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The Ladies Vol.3

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:24:42 +0000

Extra Inches: The Ladies Vol.3

Something a little different for a Tuesday, and why not? It’s all about the ladies this time round as we feature 14 tracks from the current crop of female magnificence. With cuts from the amazing forthcoming album from Esperanza Spalding to the deliciousness of Ntjam Rosie. 65 minutes that’ll make your ears say “Thank you” for keeping your eyes, and ears of course, on all things SoulandJazz.com. Enjoy!

Extra Inches
The Ladies Vol.3

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Maysa    Get Wit Me    Motions Of Love    2011
Alicia Myers    United We Stand    Peace Of Mind    2011
Debórah Bond    If I Didn’t Need You feat. Lewis Taylor    Madam Palindrome    2011
Esperanza Spalding    Crowned & Kissed (Zobler)    Radio Music Society
(Promo – March 19 UK/March 20 US)    2012
Crystal Johnson    Come Home    The Day Before Heaven    2011
April Caspari    Love Song    Something Beautiful    2011
Gretchen Parlato    All That I Can Say    The Lost & Found    2011
Lalah Hathaway    I’m Coming Back feat. Racelle Ferrell    Where It All Begins    2011
Milan Ring    Pay Day    Download    2011
Jennifer Hartswick    Liar    Ocean Floor    2011
Michon Young    Always Remember    Possessing The Promise    2011
Ntjam Rosie    Space Of You    Elle    2010
Nicci Canada    Attraction    Twenty Twelve    2011
Geila Zilkha    More    Appearance    2011

Extra Inches: SoulCuts Fat Sack

admin — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:02:51 +0000

Extra Inches – SoulCuts Fat Sack

25th December 2011

It’s a warm welcome to Santa Cutting aka @soulcuts, who has very kindly put together a wonderful 100 minutes show packed full of 23 Christmas songs that’ll make your holidays come alive. Not the usual suspects – and we say “Amen” to that. Download via the big orange button below and please be sure to have a wonderful time this holiday season.

As always, please feel free to get in touch with the man; he’ll be very happy to hear from you:
soulcuts@gmail.com. Thoughts, suggestions and lavish gifts are always well received. Right then. Enough nonsense. Let’s get down to business.

SoulCuts Fat Sack
25th December 2011

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Dj Jazzy Jeff & Ayah    Xmas Time    Download    2010
The Whispers    Funky Christmas    Happy Holidays To You    1979
Rahsaan Patterson    Wonderful Christmastime    The Ultimate Gift    2008
Luther Vandross    May Christmas Bring You Happiness    R&B Christmas Volume 1    2004
DeRobert & The Half-Truths    Christmas Kisses
G.E.D. Soul Records Super Soul Christmas    2011
Alexander O’Neal    Our First christmas    My Gift To You    1988
Ledisi    Be There For Christmas    It’s Christmas    2008
The Whispers    This Time Of Year    Happy Holidays To You    1979
Eugene Wilde    I Love Christmas    Christmas at SedSoul    2010
Al Green    What Christmas Means to Me    Trust In God/White Christmas    2002
The Revelations feat. Tre Williams    It’s Christmas Time    It’s That Time Of Year    2011
Donny Hathaway    This Christmas    A Donny Hathaway Collection    1990
Princess Freesia    Walkin’ In A Winter    Christmas Single    2011
Alexander O’Neal    Thank You For A Good Year    My Gift To You    1988
C. Robert Walker    On This Day    Christmas at SedSoul    2010
The Whispers    Happy Holidays To You    Happy Holidays To You    1979
Ledisi    Give Love On Christmas    It’s Christmas    2008
Luther Vandross    This Is Christmas    This Is Christmas    1995
Choklate    Christmas Time Again    Fah La La La La The Christmas EP    2011
Howard Hewett    That’s Christmas    Howard Hewett Christmas    2008
Rahsaan Patterson    Peace and Joy    The Ultimate Gift    2008
Brien Andrews & Kabanya Chemise    O Come Emmanuel    This Christmas    2011
José James    The Christmas Song    Download    2011

Extra Inches – The Music of Ola Onabule

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:26:23 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of of Ola Onabule

