'Propa Modern' Soul is a blanket term for music from the first two decades of this century but also including recordings from the 1990s. Looking for superb contemporary Soul music? Dj or Soul lover? Visit often and find it here.... We select only the very best. Are you featured as an artist? Update us about yourself by email. Comments welcomed.
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Blast from the past as we travel back to 1993. The classic soulful sound that characterised the period and still sounds fabulous and dance floor friendly featured today is Chantay Savage'sBetcha'll Never Find. This was the opening track of her debut album Here We Go. Let me draw your attention to the remix taken from the single release. Incidentally, this is the same Chantay Savage who revived Gloria Gaynor's version of I Will Survive and had a massive hit with her version.
If you're after the album then this the cover to look out for...
In 2008 Boston vocalist Ashanti Munir released her album Balance in the UK. It had a tremendous impact on the scene. Subsequently she released a follow up album in 2010 from which today's two featured tracks are taken. Soul Of A Woman is filled with stylish soulful songs delivered stylistically reminiscent of Lalah Hathaway or Syleena Johnson. If that doesn't whet your appetite why are you even reading this blog? I'm talking quality. Quality in terms of performance, lyrics, arrangement and production - all of which are top notch. Hear and see for yourself.
Ashanti Munir - So Smooth (Original Promo Video)
So smooth indeed and with a jazzy feel as the sax solo provides that counterpoint to her vocal. Now click on the album cover below. This will take you the official promo video of Until U which is located on the Reverbnation site. You can also take a listen to other great tracks from this fantastic vocalist and find out a little more about who she is, what she does and where she's at. Actually, the quality of the videos are better on the Reverbnation site so you can replay So Smooth again. Until U highlights her expressive vocals as she explores the impact of love on someone over the years. Love romance, love that recording.
If you want the CD then it's available from CD Baby. Otherwise, you have to settle for mp3 downloads from somewhere like Amazon or iTunes. (And you know what I think of the audio quality of most downloads - not a lot!).
I should write a few more words than I'm going to. Unfortunately my main writing project has to take precedence at the moment. Main thing is always the quality of the music appearing on this blog. This is one for all of us who like to dance and highlights the talents of Kloud 9 and Incognito as a partnership. Just awesome. Crossing over from smooth jazz to acid jazz to shades of soulful house - this has it all. Enjoy this blast from 2009. if it's not in your collection then acquire it quickly while it's still available. (It's taken from their oh so soulful album Everything Is Good 2nite Expansion XECD 56). Enjoy.
Today's double treat comes from Mikelyn Roderick's 2007 album Copasetic Is. It's not one for the dance floor but it's a great listen all the same as it features the ultra talented Raheem Patterson. released by Dôme the entire album carries that guaranteed hallmark of soulful quality. For those unfamiliar with Mikelyn Roderick she was a member of the of the group By All Means, who recorded three soul albums between1989-1992 before disbanding. Unfortunately, she appears to have been somewhat overshadowed by her daughter, Elle Varner. If You Really Love Me is light with tempo changes and romantic lyrics. Personally I think the ending spoils the romantic mood a bit but then again it might be me missing something. have a listen and brighten your day.
The second treat is also taken from the same album Love Of My Life and is much more Modern room dance floor friendly. See what you think.
Like the album title states, this is what Coapsetic Is. don't know what copasetic means? Check it out at URBAN DICTIONARY.
If you want to hear more then get the CD album. Or if you really must the crappy quality lo-fi downloads. Sorry, it's just the audiophile in me.
Flashback to the last century, specifically 1998 and the wonderful groove of You Think You Own Me by Hinda Hicks. Is it just me? Or does 1998 just seem like yesterday? This coming from a guy who saw Edwin Starr for the first time in 1966... Oh, well! What's time but a serious of numbers and a less than youthful image in the mirror. Back to the good stuff. Taken from the album Hinda this is still one awesome mover deserving a revival. It's got the groove and it's got the lyrics. What's more, it's got a Jeremy Kyle style official promo which personally does no justice to the song. I'll provide a link for it later on. However, best to hear the song first so here's the link...
'Choon'
Now for the Jeremy Kyle style official promo. It might have seemed like a good idea at the time but it does the song no credit. Still, LMAO when I watch it...
