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Daddy B. Nice Announces THE WINNERS of the 2015 (9th Annual) SOUTHERN SOUL MUSIC AWARDS. The winners are posted at the end of each list of finalists.
Music published before 2015 was eligible if the bulk of its chitlin' circuit airplay came in 2015. Because of its length and complexity, the List of Finalists is one of the rare features for which your Daddy B. Nice does NOT provide links. Links to mp3's, CD's and song samples are available by going to the artist's name in either Daddy B. Nice’s
CD Store or Daddy B. Nice’s
Comprehensive Index. A permanent listing and link in Daddy B. Nice's
Comprehensive Index will eventually be made on behalf of each performer for each nomination listed.
THE CATEGORIES:
Best Mid-Tempo Song
Best Club Song
Best Ballad
Best Song by Longtime Veteran
Best Female Vocalist
Best Male Vocalist
Best Debut
Best Collaboration
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song
Best Cover Song
Best Arranger/Producer
Best Songwriter
Best CD
Hardest-Touring Crowd-Pleaser.
--Daddy B. Nice
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Best Mid-Tempo Song:
Top Contenders:
"If You're Sexy, Clap Your Hands"----T.K. Soul, Nathaniel Kimble
"Back-Doored By A Man Called Jody"----Donnell Sullivan
"B.O.B. (Battery Operated Boyfriend)"----Karen Wolfe
"You've Got To Be A Freaker"----Miz B.
"Good Good"----Bigg Robb
"I'm Gone"----Columbus Toy
"I'm That Man"----Andre' Lee
"She's Dragging That Wagon"----L.J. Echols
"My Sidepiece"----Louisiana Blues Brothers featuring Pokey
"Can I Touch Your Spot"----Tucka
"Rock Me, Baby"----Willie Clayton
"Do You Like To Party?"----Heart 2 Heart Band
"Hell Naw To The Naw Naw"----Bishop Bullwinkle
"Step Out"----J. Red
"The Guitar Song"----LaMorris Williams
"If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It"----Pokey
"Much Right Man"----Billy "Soul" Bonds
"I Can't Eat"----Certified Slim
"Hoe Digger"----Lacee
"I'll Be The Other Man"----Tyree Neal
"Cold Pepsi (And A Hot Man)"----Jeter Jones
"Chasing The Wind"----Jesse Robinson
"It's Party Time"----Val McKnight
"I Ain't Leaving Mississippi"----Jaye Hammer
"Certified Lady Lover"----Chris Ivy
"Big Leg Woman"----L.J. Echols, Luster Baker
"Make That Body Rock"----Terry Wright
"Ohhh Baby (She Got Them Tight Jeans On)"----Till 1
Best Mid-Tempo Song: "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw" by Bishop Bullwinkle
Listen to Bishop Bullwinkle singing "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw" on YouTube.
Best Fast Song/ Club Jam:
Top Contenders:
"Let's Do It"----Adrian Bagher, Big Cynthia, Veronica Ra'elle
"Let's Party"----Lebrado
"It's Time To Party"----Solomon Thompson
"Cowgirl"----Big Yayo, J'Wonn
"Hold It And Roll It"----Donnie Ray
"Put It On Ya"----Mr. David
"Dark Side Of Love"----Calvin Richardson
"Shake It"----Steve Perry
"I'm On Fire"----J.B. Hendricks, Cupid
"T.G.I.F. (Thank God It's Friday)"----Pokey, Adrian Bagher, Vince Hutchinson
"I Feel Good"----Urban Mystic
"Let's Hear It For The DeeJay"----Jaye Hammer
"Good Foot"----Pokey
"Do You Want To Party"----Steve Perry
"One Big Party"----Solomon Thompson
Best Club (Fast/Dance/Jam) Song: "Cowgirl" by Big Yayo, J’Wonn & T-Baby
Listen to Big Yayo singing "Cowgirl" on YouTube.
Best Ballad:
Top Contenders:
"You're Just Standing In A Good Man's Way"----Terry Wright
"By Myself"----Alvin Garrett, Ruben Studdard
"I Need A Grown Woman"----J'Wonn
"When We're Making Love"----Mr. X
"Taking Care Of Business"----Stephanie McDee
"Please Let Me Hold You"----Lomax
"Wasted"----Avail Hollywood
"The Remix"----Big Yayo
"What If I?"----Katrenia Jefferson
"(My Love Don't) Expire"----Sir Charles Jones
"Some Preachers"----Bishop Bullwinkle
"V.I.P."----Mr. Sipp
"I'm The Right Man"----Jaye Hammer
"Karma (She'll Take Care Of You)"----Jureesa "The Duchess" McBride
Best Ballad: "Wasted" by Avail Hollywood
Listen to Avail Hollywood singing "Wasted" on YouTube.
Best Song By Longtime Veteran:
Top Contenders:
"Over In The Woods"----Chuck Roberson
"Try Me"----El' Willie
"Every Time My Neighbor Walks His Dog (My Wife Has To Walk Her Cat)"----Billy "Soul" Bonds
"I'm So Blue"----Willie Clayton
"Grown Folks Business"----Denise LaSalle
"This Must Be A Cheating Town"----Carl Marshall
"Shake It"----Steve Perry
"Rock Me, Baby"----Willie Clayton
"Never Had It So Good"----Bobby Conerly
"From The Inside"----Jo Jo Murray
"Your Wife Is My Woman"----Stan Mosley
"Plus Size Woman"----Booker Brown
"If You're Sexy Clap Your Hands"----T.K. Soul, Nathaniel Kimble
"Mississippi Delta"----Theodis Ealey
"Let's Party Tonight"----Sorrento Ussery
"Actions Speak Louder Than Words"----Robert "The Duke" Tillman
"Come And Go With Me"----Simone De
"Big Hip Woman"----Rue Davis
Best Song By Longtime Veteran: "Your Man Is Home Tonight" by Willie Clayton
Listen to Willie Clayton singing "Your Man Is Home Tonight" on YouTube.
