badboy-soul

Broadway Sounds - Manchester, Boxing Day 2011

2011-12-03T11:11:00.002Z

Broadway Sounds are back in Manchester this Boxing Day, don't miss this one! Many tunes on this site have been played by the Broadway crew and those tapes were undoubtedly the main inspiration for the music you can find here.

One Central Sreet
City Centre Mancheser
Boxing Day 2011

Kenny Thomas - Breathe (New Album) Sept 2011

2011-09-27T13:03:00.003+01:00

Well it seems Kenny Thomas has a new album out, here's some details and some audio:

Kenny Thomas
Breathe
(SOLUSCD01)
Released: September 19th, 2011

He’s a multi-platinum selling artist who dominated the commercial, soul and album charts in the 90’s. By the time he was 23 he had been nominated for 2 Brit Awards, shared the stage with such luminaries as Edwin Starr, Freddie Jackson, Kool & The Gang, Incognito and Lonnie Liston Smith and was a regular on TOTP! Then, on the eve of the release of his third studio album he decided, in his own words “to walk into the wilderness, take stock and get back in touch with my beloved soul roots…”

And that’s exactly what he did…. until now!

His new studio album, Breathe, is a British affair blistering with 14 songs showcasing the finest UK songsmiths and producers from the soul, R’n’B and contemporary arenas.

From the opening track, “The Show Is Over”, produced by Mark Jaimes and Danny Saxon, who’ve worked with world-class vocalists from Luciano Pavaroti to Mick Hucknall, you know you’re in for a treat. Toast of the UK R'n’B and Gospel scene, 5am, offer up slices of seductive modern soul on the eponymous “Breathe”, “It Aint Perfect” and beautiful re-working of “Thinking About Your Love.” Sir Piers & Toni Economides put their Midas touch to “Coming Down From Love,” “Just Stay” and “Troubled Man.”

…And when you think you’ve heard it all, enter the beautifully crafted productions from Drizabone & the Soul Family on “Baby It’s You”, Richard Earnshaw giving props on “On The Outside,” Scott Whitman “How Do I Let You Go” and Music Eye on “It’s Better” and “Get Out”. The closing track, “Addicted”, is produced courtesy of Nicolas Bulostin.

The one person missing from this musical cadre is Fransisca Thomas (yes, the missus) who wrote the poignant “The Show Is Over” and duets with Kenny on “Get Out”, this truly is a family affair.

Kenny was born in Islington, North London. In the early eighties the heart of the neighbourhood was beating with the sounds of Soul, Reggae, Lovers Rock and Jazz Funk. He sang in the choir at the local church to the delight of his mother and had a busy career as an amateur boxer to the delight of his father!

At 15, Kenny’s vinyl collection was boasting such milestone albums as “Songs in the key of life” and “Hotter Than July” by Stevie Wonder (his favourite singer), “Off The Wall” & “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and the legendry “Joy & Pain” by Maze. Like any serious music junky Kenny and his mates were constantly buying and exchanging records, then eventually purchased musical instruments in an attempt to create their own sound. “One friend bought a bass guitar and a Moog synthesizer, I bought an acoustic and an electric guitar, we just jammed all the time trying to emulate the soul and Jazz funk records we loved” reminisces Kenny.

It was around this time the family moved further east, towards Hackney. As fate would have it they moved just a stones throw away from Eddie Grant’s studio, The Coach House, where Eddie had recorded hits including the 1979 track “The Front Line.” ” I remember one very cold winters evening a friend and I plucked up enough courage to go and knock on the studio door. No one was in, we went back again and again until, one night, Eddie’s brother answered,” recalls Kenny. He was 18 and his voice was beginning to develop into a fine soul voice, something that didn’t go unnoticed by Eddie’s brother.

“We managed to raise some funds to record a couple of tracks, most of which came from a friend who worked in Hatton Garden. Eddie came down to the studio one time and remarked on my voice, saying I had “a nice commercial voice” remembers Kenny. They got a small record deal at President Records thinking they had hit the big time but nothing really happened and Kenny retreated into to his 9 to 5 job in the West End.

