Regina Belle

Welcome to this weeks Science of Soul, today I will be featuring the new album from Englewood, New Jersey's own Ms Regina Belle called "The Day Life Began," and it's a classy affair filled with quality songs with Regina sounding better than ever. Gotta say the ladies are throwin' down right now, I guess the fella's are resting for a minute, lol.

One man who is keeping very busy is the Atlanta based Frank McKinney, in addition to his prolific production work he finds time to record himself. His latest release, "I Want Someone To Love Me For Me" is featured on this weeks playlist as is Saginaw, Michigan's Nelson Hairston, plus the man who is currently keeping London,

England, on the soul map KeJam ft. Terry Harris, I played one of the collaborations last week and thought why not share another today.

Sad to report another loss in our soul community Mic Gillette the man who's distinctive horn playing on the intro of Tower of Powers classic "Your Still A Young Man" died this week of a heart attack. Mic was a major part of Tower Of Power sound and success .. I send condolences to his family and all his TOP brothers.
I would like to thank you for all the great feed back I get for the show it makes it all worthwhile, But don't be shy if there is something out there I need to hear and play just let me know.
Ok it's music time enjoy..

Playlist for Sunday 24-01-2016

Hour One
Frank McKinney - I Want Somebody To Love Me For Me
Ty Causey - I Miss You
KeJam ft. Terry Harris - 2 Can Play
Nelson Hairston - Steppin To The Left
Sly Slick & Wicked - All I Want Is You
Morris Jefferson - One More Time
Tower of Power - Your Still A Young Man
Theo Huff - Soul Swing
Crystal Johnson - Come Home
Nicolas Bearde - Can We Pretend
Regina Belle - The Day Life Began
Regina Belle - Imperfect Love

Hour Two 

Isaac Hayes - A Few More Kisses To Go 

Terisa Griffin - Distant Lover

Joyce Elaine Yuille - It's Madness

Toni Redd - Holding On To Love

The Mad Lads - Destination 

Regina Belle - You

Soul Generation - Heaven Only Knows

Millie Jackson - Help Me Finnish My Song

Brian Mcknight - Love Of My Life

The Temptations - Special

The O'Jays - Let Me Make Love You

The Dells - Slow Motion

Regina Belle Biography:

New Jersey native Regina Belle has established an enviable two decade career on the strength of her beautifully sensuous, deep voice and a collection of hit songs in the Soul, Jazz and, more recently, Gospel genres.  Belle grew up singing Gospel and Soul while also playing multiple instruments. She then attended Rutgers University, where she studied both Jazz and Opera. Her big break came when she was introduced to the Manhattans and wound up touring with them and dueting with Gerald Alston on the group's "Where Did We Go Wrong" from their 1986 Back to Basics album. Both the song (which was produced by Bobby Womack) and her performance were great, and the music industry took notice, even if the public wasn't yet aware of this rising Soul star. More at Soultracks

Nicholas & Otis Remembered

Thanks for stopping by this weeks Science of Soul. It seems so far 2016 is bringing nothing but bad news, we have lost two legends in as many weeks, as I mentioned last week one of the founding members and a real driving force behind The Whispers was Mr Nicholas Caldwell has passed and now Blues & Soul icon Otis Clay, Otis was one of the last greats of his genre appealing to both Soul and Blues folk, so this week I have two tributes sections on the show. Please forgive my indulgence but both of these gentlemen were way to important just mention in passing. Though not a Science of Soul artist, I would just like to express my sadness on the loss of David Bowie ... he was a man who truly LIVED his life [He had spoke/argued live on TV about lack of daytime Black music programming on MTV in 1984 and the Station sadly followed by programming 'dis- rap' - Ed.] My condolences to his family and friends.

On a happier note I have some great new music for you in the form of Sarah Lesol  and I must thank my good friend Glen Travillion for bringing this lady to my attention. Look out for Atlanta based Tony Tatum and London's own Kejam ft Terry Harris just two stars on the rise for sure. Soul stalwart Keith Sweat is back with a bang we have a track from his forthcoming album and "Good Love" is anything to go by I can't wait. Video this week is a couple enjoying a 2010 Kem song while driving together.

Music please .....  remember to 'share if you dare' with a friend and as always, I thank you for your continued support.

