At the Solar Radio party Gary Spence said to me... wouldn't it be good if I could make a record, maybe like Steve Walsh did back in the day! You Wot, You What, You What!!!
The first thing we had to do was get the concept of the song together, with the idea that Santa forgot to arrange his own party (yes it is the REAL Santa), Nigel Lowis & myself over the coarse of three weeks has been gathering sound bites, voice drops from all the DJ's that wanted to become involved for this charity single. Now all we needed was a catchy song, something bouncy and some singers ....
Nigel Lowis started to hum the song, putting some lyrics to paper, Leanne McCrei came and laided down some vocals, followed by Minster, Gospel singer, Roger Samuels who has his debut single released early next year.
(Vocal Radio Mix) The pantomime mix features Gary Spence answering Santa, as a guide for you to maybe to the same on the DJ Tools Mix, which has gaps for you to vocally fill in! Also included is the 7 inch mix of the song which only features the vocals without all of the fun of The Panto Mix... Thanks to everybody involved in the making of this Christmas Song, which Gave producer, Nigel Lowis many sleepless nights piecing the parts together, Now back to the Christmas Jigsaw ...
McCrei were formed in 2012, when the two UK Soul sisters, Leanne and Shannon McCrei began sharing their life experiences through song writing and started gigging on the Camden acoustic circuit. Fast forward three years and the sisters have performed at over 250 gigs including the O2 Academy, The Hope, Caister Soul Festival, The Cavern, Camp Soul Festival, Funk Is Back, Distillers, Kensington Roof Gardens, Charlie Wrights and various other venues throughout England .
In 2014 the record producer Alan Glass (whose credits include Aretha Franklin, Misteeq and The Lighthouse Family) discovered McCrei on social media and requested to co write with the girls. McCrei wrote four songs to Alan's beats including the song 'I'm Missing You' which is featured on the film 'Last Round', for which McCrei performed in April at the premier in London.
In January 2015 the record label Disco Soul Gold Music (DSG Music) heard McCrei's music being played on Hugh Williams Soulded Out radio show and approached then McCrei resulting in, '' Show Me'' being released as a single through DSG on the 8th June 2015. The song was also remixed by Nigel Lowis (production credits include Dina Carroll, Eternal, Take That) and reached, #1 on the Soul / R&B sales chart, plus Number 2 in the UK Soul Charts. The track also appears on the new Expansion records,' Soul Togetherness album''. Look out also for a limited edition 7 inch vinyl of Show Me which is now in the shops.
(Picture taken by Alan Harding posted with thanks)
McCrei's second single release of 2015; 'Take My Hand' is now released on DSG Music, with mixes by Yuki T -Groove, Alan Glass the producer of the song & Nigel Lowis who is also the co-writer along with, Glass & McCrei themselves.
(Picture taken by Alan Harding posted with thanks)
Inspired by an introduction into traditional Soul, Disco and Funk, their music takes some direction while staying true to their signature style. McCrei's musical influences include James Brown, Whitney Houston, Teena Marie, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone and ArethaFranklin. The girls recently supported Jean Carn at the Camp Soul Music festival, when the Philly songstress requested the girls to sing to her privately in her changing room. At the last Caister Soul Weekender the UK Soul Sisters supported Joey Negro, by singing to a crowd of over 3,000 at the sold out weekender.
In December 2014, Leanne and Shannon were introduced to an experienced musician trio consisting of Tom O.Mitchell, Charlotte Whiting and Neil Cornwell who have since become McCrei's backing band for live shows.
McCrei - Take My Hand is currently climbing both the Soul Charts and download charts, currently #1 on Amazon sales chart and now available to download below.
Earl Young & Darryl Grant - The Power Of Love -Part One Nigel Lowis mix along with Part 2 Connoisseurs remixes are now released and are climbing the UK Soul & download charts( #2 in Amazon).
Lovers of 70s soul music certainly remember Earl Young, founder of The Trammps and the drummer credited by many as the creator of the disco beat. And we were all fans of Spectrum/ Fat Larry's Band singer Darryl Grant.
