Babyface

 This weeks news. ..  or more rarther today, Sunday is the 36th. Anniversary of the O'Jays singer Billy Powell, he died in 1977. They had performed together as a Gospel group until 1958 when they formed the Triumphs and later as the Mascots, but finally The O'Jays.

Also on on this day we lost a Blues performer: 'Babyface' Leroy, he was a drummer/guitarist and singer, and passed in Chicago in 1958. On the Black history side of things, the famous black Russian poet Alexander Pushkin was born on this day in 1799 (EU Calendar). His family had been transported Africans and he ended being Russia's greatest poet!

In the UK we have a Bank Holiday this weekend and so far in the Birmingham area  the Sun has continued to shine, fingers crossed for Monday. A reminder that Mr. Merry's friends the Note benders can be seen throughout the year, see photo.



Tracklisting for Bank Holiday Sunday 26th. May 

Hour One
Babyface & Anita Baker - Like We Used To Do
Black Street - Don't Leave Me (remix)
Dionne Warwick - Move Me No Mountain
Jill Scott - Family Reunion
Phil Perry - You Send Me
Justin Timberlake - That Girl
Stephanie Mills - Keep Away Girls
Wop Bop Torledo - Kissaway
Peggy Scott-Adams - Mr. Wright or Mr. Wrong?
Loose Ends - Choose Me
The Brand New Heavies - One More 4 The Road

Hour Two
'Three-inna-Row': Babyface
1 Rock Bottom
2 Given A Chance
3 Chivalry

Zhane - Request Line
Noel Gourdin - Foxy (remix)

Lenny Lattimore - Weekend
Faze-O - Riding High
Donald Byrd - Loving You
LeRoy Hutson - Paradise
Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Cee-Lo Green - My Kinda People
Charlie Wilson - I Still ave You


Babyface Biography:

Born Kenneth Edmonds, 10 April 1959, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Babyface's achievements as a songwriter and producer throughout the late 80s and 90s, especially with L.A. Reid, sometimes overshadowed his own efforts as a performer, which go back to the mid-70s with the funk outfit Manchild. His early solo efforts showed a sophisticated, adult-orientated strain of urban soul, going against the current grain of rap-influenced explicitness and raunchy swingbeat; wisely, perhaps, as his light, pleasant voice could not really compare to earthier singers such as R. Kelly.

It was not until 1995, when the single "When Can I See You" won a Grammy, that he could claim the commercial success that had been heaped on his own prot‚g‚s such as Boyz II Men (Edmonds wrote and produced the massive US chart-topper, "End Of The Road'), Bobby Brown and Toni Braxton. In fact, since the split with Reid, Babyface's main success has been as a producer and writer of movie soundtracks, with The Bodyguard and Waiting To Exhale both going multi-platinum. Expectations were high for his 1996 solo album, which should have sealed his claim to be taken seriously as a contemporary soul performer.

Unfortunately, The Day turned out to be something of a back-slappers" showcase; guest spots by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, LL Cool J, Mariah Carey and even Shalamar could not obscure the fact that the songs Babyface kept for himself were simply not as strong as those he provided for other members of the R&B royalty. Following an unplugged MTV set and a seasonal release, Babyface signed a new recording contract with Arista Records. His debut for the label featured collaborations with Snoop Dogg and the Neptunes.

The Floaters

In the news this week... There have been any number of Millie Jackson compilations – most culled from the 20 albums she made for Spring Records in the 70s but most focus on the well-known numbers, the up-tempo and the famous rap/monologue tracks. The new Ace/Kent collection – 'The Moods Of Millie Jackson' – is a tad different. The 20 tracker focuses on her more intimate side. It brings together a whole clutch of (mainly) long-forgotten ballads from her many Spring long players. The two best-known items on the set are 'It Hurts So Good' and 'If Loving You Is Wrong' – and they remain classics but items like 'Solitary Love Affair', SAM DEES' 'Special Occasion' and BANKS and MITCHELL'S 'From Her Arms To Mine' are outstanding too. Check out too a great version of BOBBY WOMACK'S 'I'm Through Trying To Prove My Love To You'. .. pain never sounded better. (soulandjazzandfunk.com)

It's Grace Jones' birthday today along with  Malcolm X, had he still been around. Jones though started out as a model, regularly appearing at the New York City nightclub Studio 54. Jones secured a record deal with Island Records in 1977, which resulted in a string of dance-club hits. In the late 1970s, she adapted the emerging electronic music style and adopted a severe, androgynous look. Jones found mainstream success in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, scoring Top 40 entries on the UK Singles Chart. Her albums include Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing and Slave to the Rhythm, and her biggest hits are "Pull Up to the Bumper", "I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)", "Private Life", "Slave to the Rhythm" and "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)".

Must also today remember the 1930 birth of Lorraine Vivian Hansberry, she was an African-American playwright and writer. Her best known work, the play A Raisin in the Sun, was inspired by her family's battle against racial segregation in Chicago.

