Quite a soul-based set from the great George Duke – a set that not only features his strong keyboards, but also a fair bit of vocals from singers Phil Perry, Jeffery Osborne, and James Ingram – all of whom are a great fit for Duke's evolving sound! Duke had worked heavily with singers on many other albums – and even produced for some of these artists as well – but the vibe here is also more of an extension into 90s modes, both for fusion and R&B – with a few lingering traces of his 80s work, but also a leaner style at times that's nicely appreciated. Titles include "Love Ballad", "Children Of The Night", "Miss Wiggle", "Brazilian Coffee", "This Lovin", "Mystery Eyes", and "Same Ole Love". This Japanese CD edition includes 3 bonus tracks: "560 SL", "Fuzzzion" and "Rise Up". CD

Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Printup, Riley Mullins, Roger Ingram, Russell Gunn, Ryan Kisor, and Seneca Black on trumpet, Wess Anderson on clarinet, alto and soprano saxophone, James Carter on clarinet, bass clarinet, and baritone saxophone, Victor Goines on clarinet, tenor and soprano saxophone and bass clarinet, Walter Blanding on soprano saxophone, Robert Stewart on tenor saxophone, Ron Westray and Wayne Goodman on trombone, Wycliffe Gordon on trombone and tuba, Michael Ward on violin, Eric Reed on piano, Reginald Veal on bass, and Herlin Riley on drums and tambourine with vocals from Cassandra Wilson, Jon Hendricks, and Miles Griffith. CD

A love letter to the legendary Fame Records – filled with unissued tracks and rare gems from the vaults! Fame was one of the great ones back in the day – the driving force behind Muscle Shoals soul music, and a company that helped really redefine the sound of the music in the 60s – thanks to incredible production, and a tight cast of studio musicians who knocked it out of the park on nearly every session! 21 of the set's 24 tracks have never been issued before – and, even more compelling, none were featured on the similar 7" box set from Ace – making the package a treasure trove of music, even for the serious soul collector. Titles include "Tell It Like It Is" by Big Ben Atkins, "Almost Persuaded" by Jackie, "You're So Fine" by James Barnett, "I Do" by June Conquest, "Your Helping Hand" by Otis Clay, "In The Heat Of Love" by Marjorie Ingram, "Steal Away 67" by Jimmy Hughes, "You Really Know How To Hurt A Guy" by Ralph Soul Jackson, "Let's Do It Over" by Travis Wammack, "For You" by George Jackson, "Baby Come Back" by Bobby Moore & The Rhythm Aces, "Keep On Talking" by Prince Phillip, "It Ain't No Harm" by George Byrd & The Dominoes, "Blind Can't See" by Richard Earl & The Corvettes, and "I Need Someone" by The Entertainers. CD

Features vocals by Rachelle Ferrell, James Ingram, Marvin Winans, and the Emotions. CD

The Stax debut of Angie Stone – a new setting for the singer, and one that really helps her freshen up her groove! Although a contemporary soul diva, Angie's definitely in classic territory here – maybe not the space of Stax from the 60s and 70s, but a rock-solid sound overall, and more than enough to help us renew our faith in her work! The backings are simple, but never too commercial – tightly stepping beats on the bottom that bounce Angie up over the top, but never push her vocals too far. And as before, some of the best moments have an almost-spoken sort of quality – a way of unfolding out a tune that's very real and natural. Guests include Betty Wright and James Ingram, and titles include "Take Everything In", "Sometimes", "Make It Last", "Here We Go Again", "Baby", "My People", "Half A Chance", "Go Back To Your Life", "Wait For Me", "Pop Pop", and "Happy Being Me". CD

Includes 24 tracks from Freddie Jackson, Hi-Five, James Ingram, Kool & The Gang, Barry White, Ashford & Simpson, The O'Jays, Al Green, Evelyn Champagne King, and Bobby Womack. CD