Tom Glide

I am delighted to welcome the multi-talented Tom Glide as my latest guest castaway to be washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea.

As well as being a successful record label owner, Tom is an accomplished songwriter, a composer, a remixer, a music producer, a musician and a singer in his own right... he’d taught himself to play guitar, drums, bass and keyboards by the age of 10.

Born and raised in a working class area in Southern Paris, near Montparnasse, Tom's earliest musical influences were shaped by listening to records that were brought from the US in the 50's by his father when he was serving as a French Marine. Mainly jazz, latin, be-bop, calypso, early r’n’b... even Elvis Presley !  Other influences from that time were Sydney Bechet, Harry Belafonte, Charlie Parker with strings, Django Reinhart, Toots Tillemans, and Duke Ellington.

Early credits as a producer, composer, arranger and singer include the 2002 Beatcrusher track 'What Da F***',  Ilona Mitrecey’s 2005 gold and platinum album 'Un Monde Parfait', and the first release on his own Glide Recordings label in 2008 : 'Yoga on the Dancefloor' by Ekayani and the Tom Glide Space.

2010 saw the release of the highly acclaimed album 'In The Name of Luv' by Tom Glide & The Luv All Stars, a collaboration with luminaries including keyboardist Larry Dunn, bassist Alex Al, drummer James Gadson and the acclaimed trumpeter Rahmlee Michael Davis (Jackie Wilson, Michael Jackson, B.B. King, Donny Hathaway, Minnie Riperton). 

Launched in Glide’s home studio during summer 2009, he then relocated to Los Angeles to enlist more key players for additional sessions and collaborated with songwriter/musicians Dan Florean and Terry Tam, strings arranger Maurice Herd and lyricists Sonya Muhammad and Alaena Adams.

2012 saw Tom hitting the road in the UK with the ‘Soul On The Road’ tour featuring Cool Million, Gary Poole, The Westcoast Soulstars along with vocalists Laura Jackson and Tim Owens.

Since then, Tom has been busy producing a string of releases on his TGEE record label, including 'Sweet Heaven' featuring legendary soulman Timmy 'Why Can't We Live Together' Thomas, 'Party People' featuring Joe Leavy and 'Soul Life' featuring Shylah Vaughn.  Tom's Remix of 'Free' by Candace Woodson has just been released and he is now working on a project with soul singer Kenya.

For his exile on Deserted Island Discs, Tom has chosen five classic albums : 

"Five is a very hard choice and my stay on this island will be short too ! I haven't even managed to fit in George Duke, Pleasure, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Bill Evans, Louis Johnson, Horace Silver and tons of other music . Everyday of my life. Happy to have been chosen to tell you some memories. Thanks Bill Fordham for the opportunity."

Jimi Hendrix - Rainbow Bridge

"1972 and my first electric shock discovering Jimi Hendrix live at Woodstock playing 'Star Spangled Banner', but this one is my favourite album by him : 'Dolly Dagger', 'Pali Gap', 'Room Full of Mirrors' and 'Hey Baby'... the track I first learnt to play in full on my Uncle's jazz guitar. His version of 'Star Spangled Banner' is totally amazing. A visionary genius of music and a unique guitar player.  The best ever."

Earth, Wind and Fire - Gratitude

"1978 and my first big live shock. The best ever... pure Houdini-esque magical attitude with the groove, the music, Philip Bailey, Verdine and Maurice, The Phenix Horns, Larry Dunn. 

They were opening for Carlos Santana. When he arrived on stage and after three biz people bowed so much. Poor Carlos !!

If you told me 30 years later that I would had the chance to play music with those giants, I would have laughed at you, but the big miracle happened with the Luv All Stars project in LA... incredible !!! "

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

"I discovered Marvin Gaye on a late live Saturday night show on French TV playing this album and bought this vinyl on the Sunday afternoon in a St.Michel shop.

My soul revelation : The voice, the music, the career, the destiny... the kinda' music you can listen everyday of your life.

Years later I will meet and play with James Gadson (his drummer for a couple of decades} there in Inglewood LA, in his garage recording drumparts on his original 1964 Tamla Motown console."

Stevie Wonder - All I Do

"Probably one of my favourite Stevie Wonder collection of anthems album which relates to a very funny story which happened when he was touring the world with this album in 1981.

