June 1, 2023: TOP 40 SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES: JUNEAn expanded list of the songs vying for "Top Ten Singles" in June 2023.
 1. "Got My Whiskey"---Nelson Curry
2. "Smiling And Crying"---Bigg Robb
3. "Take Heed (The Same Thing)"---Young Guy
4. "Cowgirl"---Mz. Brown Suga
5. "The Party Ain't Over"---Ronnie Bell
6. "What It Is About You"---T.K. Soul
7. "B.Y.O.B. (Bring Yo Own Bottle)"---Queen Denae feat. Big Yayo
8. "You Played Too Long"---Terry Wright
9. "She's The One That Do It For Me"---Wendell B.
10. "(I Don't Want) My Sidepiece (No More)"---Pokey Bear feat. Tyree Neal
 11. "Good Thang"---Stan Butler
12. "FYA"---Summer Wolfe
13. "Pull Up On Me"---Mr. Oboi feat. Big Yayo
14. "Preacher"---Live'
15. "Work Out At Home"---Isaac Lindsay
16. "Southern Soul Groove Step"---CoCo Wade
17. "Belly On Ya"---Bigg Robb
18. "Moonshine In The Trunk"---Nephew Jones
19. "Shake Sum"---Arthur Young
20. "That Thang Good"---Vick Allen
 21. "Mama Knows"---Sir Charles Jones feat. J-Wonn
22. "Georgia Peach"---William Bell
23. "The Other Woman"---Angel Faye Russell
24. "Joyous"---Gwen Yvette feat. Sean Dolby & Joe Nice
25. "No Man's Used To Be"---Rosalyn Candy
26. "Come On Over"---Sky Whatley
27. "I Wanna Take Care Of You"---Audi Yo
28. "No Time"---Royal D feat. Methrone
29. "Turn 'Er Loose"---PC Band
30. "Loyalty Over Love"---Redemption feat. Volton Wright
 31. "Chicken And Cheeks"---Lacee
32. "Go To Work"---Joe Nice & Sean Dolby
33. "Cash Money"---Chuck Strong
34. "Friends Before Lovers"---Leroy Allen
35. "Party Like We Used To"---Narvel Echols feat. Bonez
36. "Sling Your Weave"---Royal D feat. Ricky White
37. "Good Love"---Carlin Taylor
38. "My Sidepiece Side-Stepped Me"---Grady Champion
39. "Loving On You, You Loving On Me"---Evette Busby
40. "How Low Can You Go (Remix)"---L.J. Echols feat. Doobie
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
May 15, 2023: Daddy B. Nice's News & Notes:
Who Will Fill The Vacuum In The Top Ranks of Female Southern Soul Artists?
 Comparing Today's Top Divas With the Stars of Yesteryear....And Assessing Heir Apparents....
2023 finds a dearth of female artists at the top of southern soul's recording charts and performance venues. And yet there is a glut of females on the lower levels churning out a song or two a year and more often than not getting lost in the crowd. Is this a crisis? A troubling trend? The southern soul market is driven by its female-dominated audience's thirst for great and stimulating male performers, but does this mean there is no market for great female artists?
From the late nineties to the early teens, southern soul featured women (led by Shirley Brown, Denise LaSalle and Peggy Scott-Adams) who were shoulder to shoulder with the male stars in the profession in terms of artistic heft, cultural influence and financial reward. Denise LaSalle produced dozens of albums, Shirley Brown released at least a couple of dozen, and Peggy Scott-Adams, although less prolific, left an incandescent trail of great product during her glory years. Keisa Brown, Barbara Carr, Lynn White, Jackie Neal, Sheba Potts-Wright and Big Cynthia, to name only a few of their peers, were household names among blues and southern soul fans throughout the South.
Today (at this moment in time) there are no women on the album/CD charts. Granted, albums themselves have become an endangered species, so it may not be fair to make comparisons based on record sales. But even from a concert perspective (the main source of income for today's artists), women have a meager percentage.
 Four artists dominate today's female southern soul ranks: Ms. Jody, Nellie "Tiger" Travis, Karen Wolfe and Lacee. But to use the word "dominate" is misleading. In reality, they all occupy a space that is more of a vacuum right now. Ms. Jody is by far the most prolific recording artist, but she doesn't tour as much as she could, or as much as her sixteen-album oeuve would suggest.
Lacee and Nellie Travis, on the other hand, are fixtures on the touring circuit. Lacee gigs as much as L.J. Echols. Nellie is as big as it gets for a southern soul star, playing for stadium-sized audiences in the national Blues Is Alright tour. Yet, neither Lacee or Nellie has recorded an album in five years! Finally, Karen Wolfe only has four albums in her career, although she puts a lot of work into her occasional singles and tours more than Ms. Jody. In short, this is not a hungry group of competitors jostling for fame and supremacy with the obsessive drive and determination of the divas of yesteryear. There's a lot of "room at the top" in southern soul music for female heir-apparents.
Who might those aspiring stars be? Well, let's preface it by noting the staggering number of talented women who've made their mark in the genre but have either passed away or chosen to forgo a career in southern soul for "real-life" issues such as making a living, changing genres, house-wiving, raising children or caregiving:
 Stephanie Pickett, Falisa JaNaye, Gina Brown, Sweet Angel, LaKeisha, Bobbye Johnson, Miz B, Katrenia Jefferson, Miss Portia, Chandra Calloway, Ms. Monique, Uvee Hayes, Monique Ford, Betty Padgett, Roni.... That's just the tip of the iceberg in regards to divas lost in the last two decades. And we must not forget a small group of artists who are saddled with stage names that have had so many iterations it's hard to establish a brand, among them Miss Lady Blues (which also gets confused with various Miss Lady Souls), Coco Wade (along with Coco and Lady Coco), and Mz Brown Suga, which has also been used by previous artists. Even the relatively uniquely-named Sassy D has spawned at least two name clones.
 That leave us with two---maybe three---major categories of female artists who could seize the vacant throne of southern soul's undisputed "queen". Among the "Hot Before / Now Not So Much" contenders---those who have shown the promise to succeed but cooled off lately in recording and touring---are: Pat Cooley, Krishunda Echols, Nicole Jackson, Sharnette Hyter, Jureesa McBride, Jennifer Watts, Dee Dee Simon, Diedra, Tazz Calhoun, WestDawn, Lady Q, Itz Karma, Jesi Terrell, Toia Jones, Nikita, Vickie Baker, Veronica Ra'elle, Adrena and Annie Washington. Prominent among a short group of "Hot Now" performers are Mz. Connie, Angel Faye Russell, Sweet Nay, Tasha Mac, Rosalyn Candy, Summer Wolfe and the aforementioned Sassy D.
 But if I had to bet at this particular moment in time on the strongest contenders with the best odds of seizing this unique opportunity at the all-too-vacant highest ranks of southern soul, it would be West Love, J'Cenae, Carolyn Staten, Val McKnight, Crystal Thomas and Stephanie McDee. You can check out all but one of these artists in Daddy B. Nice's The New Generation Southern Soul, and check out any of the artists in the Comprehensive Index.
What do you think? Should southern soul divas be raising their "ceilings"? Let me know.