Sunday's playlist for May 19th, 2013

Hour One

Terry Garmon

Terry Garmon - Any Way
William Brothers - Still There
Kenny G - G-Bop {welcome bed]
Vernoneau - Waiting In Vain
Paltrow / Babyface - Just My Imagination
Drea - As We Proceed / Traitor
Jagged Edge - Let's Get Married
Lauryn Hill - Can't Take My Eyes Of You
Miki Howard / Chris Williams - Hope That ..
         ...We Can Be Together Soon
Justin Timberlake - That Girl

Hour Two

2013 is there 50th aniversary year

Three-Inna-Row: The Floaters
1 I Am So Glad I Took My Time
2 Woman Love / You Are My Lady
3 Float On (7' version)

Stef Mills - What You Gonna Do...
Black Street - Joy (remix)
Erika Yancey - So Good (radio)
Terri Walker - Drawing Board
The Manhattans - Crazy
Mr. Dalvin - Get Mine
Anthony David - Body Language
Deniese Williams - 'Cause I Love You Baby

The Floaters Biography:

The Floaters were an African-American R&B vocal group, from the Sojourner Truth housing projects in Detroit, Michigan, that formed in 1976. The band was formed by the former The Detroit Emeralds' singer James Mitchell, with his brother Paul Mitchell, Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, and the unrelated Ralph Mitchell. Most of The Floaters were from the Sojourner Truth housing project, on Detroit's Eastside.

James Mitchell apparently came up with the idea and tune for their one major hit, "Float On", in a dream. The lyrics spotlighted each member of the band, who introduced themselves with their name, astrological sign, and ideal type of romantic partner. "Float On" was tracked in a garage recording studio called Pac 3.[1] The song was written by Arnold Ingram, Marvin Willis and James Mitchell Jr., and produced by Woody Wilson. It became a world wide hit in 1977 on ABC Records, reaching #1 on the US R&B chart, #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #1 in the UK Singles Chart (for a single week in August that year)

Follow-ups such as "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (#28 Billboard R&B chart) could not duplicate the idiosyncratic charm of "Float On", but, with some changes in the line-up, the group remained active for several years releasing four studio albums of disco orientated dance music and romantic sweet soul. They were largely unable to shake off their one-hit wonder tag.

The Floaters returned to Pac 3 to record a new version of "Float On" with Full Force for the Brooklyn, New York based group's summer 2001 TVT debut album, Still Standing.

A skit was made for Sesame Street in which David (Northern Calloway), Bob (Bob McGrath), Gordon (Roscoe Orman) and Luis (Emilio Delgado) were attired in in 1970's-style sky-blue tuxedos with a number five on each palm of their gloves and performed a song entitled "Gimme Five". Each character explained what they loved about the number five before singing lead on the chorus of the song. David loved the number five because of the way it looks, Bob appreciated the number because it's easy to count up to, Gordon loved the number because it's the same as his fingers on each hand, and a Spanish-speaking Luis loved the number because three and two make five, as do four and one.

Cheech & Chong did a parody of the song, retitled "Bloat On featuring The Bloaters". It appears on their compilation album, Where There's Smoke There's Cheech & Chong.

On an episode of Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Jewel and Jazz DJ Jazzy Jeff got married and this song was playing when they were walking down the aisle. (wiki)

Gwen McCrae

 In the News... NEW YORK (AP) - Fantasia is feeling the love - and says she hasn't felt this good since winning "American Idol" in 2004. The singer's fourth album, "Side Effects of You," debuted at No. 1 and No. 2 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop and Top 200 albums charts last week. She said the response is both welcome and complicated, especially after her last few tumultuous years. "It feels really good," she said softly. "You have to be very careful because there was a time when I went from being up here and everybody loved you and then when (that) ole thing happened, it was like, 'OK, everybody ...' - so it's almost, like, tricky."

Fantasia could be addressing a number of things that have bruised her image. In 2010, police believed they were responding to an attempted suicide after Fantasia overdosed on aspirin and other pills at her home in Charlotte, N.C., but her manager says she wasn't trying to kill herself. She gave birth to her son, Dallas, in 2011 and was trashed on blogs by people who said she had been in a relationship with a married man. She's battled bad publicity and also endured financial and emotional woes. But the singer has had her share of positive experiences, too, since becoming an "Idol" champ. She won her first Grammy Award in 2011, has released platinum and gold albums, and starred on Broadway in Oprah Winfrey's "The Color Purple."

The big-voiced singer says she's put the drama behind her and released both her pain and happiness on her new album.(the boombox)

 A new Sheree Brown album and book, Message From The Heart is about to come out in a few weeks and some of the songs are highly recommended. More about the book in the trailer shown above.