He played at the Palais des Sports in Paris and my friend Didier and I had no dimes to go in. We entered through a back door and found ourselves amongst cages of Lions, Giraffes, Kangaroos, Monkeys and Chimps from the Moscow State Circus who were alternating in the same venue.

After 5 minutes walking in the jungle, I don't know how, we entered the proper venue with a sound check about to start. Stevie played, talked, laughed and rehearsed for 45 minutes with the band and I think this is one of the most deep memories about music... heaven from a genius of music right in front of you.  None of security people came to us and we stayed for another two and a half hours of magical music... and THAT voice guys !  THAT voice !!

Rated in my top five greatest artists ever."

Prince - Sign o' The Times

"Prince, the Kid from Minneapolis. I chose this album because it reminds me of the Sign O' The Times tour, front stage, 5th row.

The musician and singer, the amazing band around him, the mechanics and perfection of the show. A genius of entertainment and a genius of music. 

I love his all discography post this album. From 'Controversy', '1999' through to 'Purple Rain', 'Around the World in a Day' and 'Parade' with Clare Fisher's strings... this is where my Prince is."

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You can keep on track of all the latest developments from Tom Glide through his facebook page :

click on the link below

... and don't forget to visit the TGEE Records site:

click on the link below

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Giovanca

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is this month's guest castaway, the Amsterdam based singer-songwriter and recording artist Giovanca Ostiana : a "Music lover - but ain't we all, a 70's baby who loves hip-hop, loves soul jazz"

Giovanca  hosts the Radio Show 'Episodes', a wonderfully eclectic mix of  funk, soul, jazz and world music that is broadcast each week on SubLime FM.

In 2008 Giovanca made her name with her debut album 'Subway Silence' and followed this up with 'While I'm Awake' in 2010...  with her personal idol, Leon Ware featuring on the track 'Where Love Lives'.

Giovanca got to know Leon in the 90's when she was in the Amsterdam band The Juize and developed a kind of grandfather/granddaughter relationship with him. 

For this album, Ware offered a song he had originally written for El DeBarge but that had never been released. "When I heard it, I immediately called Leon and said that I really wanted it for my album but then with you singing it with me. And he said yes. I sing a duet with Leon Ware !" 

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"So I'm on a deserted island, but I can play music right ?  Okay, but five is impossible of course :) "

Rotary Connection - I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun

"Written by Charles Stepney & Richard Rudolf. Epic Tune!! The voices, the hippy vibe, the mysterious soulful greatness of that tune is just timeless. 

I had the honor of singing this tune on the North Sea Jazz festival in Holland, which is a legendary festival. We did a tribute to Charles Stepney, the magnificent producer behind 'I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun' (and many other tunes) and this really is one my all time favorite songs, ever."

Marvin Gaye - I Want You

"The song.. sensual, genius. The album: a masterpiece. Would not wanna be stranded on a deserted island without this album. This album represents love & desire. We all need that.

Man behind it: Leon Ware. Great producer. On that same "I Want You" album is the song 'I Wanna Be Where You Are'. " 

Leon Ware - I Wanna Be Where You Are

"Leon also made a version for MJ of 'I Wanna Be Where You Are' in The Jackson 5 time.

A tune I would definitely take with me. Classic, ridiculously well sung, great lyrics. 

I love it."

Donna Summer - State Of Independence

"Vocal arrangements by Quincy Jones, who somehow fixed stars like MJ, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick and Michael McDonald to sing the choir in that song.

Amazing. Once again a mysterious epic tune. I love songs with massive vocals... with that 'a people united' kind of sound.

This one I would take with me. It reminds me of my childhood. The eighties. Pure nostalgia."

Lee Morgan - Search For The New Land

 

"My father was a horn player. I love trumpet and Lee is a legend. I could have chosen a hundred tracks by trumpet players to take with me. It's soothing, exciting : The Trumpet is one of my favorite instruments. 

This tune is just beautiful. It's melancholic one minute and adventurous the next and it's long!! It's a journey with a repetitive element. 

So I imagine that on a deserted island.. listening to this song... the first minute will make you homesick and probably make you cry but then it switches into hope! Back to melancholy and bam! hope again. This tune represents Life. Going down, getting up.. search for the new land. 

