Daddy B. Nice's SouthernSoulRnB.com - Guide to Today's Top Chitlin' Circuit Rhythm and Blues Artists


 

Daddy B. Nice's Corner

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See Daddy B. Nice's 2016: The Year In Review (click here)

Daddy B. Nice Announces THE WINNERS of the 2016 (10th Annual) SOUTHERN SOUL MUSIC AWARDS. The winners are posted at the end of each list of finalists. A permanent listing and a link in Daddy B. Nice's Comprehensive Index to Southern Soul Music has been made on behalf of each performer for each nomination and citation 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:

"Slow Rock"-----Tucka
"Single Woman"-----T.K. Soul
"Junk In Yo Trunk"-----LaMorris Williams
"Be My Shawty On The Side"----Vick Allen
"Three"-----Cold Drank
"Daddy's Girl"----J-Wonn
"The Three Of Me"----William Bell
"Stand By Man"-----Mr. Sam
"Don't Make Me Do It"----Mys. Niki
"The Girl With The Coke Bottle Frame"----Nelson Curry
"Sneaky Girl"-----Cool Ricky Blues
"Boo Thang"----X-Man Parker
"Take Me To The Bootlegger"----Stan Butler
"Blow Me A Kiss"----Till 1
"Better Thangs"----Adrena
"Boo Thang"----Chris Ardoin
"Goody Goody Good Stuff"----Sonny Mack
"My Man Is A Full Grown Dog"----Jesi Terrell
"Why Can't I Be Your Lover?"----O.B. Buchana
"Get In There"----Big Pokey Bear

Best Mid-Tempo Song: "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?" by O.B. Buchana

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?" on YouTube.

Best Club Song:

Top Contenders:

"Got My Whiskey (Remix)"----Bigg Robb
"Calling All The Riders"----T.K. Soul
"You Bad"----LaMorris Williams
"This Place Is Hot"----Ms. Jody
"I Ain't Getting That S---"----Stevie J
"Tootie Boot"----Stan Butler
"Three"----Cold Drank
"Come Saddle Up"----Big Cynthia
"Third Of The Month"----Stan Butler
"Knock The Fire"----Mr. David
"Trail Ride"----Jaye Hammer
"I Got The Feeling"----Ms. Jody
"That Act Right"----Miss Mini
"A.P.B Out On Her"----Hollywood Hayes
"The Thrill Is Gone"----Gene "Poo Poo Man" Anderson
"Get On Up"----Sonny Mack
"Stepping Out"----Big Yayo
"Turkey Leg"----Cool Ricky Blues
"It's Booty Shaking Time"----O.B. Buchana

Best Club Song: "Three" by Cold Drank

Listen to Cold Drank singing "Three (Got A Wife, The Other Woman & A Sidepiece)" on YouTube.

Best Ballad:

Top Contenders:

"Outside Love Affair"----Donnie Ray
"Porcupine Meat"----Bobby Rush
"All True Man"----Ms. Jody
"Lord, I Need To Talk To You"----J'Wonn
"Preacher Was A Home Wrecker"----Stan Butler
"Do You Think About Me?"----Wendell B. feat. Lacee
"A Lie Don't Care Who Tell It"----Napoleon Demps
"Baby You're Ready"----Ricky White
"Living A Lie"----Katrenia Jefferson
"All The Lovers In The House"----Nellie "Tiger" Travis
"Hey Mister DJ"----Chris Ivy
“I Love You (Baby Please Don’t Go)”-------Bigg Robb
"Naked"----Louisiana Blues Brothas
"Back This Thing Up (What Yo Gonna Do For Me?)"----Nicole Jackson
"I'Mon Put It Down Tonight"----Wendell B.

Best Ballad: "Do You Think About Me?" by Wendell B. feat. Lacee

Listen to Wendell B. and Lacee singing "Do You Think About Me?" on YouTube.