Being a big fan of Ola Onabule and whilst musing over his latest offering ‘Seven Shades Darker’ – excellent BTW, I thought it high time that we paid tribute to a man who I consider to be one of the best UK soul singers from over the last two decades. Strangely, Paul Cutting, aka @soulcuts, was thinking the same thing at the same time. The rest they say, is history. Several weeks later then, here are 16 tracks presented by Mr. Cutting – some familiar, some maybe not so, but continuuing with our 100% ‘Best of British’ guarantee of soul greatness. Download via the orange button below and allow us to show you why all of us at SoulandJazz.com hold Mr. Onabule in such high esteem. [BH]

Extra Inches
The Music of Ola Onabule

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Ola Onabule    It’s Never Over    From Meaning, Beyond Definition    1997
Ola Onabule    Changed    Ambitions for Deeper Breadth    2002
Ola Onabule    I’m Gonna Know You    Precious Libations For Silent Gods    1999
Ola Onabule    Who Are You    The Devoured Man    2007
Ola Onabule    Soul Town    In Emergency, Brake Silence    2004
Ola Onabule    Wonderful Feeling    Ambitions for Deeper Breadth    2002
Ola Onabule    Closer    Ambitions for Deeper Breadth    2002
Ola Onabule    Don’t Live In Anger    From Meaning, Beyond Definition    1997
Ola Onabule    You’d Better Believe    More Soul Than Sense    1995
Ola Onabule    Heart Of Lead    In Emergency, Brake Silence    2004
Ola Onabule    You Summarise    From Meaning, Beyond Definition    1997
Ola Onabule    Never Alone    Precious Libations For Silent Gods    1999
Ola Onabule    Stay Here Forever    Precious Libations For Silent Gods    1999
Ola Onabule    Let Love Alone    Seven Shades Darker    2011
Ola Onabule    Be A Man    Seven Shades Darker    2011
Ola Onabule    Every Prey    Seven Shades Darker    2011

Extra Inches – The Music of Light Of The World, Incognito & Beggar & Co.

admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:04:09 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of Light Of The World, Incognito & Beggar & Co.

My thoughts on Bluey are well documented and my deisre to see him recognised by The Queen for services to music is unequivocal – an OBE would be a very nice way to start 2012. That being said, he and the chaps all started out together back in the late 70’s as part of Light Of The World, which over the years has spawned many offsprings. LOTW remain but over the last 30 years Incognito and Beggar & Co. have developed their own identity as well and between all three have made some quite magical music.

Here then are 14 tracks – some familiar, some maybe not so, but all have a 100% ‘Best of British’ guarantee of Jazz-Funk greatness. Download via the orange button below and allow us to love, love, love your ears. [BH]

Extra Inches
The Music of Light Of The World, Incognito & Beggar & Co.

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Light Of The World    Swingin’    Light Of The World    1979
Light Of The World    Pete’s Crusade    Round Trip    1980
Incognito    Closer To The Feeling    Tribes, Vibes And Scribes    1992
Light Of The World    No. 1 Girl    Check Us Out    1982
Incognito    Shine On    Jazz-Funk    1981
Beggar & Co.    Niija    The Legacy    2011
Light Of The World    Ride The Love Train    Check Us Out    1982
Beggar & Co.    Somebody Help Me Out    Monument    1981
Light Of The World    Famous Faces    Check Us Out    1982
Incognito    Promise You The Moon    Inside Life    1991
Light Of The World    Time    Remixed    1981
Incognito    Cada Dia (Day By Day)    Who Needs Love    2002
Light Of The World    The Boys In Blue    12″ Single    1980
Beggar & Co.    Makin’ Music    The Legacy    2011

Extra Inches – The Music of The Brothers Johnson

admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of The Brothers Johnson

Given the impetus we’re experiencing currently, it just doesn’t feel right to let any day go pass without another new show being added to our roster as we head towards the imminent launch of SoulandJazz.FM. So, with that being said, what a pleasure to put together another fantastic hour of music from one of my favourite groups ever – The Brothers Johnson. 14 cuts from seven albums which highlights their marvellous contribution over two decades. You’ll know many of the tracks but some, maybe not. The good news is that they’re put together here as testament to the magic of the brothers and especially for you to enjoy.

