- Play In
- You Are My Sunshine
- Satisfaction
- Night Life
- A Natural Woman
- Baby I Love You
- Feelgood
- Since You've Been Gone
- Good To Me As I Am To You
- I Never Loved A Man
- Chain Of Fools
- Soul Serenade
- Respect
- Play Out
- Interview
-
-
Disc 1 Disc 2 Joe S. Maxey Right On! Monk Higgins Ain't That Hateful Clarence Gatemouth Brown Summertime The Soul Runners Grits 'n' Corn Bread Beverly Pitts Just Some Soul Righteous Brothers Band Green Onions Perry & The Harmonics James Goes To Soulville Kase Trio Shug Hank Marr Marr's Groove Mark III Trio Blues For Elmer Lorenzo Holden The Wig The Pop-Ups Lurking The Limas Big Limas World Famous Upsetters Cabbage Greens Oliver Sain Jerk Loose Little Sonny The Mix Up Johnny Hammond Smith The Golden Thrush Watts 103rd Street Charley Junior Parker These Kind Of Blues (Pt. 2) Hank Marr White House Party Boss Sounds In The Midnight Hour The Triumphs Turn Out The Light Mark III Trio Good Grease Jamo Thomas Jamo's Soul Dino & The Dell-Tones Slapstick James Rivers Tighten Up Bash Brannigan Hunky Funky Four Gents Soul Sister The Blendells Get Your Baby The Premiers Get Your Baby The Corky Wilkie Band Something Swinging The Registers No Deposit No Return Leon & The Burners Whiplash Tom Douglas Haulin' Chuck Rowan Jerk Walk Merle Saunders Soul Roach Booker T & The MG's Bootleg/Green Onions Medley The Buena Vistas Hot Shot Merle Saunders How's That Rudy Robinson The Mustang The Nu-Trons Beat George Semper Collard Greens The Dukeys Sho-Nuf M.F. The Four Steps Same Old Beat Gaynel Hodge Follow the Fox Ramsey Lewis Trio Hang On, Sloopy E Rodney Jones R&B Time (Pt. 2) John Adams I Will Love You Johnny Talbot Never Make Your Baby Cry Ric-Tic House Band Agent Double-O-Soul Dave Bartholomew Wishbone Charlie Earland Yes-Suh! Leon & The Burners Crack Up Leon Haywood Soul On The Wild Child Down In The Chile World Famous Upsetters KP Sammie John Boss Bag Gentleman June Gardner Last Night Harold Battiste Jr How We Do It In New Orleans Eddie Bishop Call Me -
Sale!
DISC ONE- Edgar Hayes Fat Meat 'n' Greens
- Professor Longhair Tipitina
- Chris Powell Mambo Gunch
- Mose Allison The Seventh Son
- Ahmad Jamal Trio Poinciana
- Bill Doggett Hold It
- Ernie Freeman Live It Up
- Earl King Come On (Pts 1 & 2)
- Drits & Dravy Talk That Talk (Pt. 1)
- Ike & Tina Turner I Idolize You
- Jack McDuff Brother Jack
- James Brown And I Do Just What I Want
- Roy Montrell Mudd
- Sugar Pie DeSanto Can't Let You Go
- Al Robinson I'm Leaving You Today
- Earl King Trick Bag
- Eddie Bo Check Mr. Popeye
- The Isley Brothers Teach Me How To Shimmy
- Gino Parks Fire
- Joe 'Guitar' Morris The Git Back (Pt. 1)
- Prince La La She Put The Hurt On Me
- Stanley Turrentine Baia
- Fabulous Playboys Honkey Tonk Woman
- Vernon Harrel Slick Chick
- James Brown Mashed Potatoes U.S.A.
- Billy Stewart Fat Boy
- Jimmy Pace Stop My Heart From Crying
- Lee Dorsey People Gonna Talk
- Ernie K-Doe I Got To Find Somebody
- Marvin Gaye Hitch Hike
- Pistol Keep On Lovin' You
- Porgy & The Polka Dots Say Yeah
- Ray Johnson Soul City
- Shirley Raymond What a Wedding Day
- Fred Lowery Goodbye
- Spider Johnson Doin' The Popeye
- Huey 'Piano' Smith Talk To Me Baby
- Dolores Johnson What Kind Of Man Are You
- Turquinettes Tell Me The Truth
- Bob Bateman R B Special
- James Booker Big Nick
- Wallace Johnson Clap Your Hands
- Roosevelt Fountain Red Pepper (Pts 1 & 2)
- C. Davis Coolin' Out
- David Rockingham Trio Joy De Vie
- Bobby Mitchell You Got The Nerve
- James Brown I've Got Money
-
Out of stock
In a comprehensive overview from 1927 to 1963, History of Soul Records’ 8CD anthology covers the genesis of soul music, tracing connections between R&B, jazz and blues, and gospel, the secular and the sacred. As popular black musical genres were adopted by white teenage audiences in the 1950s, black music reverted to more authentic, basic styles. By 1960, the sound of black popular music had turned away from a driving, largely uptempo rhythm and blues towards a more emotionally poignant style. The term ‘soul’ popped up here and there, but only became common parlance after the release of Ray Charles’s I Believe To My Soul at the end of 1959.
The growing Civil Rights movement, the rise of the 45rpm record and the introduction of the electric guitar all played their part in the creation of a new sound. Detroit had Berry Gordy’s Motown, Chicago had Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions and New York had Atlantic Records along with white songwriters Burt Bacharach and Jerry Ragavoy producing their uptown soul. Down south, Stax was setting Memphis alight, Fame were starting up in Muscle Shoals, and New Orleans was putting funk into the mix. By 1963, soul had gone mainstream. There were more soulful records in the charts in 1962 alone than there had been in the whole of the 1950s.
