One of the best songs of the Summer is, Hannah White ''Sunny Day'', the song has not only topped the Echoes Magazine, Solar Radio's Sweet Rhythms Chart, but Amazon's R&B Hot new chart.
Sunny Day was written by Hannah White with it's song producer Nigel Lowis, who did a special
mix especially for the Caister Soul Weekender, where a full sold out crowd clapped and cheered to Hannah Whites performance of the song.
Hannah White is not only busy promoting her latest song, writing the follow up with hopefully an album by the end of the year, but touring with The King of Blue Eyed UK Soul, Kenny Thomas, who himself has a new single out with Cool Millions production by one half of Cool Million Ryle Featuring Kenny Thomas called, Keep The Faith.
Back in the 90’s Bottom Line Records became known for soulful House tracks that packed dance floors around the world. Under the guidance of Ed The Red and his productions help put New Jersey on the musical map. That Jersey sound found champions the world over and became synonymous with places like Zanzibar and The Shelter! The sound known collectively as Garage named for Manhattan’s famous Paradise Garage was the sound and Bottom Line had it down. Many vocalists and producers who helped form that sound had releases on Bottom Line Records: Reggie and Ron Burrell, Lenny Fontana, Jerzzey Boy, Moore Classic Wall, and singers like Annette Taylor, M.J. White and Barbara Dixon found a home for their silky soulful vocals on top of chunky house tracks!
Then there was Vivian Lee! Vivian Lee originally from Alabama recorded what was to be Bottom Line’s biggest hit “Music Is So Wonderful” in 1986! Tony Humphries broke it at club Zanzibar where it became an instant hit. Since then the song has been released numerous times sometimes just called “Wonderful” and not always giving proper credit to the artist.
Back in the 90's when DSG started with our first record label Wizz records, we licensed & released, Ed The Reds'' It's Alright'' with my own mixes under the names Bingo Bango Bongo, Funky Disco & The Nu Groove, plus help from Love Station (Teardrops, Strike You Sure Do) and Loveland (Let The Music Lift You Up), the release came on a CD single, Two 12 inch singles including one in (Ed The) Red vinyl which reached #2 in the UK Club chart & got rave reviews including 5 dancing men in mixmag.
Fresh for 2016, Ed The Red decided to revisit the single himself after I suggested that a new 2016 Disco, Soulful mix would be just what the doctor ordered. This mix oozes with funky, Fatback Latin classness and should be a big one for the summer of 2016. ED THE RED - MUSIC IS SO WONDERFUL 2016 - Released on Bottom Line records released 17th June.
Nigel Lowis has sold a staggering 14 million plus global records and Cd's.
Lowis's first top ten hit production was a Sister Sledge cover of '' Thinking of you '' by UK artist "Maureen Walsh" in 1990 on Polydor.
Lowis's others hits include Dina Carroll: So Close & Only Human albums, which were also, produced and Co-Written by him with both albums reaching #2 in the UK album charts! Then came UK Girl band
Eternal which were also produced by Lowis with their first hit, a cover of Glen Jones Stay, then later a UK #1 hit with the Girls in a duet with Bebe Winans, '' Wanna to be the only one'', for sure they were the UK's answer to En Vogue.
Among the names Lowis has work with include, Burt Bacharach, Gary Van den Bussche, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bebe Winins, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Carole King, Gene Page, Tom Moulton to name but a few..
One of the most successful Soul releases of last was the UK Soul #1, Ola Onabule ..Soul Town'' that also featured a "Nigel Lowis Mix". Lowis says, I've always loved this song for what its saying, A real Soul lyric. As I've always been huge fan of Philly Soul music,
When asked by Gary Van den Bussche his partner at DSG Records to Remix the track, he said it just felt so right to take it back to a Golden Era. Gamble & Huff meets Norman Whitfield. i'm thrilled that it has had a fantastic reception here in the UK. Right On! Ola. Ola Onabule has gone on to tour the world and have his latest album in the top regions of the Jazz chart.