This Weeks Playlist, Sunday 12th May 2013

Hour One
Quincy Jones - Tomorrow (edit)
Donny Osmand - Breeze On By
George Benson - Breezing [welcome bed]
Randy Crawford - Endlessly
The Staples - Love Me, Love Me, Love Me
Jeff Redd - Down Low
Big Robb - Macaroni Cheese Song
Shirley Brown - After A Night Like This
Eloise Laws - If I Don't Watch Out
Rick Clarke - One Dance (Don-E remix)
Ms Monique - Slow & Easy
Brandy - I'm Missing You
Marcus Miller - Rush Over

Hour Two
'Three-Inna-Row' : Gwen McCrae 
1 I Can Only Think Of You
2 Doin' It
3 Girl Friend's Boyfriend

Steve Parks - Movin' In The Right Direction
Eddie Harris - It's All Right Now
Vanessa Williams - The Way That You Love Me
Porche - Make You Feel Real Good
Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Patrice Rushen - Number One
Maxwell - Sumthin' Sumthin'
D-Influence - Magic

Gwen McRae Biography:

Born 21 December 1943, Pensacola, Florida, USA. The wife of George McCrae, Gwen made her mark in the mid-70s with a delightful series of southern-style soul numbers produced by Steve Alaimo and Clarence Reid for Henry Stone's Miami-based TK operation. She first found success with a remarkable remake of the old Bobby Bland gospel blues, "Lead Me On" (R&B number 32, 1970). The record was recorded for TK Records, but leased to Columbia Records. The following year, now on TK's subsidiary label Cat, she followed with an equally remarkable remake of the Ed Townsend oldie, "For Your Love" (R&B number 17). McCrae had her only pop hit with "Rockin' Chair" in 1975, when the number 1 R&B hit crossed over to reach the US Top 10. "Love Insurance" (R&B number 16) was a respectable follow-up in 1975.

TK collapsed in 1980, and McCrae moved to New Jersey, and while there signed with Atlantic Records, after which she entered the charts with "Funky Sensation" (number 22 R&B) in 1981. McCrae's last US chart record was in 1984, but in the UK she had a hit with "All This Love That I'm Giving' (number 63, 1988), an old single taken from 1979"s Melody Of Life. Her status on the UK's northern soul scene led to a new recording contract with the Homegrown label, who released McCrae's Girlfriend's Boyfriend in 1996. Further recordings followed for the revived Goldwax Records label in the USA, and in 2004 McCrae released her first gospel album. (music.us)

Millie Jackson

After Katrina in 2005

In this weeks news...Fats Domino's restored white piano is to become a museum piece in his native New Orleans, Louisiana after Sir Paul McCartney helped fund the instrument's restoration. The Steinway grand was salvaged from the star's flooded home after 2005's Hurricane Katrina and it has been meticulously returned to its former glory thanks to donations from music producer Allan Slaight, McCartney and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Happy again!

Domino's piano will go on show next year (2014) as part of a major Louisiana State Museum music exhibition. It's not the only historical Steinway McCartney has helped to restore in recent years - he also helped pay for the makeover of the Motown museum's piano, which recently went on show in Detroit, Michigan.(contact music)

Had James brown lived he would have been 80 years of age on Friday. His tiny monument in Augusta GA is,  after 8 years now rusting and in a poorly maintained condition, just as the observer say's: "He wouldn't have appeared on stage this way." But we can still remember him for all his great work  -  that cannot be taken from his memory. 

Nishkam Centre

If you are a parent or a carer of a disabled child you are invited to attend the first Birmingham “Include ME TOO” BME Family Support Network Event that will be taking place on:

Date: Tuesday 21st May 2013
Times: Daytime: 10am –12.30pm – session 1
Evening: 6.00pm – 8.30pm – session 2
Venue: Nishkam Centre, 6 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9BH
The Nishkam Centre is a new six million pound building and has all the modern facilities, refreshments will also be served. More info: PCRL

News has just reached us that the bassist for the groups Funkadelic and Parliament, Cordell Mosson, has died. He was 60. With Gary Shider, Cordell left New Jersey and traveled to Canada as a teenager. The pair joined a group called United Soul, who led to an introduction to George Clinton, for the duo. George produced some of the sides recorded by the group, which were later renamed U.S. Music with Funkadelic.

Gary and Cordell were then invited by George to join his ensembles called Parliament and Funkadelic.

From 1972 onwards, Cordell became an integral part of the groups, remaining with Funkadelic until the group disbanded. Cordell's name as spelled on his birth certificate is Cardell Mosson. This led to some confusion regarding album credits on the group's sleeves. Cordell is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of the groups Parliament and Funkadelic. (bootsy/soulwalking)

Don't forget to click my 'like/friends' buttons, finally have a nice May Bank Holiday, see you all next Sunday...

