Motown Spotlight, December 2021
Motown Spotlight columnist Sharon Davis focuses on Berry Gordy Jr.'s Kennedy Centre Honors, The Temptations new album, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson, Claudette Robinson and more...
ASHFORD & SIMPSON: Classic Soul 1974 Interview
2021 introduction: SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan conducted his first-ever in person interview in the US in October 1974 while on holiday in New York with Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson, then newly-signed as a duo with Warner Brothers Records after years of producing and writing hits for others at Motown. David’s choice to speak with the personable pair reflected his personal love for their first Warners album, “Gimme Something Real”…
DAVID NATHAN’S DIARY – December 16th, 2021: ARETHA – A Closer Look (Pt. 17): Angel (Work Tape)
In this final instalment of my series on the wonderful tracks that I selected with co-producer Patrick Milligan for the one-of-a-kind ARETHA 4CD box set for Rhino released this year, what better example of Aretha Franklin’s masterful artistry than a work tape of her 1973 No. 1 R&B and Top 20 pop hit, “Angel,” co-written by her sister Carolyn…
Takim: Say It Like You Mean It (SoulMusic Records/Platinum Garage Recordings/Warner X)
The latest release from SoulMusic Records-Digital in association with Platinum Garage Recordings features L.A.-based soul/gospel artist Takim with an upbeat Philly soul groove, "Say It Like You Mean It"....
DAVID NATHAN’S DIARY – December 9th, 2021: ARETHA – A Closer Look (Pt. 16): Somewhere-Alternate Version
In compiling the career-spanning ARETHA 4CD box set, co-producer Patrick Milligan and I approached Aretha’s golden years at Atlantic intent on showcasing her approach to her recordings and her innate creativity. One track that exemplifies Aretha’s artistry is the extraordinary 1972 outtake of “Somewhere” (from the film “West Side Story”) and what better time to take a closer look at this Aretha gem with the December 2021 release of the remake of the movie itself…
CHIC: Classic Soul July 1979 Interview
2021 Introduction: Exactly 43 years ago in December 1978, the group Chic were enjoying a No. 1 hit with “Le Freak.” 1979 turned out to be an even more triumphant year for the pioneering group and in July of that year, David Nathan spoke with Nile Rodgers as Chic were working on their then-untitled third album…