Best Female Vocalist:
Top Contenders:
"I Want Your Body"----Mz. Pat
"Big Boy Stuff"----Sheba Potts-Wright
"B.O.B."----Karen Wolfe
"Lady Soul Slide"----Lady Soul
"You've Got To Be A Freaker"----Miz. B
"Taking Care Of Business"----Stephanie McDee
"What If I?"----Katrenia Jefferson
"The Best You Ever Had"----Roslyn Candy, Veronica Ra'elle
"If He Knew What I Was Thinking"----Ms. Jody
"Hoe Digger"----Lacee
"It's Party Time"----Val McKnight
"New Pair Of Shoes"----Angel Faye Russell
"Karma"----Jureesa McBride
"Man Gone Do"----Adrena
Best Female Vocalist: "B.O.B. (Battery Operated Boyfriend)" by Karen Wolfe
Listen to Karen Wolfe singing "Battery Operated Boyfriend" on YouTube.
Best Male Vocalist:
Top Contenders:
"Wasted"----Avail Hollywood
"Stick To Your Drink"----Mel Waiters
"Sweet It Be"----Wilson Meadows
"I'm Gone"----Columbus Toy
"I Need A Grown Woman"----J'Wonn
"Back-Doored"----Donnell Sullivan
"Hold It And Roll It"----Donnie Ray
"What's Your Flavor"----Tucka
"When It's Good"----Certified Slim
"My Sidepiece"----Pokey
"Can I Touch Your Spot?"----Tucka
"Hell Naw To The Naw Naw"----Bishop Bullwinkle
"Step Out"----J. Red
"The Guitar Song"----LaMorris Williams
"Thank God It's Friday"----Pokey, Vince Hutchinson, Adrian Bagher
"If You're Sexy, Clap Your Hands"----T.K. Soul, Nathaniel Kimble
"Chasing The Wind"----Jesse Robinson, Doug & Melvyn Williams
"By Myself"----Alvin Garrett, Ruben Studdard
"Let's Party"----Lebrado
"Your Man Is Home Tonight"----Willie Clayton
"Rock Me, Baby"----Willie Clayton
"From The Inside"----Jo Jo Murray
"I'm That Man"----Andre' Lee
"Certified Lady Lover"----Chris Ivy
"Knock Down Inn"----Lomax
"Big Leg Woman"----L.J. Echols, Luster Baker
"I'm The Right Man"----Jaye Hammer
"I Ain't Leaving Mississippi"----Jaye Hammer
"You're Just Standing In A Good Man's Way"----Terry Wright
Best Male Vocalist(s): "My Sidepiece" by Pokey & "Thank God It's Friday" by Pokey, Vince Hutchinson & Adrian Bagher
Listen to Pokey singing "My Sidepiece" on YouTube.
Listen to Pokey, Vince Hutchinson & Adrian Bagher singing "T.G.I.F." on YouTube.
Best Debut:
Top Contenders:
"Cotton Candy"----Ronnie Bell
"Lady Soul Slide"----Lady Soul
"It's Time To Party"----Solomon Thompson
"Move Your Body (Zydeco Mix)----Greg Watson
"Cowgirl"----Big Yayo
"That's My Boo"----Luster Baker (Mr. Juicy)
"Swinging"----Zeke Potter
"People Get Ready"----Dolores The Exquisite Songbird
"Jelly Roll"----Lady Ebony
"Southern Girl"----Doctor Dee
"Swoohl Up"----Shohn Marshall
"Love Don't Owe Me Nothing"----Lady Di
"Dance Tonight"----Blackwater R&B Band
"Hell Naw To The Naw Naw"----Bishop Bullwinkle
"Mississippi Blues Child"----Mr. Sipp
"I Want Your Body"----Mz. Pat
"My Sidepiece Reply"----Veronica Ra'elle, Ms. Portia (w/ Lacee)
"Groove It While You Move It"----Veronica Ra'elle
"Operator"----C-Wright (w/ Tucka)
"One Big Party"----Solomon Thompson
"Ohhh Baby"----Till 1
"Leave Your Loving With Me"----D. Saunders
"I'm Gonna Leave My Ego At Your Door"----Eddie Cotton
"Candy Lover"----Mys Niki
"He Put A Rocking Chair On Me"----Leaundra Lively
Best Debut: "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw" by Bishop Bullwinkle
Listen to Bishop Bullwinkle singing "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw" on YouTube.
