on giving you a Hip-hop feel, but it is heavily influenced by funk. The whole vibe on the song though is heavily influenced by Soul Music. I love Slakah voice (It reminds me slightly of Dwele!) However it’s prefect on this tune, as is the rap provided by Drake. Drake’s rap doesn’t over power the tune; it allows the tune to breath and have another musical option. I’m going to check out the album if this is anything to go buy in regards to hearing this tune. Wow this is good. Please have a listen to the track yourself by clicking on the track yourself below.
Time has finally had caught up with me. In fact I only had time for one last tune; and I have to say what a beauty it is. The track is called “Call me” by Shei Atkins (Released in 2005 from the album called “The Lite Mae Show”). Starts of with a simple sounding acoustic sounding guitar. It is then it is added with a driven hiphop beat together with some nice keyboard chord changes that truly makes this a tune something your ears instantly you pick up on. The lyrics on this track mean something and are wonderfully sung by Shei Atkins. Shei is a gospel artist, and it goes to show how strong in depth the music is when you have talent like Shei around and yet still haven’t made the big time. It’s my favourite track from her. It’s a great way to end the show on. I hope that you have liked the show this week. Please tell your friends about it. Please click on the track below which will take you to her website.
Well my time is now up and I'm away until next Sundays 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. Then please add your own personal comments below via clicking on the "Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.
