Izipho Soul Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Izipho Soul label continues to bring us hard to find nuggets from the many-layered history of US soul music. On this latest 7" we're treated to Ron Foster's 1985 version of 'Don't Let Him Get The Best Of You', which was recorded with the 21-strong Kindred Spirits Orchestra and has been revived with a new vocal take from the original lead singer of Whirlwind, Sandi Everett. On the flip, you can enjoy an extended mix of Lee McDonald's 'Let's Play Luck', a disco-fied stomper from his classic album Sweet Magic.

Review: Izipho Soul is one of the most essential labels out thee right now for soul lovers and this new 7" is another heart melter that deserves a slot in anyone's collection. Now they return to Nashville smooth soul man Dwayne Scivally for a second release on the label which is taken from his 2016 album 'Stay Until The Morning' which never got much attention when it was first put out on CD. That one followed his highly respected LPs with French music maestro Thomas G and is just as good if you ask us so its great to finally have two tracks from it made more widely avialble on this 7".

Review: Izipho Soul and Rena Scott have had a long and fruitful relationship that continues with this new 7". It offers up two new takes on a classic tune from Scott which tells of 'the inevitable frustrations of a long distance love affair.' The original is a big soul number with plenty of golden synths and mid-tempo 80s drums that hark back to the heyday of r&b. On the flip is The Nigel Lowis mix of 'You're So Far Away' which strips away some of the noise and makes the track a deeper, smoother, more seductive soul jam with a rather familiar baseline.

Review: Izipho Soul once again link up with Sound of Superbad here on a super smooth and seductive funk 7". This one raises the bar even in comparison to the super nice 'I Want Cha' last time out. Chicago-based singer extraordinaire Robert IMtume Owens is the man who offers up his beautifully buttery tones, which are layered over nice classy drums and warm synths, with trumpets and strings all adding ear golden texture. The 'S.O.S. Vibe Mix' on the flip is a heavier jam thanks to the more direct percussion, but with everything else also turned up it's still a super lush tune with those vocals doing plenty of great work.

Review: Split Decision Band dropped this pearler back in 2018. They hail from Des Moines, Iowa, and are well known to hardcore diggers who cost some of their 70s soul gems. This is another one of them with a laissez-faire vocal backed with warming chords and twirling chords that really dazzle. On the flipside tune 'Say Woman', a deeper male voice takes over the singing duties and delivers a fine turn that is utterly seductive. Some call and response with another female comes in later and the funky bass and deep cut drums are just perfect.

Review: William, Bertram and Randy Brown are legendary Memphis soul singers who released an album Facing The Music back in 2009 as TEN-63. It had been recorded many years before and featured 'You And Me' which was already a cult fav. It now gets pressed up to this delightful 7" backed with 'Say We'll Stay'. Both are gorgeously arranged songs with sexual sax motifs and plenty of longing in the buttery baritone vocal. The harmonies too are sublime and it's not hard to see why this brotherly threesome had such a big impact on their local Memphis scene with magic like this.

Review: Daxwood Records, led by Doyle Wood, unearths another gem from its rich archives with the release of XXCEPTION TO THE RULEia female duo featuring Vanessia Mathis and Daniela Curry. IZIPHO SOUL proudly presents two previously unreleased tracks from 1982, now available on 7" vinyl for the first time. The A-side, 'The Sweeter the Juice', is an infectious dancer driven by a funky, 'squelchy' bassline and powerful, soaring vocals. It's a groove that feels timeless, ready to ignite any soul night in 2024. On the flip, 'Angel in Disguise' offers a supreme ballad of the era, with Vanessia's emotive voice taking centre stage. The late Eldridge McMillan's piano solo is subtle yet packed with feeling, adding an extra layer of depth to the track. This release is a must for soul collectors, showcasing Daxwood's legacy and IZIPHO SOUL's dedication to preserving these rare musical moments.