Juno Recommends Soul: April 2024

Review: A decade ago, German brothers Frank and Christian Berman created a genuinely overlooked masterpiece: an album that combined classic vocal and instrumental performances from soul, jazz and funk performers (extracted from multi-track tapes of the original recordings) with new Brazilian-flavoured backing tracks featuring some of Brazil's most famous and storied musicians. The album, credited to Studio Rio, kicked off with this: a shuffling, samba-fired version of Bill Withers' classic 'Lovely Day' that's arguably even sunnier and more positive than the great man's original soul recording. It's a genuinely brilliant version, all told, and one that sounds like a summer festival and end-of-night anthem in the making. Mr Bongo thinks so - hence this must-have 7" single that pairs the vocal version with a previously unreleased instrumental take.

Review: This record comes at a sad time, as Marlena Shaw passed away in January 2024, the New York born soul singer with her unmistakable voice leaving a long list of amazing credits and performances when she departed. This magnificent double 7" focuses on her early years in the late 1960s, work she did on the highly influential Cadet label just before she moved to Blue Note. 'California Soul', 'Liberation Conversation', 'Let's Wade In The Water' and 'Woman Of The Ghetto' are all soul classics by the late songbird, and all gathered togethere here into one unmissable EP.

Review: Jalen Ngonda himself can personally vouch that he is 'Here To Stay'. At least, as much is true for his inclusion on the Daptone roster: his latest 7" here commands a gorgeously breezy vocal performance, a formerly hidden gem recorded during the Come Around And Love Me sessions. A throwback to Motown in two parts, the record is also backed up by the sweet and joyous 'If You Don't Want My Love'.

Review: France's faves Battle Weapons deliver two heady new edits, only for those ready. On the A comes an ingenious, probably never-done-before, almost laughably why-hasn't-anyone-else-ever-thought-of-this-until-now breakbeat rendition of Peter Bjorn & John's 'The Young Folks'. To be frank, they've not done much besides beef up the backbeat a little, but a simple sprucing up is sometimes all a tune needs. On the flip comes a phattened version of 'Forgot About Dre' mashed up with the Azzido Da Bass UK garage classic 'Dooms Night', also produced to hilariously, surreally arresting effect.

Review: Measured Mile records puts two classy soul tracks onto the same 7". Originally released in 1974, Act 1 - 'It's The Same Old Story' is often looked over classic of the era. Act 1 hailed from Detroit and featured Raeford Gerald, Roger Terry, Reggie Ross and George Barker. The band had two minor hits but often people recall 'It's The Same Old Story' as their favorite of their only full album. Ivano Fossati's 'Night Of The Wolf' is found on the B-side. A jam song that verges slightly into Latin music, asks for quite a sum of money for its original copy. Both tracks add up to a real gem of a 7".

Review: UK Northern soul-food wholesalers Kent Dance are experts in procuring and supplying and continue to stick their necks out in this regard with a brand new reissue of The Soul Children's 'Standing In The Safety Zone', backed up by Sylvia And The Blue Jays' 'Put Me In The Mood' on the flip. The former track is an androgyne vocal soul, car-stereo'ed burst of joy, on which, despite the overarching feel of ecstasy, we hear duetting singers Anita Louis' and John Colbert's lyrics sing of remaining in one's comfort zone, which depending on the interpretation could either be heard as sardonic or earnest. Sylvia and co.'s B-side sounds as great as ever, being the breathy, flirtatious number it always was, yet with its best elements fleshed out ever-further by this 7" pressing.

Review: The soul, funk and disco 7" community are a strong one. Besides garage rock and psychedelic rock, there might not be another genre that is so beloved on the small but mighty 45 RPM format. So, it completely makes sense if you are a newer producer releasing music in these genres then definitely know your fan base. Cool Million is a Danish and German duo doing just that. Their track 'Stronger' is the track and the title of their sixth full length album from 2019. The album has gained such strong reviews that they put it now as a single along with the Dub version on the reverse side. 'Stronger' is a positive and upbeat anthem that is sure reign in the innocent bystanders to party. The Dub is a super-cool alternative version that reminds of us classic roller-skating funk track from Midnight Star or Kool & The Gang. Need a party starter? Get this!

Review: Lynn Davis, known for her illustrious career as a backing vocalist and member of George Duke's band, continues her solo journey with 'Beautiful You, her second single. Following the success of her debut release, 'Come Over,' Davis showcases her vocal prowess and sensuality once again in this sophisticated r&b ballad with a touch of jazzy swing. In 'Beautiful You,' Davis sings of recognising the inner and outer beauty in her partner, expressing gratitude for finding someone who surpasses expectations. The song beautifully captures the feeling of discovering that something seemingly too good to be true is, in fact, real. With its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, 'Beautiful You' is another standout track from Davis, reaffirming her talent as a solo artist.