Leela James

Welcome to another week of the Science of Soul, thank you to all the new listeners who have tuned in for the first time over the last few weeks your Facebook messages and emails are greatly appreciated and I am glad you love the mix of music I try to bring.

This week I will be featuring the new album from Leela James "Fall For You," I love Leela's vocals rich and emotional she embodies what soul music is all about, and there's a great duet on there with Anthony Hamilton that I played a month or so ago so I didn't include it in my three picks for this week but I think overall it's an album that does not disappoint.

The summer concert season is in fall swing Stateside so if your planning a trip check out locally to see whats going on there are some amazing shows over the next few months.

I posted on my Facebook page this week the link to the Curtis Mayfield Story that covered his life up to the point just after his accident, Mickey did a wonderful job getting it from reel-to-reel into digital format, I know from your messages that many of you have already heard it but I thought I would give it mention so the new found listeners would not miss out.

Some 2014 music this week from Lewis "Raw" Shaw , Dionne, Somi and some recent tracks that you might have missed, just like I do, plus the classics from every era that we all love.

Enjoy the music and share the soul...Bridge FM readers click  here for Podcast.

This weeks play list for Sunday 20-07-2014


Hour One
Lynn White - I Don't Know Why
Karen Bernod - Reminiscing On Your Kissing
Joe - First Lady
Sho Nuff - Just To Love Someone Like You
Roy G Hemmings - Who's Loving You Tonight
Leela James - Give It + Set Me Free
Shelia Coley ft Nate Hall - Move With You
Eli Paperboy Reed - Pick A Number
Somi - Ginger Me
Jamal Nichols - Always Will
Dionne - Allergies
Raw Shaw - I'd Rather Go Blind
Ursula Ricks - Sweet Tenderness
The Impressions - I'm Still Waiting

Hour Two
Jean Knight - You Got The Papers
N-Tense - Lovers Touch
L V Johnson - It's Not My Time
Barbara Mason - You Can't Be...
          .... With The One You Don't Love
R Kelly - Come To Daddy
Leela James - Everything
O B Buchana - I Want Both Of You
The Spinners - He Don't Love You Like I Do
EOL [Elements Of Life] - Gift Of Love
Milestone - Good Love
William Bell - My Whole World Is Falling Down
The Four Tops - Strung Out On Your Love

Leela James Biography:

James' debut album, entitled A Change Is Gonna Come, was released on June 21, 2005. The album was conceived as a throwback to an earlier era of American soul music, building upon the legacy of 1960s and 1970s soul singers while incorporating elements of contemporary R&B, funk, and gospel. In the lyrics to the album's lead single, entitled "Music", James laments the current state of contemporary popular music. She condemns the glorification of materialism and misogyny that has often been attributed to the lyrical content of contemporary R&B and hip hop songs while pleading for the return of the artistry, dedication, and sincerity displayed by musicians of earlier decades. James co-wrote most of the tracks on her debut album, two exceptions being her covers of the pop rock band No Doubt's 1996 hit "Don't Speak" and the classic title song by Sam Cooke, for which the album is named. Notable collaborators on the album include Raphael Saadiq of the 1990s R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Kanye West, and former Fugees member Wyclef Jean. More @
Wikipedia

Dee Robinson

On this weeks Science of Soul I'll be featuring a new album from Atlanta, Georgia based, Ms Dee Robinson. I have to confess Dee was new to me but this is her third album, the last being as far as I can find out issued back in 2005. So it's been awhile but WOW, it was worth a wait, "Grown And Sexy Lullaby's" is a killer from start to finish. This lady can s-a-n-g-g-g-g, she has a style that's kinda sassy, but sugar sweet almost in a jazzy vain. I've had this album on repeat in my car for a week and it just gets better, that's the measure of a future classic. Dee is also a writer with a new book out this week so visit her site and find more at: www.deerobinson.com

Joe [Thomas] is back with a new album called "Bridges" he as been 'Mr Consistent' over the last ten years or so, but this album seems kinda thrown together, but it still has it's moments, none-the-less and I gotta say he's is in fine voice as always and the good tracks are great, it's just a little patchy by his own high standards.