This collection of breathtaking blues and spiritual music brings you some of the most impassioned, compelling vocal performances ever to be recorded. The accompanying illustrated 36-page book sets out the historical background and explains some of the technical features that make these beautiful songs the precursors of soul music.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
This one is a corker...every bit as epic as it sounds... It’s hard to know where to begin with such a monumental and thorough anthology – especially one as full of highlights as this
Lauren Laverne BBC 6 Music
Mammoth and magnificent anthology...While there can be no package large enough to represent all the players, Sacred To Secular has a worthy stab at it, excavating as close as possible to the core and acting both as a cultural document and an excellent crash course in one of music’s most epochal periods. Fiona Sturges Uncut
Embrace this journey through a lost era...the real thrill lies in discovering lesser names especially from the fringes of gospel, whose work is every bit as stirring Clive Davies Sunday Times
It’s common knowledge that soul developed largely from gospel; but that journey has never been as extensively mapped as on this eight-CD compilation 5 star review in The Independent
SOUL021 -
Disc 1 Disc 2 Joe S. Maxey Right On! Monk Higgins Ain't That Hateful Clarence Gatemouth Brown Summertime The Soul Runners Grits 'n' Corn Bread Beverly Pitts Just Some Soul Righteous Brothers Band Green Onions Perry & The Harmonics James Goes To Soulville Kase Trio Shug Hank Marr Marr's Groove Mark III Trio Blues For Elmer Lorenzo Holden The Wig The Pop-Ups Lurking The Limas Big Limas World Famous Upsetters Cabbage Greens Oliver Sain Jerk Loose Little Sonny The Mix Up Johnny Hammond Smith The Golden Thrush Watts 103rd Street Charley Junior Parker These Kind Of Blues (Pt. 2) Hank Marr White House Party Boss Sounds In The Midnight Hour The Triumphs Turn Out The Light Mark III Trio Good Grease Jamo Thomas Jamo's Soul Dino & The Dell-Tones Slapstick James Rivers Tighten Up Bash Brannigan Hunky Funky Four Gents Soul Sister The Blendells Get Your Baby The Premiers Get Your Baby The Corky Wilkie Band Something Swinging The Registers No Deposit No Return Leon & The Burners Whiplash Tom Douglas Haulin' Chuck Rowan Jerk Walk Merle Saunders Soul Roach Booker T & The MG's Bootleg/Green Onions Medley The Buena Vistas Hot Shot Merle Saunders How's That Rudy Robinson The Mustang The Nu-Trons Beat George Semper Collard Greens The Dukeys Sho-Nuf M.F. The Four Steps Same Old Beat Gaynel Hodge Follow the Fox Ramsey Lewis Trio Hang On, Sloopy E Rodney Jones R&B Time (Pt. 2) John Adams I Will Love You Johnny Talbot Never Make Your Baby Cry Ric-Tic House Band Agent Double-O-Soul Dave Bartholomew Wishbone Charlie Earland Yes-Suh! Leon & The Burners Crack Up Leon Haywood Soul On The Wild Child Down In The Chile World Famous Upsetters KP Sammie John Boss Bag Gentleman June Gardner Last Night Harold Battiste Jr How We Do It In New Orleans Eddie Bishop Call Me -
(shipped with booklets, slipcase and CD inlays but without jewel case for cheaper airmail and less problems with EU customs) Included on Disc One are four songs from a previously unreleased Home Of The Blues test tape from May 1961 – a real bonus to hear – all imbued with gospel fervour, the vital ingredient of solid soul. There are 20 additional previously unissued tracks & 17 related recordings by artists linked with the 5 Royales. These History of Soul releases are not your quickie PD issues as they have extensive notes by soul expert John Ridley, detailed discographies and loads of label shots and great photos. If you have the slightest interest in R&B, soul and the transition between the two, then you need some 5 Royales in your life. There are thirty-seven tracks on these three History of Soul ‘ Definitive 5 Royales’ 2CD sets that are not on the Rock Beat box set. Fred Rothwell Blues & Rhythm Although I own all their LP's I hadn't listened to the 5 Royales for quite some time. When I got your set I immediately put them on my CD player( the King sides first). I must confess you did an excellent job. The set is fantastic. The sound comes over clearly and the bass has profound depth almost more than on the original KING LP's. I never listened to them with more pleasure ever. Really fantastic. Atilla Oess SOUL025 -
(shipped with booklet & CD inlays but without jewel case for cheaper airmail and less problems with EU customs)
36 Page illustrated booklet.
By the beginning of 1963, African-American music in New Orleans was in flux. Its happy-go-lucky R & B sound was no longer guaranteed to hit the national charts. In short, the good times in the city had run out of steam. The major issue now was what sort of music to record in the wake of the “British Invasion”. The answer of course was “soul”. Until soul became the ubiquitous African-American musical style, the music that was recorded in the city was a Louisiana gumbo of blues, R & B, gospel, swamp pop, anything and everything that might sell a few records.
This set of CDs is the story of how one city, New Orleans, with its unique, proud and energetic history came to adopt soul music and how its music producers and arrangers came to utilise the styles of soul music being made in other cities of the US and to adapt them to the rhythms and approaches that made New Orleans so different to every other soul city USA.
