Lenny Williams - Hooked On You -Out Now

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

DSG Radio promotions gets 10 entries in the top 30 UK Soul chart!

UK SOUL CHART TOP 30 

Thanks to you all for your amazing support.

McCrei - Show Me - Released on DSG Music 8th June 2015

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 Aretha Franklin. 

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)  

McCrei web site click on this link

Click here for McCrei Twitter page

Like McCrei on Facebook - Click here

soulandjazzandfunk.com/news review - Click Here.

/www.soultracks.com McCrei First listen review

#DSG Music have two hits in the UK Soul Top 10!

#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 

Why Has Soul Music been removed from the Music categories ? Lets bring it back #SoulTown

After watching an awards program back in 2005, Ola Onabule wrote the song, ''Soul Town'' asking why ? has the music we love so much, been removed from all the award ceremony music categories...

Soull Music as much as we love it, but why has it been removed from today's musical categories? Sam Cooke was one of the first to release a #1 Soul single, as far back as 1957 with, ''You Send Me''.

The single went on to inspire many Soulful artists including, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Jackie Wilson, were also on the same path. Motown Records, Berry Gordy enjoyed his first taste of early success making, Wilson into a R&B / Soul superstar. Gordy used the money from, ''Lonely Teardrops'' single success to form Motown Records within a year in the January of 1959. 

Motown records had hit after hit, with such greats as,Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Four Tops and many other great artists, songwriters and producers. 

Other record labels followed including, Stax Records, Atlantic Records, & Philadelphia International Records, who later enjoyed much success in the 70's & 80's .
Soul Music was selling by the bucket, even back then labeled as Rhythm & Blues (R&B), in some cases, later in Billboard Magazine listing a chart as, ''Best selling Hot Soul Chart.''

 As we went on through to the 70's, many Soul artists started recordingDisco Songs, as the  Disco scene exploded we then had, The Disco Charts and The Disco category remained popular with the mainstream until about 1979, although it's never really disappeared, as even today artists such as,Robin Thicke, Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, and the likes, we will keep having hits with the Disco Style sound as it's a Genre we once accepted and still love & will always accept again.

Boogie followed in the 80's, with many Disco artist recording under this tag, oh how we must love putting Music into Categories, Funk, Jazz-Funk,Psychedelic Funk, Blue Eyed Soul etc... 

What has happened in 2014 is the big question? 
These days the Award ceremonies have forgotten Soul Music, they have many categories even, Gospel, Country, Jazz, Rap, Latin, Dance/ Electronic (which includes House Music), R&B , but No Soul or Soulful. 

True the likes of, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Mary J Blidge, can fit into theR&B category, but where do we place such artists such as, Michael Jackson,Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, who have had strong sellers this year? 
Ron Islet, Kem, Will Downing, Chris Jasper, Earth Wind & Fire, Betty Wright, have no music category to fit into as such! 

Maybe it would be a good idea to do a Soulful category? If  Anita Baker's new album ever gets a release i'm sure this would fit this section as would many Grammy award winning Soul artists that are still recording today. 

It's a great pity, not only have the record shops (that we have left), but the download stores also, are just not sure where to put Soul music!
Lisa Stansfield has just had a top 20 UK album, with so many people still saying, we did not know ,Lisa Stansfield has a new album or where do we find music like this?
Please help spread the word! SOUL MUSIC is here to stay, as we all need it! The music we love & grew up with so, Lets keep it Soulful. 

Soul Town by Ola Onabule the remixes will be released on 13th April on DSG Music to see if we can't bring Soul back to the place we love ... 

Download Soul Town from iTunes here

Colin Watson CW Remix, Mike Maurro House Of Soul Remix, Nigel Lowis Remix 

to be released 13th April on DSG Music.