His dad was a well-known professional boxer in his day and had a boxing gym in Alexander Palace where he trained amateur boxers. One day the hand of fate once again rested on Kenny’s shoulder. A music manager, who was a keen boxer himself, got talking to his dad when those immortal words were uttered… “My son can sing, you should hear his stuff.” He did, and was blown away.

So, after throwing his umpteenth sicky from his job to pursue his musical career, Kenny stepped into the studio to record “Outstanding” with a young, talented producer called Ritchie Fermie. His manager took the single into Cooltempo Records, who at the time had signed another of his artists, Monie Love. Within 2 weeks Kenny was signed and making an album with producer Ian Green for one of the leading dance and hip-hop labels in the UK. His label mates included GangStarr, Eric B and Rakim, Doug E Fresh And The Show and Masters at Work to name but a few. This time he knew he wouldn’t have to throw any more ‘sickies’ and finally handed in his notice at the 9 to 5 job!

Kenny’s debut album, “Voices”, went platinum in its first week and went on to sell over double platinum in the UK alone, spawning 4 hit singles, “Outstanding”, “Tender Love”, “Thinking About Your Love” and “Best Of You”. Then came his second album, “Wait For Me,” which also offered up a slew of hits including “Stay” and “Trippin’ On Your Love.”

Kenny’s 3rd studio album, “Him,” was in the record company starting blocks ready to go into the promotional/marketing machine when he had his epiphany: He hadn’t stopped for 5 years and he needed to take stock. He walked away from his record company, his 3rd album and his manager and immersed himself in the underground modern soul scene and simply hasn’t looked back.

For the discerning lovers of modern UK soul Kenny has never been away. They’ve watched him become one of the finest voices and performers the UK has produced. He’s a rare artist, who can seamlessly move from soul to broader musical arenas. In 2004 he lent his vocal talent to Stonebridge’s smash album “Can’t Get Enough” where he featured on the track “Gotta Give It Up” and then again in 2007 on a further Stonebridge album called “Music Takes Me” on the track “You Don’t Know”.

In 2006, to the delight of his soul fans, he stepped back into the studio and recorded the album “Crazy World” on Curb Records. The album spawned UK underground soul classics such as “Crazy World”, “Him” and “Let It Rain”. Most recently he hooked up with Roy Ayres providing vocals on ”Waiting” which is featured on Richard Earnshaw’s debut album, “In Time”.

Off stage Kenny’s been busy too and with his ever-enquiring mind started looking at the advantages of complementary medicine. Not one to let the grass grow under his feet, he graduated from a private academy a year ago with a Bachelor Of Science Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is now a qualified Practitioner.

“Breathe,” Kenny’s new studio album sees him tipping a nod to his soul routes but also sees him pushing the boundaries, taking a step into the unknown – a place, unsurprisingly Mr. Thomas is very comfortable in.

Help Me Find These Tunes! Update

2011-09-14T17:10:00.001+01:00

As anyone knows who buys records. There aren't many DJs/record collectors who have everything. I am certainly no exception. I need help to identify these tunes! Most of these are from about 1993 and 1994 and I took some off Basezone's 1993 mix from Soul Nation 1046. Please e-mail or post in the message box if you can help with any of these. Similarly if you need anything identified mail it and I'll put it up here. Thanks.

Tune 1

Tune 2

The Escoffery's - Unreservedly (Identified by Delasy) THANKS! Got the album as well...damn..

Tune 3

Tune 4

State Of Art "Understanding"

Identified by SNIFFADAWG

Broadway are back - Saturday 13th August 2011

2011-07-25T07:52:00.004+01:00

From the tapes that inspired countless DJs/people...Broadway are back in Manchester...An event not to be missed..