Extra Inches
The Music of The Brothers Johnson

Artist – Track – Album – Year

The Brothers Johnson    Caught Up    Winners    1981
The Brothers Johnson    Tokyo    Out Of Control    1984
The Brothers Johnson    Ain’t We Funkin’ Now    Blam!!    1978
The Brothers Johnson    Strawberry Letter #23    Right On Time    1977
The Brothers Johnson    This Had To Be    Light Up The Night    1980
The Brothers Johnson    The Real Thing    Winners    1981
The Brothers Johnson    Light Up The Night    Light Up The Night    1980
The Brothers Johnson    Q’    Right On Time    1977
The Brothers Johnson    Brother Man    Right On Time    1977
The Brothers Johnson    We Must Be In Love    Kickin’    1988
The Brothers Johnson    You Keep Me Coming Back    Out Of Control    1984
The Brothers Johnson    Stomp!    Light Up The Night    1980

Extra Inches – The Music of Bobby Womack

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:49:36 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of Bobby Womack

The question I got asked in the summer was just when were we going to get round to paying homage to one of the greatest living soul legends of our time – Bobby Womack? I know, I know. It’s been far too long. Well, you have to wait not a moment longer as we are proud to present a collaborative one-hour show highlighting 14 memorable moments from the great man. Collaborative in the sense that Chris Wells, the Editor of Echoes Magazine, has thrown many suggestions my way with regards to tracks that “You couldn’t possibly leave out”. Well, sadly, some did have to make way, but they’ll be good for Volume 2! I won’t get into a blow-by-blow account of each track, but needless to say, when you hear a retropspective such as this, you’ll wonder how radio continues to ignore the work of such genius. When people talk about Wonder, Gaye, Hathaway and Mayfield, I have to say that Womack should never be excluded from that list either. Take a listen and you’ll understand why. Enjoy!

Extra Inches
The Music of Bobby Womack

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Bobby Womack    Something For My Head    Home Is Where The Heart Is    1976
Bobby Womack    Trust Your Heart (Extended Version)
Leon Ware & Friends (Orig’ – Pieces 1978)    2009
Wilton Felder    Inherit The Wind feat. Bobby Womack    Original 12″ Mix    1980
Bobby Womack    Daylight    Safety Zone    1975
Bobby Womack    You’re Welcome, Stop On By    Lookin’ For A Love Again    1973
Bobby Womack    Surprise, Surprise    The Poet II    1984
Bobby Womack    So Many Sides Of You    The Poet    1981
Bobby Womack    If You Want My Love, Put Something Down On It
I Don’t Know What The World Is Coming To    1975
Bobby Womack    Caught Up In The Middle    Pieces    1978
Bobby Womack    I Wish He Didn’t Trust Me So Much    So Many Rivers    1985
Bobby Womack    I Don’t Wanna Be Hurt By Ya’ Love Again
Lookin’ For A Love Again    1973
Bobby Womack    Doing It My Way    Lookin’ For A Love Again    1973
Bobby Womack    How Could You Break My Heart    Roads Of Life    1979
Bobby Womack    Tell Me Why    The Poet II    1984

Extra Inches – The Music of Dayton, Ohio Vol.2

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:15:22 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of Dayton, Ohio Vol.2

The first time we highlighted the music of Dayton, Ohio was back in June 2010. Much music has flowed under the Studio Two bridge since then so it’s high-time we revisited one of the most soulful and funky city’s in America. Added to the wonderful list of luminaries this time round are the UWF All-Stars featuring Roger Troutman from back in 1999. Charlie Wilson didn’t sound too bad on this track either. So – Heatwave, Slave, Steve Arrington’s Hall of Fame, Dayton, Sun, Lakeside, The Ohio Players and Wood, Brass & Steel get their groove on in no uncertain fashion. Hit the big orange download button and make your day feel magnificent. 62 minutes in CD quality. Sounds good, eh?

Extra Inches
The Music of Dayton, Ohio Vol.2

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Sun    They’re Calling For More    Wanna Make Love    1976
Dayton    Eyes On You    Dayton    1980
The Ohio Players    O-H-I-O    Angel    1977
Heatwave    Big Guns    Current    1982
Wood, Brass & Steel    Always There    Wood, Brass & Steel    1976
The Ohio Players    Skin Tight    Skin Tight    1974
Slave    Slide    Slave    1977
Sun    Sun Is Here    Sunburn    1978
UWF All Stars feat. Roger Troutman    Nuthin But A Party    United We Funk    1999
Steve Arrington’s Hall Of Fame    Weak At The Knees    1    1983
Lakeside    Fantastic Voyage    Fantastic Voyage    1980

Extra Inches – The Music of Rahsaan Patterson

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:42:04 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of Rahsaan Patterson