Thank you for allowing me to indulge myself in Bobby Womack last week, It seems just like me there are a lot of Womack fans out there. I thank for all the great feed-back and rest assured Bobby will always be apart of the Science of Soul just as he always as been.

New music this week from Raw Shaw, Steven Drakes, Shaylin D Mack and all the usual classics some well known some not.  Time now to so sit back enjoy and please share my Link that's how we continue to grow. Podcast link for Bridge FM readers

Playlist for Sunday 13-07-2014

Hour One

The Chi -Lites - Tell Me Where It Hurts 

This weeks Gospel song

Shaylin D Mack - Feel Good Music 

Joe - Future Teller 

Kelli Sae & Count Basic - I'm Loving You 

Michael Guy - Cant Thank You Enough 

Willie Clayton - Where As Love Gone 

Lola - It Ain't Worth It 

Dee Robinson - What Can I Do For You 

Dee Robinson - Candy Sweet

The Artistic's - She's Heaven 

Mighty Fire - You Got Everything 

Impact - I Thought You Might Like To Know 

Big G - We Cant Stay Together 

Fathers Children - When I Think At All I Think Of You 

Hour Two 

The O'Jays - Let Me Into Your Life 

Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes - Keep On Lovin' Me 

R. 'Dimples' Fields - Don't Stop Chasing Your Dreams 

Steven Drakes - Waterfall 

Sir Charles Jones - Independent Ladies 

Sulpacio Jones - Your Eyes 

Bettye Swann - Either Love Me Or Leave Me 

Raw Shaw - Ghetto Tactics 

Willie Hutch - Kelly Green 

Dee Robinson - Feels So Good 

Jea Mason - Together And In Love 

The Independents - Couldn't Hear Nobody Say 

 

Dee Robinson Biography:

Dee Robinson was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, only a few streets away from her favorite entertainer Michael Jackson, with whom she also shares a birthday—August 29. Dee’s initial emphasis in entertainment was working behind the scenes creating, developing, and producing live theatrical events to showcase independent artists. Dee considers herself first and foremost a poet, from which her creative essence is derived. Everything she has ever written began first as a poem—every speech, every song, every short story, every thesis. With a strong support network and a growing client base, she made the decision to walk away from corporate America and support herself through her talent as a writer, producer, project manager, and consultant. Her first step to freedom was starting a writing service called Dee Robinson the Right Writer. As a writer for hire, her motto was “Let me say it for you.” A few years later she started a company called Mentaltainment with a focus on producing enriching, enlightening, and purposeful entertainment. Her motto for Mentaltainment is “Information disguised as entertainment.” More @ deerobinson.com

 

A Bobby Womack Tribute

Bobby with Sam Cooke

Thank you for stopping by this special edition of the Science of Soul, because this weeks program is dedicated entirely to the music of recently late Bobby Womack (4/3/44 - 27/6/14.)  Some may think this is a slight indulgence on my part, but the older I have got the greater my appreciation of Bobby's music as become. He has been a regular on the Science of Soul playlists since day one, his contribution to the growth of soul music is immeasurable, in fact his contribution to music period is truly astounding through his writing and the way he was accepted in all genre's of music, Rod Stewart once said he would love to make an album as great as "The Poet." The Rolling Stones had to this day one of there biggest hits with "It's All Over Now," a song originally recorded by The Valentinos in 1965 and written by himself.

He dipped his toe into Country music for his "BW Sings CW" album which incidentally he wanted to title it; "Step Aside Charley Pride You Ain't The Only N****r Who Can Sing Country Music," for some reason the record company wouldn't go for it, LOL. His list of duets and guest vocal appearances run from Ray Charles to Bill Withers, Lulu to The Crusaders and as guitar player he played on sessions with Sam Cooke to Sly Stone, Dusty Springfield to Janis Joplin.

