Soulgramma debuts with a series of majestic R&B albums and funk stomper, bringing you a whole new perspective on the black counterculture. Necessary hits from way back when and uncut gems. A definitive selection of titles fully licensed and finely remastered from the source. Soul food to go!
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viewing 1 To 13 of 13 items
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SOULG 015LP
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A key funk release from 1971, For The People was the second album by interracial soul-rock band led by vocalist Milt Matthews. All the way from Wilson, North Carolina, Milton Ray Matthews was an inspired songwriter in the vein of master Curtis Mayfield and follower Lou Bond. With a series of excellent cover version -- BB King's "The Thrill Is Gone," The Beatles' "A Hard Days' Night," and Blind Faith's "Presence Of The Lord" -- the record is full of acid-blues chops and sensuous numbers. Filling the gap between modern psychedelia and Afro-American consciousness, For The People literally ascend to the title of black tinged rock opera.
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SOULG 014LP
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Reissued for the first time on vinyl, here's Jamaican reggae singer George Faith's second album, originally released on Hollywood Records in 1979. Amazing soulful reggae melodies backed by the likes of Sly & Robbie, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Tommy McCook, Earl "Chinna" Smith, and more. Produced by the one and only Bunny Lee at Harry J Studios, and mixed by Scientist at King's Tubby's Studios!
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SOULG 012LP
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Here's the official reissue of the album originally released on Dallas Pompeii label in April 1969. When he was out on tour with his regular gig, the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, Ike found the time to cut this unbelievable instrumental album. Whenever he had some spare time he would drag the band into a local studio and lay down tracks, resulting in these 12 funky soul jams that sound like they were lifted from a blaxploitation movie. The band is tight and laid-back at once, with horns at the forefront most of the time. Los Angeles hip-hop group Jurassic 5 later sampled "Getting Nasty" on their self-titled EP.
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SOULG 011LP
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One of the most influential vocal groups of the '60s with their original masterpiece, a necessary collection of rare groove and soul ballads. Officially reissued on vinyl after more than 40 years, here's the band fifth album, originally released in 1971 on Little Star Records. Formed in 1958 in Canton, Ohio, and originally consisting of Eddie Levert, Walter Lee Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles, The O'Jays made their first chart appearance with the minor hit "Lonely Drifter" in 1963, but reached their greatest level of success once Gamble & Huff signed them to their Philadelphia International. Super Bad is a raw, deep funk classic. Ranking among their finest work and it is widely regarded as their most complete album.
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SOULG 010LP
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Reissue, originally released in 1973. Reissued for the very first time on a limited vinyl edition, here's the fifth work of the godfather of ska, Laurel Aitken. Originally released on Count Shelly Records, Moria Sofia was completely written, arranged, produced, and sung by Aitken himself. The album is a skillful blend of soul and calypso tunes with a splash of rocksteady. A mandatory gem to be rediscovered by all Jamaican music fans. Fully licensed; edition of 500.
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SOULG 007LP
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Reissue, originally formed in 1969. Formed in 1964 in Watts, California, U.S. and based in Los Angeles, the original members were the Texan twin brothers Wallace Scott and Walter Scott plus Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell. In 1973, Gordy Harmon injured his larynx in a driving accident and was replaced by Leaveil Degree. Planets of Life was the result of the /incoming change, a vocal soul-funk masterpiece from a renewed harmony group. Often compared to the Isley Brothers, due to Scotty Scott's vocal similarities to Ronald Isley, the band was an excellent R&B combo, turning lately into an electric funk vibe with a clear Temptations twist.
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SOULG 008LP
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A proper reissue of this stone-cold, soul-reggae classic, originally released in 1993. Although published in 1993, the first session dates back to 1979. It was around this time that Earl "Chinna" Smith (of The Wailers and Soul Syndicate fame) approached the singer with the idea of re-making some Curtis Mayfield songs. "We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue" was the first track generated during the meeting, followed after a couple of years by "Move On Up". Devon Russell's birthplace and date are as much a mystery as the gaping holes in his recording career. He began with the Tartans, a mid-60s rock steady vocal group comprised of himself, Prince Lincoln Thompson, Linbergh "Preps" Lewis, and Cedric Myton; they disbanded after their 1967 hit "Dance All Night" (Federal Records). It is no mystery Jamaicans loved Motown soul, but this tribute was an epiphany on its own. With a crew comprised of eclectic master drummer Sly Dunbar, the album was completed at the Leggo Studios in Kingston, Jamaica with The Firehouse Crew on board. A mission accomplished ten years after the first foundation stone was laid. Devon Russell's "Move On Up" and "We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue" appeared on the Soul jazz compilation Disco Reggae Rockers (2022), now the whole package is here. Fully licensed.
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SOULG 006LP
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Reissue, originally released in 1969. Singer and guitarist Ram John Holder was born in 1939 in Georgetown, British Guiana, then moved to Cincinnati in 1954, and to the East Coast to work as folk blues singer in the early 1960s. In 1963, he took residency in England where he recorded several albums. Released in 1969, Black London Blues is surely a masterpiece. A socio-political manifesto, the album chronicles the trials and tribulations that were the result of being a black-immigrant in London, and it contains all the pathos and pain one can imagine. Self-conscious, as concept albums often are, the record is almost like an audio A-Z or pub guide. It's funky and represents his own black experience. It is a must have for all the blues revivalist out there, a record to rank along the lines of early Mike Cooper and American stalwarts like Eugene McDaniels or Sixto Rodriguez. Fully licensed.