Best Collaboration:
Top Contenders:
"They Call Me Pokey (Remix)"----Pokey, Tucka, Tyree Neal
"Everybody Ain't Cheating"----Sir Charles Jones, Lacee
"Cowgirl"----Big Yayo, J'Wonn, T-Baby
"My Sidepiece Reply"----Veronica Ra'elle, Ms. Portia, Lacee
"If You're Sexy Clap Your Hands"----T.K. Soul, Nathaniel Kimble
"That's Messy"----Cupid, J. Paul Jr., Messie Cee
"I'm On Fire"----J.B. Hendricks, Cupid
"Thank God It's Friday (T.G.I.F.)"----Pokey, Vince Hutchinson, Adrian Bagher
"Blues And Barbeque"----Bigg Robb, Denise LaSalle
"Let's Do It"----Adrian Bagher, Veronica Ra'elle, Big Cynthia
"Is She Waiting On You?"----Donnie Ray, Jaye Hammer
"Jigga Jigga"----J'Wonn, Mel Waiters
"If It Ain't The Blues"----Pokey, Cupid
"Operator"----C-Wright, Tucka
"Chasing The Wind"----Jesse Robinson, Doug Williams, Melvyn Williams
"Big Leg Woman"----L.J. Echols, Luster Baker
"By Myself"----Alvin Garrett, Ruben Studdard
"Zydeco With Me"----Jeter Jones, Lil' Jabb
"Mr. Sexy Man (Remix)"----Nellie "Tiger" Travis, Nelson Curry, Joe Nice
"We Do We"---Ves, Kenne' Wayne
Best Collaboration: "Big Leg Woman" by L.J. Echols & Luster Baker
Listen to L.J. Echols & Luster Baker singing "Big Leg Woman" on YouTube.
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song:
Top Contenders:
"Chasing The Wind"----Jesse Robinson feat. The Williams Brothers
"He Went To Bed With A Woman But Woke Up With A Man"----Billy "Soul" Bonds
"When It's Good"----Certified Slim
"I Owe It All To The Blues"----Carl Marshall
"Hell Naw To The Naw Naw"----Bishop Bullwinkle
"Play Your Position"----Demond Crump
"I'm Gonna Leave My Ego At The Door"----Eddie Cotton
"Tip It Up"----O.B. Buchana
"He Caught Me With The Wrong Drawers On"----Another Mystery Lady
"Let's Hear It For The DeeJay"----Jaye Hammer
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song: "Chasing The Wind" by Jesse Robinson & The Williams Brothers
Listen to Jesse Robinson singing “Chasing The Wind” on YouTube.
Best Blues/Chitlin' Circuit Song:
Top Contenders:
"If He Knew What I Was Thinking"----Ms. Jody
"Older Man Looking For A Young Thang"----Larome Powers
"Bootleg Whiskey"----Grady Champion
"The Right Stuff"----Sheba Potts-Wright
"He Caught Me With The Wrong Drawers On"----Another Mystery Lady
"Another Jody Song"----Stevie J.
"Mississippi Blues Child"----Mr. Sipp
"I Ain't Leaving Mississippi"----Jaye Hammer
"My Sidepiece"----The Louisiana Blues Brothers featuring Pokey
"This Must Be A Cheating Town"----Carl Marshall
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song: "My Sidepiece" by Pokey
Listen to Pokey & The Louisiana Blues Brothers singing "My Sidepiece" on YouTube.
Best Cover Song:
Top Contenders:
"Mississippi Boy Part 2"----Charles Wilson, J'Wonn, Big Yayo
"(Impala) The Remix"----Big Yayo
"Try Me"----El' Willie
"This Must Be A Cheating Town"----Carl Marshall
"People Get Ready"----Dolores The Exquisite Songbird
"Your Man Is Home Tonight"----Willie Clayton
"Good Love (Remix)"----Bigg Robb, Mz. Jackson
"My Sidepiece (Reply)"----Veronica Ra'elle, Ms. Portia, Lacee
Best Cover Song: "Your Man Is Home Tonight" by Willie Clayton
Listen to Willie Clayton singing "Your Man Is Home Tonight" on YouTube.
Best Arranger/Producer:
Top Contenders:
Tucka: Tucka ("Can I Touch Your Spot?," "What's Your Flavor?")
James Jackson & John Ward: Jaye Hammer ("I'm The Right Man," "Let's Hear It For The DJ"), O.B. Buchana ("Tip It Up")
Avail Hollywood: Avail Hollywood ("Wasted,") Koko Soul ("Drinking Again: Part 2")
Willie Clayton: Willie Clayton ("Your Man Is Home Tonight," "Rock Me, Baby")
Luster Baker: Luster Baker ("My Boo"), L.J. Echols feat. Luster Baker ("Big Leg Woman")
Robert Smith (Bigg Robb): Bigg Robb ("Good Good," "Sugar Shack Remix" w/ Mz. Jackson), w/ Bishop Bullwinkle ("Hell Naw To The Naw Naw")
Beat Flippa: Louisiana Blues Bros. feat. Pokey, ("My Sidepiece"), Pokey, Vince Hutchinson, Adrian Bagher ("Thank God It's Friday"), Pokey ("If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It"), Adrian Bagher, Veronica Ra'elle, & Big Cynthia ("Let's Do It")
LaMorris Williams: LaMorris Williams ("The Guitar Song")
Chris Mabry (Big Yayo): Big Yayo ("Cowgirl" feat J'Wonn, "The 'Impala' Remix)
Best Arranger/Producer: Beat Flippa
Listen to Beat Flippa's arrangement of Pokey, Vince Hutchinson & Adrian Bagher singing "T.G.I.F. (Thank God It’s Friday)" on YouTube.