I’ve been a fan of Rahsaan Patterson since, well, the first time I got to hear him back in 1994 when he guested with Colour Club. His solo career as a singer really sparked to life a few years later and the rest they say, is history. To these ears then he’s been making great music for seventeen years and in ‘Love In Stereo’ one of my top ten albums ever – ‘It Ain’t Love’? I rest my case. On offer here are thirteen tracks from nine different albums and not all solo projects either. Collobarations with Mikelyn Roderick and Steve Harvey show his ease at working with like-minded people. The problem here was what made the cut first time round. Not easy. He’s incredibly talented, a smashing fella and a man I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many times. I look forward to the next time. For the moment though, I hope you like the first pick. [BH]

Extra Inches
The Music of Rahsaan Patterson

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Rahsaan Patterson    So Fine    Rahsaan Patterson    1997
Steve Harvey    That’s The Way feat. Rahsaan Patterson
The Everyday People Project    2006
Rahsaan Patterson    The One For Me    After Hours    2004
Rahsaan Patterson    The Day    Love In Stereo    1999
Rahsaan Patterson    Street Life    Hoodlum OST    1997
Colour Club    Chicago feat. Rahsaan Patterson    Colour Club    1994
Rahsaan Patterson    Come Over    Rahsaan Patterson    1997
Rahsaan Patterson    Feels Good    Wines & Spirits    2007
Mikelyn Roderick    If Your Really Love Me feat. Rahsaan Patterson    Copasetic Is    2007
Rahsaan Patterson    Crazy    Bleuphoria    2011
Rahsaan Patterson    Humor    Love In Stereo    1999
Rahsaan Patterson    April’s Kiss    After Hours    2004
Rahsaan Patterson    It Ain’t Love    Love In Stereo    1999

Extra Inches – Decades: The 1970’s Vol.6

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:40:14 +0000

Extra Inches – Decades: The 1970’s Vol.6

I went to bed on Monday night not knowing what I would record today – Tuesday, October 5. I came down into the office this morning and saw the ‘Disco Gold’ CD lookiing at me. It all became clear. More adventures from the 70’s ensued and twelve magnificently varied tracks are to be found in this sixty-three minute edition that’ll make your day sound brighter. The playlist is below but you’ll need to download for the Bobby Shad track alone. Is this where Sunlightsquare got their inspiration for their forthcoming album? A sixty-five piece band? Don’t be ridiculous! But it sounds incredible nearly 40 years on and for that visionary moment we should be grateful.

Volume 7 will be here before you know it, but for now, enjoy the moment. [BH]

Extra Inches
Decades: The 1970’s Vol.6

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Bobby Shad & the Bad Men    I Want You Back    Bobby Shad & the Bad Men    1973
Earth, Wind & Fire    Diana    Luxury Soul (Orig’ outtake from ‘I Am’ 1979)    2011
The 3 Pieces    I Need You Girl    Vibes Of Truth    1975
Clarence Smith    Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
Whatever Happened To Love    1973
Patti Jo    Ain’t No Love Lost
Manhattan Soul – Scepter, Wand & Musicor (Orig; 7″ Single 1972)    2011
James Mason    Funny Girl    Rhythm Of Life    1977
Splendor    Special Lady    Luxury Soul (Orig’ from ‘Splendor’ 1979)    1977
Harvey Mason    What’s Going On    Funk In A Mason Jar    1977
Ronnie Laws    Love Is Here    Flame    1977
Ted Taylor    Ghetto Disco
Norman Jay MBE Presents Good Times 30th Anniversary Edition (Orig’ 12″ Single 1977)    2011
The Independents    I Love You, Yes I Do
Disco Gold (Orig; from ‘The First Time We Met’ 1972)    2011
Peter Brown    Do You Wanna Get Funky With Me    A Fantasy Love Affair    1977

Extra Inches – The Music of SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records) Vol.2

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:31:02 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records) Vol.2

Well, it might have taken two years to follow up Volume 1 but who’s counting? What we can be sure of though is that if you liked the first sixty minutes then you’ll feel very at home with the second edition. SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records) – a label with a relatively small roster of artists, so expect to hear more from Shalamar, The Whispers, Midnight Star, Collage, Lakeside and Dynasty. It had me groovin’ in the late 70’s and well into the 80’s and funnily enough even now in 2011 I felt myself testing the carpet in Studio Two! A sight to behold. Enjoy! [BH]

Extra Inches
The Music of SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records) Vol.2

