E. Mark Windle 10 March 2026. Many folks from the soul music community will have known the late Mark Bicknell, whether directly through his friendship, his DJing, radio hosting or record dealing. Doubtless they will also be aware of his music industry networking and passion for reissuing rare soul recordings on his Big ManContinue reading “The Aqua Connection: Origin Stories of The Aqua Lads and Twilights”
Category Archives: Record labels
Mocha and Cream. The Global Records Story
E. Mark Windle 6 March 2026. The passing of Edwin James Balbier a couple of years ago went virtually unnoticed in UK northern scene circles: indeed few outside of the industry will recall his name. Yet, this individual would be the unwitting driving force behind one of the most popular soul re-issue (if brief) labelContinue reading “Mocha and Cream. The Global Records Story”
October Book Release: In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music
E. Mark Windle 4 October 2024. In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music is a collection of short articles, opinion pieces, and industry press releases originally published in print and online between 2021 and 2024. The aim of this project is to present a sample of works on a variety of themesContinue reading “October Book Release: In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music”
Big Man Records: The Embers “First Time” b/w “I Wanna Be” (New Vinyl 45rpm Release)
E. Mark Windle 19 December 2023. Without pausing for breath after Big Man Records’ December launch of “Just Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” (b/w “Aware of Love”), the news is that a second quality double-sider from The Embers is lined up for release early in the new year. Starting out as a doo-wop and rock ‘n’ rollContinue reading “Big Man Records: The Embers “First Time” b/w “I Wanna Be” (New Vinyl 45rpm Release)”
Big Man Records: The Embers “Just Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” c/w “Aware of Love” (new vinyl release)
E. Mark Windle 14 November 2023. Continuing the series of quality releases from Mark Bicknell’s Big Man Records, December will be bringing us this quality Carolina double-sider, which is sure to be of interest to rare soul and beach music fans alike. Stalwarts of the Carolina beach music scene, The Embers have enjoyed a prolificContinue reading “Big Man Records: The Embers “Just Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” c/w “Aware of Love” (new vinyl release)”
Just Enough to Hurt Me. The Astors Story
E. Mark Windle 17 April 2023. This week marks the passing of singer Curtis Johnson, founding member of Memphis soul group The Astors. They may be one of Stax’s less instantly recognisable acts (at least to a mainstream audience), but their work is very familiar to, and respected by, the UK and European rare soulContinue reading “Just Enough to Hurt Me. The Astors Story”
The Yorkshire Soul Connection: an Interview with Garry Cape
E. Mark Windle April 2023. When I asked reissue / retrospective soul label owner Garry Cape about the motivating factors for his 2020 return to the soul market with the reactivation of his Hit and Run label series, issues of mortality seemed to be at the top of the list: “I guess it had somethingContinue reading “The Yorkshire Soul Connection: an Interview with Garry Cape”
North Broad Street Records: Lovemasters “If You See Kate” / “Let’s Stay Together”
E. Mark Windle 2nd September 2022. As North Broad Street Records goes from strength to strength, September sees the arrival of the seventh vinyl release in their series of quality previously unissued soul recordings. NBS 007 takes us to the Windy City for two fine tracks by the group who previously gave us a northernContinue reading “North Broad Street Records: Lovemasters “If You See Kate” / “Let’s Stay Together”“
Radio Stations, DJs and the 1960s Nashville R&B Scene
E. Mark Windle 1 August 2022. Music historians will argue over the exact origins of the music industry in Nashville, although any stance depends on the genre under debate, and how far back one is willing to go. The predominance of country music is undeniable, with its roots planted in Celtic and European folk songsContinue reading “Radio Stations, DJs and the 1960s Nashville R&B Scene”
Nashville: From Charlie Romans to the Paramount Four
E. Mark Windle 14 December 2021 So, which floats your boat? I’ve been asked a few times now what the rationale was for selecting the particular artists and recordings in House of Broken Hearts: The Soul of 1960s Nashville. The intention of the book was not to be a panacea of Nashville soul music history; moreContinue reading “Nashville: From Charlie Romans to the Paramount Four”