A heavy heavy set from Gloria Jones – a record that features some killer Paul Riser arrangements that are right up there with the deepest Motown work of the early 70s! Jones' groove is always a bit different than most of her contemporaries – not the usual Motown bag, and really far-reaching for the label – heavy funk one minute, more sophisticated the next – and almost pointing the way towards her later association with T Rex, and Gloria's time in the UK. Riser really pushes himself strongly here – backing Gloria with full strings on some tracks, soaring in the trademark upbeat Riser groove – then dropping into heavier rhythms at other points, with complicated elements that make the album a treasure trove of fresh surprises with each new track! Cuts include "Share My Love", "Oh Baby", "Old Love New Love", "Try Love", "So Tired", "Baby Don't Cha Know", and "Why Can't You Be Mine". LP, Vinyl record album

A heavy heavy set from Gloria Jones – a record that features some killer Paul Riser arrangements that are right up there with the deepest Motown work of the early 70s! Jones' groove is always a bit different than most of her contemporaries – not the usual Motown bag, and really far-reaching for the label – heavy funk one minute, more sophisticated the next – and almost pointing the way towards her later association with T Rex, and Gloria's time in the UK. Riser really pushes himself strongly here – backing Gloria with full strings on some tracks, soaring in the trademark upbeat Riser groove – then dropping into heavier rhythms at other points, with complicated elements that make the album a treasure trove of fresh surprises with each new track! Cuts include "Share My Love", "Oh Baby", "Old Love New Love", "Try Love", "So Tired", "Baby Don't Cha Know", and "Why Can't You Be Mine". CD also features a bonus demo version of "I I Were Your Woman" – and comes with a 16 page booklet, filled with notes, album details, photos, and even a short essay by Rolan Bolan – the son of Gloria Jones and Marc Bolan. CD

A heavy heavy set from Gloria Jones – a record that features some killer Paul Riser arrangements that are right up there with the deepest Motown work of the early 70s! Jones' groove is always a bit different than most of her contemporaries – not the usual Motown bag, and really far-reaching for the label – heavy funk one minute, more sophisticated the next – and almost pointing the way towards her later association with T Rex, and Gloria's time in the UK. Riser really pushes himself strongly here – backing Gloria with full strings on some tracks, soaring in the trademark upbeat Riser groove – then dropping into heavier rhythms at other points, with complicated elements that make the album a treasure trove of fresh surprises with each new track! Cuts include "Share My Love", "Oh Baby", "Old Love New Love", "Try Love", "So Tired", "Baby Don't Cha Know", and "Why Can't You Be Mine". CD also features a bonus demo version of "I I Were Your Woman" – and comes with a 16 page booklet, filled with notes, album details, photos, and even a short essay by Rolan Bolan – the son of Gloria Jones and Marc Bolan. CD

... 12-inch, Vinyl record

It's always something nice when Etta Jones makes a record – but this one is especially so, thanks to some intimate small group backing from players who include Oliver Nelson, Lem Winchester, Wally Richardson, and Richard Wyands! The style is relatively intimate throughout – more late nite than some of Jones' other records, in a way that really works well for her vocals, and takes her away from some of the crossover pop modes of her albums that sound a bit more like Gloria Lynne. Titles include "Easy Living", "Through A Long And Sleepless Night", "My Heart Tells Me", "I Only Have Eyes For You", "That's All There Is To That", "Love Is The Thing", and "Canadian Sunset". CD

Twelve songs, featuring arrangements by Jimmie Jones. Tracks include "Wild Is The Wind", "You Don't Know What Love Is", "You're Mine You", "The Lamp Is Low", "I Thought About You", and "He Needs Me". CD

It's always something nice when Etta Jones makes a record – but this one is especially so, thanks to some intimate small group backing from players who include Oliver Nelson, Lem Winchester, Wally Richardson, and Richard Wyands! The style is relatively intimate throughout – more late nite than some of Jones' other records, in a way that really works well for her vocals, and takes her away from some of the crossover pop modes of her albums that sound a bit more like Gloria Lynne. Titles include "Easy Living", "Through A Long And Sleepless Night", "My Heart Tells Me", "I Only Have Eyes For You", "That's All There Is To That", "Love Is The Thing", and "Canadian Sunset". LP, Vinyl record album