This weeks playlist for Sunday, 5th. May 2013

Hour One

Ann Nesby - Where Would I Be
Eric Benet' - Love The Hurt
Gerald Albright - Anniversary [welcome bed]
Jaheim - Waiting On You
Phil Perry - You Send Me
Fantasia - You Got Me Waiting
Freddie Jackson - Jam Tonight

Gerald LeVert - Greater Later
Syleena Johnson - Guess What
Luther VanDross - She Loves me Back
           / I Won't let You Do That To Me
D'Angelo - Spanish Joint

Hour Two
'Three-Inna-Row': Millie Jackson
1 Young Man, Older Woman
2 I Can't Say Goodbye
3 If Your Not Back In Love By Monday

Lisa Stansfield - When Are You Coming Back
Womack & Womack - Life Is Just a Ballgame
Coke Escovedo - Runaway
Bill Withers - Use Me
Deborah Cox - One Wish
Eric Roberson/Phonte - Been In Love
Phyllis Hyman - Don't Tell Me Tell Her
Barbara Lynn - You Make Me So Hot
I-Level - In The Sand

Millie Jackson Biography:

Born 15 July 1944, Thompson, Georgia, USA. A former model, Millie Jackson's controversial singing career began professionally in 1964 at a club in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA. Her first recordings followed in 1970; over the next three years she made several excellent, if traditional, soul singles, which included two US R&B Top 10 entries, with "Ask Me What You Want" and "My Man, A Sweet Man". "Hurts So Good", a song from a pseudo-feminist "blaxploitation" movie, Cleopatra Jones, was Jackson's biggest hit to date, reaching US number 24, but her subsequent direction was more fully shaped in 1974 with the release of Caught Up. With backing from the Muscle Shoals rhythm section, the tracks included a fiery interpretation of "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right'. The accompaniment intensified the sexual element in her work as Millie embraced either the pose of adulteress or of wronged wife. A further collection, Still Caught Up, continued the saga, but Jackson's style later verged on self-parody as she progressed down an increasingly blind alley. The raps became longer and more explicit, and two later albums, Feelin" Bitchy and Live & Uncensored, required warning stickers for public broadcast.

Despite excursions into C&W and a collaboration with Isaac Hayes, Jackson seemed unable to abandon her "bad mouth" role, exemplified in 80s titles such as "Sexercise Pts 1 & 2" and "Slow Tongue (Working Your Way Down)". Despite her strong cult following, the only occasion on which Jackson made any significant impact on the US or UK pop singles market was in 1985 when duetting with Elton John on "Act Of War", which reached the UK Top 40. She continued to enjoy a string of US R&B hits, including "Hot! Wild! Unrestricted! Crazy Love" and "Love Is A Dangerous Game', but a creative nadir was reached with 1989"s Back To The S**t!, which featured Jackson sitting on a toilet on the front cover. In the early 90s, Jackson wrote the play Young Man, Older Woman, which with a run of four years proved more successful than her concurrent music releases. By the end of the decade Jackson had begun to establish herself as a leading radio host, with this work taking precedence over her recording career.

Millie Jackson possesses one of soul's outstanding voices, yet sadly chooses to limit its obvious potential in favour of her trademark lewd rapping. Nearly all of Jackson's Spring albums saw CD release in the 90s on the UK Ace's Southbound label.

Al Green

In the news this week.... Lauryn Hill has managed to avoid jail time by signing a last minute deal with Sony. In order to pay the $504,000 in back taxes which she owes, Sony will receive five songs from Hill, and will also provide recording funds for a new album, which the label will release. (AP)

 Mention Omar is known as "The Godfather of UK Soul" for his unique mix of R&B, jazz, funk and Latin music. Artists from Erykah Badu to Stevie Wonder have worked with him and his work has been influential, especially to the growth of the neo-soul movement. Yet he has never truly broken through in the United States, despite the massive success of his seminal hit “There’s Nothing Like This” in the UK. He has only released a handful albums in his more than 20 years of recording—which means that the release of any new Omar album is truly an event. On June 18, 2013, Shanachie Entertainment will release Omar’s first new album in seven years, a work titled most aptly THE MAN, featuring Caron Wheeler of Soul II Soul, Stuart Zender of Jamiroquai and Pino Palladino.

We have a sneak peek at the album with the title track, another great piece of funky, jazzy soul from the master. Check out "The Man" below and tell us what you think! (soultracks)

TJ  Boyce

The Houston, Texas R&B man T.J. Boyce is gearing up to release his debut EP entitled “The Life,” and he's letting out some snippets here and there to a welcoming audience around the world. While TJ is finalizing the EP, he's released to SoulTracks another sneak peek at The Life. It's a smooth, slinky slow jam called "Heaven" that has an old school vibe we think you'll like. Check it out and tell us what you think of T.J. Boyce! His site (soutracks)

On a final note, last week we sadly lost singer/actor  Richie Havens. He was one of those rare guys that soul fans, folk & rock music lovers all liked, he'll be sadly missed. This is his version of a rock song re-aimed at 'The Man', or the System.