Well, these two legends have come together for a new song with an old school groove. With songwriters/producers McKinley Jackson and Mervin and Melvin Steals behind it, the duo have created a terrific new cut called “Don’t Underestimate The Power of Love.” What’s more, they’ve been helped by an A-List band, featuring bassist Jimmie Williams, pianist Alfie Pollitt, guitarist Robert “Wawa” Legrand, percussionist, Pablo Batista, drummer Lawrence Bowens, guitarist Randy Lynch, and McKinley Jackson’s fabulous Detroit Horn Section.
Salsoul meets the Sound Of Philadelphia in this SalPhilly remix created by Nigel Lowis.
From the composer of, Could It Be I'm Falling In Love (Spinners)
It's not only HOT, but also pleasing to the ear and very tastefully done!!! If my dear friend Norman Harris were still alive, I'm sure that he would be extremely proud to hear how well Nigel Lowis has captured the "purity" and "essence" of the powerful sound that Norman, Ronnie Baker, and EarlYoung created on the floor of the city of Philadelphia's Sigma Sound's Studio A back in the 1970's.Melvin Steal composer of the song......
Vivienne McKone began dancing at the age of two and worked as a child on commercials for UK and US television, on stage in Thomas Kingsley’s “TheWater Babies” in the West End and with Anita Harris and Tony Bennett in the ‘Anita Harris in Jumbleland’ television series - dancing, singing and acting. After early training in jazz and tap dancing, as a pre-teen, she appeared as 'Velma', the solo dancer, in Alan Parker's film “Bugsy Malone” in 1976. Vivienne regularly appeared on television, in theatre and in films until 1992, when her career in music took off.
As Vivienne tells it, “When I was in my mid teens, I decided that I wanted to write and sing my own songs. I had been taking piano lessons since the age of 8, so I bought a Fender Rhodes Suitcase 73 Piano when I was about 15 or 16 and wrote my first song on this when I was 17. Lots of the records I liked by Carole Bayer Sager, Patrice Rushen and others featured this instrument. When I was in my early 20’s I bought a portastudio, drum machines, synthesizers and other home recording gear and spent several years doing lots of demos, building contacts in the music business and doing showcase gigs until I got signed by London Records.”
Her first album, “Vivienne McKone”,was produced by Stewart Levine, highly-regarded for his work with The Crusaders, Randy Crawford and Simply Red. Vivenne’s debut single, “Sing (Ooh- Ee-Ooh)”, reached #47 in the UK charts on 25 July 1992 and was used as the theme for BBC TV’s Travel Show from 1994-1997. The followup, “Beware”, reached #69 in the UK charts on October 31st, 1992. A series of recordings and ‘live’ gigs kept Vivienne busy for the next 10 years or so until she decided to take a break from music while setting up a new home. Vivienne started working with Mike Collins in 2011, establishing a song-writing partnership while contemplating a return to ‘live’ performance. The first fruits of their creative collaboration are two dynamic new mixes of Vivienne’s song “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”, featuring Mike on guitar and Gary Barnacle on sax.
Ken Knox was one of the members of, Chairman of the Board...General Johnson wanted for Ken to carry on his legacy.
The influences of the new Nigel Lowis mix are a fusion of early Philly mixed in parts with Northern Soul, but not to loose the DSG Modern retro sound. Once again no samples, everything is played live. Ken Knox, was a 38 year member of Chairmen of the Board, whose legacy was built by the late Grammy Award winning General Johnson continues today with his group Ken Knox & Company.
After the death of General Johnson in 2010, Knox decided to put the Brand Chairmen of the Board on the Mantle in General’s honor. Ken Knox at the request of General Johnson was asked to keep their legacy going with much delight from COB fans thus the birth of Ken Knox & Company. Ken Knox & Company (Former Member of Chairmen of the Board) always does outstanding filled shows in America filled with unforgettable Chairman Of The Board beach classics as “Give Me a Little More Time”, “Everything's Tuesday”, “You Got Me Dangling On A String”, “Bless Your Heart” and the everlasting “Carolina Girls.”
In September 2011, Ken Knox, Thomas Hunter and Brandon Stevens released their first hit single “You.” This contemporary Pop/R&B hit has topped the Carolina Beach Music radio charts up and down the East Coast and in the UK. In 2012, the band scored another hit with “Carolina Shuffle”. In the latter part of 2013, the band released their 3rd single “I’m Ready, Willin & Able” which found its way on top of or in the top 5 on many radio charts.