Best Song By Longtime Veteran:

Top Contenders:

"Let's Have A Good Time"----Willie Clayton
"Porcupine Meat"----Bobby Rush
"The Three Of Me"----William Bell
"I Want Some More"----Carl Marshall
"Come Saddle Up"----Big Cynthia
"Shake A Little Something"----Denise LaSalle w/ Karen Wolfe
"Beans & BBQ"----Denise LaSalle w/ Bigg Robb
"Born Under A Bad Sign"----William Bell
"Let Me See You Rock"----Big Cynthia w/ Cupid
"Old School Jam"----Willie Clayton
"You Knew What You Had"----Rue Davis
"Your Love Has Affected Me"----Robert "The Duke" Tillman

Best Song By Longtime Veteran: "The Three Of Me" by William Bell

Listen to William Bell singing "The Three Of Me" on YouTube.

Best Female Vocalist:

Top Contenders:

"Better Thangs"----Adrena
"Rules To The Game"----Nikita
"I Love You"----Falisa JaNaye
"I Got The Feeling"----Ms. Jody
"Tighten Up"----Lady Soul
"That Act Right"----Miss Mini
"If You Lay, You Gone Pay"----Stephanie McDee
"You Can Get It"----Toia Jones
"All The Lovers In The House"----Nellie "Tiger" Travis
"Man's World (But Women Run It)"----Shay Denise
"Living A Lie"----Katrenia Jefferson
"Steps To Love"----Sweet Angel
"Don't Make Me Do It"----Mys. Niki (Nikita)
"My Man Is A Full Grown Dog"----Jesi Terrell
"All True Man"----Ms. Jody

Best Female Vocalist: "All True Man" by Ms. Jody

Listen to Ms. Jody singing ”All True Man” on YouTube.

Best Male Vocalist:

Top Contenders:

"I Don't Want To Be Alone"----Luther Lackey
"Nobody"----El' Willie
"Do You Think About Me?"----Wendell B.
"Single Woman"----T.K. Soul
"When She Said Good-Bye"----Tucka
"Take Me To The Bootlegger"----Stan Butler
"Sneaky Girl"----Cool Ricky Blues
"Porcupine Meat"----Bobby Rush
"The Three Of Me"----William Bell
"Boo Thang"----X-Man Parker
"They Want Me To"----Black Diamond (Clarence & Ricky Fuller)
"Trail Ride"----Jaye Hammer
"Why Can't I Be Your Lover?"----O.B. Buchana
"Lord, I Need To Talk To You"----J'Wonn
"Three"----Cold Drank
"Get On Up"----Sonny Mack
"I'm Concerned"----LaMorris Williams
"Boo Thang"----Chris Ardoin
"Just Say The Word (Remix)"----Big G
"Enjoy Yourself"----J. Red
"Hush Money"----Alonzo Reid
"Stand By Man"----Mr. Sam

Best Male Vocalist: "I'm Concerned" by LaMorris Williams

Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "I'm Concerned" on YouTube.

Best Debut:

Top Contenders:

"Make Her Feel It," "Love After Hours"----Tony Tatum
"A.P.B. Out On Her"----Hollywood Hayes
"Shake It"----Ra'Shad The Blues Kid
"Don't Make Me Do It," "Rules To The Game"----Mys. Niki (Nikita)
"No Late Night Booty Call"----Rena Ree
"Them Country Girls," "Country Girl"----Crystal Thomas
"Tootie Boot," "Bootlegger," "Third Of The Month," "Preacher Was A Home Wrecker," "Took My Grandma To The Club"----Stan Butler
"The Thrill Is Gone"----Gene "Poo Poo Man" Anderson
"Stepping Out"----Donna Renae
"You Can Get It," "Shothouse Blues"----Toia Jones
"The Best You Ever Had," "Cowgirl (Remix)," "Role Play," "Pour It Up"----Rosalyn Candy
"If You Need Some," "That Act Right"----Miss Mini
"Catch A Groove (Dancing Shoes)"-----Christopher La'Mont
"I'd Better Leave You Alone"----Summer Wolfe
"Don't Wonna Lose My Baby"----Coupe Deville
"Classy"----Sharnette Hyter

Best Debut: Stan Butler

Listen to Stan Butler singing "Take Me To The Bootlegger" on YouTube.