This weeks playlist, Sunday 28th April 2013



Hour One

Maze feat: Frankie Beverly - Can't Get Over U
Anita Baker - Same Ole Love (365 Days A Year)
Euge Groove - Livin' Large [bed]
Mtume - C.O.D (I'll Deliver)
Teddy Pendergrass - 2AM
The Impressions - I Wish I'd Stayed In Bed
Maze feat: FB - I Want To Feel Wanted
Shirley Jones - Do You Get Enough Love
Millie Jackson - Love Is A Dangerous Game
Chocolate Milk - Action Speaks Louder Than Words
Bobby Womack - How Could You Break My Heart
Barry White - Midnight & You (inst)

Hour Two
Al Green 'Three-Inna-Row':
1 How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?
2 God Is Standing By
3 What A Wonderful Thing Love Is

Rick Clark/Emma - I Really Want To Be With You
Light Of The World - London Town
Rick Clarke - One Dance (Don-E edit)
Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Keni Burke - I Need Your Love
Carrie Lucas - Hello Stranger
Juicy - Sugar Free
Maze feat: FB - While I'm Alone

Al Green Biography:

Born Al Greene, 13 April 1946, Forrest City, Arkansas, USA. Having served his musical apprenticeship in the Greene Brothers, a fraternal gospel quartet, this urbane singer made his first recordings in 1960. Four years later he helped form the Creations with Curtis Rogers and Palmer Jones. These two companions subsequently wrote and produced "Back Up Train", a simple, effective ballad and a 1967 R&B hit for his new group, Al Greene And The Soul Mates. Similar releases fared less well, prompting Green's decision to work solo. In 1969, Green shared a bill with bandleader Willie Mitchell, who took the singer to Hi Records. The combination of a crack house band, Mitchell's tight production and Green's silky, sensuous voice, resulted in some of soul's definitive moments. The combination took a little time to gel, but with the release of "I Can't Get Next To You" (1970), they were clearly on course. Previously a hit for the Temptations, this slower, blues-like interpretation established an early pattern. However, the success of "Tired Of Being Alone" (1971), a Green original, introduced a smoother perspective. A US number 11 and a UK number 4, it was followed by "Let's Stay Together" (1971), "I'm Still In Love With You" (1972), "Call Me (Come Back Home)", "Here I Am (Come And Take Me)" (both 1973), each of which increased Green's stature as a major artist. (edited/music.us)

Aaron Neville

 My good friend and soprano saxophonist Courtney Pine is performing in Birmingham next week at The Drum, please check his show out, it is going to be a great album launch. You may remember I played some tracks from his new album a while back when I spoke to him at The Andy Hamilton tribute show when Courtney he was last in town.

Today would have been the 99th birthday for Pauline Henriques. She was born today in 1914. Herself along with Connie Smith was the first Black actresses on British television (BBC) on the 16th September 1946 in Eugene O'Neil's 'All God's Chillin' Got Wings', shown here in a rare photograph from 1950.

Also born today was soul singer Bobby McClure. Departed we have Al Wilson (2008) and Earl Hooker (1970) Information from PCRL web site.

Above is a facebook clip we thought we needed to share with you. people of a sensitive disposition please don't watch!

Check this link for a free download of the Silvia Striplin remix:


Playlist for Sunday 21st April 2013



Hour One
Karyn White - Sista Sista
Melisa Morgan - Heartbreaking Decision

Gerald Albright - Bermuda Nights [bed]
Mike Winans - You Deserve A Break
Jeffrey Valentine - You Stayed Still
Dylan Janet Collins - Could It Be
Phil Perry - You Send me
Charlie Wilson - I Still Have You
Barbara Mason - Shakin' Up
Curtris Mayfield/Linda Clifford - Love's Sweet Sensation
Beyonce - Party
Hil St. Soul - Don't Forget The Ghetto
Bilal - Soul Sista

Hour Two
'Three-Inna-Row' - Aaron Neville:
1 I Can't Imagine
2 Say What's In My Heart
3 Tell It Like It Is

Al Hudson & Soul Partners - Spread Love
Portrait - All Natural Girl
Loose Ends - Choose Me
Dennis Taylor - Enough Is Enough
Keni Burke - I Need Your Love
LaToya Jackson - Camp Kucha Kia
Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Chuki Booker - Games
Luther Vandross - She Loves Me Back


Aaron Neville Biography:

Born 24 January 1941, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Neville began performing in the Hawkettes, a group that also featured his brother Art Neville. Aaron was signed to Minit Records as a solo artist, but despite a minor hit with "Over You" (1960), he remained largely unknown until the release of "Tell It Like It Is" (1966). This simple, haunting ballad showcased the singer's delicate delivery while the song's slogan-like title echoed the sentiments of the rising Black Power movement. Sadly, the single's outlet, Par-Lo, went bankrupt, and despite subsequent strong releases, Neville was unable to repeat its commercial success. In 1978, following the break-up of the Meters, Aaron joined Art, Cyril and Charles in the Neville Family Band, later renamed the Neville Brothers. He continued a parallel solo career and in 1989 enjoyed an international hit with "Don't Know Much", a duet with Linda Ronstadt. The first of several recordings for the A&M Records label, Warm Your Heart was a strong collection but the subsequent releases failed to do justice to Neville's astonishing voice. The singer found more worthy material with a pair of gospel releases (Devotion and Believe) in the new millennium.