The Legacy Continues with, Ken Knox being a member of the North and South Carolina Music Hall of Fame…Beach Music Hall of Fame. Reach Out 2 Me was co- written by Thomas Hunter who fuses timeless classic style Soul with R&B . His effortlessly classy warm, melted chocolate voice oozes through you in waves leaving you totally at his mercy and begging for more. Brandon Stevens is a singer/songwriter with a smooth, soulful voice reminiscent of artists like Donny Hathaway, Brian McKnight and Marvin Gaye. Out Now Via Amazon and i Tunes
Legendary singer Lenny Williams delvers us his new single, ''Hooked On You'' the new Nigel Lowis mix released on DSG Music. The song has already been a UK #1 on the Sweet Rhythm's Soul chart with this special remix. The song is lifted from his forthcoming album, Blues, Grooves & other moves. The ultimate soul crooner and Oakland native, Lenny Williams, possesses one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. With his rich, passionate vocal style, he is rightfully regarded as one of R&B’s most influential Soul men.
Williams began his musical career making records that have become R&B and Pop classics (e.g. “Cause I Love You” (recorded on his solo album) and “So Very Hard To Go”, which he recorded as the lead singer of Tower Of Power. Lenny Williams’ style has transcended into the new millennium, influencing many of today’s most popular R&B and Hip Hop artists.
In 1972 Williams joined, Tower of Power. A string of US hits ensued, including “So Very Hard To Go” and “Don’t Change Horses (In the Middle of the Stream)” [written by Lenny Williams and Johnny “Guitar” Watson]. During his two years with the group, Lenny participated in three milestone albums with them – [the gold LP] Tower Of Power, Back To Oakland, and Urban Renewal, while touring nonstop throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.
(Lenny Williams with Betty Wright & Angie Stone)
At the end of 1975, Lenny returned to his solo projects. Initially signing with Motown in 1972, he later moved to ABC Records in 1977 (which was then purchased by MCA Records in 1979). Over the next four years, Lenny scored ten US charted hits, including “Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh”, “Choosing You”, “You Got Me Running”, “Love Hurt Me Love Healed Me” and “Midnight Girl”. Lenny recorded four more albums from 1977 – 1980, Choosing You (his first gold LP), Spark of Love, Love Current and Let’s Do It Today. These albums established a solid and loyal following for Lenny. The impact of his music can still be felt today, particularly the mega hit “Cause I Love You” [Spark of Love]. This song crosses generational boundaries and has frequently been used on old school and slow jam compilations throughout the years.
Lenny Williams with R Kelly.
In 1986, Lenny was invited to sing vocals on “Don’t Make Me Wait For Love”, a song from superstar sax man Kenny G's multi-platinum selling album Duo Tones. When released as a single in 1987, the song became US Top 20 Pop and R&B hit. Who could forget his 1990. Gotta Lotta Luv, with its Eric Kupper mixes has remained a Soulful House classic ever since.
(Lenny Williams with the late Bobby Womack)
Over the past few years, Lenny has continued his solo career, touring the U.S., Europe and South Africa. In 2004 and 2005, Lenny and Kanye West were honored recipients of the BMI Songwriter’s Award for the song “Over Night Celebrity”, recorded by rapper Twista. He has recently shared stages with Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, K-Jon, Anthony Hamilton, The Whispers, Rick James, Boney James, Bobby Womack, The Ohio Players, Al Green, Usher, Betty Wright, SOS Band and Frankie Beverly & Maze. Lenny has also expanded his multi-dimensional career to include acting, starring in several popular stage plays. As an icon of the past and present, Lenny Williams & DSG would love you to support his new single by download it from iTunes or Amazon. UPDATE #3 IN AMAZON NEW HOT BEST SELLERS!
At last the limited vinyl 45 pressing of Soul Soul Town by Ola Onabule has arrived!
The song reached #1 in the UK Soul chart, UK Amazon Sales & The Sweet Rhythm chart.
The song has been one of the Soul Tracks of the year, with Ola Onabule even appearing at
The Caister Soul Festival this year to a crowd of over 3,000 chanting Soul Town.
The pressing has taken over 3 months to appear mostly due to, Record Shop Day putting a
further demand to already stretched pressing plants.
The pressing will be a limited one on a first come first serve basis.