Playlist for 17-01-2015

Hour One
Stan Mosley - Kiss & Tell
Willie Hutch - Never Let You Be Without Love
Kejam ft. Terry Harris - Start All over
Sarah Lesol - I Like It Like That
Tony Tatum - I Need A Woman
Jeanette Baby Washington - Can't Get Over Losing You
John Gary Williams - I Believe That The Whole ..
       .. Damn World Is Going Crazy
Jeannie Reynolds - I Don't Wanna Be Second Best
Otis Clay - Only Way Is Up
Otis Clay - All I Wanna Do
Otis Clay - Leave Me & My Woman Alone
Otis Clay & Uvee Hayes - Play Something Pretty For Me
Otis Clay - Trying To Live My Life Without You

Hour Two

J Blackfoot - I've Been Having An Affair

Keith Sweat - Good Love

Big Ben Hillman - Lonely With You

Leela James - Tell Me That You Love Me

Terisa Griffin - Save Me

Erica Reed - I'll Make It Alright

The Spinners - No One Like You

The Whispers - Give It To Me

The Whispers - Do They Turn You On

The Whispers - Say Yes

The Whispers - Are You Going My Way

The Whispers - Lady

Terisa Griffin

RIP Nick Caldwell 

More sad news for soul music lovers this week, on January 6th. we lost the Whispers founding member and writer of many of there classic hits to cancer. Nicholas Caldwell who hadn't performed for a while due to his health issues, a fitting tribute to Nick will be on next weeks show!

Featured Artist this week is Terisa Griffin, who's new album "Revival of Soul" is truly amazing, the Chicago Heights lady has delivered a masterpiece of sensual soul with lyrics that will touch your heart. As always I have selected 3 tracks (Could'a just played the entire album) I am sure you will enjoy.

Also taking this opportunity to introduce you to the music of Vernon Hicks, whose a great friend of mine. 'V' has been a prolific session man and toured with some of the biggest names in Soul over the last 20 years or so, and he has at last brought his dream to fruition by completing a solo album. He's been joined by the crem de la creme of Los Angeles musicians with vocalists including Jeff Robinson from Loose Ends. Thanks to Vernon I get an exclusive sneak preview and will be sharing 2 tracks from the forthcoming album with you.

This show also bring you other new releases from Philly's own Dyshon Benson and tracks from the current projects by; Angie Stone, Lalah Hathaway, Eddie Levert & Napoleon Demps (Demps comes from Flint, Michigan.) Old Skoolers don't worry I got you covered to .... time to sit back and enjoy and thank you for your continued support.

Playlist 10-01-2016

Hour One
Teddy Pendergrass - You And Me Right Now
Unified Tribe - Happy Go Lucky
Reuben Studdard - Don't Make Em Like You No More
Dyshon Benson - Ain't No Stopping
Ray Goodman & Brown - Let's Make Love Tonight
Vernon Hicks ft Jeff Robinson - Lady Of My Dreams
Vernon Hicks ft Jeff Robinson - Loving You
Jeanette Baby Washington - Either Love Me Or Leave Me
Lalah Hathaway - Little Ghetto Boy
Shannon - Wild Child
Terisa Griffin - Swimming High
Angie Stone - Think It Over
Lo key - Call My Name

Hour Two 

Sir Charles Jones - Independent Lady

Terisa Griffin - Naked

Terisa Griffin - Cotton Candy Kisses-Oral Pleasure

Ms Monique - Lollipop

Eddie Levert - I Can Make You Go Ooo

Joe Sample ft Howard Hewett - In A Heartbeat

Napoleon Demps - Another Man

Vasti Jackson - I'm Still In Love With You

Wendell B - For The People In The Back

Brian McKnight - Let Me Love You

Bo Henderson - Making Love

Bobby Womack - Through The Eyes Of A Child

Isley Brothers - Just Came Here To

Vernon Hicks biography:

Vernon Louis Hicks was born and raised in a housing project in Hartford, Connecticut. He began his musical journey, as a young boy, creating rhythmic beats the congas, timbales, bongos, vibraphone, drums and other percussion instruments.  The Weaver High School Student Government voted Vernon to receive Most Outstanding Musician Award during his last three years at Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut. After graduating from high school Vernon studied music at the University of Massachusetts, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and achieved Dean's List status in addition to Most Outstanding Musician for four years.  He also studied Musical Performance, Composition, and Theory, while taking private lessons under Professor Dr. Robert Weller at Berkeley School of Music.