Don Blackman

Ca$h Converters no more!

For those of you, like myself that didn't catch it in the local news, the Ritz Ballroom in Kings Heath burnt down a short while back (27/3/12.) It was more recently a branch of the national pawn brokers 'Cash Converters,' I purchased my first guitar from them when they occupied the new market building just over the road. So many people from this branch will now out of work. No one was hurt when the fire broke out at about 5am but police are treating the fire as suspicious. 

The old Ritz as it was

Smoke damage has also caused problems for other shops in the area. The building is located next to the now famous 'Hare & Hounds,' the Victorian public house, venue to many great Soul/Jazz acts over the last few years. The Ritz itself has had a few big bands itself such as the Rolling Stones & the Beatles in the 1960's. (nold)

The Late Don Blackman

Sad news with the death of Don Blackman on Friday (12-4-13). The American pianist, singer, songwriter, producer, was 59.  Don passed away after a long fight against cancer. At the beginning of the 1970's, Don played with the likes of Parliament, Funkadelic, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Roy Ayers. He later became a member of Lenny White's group Twennynine. Don penned the tracks 'Peanut Butter' and 'Morning Sunrise' for the group. He released his self-titled debut solo album in 1982 on the Arista Records imprint 'Don Blackman' contained the songs 'Holding You, Loving You', 'Heart's Desire' and 'Since You've Been Away So Long. The album later became a rare groove release in the later eighties, with 'Holding You, Loving You', later being sampled on the hip hop track 'Too Complex' by L. The Head Toucha. Don wrote many tracks as a session musician for the likes of Kurtis Blow, Bernard Wright, Sting, Roy Ayers, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. Mr Merry will feature three of his songs/productions in today's show! (soulwalking)

News just in, Saturday 13th, of the death of Vince Montana musician and writer for Philadephia International Records has now been reported, he was 83. A mainstay for the PIR labels/Artic

Dylan Duffus, son of Bill Duffus (PCRL poet) was featured in a two hour Channel Four TV documentary 'One Mile Away' about gangs in the Handsworth area of Birmingham. Dylan had took on a lead role in the controversial film about life in Handsworth's B6/B21 area's, '1 Day'  that the Guardian newspaper had called Brittan's first Hip-Hop musical in 2009. His father had written the poem 'Wake Up Black Man' that was in the form of an open letter to the Handsworth Community and had been used by Birmingham black radio station, PCRL as a jingle or station ID. (nold)

This weeks playlist Sunday 14th April 2013

Hour One
Magic Lady - Misty Eyed
Cheryl Lynn - If This World Were Mine
George Howard - No, No [welcome bed]

Barry White - Early Years
Stone Love - Can't say Bye
Intro - Ribbon In The Sky
Phil Perry - Say Yes
George Howard - I Wan't You For Myself
The Sounds Of Blackness - I Believe
H-Town - Full Time
Stevie Wonder - ?

Hour Two
Don Blackman (R.I.P.) 'Three-Ina-Row'
1 Sylvia St.James - So I say To Yo [wrote]
2 Weldon Irvine - I Love You [wrote]
3 Don Blackman - Holding You, Loving You

Rahshaan Patterson - I'll Go
Eddie Henderson - Prance On
Phil Perry - You Send Me
The Manhattans - Crazy
Anthony David - Body Language
One Way - Don't Think About It
Dexter Wansell - The Sweetest Pain
Angie Stone - Baby

James Brown

Cecil & DJ Frenchie

First off this week although I helped promote the book launch for Masters Of The Airways last Sunday I was quite embarrassed to find that the book does not include any contributions from Cecil Morris, although he was invited to speak at the book launch. For those that don't know Cecil is the reason that Birmingham and other cities around the UK (not including London incidentally) now have Black run radio stations. His work from the late 70's until 2003 (when he was forced to stop broadcasting by a court injunction) in Birmingham with Radio Star/PCRL and help from Anthony Jeffers (Daddy Pilot) and many presenters (over 250) including myself and Mickey Nold, proved to the UK Government the need for this type of radio license. So I do hope their next book will include some mention of this! - Merry (visit PCRL's site: www.pcrlfm.co.uk )

Onto the music news this week.... Ron Isley is more than just a great singer; he's an R&B legend, with over a half century as one of the most lauded singers in the world. The Isley Brothers lead singer and, more recently, Mr. Biggs, is getting ready to release a new solo album on EOne Music, and we have a sneak peek with a brand new soulful song called "Dinner and a Movie." click me to listen