Best Songwriter:
Top Contenders:
Omar Cunningham: Karen Wolfe ("Battery Operated Boyfriend")
John Cummings: Jaye Hammer ("I Ain't Leaving Mississippi")
Alvin Garrett: Alvin Garrett feat. Ruben Studdard ("By Myself")
James Jackson: Jaye Hammer ("I'm The Right Man," "Let's Hear It For The DJ")
Bishop Bullwinkle & Bigg Robb: Bishop Bullwinkle, "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw"
Luster Baker: L.J. Echols feat. Luster Baker ("Big Leg Woman"), Luster Baker ("My Boo")
Robert Smith (Bigg Robb): Bigg Robb ("Good Good")
Avail Hollywood: Avail Hollywood ("Wasted")
Best Songwriter: Bigg Robb & Bishop Bullwinkle: "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw"
Listen to Bishop Bullwinkle singing "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw" on YouTube.
Best CD:
Top Contenders:
MISSISSIPPI FOLKS---O.B. BUCHANA
HEART & SOUL---WILLIE CLAYTON
YOU'RE JUST STANDING IN A GOOD MAN'S WAY---TERRY WRIGHT
SHOWTIME---BIGG ROBB
PUT IT ON YA--MR. DAVID
TASTE LIKE CANDY---L.J. ECHOLS
I'M THE RIGHT MAN---JAYE HAMMER
I GOT THE BLUES, VOL. 1 (VARIOUS ARTISTS)---BEAT FLIPPA
GROWN FOLKS BUSINESS---ADRIAN BAGHER
I'LL BE THE OTHER MAN---TYREE NEAL
INDEPENDENT WOMAN---VAL MCKNIGHT
TALKING 'BOUT MY GOOD THANG---MS. JODY
MISSISSIPPI BLUES CHILD---MR. SIPP
NO REGRETS---KAREN WOLFE
ALL MY BEST---OMAR CUNNINGHAM
BEST OF---BOBBY CONERLY
LOVE ZONE---RICKY WHITE
LOVE BRINGS ME BACK TO YOU---CARL MARSHALL
I CAME TO GET DOWN---SHEBA POTTS-WRIGHT
SHE'S MY HONEY BEE---DONNIE RAY
DA GQ COUNTRY BOY---JETER JONES
THE TRUTH---ANDRE' LEE
BEST CD: I GOT THE BLUES, VOL. 1 (VARIOUS ARTISTS)---BEAT FLIPPA
Sample/Buy Beat Flippa's I GOT THE BLUES VOL. 1 at Amazon.
Hardest-Touring Crowd-Pleaser:
Top Contenders:
T.K. Soul
Avail Hollywood
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
J'Wonn & Big Yayo
Mr. Sipp
Grady Champion
Big Pokey Bear
Bobby Rush
Cupid
Hardest-Touring Crowd-Pleaser: T.K. Soul
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
--Daddy B. Nice
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Monthly Singles Charts, Continued From Right-Hand Column
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
-------MAY 2015---------
1. "(This Must Be A) Cheating Town"--------Carl Marshall
What a rhythm section! Funk stretched to almost reggae's hesitation. Carl Marshall revisits Frank-O Johnson's classic with spectacular ferocity. Jamonte Black's skillful background is her best yet.
Listen to Carl Marshall singing "Cheating Town" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Carl Marshall's Love Brings Me Back To You CD, including the "Cheating Town" mp3, at iTunes.
Read Daddy B. Nice's new CD Review.
2. "Dark Side Of Love"--------Calvin Richardson
Calvin Richardson reworks an old Staples Singers groove, coming up with another great rhythm track. Unlike Anthony Hamilton (another neo-soul performer your Daddy B. Nice considered for his original Top 100 Southern Soul Artists)(neither ended up on the list), Calvin actually plays the chitlin' circuit regularly along with Charles, Mel, T.K. and the southern soul boys.
Listen to Calvin Richardson singing "Dark Side Of Love" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Calvin Richardson's "Dark Side Of Love" mp3.
3. "(My Love Don't) Expire"-----Sir Charles Jones
Sir Charles satisfies the void left since songs like "Take Care Of Momma" and "For Better Or Worse." The most vintage-sounding of all the songs on the new CD. Convincingly--for true Charles fans, therapeutically--fresh.
Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing "Expire" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Sir Charles Jones' PORTRAIT OF A BALLADEER CD.
4. "People Get Ready"----Dolores The Exquisite Songbird
This song transcends the word "cover." It has power and originality. Vocal, lead guitar and production all great. No YouTube yet, however, and the amateurish videos of Dolores live onstage don't even hint at the professionalism of the newly-arrived, finished product. For deejays requesting service, contact Chuck Arrington at 708-339-0295.
5. "If You Sexy Clap Yo Hands"-------T.K. Soul featuring Nathaniel Kimble
A good-time, swaying, mid-tempo groove, this isn't quite as uplifting as 2014's "Now This Is A Party (For The Grown Folks)," but it's close enough. Kimble meshes well with Soul, and your Daddy B. Nice just realized the two singers have the same last name. (T.K. stands for Terry Kimble.)
Listen to T.K. Soul & Nathaniel Kimble singing "If You Sexy Clap Your Hands" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy "If You Sexy Clap Yo Hands" mp3.
6. "Hold Still"-------Pat Cooley
When I heard this throwback, Barbara Lewis-like ballad on the radio a couple of weeks ago, I thought it was new. In truth, I didn't realize it was Pat Cooley at first, and the song, "Hold Still," was on Pat's last album (COUGAR). I even praised it in my CD review. Pat has designated it the single from her new greatest hits CD and it deserves a second chance.