Kordak - Why Can't We Live Together (Straight To The Bone Mix)

2011-07-23T22:02:00.000+01:00

Erica Dee - Try Again (Jill Scott Cover)

2011-03-26T18:23:00.001Z

Try Again (Jill Scott Cover) by Erica Dee

Just came across this amazing Jill Scott cover..

AAries Give It Up

2011-03-25T06:46:00.000Z

Killer soul tune!

Nico Lindsay Let Me Tell You Something

2011-02-25T10:00:00.002Z

UK rapper Nico Lindsay, this guy's hot.

Nina Simone Baltimore 1977

2010-12-11T23:36:00.001Z

Top track by Nina Simone. Sampled very nicely by Brother Ali a few years ago.

LEGENDS OF THE OLD SCHOOL - TAMMY PAYNE LIVE THIS SATURDAY!!!

2010-12-08T13:07:00.003Z

LEGENDS OF THE OLD SCHOOL LIVE FEATURING A LIVE PA FROM THE ONE AND ONLY TAMMY PAYNE! THIS SATURDAY AT SOUND CONTROL, NEW WAKEFIELD STREET MANCHESTER. £10 ENTRANCE FEE. HEAR ALL THE TUNES ON THIS BLOG!!

80's 90's Soul Night This Saturday in Manchester

2010-10-05T19:46:00.005+01:00

LEGENDS OF THE OLD SCHOOL
LIVE PAS - MARTINE GIRAULT & GEE MORRIS OSBOURNE FROM INNOCENCE!!
STRICTLY 80'S 90'S SOUL/RNB

Sound Control
1 New Wakefield Street
Manchester
M1 5NP
0161 2360340

Tickets/Info - 07973550828

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT IN MANCHESTER

Dorian Wright Say I Do 2010

2010-09-14T22:50:00.001+01:00

Wow, wow, and wow again. Neo soul never sounded so good! Check this guy out.

Starship Orchestra New York, New York (1980)

2010-08-22T10:30:00.001+01:00

Love this cut.

Joanna Law First Time Ever 1990

2010-08-20T23:59:00.002+01:00

KILLER cover version of 'First Time Ever' by Joanna Law.

Tashan Thank You Father (1986)

2010-08-11T08:14:00.001+01:00

Killer soul track from Tashan!

Loose Ends - Hanging on a String (The All Night Mix)

2010-08-10T08:01:00.000+01:00

Nice remix.

Curtis Mayfield Right On For The Darkness 1973

2010-08-08T19:54:00.001+01:00

Classic Curtis Mayfield.

Melvin Bliss Synthetic Substitution

2010-07-27T04:58:00.000+01:00

Crazy.

Labi Siffre My Song

2010-07-25T20:41:00.001+01:00

Beautiful tune from Labi Siffre.

Omar There's Nothing Like This 1990

2010-07-20T21:37:00.000+01:00

Classic.

The Rah Band - Messages From The Stars (1983)

2010-07-20T00:22:00.000+01:00

Trippy electro/soul/funk bomb! The Rah Band, Messages From The Stars.

ARTISTS - ANYONE OUT THERE

2010-07-13T22:19:00.003+01:00

LOOKING FOR ARTISTS TO PLAY AT A FEW CLUB NIGHTS. ANYONE KNOW WHERE ANY OF THEM ARE? UK BASED ONES THAT IS? PLEASE EMAIL ME badboy-soul@hotmail.co.uk

WOULD LOVE TO GET HOLD OF ARTISTS LIKE 'HIGHER GROUND' WHO DID 'SUGARFREE' AND MORE!!! HELP IF YOU CAN! THANKS.

Eric Roberson & Marsha Ambrosius - N2U

2010-07-07T12:36:00.001+01:00

This is SERIOUS sh*t! Your day just got better, much better..!

Roberta Flack That's No Way To Say Goodbye (1969)

2010-06-29T07:05:00.003+01:00

Beautiful music from Roberta Flack.