Email: daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
In Other "News & Notes".... Guitar aficionados! Two of the best will be in Tunica, Mississippi (south Memphis) for the Jus' Blues get-together August 2nd thru 5th. Tyree Neal will perform at the "Wrap Party" Saturday night, August 5th, while Mr. Sipp (the Mississippi Blues Child) will play the White Linen Party & Fish Fry on Friday night....Here's a bumper-music lick from Tyree to get you in the mood (from Stephanie McDee's "When I Step In The Club").
 Music is pouring in this month. It's like the spring thaw with the snow melting on the mountains and rushing down the canyon to your DBN's cabin. One thing we can say for 2023 so far musically. It's been good but nowhere near as exciting as what King George was doing to the awestruck southern soul scene last year at this time. And guess what. King George is on the charts with "Night-time," a new #1 single which I essentially describe as his best since that heady time. (See Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 Singles May 23).
 Heikki Suosalo has great exposition (via an interview with William Bell) of all of the new tracks from One Step Closer To Home, Grammy-winner Bell's just-released album. See Soul Express.
--Daddy B. Nice
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
May 1, 2023:TOP 40 SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES: MAYAn expanded list of the songs vying for "Top Ten Singles" in May 2023.
1. "Night-Time"---King George
2. "Talk To Me"---Arthur Young
3. "Brown Liquor"---M. Cally
4. "When I Stop Loving You"---William Bell
5. "Good Ole Lovin'"---Mr. Nelson
6. "Won't Be Your Fool"---Teslanay
7. "Just Came To Party"---T. Howell
8. "Groove Together (Slide)"---Uncle Gymini & Lady Jacquelyn (The Married Couple of Southen Soul)
9. "Mz Connie's Curvy Queens Slide"---Mz Connie
10. TIE
"My Own Party"---C.J. Hill (Daddy C)
"Hell When You Well"---Troy Murriel
 11. "Meet Me"---Jeter Jones
12. "I Will Remember Tonight"---William Bell
13. "Walky Talk"---Big Trey D
14. "Mr. DJ"---Jus Epik
15. "Keep Your Dog On A Leash"---Sheila B. Sexi
16. "Giddy Up"---Mz. Tequi feat. Bad Azz Cutie
17. "We Love Our Southern Soul"---Stephanie McDee
18. "Good Woman"---Mz Brown Suga
19. "If Walls Could Talk"---M. Cally
20. "Good Man Bad"---Black Diamond
 21. "That Power Grip"---Jaye Hammer
22. "If It Ain't Broke"---David Brinston
23. "Designated Driver"---Columbus Toy
24. "Big Truck Driva"---J.L. Thompson feat. Key Graves
25. "I Got To Get Your Number"---Jaye Hammer
26. "It's Been A Long Time"---Memphis Jackson
27. "Mz Connie Roll"---Mz Connie
28. "Something Real"---Champagne Coleman
29. "Daisy Dukes & Cowboy Boots"---M. Cally feat. Jeter Jones
30. "Ain't Got Time"---Big Mel
 31. "Too Much To Lose"---Roi Chip Anthony feat. Sir Charles Jones
32. "Liquor In My Cup"---Rodnae
33. "Same Song"---Lokey Kountry feat. Mz Poochie & Portia P
34. "Bad Country Girl"---Freaky B 2.0
35. "Rulezzz"---Till 1
36. "Cheater Man"---Sons Of Funk
37. "Late Night Lover"---Sebastian Southern Soul feat. Johnny James
38. "We In This Bit"---Unkle Phunk
39. "The Handy Man"---D. Riggs
40. "Lay Low Play Slow"---Young Guy
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
April 12, 2023: Daddy B. Nice's News & NotesServices For Peggy Scott-Adams will be held this weekend: Visitation: 1-7 pm, Friday, April 14th, / The Catavant At Joe Morris, 521 West Cervantes St., Pensacola, Florida / Celebration of Life, 2 pm, Saturday, April 15th / Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 2601 West Strong St., Pensacola, Florida. See "Peggy Scott-Adams Passes: An Appreciation....
At last, after years of being marginalized by the mainstream media, southern soul charts are appearing along with the usual Gospel, R&B, Soul, Hiphop & Rap genres, and they're slick. The Urban Influencer's weekly Newsletter features a Top 30 Singles with bonus "adds," and Radio Airplay Experts also offers a southern soul chart with southern soul relegated to the "caboose" position. Actually, both entities feature identical charts and arrive in the inbox back to back, but they arrive from different email addresses.
The new William Bell album, "One Day Closer To Home," is scheduled for release April 14th. Bell's last---"This Is Where I Live"---won a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album in 2016....
New artist T. Howell flunks his southern soul history, confusing Sir Charles Jones and T.K. Soul in his otherwise interesting new single "Just Came To Party." "I'm not Sir Charles Jones," he sings, "but I'm looking for a lady". Gee, that would be a bit embarrassing---would it not?---having a mistake like that memorialized in an mp3, albeit not as bad as on vinyl?....
 Word is Tucka's new album will be officially released in April (no specific date yet). Also watch for up-and-coming new artist Big Mel's debut album "Old Soul". Big Mel made Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 Singles this month with "Drink My Liquor". Also watch for another new artist coming on strong: M. Cally....
By coincidence, two of this month's Top 10 Singles, one by a woman and one by a male group, form perfect bookends around the issue of partner break-ups while offering deejays a nifty back-to-back for rotations. In "Come Get Yo Shit" Queen Denae sings: "Ain't no more talking / Come get your shit / You know I love you / But I'm so tired of this...You played me for the last time / So come get yo shit". In "Get Out" the Sons of Funk sing: "I packed yo shit / To the left to the left / I packed yo shit / You gots to go!" Both are new artists....
Stan Butler has been added to the June 24th celebration (joining his colleague West Love, among others) for the 20th Year Anniversary of KOUS 96.3 in Monroe, Louisiana. Lady A is asking for donations: 318-538-9070. See Daddy B. Nice's Concert Calendar.... Meanwhile, up in Memphis, one-hit wonder (and what a hit! ("Keep Knockin'") Anita Love makes a rare appearance at the Annual Bike & Hot Rod Show at 2381 Elvis Presley Boulevard April 29th. "Keep Knockin'" was produced by Terry Cotton....
The Jackson Music Awards will be held Sunday July 23rd through Monday July 24th. The Gospel awards will be held in the Trustmark Ballroom of the Jackson Convention Center on Sunday and the City With Soul Awards (Southern Soul) will be in the same location on Monday....
 However, if you just can't wait for awards season, a new awards show will be held this month. The first annual North Louisiana People's Choice Southern Soul Awards will take place Sunday, April 23rd at the Arcadia Event Center in Arcadia, Lousiana. The show is being advertised as a "black-tie event" with "formal or semi-formal black and gold attire strongly encouraged". Honorees have been announced, including T.K. Soul (Soul and Blues), DJ Scott Banks (Southern Soul RnB & Soul Blues DJ), Ronald "Slack" Jefferson (Southern Soul RnB & Soul Blues Producer), Omar Cunningham (Songwriter Southern Soul RnB & Soul Blues), Ms. Jody (Queen of The Trail Ride Southern Soul and Blues), Crystal Thomas (International Blues), Evangelist Mary Echols (Southern Soul Gospel), Nellie "Tiger" Travis (Southern Soul & Blues), Kenne' Wayne (Soul and Blues), Ghetto Cowboy (Juke Joint and Southern Soul Blues) and Benito Glosson (Southern Soul RnB and Blues). See Daddy B. Nice's Concert Calendar for tickets.