Sample/Buy Pat Cooley's new AT HER BEST CD, including the "Hold Still" mp3.
See PAT COOLEY, Daddy B. Nice's Featured Artist for May 2015.
7. "Swinging"-------Zeke Potter
Not to be confused with the Gulf Coast's Zeke ("Party All Night Long"), Zeke Potter is one of the best of another wave of new male southern soul vocalists. Deejays can request service at 770-820-2653 from Dexter Williams (of the Williams Brothers, including LaMorris), who claims Zeke began singing at the tender age of 3, being the lead singer of the Georgia gospel group Little Zeke and The Potter Boys.
8. "That's My Boo"/"My Main Thang" -----Mr. Juicy/Luster Baker (w/T.K. Soul)
Mr. Juicy is the performing name taken up by Luster Baker, who has a dance jam, "My Main Thang"--a duet with T.K. Soul--knocking around the Delta radio outlets the last few months. "That's My Boo" is an affecting and authentic southern soul ballad.
Sample/Buy Mr. Juicy's "That's My Boo" mp3
Listen to T.K. Soul & Luster Baker singing "My Main Thang" Live Onstage on YouTube.
Also sample/buy Luster Baker's "My Main Thang" featuring T.K. Soul
9. "Do You Like To Party"-----Heart 2 Heart Band featuring Tom Burton
This is a local Georgia band (of all places!) whose solidly-sung, call-and-response, dance anthem has seeped into Delta radio and Delta clubs on the charismatic power of its lead singer's vocal.
Listen to a sample of "Do You Like To Party" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy "Do You Like To Party" mp3.
10. "(You Are The Jam In My) Jelly Roll" -----Lady Ebony
This would catch your attention in any era of R&B, going back to the 1950's, or any decade in between. Big-lunged, throwback vocalist recorded in a fittingly vintage manner.
Sample/Buy Lady Ebony's "Jelly Roll" mp3.
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
-------APRIL 2015---------
1. “She’s Draggin’ That Wagon”--------L.J. Echols
No one takes more care creating the sound and groove of a record than L.J. Echols. In 2013 L.J. poured his finest work into his younger sister Krishunda Echols' debut, "Mad Dog 20-20," a masterpiece of blue-collar southern soul. "She's Draggin' That Wagon" is L.J.'s long-awaited new single, full of bounce, mystery and homespun swagger.
Listen to L.J. Echols singing "She’s Draggin’ That Wagon” on Facebook.
2. "My Sidepiece (Reply)"-------Veronica Ra’elle, Lacee & Ms. Portia
Give it up for Louisiana's Pokey. Singing with an intensity and power not heard since the late Reggie P., he's cruising toward stardom like a Mack truck driven by Arnold "Terminator" Schwarzenegger. Here the put-upon ladies of the Gulf Coast respond in kind to his "My Sidepiece," which is closing in on an astounding half-million views on YouTube.
Listen to Veronica Ra’elle, Lacee & Ms. Portia singing "My Sidepiece (Reply)" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy the Pokey original on The Louisiana Blues Brothers LOVE ON THE BAYOU CD.
3. "My Sidepiece"------Pokey
"My Sidepiece" has won over the fans and sounds indisputably raucous on the radio a year after its release. When Pokey sings "Sidepiece," he sounds like a hound baying at a treed coon. The title refers to a girlfriend/mistress on the "side," and it has already entered southern soul lore, referenced by Stephanie McDee ("Annie Mae's Cafe"), Bigg Robb and others and remixed by producer Heavy. Pokey's also the creative force behind a new sampler crashing the southern soul album charts: Beat Flippa, I Got The Blues Vol. 1.
Listen to Pokey & The Louisiana Blues Brothers singing "My Sidepiece" on YouTube.
Listen to Pokey, Tucka, Tyree Neal, etc. singing "My Sidepiece: Part 2" on YouTube.
4. "(Can I) Touch Your Spot"-----Tucka
The musical energy emanating from Louisiana is phenomenal, and Tucka is a huge piece. He's created a unique musical world of sweet melodies, pillow-soft arrangements, sugar-coated vocals and a-lover-of-women persona. If "Touch Your Spot" doesn't make the ladies hot, I don't know what will.
Sample/Buy "Touch Your Spot" on Tucka's new GROOVE CITY CD.
5. "Rock Me, Baby"--------Willie Clayton
Still not officially released, this ditty is gathering the most buzz of any Willie Clayton single in memory. Sweet, mid-tempo, "Rocking Chair"-like, "Rock Me, Baby," will also remind veteran Clayton fans of the wondrous "Wiggle In The Middle," one of the great early, slow-tempo dance jams of contemporary southern soul.
6. "I Owe It All To The Blues"-------Carl Marshall
“I Lived It All,” not "Good Loving Will Make You Cry," is the song I measure all other Carl Marshall songs by. That will explain why I like the “Alberta"-like “I Owe It All To The Blues.” From the first few bars into the song, when Marshall double-tracks his voice, I was hooked. If Carl needs to vamp on guitar to sing like this, go for it, man, because it's good to hear your fine self again.
Listen to Carl Marshall singing "I Owe It All To The Blues" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Carl Marshall's new LOVE BRINGS ME BACK TO YOU CD.