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Shalamar    Take That To The Bank    Original 12″ Mix (Album – Disco Gardens)    1978
Dynasty    Groove Control    Adventures In The Land Of Music    1980
The Whispers    I Can Make It Better    Imagination    1980
Midnight Star    Playmates    No Parking On The Dance Floor    1983
Midnight Star    Open Up To Love    Standing Together    1981
The Whispers    Love Is Where You Find It    Love Is Where You Find It    1982
The Whispers    Cruisin’ In    Love Is Where You Find It    1982
Collage    Winners And Losers    Shine The Light    1985
Shalamar    Over And Over    The Look    1983
Lakeside    Something About That Woman    Your Wish Is My Command    1981
Dynasty    Love In The Fast Lane    The Second Adventure    1981
Midnight Star    Wet My Whistle    No Parking On The Dance Floor    1983

Extra Inches – The Music of Ledisi & Friends Vol.1

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:20:01 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of Ledisi & Friends Vol.1

Ledisi’s visit this week to London inspired me to give her music more than a passing thought today. Obviously, a lot of folk have been getting wiser to this lady more recently. Fact of the matter is, she’s been at it since the late 90’s. Overnight sensation? There’s no such thing. Personally, I love her earlier work with far more emphasis on jazz than of late. That being said, here collaborations and catalogue thus far is nothing less than magnificent and as way of tribute, here’s thirteen tracks taken from twelve albums that give a marvellous overview of one of the finest female vocalists in the world today. Volume 2 won’t be too far behind. [BH]

Extra Inches
The Music of Ledisi & Friends Vol.1

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Ledisi    Get Outta My Kitchen    Soulsinger    1999
Ledisi    Get To Know You    Lost & Found    2007
Petalpusher feat. Ledisi    Breakin’ It Down (Jay’s Naked Vocal)
Nude Dimensions Vol. 1 – The Petalpusher Session    1999
Ledisi    Land Of The Free    Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue    2001
Trombone Shorty feat. Ledisi    Then There Was You    For True    2011
Ledisi    Devotion    Interpretations – Celebrating The Music Of Earth, Wind & Fire    2007
Ledisi    Happy Feelin’s    An All-Star Tribute To Maze    2009
Maysa feat. Ledisi    Scat World    Smooth Sailin’    2004
Poncho Sanchez feat. Ledisi    Going Back To New Orleans    Latin Spirits    2001
Sergio Mendes feat. Ledisi    Waters Of March    Encanto    2008
Ledisi    I Gotta Get To You    Pieces Of Me    2011
Ledisi    Say No    Turn Me Loose    2009
Ledisi    Autumn Leaves    Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue    2001

Extra Inches – The Music of Raphael Saadiq & Tony Toni Toné

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:37:54 +0000

Extra Inches – The Music of Raphael Saadiq & Tony Toni Toné

It occurred to me recently, whilst listening to Tony Toni Toné’s ‘House Of Music’ just how much I love that album. For that reason alone I thought that a feature on the music of Raphael Saadiq along with bands he has been synonymous with: the Tonys and Lucy Pearl, would be a marvellous idea. Covering over three decades then, here’s a fourteen track ‘Selection’ from eight albums that drip with pure soul and funk. From the killer cut from ‘The Way I See It ‘ with Stevie back in 2008 to adventures with D’Angelo and Q-Tip in 2002 and 1999 respectively.

On a personal note, I think Rafael Saadiq is one of the most important figures in soul music currently and as a solo artist has that career defining album still to come. He’s dabbled with the retro sound recently but it’ll be even more interesting to see what’s coming next. [BH]

Extra Inches
The Music of Raphael Saadiq & Tony Toni Toné

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Raphael Saadiq    Never Give You Up    The Way I See It    2008
Raphael Saadiq    Faithful    Instant Vintage    2002
Lucy Pearl    They Can’t    Lucy Pearl    2000
Tony Toni Toné    Anniversary    Sons Of Soul    1993
Tony Toni Toné    It Never Rains (In Southern California)    The Revival    1990
Tony Toni Toné    Holy Smokes & Gee Whiz    House Of Music    1996
Lucy Pearl    Don’t Mess With My Man    Lucy Pearl    2000
Tony Toni Toné    Let’s Get Down    House Of Music    1996
Raphael Saadiq    Moving Down The Line    Stone Rollin’    2011
Raphael Saadiq & D’Angelo    Be Here    Instant Vintage    2002
Raphael Saadiq    Skyy, Can You Feel Me    Instant Vintage    2002
Tony Toni Toné    Lovin’ You    House Of Music    1996
Raphael Saadiq & Q-Tip    Get Involved    The PJ’s (OST)    1999