These CDs are also a tribute to the little labels, whose sound became the heartbeat of the city, playing out onto the streets from jukeboxes, radio stations and mom-and-pop stores selling a few 45s as a sideline. Most of the tracks on these CDs have never been released since the day that the vinyl was first stamped. This is New Orleans African-American music at its most potent. The sound of the young of the city as they heard it and played it two generations ago. RANDB052 You could drop the coin on any disc at random hear something hot. Fred Rothwell Blues & Rhythm With this latest History Of Soul release, New Orleans music fans should be in seventh heaven. David Cole Soul Basement (shipped with booklet and CD inlays but without jewel case to cut down on foreign postage) -
Out of stock
Instrumentals Soul-Style? What do you mean Soul Instrumentals? How can an instrumental be soul? Hold on a minute - what's the line-up? James Brown, Ray Charles, Allen Toussaint, Junior Walker, Booker T & the MGs, King Curtis, Ike & Tina Turner. What have we got here? Club Sounds. A bit of funk, a Latin groove, a slow jazz walk, uptown dancers, late night smoochers. Instrumentals Soul-Style. Got it?
Now here’s a crackerjack of a compilation with a lot of relatively rare instrumentals of a soul bias alongside many genre classics. It’s February as I write these notes but already this must be a contender for best compilation of the year. Davy Peckett New Gandy Dancer
This is a wisely selected, carefully sequenced and beautifully presented collection of late 50s/early 60s instrumentals with a soulful feel and fronts an informative and attractive 28-page booklet. You’re really going to enjoy this. And the great thing is that apart from making several wonderful new finds, this is such a superb album for listening right through. Anyone who has any of the History of R&B or History of Soul label releases will be well aware of their quality and the care that goes into them and Instrumentals Soul-Style is a real gem for instrumental hounds – I love it! Alan Taylor Pipeline
SOUL012 Produced as CD-R (professionally manufactured recordable CD printed for short run) as opposed to CD-P (professionally manufactured pressed CDs made in quantities of 500+). All CDs whether CD-R or CD-P are 100% guaranteed error free. Discs will always be replaced if any problems are encountered. -
Sale!
DISC ONE
- Edgar Hayes Fat Meat 'n' Greens
- Professor Longhair Tipitina
- Chris Powell Mambo Gunch
- Mose Allison The Seventh Son
- Ahmad Jamal Trio Poinciana
- Bill Doggett Hold It
- Ernie Freeman Live It Up
- Earl King Come On (Pts 1 & 2)
- Drits & Dravy Talk That Talk (Pt. 1)
- Ike & Tina Turner I Idolize You
- Jack McDuff Brother Jack
- James Brown And I Do Just What I Want
- Roy Montrell Mudd
- Sugar Pie DeSanto Can't Let You Go
- Al Robinson I'm Leaving You Today
- Earl King Trick Bag
- Eddie Bo Check Mr. Popeye
- The Isley Brothers Teach Me How To Shimmy
- Gino Parks Fire
- Joe 'Guitar' Morris The Git Back (Pt. 1)
- Prince La La She Put The Hurt On Me
- Stanley Turrentine Baia
- Fabulous Playboys Honkey Tonk Woman
- Vernon Harrel Slick Chick
- James Brown Mashed Potatoes U.S.A.
- Billy Stewart Fat Boy
- Jimmy Pace Stop My Heart From Crying
- Lee Dorsey People Gonna Talk
- Ernie K-Doe I Got To Find Somebody
- Marvin Gaye Hitch Hike
- Pistol Keep On Lovin' You
- Porgy & The Polka Dots Say Yeah
- Ray Johnson Soul City
- Shirley Raymond What a Wedding Day
- Fred Lowery Goodbye
- Spider Johnson Doin' The Popeye
- Huey 'Piano' Smith Talk To Me Baby
- Dolores Johnson What Kind Of Man Are You
- Turquinettes Tell Me The Truth
- Bob Bateman R B Special
- James Booker Big Nick
- Wallace Johnson Clap Your Hands
- Roosevelt Fountain Red Pepper (Pts 1 & 2)
- C. Davis Coolin' Out
- David Rockingham Trio Joy De Vie
- Bobby Mitchell You Got The Nerve
- James Brown I've Got Money
-
Sale!
This box set is a companion piece to the 8CD set From Sacred To Secular: A Soul Awakening, which traced the history of soul music from its earliest antecedents in 1927 right up to the first true soul records released in 1962. Here we continue the story from 1962 up to the end of the decade, covering a large portion of soul music’s Golden Age with 100 tracks by soul’s greatest 60s superstars (from Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder) and a whole host of “lesser” names whose contribution to the musical genre shouldn’t be overlooked. The CDs cover all of soul’s many styles from early doo-wop and R&B influenced music to the funk grooves which were to prove so popular in the 70s. Other harbingers of the coming decade can be found here in the first sweet-soul Philly sounds from the Delfonics and Intruders, early funk rock (Sly & The Family Stone) and Chicago’s renaissance via Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions. But this Soul Chronology differs from almost every other soul selection in that all the tracks on it are taken from live performances rather than vinyl sources. These sounds are both more immediate and more personal than the records that may well be more familiar to listeners. The production values may be lower than original recordings due to the technological limitations of the period but in their place come the vibrancy of a live act, its intimacy and its raw impact, factors that don’t usually come through via vinyl or CD. And there is no place to hide in a live environment - the musicians and singers are able to show just how talented they were without any added tricks or enhancements that studio producers could offer. So if you want to know just how good the soul musicians and singers in the 60s really were, just check out these CDs. You may be amazed but you certainly won’t be disappointed! These compilation CDs are a true 'must have'…this indispensable music history document…belongs in the record collection of everyone who is fond of music. Rootstime This 4 CD set has been really good to hear. We are treated to the original artists at the top of their game…What better way to spend nearly six hours…A fine release. Keith Scoffham Blues & Rhythm -
24 page booklet by Keith Rylett including track by track annotation The sub-title of the set is the Definitive Falcons Collection – The Complete Recordings – and that’s just about right. This is the complete deal for Falcons fans! - Fred Rothwell Blues & Rhythm To this day, tracks come out on the Falcons that I had no idea existed. The last set I heard about managed to compile four CDs worth of various Falcons and Robert West recordings. We never see any money from these releases, but I figure there can’t be that many people looking to buy a four-CD box set on the Falcons, and putting together such a package can’t come cheap either. It’s good to know people still care. And I appreciate that Robert West has finally received some of the credit he deserves for all that he did for the Detroit music scene. - Eddie Floyd (from his biography My Life in Soul)Goodies abound across all four cds, whether flat-out group recordings or by way of guest appearances and/or the many collaborations...'I Found A Love' appears in a number of guises and I particularly liked the distaff treatment by Maxine Davis and the truly fervent rendition by the wailing Joe Woods (so good that the less than pristine reproduction couldn't spoil the enjoyment) - but you really have to put this release high up on your shopping list and listen for yourselves. - David Cole In The Basement
Mid 50s Detroit was a hotbed of teen talent, all aspiring to sign a recording contract, get famous and buy a big car. Scores of young black vocal groups practiced their harmonies in stairwells or under street lamps, dreaming that one day their time would come. The Falcons were one of these but because of their gospel background and thanks to the guiding influence of manager and mentor, Robert West, they went on to become the first soul group. Who knows: if Eddie Floyd, Mack Rice, Wilson Pickett/Joe Stubbs, Willie Schofield and Lance Finnie had stuck together, they may well have rivalled other Detroit super groups such as the Temptations and Four Tops for success.