7. "Another Jody Song"-----Stevie J.
More great blues from Jackson, Mississippi's own Stevie Johnson. Written and co-produced (along with Stevie) by the ubiquitous Omar Cunningham, and promoted by Pete Peterson (Bobby Jonz, Chuck Roberson, etc.).
Read about Stevie J's upcoming album BACK TO THE BLUES and the single "Another Jody Song" at BMan's Blues Report.
8. "If He Knew What I Was Thinking"------Ms. Jody
And more great blues, this time from Ms. Jody, in the tradition of "Every Woman For Herself," from her upcoming album, TALKIN' BOUT MY GOOD THANG. One reservation: Ms. Jody dilutes the immediacy of the lyrics by attributing the story to a "young lady who gave me a phone call the other day...and this is what she said." Although this third-person technique worked to perfection with "When Your Give A Damn (Don't Give A Damn)," here the lyrics would be more intense--more powerful--coming straight from Ms. Jody. Can you imagine Etta James attributing "I'd Rather Go Blind" to someone who called her?
See a sneak preview (courtesy of Amazon/China) of Ms. Jody's new TALKIN' BOUT MY GOOD THANG CD.
9. "Tiptoeing Through The Bedroom"/"Grown Folks Business"----Denise LaSalle
Denise LaSalle enters the autumn of her career. That's what these thought-provoking tunes proclaim. The voice (never a "belter" like her peers Peggy Scott-Adams or Shirley Brown) is even weaker now. You can sense the fragility of the flesh behind the performance, yet Denise's character and moxie are still as strong as ever. The subject matter, a mother’s scolding of a pestering child ("Grown Folks Business"), is almost embarrassingly domestic for a southern soul audience expecting sexual double entendres on the order of La Salle’s signature “Don’t Mess With My TuTu.” Young folks may not understand what all the fuss is about. Grown folks will be fascinated by Denise's daring in once again doing what hasn't been done before.
Listen to Denise LaSalle singing "Grown Folks Business" on YouTube.
Listen to Denise LaSalle singing "Tiptoeing Through The Bedroom" on YouTube.
10."What If I"----Katrenia Jefferson
The choruses are almost operatic--a little too much, perhaps--but the verses are southern soul heaven, and the more I hear it, the more "What If I" abides and rewards.
Listen to Katrenia Jefferson singing "What If I" on YouTube.
Buy Katrenia Jefferson's "What If I" single at CD Baby.
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
----------MARCH 2015------------
1. "Wasted"--------Avail Hollywood
Like the opening chords of the truly great songs (LaMorris Williams' "Impala," J'Wonn's "I Got This Record"), you know within the first few bars that "Wasted" is something very special and very deep. This is arguably Hollywood's best single yet, even more remarkable than the durable "Drinking Again." From his upcoming WASTED CD.
2. "The Remix, Baby" ("Impala")-----Big Yayo
Big Yayo. This guy's in a zone (see "Impala," "I Got This Record," "Cowgirl," etc.), and I hope I don't jinx him by saying everything he touches turns to gold. Here he strips down his instrumental track from LaMorris Williams' "Impala" and constructs entirely new lyrics (which quite possibly pre-date "Impala"). The new lyrics aren't necessarily better, but they're irrefutably authentic. And after the initial novelty of comparing the two versions fades, the listener is rewarded with a completely new chorus and hook to fall in love with.
3. "Every Time My Neighbor Walks His Dog"------Billy "Soul" Bonds
I've been listening to this beautifully winsome song, which Billy has kept "under wraps" for almost five years, loving every minute of it. The only thing keeping it out of the top spot or runner-up spot in this month's review is my relative familiarity with it--the fact that it isn't quite as "fresh" as Avail's "Wasted" or Yayo's "Remix." See related story in Daddy B. Nice's "News & Notes" (Feb. 8, 2015) in the center column of this page.
Listen to Billy "Soul" Bonds singing "Every Time My Neighbor Walks His Dog" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy "Every Time My Neighbor Walks His Dog" mp3 or CAT DADDY CD at CD Universe.
4. "I'm So Blue"----Willie Clayton
Another ballad with opening chords that signify depth and greatness. This tune will remind fans of soulful Clayton classics like "Going Crazy." From the new UNTAMABLE CD.
Sample/Buy "I'm So Blue" mp3 or UNTAMABLE CD at iTunes.
5. "Older Man (Looking For A) Young Thang"------Larome Powers
Pat Cooley put down the first version ("Older Woman, Younger Man") and Denise LaSalle improved on it ("Older Woman"). Now Larome Powers serves up a male-gender version that's equally compelling. From his new CD, STEPPING OUT, including his recent hit single, "What's The Name Of That Thang?"
Listen to Larome Powers singing "Older Man, Young Thang" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy "Older Man Young Thang" mp3 or STEPPING OUT CD.
6. "Hold It And Roll It"------Donnie Ray
Imagine Donnie Ray doing his best Steve Perry ("Booty Roll") imitation and you have "Hold It And Roll It." Does your Daddy B. Nice give undue credit to this easy-going dance jam? All I know is it's a grown-folks line-dancer's dream, and who loves line-dancing more than Southern Soul Nation?
Listen to Donnie Ray singing "Hold It And Roll It" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy "Hold It And Roll It" mp3 or SHE'S MY HONEY BEE CD at Amazon.
