Soul Direction Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Soul fans are in heaven this month, just from the releases of Soul Direction alone. The label has been hard at work serving up plenty of golden nuggets and next in the spotlight is Joe Adams. 'That's Not Half Bad' is his stunning version of the Gene Woodbury classic. This is another lost tune that was found on a DAT tape recording made from material that was laying around in an old basement. It comes steeped in rich Philly soul and with gorgeous vocals that for us outshine the original. On the flip, it is backed with an equally sublime mid-tempo heart-wrencher for those tender moments.

Review: After months of work on it, Soul Direction releases a carefully crafted collection of 15 group soul tracks, including three previously unreleased gems. This first 12" album collaboration with The Decisions marks a special milestone that traces the Atlanta group's evolution from their early days in the '60s through their journey with the York and Sussex labels. Side one spotlights York Records' releases from 1969 paired with rare recordings remastered by Soul Direction between 2021-2023. Side two features three unreleased tracks, including 'You Ain't Got My Love' and 'Sweet Virginia' along with songs produced under Clarence Avant's Sussex label that capture The Decisions' unique and influential sound.

Review: Ebony Evans is a superb soul talent who for this single worked with Manny Campbell who wrote and arranged. Originally recorded in 2004, 'Loving You Is All I Wanna Do' appeared on the Luv's Fire CD Maxi Single and later on a full album in 2006 through Coastal Records but now debut on vinyl thanks to Soul Direction. On the flip side, Lewzarius' 'Step Up" shines as a rich collaboration between Campbell and Haran Griffin, who is best known for 'Movin' Much Too Fast.' Atlanta-born Lewzarius recorded this track during his time at Coastal Records in the late 90s.

Review: This is one of those man-old 45rpms that can still command eye wateringly high prices on second-hand sales markets. It was a real favourite of the rare soul scene thanks to be popularised by Mark "Butch" Dobson at the start of his DJ adventures. It has remained true illusive over the years but this reissue from Soul Direction Origins changes all that. On the a-side is Hank Hodge & The J Notes Band's 'Eye for An Eye' which is an upbeat soul burner with big horn arrangements and plenty of interaction between the male lead and female chorus on the backing. On the flipside is 'Since You Said Goodbye', a slow-burning and heart-melting sentimental soul lament.

Review: Soul-Direction presents the first legitimate re-release of this bona-fide soul rarity which has been licensed courtesy of Resnik Music Group. The track was recorded by King George and The Fabulous Souls and was originally released in the late 60s and early 70s in Los Angeles, where it became a quick favourite on the soul scene. 'I Need You' and its counterpart 'Baby I've Got It' were both written and produced by lead vocalist "King" George Renfro. Despite little information on Renfro or the group, the song became a sought-after gem after being championed by DJ Ion Tsakalis in the 80s.

Review: Soul Direction have taken two tracks from his the legendary soul man Tommy Mc Gee's first two 45s and put them together on one limited new 7". Fact fans will appreciate knowing that 'To Make You Happy" was originally titled 'Just to Make You happy' and now gets a rerelease that will surely give some light back to the music as well as the man. These two superb tracks have seemingly been missed by so many collectors over the years, but also have become more elusive in recent times. They feature on the Positive-Negative Album as well as rare 45 releases but to have them together as one here is a no-brainer for soul lovers.

Review: Soul Direction's 19th outing might be their best to date. It is some top work from The Natural Soul Brothers Ltd that was originally recorded in Philly for the Wally-O Production stable back in 1970. It never got released after originally being laid down back then and that's a shame because it has plenty of great talent on display. The soul grooves are defined by a haunting sound and lingering vocals that make for a mellow but involving track. On the flip, there is more rambunctious energy, prickly drum rhythms and free-form guitar riffs next to a big vocal.

Review: This new Soul Direction 7" features a pair of previously unreleased tracks from the great Norman Feels. Little is known about the artist other than the fact he was an underground singer in the 70s. He put out two albums back then on the Just Sunshine Records label and then disappeared without much trace. This one opens up with 'Don't' in a different form to the version that came on his album - it is raw and punchy with his soulful vocals over the top. On the flip is something never rebased before in any form. It is slower, more sensuous and was found on acetates that were purchased via a sound engineer from the studios he once recorded in.

Review: In 1969, Manny Campbell discovered a talented group in a showcase and promptly arranged a recording session. Their debut demos, 'Love is the Way' and 'Something Wonderful,' were recorded at Upper Darby Studios. Seeking a richer sound, they transitioned to Sigma Sound Studios around 1970 to produce 'Trouble Trouble.' Named by Campbell as Sharisma, the group embodied soulful charm. Unfortunately, their Vietnam-bound lead singer delayed the release so Campbell, inspired by his own son's troubles, penned 'Trouble Trouble.' Although shelved due to missing members, the tracks remained and now get pressed up to wax for your pleasure.

Review: Soul-Direction Records recently had huge success with the release of the Decisions' 'We're In Love/I Love You' and now follow it up with another vital 45rpm after a conversation with Numero who gave their permission. As such this is the only 7" vinyl release of 'P's and Q's' and its instrumental version. These tracks were part of the quartet from Washington DC's recordings with DC International. The band generated plenty of local buzz but never quite got the major label deal they craved. On these evidence of these two, though, they should have. 'P's & Q's' is lively and funky work, with heart-melting vocals and super smooth grooves.

Review: The Summits are a beloved fixture on the Soul Direction label and have plenty of fans in the wider soul collecting community. As a result they are now familiar to many and their track 'Window Shopping' emerged from an almost-lost master tape. It has previously been available only in digital format. on the flip, meanwhile, Phillips traverses diverse musical territories spanning from feel-good disco to funky fusion and modern soul. Among the six tracks recovered from numerous tapes, this one, 'People Clap Your Hands' stands out. It has never before been on vinyl and is a lo-fi, funk fuelled gem with soul infused vocals.

Review: Mega-chromatic soul-jazz with a dash of weirdness from The Universal Togetherness Band. 'I Want You' and 'Call For Love' were recorded between 1979 and 1982, and were subsequently shelved until one of the duo's members began doling out cassette versions, which led to an unearthing in 2014. Subdued and laid-back drums, clack-guitar and toothy bass all poke through this release's sexy soul snark.

Review: 
The latest release from Soul Direction unveils two tracks, 'We Could Get It Together' and 'Trying to Tell You How I Feel,' that have been retrieved from a master tape of unreleased recordings. Originally intended for the 1977 album You Can Fly On My Aeroplane, these cuts remained undiscovered until their inclusion in a 2008 Numero LP. Now, they emerge from obscurity to delight us all with their soulful melodies and emotive lyrics, and as such offer a glimpse into a previously hidden chapter of musical history. Soul Direction's revival of these gems breathes new life into the legacy of 70s soul music.