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That time of year,... A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! Best wishes on behalf of all the Soul Source team Have a jolly one! A Xmas tune to get the festivity going... Disco Christmas - Universal Robot Band [1977] Feel free to share your goto Christmas tunes below...

Two new 45s mark the (delayed) launch of a brand new Ace/Kent imprint... Soul Harmony It's looking like this 'Soul Harmony' main thrust will be all things low-rider. The first two 45s are now out, with the third release due to follow at the end of this month (Nov). Details and the release notes of the first new releases follow below... 87th OFF BROADWAY / LARRY SANDERS – INSTANT REPLAY / I’M IN LOVE - SOUL HARMONY SH 01 - Out Now We launch our Soul Harmony label with a fabulous tape discovery from Golden State Recorders. At the time of recording, 87th Off Broadway lived in the small town of Seaside, California and were based in Monterey. They wrote their own songs, four of which were recorded at an April 1972 session, arranged by Los Angeles Rene Hall. The tape lay dormant for decades. ‘Instant Replay’ is the final of the four to belatedly be issued; the others being funk released on Ace’s BGP label. The group morphed into another outfit called Welfare who had ‘What About The Child’ released (with a name change to Gold) in 1977 on the MRC label. This song is of the highest quality as are the intricate harmony vocals. Advance plays on the Lowrider scene have been very well received. soul-harmony-sh01-a-clip.mp3 Larry Sanders ‘I’m In Love’ is already revered by that California soul ballad crowd, which has caused the cost of an original Modern copy to rocket. It is another harmonious sweet soul ballad, redolent of a lovers’ tryst on a lazy summer’s afternoon. soul-harmony-sh01-b-clip.mp3 THE EXCLUSIVE / THE D C BLOSSOMS – I STILL LOVE YOU / THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE - SOUL HARMONY SH 02 - Out Now Eddie Singleton had a musical career in Los Angeles after his Shrine Records venture had bloomed then died. He cut this heart-felt soul ballad on an undocumented group called the Exclusive around 1969, but it was left on tape only until now. soul-harmony-sh02-a-clip.mp3 Some three years earlier in 1966, Eddie and his production team of Keni St Lewis and Dale Warren recorded Washington’s DC Blossoms on ‘This Is Your Last Chance’, the third track from a Shrine session that didn’t make it to the single. Since it was released on the Kent CD “Shrine, The Rarest Soul Label Vol 2” it has picked up a strong following, particularly among Latin American soul fans on the West Coast: now at last a 45. soul-harmony-sh02-b-clip.mp3 JIMMY CONWELL - LET IT ALL OUT / I'M AM SO GLAD - SOUL HARMONY SH 03 - Out 29 Nov 2024 Jimmy Conwell is a big name in Los Angeles soul music, either as a solo singer on 4J, Gemini and Mirwood or as lead singer of the Exits on Gemini and Kapp, the Tripps on Soundville or with Smoked Sugar on Teri De. ‘Let It All Out’ was written in conjunction with his two main producers Len Jewell Smith and Hank Graham, though Jimmy couldn’t remember Hank’s contribution. It is a stunning ballad that was originally overlooked by Northern Soul fans for the stomping 'Too Much' flip. A similar situation has occurred with his Kapp 45, the mid-tempo ‘Another Sundown In Watts’ attracting much of the attention and the superb ‘I’m So Glad’ ballad only recently picking up deserved admirers. Both sides of our 45 will go down well in the Lowrider stronghold of Conwell’s native city. No coincidence, I’m sure. Availability First 2 x 45s are now available via Ace Records website - (tap), and various record stores including our very own Source Store - (tap)

New Comp Lp from Soul4Real Pre-order now for 15th December 2024 NEW COMPILATION! 𝗔𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗛 (𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗘) (S4RLP06) Pre-order now for 16th December: www.soul4real.es Tracks 𝗗𝗢𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗬 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗥𝗘 - GIRL OVERBOARD 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗬𝗗 - I´M FOR REAL 𝗥𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗟𝗘𝗬 - GOOD GUYS DON´T ALWAYS WIN 𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘 𝗝𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦𝗢𝗡 - PLAY SOMETHING PRETTY 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱, 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀 𝗕𝗢𝗕𝗕𝗬 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 - MY HEART´S BEEN BROKEN AGAIN 