Best Collaboration:

Top Contenders:

"I Tiptoed In It"----Mr. Sam w/ O.B. Buchana
"Shake What Your Mama Gave You"----J. Red w/ Willie Hill
"Charlie Horse"----Cupid w/ Dana Jackson
"Sneaky Girl"----Cool Ricky Blues w/ L.J. Echols
"You Think I'm Wrong (I Think I'm Right)"----Karen Wolfe w/ Sir Charles Jones
"Shake A Little Something"----Karen Wolfe w/ Denise LaSalle
"Let Me See You Rock"----Big Cynthia w/ Cupid
"Drop That Thang"-----J. Red, David Aaron & Joe Nice
"Shothouse"----Toia Jones w/ Bigg Robb
"Blues & BBQ"----Denise LaSalle w/ Bigg Robb
"ZBT (Zydeco, Blues & Trail Rides) Anthem"----RMG (Ross Music Group feat. Pokey Bear, Crystal Thomas, Jeter Jones, Miss Portia, Blu3Black, Gangsta)
"BYOB Party"----Tre' Williams w/ Jerry Flood
"Them Country Girls"----Jeter Jones w/ Crystal Thomas
"Shake That Money Maker"----Pokey Bear w/ Mystikal
"Sufferin' (Remix)"----Omar Cunningham w/ Bigg Robb, R. Kelly
"Do You Think About Me?"----Wendell B. w/ Lacee
"One Night Stand"----Pokey Bear w/ Cold Drank

Best Collaboration: Cool Ricky Blues w/ L.J. Echols

Listen to Cool Ricky Blues and L.J. Echols singing "She's A Sneaky Girl" on YouTube.

Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song:

Top Contenders:

"Lord, I Need To Talk To You"----J-Wonn
"The Thrill Is Gone"----Gene "Poo Poo Man" Anderson
"Took My Grandma To The Club"----Stan Butler
"Catch A Groove (Dancing Shoes)"-----Christopher La'Mont
"Trail Ride"----Jaye Hammer
"Wrong Draws (He Caught Me With The Wrong Drawers On)"-----The Mystery Lady
"Boo Thang"----Chris Ardoin "Be My Shawty On The Side"----Vick Allen
"A.P.B" Out On Her"----Hollywood Hayes
"Little Bit"----Rob Hewz
"Shake That Money Maker"----Pokey Bear w/ Mystikal

Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song: TIE between "Boo Thang" by Chris Ardoin and "Trail Ride" by Jaye Hammer

Listen to Chris Ardoin singing "Boo Thang" on YouTube.

Listen to Jaye Hammer singing "Trail Ride" on YouTube.

Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song:

Top Contenders:

"We Gone Party"----J-Wonn
"Trail Ride"----Jaye Hammer
"I Got The Feeling"----Ms. Jody
"Move Something"----Grady Champion
"Get On The Good Foot"----Big Pokey Bear
"Cowgirl (Remix)"----Big Yayo, Rosalyn Candy, J-Wonn
"Come Saddle Up"----Big Cynthia
"Three"----Cold Drank
"Shake A Little Something"----Karen Wolfe w/ Denise LaSalle
"Watch It Shake"----Lomax
"Don't Back Up Off It"----Ms. Jody
"Got My Whiskey (Remix)----Big Robb
"Shothouse/Clean Up Woman"----Bigg Robb w/ Toia Jones
"Junk In Yo Trunk"----LaMorris Williams
"Come And Get It"----Big Yayo w/ J-Wonn

Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song: "I Got The Feeling" by Ms. Jody

Listen to Ms. Jody singing "I Got The Feeling" on YouTube

Best Cover Song:

Top Contenders:

"It Be's That Way Sometimes"----Duchess Jureesa McBride
"Knock The Fire"----Mr. David
"Been Dreamin' About Ya"----Herman Hitson
"Got My Whiskey (Remix)"----Bigg Robb
"Cowgirl (Remix)"----Big Yayo, J-Wonn, Rosalyn Candy
"Born Under A Bad Sign"----William Bell "Sufferin' (Remix)"----Omar Cunningham, Bigg Robb, R. Kelly
"Tasty Girl (Remix)"----O.B. Buchana
"I Tiptoed In It"----
Mr. Sam w/ O.B. Buchana

Best Cover Song: "It Be's That Way Sometimes" by Duchess Jureesa McBride


Listen to Duchess Jureesa McBride singing "It Be's That Way Sometimes" on YouTube.