The album 'Hinda' (1998) is still available.
It's a great album so don't be put off by the promo video if you've watched it. The album is still available and a must for serious lovers of homegrown Soul /R&B music who like to dance.
Sometimes projects that you find yourself working on become extremely time consuming. I enjoy writing but I'm finding that once you start down the path of getting published in an unrelated sphere of activity the going gets tough. It become time consuming finding a literary agent willing to take you and your project on board let alone get into print and onto bookshelves. Overcoming that first hurdle is the big step. OK. Moan over. What do I recommend as a feature today?
Shaun Escoffrey of course!
Back in 2003/2004 this was a huge play. All the 'Propa' Modern Room were giving this spin time. Floors filled and dancers lost themselves in the rhythms. I thought it would be appropriate for today. The sun is shining here in deepest Cheshire and the temperature is just about right. Having left Spain behind for a couple of months it's been pleasant enjoying the odd rainy day and big temperature drop. So, Days Like This fits my bill exactly. If you're not having the best of days when you read this then play the link and end leave the world behind for a few minutes. Let it act as a cure. If you can find somewhere to dance to it - all the better!
For those of us who frequented Jazz FM's Soul half-nighters at King George's Hall in Blackburn back then will probably have happy memories of this track being played. Great night out with a real party atmosphere.
OK? This is how Shaun did the business live on MTV...
Soulonica is an album I've not recently played so it was refreshing to put it through my new system. Still sounds as good as the first time I let the silver disc loose.
Copies of the album are still available but getting scarce. Rarity breeds price rises. If you want the quality then get the CD. (You know you're worth it! LOL) Otherwise settle for the crappy aucio quality of a download... Either way get the music and enjoy it.
By the way... if you think Contemporary Soul is just lovey dovey sounds then think again. Here's Shaun Escoffery with his 2014 release Natures Call doing the Marvin Gaye social thing for the 21st Century! Just brilliant contemporary British Soul from Dome Records.
Sorry about the temporary hiatus... I will be back soon with more goodies. Work has caused this temporary halt to additions this month. Should be back to normal soon. Sorry if yo've been missing the regular comments. Here are a few albums worth picking up...
My ears always prick up when I hear tracks produced and recorded by Full Flava. Never heard a bad one from them yet. Truly a creative team who know how to pick the talent to deliver fabulous tunes. I'm not going to labour their bio. If you want to know more about them then look back to March when I featured them and Carleen Anderson. Today's featured track is taken from Music Is Our Way Of Life (2007) that featured the Carleen Anderson recording. (If you still haven't managed to get a copy then you are seriously missing out! It's one of Dome Records fantastic quality issues.)
Lyrically this is a great song. Words that need to be savoured. Vocals from Joy Rose are delivered soulfully in a vibrant voice that was made to sing Soul and Gospel. (She does the secular and churchy bits). One for the dance floor at a great dance tempo even for geriatrics like me. Need I say more? No. Enjoy! (And don't be tight wads! Buy the album if you can find a copy!)
Want to know all about Joy Rose? OK. Hit the link in the pho beneath to visit her website and learn more about who she is!
Natalie William's has to be one of the most underrated Soul singers in the UK. In 2012 she began working with Incognito and in the following year this talent lady was a MOBO nominee. As far as I can tell she is currently still touring with Incognito as one of it lead singers which just about says it all. The track I'm featuring today is taken from her 2006 album Secret Garden. It's a great retro sounding track which should please Old Skool 70s "Modernists" as well as delighting Propa Modern Soul lovers. Love the hippy style official video with VW Camper Van. Enjoy!
To find out more about NATALIE WILLIAM'S why not visit her website.
Just click on her photo below to whizz you there!
Vinyl lovers will be delighted!
The original version featured here plus remixes was issued as a 12!
Time for another brief trip to the late 1990s and revisit to Faith Evans in her hey day. So, it was a commercially successful track, so what? When it's good, it's good and I don't particularly care if its commercially successful as long as it has what it takes to be soulful and touch the parts other types of music can't. Just love this one because, pun intended, it keep the Faith. Enjoy!
The CD single taken from the Album...
Album still available and perhaps one of her most soulful.