LENNY WILLIAMS - HOOKED ON YOU - BRIDGE RIDGE RECORDS - NEW SINGLE- NOW RELEASED
Legendary singer Lenny Williams delvers us his new single, ''Hooked On You'' the song is lifted from the forthcoming album, Blues, Grooves & other moves. Ultimate soul crooner and Oakland native, Lenny Williams, possesses one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. With his rich, passionate vocal style, he is rightfully regarded as one of R&B’s most influential soul men.
Williams began his musical career making records that have become R&B and Pop classics (e.g. “Cause I Love You” (recorded on his solo album) and “So Very Hard To Go”, which he recorded as the lead singer of Tower of Power). Lenny Williams’ style has transcended into the new millennium, influencing many of today’s most popular R&B and Hip Hop artists.
In 1972 Williams joined, Tower of Power. A string of US hits ensued, including “So Very Hard To Go” and “Don’t Change Horses (In the Middle of the Stream)” [written by Lenny Williams and Johnny “Guitar” Watson]. During his two years with the group, Lenny participated in three milestone albums with them – [the gold LP] Tower Of Power, Back To Oakland, and Urban Renewal, while touring nonstop throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.
At the end of 1975, Lenny returned to his solo projects. Initially signing with Motown in 1972, he later moved to ABC Records in 1977 (which was then purchased by MCA Records in 1979). Over the next four years, Lenny scored ten US charted hits, including “Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh”, “Choosing You”, “You Got Me Running”, “Love Hurt Me Love Healed Me” and “Midnight Girl”. Lenny recorded four more albums from 1977 – 1980, Choosing You (his first gold LP), Spark of Love, Love Current and Let’s Do It Today. These albums established a solid and loyal following for Lenny. The impact of his music can still be felt today, particularly the mega hit “Cause I Love You” [Spark of Love]. This song crosses generational boundaries and has frequently been used on old school and slow jam compilations throughout the years.
In 1986, Lenny was invited to sing vocals on “Don’t Make Me Wait For Love”, a song from superstar sax man Kenny G’s multi-platinum selling album Duo Tones. When released as a single in 1987, the song became US Top 20 Pop and R&B hit. Who could forget his 1990. Gotta Lotta Luv, with its Eric Kupper mixes has remained a Soulful House classic ever since.
Over the past few years, Lenny has continued his solo career, touring the U.S., Europe and South Africa. In 2004 and 2005, Lenny and Kanye West were honored recipients of the BMI Songwriter’s Award for the song “Over Night Celebrity”, recorded by rapper Twista. He has recently shared stages with Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, K-Jon, Anthony Hamilton, The Whispers, Rick James, Boney James, Bobby Womack, The Ohio Players, Al Green, Usher, Betty Wright, SOS Band and Frankie Beverly & Maze. Lenny has also expanded his multi-dimensional career to include acting, starring in several popular stage plays. As an icon of the past and present, Lenny Williams & DSG would love you to support his new single, Hooked On You which is now available via iTunes and Lenny Williams Store
McCrei were formed in 2012, when the two sisters, Leanne and Shannon McCrei began sharing their experiences through singing and song writing and started gigging on the Camden acoustic circuit. Lets fast forward three years and the ''blue eyed Soul'' sisters have performed at over 250 gigs including the O2 Academy, The Hope, The Cavern, Distillers, Rochester Castle and various other venues throughout England . They are performing in May at The International Pop Overthrow Festival in Liverpool.
In 2014 the record producer Alan Glass (whose credits include Aretha Franklin, Misteeq and The Lighthouse Family) discovered McCrei on social media and requested to co write with the girls. They wrote several songs together including the song 'I'm Missing You' which is featured on the film 'Last Round', for which McCrei performed at the premier in London a few weeks ago.
In January 2015 record label Disco Soul Gold Music (DSG Music) discovered McCrei's music after hearing it being played on Hugh Williams radio show and approached McCrei. Show Me is being released as a single through DSG in late June. The song has been remixed by Nigel Lowis (production credits include Dinah Carroll, Eternal, Ola Onabule, Winans, Terry Ronald.). McCrei are also currently working on new material with Lowis.
Inspired by an introduction into traditional Soul, Disco and Funk, their music takes some direction while staying true to their signature style. DSG Label boss Gary Van den Bussche describes it as Modern Retro, oozing with Ivory Soul.
McCrei's musical influences include Alicia Keys, Teena Marie, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen, Whitney Houston, Joss Stone and ArethaFranklin.