Best Arranger/Producer:

Top Contenders:

Mike Darden: Miss Mini's "That Act Right," Adrena's "Better Thangs"

T.K. Soul (Terence Kimble): Lady Soul's "Lady Soul Slide," T.K. Soul's "Single Woman" & "Calling All The Riders," Nikita's "Rules To The Game," Mr. Juicy's "That's My Boo," Rhomey's "What's That Dance?" and "Lonely Man"

Bigg Robb (Robert Smith): Bigg Robb's "I Love You" & "Got My Whiskey (Remix)," Toia Jones' "You Can Get It" & "Shothouse," Bigg Robb's & Denise LaSalle's "Blues & BBQ"

John Ward: O.B. Buchana's "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?" and "Swing On," Jaye Hammer's "Trail Ride," Ms. Jody's "All True Man," "I Got The Feeling" and "This Place Is Hot," Sonny Mack's "Get On Up" and "Goody Good Good Stuff"

Heavy (aka Highway Heavy) (Charles Lewis): Cold Drank's "Three," Adrian Bagher's "Dirty"

Tucka (Norris Boutte): Tucka's "Slow Rock" & "When She Said Good-Bye"

LaMorris Williams: LaMorris William's "Let Me Know," "You Bad," "The Guitar Song," "Junk In Yo Trunk" & "I'm Concerned"

Beat Flippa (Daniel Ross): Lady Soul's "Tighten Up," Big Cynthia's "Come Saddle Up," Jeter Jones & Crystal Thomas' "Them Country Girls," Louisiana Blues Brothas' "Naked"

J-Wonn (Jawonn Smith): J-Wonn's "Daddy's Girl," "I Need A Grown Woman," "To My Grave," "24/7" & "We Gone Party"

John Leventhal: William Bell's "The Three Of Me," "This Is Where I Live," "Born Under A Bad Sign"

Best Arranger/Producer: John Ward


SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Best Songwriter:

Top Contenders:

LaMorris Williams: "I'm Concerned," "The Guitar Song," "Let Me Know"

John Cummings & John Ward: O.B. Buchana's "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?", Ms. Jody's "All True Man" (w/ Leo Johnson), Jaye Hammer's "Trail Ride"

Heavy (Charles Lewis): Cold Drank's "Three"

Stan Butler: "Take Me To The Bootlegger," "Third Of The Month," "Tootie Boot"

Mike Darden: Adrena's "Better Thangs" Miss Mini's "That Act Right,"

J-Wonn (Jawonn Smith): "Lord, I Need To Talk To You," "Daddy's Girl," "I Need A Grown Woman"

Best Songwriter: John Cummings & John Ward (w/ Leo Johnson)


SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Best CD:

Top Contenders:

Tucka Long Live The King
Big Yayo Southern Classic
Beat Flippa I Got The Blues Vol. 2
J-Wonn The Legacy Begins
Napoleon Demps Presents
J. Red Soul Certified
Jeter Jones Da GQ Country Boy
LaMorris Williams Mississippi Motown
Ms. Jody I Got The Feeling
Pokey Bear Mr. It Ain't Fair
O.B. Buchana Mississippi Folks
Ricky White Love Zone
Rosalyn Candy Timeless Soul Music Never Dies
Big G Satisfaction Guaranteed
Sonny Mack Get On Up
Adrena Better Days
Wendell B The Next 1
Stevie J Back 2 Blues

Best CD: Mississippi Motown by LaMorris Williams


Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "The Guitar Song" on YouTube.

Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "Let Me Know" on YouTube

Hardest Touring Crowd Pleaser:

Top Contenders:

Sir Charles Jones
T.K. Soul
Big Yayo
J-Wonn
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
Big Pokey Bear

Hardest Touring Crowd Pleaser: J-Wonn

Listen to J-Wonn singing "Daddy's Girl" live in concert.

Thanks and congratulations to ALL of you--to everyone!



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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Product, comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?

Write to

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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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 Preview For. . .

-------JUNE 2016---------

1. "A.P.B. Out On Her"-----Hollywood Hayes

The legendary Ronnie Lovejoy sang about his woman having an "A.P.B. Out On Me." Hollywood Hayes works a similar, steamy groove in "A.P.B. Out On Her." I've never been contacted by him, but he's got a hit as rough and erotic as Big Ro Williams' "Good Love Muscle."

