Wonderful work from Ty Karim – a singer who definitely lives up to the "soul goddess" promised in the title! Ty might not be the biggest name in California soul, but she's a hell of a great talent here – starting out in the 60s with upbeat Northern Soul groovers – then moving into the 70s with material that's even deeper, and a bit more sophisticated – laidback numbers that really show a maturation in style, and which are filled with wonderful twists and turns! Ty's vocals have a burning quality that's quite surprising, given her kittenish look on the cover – and as the themes get hotter, her singing gets even more righteous – making the whole package a really wonderful journey in soul. And although most of these numbers were issued (or recorded, but unissued) by tiny indie labels, they often have a very full, spacious approach to production – one that's really trying to hit the heights of Detroit or New York at the time. A good number of these cuts weren't issued at the time, and together with the rare singles, they really go a long way towards filling in the gaps in Ty's too-short career on record – further illuminated in the detailed notes from Ady Croasdell. Titles include "Lighten Up Baby", "Help Me Get That Feeling Back Again", "Only A Fool", "All At Once", "Lightin Up", "I Ain't Lying", "You Just Don't Know", "Natural Do", "I'm Leavin You", "All In Vain", "After Your Love Has Gone", "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight", and "Don't Make Me Do Wrong". CD

A great two-in-one set from Bobby Bland! (Blues, Soul) CD

Jill Scott returns with Light Of The Sun – once again lighting up modern R&B like only she can! It's a solid return to form for Jill – delivering distinctively soulful, emotional gems with toned down, natural grooves along with funky hip soul backed tracks and righteous diva groovers – and it'll sound great for years to come. We wish she'd record more often, but we're pleased enough that each album she's delivered to date has been truly excellent! Guests includ Anthony Hamilton, Doug E Fresh, Eve & The A Group. Includes "Blessed", "So In Love" with Anthony Hamilton, "Shame" feat Eve & The A Group, "All Cried Out Redux" feat Doug E Fresh, "Quick", "Making You Wait", "Missing You", "When I Wake Up", "Womanifesto", "Rolling Hills" and more. 15 tracks in all. (Neo Soul, Soul) CD

Jill Scott returns with Light Of The Sun – once again lighting up modern R&B like only she can! It's a solid return to form for Jill – delivering distinctively soulful, emotional gems with toned down, natural grooves along with funky hip soul backed tracks and righteous diva groovers – and it'll sound great for years to come. We wish she'd record more often, but we're pleased enough that each album she's delivered to date has been truly excellent! Guests includ Anthony Hamilton, Doug E Fresh, Eve & The A Group. Includes "Blessed", "So In Love" with Anthony Hamilton, "Shame" feat Eve & The A Group, "All Cried Out Redux" feat Doug E Fresh, "Quick", "Making You Wait", "Missing You", "When I Wake Up", "Womanifesto", and "Rolling Hills" – plus 2 bonus tracks! (Neo Soul, Soul) CD

A pretty deep collection of old school Rhythm & Blues recordings in a 3CD set – one billed as Classics, another as Dance Craze cuts and the third highlighting rarities – excellent stuff from legends such as Big Mama Thornton, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, Ruth Brown, Dave Bartholomew, Wynonie Harris, TV Slim, Little Richard, Wilbert Harrison, The Dominoes, Louis Jordan and many more! The antology covers material from the years 1945 to 1959 and features 51 tracks on 3CDs. "I'm Ready" by Fats Domino, "Kansas City" by Wilbert Harrison, "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean" by Ruth Brown, "Ain't I Talking To You Baby" by Sheri Washington, "That's Right Baby" by Piney Brown, "Who Drank My Beer, While I Was In The Rear" by Dave Bartholomew, "Speedoo" by The Cadillacs, "Speedoo" by The Bobbettes and more. CD