Cooke's own label

Bobby Womack was a man without limits to him music was music, his life was as colorful as his music career, Incredible highs and times of deep despair, it was all these things that made him the man that he was, I am sure by the time this goes on air you will be tired of reading Bobby his obituary's that tell of his troubles over the years, don't let that overshadow his greatness he was after all only human he hid nothing how many of us can say that......When I gathered my thoughts to prepare this program I decided not to pick up a discography because that would not accurately reflect what music that had touched my life.  I'm not a music journalist or a statistician, I'm a fan, and this reflects in the music that I have chosen. I was fortunate enough to meet the man and blessed to be around people of that elk. Back then I took it all for granted but looking back I now realize how blessed I was...so R.I.P.  Bobby Womack and I thank you for enriching my life..

This weeks playlist 06-07-14


Hour One
Stop On By
You're Messing Up A Good Thing
So Many Sides Of You
Communication
If You Don't Want My Love
I'm Through Tryin' To Prove My Love To You
If You Want My Love Put Something Down On It
When Love Begins Friendship Ends
I Don't Wanna Be Hurt By Love Again
Close To You
And I Love Her
I Wish It Would Rain
We've Only Just Begun

Hour Two
Facts Of Life
If You Cant Give Her Love Give Her Up
Across 110th Street
I Can Understand It
That's The Way I Feel About Cha'
Love As Finally Come At Last
If You Think Your Lonely Now
I Wish I Had Someone To Go Home To
American Dream
Woman's Gotta Have It
One More Chance On Love

Bobby Womack's Biography:

Born 4 March 1944, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. A founder member of the Valentinos, this accomplished musician also worked as a guitarist in Sam Cooke's touring band. He scandalized the music fraternity by marrying Barbara Campbell, Cooke's widow, barely three months after the ill-fated singer's death. Womack's early solo singles, "Nothing You Can Do" and the superb "I Found A True Love", were all but shunned and, with the Valentinos now in disarray, he reverted to session work. Womack became a fixture at Chips Moman's American Recording Studio, but although he appeared on many recordings, this period is best recalled for his work with Wilson Pickett. "I'm In Love" and "I'm A Midnight Mover" are two of the 17 Womack songs that particular artist would record. Bobby meanwhile resurrected his solo career with singles on Keymen and Atlantic Records. Signing with Minit Records, he began a string of R&B hits, including "It's Gonna Rain", "How I Miss You Baby" (both 1969) and "More Than I Can Stand (1970).

His authoritative early album, The Womack Live, then introduced the freer, more personal direction he would undertake in the 70s. The final catalyst for change was There's A Riot Going On, Sly And The Family Stone's 1971 collection on which Womack played guitar. Its influence was most clearly heard on "Communication", the title track to Womack's first album for United Artists Records. Part of a prolific period, the follow-up album, Understanding, was equally strong, and both yielded impressive singles, which achieved high positions in the R&B charts. "That's The Way I Feel About Cha" (number 2), "Woman's Gotta Have It" (number 1) and "Harry Hippie" (number 8), which confirmed his new found status. Successive albums from Facts Of Life, Looking For A Love Again and I Don't Know What The World Is Coming To, consolidated the accustomed mixture of original songs, slow raps and cover versions. BW Goes C&W (1976), a self-explanatory experiment, closed his United Artists contract, but subsequent work for CBS Records and Arista Records was undistinguished. In 1981 Womack signed with Beverly Glen, a small Los Angeles independent, where he recorded The Poet. This powerful set re-established his career while a single, "If You Think You're Lonely Now", reached number 3 on the R&B chart. The Poet II (1984) featured three duets with Patti LaBelle, one of which, "Love Has Finally Come At Last", was another hit single. Womack moved to MCA Records in 1985, debuting with So Many Rivers. A long-standing friendship with the Rolling Stones was emphasized that year when he sang back-up on their version of "Harlem Shuffle". Womack remained fairly quiet during the 90s, although he returned to the recording studio in 1999 with his first ever gospel set, Back To My Roots. An expressive, emotional singer, his best work stands among black music's finest moments. 