7. "Big Boy Stuff"-------Sheba Potts-Wright
One of Sheba's best vocals and arrangements in years, brimming over with the pop pizzazz of her early hits ("Slow Roll It," "Lipstick On His Pants") and taken to the ultimate level by a nifty, Snoopish, high-register keyboard riff.
Listen to Sheba Potts-Wright singing "Big Boy Stuff" on YouTube
Sample/Buy "Big Boy Stuff" mp3 or I CAME TO GET DOWN CD at Amazon.
8. "Put It On Ya"--------Mr. David
Mr. David, who last launched the evocative ballad "Mr. Right Now," returns with a hard-hitting dance jam. Don't look now, but Malaco/Waldoxy/Malaco World Music's Tommy Couch, Jr., who terminated his southern soul producing a few years ago, has no less than three singles on this month's Top Ten: Billy "Soul" Bonds' "Every Time My Neighbor Walks His Dog," Larome Powers' "Older Man, Young Thang," and Mr. David's "Put It On Ya."
9. "What's Your Flavor?"----Tucka
Subtle and insinuating, this tune from the new Tucka CD is too seductive to ignore. If you've succumbed to Tucka's talent already, you'll fall for this one without any hesitation.
Listen to Tucka singing "What's Your Flavor" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Tucka's "What's Your Flavor" mp3 or GROOVE CITY CD.
10. Tie between:
"When It's Good It's Good"----Certified Slim
(I'd recognize a Luther Lackey-written tune anywhere, and it's good. Well, scratch that. Curtis Yabro--Slim--wrote and produced, perhaps under the "influence.")
And:
"Try Me"-----El' Willie
(The Willie lavishes some real care--not always the case in the past--on both the vocal and production of this old James Brown tune. It reminds us of what a rich baritone he has. )
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
----------FEBRUARY 2015------------
1. "You Got To Be A Freaker"-------Miz B.
The seldom-recorded Memphis diva who thrilled southern soul fans a decade ago with the Senator Jones-produced masterpiece, "My Name Is $$$$$," returns with a dancing groove (written by herself and Morris Williams) whose hit potential may have been underestimated by even the singer and her juking, John Ward-led backing band.
Listen to Miz B. singing "You Got To Be A Freaker" on YouTube.
Buy Miz. B's "You Got To Be A Freaker" mp3 on the Ecko Records sampler BLUES MIX 15: DOWN HOME SOUL.
See Daddy B. Nice's "Memphis Stars" feature (FEB 2015) in the Miz. B. Artist Guide.
2. "Good Good"-------Bigg Robb
Don't know how this gold nugget of graceful swinging leaked out. Robb must have given a demo to hot new internet station WAGR in Lexington, Mississippi. Either that or your Daddy B. Nice has overlooked something real "good-good" from the Bigg Robb back catalog. It hits the sweet spot of mid-tempo southern soul like the b-i-g man did in "Back To The Sugar Shack."
3. "Taking Care Of Business"---------Stephanie McDee
Inundated with plastic, urban-style soul from countless, talented divas, your Daddy B. Nice will still and always prefer the grizzly-bear-tough vocal stylings of Stephanie McDee, who has more soul in her left thumb despite the bland-as-vanilla-pudding instrumental background and unpleasant mixing of this title tune from her upcoming album.
Listen to Stephanie McDee singing "Taking Care Of Business" on YouTube.
4. "You Went To Bed With A Woman But Woke Up With A Man"-----Billy "Soul" Bonds
In an interview with Daddy B. Nice three or four years ago, Billy referred to this (already recorded!) song, which recalls the risque notoriety of songs like Peggy Scott-Adams' "Bill." That's an indication of how long and how much product Bonds has been holding back (along with the choice single "Every Time My Neighbor Walks His Dog, My Wife Has To Walk Her Cat" for his highly-anticipated CAT DADDY album.
Listen to Billy "Soul" Bonds singing "You Went To Bed With A Woman But Woke Up With A Man" on YouTube.
5. "I'm Gone"-------Columbus Toy
Columbus Toy straps on his southern soul boots and delivers his best and most mature single yet.
Listen to Columbus Toy singing "I'm Gone" on Facebook (click video and scroll to #3).
6. "We Got The Right Stuff"-----Sheba Potts-Wright
Sheba delivers a theme out of the O.B. Buchana canon in her classic vocal and instrumental style, reasserting her claim as a queen of contemporary southern soul. From her new (three-years-in-waiting), John Ward-produced album, I CAME TO GET DOWN. See Daddy B. Nice's "Memphis Stars" (FEB 15) in the Sheba Potts-Wright Artist Guide.
Sample/Buy Sheba Potts-Wright's "We Got The Right Stuff" at iTunes.
7. "Backdoored (By A Man Called Jody)"-----Donnell Sullivan
The young performer and "Back Door Lover" (Listen to "Back Door Lover" on YouTube), has the tables turned on him, lyrically-speaking--with excellent musical results. And folks, it looks as if the zydeco accordion, whose sound I have always loved, has been thoroughly integrated into southern soul.
8. "Move Your Body (Zydeco Remix)"-----Greg Watson
Here's a young artist who hasn't a clue what he's doing--at least from a southern soul perspective. The R&B (primary) version of "Move Your Body" (from the same new indie CD, PIECES OF ME 2) is an atrocious funk screed. The rest of the set features the same plastic-hard, urban r&b. But on this single cut, featuring that great zydeco facilitator, the cajun hand organ, Watson softens enough to actually deliver a rousing and beguiling, first-class southern-soul dance jam.
