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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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.

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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.

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