Extra Inches: The Music of The Average White Band & Friends (1973-1980)

admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:48:57 +0000

Extra Inches: The Music of The Average White Band & Friends (1973-1980)

I’ll leave it to true music historians to tell the whole tale of the most soulful and funk driven band ever to come out of Scotland: The Average White Band or AWB as they’re more affectionately referred to. On offer today are thirteen wonderful tracks coming from a magical eight year period: 1973 -1980. Some of my personal favourites are there – obviously, but more than that, a true reflection of accomplished writing, production and the truly unique vocal delivery of Hamish Stuart especially. Sixty-two minutes of great memories that I urge you to recommend. Great music needs to be heard…however old it might be. Enjoy! [BH]

Extra Inches
The Music of The Average White Band & Friends (1973-1980)

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Average White Band    Pick Up The Pieces    AWB    1974
Average White Band    The Price Of A Dream    Warmer Communication    1978
Average White Band    Person To Person    Person To Person    1976
Average White Band    The Jugglers    Show Your Hand    1973
Average White Band with Ben E. King    A Star In The Ghetto    Benny & Us    1977
Average White Band    Got The Love    AWB    1974
Niteflyte (Feat. Howard Johnson, Hamish Stuart, David Sanborn and Phyllis Hyman)
If You Want It    Niteflyte    1979
Average White Band    Atlantic Avenue    Feel No Fret    1979
Average White Band    She’s A Dream    Warmer Communication    1978
Average White Band    Work To Do    AWB    1974
Average White Band    Cut The Cake    Cut The Cake    1975
Average White Band    Queen Of My Soul    Soul Searching    1976
Average White Band    Let’s Go Round Again    Original 12″ Mix (From album ‘Shine’)    1980

Extra Inches: The Music of Ashford & Simpson

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:16:27 +0000

Extra Inches: The Music of Ashford & Simpson

August 22 was a sad day when Nick Ashford passed – one half of the fine songwriting and artist duo Ashford & Simpson. Here then to celebrate and acknowledge his life is a twelve track ‘Selection’ which whilst highlighting their work as artists barely touches the surface of the group’s influence over four decades. The music here stems generally from a considered ‘golden period’ between 1973 -1984 and sees tracks taken from eight albums. Coming in at sixty-six minutes, download and enjoy the wonderful vocal and writing talents of Nick and Valerie. The music lives on, and for that we should be thankful.

Extra Inches
The Music of Ashford & Simpson

Track – Album – Year

Have You Ever Tried It    Gimme Something Real    1973
(I’d Know You) Anywhere    Gimme Something Real    1973
Somebody Told A Lie    Come As You Are    1976
Send It    Send It    1977
Top Of The Stairs    Send It    1977
It Seems To Hang On    Is It Still Good To Ya    1978
Stay Free    Stay Free    1979
Found A Cure    Stay Free    1979
Love Don’t Make It Right    A Musical Affair    1980
Street Corner    Street Opera    1982
Solid    Solid    1984
Bourgié Bourgié    The Warner Brothers Years: Hits Remixes & Rarities    2008

Extra Inches: Desert Island Discs

admin — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:15:39 +0000

Extra Inches: Desert Island Discs

So here’s the first in the series of our very own Desert Island Discs. Over the next twelve months we’ll be talking to The Band members and to various guest artists who’ll be giving us sixty-minutes of music that they would consider essential if they were to be marooned on some far-flung outpost. The only luxury they would be allowed would be their albums and CD’s – no iPods! Being his birthday and all, BH steps up to the plate for the inaugural set with what we hope you’ll find an interesting ‘Selection’. Oh, and by the way, there’s no playlist just yet. Just download and enjoy a few surprises. In SoulandJazz.com we trust!

Extra Inches
Desert Island Discs – Brian Hurst

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Extra Inches: 2010 Vol.4

admin — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:20:48 +0000

Extra Inches: 2010 Vol.4

An early gift from us to you!

Welcome to the final Extra Inches podcast for 2010. Thirteen tracks are on offer which take a close look at the music that’s hot now and tracks that are warming up nicely for 2011.

Albums that arrived late this year included excellent new offerings from Frank McComb, Deborah Jordan and John Stoddart. There was great Jazz work out of Japan from Native plus from earlier in the year Holland’s Jazzinvaders and also a Danish lady by the name of Annekei whose name is new to me but one that you may well hear much more of. The AnnEmotion track is mesmerising and is produced by Lee Ritenour.