Twelve songs, featuring arrangements by Jimmie Jones. Tracks include "Wild Is The Wind", "You Don't Know What Love Is", "You're Mine You", "The Lamp Is Low", "I Thought About You", and "He Needs Me". LP, Vinyl record album

A pretty great book about folks who almost made it in the music business, but who never quite hit the stardom they were destined for – even though a few of these figures have become legendary over the years! The book looks at rock and soul artists from the 60s and 70s, almost all of them with pretty amazing stories – and continued moments of "almost" in their careers – points where their paths seemed about to hit the big time, but life turned the other way. These aren't one-hit wonders, or failures – but really interesting people whose stories are great, and often illuminated with really striking photos and images from their past. The book features chapters on Cherry Vanilla, Evie Sands, Brett Smiley, Betty Davis, Bobby Jameson, Gloria Jones, Chris Darrow, Jake Holmes, and others – hardcover, 159 pages, with images throughout. Book

The incredible lost album from the group Sisters Love – material slated for release in the early 70s, but never saw the light of day, save for a handful of singles – a mix of rootsier southern soul and impeccable west coast funk styles, finally brought to light and with bonus tracks, to boot! Sisters Love came to Motown/MoWest at a transitional time for the label(s), who sent the group on tour, released a rare few singles in the US & UK, but didn't get the group over into the public consciousness the way it deserved. Great songs that were written, produced & arranged by the cream of the crop of soulful talents – Willie Hutch, Hal Davis, Gene Page, Gloria Jones & Pamela Sawyer – but this is the Sisters Love show, and they shine brilliantly! Titles include the amazing "Fast Mack" (purportedly submitted for the soundtrack to The Mack – and it's funky enough!), "Communication", "Mr Fix-It Man", "You've Got My Mind", "Just A Little Understanding", "I'm Learning To Trust My Man", "Giving Up", "Do What You Gotta Do","You've Got To Make Your Choice", "Sweet Inspiration", "Give Me Your Love" and "Turn On Your Love Light". CD

A Capitol classic from Dakota Staton – and the record that made her a real leading lady at the label in the years before Nancy Wilson's rise! The set's got a wonderfully laidback feel that's in keeping with the title, yet it also swings nicely too – kind of a new level of soul in jazz vocals that really points the way towards 60s recordings by Gloria Lynne, Etta Jones, and others. Backings are by Van Alexander, and include solos from Hank Jones on piano and Jonah Jones on trumpet – plus some great un-credited vibes and guitar – and titles include "The Late Late Show", "Give Me The Simple Life", "Moonray", "Ain't No Use", "Misty", "Summertime", and "What Do You See In Her". CD

Includes tracks by Gloria Jones, Maxine Nightingale, the Soul Sisters, Homer Banks, Garnet Mimms, the Isley Brothers, O'Jays, Clovers, Invitations, Dena Parrish, Billy Preston, Herbie Goins, and others. CD

Great girl group grooves from Laurie Records – one of the powerhouses of the genre during the 60s! The set brings together some of the best that Laurie had to offer at the time – not just hits, but some great lesser-known gems that really make the package stand out from other girl group sets on the market – a wonderful collection of both rock and soul cuts that show there's still plenty left to discover if you know where to dig! Tracks are pulled not just from the main Laurie label, but also from other imprints too – including the Rust, Providence, and Harmon labels – and as usual, Ace has done a bang-up job with the notes and images – helping us learn plenty about the music while our ears are enjoying the sounds. Titles include "Hanky Panky" by The Summits, "Shy Guy" by The Charmers, "You're The Love Of My Life" by Brenda Lee Jones, "Stop Look & Listen" by The Chiffons, "He's Mine" by Linda & The Lindettes, "Your Big Mistake" by The Del-Rons, "I Still Love You" by Les Girls, "He's My Dream Boy" by Marie Antoinette, "How Can I Be Sure" by Gloria Dennis, "Circus Girl" by Bernadette Carroll, "Whenever A Teenager Cries" by The Jeans, "Nothing Went Right" by Lorrie Darnell, and "Your Life Is Gone" by Reparata. CD