---Daddy B. Nice
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
April 2, 2023:TOP 40 SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES: APRILAn expanded list of the songs vying for "Top Ten Singles" in April 2023.
 1. "Let's Chill"---Carolyn Staten
2. "My Kinda Crazy"---J-Wonn
3. "Come Get Yo Shit"---Queen Denae feat. M. Cally
4. "Get Out"---Sons of Funk
5. "No Woman, No Cry"---King Fred
6. "Lovin' Me"---Magic One
7. "Just Like That"---Lamarr Deuce Lubin
8. "The Cowboy Slide"---Jeter Jones
9. "Super Fine"---Magic One
10. "Drink My Liquor"---Big Mel
 11. "Kookie Munsta"---Narvel Echols
12. "Good Cat Ain't Cheap"---E.J. Soul
13. "Cougar Trap"---Breeze MrDo2Much feat. Jennifer Watts
14. "I Like It"---Nino The Gentleman
15. "Don't Be Late"---Narvel Echols
16. "Her Sneaky Link"---Jeter Jones
17. "My Baby Back"---Ra'Shad The Blues Kid feat. T.J. Hooker Tayor
18. "Southern Soul Lady"---Darrell Ruger
19. "Get The Hell On"---Lamar Brace
20. "Can't Wait Till Friday"---Sky Whatley
 21. "Henpecked"---Magic One
22. "I Got A Good Woman"---Brutha The Sugar Daddy of Southern Soul
23. "Turtle Snapper"---Carolyn Staten
24. "Living For The Weekend"---Willie Clayton
25. "Plumma Man"---T. Howell
26. "Sneak A Piece"---Tina Brown
27. "I Took Another Woman's Problem"---Stephanie McDee
28. "My Down Syndrome Sister"---Stan Butler
29. "Pretty Girl Walk"---YV Da Prince feat. Rich Wright & Mr. Hot Topic
30. "Sumn Gotta Shake"---Magic One feat. Lacee
 31. "Two Step Wit' My Baby"---Mr. Sam feat. Vick Allen
32. "Body Talk"---Oliver Dollar & Mike "Agent X" Clark feat. D13
33. "Big Grown Love"---G-Sky
34. "I Feel Like Making Love"---Mz. Suga
35. "Let Me Show You Love"---Terrell Moses
36. "Naughty Party"---Lysa feat. Sean Dolby
37. "Giddy Up"---Mz. Tequi feat. Bad Azz Cutie
38. "Dancing Lady"---Darrell Ruger
39. "Little Willie"---El' Willie
40. "Too Good"---J-Wonn
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
March 30, 2023Daddy B. Nice On Peggy Scott-Adams' PassingSo you think fame and loving fans insure one against the buffeting winds of time and mortality? The void of information surrounding the death of Peggy Scott-Adams in Pensacola, Florida Monday, March 27th, can be explained in a couple of ways. First, it takes time. I lost my dearest friend of sixty years (and longtime traveling companion to southern soul events) on March 20th and we (the family and my buddy's close friends) still have not been able to get an official notification and obituary published for the public. Second, fame does not guarantee a textbook transition to the afterlife. I am reminded of Marvin Sease's passing. Other than Peggy Scott-Adams, I cannot think of a more beloved figure in contemporary southern soul. Yet he was buried in an unmarked grave in South Carolina with scant notice until LGB (Linda Gray Barnwell), who lived in a neighboring town, took it upon herself to arrange a more fitting and honorable burial presentation. This led to some conflict with the Sease family but was eventually worked out to everyone's satisfaction. Ironically, one of the Sease heirs posted a heartfelt condolence to Peggy Scott-Adams only yesterday.
Peggy Scott-Adams was the dominant female singer when I first encountered southern soul music---the real thing---chitlin' circuit rhythm and blues---in the late 90's. I loved her work. I knew her songs by heart. Still, years later when I interviewed her, Peggy (a thoroughly religious and gospel-inspired person) downplayed the very things that drew me to her work, in particular the salacious and coarse lyrics ("That was Jimmy, Jimmy Lewis," she said more than once) while acknowledging their key in making her popular.
Absent from the scene for the better part of two decades now, Peggy Scott-Adams nevertheless defined contemporary southern soul. She pioneered the musical template of the little genre that could, and be assured longtime fans will never let the memories she created in her songs be forgotten.
---Daddy B. Nice
Read Daddy B. Nice's interview with Peggy Scott-Adams.
March 28, 2023:Media Reports Signal Peggy's DeathPeggy Scott-Adams' Wikipedia page has a new entry under "Death": "Adams died on March 27, 2023. She was 74." (No reference listed.) Peggy's Facebook page contains new posts stating "R.I.H." ("Rest in Heaven"), "Rest in Peace,"My Deepest Condolences" and "My Prayers for The Family". Peggy Scott-Adams has long ran a funeral home business in Los Angeles with her partner, but there are currently no official announcements from there or any other funeral facility.
---Daddy B. Nice
See Daddy B. Nice’s Artist Guide of Peggy Scott-Adams.
March 13, 2023:Daddy B. Nice's News & NotesNews came this month that Jeter Jones is retiring. The bombshell came less than a month after I had written in The Year In Review:
"Country" has always been a southern soul touchstone, and your Daddy B. Nice has frequently described southern soul music itself as "country soul," but one person more than any other made the theme of country ("no service on my phone") trendy and buzz-worthy in 2022: Jeter Jones. In song after song and video after video the Kang of Trailride Blues pounded home the  blessings and vicissitudes of rural life and small-town culture, a message that reverberated throughout the genre by virtue of the sheer number of songs and accompanying music videos produced by Jeter, producer Slack and their team of supporting musicians and videographers (2 double-albums, four total, in back-to-back years). And in a year that marked the lowest traditional-record-label publishing on record, Jones Boy Entertainment put out the most music in the southern soul demographic.
That's right. The most music in southern soul. Now here's Jeter's incendiary message. Don’t know (Jeter wrote on Facebook) how much longer I’m gonna have these jood knees, but as of today I think 2024 will be my last year as an Southern Soul Artists. It’s been a good run and I have enjoyed being the Peoples Champ of Southern Soul. Thanks everyone that listens to my music and that follows me. Please enjoy these last concerts and the new music. I’ve done enough to make the hall of fame for Southern Soul music. I will retire the crown Trailride Kang with me as well. Thanks so much for the jood times. Him No tour just me sanging and cutting up. Come Come
Your Daddy B. Nice's reaction? Noooo. I can't see it. The way this guy drops songs like a horse drops chips? I can't conceive he'd be able to wean himself from recording. Jeter taking off from touring?  Now that's a different matter. A grind---exhaustion---in spite of the exhilaration. Notice he mentions his knees. Like Pokey Bear's lower back (from doing all that onstage poking), Jeter's carrying a hefty, middle-aged man's weight on those prancing and springing knees. (Not to mention the high heels of cowboy boots.)