Where you gonna go, now that Soul Town’s gone 

How you gonna do, What ’has been so undone 
Once you were hip, right at the tip 
The very essence of cool 
Street savvy and fly, Steel in your eye 
Thought you were nobody’s fool
It’s why I wanna know
What you gonna say, when they talk it down
That at the peak of it’s day ,
It was nothing, nothing but a plain Jane town
You say Soul Town, Is the way it ‘s all meant to be
And someday we’ll build it all again,
When we’ve had enough of this emptiness
Far too much of this loneliness
We’ll start afresh, raise it up, and grow
When you gonna see, that Soul Towns passed
And all those beautiful people you used to know,
Well they ain’t so fast
You riding high, in infinite skies
Just being that was your precious pearl
With one dream in your hearts and faith in that dream
You thought you’d be changing the world
You say Soul Town’s the prettiest place you knew
And someday we’ll build it all again,
When we’ve had enough of this emptiness
Far too much of this loneliness
We’ll start afresh, raise it up, and grow
Where you gonna go, now that Soul Town’s gone
How you gonna do, What ‘s been so undone
This! This ain’t nostalgia, This ain’t a love song
I’m talking bout Soul Town, because Soul Town’s gone
Those crazy clothes you used to wear, flowers in your hair
And your peace signs everywhere, way on back in Soul Town
Somebody tell me what happened to all those dreams of peace,
And understanding and harmony and brotherhood and love,
Being together for ever and ever
Don’t it seem like Soul Town, Soul Town is gone
This! This ain’t a love song This ain’t nostalgia,
Thus is a silly game we played with a game we loved
Way on back in Soul Soul Soul Town

Ola Onabule - Soul Town 2015 the remixes on DSG Music.

After watching an awards program back in 2005, Ola Onabule wrote the song, ''Soul Town'' asking why ? has the music we love so much, been removed from all the award ceremony categories...
Soul Town by Ola Onabule the remixes will be released on 13th April on DSG Music. Lets get the word out to see if we can't bring Soul Music back to the place we love! 

Solar Radio's Gary Spence was telling me last year that he had the most amazing evening at a concert by Ola Onabule. He explained to me that he always sung his anthem, ''Soul Town'' at the end of his set. Ola Onabule name checks some of the greats on his live version. Spence and I talked about the song, we both felt if the song was sped up it could really be an anthem for today's market.

Order it from iTunes here!

#1 on the Sweet Rhythms chart

I got in touch with Maria Avgoulis, Onabule's manager who at first was I guess not keen to have one of the masterpiece's changed, the word remix can be very frighting especially if it was to go into a different music genre. I picked some of the best remix / producers that I have worked with and they put there passion, heart and Soul into the project to make, ''Soul Town'' one of the best songs of 2015. BBC radio's John Leech has described the remixes as one of the best ever!

What you been saying... 

Ash Selector wrote after hearing just two of the remixes! 

Ola Onabule- Soul Town is an Anthem in it's own right. It's been tastefully enhanced with a new set of Mixes bringing it into 2015 with a Bang!The Nigel Lowis Remix is the one for die hard Soul Fans & MIKE Maurro presses all the right buttons for fans of Soulful House. All in all an essential purchase for your collection. What's not to like a great song, excellent vocals & grooves to move you. Recommended Ash Selector (Solar Radio).

A great remix from Ola Onabule. A man who has certainly worked hard and paid his dues in the last couple of decade - Peter Young Jazz FM 

Not just the best song of the year, but of the decade. Soul Town 2015 is a huge hit! Gary Spence Solar Radio   

One of Brit soul's most enduring tunes is 'Soul Town', the signature song of one of Brit' soul's most enduring artists, OLA ONABULE that was first released in 2005 and the stand out on Ola's fifth long player, it's remained a soul radio staple and a permanent fixture in the singer's live shows. Indeed Ola usually ends his shows with the song and lovers of the tune will be delighted to know that the anthem has just been given a 2015 makeover courtesy of DSG Music and master remix, producers, Nigel Lowis. Colin Watson & Mike Maurro. SoulandJazzandFunk review - Read more here!

The Nigel Lowis remix version's takes the tempo up just a shade so that the beats are perfect for the modern soul scene while the swirling backing track adds a Philly style garnish to proceedings. 'Soul Town 2015' is all set to become one of THE anthems of 2015.