Listen to Hollywood Hayes singing "A.P.B. Out On Her" on YouTube.

Buy Hollywood Hayes' "APB Out On Her" mp3 at CD Baby.

2. "Tootie Boot"------Stan Butler

Here's another choice cut from an unknown artist who's never contacted your Daddy B. Nice. Also check out his first official video: "I Took My Grandma To The Club."

Listen to Stan Butler singing "Tootie Boot" on YouTube.

3. "Rules To The Game"--------Nikita

A T.K. Soul production. The vocal is catchy, almost hypnotic, and very seasoned for a debut. But what a name. Doesn't anyone remember Kruschev? Or am I just showing my age?

Listen to Nikita singing "Rules To The Game" on YouTube.

Buy Nikita's "Rules To The Game" mp3 at Amazon.

JUST IN:
"Nikita" is the artist formerly known as "Mys Niki." See Daddy B. Nice's Mailbag for background story.


4. "No Late Night Booty Call"-----Rena Ree

Another sinuous hit (see last month's #1, Jesi Terrell's "My Man Is A Full Grown Dawg") from Sound Mindz' Tony Gideon, courtesy of writer/producer Mark Safford (aka Mr. X), who penned so many great songs for The Love Doctor.

Listen to Rena Ree singing "No Late Night Booty Call" on YouTube.

Buy Rena Ree's "No Late Night Booty Call" at iTunes.

5. "Goody Goody Good Stuff"-----Sonny Mack

Sonny Mack? The face of Ecko Records? He's making a serious bid. Another gem from Mack's GET ON UP CD.

Listen to Sonny Mack singing "Goody Good Good Stuff" on YouTube

Buy Sonny Mack's "Goody Good Good Stuff" at iTunes.

Read Daddy B. Nice's four-star CD review.

6. "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw (Remix) On Da Bicycle"-----Bishop Bullwinkle

The Bishop's new instrumental track for "Hell Naw". Read Daddy B. Nice's story...."The Latest On Bishop Bullwinkle".

Listen to Bishop Bullwinkle singing his "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw On The Bicycle (Remix) on YouTube.

7. "This Is Where I Live"------William Bell

William Bell's autobiographical journey, the title tune of his new CD on the rejuvenated Stax.

Listen to William Bell singing "This Is Where I Live" on YouTube.

Buy William Bell's "This Is Where I Live" at iTunes.

See Daddy B. Nice's latest on William Bell.

8. "Old School Jam"----Willie Clayton

Listen to Willie Clayton singing "Old School Jam" on YouTube.

Buy Willie Clayton's "Old School Jam" at iTunes.

9. "Shake A Little Something"-----Denise LaSalle & Karen Wolfe

The "queen" and the "princess" team up on a straight-ahead, acoustic blues. No YouTube or retail yet.

10. "Facebook Love Affair"-------Luther Lackey

No YouTube or retail yet.

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------MAY 2016---------

1. "My Man Is A Full Grown Dawg"------Jesi Terrell

Best thing to come out of indie label Sound Mindz Records in years, or at least since Jesi's own Love Mechanic in 2012. But that was a cover (Willie Clayton). This is an original, with a superb melody/groove and consummate lyrics.

Listen to Jesi Terrell singing "My Man Is A Full Grown Dawg" on YouTube.

Buy Jesi Terrell's "My Man Is A Full Grown Dog" mp3 at CD Baby.

2. TIE: "You Bad" / "Let Me Know"-------LaMorris Williams

"You Bad" is LaMorris at his classic simplicity-rocking-best. "Let Me Know" is the eye-opening new style from LaMorris that will have you ballroom-disco-dancing.

Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "You Bad" on YouTube.

Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "Let Me Know" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's five-star "southern soul heaven" CD Review.

3. TIE: "Work That Thang" / "Just Say The Word (Remix)"--------Big G

Big G's back with his best collection in years, featuring the rocking single "Work That Thang" and the nine-minute classic ballad, "Just Say The Word," as deep and satisfying as Carl Sims' "I'm Trapped."

Listen to Big G singing "Work That Thang" on YouTube.

