NEW RELEASES: LEON BRIDGES – LOUISIANA SUN; JAMES HUNTER SIX - HOLD ON; HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES – TO BE TRUE

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