Sample/Buy Greg Watson's "Move (Zydeco Remix)" at Amazon.
9. "Stick To Your Drink"----Mel Waiters
A modest little song with a unique and well-produced musical format. Warning: If Mel's buying the round, don't switch from draft beer to Hennessy. That's not hole-in-the-wall etiquette.
Sample/Buy Mel Waiter's "Stick To Your Drink" mp3 at Amazon.
10. "Please Let Me Hold You"-----Lomax
You'd think your Daddy B. Nice would be crazy about this song--its soulfulness, scope and vocal acumen--but it also makes me uncomfortable. In trying to shoehorn mainstream urban balladeering and full gospel choruses and southern soul verses into one obviously "big" song, Lomax's ambition becomes a little disconcerting--and ultimately a distraction.
Listen to Lomax introducing and singing "Please Let Me Hold You" on YouTube.
Listen to the full version of "Please Let Me Hold You" on ReverbNation.
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
----------JANUARY 2015------------
1. "Cowgirl"-------Big Yayo featuring J'Wonn & T-Baby
Southern Soul electronica, baby. I've been club-dancing over many decades (that's what makes me such a foolproof critic), and this may be the best dance-'till-you-drop jam I've ever heard, courtesy of the best young producer--and now Bigg Robbish lead-singer--in southern soul, Big Yayo of Jackson, Mississippi. The first deejay to play this record, by the way, was Cadillac Zack at WMPR.
Listen to Big Yayo's "Cowgirl" on YouTube.
2-8-15! Listen to the new COWGIRL OFFICIAL VIDEO on YouTube.
2. "Battery Operated Boyfriend"-------Karen Wolfe
Like the best Karen Wolfe vocals, warm and homespun, with melody and arrangement that'll reward the more you listen. She's got a hit on her hands (the song was written by "Man Enough's" Omar Cunningham), but your Daddy B. Nice told Karen that if she and the girls were going to be like that, we boys were going to resort to something called a flesh-light; it doesn't use a battery, but it accomplishes the same thing.
3. "Mississippi Boy Part 2"-----Charles Wilson featuring J'Wonn
At the behest of Charles Wilson and bringing along J'Wonn, Big Yayo (who produced) takes on the most covered song in southern soul. It would have been nice to hear J'Wonn get more than a verse (which is electric), but Charles brings his vocal "sugar" and makes a strong bid to take it over again psychologically from the song's longtime co-claimants, Floyd Hamberlin and Will T.
Sample/Buy Charles Wilson feat. J'Wonn singing "Mississippi Boy: Part 2."
Listen to Charles Wilson, J'Wonn & Big Yayo singing "Mississippi Boy: Part 2 on YouTube.
4. "Lady Soul Slide"-------Lady Soul
T.K. Soul discovered this Dallas singer, and why not? Who beats the bushes (due to his constant touring) better than T.K.? He also produced, giving the jam a goosed-up, Rascals' "Groovin'" feel overlaid with heavy percussion (hand-claps). Lady Soul's message: move those hips.
Listen to Lady Soul singing "Lady Soul Slide" on YouTube.
5. "Time 2 Party (Let's Get It Started)"------Solomon Thompson
Don't sit down yet.
Listen to Solomon Thompson singing "It's Time 2 Party" on YouTube.
Buy "Time 2 Party" mp3 on HISTORY CD at CD Baby.
6. "I Need A Grown Woman"----J'Wonn
A new ballad--"new" meaning not included on last year's I GOT THIS RECORD CD--from the young vocal genius. Steady and stately, with a newfound maturity.
Listen to J'Wonn singing "I Need A Grown Woman" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy J-Wonn's "I Need A Grown Woman."
7. "Bootleg Whiskey"-----Grady Champion
Sordid stories of the road from Kris Kristofferson...Oops!...I mean Grady Champion...(I've gotta have fun some way, don't I?) with Grady sounding as hoarse as Janis Joplin. No wonder the kid's crossing over.
Sample Grady Champion singing "Bootleg Whiskey."
8. "Sweet It Be"-----Wilson Meadows
Like fine wines, Wilson Meadows just keeps getting better with age.
Sample Wilson Meadows' "Sweet It Be" at Brimstone Records.
9. "When We're Making Love"----Mr. X
Remember that eerily evocative guitar from Ms. Tabatha's morbid ballad "Cheating On Her, Cheating On Me"? A taste of that permeates Mr. X's atypical but affecting ballad.
Sample/Buy Mr. X's "When We're Making Love."
10. "I Feel Good"-----Urban Mystic
Listen to Urban Mystic singing "I Feel Good" on YouTube.
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1. "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw" ------Bishop Bullwinkle
5. "Chasing The Wind"------Jesse Robinson featuring The Williams Brothers
Far from the show-biz fakery of mainstream R&B, with a voice that sounded like she was merely pausing--looking up from scrubbing clothes in a cast-iron tub on a rural back porch--Karen Wolfe delighted once again with her singular vocal art.
Just when we'd begun to overlook him with the emergence of even newer stars like J'Wonn, Tucka and Pokey, LaMorris' vocal and production on "Guitar Song" reminded us that he wasn't going anywhere.
Lacee took a standard (no gimmicks) approach to a mid-tempo, middle-of-the-road song and came up with a bonafide southern soul classic.