An excellent collection of rare Northern Soul material – featuring winners from Universal-related labels, like MCA, ABC, Dot, and other long-gone imprints! There's some really classic material on here – the kind of tunes that shaped the scene, and which always come up again and again in discussions of the music – and titles include "Tainted Love" by Gloria Jones, "Thanks For A Little Lovin" by The Trends, "Self Soul Satisfaction" by Earl Jackson, "Lend A Hand" by Bobby Hutton, "I Thought You Were Mine" by Natural Four, "What Good Am I" by Jaibi, "Love Runs Out" by Willie Hutch, "Cracked Up Over You" by Danny White, "You're Falling In Love" by Betty Everett, "One Wonderful Moment" by The Shakers, "Take Away The Pain Stain" by Patti Austin, "I'm Gonna Love You A Long Time" by Patti & The Emblems, and "The Larue" by Lada Edmund Jr. CD

A wonderful debut from Aquarian Dream – a group who first appeared under the direction of Norman Connors – and who also have lots of the same blend of jazz, soul, and funk you'd find in Connors' own music of the time! Yet Aquarian Dream are very much their own bag, too – a distinctly different group who are to Connors what Ramp was to Roy Ayers – a separate entity that shares the key production talents of their sponsor – but who break out in a wonderful vibe that's all their own! The album's best remembered for its key clubby groovers, but we also love the mellower moments too – which have a sublime stepping quality that really comes through via instrumentation from Claude Bartee on tenor and soprano sax, and Jacques Burvick on a whole host of cool keyboards. Gloria Jones (not the famous one) is a great lead singer – and titles include the classic Chicago club track "Phoenix" – plus "Look Ahead", "Once Again", "Let Me Be The One", "I'll Always Love You T",, and "Treat Me Like The One You Love". LP, Vinyl record album

A fantastic collection of work from Norman Connors – a musician who first started out playing drums in spiritual jazz groups at the start of the 70s, then moved on to take over the worlds of funk and soul! Connors' material of this time was essential at bringing a new sort of depth to soul music – taking some of the lessons learned in the farther reaches of the underground, and working them into a new tapestry of sophisticated expression – sounds that were able to fold together lots of styles and spirit, and help elevate their audience at the same time. This package might be the best we've ever seen to bring together Norman's work of the period – as it also includes some of the Aquarian Dream and Starship Orchestra recordings, as well as Connors tracks with singers who include Michael Henderson, Jean Carn, Gloria Jones, Prince Philip Mitchell, Phyliss Hyman, Eleanor Mills, James Robinson, Al Johnson, and Beau Williams. 34 tracks in all – and titles include "So Much Love", "Dindi", "Saturday Night Special", "We Both Need Each Other", "Captain Connors (12" version)", "Say You Love Me", "This Is Your Life", "Stella", "Handle Me Gently", "Your Love", "Invitation", "Be There In The Morning", "Take It To The Limit", "Mr C", "She's Gone", "You've Been On My Mind", "Melancholy Fire", "Romantic Journey", "Slewfoot", "Give The Drummer Some", "Valentine Love", "Once I've Been There", "Phoenix", "Once Again", "You Are My Starship", "Betcha By Golly Wow", "Kwasi", "Maiden Voyage", and "Disco Land". CD

A Capitol classic from Dakota Staton – and the record that made her a real leading lady at the label in the years before Nancy Wilson's rise! The set's got a wonderfully laidback feel that's in keeping with the title, yet it also swings nicely too – kind of a new level of soul in jazz vocals that really points the way towards 60s recordings by Gloria Lynne, Etta Jones, and others. Backings are by Van Alexander, and include solos from Hank Jones on piano and Jonah Jones on trumpet – plus some great un-credited vibes and guitar – and titles include "The Late Late Show", "Give Me The Simple Life", "Moonray", "Ain't No Use", "Misty", "Summertime", and "What Do You See In Her". LP, Vinyl record album

Music from Marvin Gaye, Ben E King, the Four Tops, the Isley Brothers, Gloria Jones, Tony Clarke, the Coasters, Mary Wells, Life, Kiki Dee, and much more. CD

