One gal, three guys, and a sublime album of harmony soul – one of those fantastic early 70s sets from the Independents – a Chicago group we'd stack right up there next to the best from the east coast! Maurice in the title is Maurice Jackson – who'd earlier recorded the track "Lucky Fellow" – later done by Leroy Hutson, and recorded here by the group in a fantastic version too! Chuck in the title is Chuck Jackson, who co-produced the set with Marvin Yancey – an early effort from the soul production duo who'd later help Natalie Cole and others hit great fame – working here at the start of his career, to guide singers Helen Curry and Eric Thomas to great heights. The whole record is wonderful – a definite "cut above" harmony soul set with all the sophisticated styles that the Chicago scene had to offer at the start of the 70s – thanks also to arranging genius on the set from Richard Evans, Tom Tom Washington, and Floyd Morris. In addition to "Lucky Fellow", other titles include "It's All Over", "No Wind No Rain", "I Found Love On A Rainy Day", "The Same Old Way", "It's All Over", and "In The Valley Of My World". CD features three bonus tracks – "Let This Be A Lesson To You", and two versions of "Arise & Shine". CD

A masterpiece of soul from the Chicago scene of the early 70s – and a set that really opens up some of the more sophisticated styles that set the city's music apart from the rest! The group's got a harmony vocal approach, but set to much more far-reaching arrangements than some of the east coast work of a similar nature – kind of a post Chess/Cadet approach, with superb help from Tom Tom Washington, who really sends home the core efforts of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, who themselves would later go on to great production/arranging fame with other artists! The spirit is a lot like the best Chi-Lites material of the time – and titles include "Can't Understand It", "I Just Want To Be There", "Just As Long As You Need Me", "Baby I've Been Missing You", "I Love You Yes I Do", and "Couldn't Hear Nobody Say". CD features a bonus version of "I Love You Yes I Do". CD

Nearly 50 years African music from each corner of the continent – in celebration of 50 years of independents for the majority of the regions – with icons & legends and many more that are comparably unknown or yet to cast such a great shadow. It features material from the 60s through the 00s and tracks by Miriam Makeba, Mulatu, Cesaria Evora, Rail Band, Manu Dibango, Bembeya Jazz National, Orchestra Baobab, Salif Keita, Alpha Blondy, Angelique Kidjo, Amadou & Miriam, Mamadou Barry and many more. 50 tracks on 4CDs and comes with a nice booklet of notes & photos: "Pata Pata" by Miriam Makeba, "Yekermo Sew" by Mulatu, "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango, "Sodade" by Bonga, "Keme Bourema" by Balla Et Ses Balladins, "Behido" by Ernesto Djedje, "Cono" by Salif Keita, "Bamba" by Baaba Maal, "Batonga" by Angelique Kidjo, "Africa Five" by Mamadou Barry and many more. CD

Tracks include "Why Can't We Live Together" by Timmy Thomas, "Love Jones" by Brighter Side of Darkness", "Lonely Man" by The Chi-Lites, "Superfly" by Curtis Mayfield, "One Night Affair" by Jerry Butler, "World Is a Ghetto" by War, "Stir It Up" by Johnny Nash, "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)" by The Four Tops, "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" by First Choice, "Leaving Me" by The Independents, "Pillow Talk" by Sylvia, and "I'm Doin' Fine Now" by New York City. CD