𝗝𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗬 𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗦 - HAVING A LITTLE TALK WITH LOVE 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦 - I BELIEVE IN LOVE 𝗝𝗢𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗦𝗢𝗡 - SOUR LOVE, BITTER SWEET 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱, 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀 𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗢𝗥 - CAUGHT UP IN A GOOD WOMAN´S LOVE 𝗘𝗗𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦 - I CAN´T GET OVER YOU 𝗥𝗘𝗨𝗕𝗘𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗟 - ASKING FOR THE TRUTH Soul4Real returns to the south with a selection of eleven songs from Malaco, Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and Alarm Records. There is no doubt that in the 1970s and 1980s, Malaco in Mississippi and Muscle Shoals Sound in Alabama were both highly significant in defining the southern soul sound. Malaco’s Studio had opened in 1967, while Muscle Shoals Sound Studio opened its doors for business in 1969, when four musicians left nearby Fame Studios to go it alone. Alarm Records, meanwhile, based in Shreveport, Louisiana, provides us with four of the tracks on this album. Independent producers and major record companies sent their artists south to record, taking advantage of both Malaco and Muscle Shoals Sound’s talented array of musicians, writers and producers. Muscle Shoals Sound, in particular, started to receive artists from Atlantic Records from the get-go; R.B. Greaves, Baby Washington, Sam & Dave and Solomon Burke led the way, along with Scotland’s Lulu. The first relesase on their own record label was the timeless “It Hurts So Good” by Katie Love. Meanwhile, Stax (amongst others) sent some of their artists to record at both studios, and Malaco would also lease some of its own productions out to Atlantic. Alarm Records was a smaller set-up which also produced some wonderful records. This album opens with the only female singer featured – Dorothy Moore. Her exquisite “Girl Overboard” has been justifiably popular on the soul scene for decades. The other ten tracks showcase an array of fine male singers, most of whom (Bobby Bland and King Floyd aside), sadly and perhaps unjustly, never really made the big time. It is the first showing on vinyl for three of the tracks here (previously having only been issued on CD), and Jimmy Jules’ reading of “Having A Little Talk With Love” has never appeared anywhere before. As always, sit back and savour the music! 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗜

We’re thrilled to unveil the professionally produced trailer for The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story! This video captures the heart and soul of Bobby’s journey with one of the most iconic bands in Carolina Beach Music history. Take a sneak peek into the stories, the music, and the legacy that have inspired generations. So you like beach music1+++.mp4

Northern Connections #38 Aqua Lads re-visited, taking in the Chantells & Twighlights The most recent issue of this long running informative series courtesy of Ken b aka @Kenb Intro sparked by the Soul Source topic “What goes up must come down” of Nov 2024… …about The Charms Unlimited and Soul Inc and very good it was too, got me thinking about a re-visit of The Aqua Lads, Chantells, etc. It’s worth pointing out at this juncture that some written information about those that follow is published, (but skip Discogs) go straight to E. Mark Windle’s Interview & book “It’s Better To Cry”. It has a worthy section, and I recommend it. Albeit I’ve never found Mark’s reference “and a later band member Ken Hatley (bass guitar, 1967) “ when searching for band members. Also, as of writing and due to serious illness, Mark Bicknell’s release on Big Man Records of Aqua Lads backed with Twighlights with notes by Mark Windle hasn’t yet to hit the shops. That all said, I've tried where possible to bring new information and pictures without compromising their work. Northern Connections #38 (tap images for full view) As always you can check out all Kens other quality 36 Northern Connections and more via his 'activity' profile page, via the link below... https://www.soul-source.co.uk/profile/37754-kenb/content/?type=cms_records5&change_section=1

