Not too inspired lately. I have to think about what to write while it usually comes naturally. Really looking forward to play some records for a dancing crowd. I want to do that more than anything else.

Been selecting for Saturday and rediscovered some hot tracks to play. Sometimes I really like to play more focused than the usual crossover we’re known for. Although Soul from the 70’s to now is still a very broad spectrum. But I like the challenge. Mainly because a lot of people share the opinion that there is little interesting Soul music after the golden age of Motown, Stax and alike. Which is utter crap, off course. Some great tunes made since then and still are made.

To throw a first stone at the glass house protecting the glorification of 60’s “pure” Soul (I’ll pass with my bulldozer on Saturday) or to guide those suffering less from elitism but searching for some directions, I’ll give you some tips. Writing you a proper guide would take way too much of my time but I can give you some names of labels and artists so you can begin digging deeper. It might be pretty obvious for some but keep in mind I’m not sharing my secrets that easy. I’m still a dj. Gotta keep some to baffle you when I’m playing.

 

Philadelphia International
Should be common knowledge but anyway. I discovered them through their more Disco releases but most of their output is first class Soul music. Founded by Gamble and Huff (consider this another tip) responsible for the very orchestrated Philly Soul and a seamlessly endless stream of top vinyl from through the 70’s to the early 80’s. With artists like Teddy Pendergrass, Dexter Wansel, the Jones Girls, Jean Carn and the Futures to name just some personal favourites.

 

LeRoy Hutson
Worked with Donny Hathaway and replaced Curtis Mayfield in The Impressions but that’s merely anecdotes compared to what he’s responsible for as a solo artist (“Lucky Fellow” and “Love The Feeling” are Onda Sonora classics) or producer (Linda Clifford and that fantastic Arnold Blair tune) on the mighty Curtom label.

 

Incognito
Legendary band that surfaced in full Acid Jazz hype but since have proven they are much more than that. They’ve released some classics but stand out more by their consistency than anything else. Their albums are always of high quality. Their latest one published this year. Haven’t got it myself yet but according to Thierry Boulanger again a very fine one.

 

Raphael Saadiq
One of my personal favourites making fresh Soul music now. I’ve bigged up his latest release already on this blog. But he’s much more than that. From his early work with Tony! Toni! Tone! through the “supergroups” Lucy Pearl and PPP, as a producer for D’Angelo, Macy Gray and others or his solo work, he’s been responsible for a fare share of my collection.

 

Marvin Gaye
Because you never should forget the most obvious classics. Dig deep into the man’s oeuvre. Check who he has worked with and discover new territories. And he’s living proof for me that there’s Soul after 60’s. The man made his best work post 1970.