Various Artists - Loma Northern Soul: Classics & Revelations 1964-1968 (Kent Soul)(2023)CD

 

"Classic dancers and tape vault discovery exclusives from Warner Brothers' famed label"  Another great compilation on the Kent Soul label.  I am on a Northern Soul kick so I am gobbling up these compilations from solid, well-respected labels. There is a lot! Check out a classic Lies - Bobby Freeman. If it is on Kent Soul, you need to buy it.

Various Artists - Psychedelic Soul: Produced by Norman Whitfield (Kent Soul)(2021)CD

Smooth soul is the key feature of this compilation from the UK on the Kent Soul label. All the songs on this various artists CD were produced by Norman Whitfield. Atmospheric and spacious is how these productions are described by the liner notes. For a taste of what I mean, check out Gladys Knight's Look of Love or Rose Royce with Love Don't Live Here Anymore. I am not sure that sound is psychedelic but this is good, smooth soul that should please anyone that likes quality soul music. My basic rule, if the release is on the Kent label...including Kent Soul....it is a must have.

Ijahman Levi - I Am A Levi/I Am A Levi Part 2 (Jahmani)(2024)(7")

 Another gem from Jah Fingers. Here is a reissue of Ijahman's 'I Am A Levi'. A classic from 1976. The mood that Ijahman obtains on this track is hypnotic and is pure roots reggae.  I can only imagine how it must feel hearing this track blasting over the speakers at a dance as the mood changes to something spiritual. Come listen. Hail up Jah Fingers for your good works. I Am A Levi Note- this may not be the version on the single since I failed to find it but you get the idea!

Morpho - Morpho Season (Hit the North)(2024)(EP 45rpm)

 

Kristyn Chapman's musical outlet is Morpho. This Morpho's debut Morpho Season. Truth be told, I saw Kristyn play guitar/keyboards/vocals for Deep Sea Diver recently on their tour. She was fun to watch because she looked like she was having a blast and her guitar work was brilliant. When I finally found out who she was, I immediately purchased this EP. Man, my instincts were spot on. Melodic guitar driven indie rock bordering on shoegaze. Whatever may be the label, Morpho Season is a great debut and the melodies hit hard. Looking forward to Morpho coming out to Southern California. Just listen to Half of Two. Perfect.

Tyrone Taylor/The Black Disciples -7" - Birds of a Feather/Death Before Dishonour (Wolf) (2024 reissue)

 

Another solid reissue of Jack Ruby productions. From 1976 we have Tyrone Taylor backed up by the Black Disciples. Solid roots if not spectacular. Good enough for this lover of 1970s roots music. This is a European reissue. By the way, the Black Disciples were a top notch band made up of some of the best reggae musicians in Jamaica. When they recorded for Jack Ruby, they were the Black Disciples. When they recorded for other producers, they had other names...yeah you know who I am talking about : )