Finally, he says 2024, not this year (2023), will be his final year. Now that's hedging bets a bit on his part, is it not? Jeter qualifies it further when he says he's thinking about retiring, the implication being he's not entirely sure. He might change his mind. And on top of those demurrals there's this to consider. How are we (southern soul fandom) going to get along without Jeter Jones product? Wouldn't that necessitate some withdrawal symptoms, and wouldn't that weigh on Jeter? And how is Jeter Jones going to be able to quell the competitiveness in his nature (satisfied by making music) that propelled him to such success in the first place?
 So I'm in denial on the subject of Jeter Jones leaving southern soul music. Ironic, too, that this announcement should come in the same month I'm doing a retrospective---"Squandered Talent?"---on Luther Lackey. A dozen years ago, Lackey was one of southern soul's most highly-regarded singer/ songwriter/ producers. Then he made the decision to quit and it hasn't been the same since---for him or for southern soul.
"King George---King Of Soul Honoree 2023"...Yes, King George is due to be feted once again, at the Jackson Music Awards Monday July 24th. Tickets available at www.jmaainc.com....
 Wendell B returns to the stage May 6th at Union County Fairgrounds in El Dorado, Arkansas (South Arkansas Soul Fest Part 2)....And
Crystal Thomas makes a rare appearance way out in the boonies March 24-25 at the Red Fox, Texas trailride....See Concert Calendar....
 After years of being quietly overlooked by the Blues Is Alright Tour, J-Wonn is finally coming into his own this year as a multi-venue participant....Columbus Toy is releasing a new album this month. His last longplay, "Love Soul," appeared in 2009....And at last!... Mobile, Alabama's prestigious Spring Fling has announced a final line-up for their annual April 1st gathering of southern soul artists---an event that draws huge crowds---all overseen this year by rapper Doug E. Fresh (also on Concert Calendar)....
 Other new albums dropping this month... Charles Wilson releases his first new album in seven years: "Return Of The Mississippi Boy"....Evette Busby, who just charted at #3 in Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 Singles with the Malaco-produced cover of "Mr. Big Stuff," teams up with Leroy Allen on a new album entitled "The Singers"....And finally, Choppa Law drops what, if I'm not mistaken, is his debut album, "No Strings Attached".
Daddy B. Nice
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
March 4, 2023:TOP 40 SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES: MARCHAn expanded list of the songs vying for "Top Ten Singles" in March 2023.
1. "Top Of The Line"---Narvel Echols
2. "Taking You Down Through There"---J-Wonn
3. "Mr. Big Stuff"---Evette Busby
4. "Good Time"---Tyree Neal
5. "What's Happening Now"---Jeter Jones
6. "Just A Man"---Volton Wright
7. "Pour Up (Southern Soul Music)"---Neko G (Neko Grinday)
8. "Good Country Girl"---Freaky B 2.0
9. "Steppin' Out"---Tyronica "Badgir" Rawls feat. King George
10. "Still With Her"---F.P.J.
11. "My Kinda Crazy"---J-Wonn
12. "Put A Title On It"---J-Wonn
13. "Crae Crae For Country"---Sharnette Hyter feat. Ciddy Boi P
14. "Let's Make Loving Great Again"---William Bell
15. "Leaving With Me"---Memphis Jackson
16. "I Can't Get Enough"---Meme Yahsal
17. "Country Swagg"---Gwen Yvette
18. "You"---Omar Cunningham
19. "Too Good"---J-Wonn
20. "Made Me Leave"---Stan Butler
21. "Hold Me Down"---Mr. Sam
22. "I Still Believe In You"---Luther Lackey
23. "In The Bedroom"---Lomax
24. "Thug On"---Neko Grinday
25. "Do It"---Memphis Jackson
26. "Rockin' The Same Old Boat"---Donald Ray Johnson
27. "Buy You A Drink"---P2K
28. "Brown Liquor"---M. Cally
29. "Sling Your Weave"---Royal D feat. Ricky White
30. "Back Up Plan"---Ben Ether
 31. "If This World Were Mine"---Adrian Bagher
32. "Trailride Love"---Sonny Boy feat. Jeter Jones
33. "Big Daddy"---Mose Stovall
34. "Don't Be Late"---Narvell Echols
35. "Gotta Go"---Mr. Frayser
36. "Shushing"---Tony Warner
37. "I'm Coming Home"---Uncle Luck
38. "I Ain't Doing A Damned Thang"---Redd Velvet
39. "Mr. Right"---X-Man Parker
40. "Say You Want It"---Mz. Poochie
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
February 12, 2023: Daddy B. Nice's News & Notes  Inactive and largely forgotten in the southern soul demographic where he was never entirely comfortable, Chicago's Stan Mosley ("Rock Me") has released his 11th album, interestingly enough, on Eddie Stout’s blues-oriented Dialtone Records out of Austin, Texas. This is the same label featured in your Daddy B. Nice's recent feature on Crystal Thomas and her apparent exit from southern soul. Mosley's NO SOUL NO BLUES is critiqued by Heikki Suosalo in Soul Express, Europe's last remaining website devoted at least partially to southern soul music....
 Coming soon.... An interesting concept for an album: THE UNTOUCHABLES, a compilation based on the song choices of a broad spectrum of southern soul's currently dominant producers: Big Yayo, Slack, Tony T, Ciddy Boi P, DJ Callie, Rodnae, Mississippi Hummin' Boy, Cecil Green and Bo Richardson.....
Narvel Echols' new album FOR THE LADIES was released February 4th, including previously-released singles "Luv Dem Blues" and "18 Wheeler Truck"....
DJ Trac, whose musical collaboration with Avail Hollywood on "Girl You Bad" secured his entree into southern soul, is releasing a new album, ANOTHER SIDE, on Nlightn Records, Avail's label....
It's only been a few months, but the promotional material says "The wait is over". Close on the heels of the well-received "Mr. Right Now," the never-idle J-Wonn has another new album in release. THE FOUNDATION includes new singles "Put A Title On It," "Too Good" and "Take You Down Through There"....
Magic One's third album, MAGIC SHOW 3, will appear soon;
The legendary William Bell has released a second single ("Let's Make Loving Great Again") from his forthcoming album, ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOM. The title cut was the first single, released late last year....
Rumor is that R&B Pooh (Dalton Parrish) has had a falling-out with Jeter Jones, his mentor and frequent collaborator over the last few years....
96.3 KOUS Radio, Monroe, Louisiana (playing southern soul, jazz, zydeco, gospel and oldies) will celebrate its 20th anniversary June 24th. Presided over by Lady A, KOUS is the oldest African-American, female-owned radio station in Louisiana. An anniverary concert featuring West Love and Vince Hutchinson and hosted by Angel Faye Russell will be held at the University of Louisiana-Monroe on June 24th. (See Daddy B. Nice's Concert Calendar)....