Listen to Big G singing "Just Say The Word (Remix)" on YouTube

4. "You Knew What You Had"--------Rue Davis

Who knew Rue Davis would "blossom" in the autumn of his career? This is the second superb single, following the "Twerkin'"-like "Big Hip Woman"--Daddy B. Nice's #7 Southern Soul Single December 2015--from his new CD. See New Album Alerts.

Listen to Rue Davis singing "You Knew What You Had" on YouTube.

5. "Let Me See You Rock"------Big Cynthia featuring Cupid

One of Cupid's best duets in awhile--and Cupid DOES duets.

Listen to Big Cynthia & Cupid singing "Let Me See You Rock" on RockMusicHub.

6. "Come On Home"-----Keith Frank & La. 26

It's not only southern soul artists doing zydeco; it's zydeco artists doing southern soul.

Listen to Keith Frank and La. 26 singing"Come On Home" on YouTube.

7. "Let Me Be Your Pokey Bear"-----Big Pokey

The sample is Tyrone Davis's "Let Me Be Your Pacifier," but a couple of listens to Pokey's version truly obliterates memories of the original.

Listen to Pokey singing "Let Me Be Your Pokey Bear" on YouTube.

8. "Until The Morning"-----Avail Hollywood

Bass-heavy, rattlesnake-hissing, with a vocal as original as the arrangement.

Listen to Avail Hollywood singing "Until The Morning" on YouTube.

9. "Hit It Again"-----Stevie J

Listen to Stevie J singing "Hit It Again" on YouTube.

10. "Watch It Shake"------Lomax

Listen to Lomax singing "Watch It Shake" on YouTube.

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------APRIL 2016---------

1. "The Three Of Me"-------William Bell

So glad William Bell is recording, both for the pleasure of listening to his pure southern soul voice and accomplished sound but also for the example he sets the new generation of southern soul artists who will steer better for his shining beacon.

Listen to William Bell singing "The Three Of Me" on NPR. Also scroll down to read the NPR interview of William.

Sample/Buy William Bell's "The Three Of Me" at iTunes.

2. "Lord, I Need To Talk To You"---------------J'Wonn

Maybe it's your Daddy B. Nice's weird pick of the month, or maybe it's an example of that "outside-the-box" creativity I've been talking about, or maybe my religious childhood is knocking on the back-door of my conscience because I used a four-letter word in my latest column. All I know is that I sit up and listen to this straightforward gospel in the same way I sat up and listened to "I Got This Record." I hear J'Wonn's innermost soul.

Watch and listen to the official video of J'Wonn singing "Lord, I Need To Talk To You" on YouTube.

3. "Get On Up"-----Sonny Mack

You've got to give credit to Ecko Records' John Ward (co-writer and producer of Mack's rambunctious "Get On Up") for assessing the changes in southern soul and moving toward more dance-oriented material with O.B. Buchana, Jaye Hammer and now Sonny Mack. Great vocal integration with the rhythm track.

Listen to Sonny Mack singing "Get On Up" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Sonny Mack's "Get On Up" at iTunes.

4. "Enjoy Yourself"-------J. Red (The Nephew)

This young man is becoming a consummate southern soul singer/songwriter/producer in a very short time. For those wondering about the "nephew," J. Red broke into the southern soul market as Theodis ("Stand Up In It") Ealey's "nephew."

Listen to J. Red singing "Enjoy Yourself" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy J. Red's "Enjoy Yourself" at iTunes.

5. "Hush Money"--------Alonzo Reid

Alonzo doesn't have Marvin's caramel-thick tenor, but longtime Marvin Sease sideman Alonzo Reid has remnants of his musical legacy, his band, and.....pinch your Daddy B. Nice if that's not the one and only LaKeisha Burks singing background and voice-over, just as sassy and 20-something as she ever was on Marvin's records.

Listen to Alonzo Reid singing "Hush Money" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Alonzo Reid's "Hush Money" at CD Baby.

6. "Make Her Feel It"------Tony Tatum

This is the southern soul debut artist who Daddy B. Nice scolded for the amateurish horn programming on his first single. He bounced right up with something even better. "Make Her Feel It" is very "hook-ey" and well-sung, not to mention refreshingly short, and the reference to "Theodis" will seal the deal with the fans.