Details of a new podcast from Charly Records Youtube based, looks like plans are for it to be a series of soul related podcasts. Promotional details from Charly Records follow below, along with a shorts trailer and the placeholder for the pilot show, which premieres 31 Oct 2024. Thursday 31st Oct 2024 "NORTHERN SOUL TIME" Join Charly for the exciting launch of the new podcast, Northern Soul Time – A Rare Soul Legacy, exclusively on the Charly Records YouTube Channel! Dive deep into the captivating world of Northern Soul as we explore its rich history, influential artists, and timeless tracks that have shaped the genre. In the pilot episode you'll discover the roots of Northern Soul as host KEV ROBERTS talks at length with the British Ambassador of Soul DAVID NATHAN, a fascinating and entertaining journey into the UK's most enduring sub-culture. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering this incredible music, there’s something for everyone. Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes filled with soul, passion, and rhythm! Let’s keep the Northern Soul spirit alive together! Short Trailer Podcast Link Premieres 31 Oct 2024

Tyrone Edwards aka Tony & Tyrone It took me many years to track down this guy, but eventually I was sitting with him on Detroit’s East Side. Over a ten year period I had been down several blind alleys looking for Tyrone Edwards and Tyrone Pickens, the name he wrote under. But his story starts as one half of the singing duet Tony & Tyrone, who built up a strong reputation around the Detroit city clubs as a lively stage act with undoubted singing skills. Early on they became close friends of Carolyn & Aretha Franklin, who help them whenever they could to develop their careers, Aretha even wrote a song for Tyrone at one stage. This eventually led to contracts with both Columbia and Atlantic through the connection to the sisters. They put out one 45 on both, but their initial break came with two release on the local label Ston-Roc, ‘I may not have’ / A fool am I’. The A side is a rockin good R&B dancer, with the standard ballad flip, a good place to start, then a year later ‘Talking about people’ / ‘Don’t ever leave me’. By the time they arrived at Columbia, they had developed their act into a strong duet with perfect matched vocals, as demonstrated on the ballad A side ‘Crossroads’, on the flip they recorded a similar style soulful number called ‘A fool am I’. For their third release came the humorous A side ‘Please operator’ which gained some success in the UK later in the 70’s, getting a release on the back of its popularity on the Northern Soul scene. Somewhere in there also came a release on the UK label Ember in 1970 ‘Whip your loving on me’. Although these saw some success the duet then split up, but this was not the end for Tyrone. He had already proved his talent for singing and writing so was signed up by Brian and Eddie Holland for their newly formed Invictus label. Here he released one 45 ‘Can’t get enough of you’, a very typical Invictus sounding mid tempo number with the signature string arrangements, that also can be heard on Chairman Of The Board 45’s. The flip an oh so soulful stepper, this also saw releases around Europe on the Invictus inprint. But like so many excellent releases on the label, without the Holland Brother full focus the promotion was weak and it did little. Tyrone was to have one last burst on creativity now having joined up with writing partner James Anderson. This lead to what would be his last release on James’s Olam label, the strutting funky late 70’s dancer ‘You did it’, backed by a pretty ballad ‘Main ingredient’, recorded at Danny Dallas’s Sound Patterns studio in North Detroit. Over the years Tyrone’s life has taken many a twist and turn, living in many parts of the U.S. During this time he lost touch with his old buddy, Tony Johnson, but now he is home again in Detroit and back in touch with his later writing partner James and together they are working on some previously unissued material, which I hope to help them get released. In a final attempt to get some sucess on this 45 they took it to, the then No1 Detroit radio DJ, Foody. But instead of playing the 45 on his show, he took his group The Exportations into the studio and recorded it on them. Then in a last twist of fate, the radio station said that these 45's were a conflict of interest and he could play neither. In the main cover photo Tony is on the left and Tyrone on the right, the link is to a Youtube post of Tyrone's last 45 on Olam

