Category archive: Soul

Now I’m massively late with the latest “Fly” EP from Seattle-based soul singer Choklate. Had this lying around for a while, but somehow forgot to share this with you all last month. Really lovin’ the smooth vibe of “The Stand” Pt. 1 featuring Musiq Soulchild, but I suggest you give the whole EP a listen on .

We’d like to congratulate Vincent aka Seravince with the 1st official single of his upcoming “Hear To See” album. Some of you might know Vince under his former Flowriders moniker. Seravince is all about being true to yourself and sticking to your guns. A lot of time and effort was put into this project and we are proud to be able to bring you quality music such as “U Love” featuring Renee Neufville. You might have heard an early version of this before, but the final mixdown sounds so much better. Please note that this ‘name your price’ free download will be available in limited quantities, but in case you’d like to donate a little something you are most welcome to do so. Hear To See will be available on CD in Japan tomorrow so look for the Japan edition with that sexy obi strip in your local Japanese music shop. A worldwide release is slated for December…right on time for Christmas!

I grew up buying vinyl so for me music was always something special. Something you would go out and search for. The first record store I grew fond of was Dance Tracks (R.I.P.) and after that Fat Beats came to Amsterdam. I spent many hours (and all my allowance) hangin’ out in records shops, soaking up every bit of knowledge I could. Just a few blocks from my house was this dusty old record spot that had a huge basement full of records. Must have spent weeks in there. I still visit this place on the weekend and hang out and talk music with old guys.

In the second half of the nineties I came in contact with Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco and many other forms of black music. Before that it was all about Hip Hop and R&B music. Now when I first met Nevill, he wasn’t into vinyl as much I was. It wasn’t something of his generation, yet years later we share the same passion. He introduced me to music from FlyLo, AFTA-1 and Sa-Ra. I introduced him to Leon Ware, Pleasure and Leo’s Sunshipp.

We’ve been talking about posting about our love for old records and thought now would be as good as timing as ever to start. These Random Record Rants will shine some light on our personal taste in music and might open a whole new world for some people. For us it’s just a way to share our passion!

Yesterday Front2blaq helped me remember about this Samuel Jonathan Johnson record I hadn’t heard in quite a while. Arranged by Richard Evans (Soulful Strings) and with John H. Hammond as executive producer this album can only be good. It’s no secret I love smooth & sexy songs, so if I have to pick a winner of this album I’d personally go for “Just Us”. After having read the following quote on the back of the sleeve, I soon realized Samuel was one smooth fellow. “Age exists only to disclose the perpetual advancement of time, but love exists mainly to unveil the resolute purpose of man’s existence.”

This Samuel Jonathan Johnson record is going straight into my record bag that I’m bringing this Sunday to the North Sea Jazz club this Sunday. Going to play some mellow rare groove classics for sure!

Way under the radar we stumbled upon the “Chips N Chittlins” project from Paul Randolph & Zed Bias. This was released via P-Vine earlier this year and has been available on CD and digitally for a while as well. Head over to Juno if you’d like to buy the CD or try your luck on Japan.

Paul Randolph & Zed Bias – Surrender

The most wonderful music keeps flowing from Syd tha Kyd and Matt Martians aka The Internet. Let yourself drift away to the lovelyness that is called “Give It Time” which features Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger playing guitar and co-producing. Watch out for their upcoming “Feel Good” EP to drop in December.

Shafiq Husayn & Dove Society Rehearsal got together to record some real music. On “Le Star” we hear Jimetta Rose, J Mitchell, MPRVS Johnson, Sam Seven Davis, Kelsey Gongalez, Vicky Nyguen and Brian Hargrove.

Shafiq Husayn & Dove Society Rehearsal – Le Star

Continuing the momentum of the “O.B.E” Vol.1 project, producer/drummer Breezy Lovejoy has just released his “Lovejoy” album. This new album features Tiron, Ayomari and SA-RA Creative Partner’s Master Teacher Shafiq Husayn. Our 2 favorite tracks were produced by a talented new producer named Keith Phelps. Breezy’s Lovejoy album is available for $10 on Bandcamp.

Breezy Lovejoy – Too Familiar

Full of new music inspiration this week! Yesterday our buddy Front2blaq made us hip to UK’s James Welsh and this nasty little tune from 2011 called “Nastro Azzuro”. Super sexy synths that’ll warm you right up on a sunny, yet cold Sunday like this. ‘If there’s a remedy I don’t want it’…for those that still have a (love)hangover from yesterday. Enjoy, but remember to sleep in…not sleep on!

James Welsh – Nastro Azzuro (Original Mix)

Okay it’s time to come clean. Lately I’ve been pretty bored with new music. There comes a time in ones life where a man has to reinvent himself on a musical level. One of those albums I was not feeling at the time was Jamire Williams‘ “Conflict Of A Man”. Thanks to a long conversation I had today, I started to realize that my relationship with music was on the verge of destruction. You might say we hadn’t had sex in months and that might have made me a little frustrated. All I needed really was to give “Visions” from Erimaj another listen. We should be thankful for innovators like these and appreciate them whenever we can. A lesson well taught! For those in the neighborhood…come and enjoy their show at the North Sea Jazz Club next month!

Erimaj – Visions (Unreleased)