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.

Promise Marks

My guest castaway on Deserted Island Disc this month is Los Angeles based multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress, producer and recording artist Promise Marks... "a California Girl with a New York Swag". 

 

In October 2012 Pronise released her album"Sunshine," which charted 6 singles on two different charts in two different countries. The UK Soul Chart Top 30 on Starpoint Radio & The Luxury Soul Chart Top 20 on Smooth 98.1FM in Lagos Nigeria. 

Her music is soulful, smooth and heart felt. Her catchy and memorable hooks, clever lyrical content and powerhouse vocal style : Promise Marks creates that good old fashion 'Feel Good' music. 

In 2013 she will be releasing a new album and hopes to tour both in the US and in the UK. Promise Marks is a Star on the rise and an Artist worth following. 

"Let's get down to it shall we... "

James Brown - Superbad

"The song 'Super Bad' by James Brown holds a very strong significance in my life and here's why :

Back in 2006 I auditioned and was cast to sing on 'Amateur Night at the Apollo'. It's the toughest talent show in the world because the audience is prepared and ready to 'boo' you off the stage and see 'Sandman' the tap dancer tap you off stage with a stick,  lol !

So, to get my nerves together and get my confidence in champion mode, I listened to James Brown's 'Super Bad' over and over and over. By the time I got to the Apollo I was "Super Bad" and I won that night with a standing ovation. To this day before every show I put on James Brown's 'Super Bad' so that when I hit the stage I am Super Bad !

The only problem is that the magic of this song only lasts for my performance... because when I get home I'm no longer Super Bad, I'm Super Tired !"

The Spinners - I'll Be Around

 

"This song is another feelgood song. 
    

I grew up in Granada Hills, California known as "The Valley". I was blessed to grow up having a swimming pool in the back yard and we hosted some of the greatest pool parties ever.     
 

My father passed away earlier this year and my mother just sold the house that I grew up in. This August it would have been 40 years that they lived in that house. When I hear that song I remember my dad used to dance to this song... he had a really funny dance that used to make my brother and I laugh. 

As I prepare to say goodbye to the house that I grew up in and my mother is preparing to move to Northern California this song helps me to smile with found memories and celebrate the new life that my mom is beginning and knowing that while my father is with the Lord he'll always be around."

Fred Hammond - Keeping My Mind

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"My life journey has been one of adventure, excitement, hope and strength; however there have been many dark days and sorrowful days and sometimes there are seasons in my life where I battle depression.  

I have learned over the years that during those dark times the right song can pull you back into the light the song 'Keeping My Mind' has always been and will always be healing water for me.   

The lyrics alone always bring peace to my spirit and hope in my soul. "I don't let a day go by without keepin my mind.... Keeping it stayed on Jesus with every new sunrise I gotta keep my mind. Meditate on him and keep His Spirit deep within.... Without the Lord I can't survive so I must remember to always Keep My Mind on the Lord no matter what's going on."

Patrice Rushen - Remind Me

"This song does just what it says : It 'reminds me'... it reminds me of my childhood in the summertime.  It's just a great feel good record that's a timeless classic and will never go out of style. 

For me this song represents Soul Music at it's finest and Patrice Rushen was one of the Artists who played a big impact on why I wanted to become an Artist."

Promise Marks - Chill With You

"'Chill With You' is actually one of my personal fav's on my album 'Sunshine'. My producer Richard Duvivier wrote this amazing track and I remember that night in the studio when he played it. The hook came instantly but the story or verses took a couple of months and three re-writes.  Lyrically it became a song that I'm very proud of... which is why it's one of my favourites. 

It is also on my list because it's mine (lol !) and as an artist my playlist wouldn't be complete without a song from Promise Marks.   

My prayer & goal is to write, produce and perform music that's just as powerful as the artists that have influenced my life and my career over the years."

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If you haven't done so yet, do it now... download the 'Sunshine' album from iTunes or Amazon :

See also, the Promise Nation Fan Page on Facebook :

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Paul Collins

April's guest castaway is Paul Collins, presenter of the acclaimed 'Rare Grooves Modern Soul' show on Solar Radio.

Paul got interested in soul music at the beginning of 80's :

"Living in Essex there was plenty of local gigs to further the education. Normal life, work, moving to London, mortgages etc. took me away from things for a number of years, but I eventually started buying music again in the mid-90's when I moved back to Essex.

I don’t see myself a DJ or presenter as such. Like so many of the listeners to the show, I am nothing more than a ‘punter’ who is never happier than when I am listening to the music.

As a presenter on Solar I work on a volunteer basis, sponsoring my own show on the station and financing the website out of my own pocket. That way I get to pick the music I want to play and share my selection of quality soul music with like minded people.

Choosing just five records felt like an impossible task, but I was surprised how quickly the first four came to me. In preparing this list I noticed a common theme on my five choices - the first few seconds of the record. I’m a dreadfully impatient listener of music and if a track hasn’t ‘got me’ in the first 10 seconds I move on. This has resulted in many a great record passing me by until someone shows me the error of my ways

Here they are, best wishes and thanks for the opportunity to do this."

Hi Tension - There's A Reason

"My first track is 'There's A Reason' by Hi Tension which was released in 1979 on Island Records. Listen to the words of David Joseph’s beautiful vocal."

Freddie Hubbard - Liquid Love 

"My second is Freddie Hubbard's 'Liquid Love', the  title track to his 1979 LP. A beautiful instrumental - close your eyes and listen to Freddie’s playing."

Norris Vines & The Luvlines - Give In 

"My third is without a question of a doubt my favourite record of all time : Norris Vines And The Luvlines 'Give In' released in 1976 on Smile Records. 

I managed to buy Norris Vine’s own copy back in 2006 and have always cherished it."