The Blackbyrds Mysterious Vibes 1977

2010-06-29T06:58:00.003+01:00

I wish I was in on that sampling game in the early 90's. Is it any wonder tracks like this had parts borrowed..the first few bars are screaming out to be rhymed over...Domino used this on the remix to 'Sweet Potato Pie' in case you're head scratching.

Bobby Caldwell - Open Your Eyes 1980

2010-06-29T06:47:00.002+01:00

Sampled to great effect on Common's 'The Light' But you know that already!

Street Drums

2010-05-24T08:24:00.001+01:00

Amazing!

Common Feat Queen Latifah - Next Time (2010)

2010-05-11T14:50:00.001+01:00

Check this out!!

Lena Horne Stormy Weather 1943

2010-05-11T06:43:00.002+01:00

Lena Horne - RIP. A very important and interesting lady.

The Isleys - Love Put Me On The Corner (1972)

2010-05-05T08:32:00.000+01:00

Another 70's gem. Thanks Dez Andres.

Herbie Hancock Watermelon Man 1973

2010-04-26T23:14:00.002+01:00

Much sampled Herbie Hancock gem.

Loose Ends Don't Worry 1992

2010-04-15T08:05:00.003+01:00

Forgot how good this was, from Tighten Up Vol 1.

DJ Get Live - Beatminerz Mixmasters Weekend Easter Sunday 4th April 2010

2010-04-05T00:32:00.001+01:00

THROW YOUR 1200/1210s away, there's just no point. Check this out.

Erykah Badu - Turn Me Away (Get Munny) (2010)

2010-03-28T23:26:00.003+01:00

Sister Sledge - I'm A Good Girl

2010-03-28T17:34:00.002+01:00

Mirage - Summer Grooves

2010-03-06T16:49:00.001Z

Dramatics - Get It (1980)

2010-03-06T16:40:00.002Z

Skyy Here's To You (1980)

2010-03-06T15:53:00.001Z

Caron Wheeler Ft Biz Markie Star (1999)

2010-03-05T21:42:00.003Z

Gangstarr Mass Appeal

2010-03-01T08:00:00.000Z

Get well Guru.

Diana Ross Brown Baby

2010-02-23T13:18:00.001Z

Very nice, thanks Dez Andres.

Ohio Players Good Luck Charm 1977

2010-02-21T05:30:00.002Z

Amazing intro sample used by Nas on his disgraceful Nastradamus album for 'Last Words'

LIVE!

2010-02-13T13:52:00.000Z

Live video by Ustream

Erykah Badu Window Seat

2010-02-10T07:46:00.001Z

Unmistakable sound of Erykah Badu. Taken from new album 'New Amerykah Part II: Return Of The Ankh' out in March apparently..

Rahel - Hope

2010-02-10T07:40:00.000Z

<a href="http://mashibeats.bandcamp.com/track/rahel-hope">Rahel - Hope by Mark de Clive-Lowe presents...</a>

Banbarra Shack Up 1975

2010-02-06T06:07:00.000Z

Classic beats!!

David Porter - The Masquerade Is Over

2010-01-30T22:57:00.003Z

Whispers - Hey, Who Really Cares?

2010-01-30T22:40:00.002Z

Dramatics In The Rain

2010-01-30T22:37:00.001Z

Lynn Collins Take Me Just As I Am

2010-01-30T22:31:00.001Z

Jeff Lorber Rain Dance

2010-01-30T22:25:00.000Z

Recruitment Drive

2010-01-03T17:40:00.006Z

Ok, I started a Facebook and Twitter account and need some members, followers!

FACEBOOK: Bad Boy Soul

TWITTER: badboy_soul

The idea is to collect some DJs and do more live shows here:

http://www.badboysoul.com

If you like the music on this blog and appreciate soulful house music, good rap music, 70's, 80's soul etc then I will be using these two channels to promote any live shows which are intended to be as interactive as possible, so please join for these updates..Thanks and Happy New Year.

