Mr. Mendel

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is my latest guest, Amsterdam based DJ,  Mr.Mendel.

Mr. Mendel started out spinning records at the infamous Café de Duivel. This landed him a residency at Freakin III, an old school club night at Bitterzoet, Amsterdam. He soon decided that hiphop just wasn’t enough and Waxwell Records introduced him to soul, afro-beat, rhythm & blues and disco records. He instantly fell in love with the smell of dust, thousands of album covers and the crackling sound of old vinyl.

The 25 year old Mr. Mendel has developed his DJ’ing skills to an all-round style, collecting and spinning dance music from all corners of the globe with only one condition: “as long as it’s good soulful music”. Always selecting passionate, intriguing tunes. You'll hear sexy melodies, funk filled basslines, energetic drums, exotic percussion and euphoric vocals.

Influenced by & played alongside DJ's Rich Medina, Rahaan, Sadar Bahar, Kon & Amir, Rob Manga, KC The Funkaholic, Marcel Vogel, Mr. Mendel currently hosts successful parties, like The Daisy Age at Bitterzoet and I Love Vinyl at Canvas, which continue to attract an enthusiastic crowd of music lovers. Mr. Mendel knows how to rock a party with his soulful, upbeat, heartfelt musical extravaganza.

"Being allowed to only take five songs, is one of the saddest thoughts I had in a while. But then again, it probably wouldn't be my worst problem when on an deserted island. Maybe I would take some more recent dance floor tunes, but in this case I went for some (major) artists that influenced me through time."

Bob Marley & The Wailers
War

"I couldn't go anywhere without Bob. I hope the deserted island is sunny at least. In that case maybe I should take only reggae music.  

Actually almost any song of Bob will do, although for me this is a song that always moves me, especially the lyrics "Until the colour of a man's skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes, me say war!".

For me discrimination has always been an important matter. Bob always shines light on the matter, so simply, so true."

Fela Kuti

Roforofo Fight

"About 10 years ago someone told me to check out the master's music... I did. 

I skipped through some songs and didn't understand it. Then a couple of years ago, at the record shop I worked at, we got a box of records (smelling like shit) straight from Nigeria. I gave it another chance, and since then it never let me go. 

You have to listen to the songs from A-Z, the arrangements are perfect, so much energy! 

There has to be some dancing to keep the spirit up on the island right?  Plus the song is extra long, ha ha !"

Gil Scott-Heron

The Bottle (Mr.Mendel Edit)

"Though one of my favourite artists, not especially one of my favourite songs, but I would definitely take it to a deserted island to remind me of my work and help me remember spinning music for a crowd. 

This record always seems to stir up the dance floor and bring people to another state.     

It will soon be on vinyl, so I could take the record... or do I just get to take an iPod to the island ?"

Tracy Chapman

Talking 'Bout A Revolution

"Tracy Chapman was the first 'soulful' artist I listened to (it's maybe more folkish though ?). 

When I was very young my parents used to play this in the car when we where on vacation and I never knew if she was a boy or a girl, but I knew I liked it!

It always has left me with a weak spot. Good soundtrack for the sentimental mood.. which I would probably have plenty of, being lonely on an island. 

Again any song of her first album will do the trick."

Curtis Mayfield

(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below, We're All Going To Go

"Another major artist that always moves me. 

This got to be one of my favourite albums of all time. His compositions are brilliantly intense. 

I've had a little pessimistic worldview since I can remember. In this song Mr Mayfield is touching a lot of the world's problems in a hard poetic way; "educated fools from uneducated schools". 

And that intro! His lyrics are sometimes angry and sometimes hopeful, but always sensitive and still so relevant…

Or should I take some Wu-Tang after all ?"

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You liked the music, now check out these links : Mr. Mendel on Soundcloud

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I Love Vinyl @ Canvas, Amsterdam

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The Daisy Age @ Bitterzoet, Amsterdam

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Waxwell Records, Amsterdam

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Karen Thomas

My latest guest castaway on Deserted Island Discs is Manchester Soul Girl and Radio Presenter, Karen Thomas.

Karen's love of Soul Music is aptly demonstrated on her 'Soulinfinity' radio show on Pure Rythm Radio. 

Each Wednesday evening Karen plays a great mix of Modern Soul, Neo-Soul, RnB and a few of her 'Moody Numbers'.

"Choosing these tracks evokes a lot of nice memories for me."

George McCrae - Rock Your Baby

"This was the first record that I ever bought and what moved me away from the likes of Donny Osmond and into my love affair with soul music.