I have this fabulous album that I bought on spec by a lady called Maxine Braham. It's called 'If' and was released in 2004. That's about it. Lots of great tracks matched only zip info about Ms. Braham. So if anyone can fill me in about her it would be great. In the meantime I'm going to feature I Wish from it and leave it with you. Sorry, today's item is on the brief side. All this commuting by air to between Spain and the UK sometimes leaves me a bit worn out. Today is one of those sometimes as feet hit Blighty in the early hours. Enough of my personal grouching and on with the music. (This is one of several tracks from her album I plan to feature over time). Enoy this choice soulful mid-tempo stepper.
Welcome to the King of Steppers. Marzette Griffith is one of Chicago finest entertainers with a superb vocal range. He is a former lead singer of Essence from back in the day as well as ASAP in the 90s before embarking on a solo career. Both of today's feature tracks are all about getting it on on the dance floor. These cuts are infectious, exciting and adrenaline fuelling. I have selected the extended version of Nothing But A Party which is much better than the album version, although that's pretty sound. Also, a link to see Marzette Griffith performing live to prove what a great soulful vocalist he is. But first of all from his 2007 album And Now Marzette Griffith...Keep On Steppin'. This is a mid-tempo stepper for those who like top keep their dance floor moves down tempo , smooth and chilled.
Ok. Let's go for the main vein with Nothing But A Party (Extended Version) which is a reworking of the original 4.41 version from the album Touch My Lips. This picks up the tempo and is made quite literally for partying hard.
If that doesn't make you want to go and step then there's not much hope for you and it's time to get your slippers on and stay in watching the TV. As for me I plan to keep steppin'.
Marzette Griffith isn't just one of those studio artists. He his great live and a pleasure to watch as a performer. Also check out the dancers and the moves they make. Steppin' is nothing like Northern Soul dance steps.
Click on the pic below to visit his website. There's more to Marzette Griffith than meets the eye.
Those who like their Soul Retro sounding 70s it's your lucky day today. The Contemporary Soul Music scene is international and today's featured artist hails from the Netherlands. Dutch singer Brenda Bee released an album entitled Sweet Disguise (2013), (some sources say 2014) When I first heard this I thought it was a 70s cut that I'd not previously come across. It had all the hallmarks of that period including the sweet vocal delivery of female songstresses. I was delighted to learn that it was not genuine 70s. Brenda Bee is a blue-eyed Soul singer with just one album release. Not only does she have that amazingly soulful voice but the string sounds of the arrangement are just so typical 70s it's untrue.
If I was mean I would suggest to some of the Modern Room 70s specialist DJ's should cover it up and get it played. Unfortunately, with so many suffering from vinyl obsessed addiction that would not be possible as this is unavailable in that format as far as I'm aware.
Ok lets play...
Her album is only available in the UK (as far as I know as a download)
Just to prove how good this young lady is I'm leaving you today with a couple of bonus links, See Ms. Bee in action in a rehearsal/radio studio doing a cover of John Mayer'sGravity. Man is that awesome. Blows my mind because its pure, pure, pure Soul. Just brilliant, just amazing.
Here's more: Brenda Bee doing Mystified in a more contemporary vein...
Like your rare groove with a touch of soulful funk and ready for filling the dance floor to capacity? Today's track meets those criteria. Get Up On It is the opening track from Lisa Deveaux's album Language of Love (2011). For some reason I'm reminded of AWB but with a a top female vocal. Get a load of this make 'em monster mover.
Now see her doing the number live! (Brief PROMO clip)
Also got to recommend the softer, jazz orienteated and superbly soulful side of Ms. Deveaux. Take a look and listen to her track Language of Love (2011) from the album of the same title.
Fancy hearing and seeing a little more? Take a look at her performing Closer live on stage.
By way of a bonus. Anyone who loves their internet radio soul connections there's a video podcast link that includes an interview with Lisa Deveaux which is worth the time and effort. Additionally, you get to here some mighty fine dj patter as well great choonz.
Catch some info about the tasty and flava-some Ms. Deveaux by clicking on the photo below.
Her album Language of Love (2011) is still available as a CD but also as downloads.