Bad Boy Soul Live

2010-01-02T01:57:00.006Z

Stream videos at Ustream

Had a lazy decade on the decks if I'm honest...:) Went live before and here is the recording! Check it out, it isn't Cash Money either..! Will be broadcasting every Sunday at 2pm GMT, here is the link, tune in and take part! Set a reminder...:)

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bad-boy-soul

Dionne Warwick - You're Gonna Need Me

2009-12-31T16:04:00.001Z

Wicked from Dionne Warwick..Thanks Dez.

Kid Dynamite Uphill Peace Of Mind

2009-12-31T15:35:00.001Z

Classic breaks tune. 2.56

The Jakson 5 - I Wanna Be Where You Are

2009-12-28T14:09:00.001Z

Thanks Dummy for reminding me of this..

Tracy Jones - Promise Me , Forever (Kickin' Mix) (Impress) 1991

2009-12-28T12:35:00.001Z

Thanks Stevie! Nice post this one.

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind

2009-12-25T18:13:00.002Z

Not been much of a fan of most rnb/rap music of the last few years...But I love this. No tedious 808 Southern sounds...real beats..Take me to NY....

John Lennon Merry Christmas (War Is Over)

2009-12-25T09:55:00.000Z

Merry Xmas all!

Cheryl "Pepsii" Riley I'm In Love (Reprise) 1993

2009-12-22T07:43:00.001Z

Old school from Cheryl Pepsii Riley. I like this one..

Player Baby Come Back

2009-12-21T16:22:00.001Z

Very smooth...

Koffee Brown Afterparty (2000)

2009-12-21T13:31:00.000Z

Sade Soldier Of Love (2009)

2009-12-19T15:48:00.000Z

Sade back with a new album soon...that's good news..

Innocence Silent Voice (Cooltempo) 1990

2009-12-18T09:07:00.000Z

Needs no introduction..

Gwen Guthrie This Christmas Eve (Hot Times) (1992)

2009-12-16T10:03:00.003Z

The unmistakable sound of the marvellous Gwen Guthrie. Such a shame she passed so early. This is a rare cut that came out in 1992, thanks for retrorhythms for posting this. Sounds great and perfect for Christmas. RIP Gwen, not forgotten.

Gloria Scott - That's What You Say (1974)

2009-12-15T23:20:00.001Z

Tom Scott & The L.A. Express - Sneakin' In The Back (1974)

2009-12-15T23:14:00.000Z

Surely the basis for Martine Girault's 'The Revival'..

Soul Family Sensation I Don't Even Know If I Should Call You Marshall Jefferson (Symphony) 1991

2009-12-06T00:39:00.002Z

Can't get bored of this. this is the Symphony mix. Timeless classic.

Al Jarreau We Got By (1975)

2009-12-06T00:37:00.000Z

Sing it Al. Beautiful piece of music. Already posted I know...:)

Fatback Band Is This The Future (1983)

2009-12-06T00:02:00.001Z

Ann Sexton I'm His Wife, You're Just A Friend

2009-12-05T23:58:00.001Z

Roberta Gilliam All I Want Is My Baby (1985)

2009-12-05T23:40:00.000Z

Eighties Ladies Turned On To You 1980

2009-12-05T23:34:00.001Z

This is marvellous...if you don't know...

Freddie Scott (You) Got What I Need (1968)

2009-12-05T23:05:00.001Z

Killer soul music.

Galactic Force Band Space Dust 1978

2009-12-05T15:25:00.002Z

Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock intro..

Gil Scott Heron - Newsnight BBC2 Nov 2009

2009-12-05T13:38:00.004Z

Part 1

Part 2

The BBC have managed to track Gil Scott Heron down. This man is a serious legend..

Genie Brown Maybe This Will Be The Morning

2009-12-05T13:31:00.000Z

Space Bass - Slick 1979

2009-12-01T00:06:00.000Z

Azymuth - Dear Limmertz 1980

2009-12-01T00:01:00.000Z

Check the vocoder in this beauty...