This 4CD set brings together all known recordings by the original Falcons, along with alternate takes, guest appearances, cover versions and songs musically supervised or written by members of the group. Solo recordings by group members are also included from 1956 to 1963, the time they were recording together.
The set is also, in a sense, a history of soul itself, showing how the genre develops from its early stirrings in doo-wop, taking in R&B and gospel along the way and culminating in two of the very first records that can definitively be described as soul: the Wilson Pickett-led tracks Take This Love I've Got and I Found A Love, the first two tracks on this compilation.
SOUL020 -
Sale!
This box set is a companion piece to the 8CD set From Sacred To Secular: A Soul Awakening, which traced the history of soul music from its earliest antecedents in 1927 right up to the first true soul records released in 1962. Here we continue the story from 1962 up to the end of the decade, covering a large portion of soul music’s Golden Age with 100 tracks by soul’s greatest 60s superstars (from Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder) and a whole host of “lesser” names whose contribution to the musical genre shouldn’t be overlooked. The CDs cover all of soul’s many styles from early doo-wop and R&B influenced music to the funk grooves which were to prove so popular in the 70s. Other harbingers of the coming decade can be found here in the first sweet-soul Philly sounds from the Delfonics and Intruders, early funk rock (Sly & The Family Stone) and Chicago’s renaissance via Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions. But this Soul Chronology differs from almost every other soul selection in that all the tracks on it are taken from live performances rather than vinyl sources. These sounds are both more immediate and more personal than the records that may well be more familiar to listeners. The production values may be lower than original recordings due to the technological limitations of the period but in their place come the vibrancy of a live act, its intimacy and its raw impact, factors that don’t usually come through via vinyl or CD. And there is no place to hide in a live environment - the musicians and singers are able to show just how talented they were without any added tricks or enhancements that studio producers could offer. So if you want to know just how good the soul musicians and singers in the 60s really were, just check out these CDs. You may be amazed but you certainly won’t be disappointed! These compilation CDs are a true 'must have'…this indispensable music history document…belongs in the record collection of everyone who is fond of music. Rootstime This 4 CD set has been really good to hear. We are treated to the original artists at the top of their game…What better way to spend nearly six hours…A fine release. Keith Scoffham Blues & Rhythm
-
Out of stock
Nina Simone, Ray Charles, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Ike & Tina Turner, Isley Bros, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Bessie Smith. In a comprehensive overview from 1927 to 1960, History of Soul Records’ 10CD anthology covers the genesis of soul music, tracing connections between R&B, jazz and blues, and gospel, the secular and the sacred. As popular black musical genres were adopted by white teenage audiences in the 1950s, black music reverted to more authentic, basic styles. By 1960, the sound of black popular music had turned away from a driving, largely uptempo rhythm and blues towards a more emotionally poignant style. The term ‘soul’ popped up here and there, but only became common parlance after the release of Ray Charles’s I Believe To My Soul at the end of 1959. This collection of breathtaking blues and spiritual music brings you some of the most impassioned, compelling vocal performances ever to be recorded. The accompanying illustrated 48-page booklets set out the historical background and explain some of the technical features that make these beautiful songs the precursors of soul music. 281 tracks lovingly remastered.DISC ONE 1. Arizona Dranes - I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go 2. Bessie Smith - Moan You Moaners 3. Sister Mary Nelson - Judgement 4. Blind Mamie Forehand - Honey In The Rock 5. Luther Magby - Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit 6. Washington Phillips - Denomination Blues Pt. 1 7. Garfield Akers - Dough Roller Blues 8. Mitchells Christian Singers - Them Bones 9. Blind Willie Johnson - Church, I'm Fully Saved Today 10. Johnnie Temple - Louise Louise Blues 11. Mahalia Jackson - Oh My Lord 12. Rev Gary Davis - Cross And Evil Woman Blues 13. Golden Gate Quartet - Every Time I Feel The Spirit 14. Rev J.M. Gates - This Heart Of Mine Pt 1 15. The Wright Brothers - Gospel Train 16. Memphis Minnie - In My Girlish Days 17. The Charioteers - Wade In the Water 18. Ernestine B Washington - If I Could Just Make It In 19. The Southern Sons - When They Ring Golden Bells 20. The Dixie Hummingbirds - Book Of The Seven Seas 21. Sister Rosetta Tharpe - How Far from God 22. Georgia Peach - Here Am I Do Send Me 23. Mahalia Jackson - Move On Up A Little Higher 24. The Pilgrim Travelers - Good News 25. Georgia Peach - I’m Waiting For Jesus 26. Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Beams Of Heaven 27. Sister Mathews - Stand By Me 28. Ethel Davenport & Brownie McGhee - I'm Tired DISC TWO 1. Billy Wright - Stacked Deck 2. Bobby Bland - Crying All Night Long 3. Brother Joe May - Search Me Lord 4. Clara Ward - Just One Moment 5. Clara Ward - Salvation Is Free 6. Cora Martin - There's A Place 7. Dinah Washington - Good Daddy Blues 8. The Dominoes - Do Something For Me 9. Ernestine B Washington We Shall Walk The Valley 10. The Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi - He's My Rock 11. The Five Blind Boys - Jesus Traveled This Road 12. Goldia Haynes - This Old World 13. Jackson Gospel Singers - Heaven Bound Train 14. Jesse Mae Renfro - In That Home By And By 15. Little Esther - I'll Be There 16. Mahalia Jackson - Just Over The Hill 17. Marie Knight - I Thank You Jesus 18. Percy Mayfield - Please Send Me Someone To Love 19. The Pilgrim Travelers - Standing On The Highway 20. Prof J Earle Hines - How Sweet It Is 21. Reverend Samuel Kelsey - Little Boy 22. Roberta Martin Singers - Satisfied 23. Roy Brown - Dreaming Blues 24. Roy Brown - Love Don't Love Nobody 25. The Royales - Give Me One More Chance 26. Ruth Davis - When He Spoke 27. T-Bone Walker - Call It Stormy Monday 28. The Trumpeteers - Milky White Way 29. Wynona Carr - Lord Jesus DISC THREE 1. The Davis Sisters - Too Close To Heaven 2. The Larks - Honey In The Rock 3. Lula Reed - I'll Drown In My Tears 4. The Soul Stirrers - Peace In The Valley 5. Percy Mayfield - The River's Invitation 6. The Spirit Of Memphis Quartet - Here Am I Lord 7. Clara Ward - Come In The Room 8. Big Maybelle - Way Back Home 9. Professor J.Earle Hines - This Old Soul Of Mine 10. The "5" Royales - Baby, Don't Do It 11. Edna Gallmon Cooke - Somebody Touched Me 12. The Soul Stirrers - Just Another Day 13. Kitty Stevenson - I Shouldn't Cry But I Do 14. The Caravans - Tell The Angels 15. Marie Knight - Jesus Walk With Me 16. The Clovers - Fool, Fool, Fool 17. The Davis Sisters - Bye And Bye Pt 1 & 2 18. Lloyd Price - Lawdy Miss Clawdy 19. Dorothy Love Coates - I'm Sealed 20. Ray Charles - Misery In My Heart 21. Davis Sisters - Stand By Me 22. The Five Keys - Too Late Baby 23. The Dixie Hummingbirds - Trouble In My Way 24. Sister Jessie Mae Renfro - I Must Tell Jesus 25. Guitar Slim - Feelin' Sad 26. Swan's Silvertone Singers - He Won't Deny Me 27. Dorothy Love Coates - You Can't Hurry God 28. The Dominoes - Have Mercy Baby 29. Alex Bradford - Too Close To Heaven DISC FOUR 1. The Davis Sisters - I'm Tired 2. Dominoes - Move To Outskirts Of Town 3. The Caravans - Since I Met Jesus 4. The Colemanaires - Be Ready When He Comes 5. The Christian Travelers - Only A Pilgrim 6. The Drifters - Money Honey 7. The Soul Stirrers - Any Day Now 8. Mahalia Jackson - Walking To Jerusalem 9. Rev. Utah Smith - Two Wings 10. The Sunset Travellers - Yes, Yes, I've Done My Duty 11. Ray Charles - Don't You Know 12. Edna Gallmon Cooke - Build Me A Cabin 13. Rev. Anderson Johnson - God Don't Like It 14. LaVern Baker - Soul On Fire 15. Ruth Brown & The Drifters - Somebody Touched Me 16. Johnny Ace - Saving My Love For You 17. The Meditation Singers - I'm Determined 18. Dorothy Love Coates - No Hiding Place 19. The Pilgrim Travelers - I've Got A New Home 20. Little Richard - Ain't That Good News 21. Clara Ward - Faith That Moves Mountains 22. Little Milton - Lookin' For My Baby 23. The Caravans - Blessed And Brought Up By The Lord 24. Ray Charles - Sinner's Prayer 25. Guitar Slim - The Things That I Used To Do 26. The Midnighters - Don't Say Your Last Goodbye 27. The Staple Singers - Since He Lightened Heavy Load 28. The Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi - All Aboard DISC FIVE 1. Ray Charles - I've Got A Woman 2. The Caravans - The Angels Keep Watching 3. Jimmy Scott - Don't Cry Baby 4. Bobby "Blue" Bland - It's My Life, Baby 5. The Davis Sisters - Twelve Gates To The City 6. Big Maybelle - Ocean Of Tears 7. The Aladdins - Help Me 8. Little Richard - Directly From My Heart 9. B.B. King - Ten Long Years 10. Robert Anderson - Sweeter As The Days Go By 11. Nappy Brown - It's Really You 12. The Soul Stirrers - The Last Mile Of The Way 13. Ray Charles - Drown In My Own Tears 14. Little Willie John - Need Your Love So Bad 15. The Drifters - Honey Bee 16. The 5 Royales - Come On And Save Me 17. Jesse Belvin - Dear Heart 18. The Sheiks - So Fine 19. Aretha Franklin - Never Grow Old 20. Earl King - Those Lonely, Lonely Nights 21. Roberta Martin Singers - Saved 22. Ray Charles - Hallelujah I Love Her So 23. The Davis Sisters - He's My King 24. The Diablos - The Way You Dog Me Around 25. Earl Gaines - It's Love Baby (24 Hours a Day) 26. The Swan Silvertones - Jesus Brought Me/I Found Joy 27. Solomon Burke - I'm All Alone 28. Dorothy Love Coates - 99 And A Half DISC SIX 1. James Brown - Please, Please, Please 2. Aretha Franklin - While the Blood Runs Warm 3. Ann Cole - Easy Easy Baby 4. Little Willie John - Fever 5. 