James Tillmon

Thank you for stopping by the Science of Soul website, this week I celebrate two gentlemen who's places in soul music history are assured, June 1st., is the anniversary of David Ruffin's passing, it's been 23 years, wow, it still feels like yesterday that I had the privilege to know David and was with him just a couple of weeks before his untimely death.  I'm sure most people are aware David was perceived as troubled man and to some degree that's very true, but he was a beautiful person none the less and there is no doubt about the music he left for us to treasure.

Also celebrating the birthday of Curtis Mayfield a man who made an amazing impact on my life as a young man, not just through his music but through his humanity and vision, he truly was the soundtrack to a generation, he continues to inspire through the legacy he left us. If you have never had the opportunity to listen to Curtis Live at The Bitter End in New York City, recorded in January 1971, then I suggest you do so, and I do mean listen not just let it play ...It was a milestone not just in soul music history but in music history period.

I also feature the brand new EP from James Tillman, "Shangri La," I have to say I have been playing this a lot and it's a real grower, think you will enjoy. Thanks to all the new Facebook friends who have joined us over the last few weeks, your comments and enthusiasm make the Science of Soul such a pleasure to present. Big shout to all the Legend107 listeners who tune in every week and my brother Melvin Jordan who does such a great job in promoting the show in the States, your help and friendship is treasured, and to Mickey who does such great work behind the scenes and takes care of the website . I would be lost without him. Talking of Mickey he as just restored an interview I did way back in 1993 with legendary Motown writer/producer Ivy Jo Hunter. It's taken from the original reel-to-reel tapes, first broadcast on PCRL radio as a 2 30 minute episodes, he as done an amazing job you can find it on YouTube now [and at base of this page - ed]. Okay! on with the music....please enjoy.

Playlist for Sunday 1st June 2014

Hour One
Cunnie Williams - Everything I Do
Love Committee - Tired Of Being Your Fool

Her 2014 album

Gregory Porter - On My Way To Harlem
Avery Sunshine - Call My Name
Miss Rebekah - Dancing With My Baby
Phillip Mitchell - Just The Beginning
James Tillman - Shangra La & Loved    
Curtis Mayfield x3    RIP                       

1 You Mean Everything To Me                
2 Another Fool In Love  3 Little Brown Boy    
Cupid - To The Moon
Elijah [Bland] - Wash The Mirror
Roy G. Hemmings - I Won't Be Around
Aretha Franklin - One Step Ahead

Hour Two

His 1999 album

Co-Ed - 1st Time

                     David Ruffin x3      RIP   

1 Break My Heart 2 Don't You Go Home

                          3 So Soon We Change 

Malik Pendleton + MJB - Little Bro Little Sis

Main Ingredient  You've Been My Inspiration

Ted Taylor - Sweet Lovin' Pair

                    James Tillman - And Then

Maxine Jones - Didn't I

Mind & Matter - Now I Don't Have You

The Dramatics - Cloud Nine

Dane'sha Nicole - Wrong Side Of Love

Blue Magic - Look Me Up

James Tillmon Biography:

Hailing from Washington, DC, singer-songwriter and musician James Tillman fell in love with the sound of music at an early age. Exposure to his parents’ extensive album collection, which included everything from Afrika Bambaataa to Joni Mitchell, and solo karaoke concerts with a Fisher Price toy cassette player planted musical seeds within him. A knock out church performance of ‘This Little Light of Mine” at age 9 and learning to play Mozart’s Clarinet concerto by 16 helped those musical seeds to take root and flourish. James’ unwavering desire to become a singer was ignited by iconic artists such as Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo. After discovering that Marvin Gaye was a native Washingtonian, James became further driven to forge his own musical path. Drenched in the tradition of these greats yet also inspired by contemporary producers, James’ sound is rooted in soulful R&B with a modern twist. more: jmtill.com

A YouTube experimental interview (more may follow)