Cleveland Robinson - No One Can Take Your Place

 

"My next track is taken from the LP 'Cleveland' by Cleveland Robinson released on his own label Nosnibor (Robinson backwards) in 1976. 

The track 'No One Can Take Your Place' is one I must dedicate to my wife Debbie - it is ‘our song’ as the opening lyrics perfectly sum up : 

'In this world you seldom find, a feeling so divine, a feeling that I define as our love. 

And no ones gonna take your place, you’re the air that I breath, the earth beneath my feet, the morning sun.......' ”

Udell - You’re The Song (That I Can’t Stop Singing)

"And finally, the last track is perhaps the hardest with at least ten, maybe twenty records jostling for this position. In the end I have settled on a favourite song that has been recorded by so many artists. 

'You’re The Song (That I Can’t Stop Singing)' was originally recorded by Hollywood Freeway in 1973, with subsequent versions by River, Love Machine, Thelma Jones, Jackie Wilson, Frankie Valli, Jimmy Barkan and finally the version I’ve chosen here : Udell from his 1978 album 'This Is Magic' on RKM records. I think the intro does it again."

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You liked this, now listen to Paul presenting Rare Groove Modern Soul on Solar Radio every Wednesday from 20:00 to 22:00 GMT.

click on the logo for more details

Now check out Paul's Rare Groove Modern Soul website which allows you to playback or download each of his shows and provides you with a complete playlist of all the tracks that have been played.

click on the logo for more details

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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 !

 

Frank Ryle

My guest castaway this week is Frank Ryle of Cool Million.

Apart from being a soul music fan, I am one half of the producer-group Cool Million. So far we have produced 3 albums and have produced tracks with people such as Keni Burke, Jean Carne, Leroy Burgess, Eugene Wilde, Noel Mckoy, Light Of The World, Melissa Morgan, Rena Scott, Yvonne Gage, Kenny Thomas and Peggi Blu to name a few.

Over the years I’ve spread my taste to include Jazz-Soul, 60-70’s Soul, Northern Soul, Funk, Modern-Crossover, Rare Groove, Pop, Bebop, early Rap music, Deep House and Soulful House in my music collection. I love vinyl, and still buy some, but most of the new music I get as digital.  

Here’s my 5 choices… I have decided to focus on the boogie-soul side of music from the early to mid 80’s, because that was the time I started to grow my love for soul music. 

All 5 tracks have a special place for me and all the tricks always sounding great – uplifting soul music suitable for both the dance and the foot stomping.

Cool Million ft. Eugene Wilde - Back For More

(Music clip - the full version is on Frank's 5 Track Mixtape below)

"First off I have chosen one of my own productions, because in so many ways it’s the sum of my love and appreciation for the 80’s soul-boogie sound. 

Over the past four years I’ve been listening so much to this track and I never find it boring (I tend to find some music boring over time). So this one is deffo music I want to take with me."

Intrigue - Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

(Music clip - the full version is on Frank's 5 Track Mixtape below)

"Back in 1984 I was 16 years old. Every Saturday I was listening to a Swedish local radio station by the name Radio Öresund and a guy named Bjørn Allquist who ran this ûber cool Soul Show. He played at lot of music i didn’t know – but loved. 

After each show I had a list of music I wanted… sometimes I got lucky and was able to find the music in record stores in Copenhagen or, if a friend went to the UK, I could get them to stop by a record shop in London.  That’s how I got this record. 

I have played this vinyl so much and cherish it every time I hear it. It always does give me a big smile and a urge to dance and shout when it goes into the hook… It maybe best to 'Let Sleeping Dogs Lie'  "

Fat Larry's Band - Be My Lady

(Music clip - the full version is on Frank's 5 Track Mixtape below)

"A very good friend of mine (who also is a soul boy and vinyl/cd junkie) had this album and we listen a lot to 'Act Like You Know'... which I guess is this album most famous cut. 

However I always had a soft spot for this particular track and many years later than 1982 I found a nearly mint copy in a record exchange store. 

What I really like about this song is the intro : It really gets me into to the groove and just builds on me.. great bassline, funky horns, wicked guitar and again never bores me and the hook is catchy.. 'Uh ah I got you girl, so come on… Be My Lady!' "

D-Train - Music

 

 (Music clip - the full version is on Frank's 5 Track Mixtape below)

"When this came out I was already high on 'You’re The One For Me', but it was not easy to get a hold on the album nor the 12”. I managed to find a European copy with 'Keep On' on the A Side and 'Walk On By' + 'You’re The One For Me' Dub Version on the flip... so when I saw this track on 12” I just knew that I had to buy it. 

Shortly after I picked up the album in Amsterdam on Rams Horn Records… I still have that copy and it just blows me away every time I hear it. I think its a masterpiece. 

This summer, at a soul carnival in Margate, I was privileged to be on stage with D-Train where he performed this song. It was a bit surreal for me, but at the same time awesome, to be a part of the band for living legend."

Janet Kay - Eternally Grateful 

 

(Music clip - the full version is on Frank's 5 Track Mixtape below)

"I found this 12” vinyl in a record shop (Street Dance) in Copenhagen in 1984 and it got under my skin at first listen. I was told that usually Local Records was a reggae label… and I believe that you can actually hear a bit of reggae rhythm in this track. 

Personally I think its a killer dance record with a nice hookline and a groovy bassline essential stuff for a great boogie tune.

It’s a record I am really happy to have in my vinyl collection and whenever I hear it I feel good. Also this tune sums up my love for the UK soul scene alongside artist/groups like Loose Ends, Cool Notes, Second Image, Central Line, Hi Tension, Light Of The World and Freeze."

Frank Ryle
Deserted Island Disc Mixtape 

The Best Soul-Funk album of 2012

Check it out 

Cool Million III