quête:soul tempo

Sussex Records are an iconic 70s label, and from their catalogue Soul Brother Records bring you two of their gems back to back on one 7' single for Record Store Day 2019. 'Where Did You Learn To Love Me The Way You Do' is a mid-tempo ballad in the style of an Aretha Franklin track from the period. It comes from the 1971 album 'Stay A While From Me' by Sharon Ridley, a musician and vocalist closely associated with genius producer Van McCoy.

Original copies of the track on a 7' have recently exchanged hands for £400 on Discogs ane eBay. 'Ain't No Need' is by singer/songwriter Ralph Graham from the album 'Differently' and has never previously been made available on 7' single. A sought after track it's only previous reissue was on the Soul Brother CD/LP 'Shaun Robbin' Sunday Soul Selection'. The song was later covered by Skye.

Robert Steenkamer is known as a purveyor of exquisite house music. Under his Roberto S guise, the Torontonian has released several landmark records. Besides this, he is known as a valued selector in his native Canada. The collaborative releases with Jex Opolis under their "Conga Radio" moniker have received worldwide praise throughout the house community. For his Pulp debut, Steenkamer has created a diverse body of music that touches different moods and genres.

On the A-side, the opening track "Inner Rhythm" is a orchestrated piece of work that uses an uplifting vocal cut and ethereal flute sounds to create a calm and positive dancefloor experience. Also on the A-side "Swizik" is a melody-heavy work where Steenkamer uses fun sequences, euphoric pads and well balanced drum patterns.

The title track is placed on the A3 position and is a genre-transcending cut. The tempo is is low and the beats are dragging along with the well-executed pads and synth riffs. On the B-side, the title track is being remixed by fellow Canadian "Florist". On this remix, Florist turns the slow vibe of the original into a soul touching dancefloor creeper that will definitely gain a lot of support in melodic circles. "Remember When" is a positive work with a snappy bassline and oozing synth sounds. Glass Road EP will be available from all specialized retailers in early 2019.

Donnie Tempo makes his return appearance on Chicago's Perpetual Rhythms with a deep and heavy EP of newly mixed and remastered material co-starring Trinidadian Deep on the remix tip.

Jaye P Morgan's 1976 million dollar private press featuring the cream of the LA jazz and funk scene and one of David Foster's first productions is finally reissued. Wewantsounds is delighted to announce the release on deluxe LP and CD of Jaye P. Morgan's ultra rare private press originally released in 1976. This lost classic recorded in LA at the legendary Sound City Studios is also the first full-blown production by David Foster two years before he co-produced Earth Wind and Fire's album I Am and went on to become one of the hottest producers on the scene. Featuring an extraordinary line up of the best LA musicians including Harvey Mason, Ed Greene, Jay Graydon, Ray Parker Jr. Tower of Power, Ernie Watts and many more, it's probably one of the most expensive private press ever produced and a delight of sophisticated Los Angeles funk featuring Jaye's superb soulful vocals. The LP edition will come with the original 4 page insert full of session photos and credits.

With a line-up that reads like a who's who on the 70s Californian scene, this album was a bold move for the singer who had made her mark in the 50s and 60s as a popular music singer and actress. Hiring Foster was a masterstroke as he hadn't yet produced any noticeable hit but together they gathered the most impressive crew of musicians you could think of including two of Foster's closest associates, guitarist Jay Graydon and singer / arranger Bill Champlin (of Sons of Champlin's fame) and created the perfect white Soul album with a breezy California feel.

Featuring masterful renditions of such iconic songs as Stevie Wonder's songs as Seems So Long and Earth, Wind And Fire's Can't Hide Love (for the anecdote, Foster, Champlin and Graydon would soon pen After The Love Has Gone which would become a mega hit for Earth Wind AND Fire two years later), together with a handpicked selection of originals, the sound alternates between uptempo funk and soulful mid-tempo ballads, all served by Morgan's superb vocals. The missing link between Steely Dan and Earth, Wind and Fire, Jaye P. Morgan is pure, undiluted Funk music and an essential LA classic which Wewantsounds is glad to make available for the first time.

A while back Pratt & Moody hit the global soul scene with their Stylart debut 7" "Lost Lost Lost", leaving many exclaiming the words "FIRME ROLA" on its tracks. Some even mistook it for a forgotten oldie. Now this vocal/guitar duo gets together with Cold Diamond & Mink for another dose of grade A soul music.