While attending college in Boston, Vernon received recognition in Who's Who amongst America's Colleges and Universities.  He was also voted Man of the Year by the prestigious New England Ecumenical Center, which is an organization represented by thirty-two non-denominational churches.  Vernon served as a fundraiser and help raise over $200,000.  The Mayor of Boston presented Vernon with that award. Vernon relocated to Los Angeles, California where he became an integral member of the Donna Summers Production Company which sold over 31 million albums.  Vernon is a recipient of two platinum albums and five gold RAIA certified albums.   He applied his natural and trained musical talents playing professionally in concerts, studio work, night clubs, and touring.   He has played with artist such as:  Donna Summers, Barbara Streisand, Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Stevie Wonder, Phillip Bailey, Cher, Christopher Cross, Bill Conti, Sheena Easton, Richard Elliot, Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, Janet Jackson, Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills, Kenny Rogers, Charles Mims, Stevie Nicks, Mike Post, Diane Warren, and John Williams.

Vernon’s musical talents were exhibited on percussions in commercial jingles for American Airlines, Hawaii Airlines, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Soft Spree, and the United States Army. 

His television and award show credits include:  The Arsenio Hall Show, The Tonight Show, Jerry Buss Roast, The Academy Awards, MTV Awards, Soul Train Awards, NAAP Image Awards, and The Beverly Hills Share Awards. Vernon is an active member of Musicians’ Local 47 in Hollywood, California and A.S.C.A.P. 

Tesisa Griffin's biography:
Terisa Griffin is a seasoned singer, songwriter, producer and entertainer. A native of Monroe, Louisiana, the singer has graced her voice on many commercials having worked with notable jingle houses in her adopted home of Chicago. Following her EP release, ‘Songbird’, Griffin released the soul chilling ‘My Naked Soul’ in 2006 on the singer’s indie label. Through her production company, Griffin Productions, the singer stages various musical productions. Griffin has captured the R&B, Jazz and House music world through her collaborations and credits. Sharing her extraordinary talent with audiences from North America, South Africa and Europe.

Terisa Griffin third CD, 'Soulzophrenic' is a double-disc release that encompasses the 'personalities of Soul' on the R&B side and the 'personalities of Dance' on the Dance/House music side. Release in May 2011, it features sexy ballads, "You Got Me", "The Night I Fell in Love", "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" and Jazz influenced songs, "Over & Over" and "Simply Beautiful". Production includes heavy hitters, Toxic (Keyshia Cole, Tank, Syleena Johnson), Terry Hunter (Raheem, Glen Jones, Joi Cardwell) and Grammy winning producer, Maurice Joshua (Beyonce, Cece Peniston, Mary Mary). Both Soulzophrenic R&B and Dance releases are available online at cdbaby.com and itunes.com. (reverbnation)

Ladies Of Soul

Welcome to the first edition of the Science of Soul for 2016. I closed last year with a tribute to the Men of Soul, so it's only fitting that this week a tribute to the ladies is made with a step into the new year with the Ladies of Soul. Just as last week, this show could have been lasted all day and I would still not have had room for everything I'd wanted to play, so if I missed out a favorite of yours, apologies in advance, sincerely hope you enjoy my selection on the day .. on another day it would probably be entirely different.

Reunited

Sad news to report with the passing of Ms Natalie Cole, who was just 65 years old, though her life was somewhat troubled which is often the case when your parent was an Iconic figure in the music business, that aside she has left a legacy that will be treasured. Natalie will be reunited with her Father Nat 'King' Cole ... what a beautiful thought. On a happier note I wish you all a new year filled with love and adventures that make you smile, remember each day is a blessing .. extra RIP to William Guest who was a founding member of Gladys Knight's Pips group too.
OK sit back and enjoy the Ladies of Soul..please remember to tell a friend to tell a friend ... It's rude not to share.

Playlist for 03-01-2016

Hour One
Dionne Warwick - Move Me No Mountain
Aretha Franklin - One Step Ahead
The Emotions - So I Can Love You
Angie Stone - No More Rain
Anita Baker - You Bring Me Joy
Alicia Keys - You Don't Know My Name
Deneice Williams - Cause I Love You
Rose Royce - Ooh Boy
Adriana Evans - Set In Stone
Ms Monique - Becoming The Man I Want
Lola - Two Fools In One House
Teena Marie - Sweet Tooth

Hour Two

Esther Phillips - Stormy Weather

Natalie Cole - Take A Look

Yolanda Adams - Open My Heart

Denise LaSalle - Feet Don't Fail Me Now

Shirley Brown - You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man

Uvee Hayes - In The Mood

Leela James - When A Woman Loves Somebody

Millie Jackson - Tired Of Hiding

Marlena Shaw - Go Away Little Boy

Betty Wright - If They Knew Better

Barbara Mason - I Keep On Loving You

German TV documentary made about 1976 about Memphis Soul, many of the greats of Stax soul are included as well as footage of WDIA radio studios and rare live footage of Joyce Cobb who recorded briefly for Stax's Truth label - Mickey