Colin Watson's CW remix enhances the original version with Watson adding his special flair to make his remix very classy indeed. 

Mike Maurro who is currently riding high on the album listing with his harmless records released various artist collection '' Peak Hour'' remix box set collection (that even charted in the national UK album chart and reached #1 on the Amazon sales charts) puts a Soulful House stamp on the track with his, Mike's House of Soul remix.   

.soulandjazzandfunk.review here

For interview, festival, or general  enquiries, please contact: Exclusive Management: 

Maria Avgoulis via Email: maria.avgoulis@ntlworld.com

Ola Onabule's Web site  > Ola Onabule Facebook page > Follow Ola on Twitter

Where you gonna go, now that Soul Town’s gone 
How you gonna do, What ’has been so undone 
Once you were hip, right at the tip 
The very essence of cool 
Street savvy and fly, Steel in your eye 
Thought you were nobody’s fool
It’s why I wanna know
What you gonna say, when they talk it down
That at the peak of it’s day ,
It was nothing, nothing but a plain Jane town
You say Soul Town, Is the way it ‘s all meant to be
And someday we’ll build it all again,
When we’ve had enough of this emptiness
Far too much of this loneliness
We’ll start afresh, raise it up, and grow
When you gonna see, that Soul Towns passed
And all those beautiful people you used to know,
Well they ain’t so fast
You riding high, in infinite skies
Just being that was your precious pearl
With one dream in your hearts and faith in that dream
You thought you’d be changing the world
You say Soul Town’s the prettiest place you knew
And someday we’ll build it all again,
When we’ve had enough of this emptiness
Far too much of this loneliness
We’ll start afresh, raise it up, and grow
Where you gonna go, now that Soul Town’s gone
How you gonna do, What ‘s been so undone
This! This ain’t nostalgia, This ain’t a love song
I’m talking bout Soul Town, because Soul Town’s gone
Those crazy clothes you used to wear, flowers in your hair
And your peace signs everywhere, way on back in Soul Town
Somebody tell me what happened to all those dreams of peace,
And understanding and harmony and brotherhood and love,
Being together for ever and ever
Don’t it seem like Soul Town, Soul Town is gone
This! This ain’t a love song This ain’t nostalgia,
Thus is a silly game we played with a game we loved
Way on back in Soul Soul Soul Town

To be released 25th May Ola Onabule featuring Drizabone 

Cardell want you as his - Best Friend!

Cardell release his brand new single called, ''My Best Friend'' is a quality release that you would expect from an artist that write, produces and is a multi instrumentalist.

Previously Cardell has worked with such notables like Brighterside Of Darkness ( Love Jones ), DJ Rogers ( Say You Love Me ), Alicia Myers previously of Al Hutson's One Way ( If You Play Your Cards Right, I Want To Thank You ). Cardell's shows a soulfulness that will warm up your day.

After starting out in Chicago, Cardell moved to Los Angeles where he began to play with Phil Upchurch, George Duke and Joyce Wilson (Tony Orlando and Dawn), Cardell has also shared the stage with Phil Perry and Chick Corea , amoung others.  In 1989 Cardell's label distributed through BMG, released " Baby Don Fool Around " which reached #62 in Billboard's R & B Charts.

Amongst Cardell writing credits include " Every Time I Fall In Love" for Norman Connors 1996 album, ''Easy Living'' which featured the vocals of Avis Nixon.

Cardell has been constantly releasing quality tracks every year that include, ''Thats When I Fall In Love' 2014, '' I Care About You', 2013 , ''Call On Him ''2013, his last album was ''True Steppers Artist which was released in 2009. '

'My Best Friend'' has just been released through, iTunes, Cd Baby and other download sores.

Review here: soulandjazzandfunk.com

Currently #10 on the Solar Radio  Sweet Rhythms Chart as seen in Echoes magazine.

Download Cardell - My Best Friend Here!