5 Blind Boys Mississippi - Save A Seat For Me 6. Ray Charles - Lonely Avenue 7. Dorothy Love Coates - That's Enough 8. Linda Hopkins - I Can't 9. The 5 Royales - Mine Forevermore 10. The Drifters - I Should Have Done Right 11. The Silver Quintette - Sinner's Crossroads 12. Big Maybelle - Pitiful 13. Billy Gayles - Let's Call It A Day 14. The Soul Stirrers - Wonderful 15. Nappy Brown - I Cried Like A Baby 16. Marie Knight - I Put My Trust In Thee 17. The Gardenias - Flaming Love 18. Wynona Carr - Should I Ever Love Again? 19. Ray Charles - Ain't That Love 20. The Soul Stirrers - Touch Hem Of His Garment 21. Bobby "Blue" Bland - Farther Up The Road 22. The Gum Drops - Natural Born Lover 23. The Staple Singers - Uncloudy Day 24. Gene Allison - You're My Baby 25. Billy Stewart - Billy's Blues, Part 2 26. The Sensational Nightingales - To The End 27. Little Joe Cook & The Thrillers - This I Know 28. The Highway QC's - Something On My Mind DISC SEVEN 1. Little Willie John - Love, Life And Money 2. Evelyn Freeman - Didn't It Rain 3. The Ramblers - Don't You Know 4. Bobby "Blue" Bland - Teach Me 5. Ray Charles - Talkin' 'bout You 6. The Soul Stirrers - Were You There? 7. James Brown - Hold My Baby's Hand 8. Howlin' Wolf - Sitting On Top Of The World 9. Nappy Brown - The Right Time 10. Hank Ballard - I'll Be Home Some Day 11. The Coasters - Young Blood 12. The Soul Stirrers - Be With Me Jesus 13. Ray Charles - What Kind Of Man Are You 14. Earl Connelly King - Every Whicha Kinda Way 15. Little Willie John - Uh Uh Baby 16. Mighty Gospel Giants - Jesus Will Meet Me 17. Bobby "Blue" Bland - I Smell Trouble 18. The Famous Ward Singers - I'm So Glad 19. Ray Charles - That's Enough 20. Judy Clay & The Drinkard Singers - That's Enough 21. Jackie Wilson - Come Back To Me 22. Harold Burrage - Satisfied 23. O.V. Wright - Sit Down And Rest Awhile 24. Gene Allison - You Can Make It If You Try 25. The Gospel Clefs - Steal Away To Jesus 26. Donnie Elbert - What Can I Do 27. Clyde McPhatter - Without Love 28. The 5 Royales - Think DISC EIGHT 1. The Caravans - The Lord Will Provide 2. Bobby "Blue" Bland - You Got Me 3. Sam Cooke - I'll Come Running Back To You 4. Jackie Wilson - Lonely Teardrops 5. Swan Silvertone Singers - Oh Mary Dont You Weep 6. Jerry Butler - For Your Precious Love 7. Ruth Brown - Why Me 8. Professor Alex Bradford - What Folks Say About Me 9. Little Willie John - Talk To Me 10. James Brown - Try Me 11. Marion Williams - Packin' Up 12. Ray Charles - Yes Indeed 13. Little Milton - That Will Never Do 14. The Drifters - Drip Drop 15. The High Tower Brothers - Come By Here 16. Gene Allison - Everything Will Be Alright 17. The Dells - What You Say Baby 18. Little Junior Parker - I’m Holding On 19. The Dixie Nightingales - I've Been Lifted 20. The 5 Royales - Tell The Truth 21. Evangelist 'Baby' Ballinger - So Glad 22. Briant Holland - Shock 23. Willie Mitchell - Tell It to Me Baby 24. Betty Everett - I'll Weep No More 25. Cleophus Robinson - I Can See So Much 26. Ray Charles - (Night Time Is) The Right Time 27. Bill Doggett - Hold It 28. The Gospel Chordettes - I Can't Believe It DISC NINE 1. The Isley Brothers - Shout (Pts 1 & 2) 2. The Soul Seekers - Something's Got A Hold Of Me 3. Barrett Strong - Money 4. The Sensational Wonders - Walk Around Me 5. The Meditation Singers - My Soul Looks Backs 6. The Falcons - You're So Fine 7. Sugar Pie DeSanto - I Want To Know 8. The Sunset Travelers - Lazerus 9. Big Jay McNeely - Something On Your Mind 10. The Highway QC's - Working On The Building 11. The Miracles - (You Can) Depend On Me 12. Ray Charles - What'd I Say (Pts 1 & 2) 13. Little Willie John - I'm Shakin' 14. The Antioch Temple Choir - Search My Heart 15. Eugene Church - Miami 16. Bobby "Blue" Bland - Someday 17. Donoman & The Lakettes - Here Comes The Fool 18. Hank Ballard - I Could Love You 19. Earl Gaines - Three Times Seven 20. James Brown - Good Good Lovin' 21. The Famous Ward Singers - My Traveling Shoes 22. Harold Burrage - Crying For My Baby 23. The Soul Stirrers - Stand By Me Father 24. Jackie Wilson - I'll Be Satisfied 25. The Staple Singers - Good News 26. The 5 Royales - Don't Let It Be In Vain 27. Major Lance - I've Got A Girl 28. 5 Blind Boys Mississippi - Where There's A Will DISC TEN 1. Ike & Tina Turner - A Fool In Love 2. The Miracles - Shop Around [regional version] 3. The Kelly Brothers - He's The Same Today 4. Mable John - Who Wouldn't Love A Man Like 5. Rufus & Carla - Cause I Love You 6. The Staple Singers - Will The Circle Be Unbroken 7. Earl King - Come On (Pts 1 & 2) 8. Sam Cooke - Tenderness 9. Singin' Sammy Ward - Who's The Fool DISC TEN 10. Mary Wells - Bye Bye Baby 11. Little Esther - Wild Child 12. Gary U.S. Bonds - New Orleans 13. The Top Notes - Say Yes 14. J.J. Barnes - My Love Came Tumbling Down 15. Al 'TNT' Braggs - I Don't Think I Can Make It 16. Bobby "Blue" Bland - I Pity The Fool 17. Jessie Hill - Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Pt 1) 18. The Drapers - Baby, One More Time DISC TEN 19. Bobby Marchan - There's Something On Your Mind 20. Donnie Elbert - I Beg Of You 21. James Brown - I'll Go Crazy 22. Jackie Wilson - You Better Know It 23. Ray Charles - I Believe To My Soul 24. The 5 Royales - I'm With You (extended) 25. Willie Wright & His Sparklers - Got a Feelin' 26. Nina Simone - Work Song 27. Swan Silvertone Singers - Singin' In My Soul -