I was about 15 at the time and I remember hearing it played on someone's sound system from an open window as I walked home from school. 

This track got many a repeat play on my record player."    

Bennie Braxton - Come To Me

"This tune has got to be one of my all time favs for so many reasons. 

I first heard this played at a monthly Soul event called 'Parkers' in Manchester in the 90's, that I attended often and which turned out to be a very special and poignant time in my life. 

This track was love at first hearing and a 'wow' moment for me. It will always remind me of the many happy times I spent there dancing to soul tunes that I still love to listen to today."          

Roy Ayers - Poo Poo La La

 

"I've chosen this particular track because the memory of Roy performing this live was an experience that I will never forget.   

His showmanship and the way he interacted with the crowd whilst singing this was brilliant and filled with so much fun and humour.

What a fab track from a fab performer and artist."           

Will Downing - The Love We Share

"Will's music has featured so much in the up's and down's of my life.

That vocal that is so characteristically him, he has the power to make me melt.

I chose this track because it reminds me of someone very special who is no longer in my life... the lyrics tell the story of the love we shared."  

Rance Allen Group - Reason To Survive

"I debated long and hard about including this track in my selection mainly because it is so very personal to me for very special reasons and to this day I find it difficult to listen to without feeling some sadness because of the circumstances involved at the time. This song has everything for me, so I had to include it. Stunning intro, wonderful meaningful lyrics, harmonies that chill and that gorgeous melody and haunting vocal that just can't fail to touch the listener."

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 I am sure that you enjoyed listening to these five great tracks and reading the reasons why Karen chose them... and if you enjoyed them as much as I did, then you should be listening to Karen's 'Soulinfinity' Show on Pure Rhythm Radio.

 click on the logo below

Peter Sinacola

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is this month's castaway, radio presenter Peter Sinacola.

We have history, both of us growing up on the same council estate in South West London. 

Peter is a few years older than me and was a friend of my brother on the mod scene of the early to mid-1960's at local places like St.Mary's and The Pontiac Club in Putney, The Crawdaddy in Richmond and Eel Pie Island in Twickenham. Often they would go 'up West' to The Marquee, The Flamingo and La Discotheque... not forgetting The Scene.

Peter started a mobile discotheque back in 1980 under the name of Bubbles Disco, playing weddings, birthday parties and anything else where required.

In 1986 he secured his first club residency at Perrys in Wokingham, doing both Friday and Saturday nights, for about 3 years. From there, he went Caversham's Nightclub in Reading for the Saturday night slot, and was then asked to take over Friday nights as well. After opening a record shop called the Record Basement, he moved slots to Churchill's Night Club before moving to Gatzby's, where he stayed until the owner wanted to change to Rave music. That was when he called it a day and retired for the first time in 1996.

In 2008 he was asked by some old mates if he wanted to join them playing the tunes that they loved and didn't hear any more. He agreed and they started Soulstice, and from this the radio station developed.  

Peter called it a day last December, but continues presenting his 'Night Train' radio show (a superb mix of Mod, Motown, R&B, Atlantic/Stax, Ska, Bluebeat and Northern) every Friday night from 9.30 pm on soulsticeradio24.com.

"This is more difficult than I thought, but let's get going."

Four Tops - Baby I Need Your Loving

"I have lot of decades to cover,  but I  met my wife to be in 1963 and the Four Tops debut album (which was released in 1964) soon became our favourite. I could have picked almost any track from it, but we always called this one 'OUR SONG'." 

Jeff Perry - Love Don't Come No Stronger

"I DJ'd at an early Southport Weekender, where the northern custom was to clap if they liked the tune being played. I played this and the whole room stopped and clapped me. That is something that will stay with me forever."

Gift Of Dreams - By My Side

"This is from their first album 'The Gift'.  The melody and the lyrics just do it for me."

Donald Byrd - (Fallin' Like) Dominoes

 

"In 1975 during my jazz-funk days, Donald Byrd's iconic album 'Places & Spaces' was released. There was not one duff track on it, but this was the track that stood out for me." 

The Impressions - You've Been Cheating

"The year is 2013 and I've gone right back to my roots, playing 60's tunes again. This track shows off the wonderful vocal talents of the groups back then. I defy you not to tap your feet and nod your head when you hear this."

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If, like me, you enjoy 60's soul, R & B, Motown, Stax, Atlantic and Sue with a smidgen of Ska,  Bluebeat and Northern Soul, then tune in to Pete Sinacola's Night Train on Soulstice Radio 24.

 

Go to Soulstice Radio 24 via this link :

And catch all the past episodes of Night Train via this link :

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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