Soul Harmony-Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984.
Label: Kent Soul.
Format: CD.
Between 1962 and the early seventies there was an increase in the popularity of soulful ballads in Southern California. These slow jams were played in the clubs and could be heard in the cars that cruised the streets of towns and cities throughout Southern California.
Initially, it was the Mexican, Central and South American immigrants who had settled around East Los Angeles that embraced these soulful ballads. However, their popularity has grown since then.
Over the years, the popularity of soulful ballads has grown, and nowadays, are favourites of DJs, soul fans and record collectors around the world. Some record buyers were drawn to the music after being fascinated by the titles of the songs that were finding favour amongst the lowrider soul scene.
The lowrider scene was named after its members, who had a love of classic American automobiles, which they customised and used to cruise the streets of LA. This became really popular from the early sixties until the dawn of the seventies. However, that wasn't the end of the lowrider scene.
Although it wasn't as popular from the early seventies onwards, there was still a lowrider scene. This continued into the mid-eighties, which is the period that Kent Soul's new compilation 'Soul Harmony-Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984' covers.
There's twenty-four slow, sweet, soul harmony ballads on the compilation. Over the last decade there's been a resurgence of interest in Soul Harmony. So much so, that Ace have formed a new label, Soul Harmony. which is issuing tracks on vinyl for the first time.
However, 'Soul Harmony-Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984' offers a tantalising taste of these slow, sweet soul harmony ballads. This includes contributions from The Question Marks, The Puffs, John Wesley and The 4 Tees' plus The Mad Lads, Moments, Diplomats and Lee Williams and The Cymbals. Then there's The Imperialites, Question Marks, Music City Soul Brothers and Ray and Bob on a compilation that transports the listener back to another musical era.
It's always important to start a compilation with a strong track. That's the case here. I've Never Found A Girl by The Mad Lads is a cover of the song that gave Eddie Floyd a hit in 1968. A year later, in 1969, it appeared on the group's 1969 LP 'The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads.' It was released on Volt, and is, without doubt, one of the highlights of the album. It features at their soulful best, on a track that sets the bar high for the rest of the compilation.
Instant Replay recorded four tracks at Leo Kulka's Golden State Recorders in April 1972. However, the two parties were unable to agree a deal, and the tapes lay in the vaults for over fifty years. Then compiler Alec Paloa copied the tape, and made his own mix of '87th Off Broadway.' It then became the first single released on Ace's nascent Soul Harmony label in October 2024. That's fitting as it's a gorgeous soul ballad that deserves to be heard by a much wider audience.
'Just Because He Wants To Make Love (Doesn't Mean He Loves You)' by The Moments was released on the Slang label in 1972. It was produced by George Kerr and Sylvia Robinson. That's no surprise, as it's a heartachingly beautiful ballad, that features a vocal soul-baring vocal that's akin to a confessional.
'Mr Lover Supreme' was one of three songs that Ramona King recorded for Leo Kulka at his Golden State Recorders in March 1970. The tracks were never released. However, just the four tracks by Instant Replay, compiler by Alec Paloa. It's his mix that features on the compilation. The best way to describe this romantic soulful ballad is a hidden gem, that's a worthy and welcome addition to the compilation.
'For The Love Of You' by Natural Resources just floats along with lush strings accompanying the heartfelt, emotive and sometimes wistful vocal. It's accompanied by tender harmonies and strings that slowly sweep. Sadly, this track which the group recorded for Dore was never released, and belatedly makes its debut on the compilation. It's a great find, and is easily one of the compilation's highlights.
The Soul Interiors reading of 'My Friend Heartaches' bristles with hurt, heartache and sadness. It's an outpouring of emotion that sounds as if it should be cathartic. Just like other tracks on the compilation it lay unreleased, and made its debut as a single on Ace's City label in 2024. It returns for encore on Soul Harmony- Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984. Take a bow The Soul Interiors.
'Ain't That Kinda Sad' by The Question Marks was released on Money in 1964. This tale of love lost is a reminder of an earlier musical era, one where vocal groups ruled the roost and topped the charts in America.
'You Still Need Me' was the first of two singles Johnny Wesley and The Four Tees released on the Melic label. It was arranged by Arthur Wright and released in 1966. The vocal is needy, almost pleading, hoping that his partner still needs and wants him.
'Take Me Back' is another heart-wrenching soulful ballad about love lost, and a relationship that's gone south. This is Joe Evans production that was released by The Three Reasons in 1971. It's a beautiful and truly memorable ballad that many people will be able to relate to.
'Girl I Tried' is a beautiful, sweet and soulful ballad by The Performers. There's an air of resignation in the vocal, knowing that despite trying hard to make it work, it's the of the relationship. Despite never having been released on CD before, this song is another of the compilation's highlights.
'Love Don't Let Me Down' by Nightchill was written by Dexter Dixon and Dave Hamilton, who also produced the track. It was recorded in 1980, but this carefully-crafted and beautiful soulful ballad makes its debut on the compilation. This version is Nick Robbins' mix of a track which has stood the test of time.
Closing Soul Harmony-Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984 is 'The Story Says' by The Tokays. This poignant ballad is another unreleased Dave Hamilton production. It's essentially a demo and has an understated, spartan arrangement. One wonders what it would've sounded like with a bigger, fuller production?
Soul Harmony - Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984 is a welcome reminder not just of the lowrider scene, but the increasing popularity of soulful ballads. Nowadays, they're favourites of DJs, soul fans and record collectors worldwide.
A tantalising taste of these soulful ballads can be found on Soul Harmony - Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984. It's a lovingly-compiled compilation that features twenty-four tracks that ooze quality. There's a mixture of lesser known and unreleased tracks, slow jams, singles and classy cuts aplenty. This makes Soul Harmony - Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984 a must-have for anyone who likes soulful ballads, slow jams and smoochy music.
Soul Harmony-Sweet Soul Vocals 1961-1984.
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