Southern soul artists, producers, publicists, record labels, deejays, podcasters, radio stations and even film makers and actors are invited to attend the first conference of its kind in the genre's history. The Southern Soul Radio, Music & Film Conference will be held Saturday, August 17th through 20th, 2023, at the Doubletree by Hilton, 3400 Norman Berry Drive, in Atlanta. Media influencers Daddy B. Nice and Jerry "Boogie" Mason, Ecko Record's Larry Chambers and Malaco alumnus Lee Parker, entertainment attorney Reggie McDaniel and recording artist Angel Faye Russell and radio personalities Tyrone "Da Don" Davis and Ronald Donald are just a few of the dozens of well-known speaker/panelists featured in the workshops devoted to furthering the careers of people in the music industry. The conference will also feature unique opportunities to meet with professionals from the film and acting worlds. Read all about it at Southern Radio, Music & Film Conference....
 I'm constantly amazed and heartened to run across old southern soul classics---the latest is Robert "The Duke" Tillman's "I Found Love"---with a whole new generation of viewers and listeners, and with numbers (324,000 views) that dwarf anything (mere thousands)in the past when it came out...
The annual southern soul awards---Best of 2022---dominate this month’s content. King George presides, rightfully so, as he did all year. But there’s plenty of variety, which I won’t give away here. What I will give away is two pieces of New Year’s advice to recording artists.
To the veterans…
 You are immersed in southern soul. It flows through your veins. The obstacle for you is sameness. You must find the courage to surprise. The southern soul element in your work will abide and shine through. Think of Nellie “Tiger” Travis. The P-F funk of “Mr. Sexy Man” was a shock at first, but it went on to become her biggest single and the engine of a long career. Success is never guaranteed. Failures will occur, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
To the newcomers…
Southern soul fans absolutely love new artists who have southern soul in their genes, King George being only the latest example. You already have a leg up! You’re new! But beware. Imposters are scorned. Ignorance is shunned. Immerse yourself in the southern soul canon. Listen to the music in the archives. True southern soul fans can smell what you’re cooking in the first sixteen bars.
-- Daddy B Nice
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
February 2, 2023:TOP 40 SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES: FEBRUARYAn expanded list of the songs vying for "Top Ten Singles" in February 2023.
1. "I Found Love"---Jeter Jones
2. "Moving At Your Speed"---J'Cenae feat. J-Wonn
3. "Messy"---King George feat. Coldrank
4. "Boy You Got It"---Stephanie McDee
5. "Free"---Jeter Jones
6. "Woman In Love"---David Brinston
7. "You Know I Love You"---J. Rizo
8. "Lick It"---David J & Solomon Thompson
9. "Ooh Wee Baby"---Jeter Jones feat. Volton Wright
10. "It's A Southern Soul Thang"---DJ Harvey
 11. "Toot The Boot"---Ciddy Boi P
12. "Full Time Job"---Kue
13. "Strong Strokin' Woman"---Mr. Lyve
14. "Chatty Patty"---Nellie "Tiger" Travis
15. "Steppin' Out"---Tyronica Rawls (Badgir) feat. King George
16. "Put It On Me"---Tucka feat. Fat Daddy
17. "I Can't Dance"---Poka Jones
18. "Old School (Remix)"---Jeter Jones feat. Dirty Boyz
19. "Will You Be My Valentine---The Winstons
20. "Hennessy And Honey"---S. Dott
 21. "Grown Folks"---Klay Redd
22. "Sexy Baby"---Drea'C.
23. "Hen Pecked"---Magic One
24. "Classy Lady"---Kryste Jamese
25. "Quarter In The Jukebox"---Jeter Jones
26. "Get Down Southern Soul"---Mr. Jayy Smooth
27. "Too Close"---Mr. Amazing
28. "I'ma Spoil You"---J.J. Callier
29. "Ain't Got Time"---Big Mel (Melvin Nettles)
30. "Bounce 2"---Stephanie Luckett
31. "Party Like We Used To"---Narvel Echols feat. Bonez
32. "It's Crazy"---Big G
33. "Living My Life"---Jeff Floyd feat. Roi Chip Anthony
34. "Ride It Like A Rodeo"---Shell-B
35. "Do Ya Lil' Dance"---Avail Hollywood feat. DJ Trac
36. "If Loving You Is Wrong"---R.T. Taylor feat. Volton Wright
37. "Slow Motion"---Snatch Nelson
38. "Good Man Bad"---Black Diamond
39. "Blue Pill"---Ollie Moore
40. "Big City Lights"---Tameka Jackson
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
January 2, 2023:TOP 40 SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES: JANUARYAn expanded list of the songs vying for "Top Ten Singles" in January 2023.
 1. "Highway 55"---Sir Charles Jones
2. "The Mac"---West Love feat. King George
3. "Church Candy"---Jeter Jones
4. "I Ain't Leaving My Lady"---Jeter Jones
5. "Bayou Classy Lady"---Ciddy Boi P feat. Keyun & The Zydeco Masters
6. "Hallelujah And Amen"---Avail Hollywood
7. "Bet Yo Mama Like It"---Carlin Taylor
8. "Ol Skool Game"---Chris Ivy
9. "We Be Acting Up"---Jeter Jones
10. "Shot Of Moonshine"---Marcellus The Singer
 11. "Dhat Juicy"---Tasha Mac feat. Jeter Jones
12. "Free"---Jeter Jones
13. "Lost My Mind"---Jay Morris Group (Official Video)
14. "Soul Taker"---F.P.J.
15. "Momma & Daddy"---Sir Charles Jones
16. "Moving At Your Speed"---J'Cenae feat. J-Wonn
17. "Trailride Certified 3"---Jeter Jones feat. Level
18. "Do It"---Memphis Jackson
20. "Miss Independent"---T.K. Soul & Willie Clayton
 21. "Remain The Same"---O.B. Buchana
22. "Gone"---Jeter Jones
23. "Best Friend For Life"---LaMorris Williams
24. "Just Us 2"---Memphis Jackson
25. "Umma Make A Man"---Angel Faye Russell
26. "She Got That Good Good"---T.K. Soul
27. "Come Home"---Mr. Don't Leave (Eric Hunter)
28. "I Think You're Ready"---Dee Dee Simon
29. "Pinch Myself"---Nelson Curry
30. "Shake It Baby"---Stan Butler feat. West Love
 31. "Your Love Is So Good"---Sharnette Hyter feat. Ciddy Boi P
32. "Can I"---Bruce J feat. Mizz Val
33. "Stranger In My Home"---Soul Blaque
34. "I'll Take Her"---Highway Heavy feat. Mark Holloway
35. "Mr. DJ Bounce Mix"---Chris Ivy
36. "Liquor Store"---Mz Sassy
37. "It's The Weekend"---Kayla The Love Note
38. "Trail Ride Anthem 23"---Sir Jonathan Burton
39. "Southern Soul Party"---Kreep Squad feat. Thrilla
40. "Donald Trump (Remix)"---Stan Butler feat. West Love
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
...Continued....Monthly Singles Charts from right-hand column....
UNDER CONSTRUCTION! UNDER CONSTANT REVISION!!
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
UNDER CONSTRUCTION! UNDER CONSTANT REVISION!
UNDER CONSTRUCTION / UNDER CONSTANT REVISION!!
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
--Daddy B. Nice
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
UNDER CONSTRUCTION! UNDER CONSTANT REVISION!