In December 2014, Leanne and Shannon were introduced to a musician trio consisting of Tom O.Mitchell, Charlotte Whiting and Neil Cornwell who have since become McCrei's backing band for live gigs.
"The McCrei Sisters are fantastic. From the first time I heard this track I knew it was going to be massive, sounding fresh and classy, reminds me of Teena Marie. I'm over the moon it's my record of the week. A must download on June 8th 2015" Lord Spence - The Man With The Sweetest Rhythms - Gary Spence - Solar Radio Listen here! Live Interview
“Amazing amazing voice!!!!”Kimberly James – CBM Records "I hope people know how good you are!" Alan Glass - Record Producer
"Such great talented young ladies. Ivory Soul at it's best." DSG Music
"Really powerful vocals girls, really like the voices..........a lot!" Wet Wet Wet's Graeme Clark
"Absolutely blown away by the new music from McCrei"Jude Bumby - Tour Manager
Sounds like another big hit for DSG - Rob James -Radio DJ
Peter Young Jazz FM - Great record ...
Outstanding Voices - My US Listeners are going to love this! - Bob Fisher Radio DJ
Nice one, not only great voices by mature beyond her years. Nigel's Mix is fantastic - Ben Copland - Producer (Beverly Knight etc)
#DSG Music is what would have sounded good yesterday, or maybe even sounding better today. They say a great song lives forever, or as Lou Rawl's once sang, ''This Song Will Last Forever.'' Well within our Soul Music genre with so many of our loved stars passing, indeed their music will always be around forever. This time last year we started the DSG Label with our first discovery a 7 year old demo sitting on Soundcloud. We had our first #1 UK Soul hit with SouLutions, Listen and Philly Line in the summer of last year. Drizabone, Mike Maurro, 12 Shades, Blazing Encore and Colin Watson turned the front room recorded demos into something spectacular, the band have since chosen to gone their own way, which by doing so, gave time to DSG to find some other undiscovered gems.
DSG Music next release was by NEO that was first released in 2008. DRIZABONE did a mighty fine remix of the track, which was included on the, Ralph Tee complied ''Luxury Soul'' compilation album that is considered by many as one of the finest release of the year. Many thought the track had a Barry White feel about it anyway, so it was only natural progression that there should be a remix that pays homage to the great Mr Barry White in the form of the CW's Unlimited Gold remix. Download Soul Town here on iTunes
The remix peaked at #2 on the Amazon UK Sales chart and has been in the top 5 of many charts. The track has remained in Solar Radio's '' Sweet Rhythm'' chart since November of last year! (Maybe a record?.).
The song has just been released on 7 inch single through Expansions record with Downloads on #DSG Music and the good news it has climbed this week to #6 on the UK Soul Chart as seen in Blues & Soul magazine and heard on Starpoint Radio who compile the chart.
Our 4th release on DSG Music was, Samuel D Sanders, Make You Mine, the song is currently not only in the Amazon UK Sales chart, but this weeks is sitting pretty at #2 on the UK Soul chart.
There are the CWoriginal mix, Nigel Lowis inspired TSOP mix which really lets the Philly Soul 70's feel open up on the longer extended mix, look out for this on 7 inch any day.
Released last week is the new CW Steppers mix which brings back memories of, Special Delivery's / Phil Fearon's - This Kinda Love or even Cheryl Barne's ''Save And Spend'' but all in all three mixes to suit every Soulful taste!
On April the 13th DSG release their 5th release with Ola Onabule ''Soul Town'' the song is about why has our music, that we love been removed from the Awards in the genre sections? after all, Gospel, Rap, Country all have a category, so why not Soul Music ?
The song was first released in 2004, but has been given a make over by DSG Music with new remix productions by, CW, Mike Maurro & Nigel Lowis. The remixes has been tipped as, ''The Song Of The Year'' by many, with some stating the best remix of a song ever!. Currently #2 in Solar Radio's Sweet Rhythm chart as seen in Echoes Magazine.. The song has also gone for a record with, superstar Gary Spence making it his record of the week from it's promo date to it's release!
Order Soul Town from iTunes here Thanks to everybody for your support, if you are a recording artist that have an undiscovered Soul Gem that you think is worthy of a release then please send it to me at discosoulgold@live.com. Gary Van den Bussche #DSG Music
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