Names to watch our for next year include the Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra., LeNora Jaye, Mister Barrington, Somaji and Victoira Urusova. They all have new sets coming at various stages in 2011 and included here is a taster from all of them. After hearing these I think you’ll understand why we remain totally convinced that the forthcoming twelve months will be as wonderful as the last.

Finally, special mention to Tom Glide & The Luv All Stars whose album In The Name Of Luv was just about the strongest album this year; incredible. From it the choice track Love Is Coming Up but fresh for 2011, one of seven remixes about to become available. The version featured here is by Soul in One. You’ll love it.

Happy Holidays.

Enjoy!

Extra Inches
2010 Vol.4

Artist – Track – Album – Year

The Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra   Mystery (John Morales M&M Mix)   12” Single   2010
LeNora Jaye   Always Get Away   The Story   2010
Frank McComb   Jealousy & Envy   A New Beginning   2010
Tom Glide & The Luv All Stars   Love Is Comin’ Up (Soul In One Remix)   In The Name Of Luv   2010
John Stoddart   More Than You And Me   Faith, Hope, Love   2010
Deborah Jordan   What You See   What You See   2011
Mister Barrington   Wrong Number!   Promo   2011
Native   Dragon Jump   Possibility   2010
Jazzinvaders   Sunchaser   3   2010
Victoria Urusova   Just One Word   Interlace   2010
Jazzinvaders   My Sun   3   2010
Annekei   AnnEmotion   Touch   2010
Somaji   Sonshine   Download   2010

Extra Inches: The Music of Maze feat. Frankie Beverly (1977-1985)

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:33:06 +0000

Extra Inches: The Music of Maze feat. Frankie Beverly (1977-1985)

Thanks to the diligence of Mike Batey, who reminded me it was Frankie Beverly’s 64th birthday earlier this week, the suggestion came along that I should do a feature on the great man and his merry men – and probably not before time too!

So, here you have a ten track ‘Selection’ that takes a look back at some of the magical years that Maze spent on Capitol Records, from their debut in 1977 through to one of Soul’s landmark albums from the 1980’s – 1985’s Can’t Stop The Love. I won’t go into track details here and the reason for that is simple: generally, you know to a certain extent their sound and Twilight apart (although not featured here), the songs featured are those that so many have loved across the decades. Albums like the aforementioned Can’t Stop The Love and We Are One have stood the test of time beautifully and their healthy representation here are testament to that fact.

I wasn’t a big Maze fan when I was a teenager but from my early twenty’s I got it – and now even more so, I appreciate just what an institution Maze featuring Frankie Beverly became, and thankfully still are.

A belated Happy Birthday to Mr. Beverly – and a thank you for the music.

Extra Inches
The Music of Maze feat. Frankie Beverly (1977-1985)

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   Happy Feelin’s   Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   1977
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   Golden Time Of Day   Golden Time Of Day   1978
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   Joy And Pain   Joy And Pain   1980
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   Southern Girl   Live In New Orleans   1981
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   Back In Stride   Can’t Stop The Love   1985
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   Right On Time   We Are One   1983
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   Too Many Games   Can’t Stop The Love   1985
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   We Are One   We Are One   1983
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   Can’t Stop The Love   Can’t Stop The Love   1985
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly   I Wish You Well   Golden Time Of Day   1978

Extra Inches: 2010 Vol.3

admin — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:25:42 +0000

Extra Inches: 2010 Vol.3

As 2010 winds down it’s really good to see such great music still bubbling to the surface and just asking to be played. No problems. We’ve got just the right show to slot it all into and for sixty minutes allow us to share twelve such fantastic tracks with you.

New names bring great promise for the future: Milton Suggs, Chris Turner and Gregory Porter are but three who excel here along with more established names like Incognito, Eric Benet – with a corker alongside Ledisi from his new album ‘Lost In Time’ and the return of Freddie Jackson with a cut from his ‘For You’ set. Watch out for the UK’s Soul Talk and JD 73 with killer cuts from their latest projects, plus Israel’s Funk ’n’ Stein’ with a cut from the new Soul Unsigned ‘Funky Mission’ collection – music you most certainly won’t hear at the next Bar Mitzvah you attend. Lest we forget, there’s also Rasmus Faber, Miguel Migs and the incredible work of Mr. Tom Glide and The Luv All Stars from his ‘In the Name Of Luv’ album. 12 killers, no fillers!

Stereo, not stereotypical™

Enjoy!