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
*************
************
|
|
|
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
-------JUNE 2023-------
1."Got My Whis-
key"-----Nelson Curry
It’s like DJ Sean Dolby rolls “Got My Whiskey” out the door down to the street, where a parade with floats, marching bands, samba schools and carnival dancers converge on Mel Waiters' southern soul classic Ferris Bueller-style, with Nelson (as Ferris) crushing the vocal. Love the percussion---part-bounce, part Afro-Caribb---and when those drums and horns kick in...you know you're in store for a "cover" song on a whole 'nother level.
Listen to Nelson Curry singing "Got My Whiskey" on YouTube.
See Sean Dolby's new EP (with Joe Nice): I'm The Rapper, He's The DJ.
2. "Smiling And Crying"-----Bigg Robb
Quite simply, Bigg Robb is the "Everyman" who uses a chance meeting in the Waffle House to erect a philosophical argument for social engagement and caregiving one's fellow man, rocking out all the while in a deep, soulful groove. Superb guitar. From his new album Vintage.
Read Daddy B. Nice's 4-star review!
Listen to Bigg Robb singing "Smiling And Crying" on YouTube.
3. "Take Heed (The Same Thing)"-----Young Guy
Here's a younger-generation everyman with a debut single that could become a career cornerstone. It's an old southern soul theme ("the same thing it took to get her...the same to keep her") done with astonishing depth and maturity. There's some Calvin Richardson influence (a first!), but it's incorporated into a more southern soul style, and in turn leavened by a Stan Butler influence (in the monologues).
Listen to Young Guy singing "Take Heed"on YouTube.
4. "Cowgirl"-----Mz. Brown Suga feat. LaRon Reaves
First, congratulations to those who have been digging this song and dancing to it for the past year. And to Mz Brown Suga I say, "Send me the good stuff, not the leftovers." I first got into "Cowgirl" watching a mesmerizing TikTok video of a tall, lean, white cowboy dancing to it on a dirt-floor arena, his arms more of less locked while somehow kicking his legs backwards. So if "Cowgirl" is showing up in white rodeo settings, you know its memorable melody and danceable tempo have already traveled well.
Listen to Mz. Brown Suga singing "Cowgirl" on YouTube.
5. "The Party Ain't Over"-----Ronnie Bell
Kenne' Wayne has owned the title "The Party Ain't Over" for two decades---it's one of his signature songs---but Ronnie Bell has seized it and put out a club jam that is hard to deny and hard to sit still to.
Listen to Ronnie Bell singing "The Party Ain't Over" on YouTube.
6. "What It Is About You"-----T.K. Soul
T.K.'s finest instrumental style: as clean and gleaming as pure Rocky Mountain water tumbling down high-country streams. The perfect backdrop for his remarkable vocal.
Listen to T.K. Soul singing "What It Is About You" on YouTube.
7. "B.Y.O.B. (Bring Yo Own Bottle)"----Queen Denae feat. Big Yayo
Queen Denae is the roughest and toughest new diva on the scene, fresh from a Top 10 Single in April with M. Cally called "Come Get Yo Shit". She makes it sound so easy. But if so, why aren't all the ladies doing it?
Listen to Queen Denae singing "B.Y.O.B. (Bring Yo Own Bottle)" on YouTube.
8. "You Played Too Long"-----Terry Wright
Terry Wright hits the bullseye with this ballad done in the unmistakeable Terry Wright style.
Listen to Terry Wright singing "You Played Too Long" on YouTube.
9. "She's The One That Do It For Me"----Wendell B.
Wendell returns after a long, health-related hiatus. And as good as it is, he's just warming up.
Listen to Wendell B singing "She's The One That Do It For Me" on YouTube.
10. "(I Don't Want) My Sidepiece (No More)"-----Pokey Bear feat. Tyree Neal.
You knew it had to come sooner or later, right? But it's the frisky times we'll remember.
Listen to Pokey and Tyree singing "(I Don't Want) My Sidepiece (No More)" on YouTube.
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
-------MAY 2023-------
1."Night-Time"-----King George
The first third of 2023 (already passed!) hasn't been bad for new southern soul, but it doesn't hold a candle to 2022 when the phenomenon that is King George came out of nowhere and hit the southern soul sweet spot. He's had a couple of good singles since that initial explosion (since captured on Jook Joint Music), but nothing like the easy-going, slow-burning, mid-tempo, quintessentially southern-soul charm of "Night-time". Fans, rejoice! This is King George in full flower, fulfilling his promise.
Listen to King George singing "Night-Time" on YouTube.
2. "Talk To Me"-----Arthur Young
Notice what's different? Just what I've been harping on. The production! This is so good it sounds live. Robust bass and drums, a smoky soul organ, a bluesy lead guitar, even horns! This might be the most important record Arthur Young has made since "Funky Forty". At last the finest up-and-coming vocalist in southern soul has a stage worthy of his unique pipes.
Listen to Arthur Young singing "Talk To Me" on YouTube.
3. "Brown Liquor"-----M. Cally
This is as close to an anthem as it gets for an artist breaking into the southern soul market. M. Cally has a sure artistic hand and a powerful voice, and he sounds like he's found his one true home.
Listen to M. Cally singing "Brown Liquor" on YouTube.
4. "When I Stop Loving You"------William Bell
The national powers-that-be may call it "americana" but we know who William Bell is (a soul singer) and what it is (southern soul). Beautiful, live-instrument, southern soul. And how about those violins? Along with mouth harps, so sorely missed. From Bell's One Step Closer To Home, the follow-up to his Grammy-winning THIS IS WHERE I LIVE album.
Listen to William Bell singing "When I Stop Loving You" on YouTube.
5. "Good Ole Lovin'"------Mr. Nelson
I discuss Mr. Nelson's "Good Ole Lovin'" (and "my meat in her oven") in my new CD review of Jaye Hammer's BE HAPPY album, and it's complimentary to Nelson, not Hammer. And when I say he's less talented...well, that's up to this point.
Listen to Mr. Nelson singing "Good Ole Lovin'" on YouTube.
6. "Won't Be Your Fool"-----Teslanay
This is the promising young singer (and potential heartbreaker) who recorded "Red Beans And Rice". Check out her photos at https://teslanay.com/
Listen to Teslanay singing "Won't Be Your Fool" on YouTube.
7. "Just Came To Party"-----T. Howell
Debut artist T. Howell made Daddy B. Nice's April "News & Notes" for confusing Sir Charles Jones and T.K. Soul. But that shouldn't deter us from recognizing the fineness of his classic, throwback-sounding "Just Came To Party".
Listen to T. Howell singing "Just Came To Party" on YouTube.
8. "Groove Together (Slide)"-----Uncle Gymini & Lady Jacquelyn (The Married Couple of Southern Soul)
This is a far-out song with a crazy, fizzy energy. At first I thought they were singing "the America of Southern Soul". Then, after a few listenings, I began to hear it as "the miracle of Southern Soul". Only later did I realize, "Oh yeah, it's the married couple of southern soul"! It also uses the old disco-era "Boogie Shoes" horn riff that Nellie Travis lifted for "If I Back It Up".
Listen to Uncle Gymini & Lady Jacquelyn singing "Groove Together (Slide)" on YouTube.