Not breaking the spell of tautology started with the first 45, "Words Words Words" picks up the tempo from ballad territory into the beat heavy group soul category. The pulsing drum track is laced with majestic horn riffs, tremolo guitar, penny arcade organ, and over everything hover the beautiful lyrics by Pratt and his mysterious harmony singers.

If the first single by Pratt and Moody left you yearning for more soul, this one should blow away the rest of your corporal existence.

Detroit master comes back with Route 88 - it's like going on the freeway in Detroit with a classic techno lead and hard bouncing drums with undercover baseline instantly give the kids the feel of Detroit Techno groove. Another class banger by Techno originator. B1: eddie fowlkes - PASS THE BUTTER -
This Deep tempo of sexy vocal sample wrap around a deep slipery slope baseline progressing up down with dark chords pass the butter of the funky groove of Detroit house underground sound.

Our final physical release of 2018 at First Word comes courtesy of Souleance, aka the DJ producer duo consisting of Soulist and Fulgeance, with a double A sided single, and a glimpse into one of our forthcoming 2019 releases, 'French Cassette' which follows on from Souleance's acclaimed 'La Beat Tape' release from 2013, and again delves into crates of samples with a distinct French flavour.

'François' is a track dedicated to the one and only François de Roubaix, legendary film score composer, jazz aficionado and one of the duo's biggest French influences. A delectable slice of 100 bpm instrumental boom bap, built around a seriously infectious jazz-funk groove, and chopped-up vocals.

'Sète' heads to the south of France, to the beautiful Mediterranean city where Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Festival takes place. A region that the duo have had love and appreciation of, for many years. This one touches up the tempo a little, with some sun-glazed boogie riding beneath ethereal vocals, samples and sizzling synths.


With a decades worth of collaboration between them, and persistent party rocking across Europe, Souleance continue to create tried & tested nuggets of magic for the dancefloor. This double-sided 7" is no exception, and should give you an idea of what to expect from the full beat tape next year. Meanwhile, here's another essential one for the record bags.

Africa Seven's next installment returns to Cameroon with a special edition version of Momo Joseph's in-demand LP, "War For Ground", with three extra tracks. Momo may be better known for his work as an actor, having featured in such titles as "La Haine" (1995) and "The African" (1983), but his small foray into music is definitely memorable as he lays it out in true Afro-Boogie style. Apart from two singles, "War For Ground" represents Momo's only other body of work, and only studio album which was self-released in 1983. With this "Edition Speciale" reissue we provide you all the originals from "War For Ground" remastered alongside his party-time classic "Cameroon Airline", "Love Africa Soul" and his lesser known tack "Oh Momo".

The A-side starts with "Africain", which also featured on our compilation "Africa Airways Four". Glistening synth lines work it out over the top of romantic guitars, while the continual and hypnotic vocal chant of "Africa" tells you exactly where this music is coming from and what it means. The tempo creeps up a bit with "N'Gon Le Bek" which again takes advantage of driving guitar lines, this time facing off with the horn section. The last cut on the A-Side is "Out Side No Fine", which flows great after the previous two, keeping up the same aesthetic with a bit more of a tropical feel to it.

The B-side kicks off with the title track "War For Ground". In this one Momo starts off rather melancholic before things end more triumphantly with the backing vocals and horn section again providing much of the driving force. The final two tracks on this record make up the "Edition Speciale" element of this reissue. "Love Africa Soul", taken from Momo's 1980 single of the same name, at first seems to be one of the more straight forward disco led tracks on this release until an ecstatic synth line breaks things up in a forward thinking break down before a trademark Momo groove kicks back in. The other track featured on that single was"Cameroun Airlines", a bonafied afro-disco classic. Next we delved into the vault and unearthed a recording session for "Oh Momo", this never released version of the track reflects a slightly different side of the signer, with a more afrobeat feel.

This "Edition Speciale" version of "War For Ground" offers a thorough observation of Momo Joseph's work as a musician and looks to help shine a light on Momo's career and musical genius.