Light Of The World London Town

2009-11-30T23:57:00.001Z

Classic.

Snoop Dogg I Wanna Rock 2009

2009-11-29T23:03:00.002Z

Loving the Rob Base sample on this...

Meli'sa Morgan - Do You Still Love Me

2009-11-29T12:09:00.001Z

Well, it is Sunday...

Loose Ends Ain't No Turning Back (1991)

2009-11-29T10:39:00.003Z

Love these Rhodes heavy Loose Ends tracks from the early 1990s. This was from the Time Is Ticking EP which is a piece of vinyl I am yet to pick up. Carl McIntosh..the man.

Phat Kat feat Melanie Rutherford Lovely

2009-11-22T13:00:00.000Z

Very nice indeed.

Soul Clap Love Light

2009-11-22T12:44:00.001Z

This is wicked, listen all the way through...

Gold In The Shade Shining Through Live

2009-11-15T17:45:00.003Z

It's streetsoul legends Gold In The Shade with 'Shining Through' live...Youtube..find allsorts on there..Thanks to Back To Basics...the only website to discuss these old tunes..

James Mason Sweet Power

2009-11-14T13:06:00.000Z

Powerful indeed! Check this one out. Thanks Sef.

Bob James Nautilus

2009-11-09T21:30:00.000Z

Amazing track..

Deluxe Forever In Love

2009-10-31T12:37:00.001Z

Deluxe Forever In Love..

Nicole Willis & ... - Soul Investigators Theme

2009-10-18T10:07:00.000+01:00

O'jays Message In Our Music (Jimmy The Twin Edit)

2009-10-14T22:19:00.000+01:00

Sweet..

Dj Jazzy Jeff Cuts Up Run DMC's Peter Piper Live At The House Of Blues

2009-10-12T11:40:00.001+01:00

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Dj AM Live @ The House of Blues from jeffrey a townes on Vimeo.

Well I know it's not soul exactly...This is Jazzy Jeff cutting up Run DMC's 'Peter Piper' and it is excellent!!

Kleeer Intimate Connection 1984

2009-10-10T21:54:00.000+01:00

This is sooooooooooo good....

Sybil Let It Rain Video (Next Plateau)1991

2009-10-04T02:36:00.001+01:00

Super rare video of super rare Sybil tune...

Chandra Simmons - Never Gonna let You Go 1986

2009-09-19T10:29:00.001+01:00

Subway Art - Matha Cooper Henry Chalfant

2009-08-17T13:46:00.002+01:00

I think this is a promotional video for the re-release of the amazing Subway Art book that came out in the 1980's. A graffiti bible.

Michael Wycoff - Looking Up To You 1982

2009-08-15T10:16:00.000+01:00

Case Touch Me Tease Me (Def Jam) 1996

2009-08-08T20:24:00.000+01:00

Classic from 1996. I'm sure you'll agree.

TCF Crew Go To The Horse's Mouth (Cold Chillin') 1991

2009-08-08T20:23:00.000+01:00

Thanks to http://www.back2basics.biz/ for bringing this to my attention. It's a nice old skool rnb tune from the US. Thanks to ths guy for the link also-http://djsoulnyc.blogspot.com/

Mary J Blige My Life-I Love You (MCA) 1994

2009-08-08T20:22:00.001+01:00

This cut is taken from Mary's best-My Life. This was a real soul album and sampled the 70's to death! We had Barry White, Curtis Mayfield, Roy Ayers, Mary Jane Girls...amongst others. The real emotion in the tracks here really didn't go unmissed on me. Apparently this was written after she broke up with that bloke from Jodeci.. I found her later albums to have no soul and poor lyrics to be quite honest, maybe she had no subject matter.. Anyway, the track I have selected here is 'I Love You' and the Isaac Hayes sample really does provide the perfect backdrop with that classic piano loop.