A new chance every day."

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"Since it's only 5 tunes I can bring, I'll just sing my other favorite tunes on that deserted island.

I'll just take John Coltrane, Donna Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Bob Marley, Freddy Hubbard, Norman Connors, Billy Cobham, Mongo Santamaria and many many others in my heart."

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Catch Giovanca on SubLime FM :

Follow Giovanca on Mixcloud :

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Look out for Giovanca's new album which is due for release this year... but in the meantime, enjoy this track from her 'While I'm Awake' album : 'Where Love Lives' featuring Leon Ware.

Lina

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is this week's guest castaway, Lina... International singer, songwriter, recording artist, producer and record label owner.

We live in an age where everyone appears to have 'got talent'. When applied to Lina, however, the word talent really has true meaning.

Her music incorporates many different elements, defying any attempt to be pigeonholed whilst remaining truly soulful.

The theme of self-empowerment permeates through Lina's work and she explained this in an interview given prior to the release of her second studio album 'The Inner Beauty Movement' : "My plan is to get people to realize themselves, focus on who they are and love that person."

'The Love Chronicles of a Lady Songbird - A tribute to Soul' released in September 2012 is Lina's fourth studio album.  It is packed full of great tracks, with 'I Won't Go Down' as the standout. In my opinion, 'I Won't Go Down' is one of the best soul tracks to have been recorded in a long, long time.

When asked to be a guest on Deserted Island Discs, Lina responded "OK, fun !"

Betty Wright - My Love Is

"I like this song simply because of its message plus it has those ol' school gospel harmonies and Betty Wright knows she was slanging that song!"

Roberta Flack - Feel Like Making Love

"I love the first three words of this song, they stick with you. The melody is infectious. Roberta's voice is therapeutic... its all smooth n' warm. 

What great concept for a song"

Diana Ross - Love Hangover

"It's the sexiest song ever written... that bass line is so Hott!"

Marvin Gaye - I Want You

"I like it because its a very honest song. I love the lyrics and arrangement... it's so colorful n' exciting it gives me an eargasm. 

Most of Marvin Gaye's music just does it for me : He was outstanding. 

He was a super hero to me"

Miguel - Adorn

“I'm feeling this new kid on the block. 

The song has a message we women love... I want a man to sing that song to me with conviction! 

Edify me Miguel! 

Actually, I wouldn't mind if Miguel sang it to me himself, he's kinda cute and he can sing and he's singing about a woman n' not some money or a chain. 

Winner!”

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Get this now !

 

Andy Beggs

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is this week's guest castaway Andy Beggs.

Andy is a DJ and radio presenter in the UK with a passion and knowledge of Soul, Jazz and House music... Soulful House, in particular, has motivated Andy to master the art of beat mixing.

He joined Soulstice Radio 24 on the back of successful stints on two other Soul Radio stations.  Previously titled Souldonuts, Andy's Soul Show is now called Soultimate and entertains his listeners with two hours of pure Soul, Jazz, Rare Groove and Lovers Rock.

Andy also provides a Soulful House mix every Friday on Soul In The Dales Radio.

Maze - Happy Feelin's

"I chose 'Happy Feelin's' from their 'Live In New Orleans' album because it's my all time favourite soul album and 'Happy Feelin's' is just one of those tunes that really sums up Maze for me : Total soul and total entertainers. I was lucky enough to see them at the Hammersmith Odeon."

Terry Callier - Ordinary Joe

"One of the reasons I started listening to modern soul and crossover was because of this record. It always reminds me of the soul house parties we used to have back in the 80's. This really has everything for me."

Sam Dees - After All

"This really sums up what soul music is for me... sung straight from the heart by Sam Dees. Hairs on the back of the neck stuff."

Leroy Hutson - Get To This (You'll Get To Me)

"My favourite modern soul tune... I never get tired of listening to this. It's a real feelgood factor piece of soul music... and Leroy's great voice as well !"

Marvin Gaye - Where Are We Going (Alternative Mix)

"No list would be complete without the great Marvin Gaye.  This record, for me, defines what soul music is about. When I first heard it, unreleased on one of the compilation cd's, it stopped me dead in my tracks.  Hair on the back of the neck stuff.. a total awesome tune by Marvin Gaye. I still get the same effect with the track, even now."

