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)”
Tag Archives: soul
The Signs.
E. Mark Windle 26 August 2023. While undertaking some book research a few years ago on Nashville’s soul music scene, I was drawn to a very competent cover of Barbara Lewis’ iconic 1963 recording “Hello Stranger”. The version in question was by Alpha Zoe (Hall), an African American teenager who had just been plucked fromContinue reading “The Signs.”
Redressing the History Books: The Soul of Music City.
By E. Mark Windle, 20 August 2023. Regarding what’s been pretty much an obsession with writing about southern soul music since I started out over ten years ago, House of Broken Hearts: The Soul of 1960s Nashville was undertaken in an attempt to resolve one nagging omission. A fair chunk of my travels has beenContinue reading “Redressing the History Books: The Soul of Music City.”
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”
Reaching Different Shores: A Subculture Rediscovery (The Tempests pt 14).
E. Mark Windle 5 November 2021 As important life events took over such as careers, raising families, and in many cases later caring for grandchildren, the musical activities of their youth were becoming distant memories for some former Tempests members. A new generation of musicians were stepping in, taking black music into another era. YetContinue reading “Reaching Different Shores: A Subculture Rediscovery (The Tempests pt 14).”
East 4th Street Studio, and the Fabulous Plaids (The Tempests Story pt 13)
E. Mark Windle 18 October 2021 After The Tempests split and members went their separate ways, Van Coble was determined to continue in the industry. With an interest in sound engineering and electronics he toyed with the idea of setting up a recording studio. Before long, Van brought two other business partners into the fold:Continue reading “East 4th Street Studio, and the Fabulous Plaids (The Tempests Story pt 13)”