(September 26, 2015) On Soul For Dancers, journalist (Mojo, Record Collector) and R&B authority Lois Wilson takes a trip back in time to the rare soul scene’s roots, to where it all began if you like. Many of the 61 tracks on this 2CD set filled the floor at Manchester’s The Twisted Wheel and London’s The Scene Club, both precursors of the Wigan Casino, Blackpool Mecca, The Golden Torch in Stoke et al. The sparks that lit the fuse, these early triumphs would give rise to an era defining scene, one which became a treasured subcultural phenomenon.
Some tracks on Soul For Dancers were obscure back in the day but are crowd favourites today, others still remain rare and largely unknown. Some of the artists are famous (James Brown, Etta James, Jackie Wilson, The Isley Brothers, Don Covay, Irma Thomas, and Sam & Dave) although the tracks selected here may be less familiar, while other artists like Bruce Cloud, Eloise Carter, Bunker Hill, Willie Cobbs and Mary Johnson are known only to the soul cognoscenti. Every track’s a winner here so put on your dancing shoes and get on that good foot!
Lois’s previous compilations for Fantastic Voyage include Get On The Right Track, Right On and Ain’t Gonna Hush, all popular releases which have elicited enthusiastic reviews.
A 2 LP edition selecting 32 highlights will also be released, including illustrated, annotated insert.