Recorded already in 1983/84, these soulful songs still show a relation to 1970s soul pop with lush
arrangements that work with real instruments and have a vibrant atmosphere. An all in all memorable songwriting
and the incredible vocals of Mavis Staples from The Staple Singers make the album stand the test of time, even 35
years after the initial recording sessions and 25 years past its first CD/MC release. Licensed by legendary BRIAN
HOLLAND and for the first time on vinyl now by EVERLAND!

Mavis Staples has come to fame and fortune as member of the family vocal group THE STAPLES
SINGERS from the late 50s onward to the mid 80s and she has released a fair amount of solo albums as well,
many of them in recent years. - Love gone bad' is a solo effort from 1993, originally titled - Mavis Staples' and only
released on CD and cassette back in the days. So EVERLAND have now done the right thing and put out the first
ever vinyl of this gem. And a real gem can be found here. Soul music in a down tempo with a slick production and
lush arrangements that still have this vivid expression making it real music by real musicians. The songs contained
on this album all date back to the early 80s, from a session not released until 1993. The melodies and the way the
compositions flow go back to a mid to late 70s soul pop style that incorporates elements of funk and dance music
but in a moderate pace. You can easily float upon the dancefloor and drift away in silky dreams. Some tunes have
a synthesized beat with a typical 80s sound, but these are compositions that stand the test of time and 25 years
after their initial release and 35 years after these recording sessions they shine on as diamonds of black soul pop
and R'n'B music (not to be confused with Rhythm & Blues). Mavis sings like a grand lady of soul with a timeless
quality that makes her stand out from the crowd of similar crooners. Even in the most gentle moments here the
tunes have an irresistible groove that moves the listener. But you can also sit and listen and explore piece by piece
digging deeper into the arrangements to unearth great bass and guitar lines. You will sing these vocal melodies
over and over again in the days to come until you throw this onto your turntable once again. I wonder why this did
not see a regular release back in the 80s as it would have led Mavis Staples to the top positions of the charts, Pop,
Black Music and Billboard. She was meant to make an impact and although she was already in her mid 40s when
she recorded this collection of soul nuggets, she brought a lightfooted youthful spirit in, which gives so much life to
her songs. A must have for all aficionados of female fronted soul pop.

'Mais Kriola' first appeared on Brazilian Beats Brooklyn compilation put together by Greg Caz and Sean Marquand for us in 2006. It's a lovely laid back mid tempo boogie/soul/fusion jam. Originally appeared on Matheus self-titled LP from 1975.

'Maita' is a wonderful piece of warm, upbeat MPB from Doris Monteiro. Originally appeared on her 'Agora' LP from 1976, released by Odeon.

Mit brachialen Tempowechseln und sägenden Gitarrenriffs sowie klebrig-süßen Arrangements und ungestümen Ausbrüchen zwischen Hardcore, Punk und Alternative stiegen die Pixies gegen Ende der Achtziger zu Independent-Superstars auf. 1987 nahmen Frank Black & Co. bei einer dreitägigen Session 17 Songs für das Demo "The Purple Tape" auf. Eines dieser lila Bänder fiel Ivo Watts-Russel in die Hände, der die Pixies schließlich bei 4AD unter Vertrag nahm. Acht der Demo-Stücke landeten auf der EP "Come On Pilgrim", der ersten Veröffentlichung der Band. Im Jahr 1988 entstand das Debütalbum der Pixies, "Surfer Rosa", produziert von Steve Albini. Wieder hielt sich das Quartett nicht lange im Studio auf, in vierzehn Tagen war alles im Kasten. "Surfer Rosa" enthält "Where Is My Mind?" und damit den sicherlich berühmtesten Song der Band. Das Debüt begeisterte die Kritiker, "Melody Maker" und "Sounds" zeichneten es als "Album des Jahres" aus. Auch rückblickend gilt die Platte als eines der wichtigsten Rockalben jener Zeit. Zum 30-jährigen Veröffentlichungsjubiläum bringt 4AD die beiden Meilensteine zusammen mit dem 1986 mitgeschnittenen Radiokonzert "Live From The Fallout Shelter" noch einmal als Triple-Album heraus.

