Collector's Corner
Soulchasers Vol 1
Collectible albums are one thing. Compilations of collectible and rare items are another. Especially after a time when they too become as rare and collectible! This can be said of two superb and essential compilation which were released in the UK by Expansion Records. The late 80s may have been the time for economic boom, but aside the huff and puff of politics, a new subculture was emerging within an already underground scene. Rare Groove. There are always tunes that are going to get away from us, and it is the wonderful nature of soul music in that it matters not where a quality tune is 1 week old or 25 years old. A good tune is, and always will be a good tune. When Richard Searling came up with such delights for 1993's aptly named “Soul Chasers” he knew that people WANTED these songs – and great it was to pick them up on CD too. Richard Searling's taste in music so much matches my own. His inclusions were literally music to my ears, and even though some tunes were already sat in the collection on vinyl, I was more than happy to see these gems on crackle free CD.
Sheree Brown delighted us with 2 superb acoustic soul albums in the early 1980s for Capitol, and her work with Patrice Rushen is unparalleled. “Got To Get Away” is the perfect opening track. It soars, simple as that. This gentle track soon forges into a swirling miasma of strings, rhodes and guitar making this a masterpiece that takes you to heaven. Cat Miller, though, was a new one on me. This sought after 12” from Solar Records, released in 1986 simply slipped through the net. Where on Earth was I when this was released?! This gem exemplifies all good, honest and wholesome about a period before R&B destroyed itself. This is classy music for adults, enough said. 1982 was a great year for soul music, and the dreamy tenor-driven soul of “Do It Any Way You Want” by Robert Winters & Fall was released on the excellent Casablanca Records. This piece perfectly bridged the quality soul of the late 70s and the pre-programmed age post 1983. The result is a timeless slab of raw, powerful and emotional soul music. Horns included! The 70s delivered more quality than you could shake a stick at – despite the worst offences during the Disco period.
Valerie Carter's 1978 single, “Trying To Get Next To You” was the perfect panacea for much of the senseless flare-flapping that was rampant at the time. “Disco Duck” anyone? No, I thought not. Barry White remains one of the GODS of soul music. His work on Gloria Scott is truly amazing, coupled with the writing talents of Tom Brock this is a killer 70s soul choon. I can see why Richard followed this classic up with Collins & Collins 1980 gem “At The Top Of The Stairs”. The rhythm and the modus operandi is pure Barry White, and the swirling strings simply cap it off. Capitol Records had such a strong presence in the 1980s, and the wonderful High Fashion – comprising ex-Motown artist Eric McClinton, Meli'sa Morgan and Alyson Williams - made recorded that only a hot summers day would suffice. Its ethereal echoeyness and scratchy guitar lifts it from the ordinary to the sublime.
One for the dancers is the earthy “Would You Believe In Me”. 2007 saw this great man – a friend – pass away far too early. Jon Lucien was, to me, a force of Nature and he exuded the warmth of the tropical Island paradise that he grew up with. Feel this in the rhythm and let yourself go. Back to the quality – the pinnacle year? - for soul music, 1986 for Mrs. Glenn Jones – Genobia Jeter. Her “All My Love” for RCA personifies adult R&B and sounds as good 21 years on as it did the day I bought the LP. One that captures the vibe of Rare Groove is Leon Ware's masterful production for the late, great Michael Wycoff, “Looking Up To You”. A much coveted and sampled tune, this. Its no wonder why as it's simply anthemic! We have also lost the wonderfully talented and serene Syreeta Wright. Her voice was as smooth as silk and as clear as crystal. Unhurried, reverent almost and could reach unbelievable highs that Minnie Riperton would approve of. “And So It Begins” reminds us of that unforgettable talent.
I also adored Tyrone Davis – although his LP covers were cheesy to the point of parody! - and the Leo Graham collaboration of “Never Stopped Loving You” with its lazy gait, southern leanings, horns and bassline were perfect for the effortless delivery of this great Soul Man. Magic Lady were a class act, supported by the genius of Michael Stokes. “Hold Tight” is the premier cut from “Hot & Sassy” and is perfect for a summer's day. A tasty compliment to Sheree Brown's opening jewel. Watch out for NEW material from Linda and Michael Stokes soon! Last, but by no means least is the Chief Dramatic, L.J. Reynolds. “Call Me” isn't my favourite tune of his, but is still a winner and drew down the curtain on the first of two essential compilations. This CD left me slavering for a volume two. And volume two did NOT disappoint!
Barry Towler