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SOULG 003LP
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Restocked; last copies, reduced price. Soulgramma present a reissue of Carol Woods's Out Of The Woods, originally released in 1971. Carol Woods was born in Jamaica, New York in 1943. She was deeply influenced by her grandfather, a Pentecostal minister, and her mother Marion Jones, which led her to become lead singer with the local church choir. A necessary soulful album long out of print. Recorded in London and published on Ember (British label formed in the early 1960s by club owner and promoter Jeffrey S. Kruger, owner of the Flamingo Club, London) in 1971, Out Of The Woods is still a shiny gem on its own. The four tracks on her singles were included and the rhythm section backing tracks for the remainder were put down by Beau Ray Fleming (well known for his studio work with Mandrill) in New York. Ember's producer, Mike Berry, then added Carol's vocals and the horn section. Woods's vocals are full and rich and the record has a sort of post-Supremes vibe with an obvious seventies approach. Since that time Carol has found success in stage musicals, such as One Mo Time where she took over the role of Big Bertha Williams, the hard drinking vaudeville star. She has also appeared in movies, including Eddie Murphy Raw (1987) where she played Eddie's aunt. Fully licensed. 180 gram vinyl.
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SOULG 005LP
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Restocked; last copies, reduced price. Soulgramma present a reissue of Chain Reaction's Indebted To You, originally released in 1977. In 1975, singers Bruce Ruffin, Bobby Davis, and Dave Collins -- the latter of reggae duo Dave & Ansel Collins -- came together to form Chain Reaction, a short-lived UK harmony soul group who recorded their only album Indebted To You for Gull in 1977. This sought-after session includes their popular version of Lamont Dozier's "Why Can't We Be Lovers", the sweet soul single "Never Lose Never Win" and the non-album single "This Eternal Flame". Rare groove alert: The electric funk of "Hogtied" is the top of the crème here, with a bass line reminiscent of Aaron Neville's "Hercules", a sumptuous clavinet and a majestic wah-wah guitar. Fully licensed. 180 gram vinyl.
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SOULG 001LP
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2022 repress. A proper reissue of Minnie Riperton's debut album Come To My Garden on GRT, originally published in 1970. Her name came to prominence with the highly influential Chicago band Rotary Connection, forerunners of the rock n' soul crossover. In addition to their own recordings, including their 1967 debut album Rotary Connection, the band is notable as the backing band for Muddy Waters on his 1968 psychedelic blues album Electric Mud. Standing on her own, Minnie cut a series of sublime albums moving in a more soulful way. Opening track "Les Fleur" is a shiny cover of a Ramsey Lewis -- who is musical assistant and contributor here -- classic number penned in 1968, literally a cornerstone for contemporary hip-hop and R&B being sampled by the likes of Jurassic 5 feat. Nelly Furtado, Damu the Fudgemunk, Dr. Octagon, and Cut Chemist, among others. Produced by Charles Stepney (already in with Rotary Connection and subsequently behind the desk with Earth Wind & Fire), the album benefits from its lushy orchestral arrangements, pushing the vocal duties of Minnie even forward (her five-octave vocal range, enabled her to sing in "whistle register" nevertheless). The jazzy soft-pop feel overall will mark comparison with Stevie Wonder, Riperton's future employer/mentor. Fully licensed. 180 gram, clear vinyl.
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SOULG 004LP
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Soulgramma present a reissue of Chakachas' self-titled album, originally released in 1972. Gaston Bogaert aka Tito Madinez (percussion) was the leader of this Belgian band often mistaken for an Afro-American combo, due to their music and unmistakable aesthetics. Released in 1972 on local Blue Elephant imprint, their self-titled album is still regarded as a rare groove bonafide bin, able to make it even in the States. Featuring the talents of Kari Kenton (vocals) from Cuba; Victor Ingeveldt (saxophone) a Dutchman from Liege, Charlie Lots (trumpet), Christian Marc (piano), Henri Breyre (guitar and backing vocals), and Bill Raymond (bass guitar) Chakachas were soon labeled as the continental answer to US Latin funk champions. Full of exciting dance parts and DJ friendly breaks, Chakachas is still worth your feverish attention. Fully licensed. 180 gram vinyl.
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SOULG 002LP
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Soulgramma present a reissue of Betty Harris' Soul Perfection, originally released in 1969. Soul singer Betty Harris -- mainly known for her Jubilee and Sansu recordings -- was born in 1939 in Orlando, Florida. As a teenager she worked as a mate for Big Maybelle who encouraged her to start singing. First recording was released in 1962, her major hit was a cover of Solomon Burke's "Cry To Me" in 1963. Taken at a slower pace, Harris' rendition turned the song into a Billboard Hot 100 number 23 hit and soon became a deep soul classic. A total of three further singles including a reissue of "Cry To Me" were released on Jubilee with "His Kiss", which was released on January 4, 1964, another deep soul ballad, reaching the lower part of the Billboard Pop and R&B charts. In 1964, Betty Harris switched record labels to Sansu, a New Orleans label, where she was produced by Allen Toussaint. Her recordings with Sansu produced ten singles and Toussaint raw yet sophisticated Southern soul arrangements behind Harris' rich, distinctive vocal, are considered prime specimens of the classic soul era. Soul Perfection, originally licensed on UK label Action in 1969, was in fact a collection of her previous works on Sansu, a rare groove affair rapidly in demand between a crowd of obsessive fans all over the world. Harris retired from performing in 1970 to raise a family and made an occasional return in 2007 with the album Intuition. 180 gram vinyl.
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