From the desk of Shayne

This record’s been around for a few years, but not nearly as many as it sounds like (in a good way). Previously unknown to me, and probably most others in the US, but this 2005 record is a GEM! As near as I can tell, it isn’t tremendously well-known outside of its originating country of Finland, but Nicole Willis has had her hand in plenty that you’ll all be familiar with.

She’s worked with The Brand New Heavies, Deee-Lite, The The and even Curtis Mayfield, prior to marrying record producer Jimi Tenor and relocating to Finland. There, she teamed up with a group called the Soul Investigators and Keep Reachin’ Up is the latest release to come from that collaboration. At least that’s how I understand it.

In any case, this is one of the greatest records I’ve heard in a long time. It’s a little Martha Reeves, a little Donna Summer, all good. Real deal vintage soul sound with a little trip-hop and exotica thrown in to taste. Buy yourself a copy. It’s a little steep as far as CDs go ($33.99 on Amazon) due to its import status, but easily worth twice the price.

Here’s a little taste…
If This Ain’t Love (Don’t Know What Is)

This is the first in what will likely be a long list of classic soul records mentioned on this site. Billy Stewart’s 1965 Chess Records masterpiece, I Do Love You, has been on my heavy rotation list for the past few weeks, and I strongly urge that you get a copy for yourself. If you haven’t heard any of this yet, it isn’t a typical soul record. Aside from the gospel influence that you would expect, there is a heavy dose of scat-inspired jazz style on here, too, that makes for a very interesting disc. Some of the highlights (you’ll notice a trend here):

• I Do Love You
• Love Me
• Why Do I Love You So?
• Fat Boy
• Sitting In The Park

Sadly, Billy Stewart died in a tragic car accident in 1970 after releasing only a handful of albums, cementing his place in soul music obscurity. I wasn’t familiar with Billy Stewart prior to picking up a copy of Time Life’s thorough “Soul Story” collection (yes, I was sold on the info-mercial). “I Do Love You” is on the set, and after a few listens, I had to go digging for more. My recommendation is to pick up the CD reissue of the full album that is out on MCA Special Products. All of Billy’s stuff is fairly obscure, and although there are a few comp discs of his work out there, pretty much anything you could want is on this one. Long story short; $6.98 well spent!

More info:
Allmusic.com
Wikipedia entry