9. "Mz Connie's Curvy Queens Slide"-----Mz Connie
Mz Connie's the real deal. She's already released a solid debut album and paired up with colleagues like L.J. Echols and Ciddy Boi P. Her new EP containing the zydeco/southern soul hybrid "CQ Slide" releases May 2nd. See Daddy B. Nice's New Album Alert!
Listen to "Mz Connie singing Curvy Queens Slide" on YouTube.
10. TIE: DBN notes...Just could not leave either of these two songs off the Top 10 and there's only one space left!
"My Own Party"-----C.J. Hill (Daddy C)
Been working its way up the charts for a while now, and deservedly so. By the way, based on two decades of doing this, I'd say C.J. Hill is a more unique name than "Daddy C".
Listen to C.J. Hill singing "My Own Party" on YouTube.
"Hell WhenYou Well"-----Troy Murriel
You won't be able to withstand the gravitational pull of this debut.
Listen to Troy Murriel singing "Hell WhenYou Well" on YouTube.
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
-------APRIL 2023-------
1. "Let's Chill"-----Carolyn Staten
Imagine the last dance before heading to the bedroom. Stepping beat. Plenty of hand-claps. Barefoot. Romantic. Rose petals on the floor. The kind of song that in the hands of most singers would dissolve into watery sentimentality. In Carolyn Staten's hands, however, the words come across with surprising and realistic force. It's all in the voice, which until now has transformed blues and funk-based jams. This is the first foray into love songs by the newest addition to Daddy B. Nice's The New Generation Southern Soul, proving this trending artist can do it all.
Listen to Carolyn Staten singing "Let's Chill" on YouTube.
2. "My Kinda Crazy"-----J-Wonn
J-Wonn has catapulted to a new high-altitude plateau with his last two albums. You'all know the kind of singer I'm talking about...My kinda crazy. From the new The Foundation album.
Listen to J-Wonn singing "My Kinda Crazy" on YouTube.
3. "Come Get Yo Shit"-----Queen Denae feat. M. Cally
Queen Denae hits the bullseye with this totally believable southern soul throwback. Whoever produced is a banger who knows his/her southern soul.
Listen to Queen Denae singing "Come Get Yo Shit" on YouTube.
4. "Get Out"------Sons Of Funk
Speed up the tempo a little, add a dancing groove, and presto! You have the male response to Queen Denae's "Come Get Yo Shit". Only the Sons of Funk put it like this: "I packed yo shit! / You gots to go!" Both debut singles just happened to collide this month.
Listen to the Sons Of Funk singing "Get Out" on YouTube.
5. "No Woman, No Cry"-----King Fred
What a long and winding road King Fred (Frederick Hicks) has taken in shaping his considerable mojo. Fred takes the title and chorus from Marley's reggae classic but inserts an entirely new song and verses, reminding us of his brilliant debut, "Morning Delight," which did something similar in taking off on another well-known pop tune of the time, "Afternoon Delight".
Listen to King Fred singing "No Woman, No Cry" on YouTube.
6. "Lovin' Me"-----Magic One
Magic One's new Magic Show 3 continues his meteoric rise up the southern soul ranks with not only his usual singles-chart fare ("Henpecked," "Super Fine") but this short (only 2:40) and bittersweet, acapella-like bomb.
Listen to Magic One singing "Lovin' Me" on YouTube.
7. "Just Like That" (DJ Calie Remix)"-----LaMarr Deuce Lubin
This song is soooo much fun, just like Lubin's plaid pants in the dance-delirious, YouTube video. You can't play this one loud enough.
Listen to LaMarr Deuce Lubin singing "Just Like That" on YouTube.
8. "The Cowboy Slide"-----Jeter Jones
Trailride stepping and sliding as only Jeter can do. Nifty synth line. Get up and party!
Listen to Jeter Jones singing "The Cowboy Slide" on YouTube.
9. "Super Fine"-----Magic One
Quintessential Magic One (pronounced Magic Juan) from his hit-laden Magic Show 3.
Listen to Magic One singing "Super Fine" on YouTube.
10. "Drink My Liquor"-----Big Mel
Ever run into a guy who's mired in sadness, and you feel for him but don't know what to say? "Don't hold it against me," Big Mel says, "if I seem to be holding my distance."
Listen to Big Mel singing "Drink My Liquor" on YouTube.
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
-------MARCH 2023-------
1. "Top Of The Line"-----Narvel Echols
Wild, rough, yet melodic and anthemic, it has just the right cocktail of ingredients to hit that fabled southern soul "sweet spot". Remember "Pour Me A Drank"? Narvel has done it again. From his new For The Ladies album.
Listen to Narvel Echols singing "Top Of The Line" on You Tube.
2. "Take You Down Through There"-----J-Wonn
J-Wonn ambles through a two-stepping tempo with rock-star assurance. Love it. Do more dance jams, J-Wonn. From his new The Foundation album.
Listen to J-Wonn singing "Take You Down Through There" on YouTube.
3. "Mr. Big Stuff"-----Evette Busby
No one really knows how you get signed to Malaco Records (so many greats have tried and failed). But Evette Busby did it. Let's hope she fares better than Grady Champion and Queen Emily, who sank faster than stones. One thing you can't deny. When Malaco produces a record, it's on a whole other level. Second great cover song of the year.
Listen to Evette Busby singing "Mr. Big Stuff" on YouTube.
4. "Good Time" ------Tyree Neal
I've often praised Tyree Neal's guitar and instrumental work (none better than this very song) while remaining relatively unimpressed with his singing."Good Time" holds your attention from start to end. It's a great ballad and an impressive vocal, alluringly double-tracked at times and divided into separate harmony lines at others, with a dash of call and response, and all made more indelible by the song's brevity (3 minutes).
Listen to Tyree Neal singing "Good Time" on YouTube.
5. "What's Happening Now"-----Jeter Jones
Jeter Jones gets socially conscious. A good thang.
Listen to Jeter Jones singing "What's Happening Now" on YouTube.
See Daddy B. Nice's new 5-Star ("Southern Soul Heaven") Review of Jeter Jones' SUGAR HILL HIGHWAY 84 .
6. "Just A Man"-----Volton Wright
It's getting damned hard not to consider Volton Wright a top-of-the-line playa. Produced (and marketed) by Slack (Ronald Jefferson).
Listen to Volton Wright singing "Just A Man" on YouTube.
7. "Pour Up"-----Neko G (Neko Grinday)
A strong debut by a new artist.
Listen to Neko G. singing "Pour Up" on YouTube.
8. "Good Country Girl"-----Freaky B 2.0
A strong debut by a new artist.
Listen to Freaky B 2.0 singing "Good Country Girl" on YouTube.
9. "Steppin' Out"-----Tyronica "Badgir" Rawls feat. King George
Yet another solid debut---this one assisted by King George (as forty-four thousand YouTube viewers already know).
Listen to Tyronica Rawls & King George singing "Steppin' Out" on YouTube.
Also check out Tyronica Rawls on TikTok.
10. "Still With Her"-----F.P.J.
This is a slow turn by the young artist who had the hit single "If You Gone Pop It" with J-Wonn.