The Brydge

The Brydge

It's Science of Soul time once again and this weeks show features the debut album from a group of gentlemen, The Brydge, who hail from Pittsburgh, PA., all I can say is wow ....not many debut albums have the depth in quality that this one does, great productions quality songs and a host of fine guest vocalist's make this a must have in any ones collection, not easy to categorize its falls in so many bags .....and that's not a bad thing I think you will enjoy.

Soul Junction records based in the UK have done it again, they have unearthed two classics slices of unreleased soul from back in the day by one of the original Impressions, Richard Brooks, I gotta say a big thank you to Dave Welding at Soul Junction, a man who's dedication to soul music is inspiring, I thought; "Which track shall I play this week - then I had a great idea" ... both of them, lol. Please show your support to these guys it takes vision and courage to issue music out of the normal realms of the tried and trusted reissue market and Soul Junction do this consistently and long may it continue..

Playing the flip-side today!

Other new releases this week come from Southern soulman Willie P and I have dipped into Maryanne Ito's excellent debut album "Waking Up." The Sunshine always makes me nostalgic so there's a nice chunk of old school in this week's show ... in fact some of it's so old it's pre-school, Lol .. but that's the Science of Soul.. no boundaries. Listen for the O'Jays underrated classic "Someones Waiting Back Home (For Me)" it was relevant back then and it's relevant today.

Soul Music giant Bobby Womack died on Thursday, and his death appears to have been caused by a combination of factors, including diabetes, prostate cancer, heart trouble, colon cancer and pneumonia. He'll be remembered for his six decades of up-lifting soul, from his early guitar musical support of Sam Cooke to all his later collaborations with his Brothers, all was good music. Tribute show here next week.

On with todays music, thanks for all the Facebook messages etc., I appreciate your continued support, remember to tell a friend and share the link. Podcast found here.

This weeks playlist for 29-06-14

Hour One
Curtis Harding - Heaven's On The Other Side
David Brinston - Don't Tease Me With It
Willie P - Lone Ranger
Maryanne Ito ft Devaun - Good To Me
Jwonn - I Got This Record
Tower of Power - By Your Side
The Brydge ft Faith Otey - Dream Come True
The Brydge ft Fult & Richard Smith - I Try
Richard Brookes - I'll Do Anything To Make You Happy
Little Beaver - That's How It Is
Lorraine Ellison - I'm Gonna Cry Till My Tears Run Dry
Donnell Jones - Do What I Gotta Do
David Hollister - One Woman Man

Hour Two 
The O'Jays - Someones Waiting Back Home
Jea Mason - Diana
The Brydge ft Carolyn Perteete - Can I Come Over
J Blackfoot - Same Place Same Time
Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway - Where Is The Love
Enchantment - Gloria
Force M D's - Here I Go Again
George Benson - Midnight Love Affair
Holland/Dozier/Holland - Why Cant We Be Lovers
Richard Brookes - With All Of My Heart
L. J. Reynolds - Don't Give Up On Us
Keith Washington - Make Time For Love

The Brydge Biography:

The Brydge provides a sound that satisfies the broad spectrum of music enthusiast; infusing and providing multiple styles and genres, creating music that is timeless. March 2014, The group releases it's first music project entitled, Livin' Lyfe, Volume I. This work is comprised of various local artists who join family to create a musical journey and experience that is refreshing and gratifying! Listen to the sounds of Soul, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Gospel, Rock and Jazz all wrapped up into one. It’s guaranteed to leave you confessing, “That Is Good Music! The Primary songwriters, producers, and arrangers are Claude Flowers, J. R. Jones, and Dwayne Fulton; who brings a wealth of skill, knowledge and passion to the Lyfe in Music!Treat yourself, and take a ride across the sounds of Pittsburgh’s newest ‘Wonder’ of the city; The Brydge.

Bobby womack - when the weekend comes by mickeynold