Matthew Dear's Black City Can't Be Found On Any Map. It's A Composite, An Imaginary Metropolis Peopled By Desperate Cases, Lovelorn Souls, And Amoral Motives. Like Most Literary Gothams, Black City Is A Place To Love And Hate, As Seedy As A Nightclub's Back Room And As Seductive As The Promise Of Power. Matthew Dear, The Musician, May Live In New York City, But The Matthew Dear Of Black City Inhabits A Sound-world Unlike Any Other: A Monument To The Shadowy Side Of Urban Life That Bumps And Creaks, Shudders And Wakes Up Screaming In The Middle Of The Night. Black City Is Matthew Dear's Third Album On Ghostly International, And It's His Darkest And Most Engrossing Work To Date.

From The rst Notes Of Album Opener "honey", It's Clear That The Love-obsessed Matthew Dear Of 2007's Asa Breed Has Given Way To A More Existentially Paranoid Entity, As Creeping Tempos Dominate, Cavernous Atmospherics Envelop The Listener, And Strange Distortions Crackle On The Horizon. In Black City, Nothing Is At It Seems: Leadoff Single "little People (black City)" Is A Nine-and-a-half Minute Disco odyssey, subverting its gleaming electronic lead with eerily giddy backing vocals and cryptic, ominous lyrics ("a frozen wasted heart / has died", "love me like a clown"); "You Put a Smell on Me" is a sordid sex romp set to hysterically chattering percussion and a serrated synth line that will set your teeth on edge; "More Surgery" at rst recalls the barely-there Krautrock of Harmonia in its burbling minimalism, until Dear's chanted chorus of "Alter genetics / to make my body glow / I need more surgery / there's so much more to know" sends the track hurtling into a dystopian future.

And yet, for all the foreboding moods on Black City, it's the album's sweeter moments that illustrate Matthew Dear's growing maturity as a songwriter. "Slowdance" is a futuristic lullaby in which Dear articulates a lover's helplessness ("I can't be the one to tell you everything's wrong") over breathy, Arthur Russell-esque cello swishes; the album-closing "Gem" is an achingly simple, reverb-drenched piano ballad that ends with a long, slow fade. Even in Matthew Dear's Black City, there is hope.

Solar Phenomena continues a high quality and high rate of releases after EP's from the likes of STL and Fluxion with a new one from Mystica Tribe - the musical alias of Tokyo-based producer, Taka Noda. Here he draws on everything from dub, soul, bass music, rhythm and blues and will always freak you out with his unusual sounds.

This excellently absorbing EP starts with Love Is All Right, a fusion of Asian percussion and reggae drums that is high tempo and funky. The bright steelpan sounds offset the razor sharp percussion and make for a sunny dub that will get any crowd going. The same fusion vibes continues but in more blissed out and slow motion fashion on 'Lawn Track', the beautiful cosmic psyche-out that is 'Ash' and supple space journey that is 'Voyage' with its intoxicating melodies and loose, tumbling percussion. This is unusual but essential music from an exclusive talent.

Released on Leeds Jazz & Soul labelATA Records, the debut LP fromThe Lewis Express takes the rich legacy of the soul-jazz outfits of the 1960s as the initial blueprint of their sound. Taking inspiration from the likes of Ramsey Lewis, Young-Holt, Eddie Cano, Ray Bryant and Cannonball Adderley, they present a collection of tracks that range from introspective spy film themes to burning Brazilian jazz.

Primarily based in Leeds, The Lewis Express is comprised of many of the musicians that have graced previous ATA releases: George Cooper, Piano (Abstract Orchestra) Neil Innes, Bass (The Sorcerers, The Magnificent Tape Band, Tony Burkill), Sam Hobbs, Drums (Dread Supreme, Tony Burkill, Matthew Bourne) and Pete Williams, Percussion (The Sorcerers, The Magnificent Tape Band, Tony Burkill). Recorded over an intense two-day session by the band of the same name, "The Lewis Express" is a nod to the classic soul jazz recordings of The Young Holt Trio / Young-Holt Unlimited and Ramsey Lewis, from who this group take their name. But, delivered with a distinctly European feel. As with many of the classic Ramsey Lewis cuts, this album was recorded live, capturing the rich inter-relationship between the players.