Listen to F.P.J. singing "Still With Her" on YouTube.
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
-------FEBRUARY 2023-------
1. "I Found Love"-----Jeter Jones
It's not Johnnie Taylor's gospel-drenched "I Found Love," nor Robert "The Duke" Tillman's, nor Jeff Floyd's on that lonely highway. Yet Jeter Jones' "I Found Love" succeeds on the strength of its Hemi-engine rhythm track and alluring chorus. "Good loving in the morning / Good cooking in the kitchen!" Jones' vocal on the choruses---especially the little moans and clicks on the off-notes---accentuates the timing, transforming "I Found Love" into a sneakily pleasurable club (or kitchen) jam.
Listen to Jeter Jones singing "I Found Love" on You Tube.
2. "Moving At Your Speed"-----J'Cenae feat. J-Wonn
As vocal partners J'Cenae and J-Wonn are right up there with the classic male/female duos of soul's storied past. The song comes dripping in emotion (and commercial crossover potential), yet it's not cloying or sentimental.
Listen to J'Cenae & J-Wonn singing "Moving At Your Speed" on YouTube.
3. "Messy"-----King George feat. Coldrank
This tune has already launched like a missile on YouTube and other outlets and for good reason. It's got the purest KG pedigree of any single he's recorded since his introductory run of classics. See Daddy B. Nice’s Best of 2022.
Listen to King George and Coldrank singing "Messy" on YouTube.
4. "Boy You Got It"-----Stephanie McDee
The first notable cover song of the year, by Daddy B. Nice's Best Female Vocalist of 2022, redoing King George's "Girl You Got It". And the first time I heard Stephanie drawl, "Ooh girl, I could just sop him up with a biscuit," I laughed out loud in the middle of the record. Expertly produced.
Listen to Stephanie McDee singing "Boy You Got It" on YouTube.
5. "Free"-----Jeter Jones
This song has been working its way up the chart despite its negativity. Yes, it's bleak. And yes, it's weird. But once you open yourself to the weirdness---the high-pitched yells and wails etc.---and think of it as "the blues" (and divorce is definitely the blues), it all falls into place. From Jeter's new Sugar Hill Highway 84.
Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Free" on YouTube.
6. "Woman In Love"-----David Brinston
Sunniest song David Brinston's recorded in years. You may dreamily wonder why the subject of women in love (one of life's miracles) doesn't come up in song more often. And yet it's there in the history. Remember Brinston's Party Til The Lights Go Out"?
Listen to David Brinston singing "Woman In Love" on YouTube.
7. "You Know I Love You"-----J. Rizo
A strong debut by a new artist.
Listen to J. Rizo singing "You Know I Love You" on YouTube.
8. "Lick It"-----David J feat. Solomon Thompson
These two make magic when they harmonize.
Listen to David J and Solomon Thompson" singing "Lick It" on YouTube.
9. "Ooh Wee Baby"-----Jeter Jones feat. Volton Wright
Another good one from Jeter's hit-laden Sugar Hill Highway 84.
Listen to Jeter Jones & Volton Wright singing "Ooh Wee Baby" on YouTube.
10. "It's A Southern Soul Thang"-----DJ Harvey
Ever wonder what Lou Reed would have sounded like singing southern soul?
Listen to DJ Harvey singing "It's A Southern Soul Thang" on YouTube.
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
-------JANUARY 2023-------
1. "Highway 55" ----- Sir Charles Jones
"I put the gun to my head/ On Highway 55"... Who has the courage, character and musical palette to even deal with turning this kind of painful personal drama into art? Only Sir Charles. How about, for instance, the quick, apt, soap-opera-like trill of the organ following "Somebody's trying to poison me"? Highway 55, of course, is I-55, the main north/south artery through the Mississippi Delta. From the King of Southern Soul's new quasi-gospel album, My Life's Testimony.
Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing "Highway 55" on YouTube.
2. "The Mac" ----- West Love feat. King George
This feisty little lady just keeps exceeding expectations in her quest to become the #1 diva in southern soul. The title "The Mac" is puzzling. Of course, one thinks of "Return of the Mack". The chorus is unusually sophisticated (jazzy)---mixed, filtered, enhanced---with a touch of the superb Dinah Washington in West Love's vocal, but the verses are reassuringly down-to-earth---some of the best southern soul vocalizing in memory. Even the great King George's vocal gets the musical version of a "perm". Irresistible.
Listen to West Love & King George singing "The Mac" on YouTube.
3. "Church Candy"-----Jeter Jones
"Church Candy" begins unassumingly, but it's perfect in its simplicity. A church-style organ gives the instrumental track a refreshingly original identity, and the story told in its lyrics is not only a charming vignette but a triumph of compression.
Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Church Candy" on YouTube.
4. "I Ain't Leaving My Lady" ----- Jeter Jones
Jeter Jones' bountiful, new double-album Sugar Hill Highway 84, of which "Church Candy" and "I Ain't Leaving My Lady" are part, delves into the nasty subject of divorce in the powerful songs "Free" and "Gone," but the melodic and hauntingly evocative "I Ain't Leaving My Lady" provides an uplifting counterpoint.
Listen to Jeter Jones singing "I Ain't Leaving My Lady" on YouTube.
5. "Bayou Classy Lady" ----- Ciddy Boi P feat. Keyun & The Zydeco Masters
Here's the best southern soul/zydeco hybrid to come out lately. It's my man Ciddy Boi P ("Can I Get It?," "My Corner Sto") once again working his feel-good magic.
Listen to Ciddy Boi P & Keyun & The Zydeco Masters singing "Bayou Classy Lady".
6. "Hallelujah & Amen" ----- Avail Hollywood
No one in current southern soul is vocalizing better than Avail Hollywood. He's a joy to listen to, and he's got a great vehicle in "Hallelujah & Amen".
Listen to Avail Hollywood singing "Hallelujah & Amen" on YouTube.
7. "Bet Yo Mama Like It" ----- Carlin Taylor
The instrumental track rocks. Another snappy hit from the performer who brought you the Top-25 Best of 2022 single "Keep It 100".
Listen to Carlin Taylor singing "Bet Yo Mama Like It" on YouTube.
8. "Ol Skool Game" ----- Chris Ivy
It's Mr. Ivy of "Turn Road" fame, sporting a fine melody composed by Omar Cunningham.
Listen to Chris Ivy singing "Ol Skool Game" on YouTube.
9. "We Be Acting Up" ----- Jeter Jones
Despite (or maybe because of) its minimalist, piano-pounding arrangement, this tune burns with the intensity of Jeter's scorching blues vocal.
Listen to Jeter Jones singing "We Be Acting Up" on YouTube.
10. "Shot Of Moonshine" ----- Marcellus The Singer
"Toxic Love" has accrued three million views on its various You
Tube pages, and Marcellus will only add to that audience with this mature outing, which proves he's got this balladeering thing down.
Listen to Marcellus The Singer singing "Shot Of Moonshine" on YouTube.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION! UNDER CONSTANT REVISION!
UNDER CONSTRUCTION! UNDER CONSTANT REVISION!
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
************
...Monthly Singles Charts continued in bottom half of middle column....
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!
************
Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Or e-Mail:
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
************
|
|