As black popular music genres were adopted by white teenage audiences in the 1950s, there was a tendency for black music to revert to more authentic, basic styles. Towards the end of that decade, a new generation of black entrepreneurs sought to cash in on this trend by setting up innovative independent labels, which were to produce some of the best known names of twentieth century music such as Sam Cooke, Berry Gordy and Ray Charles. The growing civil rights movement, the rise of the 45rpm record and the electric guitar all played their part in the creation of a new sound. Part of the History of Soul series, the accompanying 32-page booklet sketches the historical background to a collection of exciting tracks from the 1950s and 60s.
SOUL010 -
Virtuoso blues guitarist Bobby Parker inspired John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page and many others yet it has taken 66 years since his recording debut for a proper compilation to be issued under his name. The one you all know, Watch your Step was played on stage by the Beatles in their Hamburg days who by their own admission, took its riff to fashion the opening to I Feel Fine. And let’s not forget Led Zeppelin’s Moby Dick, which borrowed that same riff. What a great soulful blues singer Bobby Parker was too. From his 1956 recording of Titanic, to 1969’s It's Hard But It's Fair, we present some unforgettable vocal performances plus guitar instrumentals that showcase his unique way of playing the blues. And there are some unreleased live performances from a radio show broadcast in 1995. Bobby Parker originals are hard to come by – apart from the hit Watch your Step, everything else is a valuable collector’s item. But this compilation brings them all together in one set and we can promise a treat in store for you. An excellent new 2CD compilation…offers the listener a deep dive into the legacy of a historically significant artist, meriting attention from anyone who can appreciate an organic fusion of blues, soul, a bit of doo-wop and prototypical rock…Bobby Parker’s timeless recordings still pulsate with personality, righteous energy, superb musicianship and soulful flair. If you don’t already know that fact firsthand, Soul Of The Blues is here to enlighten and entertain. Roger Wood Living Blues This is how all compilations should be done Dave Penny Blues & Rhythm This two-CD set – the first-ever compilation that focuses solely on his music – should change that. One listen, and you’ll be wondering why he flew under the radar for so long… Run, don’t walk, to buy this one. Bobby Parker was a treasure. This one’s going on my short list for historical album of the year, and, once you hear it, you’ll probably feel the same way, too. Marty Gunther Blues Blast Magazine (R&B Records) should be congratulated on putting together a comprehensive collection of hard to find material John Mitchell Blues In Britain All in all the 52 tracks here are a veritable treasure trove of wonderful music. And the presentation of the CD set is superb with a sumptuous booklet…I can’t recommend (it) strongly enough…The definitive Bobby Parker is a dream come true for fans like me – this is the best reissue CD of 2020 for sure. Don’t you dare miss it! John Ridley RANDB060 -
Out of stock
There was so much musical activity on the West Coast in the 50s and early 60s that even such a mighty compilation as this can only scratch the surface of black musical production from that part of the US. The vibrant West Coast recording scene was where musical trends started, national hits were made and the very musical tastes of the nation were being developed. This collection brings together a varied selection of artists and styles – blues, R & B, rock 'n' roll, doo wop, ballads, girl groups and more – from which soul emerged to be the dominant musical force of black America for the 60s and most of the 70s. It was Los Angeles that became the soul capital of the world as the 70s went on – more recordings were made there than in any other city. That's Where It's At! Part of the History of Soul series. The accompanying illustrated booklet is written by John Ridley.
'This set is a watershed of Tough urban Blues sounds that morphed into soul a couple of years later. Many of these sides are making their appearanve on disc for the first time & you will not be disappointed with the selection.' Bluebeat Review 2013 'Charlies Pick'
Soul 004,007 & 008.. The History of Soul Chronolgies 'This series is wonderful and a period in Soul Music that is earlier than I am familiar with ,the volumes that I have had so far have introduced me to some wonderful new tracks. The booklet with each volume is superb I have also featured many tracks on my weekly Soul and Funk show.' John Farrar 6 Towns Radio SOUL008 -
Sale!