I've tried to find some information about Egheosa but have not had much luck. Apparently she has been a backing singer for Glenn Jones and Tony Terry. Additional she has been a member of some R&B bands but information in this respect is thin. Her exact home location is not clear but she appears to hail from Miami, Florida and is a graduate of The Howard University and the winner of the Downbeat Magazine Award.
If you like your Soul music rare, hard to find and little known then start here with Ease Ur Mind.
Soul Buffet (2006) is still available from all the usual sources. CD Baby appears to have most of her recorded output. Amazon would probably also be worth a try.
Stacie Orrico was born in Seattle of Italian parents. Only 12 years old when she signed her first label deal she eventually moved to Virgin Records before deciding to exit the music business for a while. She has released three albums in total and according to latest updates was working on a new one. When asked about her musical influences she replied :
Today's featured track is taken from her Beautiful Awakenings (2006) album. Take Me Away is made for Modern Soul Room dance floors. A mid-tempo charmer that's really catchy. Give it a whirl.
As a bonus I'm providing two more links today. The first is a for I'm Not Missing You also from the Beautiful Awakenings album. The other is from the Live DVD of her tour in Japan showing her performing live and revealing what an awesome talent she is.
Watch her performing Stuck with a jazzy Soul flava. This is no fluffy R&B tonsil tickler. This is a full on Soul songstress. Fabulous voice.
For those of you who want to see more of this young lady live and have the time to spare why nit watch the full 1 hour 6 minute concert in Japan. Because it was recorded live she was definitely not lip sync-ing like so many do.
Andre Lee has a distinctive story telling style of vocals reminiscent of Joe Tex back in the 60s . If you enjoy Southern Soul then you'll enjoy this tale about a One Night Stand. The backing chorus on this is superb. It's just a shame a proper horn section a la Memphis Stax is missing replaced by a synth. Oh well! I suppose the expense was too great for the real thing. Imagine this being performed with a Mar-keys style horn section in the background instead of the synth. ("Oh, Yeah!") Let's not take anything away from Andre Lee's vocals. Nor from the song itself.
So, give a big hand for the the Balladeer of Southern Soul as he tells you the tale of a One Night Stand. (By the way it's not smutty but it does reflect 21st century life more than the 60s!)
One Night Stand is taken from Andre Lee's second album Straight From The Heart (2008), his first released back in 1998 entitled So Good. (Still just about available. See Amazon UK for the few remaining copies). One Night Stand and the other tracks fromStraight From The Heart are available as downloads.
Looking back over the past days I've noticed that we've had the ladies predominating in the daily features so it's time to get a few male performers to appear. Elliot Luv is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Today's featured track, Certified Sexy, is taken from his second album Soulcial Engineering (2011). Click on the album cover below to hear it on Soundcloud.
Love the sound of this one. It's such an original cut with a distinct hip-hop feel but in a Soulful setting. Given it's taken from and called Soulcial Engineering that can hardly be surprising. Still, I won't hold ther hip-hop part against it.
Yes, it was big back in 2000 and hardly surprising. But when good is excellent then excellent deserves a feature. So, in case you forgot about this one or just plain missed it back then when we entered the new millennium now's the time to put it right. Tamia has been active since the mid 90s when she was featured on the Quincy Jones release You Put A Move On My Heart. Her first eponymous album Tamia (1998) was released although she had had releases alongside other illustrious Soul performers like Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Babyface, Barry White and The Wu Tang Clan. Since that debut albums she has released a further five, the last Beautiful Surprise in 2012.
As always it's paramount to listen to the lyrics and the story they express. Then really you have to decide does the performance match the content. I've always thought it did. Why not write a comment. Opinion is always free.
When love falls apart, with the suggestion of infidelity happening, has not been portrayed bettered than with these lyrics. A great song superbly performed. Not one for the dance floor but then not all good Soul music was meant for dancing. Sometimes it's better for reflection and for the soul.
The down side is the video. Given the sensuous, highly erotic portrayal by Tamia you have to wonder what moron would want to cheat on her???? Or am I missing something here?
And now for something completely deeper...
From 2008. The lyrics are everything.
Hmmm. Guaranteed to make you think. interesting interpretation of very interesting lyrics.
Comments please?
Visit Tamia's website. Click on the photo beneath.