For those that like a bit of sax, Boney James is back with Concord Records and with a dynamic, genre-busting album called The Beat. One of the most successful instrumental artists of our time with sales totaling over 3 million records, James’ new project fuses his R&B/Jazz roots with Latin rhythm and percussion. “This record was born of my love for both Latin and R&B music and became a mash-up of the two genres.  The initial inspiration for the record was Sergio Mendes’ “Batucada (The Beat),” which I re-imagined as a funk tune.” “Batucada (The Beat)” reunites Boney with trumpet great Rick Braun. “Rick and I have a wonderful history. There is a certain edge and energy that comes out when we play together that creates a really cool vibe.” Other special guests on the project include eclectic R&B soul singer Raheem DeVaughn and spoken word phenom The Floacist. The first Urban AC single, going for adds in mid-February, is “Maker of Love,” a sexy, soulful song featuring DeVaughn. “Raheem is an artist I’ve wanted to work with for a long time and we actually met by following each other on Twitter! I sent him the track and he came back with an incredible lyric and finished vocal,” says James
.

Cee Cee Winans

Motown Records takes a giant step into the ever-expanding Gospel music field as the result of a joint venture partnership with EMI Gospel, creating a new label Motown Gospel. The first signed was Cee Cee Winans. The announcement was made by Barry Weiss, Chairman & CEO, UMG East Coast Label Group and Bill Hearn, President & CEO, Capitol Christian Music Group.  "UMG's acquisition of EMI music offered the ideal opportunity to merge the EMI Gospel label with the strength of the newly revitalized Motown Records," said Mr. Weiss.  "The new Motown Gospel label will offer broader Urban AC crossover potential and further opportunities and synergy between Motown Gospel artists and the Motown and Island Def Jam urban roster."  Motown Gospel was officially launched tonight, with a gala press reception and artist showcase at the Arc Theatre in Los Angeles. The evening featured performances by Gospel best sellers Smokie Norful, Tasha Cobbs, Tye Tribbett, and Kierra Sheard.  In addition to the artists who performed at the showcase, the Motown Gospel roster includes multiple Stellar Award winning artists VaShawn Mitchell, Pastor Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago and Grammy nominee Anita Wilson, among others. (soultracks)

This Weeks Playlist for Sunday 3rd April 2013


 Hour One 
Art Madison -  Moon Lite Lover
Lala - There 4 You
George Benson - Breezin' [welcome bed]
Pati LaBelle - When You've been Blessed
Aretha Franklin - It Only Happens
Brandy - Missing You
The Impressions - I'm So Proud
Ms Monique - ooh baby
Dawlins & Dawkins - Miracle
Luther VanDross - For You To Love
Anita Baker - Feel The Need

 Hour Two 
 'Three-Ina-Row': James Brown
Hot Pants / King Heroin / Cold Sweat (more info:)
Greg Willis - Give Her What She Wants (She's A Lady)
The Futures - Ain't Got Time Fa Nothin'
The Gap Band - Keep Holding On
The Chi-Lites - Running Around
The Jacksons - Blues Away
The Jones Girls - Nights Over Egypt
The Valentine Brothers - This Kind Of Love
? - Rock My World (Inst - Trumpet)

James Brown 'King Heroin' lyric:

full page add in Blues & Soul 1972

Ladies and Gentlemen
Fellow Americans
Lady Americans
This is James Brown
I wanna talk to you about one of our
Most deadly
Killers in the country today
I had a dream the other night, and I
Was sittin' in my living room
Dozed off to sleep
So I start to dreamin'
I dreamed I walked in a place and
I saw a real strange, weird object
Standin' up talkin' to the people
And I found out it was Heroin
That deadly drug that go in your veins
He says:
I came to this country without a passport
Ever since then I've been hunted and sought
My little white grains are nothin' but waste
Soft and deadly and bitter to taste
I'm a world of power and all know it's true
Use me once and you'll know it, too
I can make a mere schoolboy forget his books
I can make a world-famous beauty neglect her looks
I can make a good man forsake his wife
Send a greedy man to prison for the rest of his life
I can make a man forsake his country and flag
Make a girl sell her body for a five-dollar bag
Some think my adventure's a joy and a thrill
But I'll put a gun in your hand and make you kill
In cellophane bags I've found my way
To heads of state and children at play
I'm financed in China, ran in Japan
I'm respected in Turkey and I'm legal in Siam
I take my addicts and make 'em steal, borrow, beg
Then they search for a vein in their arm or their leg
So, be you Italian, Jewish, Black or Mex
I can make the most virile of men forget their sex
So now, no, my man, you must (you know) do your best
To keep up your habit until your arrest
Now the police have taken you from under my wing
Do you think they dare defy me, I who am king?
Now, you must lie in that county jail
Where I can't get to you by visit or mail
So squirm - with discomfort - wiggle and cough (hack!)
Six days of madness, hah! You might throw me off
Curse me in name! Defy me in speech!
But you'd pick me up right no if I were in your reach
All through your sentence you've become resolved to your fate
Hear now! younng man and woman, I'll be waitin' at the gate
Don't be afraid, don't run! I'm not chased
Sure my name is Heroin! You'll be back for a taste
Behold, you're hooked!
Your foot is in the stirrup
And make -- haste!
Mount the steed!
And ride him well
For the white horse of heroin
Will ride you to Hell!
To Hell!
Will ride you to Hell!
Until you are dead!
Dead, brother! Dead!
This is a revolution of the mind
Get your mind together
And get away from drugs!
That's the man!
Back! Back