Volume Three presents all their Apollo recordings together with a disc of "5" Royales 1960s cuts, curios and outtakes.
The "5" Royales were the very first group to merge secular and sacred musical influences into a coherent whole, laying down the future guidelines of soul music. These CDs contain some of the very best early soul and R&B ever recorded and the Royales' music still has the power and the passion to move us all. Long may it continue.
SOUL016 -
When the "5" Royales joined King in the spring of 1954 they were coming off a run of hits for Apollo that had made them the most successful R & B group in the US. The cuts represent artistically the most successful period of this great group's long career; it was during this time that they developed their classic style, merging secular and sacred musical influences into a coherent whole, and in the process, laying down the future guidelines of soul music. The music on these CDs contains some of the very best R&B ever recorded – and it still hits both the feet and the heart over 50 years after it was laid down.
Volume Two brings together all the singles they recorded for Ohio-based King Records during their six year stay from 1954 to 1960 together with several alternate takes and songs that remained unissued at the time. We're particularly pleased to include the legendary Good Looking Woman, which has never been heard since the New York session in 1954 when it was recorded.
SOUL015 -
The “5” Royales were one of the greatest of all the R & B groups. Their ground breaking sides for Apollo from 1951 – 55 are rightly highly regarded for being amongst the very first to marry the rhythms and instrumental stylings of the blues with the vocal fire of gospel music. This innovation was not just daring and controversial but also highly successful – the Royales had five top ten hits including two number ones in a very short space of time. SOUL014 -
Included on Disc One are four songs from a previously unreleased Home Of The Blues test tape from May 1961 – a real bonus to hear – all imbued with gospel fervour, the vital ingredient of solid soul. There are 20 additional previously unissued tracks & 17 related recordings by artists linked with the 5 Royales. These History of Soul releases are not your quickie PD issues as they have extensive notes by soul expert John Ridley, detailed discographies and loads of label shots and great photos. If you have the slightest interest in R&B, soul and the transition between the two, then you need some 5 Royales in your life. There are thirty-seven tracks on these three History of Soul ‘ Definitive 5 Royales’ 2CD sets that are not on the Rock Beat box set. Fred Rothwell Blues & Rhythm Although I own all their LP's I hadn't listened to the 5 Royales for quite some time. When I got your set I immediately put them on my CD player( the King sides first). I must confess you did an excellent job. The set is fantastic. The sound comes over clearly and the bass has profound depth almost more than on the original KING LP's. I never listened to them with more pleasure ever. Really fantastic. Atilla Oess SOUL025
-
The sub-title of the set is the Definitive Falcons Collection – The Complete Recordings – and that’s just about right. This is the complete deal for Falcons fans! Fred Rothwell Blues & Rhythm To this day, tracks come out on the Falcons that I had no idea existed. The last set I heard about managed to compile four CDs worth of various Falcons and Robert West recordings. We never see any money from these releases, but I figure there can’t be that many people looking to buy a four-CD box set on the Falcons, and putting together such a package can’t come cheap either. It’s good to know people still care. And I appreciate that Robert West has finally received some of the credit he deserves for all that he did for the Detroit music scene.
Eddie Floyd (from his biography My Life in Soul)
Goodies abound across all four cds, whether flat-out group recordings or by way of guest appearances and/or the many collaborations...'I Found A Love' appears in a number of guises and I particularly liked the distaff treatment by Maxine Davis and the truly fervent rendition by the wailing Joe Woods (so good that the less than pristine reproduction couldn't spoil the enjoyment) - but you really have to put this release high up on your shopping list and listen for yourselves. David Cole In The Basement
Mid 50s Detroit was a hotbed of teen talent, all aspiring to sign a recording contract, get famous and buy a big car. Scores of young black vocal groups practiced their harmonies in stairwells or under street lamps, dreaming that one day their time would come. The Falcons were one of these but because of their gospel background and thanks to the guiding influence of manager and mentor, Robert West, they went on to become the first soul group. Who knows: if Eddie Floyd, Mack Rice, Wilson Pickett/Joe Stubbs, Willie Schofield and Lance Finnie had stuck together, they may well have rivalled other Detroit super groups such as the Temptations and Four Tops for success.
This 4CD set brings together all known recordings by the original Falcons, along with alternate takes, guest appearances, cover versions and songs musically supervised or written by members of the group. Solo recordings by group members are also included from 1956 to 1963, the time they were recording together.
The set is also, in a sense, a history of soul itself, showing how the genre develops from its early stirrings in doo-wop, taking in R&B and gospel along the way and culminating in two of the very first records that can definitively be described as soul: the Wilson Pickett-led tracks Take This Love I've Got and I Found A Love, the first two tracks on this compilation.
SOUL020 -
By 1960, the sound of black popular music had turned away from a driving, largely uptempo rhythm and blues towards a more emotionally poignant style described at the time as secularised gospel. The term 'soul' popped up here and there, but only became common parlance after Ray Charles's I Believe To My Soul was released at the end of 1959. This compilation, part of the History of Soul series, brings together the finest tunes before soul went mainstream. We hope you will find the accompanying 28-page booklet interesting and informative.
SOUL011 -
Out of stock
'A perfect compilation, features familiar names & obscure artists who deserve their place in musical history,as educational as it is entertaining and is worth adding to your collection...I learned a lot from reading the liner notes. When I make some new discoveries, that's a real bonus.' Errol Nazareth, presenter on CBC, Canadian Broadcasting Company
SOUL009 -
Out of stock
'A perfect compilation, features familiar names & obscure artists who deserve their place in musical history,as educational as it is entertaining and is worth adding to your collection...I learned a lot from reading the liner notes. When I make some new discoveries, that's a real bonus.' Errol Nazareth, presenter on CBC, Canadian Broadcasting Company
SOUL007