Today, we have another story to share - the remarkable tale of The Gambrells, a previously unknown girl group from the heart of Detroit. Thanks to the efforts of our researcher and label partner, Jordan Wilson, and the discovery of long-forgotten studio tapes within the Pioneer Studio vault, we can now shed event more light on the incredible journey of Sharon, Pat, and Sandra. The Gambrells, a trio consisting of sisters Sharon and Sandra Gambrell, along with their close friend Patricia Hunt (Pat Hunt), grew up on Quincy St. in Detroit, just blocks away from the legendary Gordy family of Motown fame. The sisters were second and third in line among ten siblings, and their love for music began at an early age. In 1965, the talented trio decided to form a duo, but it didn't take long for their harmonies to attract attention. They later expanded to become a powerful trio with the addition of Pat Hunt, a gifted singer and songwriter. It's essential to clarify that Pat Hunt is not the same person as the cousin of Brenda & Patrice Holloway, two different individuals with unique talents. Pat Hunt, merely 14 years old at the time, penned their first song, "Pain in My Heart," and taught the lyrics to Sharon and Sandra, who eagerly embraced the track. Their breakthrough came when Ollie McLaughlin, a renowned Detroit record producer and label owner, came across the girls through The Gambrells connection with Jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby. Captivated by their talents, Ollie decided to record "Pain in My Heart" for Carla Records 201. Deon Jackson, also recorded a version of the song, but this remained unreleased. Building on this success, The Gambrells released another single on Carla Records, "You Better Move," a composition again by Pat Hunt (though thought to be initially miscredited to an unknown A. Jones). Despite the buzz, the busy atmosphere at Carla Records in 1966 shifted the focus towards Deon Jackson's and The Capitols career, leaving The Gambrells somewhat overshadowed. Nevertheless, the trio's journey continued, and they found themselves lending their harmonies to support iconic Motown acts like The Temptations and Brenda Holloway at the renowned 20 Grand Club in Detroit. Although backing vocals brought them some recognition, it wasn't enough to thrust them into the limelight they so rightfully deserved. Their fortunes changed when Gary Rubin, the owner of Pioneer Recording Studio, discovered their exceptional talent during one of his weekly audition sessions. Convinced of their potential, Gary signed the group, and formed a new group called 'The New Loves,' which included James Cheers and Bobby Franklin as male vocalists and songwriters. Unfortunately, once again, due to the Vietnam War, the group's potential couldn't be fully realised, leading The Gambrells back to background vocal work for Pioneer and other freelance sessions. The New Loves tracks remained unreleased until MD Records released them in March 2022. Intriguingly, The Gambrells also provided backing vocals for The Tomangoes, a group signed to Pioneer Records in 1967. Their harmonies enriched tracks like 'Loves Got A Hold On Me' alongside the original version of 'You've Been Gone So Long'. In 1967, 'In-The Pocket Productions,' an independent production group, recognised The Gambrells' potential and asked them to record two songs, "Love Is In The Air" and "I'm In Love Again For The First Time." These tracks were recorded while the girls were still contracted to Pioneer. Despite their talent and potential, The Gambrells' journey led them through many ups and downs, eventually leading to obscurity. Their brilliance was often overshadowed by bigger names in the music industry. The discography of The Gambrells includes: "Pain In My Heart" / "I Want To Be Yours" – Carla Records – 1965 "You Better Move" / "Pain In My Heart" – Carla Records - 1966 "Jive Talk" / "Find A Love" – Pioneer Records – 1966 "My Heart Is Suffering" / "Paradise Of Love" – (Under the name of The New Loves) - 1967 "Just Keep On Loving Me" (Backing vocals by The Gambrells) - 1967 "Loves Got A Hold On Me" / You've Been Gone Too Long" (Backing vocals by The Gambrells) - 1967 "Love Is In The Air" / "I'm In Love Again For The First Time" – Cub Records – 1968 On the memorable date of 9th February 2023, a significant moment unfolded as Jordan graced the screens of "Grayson Perry's Full English." In this special feature, Jordan had the privilege to curate the soundtrack for his appearance on the show. Among the carefully selected tunes was the track, "Jive Talk,". For The Gambrells, this was a long-awaited recognition of their music from the late 60s. To add to their well-deserved acknowledgment, the licensing of their music to Channel 4 brought forth financial recognition, a fitting tribute to their enduring talent. We invite you to visit our website at www.mdrecords.co.uk - There, you can grab your own copy of their 45s, and join us in celebrating the legacy of The Gambrells, a treasure trove of soulful melodies that now stands fully recognised and appreciated.