Kicking off the album isLove Can't Turn A Man, a slow burner that introduces the piano of George Cooper as he works over a rock solid backbeat.Cancao De Momentois an up-tempo Brazilian Workout in the style of Milton Banana with rhythmic piano punctuated by percussion.Brother Move Onis probably the most recognizable as being in the soul jazz vein, with nods to such classics as Ramsey Lewis'The 'In' CrowdandSoulful Strutby Young Holt Unlimited, particularly the latter. Moving intoHawkshaw Philly(their nod to session music legend and leader of The Mohawks, Alan Hawkshaw) the band create what sounds like a rare library cut.Theme From The Watcheris a nod to the cinematic soul-jazz of the 60s, conjuring up the sort of imagery that coincides with the black and white spy thrillers, espionage and intrigue.Last Man In The Chain Ganghas a very strong Ramsey Lewis feel and offers some of the most powerful piano playing of the whole album. The final track,Straight Seven Strut, is the only vocal track of the album. The staccato swing and French vocals lend it some of the qualities of 60s yé-yé music but with a far jazzier backbone, spiced with percussive handclaps.

Glasgow's Wheelman provides the tenth iteration of DBA's Dubs series, following a series of high profile releases on Huntleys & Palmers, Studio Barnhus, and his own Stereotone label. Signal is Wheelman's most ambitious effort to date, its searing amen stabs and deep sub bass guaranteed to wreck any club, while floating pads and crystalline strings add a bittersweet moment of rave nostalgia to the breakdown.

On the flip, in line with the DBA Dubs concept of pairing a house track from an up and coming UK producer with a remix by an established techno name from across the pond, Detroit In Effect provide a cold, bleep-drenched take which raises the tempo of Wheelman's original to an almost breakneck speed. D.I.E, also known as Cybonix, were prolific throughout the late 90s and early 00s on their own M.A.P. label and more recently on Rotterdam's Clone.

To coincide with the release of the tenth edition in the DBA Dubs series the label are also making all ten original tracks available as a digital package, while all ten of the remixes from the series get their own bundle, with Wheelman and Basic Soul Unit providing a megamix of each edition respectively.

Jonny Drop's debut, Sub Plot, was the very first album release on the fledgling Albert's Favourites label at the beginning of 2016. The initial offering, a 7" of album favourites Mind Field and This Is The One had quickly been picked up on by the good people at BBC Radio 6 Music as well as some of Drop's personal heroes including Kenny Dope, Mr. Thing and Nightmares On Wax.

But when the infectious rhythms and warm production of the beat tape landed, its impact was greater than anyone at the label could have hoped.

Although Jonny never stopped producing beats in the following years, he was also kept busy as a drummer, playing live for Andrew Ashong, The Bongolian and Connie Constance, whose Boring Connie EP he also laid down beats for.

Then in early 2018 his band The Expansions delivered their celebrated Murmuration LP. All the while, with the support of his label family, Drop had been evolving his solo sound too.

'The Only Sound sees a huge progression in my writing direction, as I collaborated with multiple vocalists and musicians, instead of the usual 'one-man band' approach.

The development of these processes make this LP a steady departure from the beat-tape influence of my past releases, and hopefully, showcase the more original sound I've been working to achieve over the past few years.'

The new album is more atmospheric, emotional and expressive. It is filled with beautiful vocal performances, musical contributions from label partners and close friends Deoke and James O'Keefe, and inspirational London jazz composer, flautist and master saxophonist Tamar Osborn (Collocutor/On The Corner).

Voices here include Shea Soul, Grace Walker, former Myron and E soul man Eric Boss with his Lucid Paradise and Pendletons partner Ishtar, plus First Word Records producer/Golden Rules collaborator Sarah Williams White.

While there are thoughtful, down-tempo moments of electronica in abundance here, Drop brings his favourite elements of disco and soul into the picture too.

And there's no shortage of low end throughout. The Only Sound is a welcome next step from Jonny Drop, the sound of a beat maker not just finding his feet as a composer, but thriving in new territory.