A nice selection of classic 60s soul numbers, focusing on women who like to exercise their pipes, and while we had remembered this set hewed close to the mainstream, there's a few nice little nuggets on here that they dug a little deeper for. 14 tracks in all: "The Nitty Gritty" by Shirley Ellis, "Tell Mama" by Etta James, "Hard To Handle" by Patti Drew, "Bold Soul Sister" by Ike & Tina Turner, "Lee Cross" and "You Send Me" by Aretha Franklin, "Heartbeat" by Gloria Jones, "Stay With Me" by Lorraine Ellison, "Wang Dang Doodle" by Koko Taylor, "I Know (You Don't Love Me No More)" by Barbara George, "Rescue Me" by Fontella Bass, "Hypnotized" by Linda Jones, "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" by the Sweet Inspirations, and "Ask Me" by Maxine Brown. LP, Vinyl record album

Music from Gloria Jones, Edwin Starr, Jackie Wilson, Just Brothers, Four Tops, Ramsey Lewis, P.P. Arnold, Jerry Butler, Beverley Ann, Sam & Dave, and more. CD

Lionel Richie come back! All is forgiven! We'd said bad things about you for years until we heard this funky groover – The Commodores' first album, a tasty bit of funk that almost makes us want to forgive you for all of your later crimes! The whole thing's pretty funky all the way through – with a strong southern groove, touched with a bit of a Sly Stone party funk mode. Includes the killer break classic "The Assembly Line", which feels like it was lifted right off one of Sly's late 60s albums for Epic – plus "The Bump", "Machine Gun", "The Zoo", and "Gonna Blow Your Mind". Arrangements are by James Carmichael and Gloria Jones, who also did the production – and the album's a long way from "Three Times A Lady", trust us! LP, Vinyl record album

The incredible lost album from the group Sisters Love – material slated for release in the early 70s, but never saw the light of day, save for a handful of singles – a mix of rootsier southern soul and impeccable west coast funk styles, finally brought to light! Sisters Love came to Motown/MoWest at a transitional time for the label(s), who sent the group on tour, released a rare few singles in the US & UK, but didn't get the group over into the public consciousness the way it deserved. Great songs that were written, produced & arranged by the cream of the crop of soulful talents – Willie Hutch, Hal Davis, Gene Page, Gloria Jones & Pamela Sawyer – but this is the Sisters Love show, and they shine brilliantly! Titles include the amazing "Fast Mack" (purportedly submitted for the soundtrack to The Mack – and it's funky enough!), "Communication", "Mr Fix-It Man", "You've Got My Mind", "Just A Little Understanding", "I'm Learning To Trust My Man", "Giving Up", "Do What You Gotta Do","You've Got To Make Your Choice", "Sweet Inspiration", "Give Me Your Love" and "Turn On Your Love Light". CD

Hard heavy southern soul – put together with a touch of genius! This is the kind of material you'd love to have one of your soul-collector friends compile on a tape for you – fantastic rare 45s with a sweet heavy sound, expertly selected so that the tunes build together to create a massive world of soul that you'd never be able to duplicate from your own record collection. The track list is fantastic – and features many lesser-known singers from the south, plus obscure material by a few more famous names. And none of this trainspotter crap, either – because all cuts are great, and not just on the set because they're rare! Titles include "I'll Try To Do Better" by Kim Tolliver, "Where Is My Baby" by Jimmy Lewis, "One Hurt Deserves Another" by The Fabulous Fiestas, "Unsatisfied Man" by Ebony Essence, "Mr. Independent" by Soul Twins, "You Sure Know How To Make A Man Feel Good" by Donald Height, "I Want To Come Home" by Arthur Freeman, and "When He Touches Me" by Gloria Jones. CD

An obscure soundtrack for a late blacksploitation film starring Ron O'Neal. The score isn't as great as some of the classics – but it does feature some nice moments by some of Capitol's bigger stars at the time. Clayton Ivey and Larry Mizell produced most of the cuts, and tracks include "Fortune" and "Jump Street" by Raul De Souza, "Distant" and "You're In Good Hands" by Taste Of Honey, "Golden Time Of Day" and "I Wish You Well" by Maze, and "Bring On The Love Again" by Gloria Jones. Also features 3 original tracks performed by Garfeel Ruff – "The Hitter", "Don't Count On Me", and "Street Hustlin". LP, Vinyl record album