LEON BRIDGES – LOUISIANA SUN (FROM THE COMING HOME SESSIONS)
A really great special set from soul singer Leon Bridges –
tracks recorded for his Coming Home album, but which didn't get released at the
time – but which, to us, are every bit as great as the work on that instant
classic set! The vibe here is one that you'll recognize instantly if you dig
Leon as much as we do – a lean, tight take on classic southern soul sounds of
the 60s – recorded down in Texas with small combo backing, and a trio of female
singers who give Bridges this warm vibe and a feel that's almost like Hi
Records during their glory days. Titles include "Mississippi Kisses",
"There She Goes", "Daisy Mae", "Here In My Arms",
and "Outta Line". (Indie store exclusive!) ~ Dusty Groove
JAMES HUNTER SIX - HOLD ON
The great James Hunter – sounding
even better than before – thanks to sock-solid soul production from Daptone
Records! James already recorded at Daptone Studios before – for his previous
record – but this set's completely in the hands of the label, from top to
bottom – and features wicked Bosco Mann production, and the best sort of
vintage soul instrumentation that Hunter's ever had! The groove here is mid 60s
soul, with a slight mod undercurrent – the sort of Detroit-informed work that
always played big with UK soul fans, but given a slight R&B twist at times
too – especially in the great use of organ on most of the cuts. Hunter's always
been a great singer, but he's never hit these heights before – and the blend of
talents here is perfect. Titles include "Stranded", "Satchel
Foot", "In The Dark", "If That Don't Tell You",
"This Is Where We Came In", "A Truer Heart", and "Hold
On". ~ Dusty Groove
HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES – TO BE TRUE (INCLUDES
BONUS TRACKS)
One of the legendary classics from the Philly International
years of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – a time when the group was
featuring the tremendous lead vocals of the great Teddy Pendergrass! The set's
a stunner all the way through – one of the best Philly mixes of smooth,
professional backings and deeply personal lyrics – as Teddy soars to the top of
the mix with his excellent leads, and gets excellent support from the rest of
the Blue Notes on harmonies – but also steps aside to make a bit of space to
introduce singer Sharon Paige on one cut, who'd have a greater role in the
group in years to come. The songwriting, production, and other Sigma Studios
touches are sublime – and titles include "Hope That We Can Get Together
Soon", "Where Are All My Friends", "Bad Luck",
"To Be True", "Nobody Could Take Your Place", and "All
Because Of A Woman". Features two bonus tracks – "Hope That We Can Be
Together Soon (single version)", and "Bad Luck (Tom Moulton
mix)". ~ Dusty Groove
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