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You enjoyed these tracks, now check out Andy Beggs on Soulstice Radio 24 and on Andy's Mixcloud site, Beggazzbeats.

Soulstice Radio 24

Beggazbeats

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Gail Smith

My guest castaway this week is Gail Smith. Originally from Hull, Gail moved to Victoria, Australia in 1998 and describes herself as "a music fan, collector and presenter - pure and simple!"

Like Larry Grogan's 'funky16corners', Gail's 'Work Your Soul' podcast always strives to both inform and entertain the listener... it achieves this admirably.

"What a challenge.....especially as not two, but three tracks on my first - very long - list had already been chosen by Mr G! 

I was going to go for full-blown stompers and floorfillers but then had a re-think and decided on tracks, in no particular order, that could be on a 24/7 loop and still sound great each time around."

Johnny Sayles - I Can't Get Enough (Of Your Love)

"This list is by no means definitive but this stellar track will ALWAYS be in my top five in whatever genre.  I was just a tad too young to frequent the legendary Northern Soul venues in England and I would have loved to have witnessed the acrobatics that must have accompanied this track.  The first few bars of soft brass belie what is going to murder your senses for the next 2.31 minutes...an absolute explosion of Chicago brilliance, storming vocals from Mr Sayles, exemplary arrangement from Monk Higgins and a rhythm section so tight it's about to snap.  The thing builds and builds to the bridge break and if I was capable, I'd be dropping and spinning like a pro.....instead I'm singing at the top of my voice and willing my feet to move faster."

"Cos I can never, never, aaaaaaah, get enough of your love!"

Eddie Holman - I'll Cry 1000 Tears

"This track, along with the remaining three, has something about it that is so difficult to describe. I'm no musician but I'm guessing it's something to do with certain chord changes that produce a melancholic melody - yet it's hypnotic and you end up playing it over and over again. So, Eddie, forever remembered for "Hey There Lonely Girl", yet so much more - fantastic vocal range, gifted songwriter and bringing it all together in the city of brotherly love.  Did some classic tracks (I Surrender, Hold Me In Your Arms, A Free Country, Where I'm Not Wanted) that are guaranteed floor-fillers, but this for me is Eddie at top flight."

"I'll search a thousand faces just to find you and bring you home again...."

Marvin Gaye - When I Feel The Need

"It's a crime that this track sat unreleased in the Motown vaults for the best part of 30-odd years....Marvin at his absolute best on a track tailor-made for him by Ashford and Simpson, with the might of the Motown machine as a solid foundation and Harvey Fuqua and Johnny Bristol producing.  I just love these big Motown sounds,  brass belting out, strings wailing, percussion pounding.....  put Marvin in the mix, starting all mellow then blasting into a screaming evocation of love.....makes you melt..."

"For every locked door, my baby has a key...."

Jackie Lee - Oh, My Darlin'

"Another one for the melting category.  Those chord changes again that tug at your heart-strings while you're wanting to dance up a storm  - close to tears, but your feet going ten to the dozen, on probably one of the best northern soul mid-tempo tracks you'll ever hear. 

Written by the prolific and talented Sherlie Matthews and the might of Fred Smith and James Carmichael on production and arrangement, it's got that unmistakeable West Coast sound.  Spine-tingling."

"I feel so lost and friendless, there's no solution, I've just got to have you..."

Jack Montgomery - Don't Turn Your Back On Me

"Jack Montgomery's voice....like being wrapped in black velvet and fed chocolate.... totally under-stated and effortless. It's as though he never really has to do anything except go with the flow - and what a flow it is, Detroit production at its very best, Don Mancha, Fred Bridges, Mike Theodore and Denis Coffey.  That deep moan, an inspired lead-in for the instrumental bridge.  The orchestration is  almost classical, the strings carrying the whole thing with what I think is an oboe making a cameo appearance - not often you get that in a soul record.  Add some sweet, sweet backing singers and there it is.....perfection.  The man - real name Marvin Jones - only recorded five known tracks each one of them sinking without a trace. Unbelievable."

"If you take this love from me, my love would be like a rainy day..."

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If you enjoyed these choices as much as I did, you can listen to more great tracks from Gail on the latest episode of 'Work Your Soul' on Mixcloud :