Huey Morgan (BBC Radio 6 Music),

Music Is My Sanctuary premiere for All This Trouble, Bonafide Magazine premiere for Looking Glass
'A really talented musician, absolutely loving that" Lauren Laverne on This Is The One, BBC Radio 6 Music

Dusty archives, the backrooms of record stores, private reel to reel stashes, master tapes - these are the environs of the Dynamic Range experience.Dynamic Range is a new label focused on unearthing deep Soul, Funk and Disco jams that continue to resonate with todays dancers and DJ's. Time spent scouring the bowels of the majors and independents has unsurprisingly resulted in numerous gems being added to the DR wants list. High quality, fully licensed reissues are the order of the day, always taken from the correct master source and re-presented to hungry record heads the world over. To repeat, this is a fully legit operation - Avoid the sharks at all costs!
The debut release on the label is a real doozy - New Birth, the mighty Detroit Funk outfit who operated from 1970 onwards are first up to bat. Their late 70's rarity 'Deeper' is a real monster lifted from their killer 'Behold The Mighty Army' LP. Produced by legendary Motown stalwart Frank Wilson this is some straight-up Disco-fied Funk for sure! One of those solid, mid-tempo groovers that just ignites a dance-floor at any time, any place. Side-A is the glorious full-side Disco mix and we're treated to the full instrumental version on the flip. No lazy edits here, just the full Funk and nothing but the Funk, just as the group intended! This is one of many soulful treats that Dynamic Range will be presenting in the coming months, stay tuned for more - 'Ain't It Something'. All music selected by the Dynamic Range team / Licensed and reissued by Above Board distribution in conjunction with Warner Music.
Remastered with love by Optimum Mastering, Bristol UK. Artwork and design by Atelier Superplus. 2018.

The very first release of 2018 from Eureka!, is the well known Parisian sampling master S3A (Sampling As An Art) with his perfect definition between underground quality emotional house music and dancefloor efficiency.
He released from Lazare House Records, Hold Youth, Concrete Music, Local Talk, Phonogramme and Faces and with his background culture based on a solid knowledge of house music, soul, funk made him one of the most promising house artist of the French scene.

Mountain Charr contains 3 tracks in completely different styles. 'Doop Doop' is definitely a sound of S3A, with characteristic vocal cut up by adding powerful horn section and melodic piano loop.
'Emotional M1' is classic yet warm and cosy low deep groove track that is playable regardless of a time or place, from lounge to dancefloor.
To complete the package we have 'Denials', a more down tempo offering, but its melody is fascinating and yes, sexy.

This EP definitely brings you his predominant sense of sampling.

Artwork by Kouhei Asakura

The Mysterious Love Drop Continues His Homage To The Classic Raw Sounds Of Days Gone By As He Drops An Anthemic And Pounding Slice Of House Music For Home Taping.
With His Trademark Moody Grooves And Heavy Delays He Builds A Vibe Which Is Guaranteed To Set Any Dance Floor On Fire.
Keeping It Raw And Proper With A Generous Pinch Of Soul And More Than A Touch Of Badass, Love Drop Just Moved Things Up To The Next Level. Less Is Definitely More As He Destroys The Floor.

On The Flip, Dicky Trisco Plays To The Emotional Strength Of The Original And Delivers A Highly Polished Heads-down, Dubbed Out Version For The Club.
While Rising Star Of The Scene Dan Shake Raises The Tempo And Treats Us To A Raw And Funky Workout To Complete A Very Fine Package Indeed.

Free Your Mind And Love Drop Will Follow.

One of Australia's most dynamic up & coming acts acts, The Goods have become vital members of Sydney's rising soul/electronic scene in just a few short years. With word spreading internationally and the band recently joining forces with Brooklyn-based label Bastard Jazz Recordings, The Goods are gearing up to release their hotly anticipatedMake Your MoveEP as they put the finishing touches on their debut album out later this year.

Consisting of founding members Badmandela and Rosario, along with the more recent addition of vocalist Black Tree, The Goods first burst onto the scene in 2016 with the release of their self-titled double EP rooted in a steady stream of hip-hop, space funk, low slung house and soul. Recognised by outlets such as Complex, MTV, VICE and Indie Shuffle, The Goods have also been heralded for their smashing live sets, sharing stages with the likes of Oddisee and Onra, in addition to highlight performances at various music festivals.

TheMake Your Move EPdocuments The Goods' exploration into faster tempos and broken rhythms, and was created in a much more collaborative spirit than their previous work. With Black Tree now an official member, the trio has tapped back into their roots as improvising musicians, with experimentations and ideas developed during their live shows making their way back into the studio, and fine-tuned into the tracks on this new EP.

Led by the bumping, soulful vibes of singles "Make Your Move" and "Glow", the new EP is an exciting taste of what's to come from The Goods in 2018.