Extra Inches
2010 Vol.3

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Milton Suggs   Hope   Things To Come   2010
Chris Turner   Liquid Love   Download   2010
Funk’n'Stein   All Day Long   Funky Mission   2010
Soul Talk   Loving You   Soul Talk   2010
Rasmus Faber feat. Dyanna Fearon   Yes   Download   2010
Eric Benet feat. Ledisi   Good Life   Lost In Time   2010
Freddie Jackson   Say Yea   For You    2010
Tom Glide & The Luv All Stars   Love Me Like U Do   In The Name Of Luv   2010
Miguel Migs feat. Peven Everett   Love We Had   Promo    2010
JD73   Sweet Stuff   Pure Gold   2010
Incognito feat. Mario Biondi   Can’t Get Enough   Transatlantic RPM   2010
Gregory Porter   1960 What?   Water   2010

Extra Inches: The Music of Roy Ayers (1974-1978)

admin — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:25:06 +0000

Extra Inches: The Music of Roy Ayers (1974-1978)

As promised, here’s the second instalment from the vibes legend that is Mr. Roy Ayers. In this edition we cover a five year span that sees Uncle Roy upping the tempo and certainly giving our feet, as well as our ears, something to think about. From the excellence of Change Up The Groove in 1974 to two offerings in 1975: A Tear To A Smile and the very wonderful Mystic Voyage, with it’s sublime title track. There are course many recognisable classics that stem for this period, that although might not have gained chart notoriety, managed to embed themselves in our psyche ever since. Think Everybody Loves The Sunshine, Sweet Tears, Can’t You See Me and Running Away and you know exactly what I’m referring to. Other gems on offer include the wonderful original of Searching, his collaboration with Wayne Henderson in 1978 plus further treasures from the albums Vibrations and Everybody Loves The Sunshine. Volume Three will be here before November’s out. Enjoy! [BH]

Extra Inches
The Music of Roy Ayers (1974-1978)

Artist – Track – Album – Year

Roy Ayers Ubiquity   Change Up The Groove   Change Up The Groove   1974
Roy Ayers Ubiquity   2000 Black   A Tear To A Smile   1975
Roy Ayers Ubiquity   Mystic Voyage   Mystic Voyage   1975
Roy Ayers Ubiquity   Everybody Loves The Sunshine   Everybody Loves The Sunshine   1976
Roy Ayers Ubiquity   Vibrations   Vibrations   1976
Roy Ayers Ubiquity   Searching   Vibrations   1976
Roy Ayers Ubiquity   Gotta Find A Lover   Lifeline   1977
Roy Ayers Ubiquity   Running Away   Original 12″ Mix   1977
Roy Ayers   Sweet Tears   Let’s Do It   1978
Roy Ayers   Can’t You See Me   You Send Me   1978
Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson   For Real   Step Into Out Life   1978
Roy Ayers   The Golden Rod   Everybody Loves The Sunshine   1976

Extra Inches: Group Therapy Vol.4

admin — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:08:33 +0000

Extra Inches: Group Therapy Vol.4

Following doctor’s orders, Brian Hurst does as he’s told and cheerily presents Volume 4 of this continuing series.

This time round he features eleven group performances from 1975 through to 2010 with classics from the UK’s Real Thing, The Emotions – produced by Maurice White, The Spinners, Con Funk Shun, Tony Tone Toné, Isley Jasper Isley, a track from the debut set by Aquarian Dream and The Jones Girls . More current tunes come courtesy of Italy’s The Live Tropical Fish, Reel People and a track from Incognito’s Transatlantic RPM.

One hour of uptempo and soulful grooves then, that will bring some much needed respite into your busy existence. It’ll leave you feeling magnificent – promise.

Extra Inches
Group Therapy Vol.4

Artist – Track – Album – Year

The Real Thing   Boogie Down (Get Funky Now)   Saints Or Sinners   1979
Norman Connors Presents Aquarian Dream   Phoenix   Aquarian Dream   1976
The Emotions   Rejoice   Rejoice   1977
Reel People   Ordinary Man   Seven Ways To Wonder   2008
Incognito   Expresso Madureira   Transatlantic RPM   2010
Live Tropical Fish   Complete Me   The Day Is Too Short To Be Selfish   2010
Isley Jasper Isley   Givin’ You Back The Love   Different Drummer   1987
Tony Tone Toné   Holy Smokes & Gee Whiz   House of Music   1996
Con Funk Shun   Love’s Train   To The Max   1982
The Jones Girls   Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah,   Keep It Comin’   1984
Spinners   Games People Play   Pick Of The Litter   1975