The other artists Lowis has written and produced for recently include, Leanne McCrei & McCrei who have an album waiting to be released very soon after the success of, ''Show Me'' UK Soul #2 and ''Take My Hand UK Soul top 10, Rudi Wilburn, ''You Are Love'', Marc Staggers, ''Bring It Home To Me'', The Dig Band starring Dina Carroll, ''We Bring The Party'', plus remixes for the likes of, Lenny Williams ''Hooked On You UK Soul #1,
Ken Knox's and The Chairmen Of The Board, Vivienne McKone UK Soul #1, ''Everything's Gonna Be Alright'', Earl Young & Darryl Grant, '' The Power Of Love'', Samuel D Sanders, ''Make You Mine'', Diana Marsh, ''Promise'', Hannah White, That's Love & Sunny Day, Freda & Clif Payne No Payne No Gain not forgetting The Christmas Charity single by, The Sweet Rhythms Band called, ''Christmas Cheer''
Up & coming releases include, The Soul City People album featuring many artists we all love & know in the Soul world, Leanne McCrei of McCrei with her debut album, Marc Staggers album, Hannah White debut album plus the DSG Chart Busters ''Nigel Lowis remix'' album.
Lowis has also worked with such House royalty as, '' The King Of House'', David Morales under the tag of ''Disco Juice'' which releases include the Grammy award nominated #1 Billboard Dance single with Janice Robinson, called ''There Must Be Love''.
Ralph Tee wrote, Lowis is the closest anyone has got to re-creating the sound of Philadelphia in the 21st century!
When Nigel was asked by Gary Spence on a Solar Radio interview which artist he would most like to work with he said George Benson! Thanks to Preston Glass his dream came true!
Multi-platinum certifications featured in the ''Bridget Jones's Diary'' soundtrack albums, best Female Artist at the BRIT Awards, two #2 UK Hit albums, her last song was released 2001, 15 UK top 40 Hits, 7 consecutive UK club hit #1 songs, 14 Cars in her lifetime, 2 private jets & 4 pairs of roller skates....
We have waited 16 years for the return of Dina!!! Carroll's voice is stronger than ever, she has teamed up again with songwriter, producer, Nigel Lowis who also produced her debut Million + selling album in which Carroll and Lowis co wrote 8 of the albums songs.
Dina's hits include, "It's Too Late'' with Quartz, "Ain't No Man", "Special Kind of Love" with C&C Music Factory, "So Close", "Don't Be a Stranger", "The Perfect Year", "Escaping", "Without Love", "One, Two, Three", "Express" & "Living for the Weekend", co-produced by David Morales.
Live Interview with Gary Spence on Solar Radio.
Live Interview with Dina Carroll & The IDG Band - ''We Bring The Party'' with Gary Spence.
The Dig Band collectively under the production wings of Lowis promise this to be just the start of an album project called, ''Soul City People'' with many other favorite artists to be featured mid year.
''We Bring The Party'' was co written by, Lowis and Carroll in a stabbing, retro cool, Bronzing Mars, Daft punking, Chic moving nu groove slice of modern Disco set to light up any dance floor, backing vocals by Leanne McCrei, The lead spine tingling vocal of Dina Carroll will once be a pleasure to our ears, soothingly, sung with so much Soul ... Lets welcome back Miss Dina Carroll!
Colin Hudd - '' Strings Of Love'' is Out now on Live/Music Plant Group. The legendary Colin Hudd has graced the dance-floor with a String and vocal masterpiece!
The title says it all in "Strings of Love (Love Found Me Love)." This Barry White Tribute in one listen will lift you to a beautiful place where love is truly forever and unlimited with ( Drizabone's) Anna Marie Johnson's vocals.
Radio Shows wanting to hear it again and again as they fall in LOVE with this hot Disco House track that has just been released by Chicago's finest Music Plant.
Credits include...
Executive Producer: George Andros
Produced and mixed by Colin Hudd
Written by C. Hudson/ G Andros
Publishing: Copyright Control/ Georgie Music (ASCAP)
Vocals by Anna Marie Johnson
Vocals recorded by Scott Whitman
Management: Aadil Rasheed @Rasheed Global Entertainment.
Strings of Love (Love Found Me Love) Club - 9B - 126 - Disco House
Strings of Love (Love Found Me Love) Dub - 9B - 126 - Disco House
Strings of Love (Love Found Me Love) Radio - 9B - 126 - Disco House
Strings of Love (Love Found Me Love) Radio Inst - 9B - 126 - Disco House
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