The MVP’s 1971 release for the Buddah label, “Turning My Heart Beat Up” has become one of the most iconic records to have ever been spun on The Northern Soul Scene, due to its inclusion as part of the soundtrack of Granada Televisions 1977 documentary, ‘This England”. On the much maligned night their camera’s entered the underground nocturnal world of Wigan Casino. There have been several different schools of thought throughout the ensuing decades as to whom the group really were? From claims that they were a white pop group, a claim probably based on some of the other middle of the road material that the songs writers and producers Bobby Flax and Lanny Lambert have in their repertoire. Others believed them to be in all probability the same group as the Florida outfit ‘The MVP’(Most Valuable Players) who recorded a string of 45’s and an album of the same name on the MVP label. Fortunately at last all these previous assumptions have now been disproved. The real story behind the identity of the group arose albeit unintentionally when following a licensing deal between us (Soul Junction Records) and veteran Atlanta, GA songwriter, performer and producer Thomas ‘Tee’ Fletcher, from whom we had licensed The Combinations Kimtone 45 rarity “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”. When we asked Tee Fletcher if he had any promotional photo’s or background information on The Combinations he advised me that he would introduce me to a former recording artist and friend of his, one Mr. Al Davis quote “Al’s the best person to ask”! So during the ensuing conversation with Al Davis the following story of the true identity of The M.V.P’s unfolded: The Combinations were a vocal quartet out of Atlanta, Georgia, who recorded a solitary 45 single entitled “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me/The Goddess Of Love” in 1968 for the vanity Kimtone label. This project was a collaboration between Thomas Fletcher (or as he’s more widely known as ‘Tee’ Fletcher) and Billy Lyles. Tee would feature as producer and arranger upon both sides of the 45, with him being the songwriter on “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”. Tee remembers the group’s original line-up as being the lead singer Emory Cloud supported initially by a bass singer known as Smitty, a first tenor known as Big Harold and a second tenor Little Harold, with Smitty later being replaced by Jack Fraser (prior to the Kimtone 45 release). Although the Kimtone 45 did make some noise locally for The Combinations they had by then already built a reputation as a sharp well rehearsed working group who performed regularly throughout the states of Georgia, Florida and The Carolina’s. A later merger between two groups would see Emory Cloud and Jack Frazer from the Combinations joining up with Jesse Bryant and Alphonzo ‘Al’ Davis of the group known as ‘The Classic’s, the name under which this new ensemble continued to perform, for the immediate future anyway. Jesse Bryant, Al Davis and Jack Frazer all knew each other well having previously performed with Louis Grant as part of the Doo Wop group The Continentals who recorded the 1962 outing “It Doesn’t Matter/Whisper It” (Hunter 3503) with Louis Grant being the songs composer. One of the Atlanta clubs where The Classic’s often performed was situated on the formerly named Hunter Street now known as Martin Luther King Street, and was named after it’s owner, the former Major League Baseball player, Donn Clendenon. Donn Clendenon is best remembered as the World Series MVP (Most Valuable Player) of 1969 when as the first baseman for the New York ‘Amazin’ Mets he scored a series clenching record of home runs for a five game series. It was Clendenon by then acting as The Classic’s manager who was responsible for persuading them to drop the name ‘The Classic’s in favour of and in an act of his own pure self-indulgence, assume the new group name of ‘The Most Valuable Players’ (later abbreviated to just ‘The M.V.P.’S). L-R: Jack Frazer, Alphonzo ‘Al’ Davis, Emory Cloud, Jesse Bryant Front Seated: Donn Clendenon (Group’s Manager) The New York based Buddah label at the time had a series of A&R men working throughout the southern states searching for new talent. It was through Clendenon meeting one of these A&R men and accepted his invitation to take The M.V.P’s to New York that they recorded the Bobby Flax and Lanny Lambert produced and penned “Turning My Heartbeat Up/Every Man For Herself ”(BDA 262). The lead vocals on “Turning My Heartbeat Up” were performed by ex Combination lead singer Emory Cloud, while the lead vocals on the 45’s flipside “Every Man For Herself” were performed by Al Davis. “Turning My Heartbeat Up” would later become a popular sound on the UK northern soul scene achieving iconic status with its inclusion in the sound track of the 1977 Granada Television Documentary “This England” feature of Wigan Casino. Unfortunately there was to be no more recording made and sadly all the members of The Combinations have since passed away, with the exception of Alphonzo Davis, the last of ‘The M.V.P.’S’. Words By: David Welding The above is an extract taken from the sleeve notes of the forthcoming Soul Junction CD album: “We Got A Sweet Thing Going On” Volume 2 Acknowledgements to: Thomas ‘Tee’ Fletcher , Alphonso ‘Al’ Davis and Allen McKeown. Group photograph courtesy of: Alphonzo Davis