John Legend

In the news....Veteran reggae superstar Freddie McGregor, and reggae princess Etana will host the 32nd staging of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), making its fifth return to South Florida since 1993. The star-studded event is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at the prestigious Coral Springs Center for the Arts, in Coral Springs, Florida. The celebrity red carpet arrival and reception begins at 6 p.m. and the awards showcase at 8 p.m. This year's top nominee, Mr Vegas, and other leading reggae and world music entertainers, will perform live on the awards showcase. Saxophonist Dean Fraser, IRAWMA's musical director, will lead the The Dean Fraser All Star Band in providing musical backing for performers.Top nominees for IRAWMA are Mr Vegas with six, Damian Marley five, and Sean Paul, Konshens, Romain Virgo and Third World with four. Jimmy Cliff, Marcia Griffiths, Tarrus Riley and Busy Signal have three nominations.(gleaner)

Aretha Franklin marks 71st birthday with Motown musical in N.Y. Nobody can deny that Aretha Franklin knows how to celebrate her birthday. This year, the Queen of Soul was in one of her favorite cities — New York — and according to Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411, a swanky party was planned for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Central Park South. But first, Franklin and a party of friends attended a performance of "Motown: The Musical" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater. Franklin had seen a brief preview of the musical last fall, and enjoyed it immensely. As she told The News, although she never worked directly with Motown, she grew up nearby and was friends with Gordy and many of the Motown stars.  The Musical" premiers April 15; preview performances are ongoing until then. (detroit news)

Beyoncé Knowles and Madonna led a red ‘revolution’ across social networks this week when they joined the fight for equal marriage across the US. The Single Ladies singer joined thousands of users on the sites by changing her Facebook profile pictures to a red and pink version of the Human Rights Campaign equal-sign logo that has been taken up by campaigners to back two cases challenging the same-sex marriage ban in the US Supreme Court.  (elle)

Motown songwriter, producer and arranger Deke Richards, who logged his biggest successes with the Jackson 5 and the Supremes in the ’60s and ’70s, died on March 24 in Bellingham, Wash., after suffering from esophageal cancer. He was 68. A member of Motown hitmaker groups the Clan and the Corporation, Richards co-wrote the breakout Jackson 5 singles “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “The Love You Save,” as well as hits for the Supremes, Diana Ross and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. (Variety)

Keith Sweat interview on-line

Check out the new album by Kat Web out soon!

Playlist Sunday 31st. March 2013 (Easter Sunday)


Hour One

R-Kelly - Slow Dance
Norman Connors - Easy Livin' [welcolme bed]
Jade - One Woman
Glenn Jones - Can We Try Again
The Jones Girls - This Feeling Killing Me
Freddie Jackson - Calling
Bobby Nunn - Do You Look That Good In The Morning
Men Of Vision - Mase keeper

'Masters book co-writer'

Hour Two
John Legend - Refuge When It's Cold Outside /
                       Humanity (Love The Way It Should Be)
PDA - We Just Don't Care
Leon Ware - What's Your Name
The Whispers - Home Made Lovin'
Gerald Levert - Greater Later
Benny Golson - I'm Always Dancin' To The Music
Randy Brown - We Oughta Be Getting It On

Masters of the Air Waves: The Rise & Rise of Underground Radio from Masters of the Air Waves on Vimeo.

John Legend Biography:

 John Roger Stephens (born December 28, 1978), better known by his stage name John Legend, is an American singer-songwriter and actor. He has won nine Grammy Awards, and in 2007, he received the special Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Prior to the release of his debut album, Stephens' career gained momentum through a series of successful collaborations with multiple established artists. Stephens added his voice to those of other artists, assisting in them reaching chart-topper hits. He lent his voice to Magnetic Man's "Getting Nowhere," Kanye West's "All of the Lights", on Slum Village's "Selfish" and Dilated Peoples' "This Way". Other artists included Jay-Z's "Encore", and he sang backing vocals on Alicia Keys' 2003 song "You Don't Know My Name" and Fort Minor's "High Road". Stephens played piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything". (more at wikipedia)