Listen to Tony Tatum singing "Make Her Feel It" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Tony Tatum's "Make Her Feel It" at iTunes.

7. "Stand By Man"------Mr. Sam

A very welcome, mid-tempo offering from Mr. Sam on the Ecko label. It will remind his fans of the lush, lyrical quality of his early work.

8. "Junk In Yo Trunk"------LaMorris Williams

LaMorris' new single is just one of the delights from his new MISSISSIPPI MOTOWN CD. He's one of the best self-producers in the business.

Watch and listen to the official LaMorris Williams video of "Junk In Yo Trunk."

Sample/Buy LaMorris Williams' "Junk In Yo Trunk" at CD Baby.

9. "Move Something"-----Grady Champion

Grady's shooting for a more southern-soul sound (like "Make That Monkey Jump") on this new record debuted on WAGR (Holmes County, Mississippi)--probably the rawest, funkiest southern station going--the other night. He may cite Sonny Boy Williamson as an influence, but Grady's vocals sound like Darius Rucker from Hootie & The Blowfish (more white and rock than black and blues).

10. TIE between two brazenly-sampled records:

"Been Dreamin' About Ya" by Herman Hitson takes Otis Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember" and speeds it up without losing the Redding-style horns. Sample/Buy Herman Hitson's "Been Dreamin' About Ya" at CD Baby.
And Pokey's "I've Got A Root Coming On" samples Curtis Mayfield's "Pusher Man."

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------MARCH 2016---------

1. “Trail Ride”-------------Jaye Hammer

This out-of-the-gate anthem represents the perfect marriage of southern soul power and zydeco enthusiasm your Daddy B. Nice has been talking about. Be happy. Be dancing. Get delirious.

Listen to Jaye Hammer singing "Trail Ride" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Jaye Hammer’s “Trail Ride” at Amazon.

2. “Don’t Make Me Do It"-------Mys. Niki

Artists looking for that “sweet spot” of southern soul should track down the guitarist (and composer) who laid down this five-star guitar lick.

Listen to Mys. Niki singing “Don’t Make Me Do It” on Spreaker.

Buy Ms. Niki’s “Don’t Make Me Do It” mp3 at CD Baby.

3. “Don’t Back Up Off It”--------Ms. Jody

Exploring a musical phrase that’s been done thousands of times, most of them forgettable, Ms. Jody’s James Brownian jam grooves along for five astonishing minutes, walking a razor’s edge of southern soul euphoria while teetering above the twin chasms of monotony and cliché.

Listen to Ms. Jody singing "Don't Back Up Off It" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Ms. Jody’s “Don’t Back Up Off It.”

4. ”The Girl With The Coke Bottle Frame”----------Nelson Curry

The honey-smoked vocalist's first, post-Klass Band Brotherhood single, with obvious roots in “Sugaa Shack.”

Listen to Nelson Curry singing “The Girl With The Coke Bottle Frame” on Spreaker.

5. “They Want Me To (Don't Let It Ruin Us)”--------Black Diamond

One of the lead singers (North Carolina brothers Clarence and Ricky Fuller share duties) sounds like The Eagles’ Don Henley—charismatic and memorable within a monochromatic vocal register. The harmonies (including Karen Jackson and LaShunda Tyson) are great.

Listen to Black Diamond singing “They Want Me Too (Don’t Let It Ruin Us, Baby)”

6. “So Glad”----------King Fred Hicks

In which a young artist wandering in the desert, beset by mirages, rediscovers his personal musical oasis. This guy has a unique style in the vein of, say, an L.J. Echols.

Listen to King Fred (Frederick Hicks) singing "When I Think Of You" on YouTube.

...until "So Glad" comes out.

7. "Shake That Money Maker"-----Pokey Bear featuring Mystikal

In the 80's, when your Daddy B. Nice was in New York, dancing to Talking Heads off-shoot Tom Tom Club's "Genius Of Love," an ode to Smokey Robinson, Sly & Robbie, Bob Marley and other great artists of color, who would have thought I'd be listening to another generation of black artists sampling the "Genius Of Love," in a genre called southern soul 25 years later?

Listen to Pokey Bear & Mystikal singing "Shake That Money Maker" on YouTube.

Buy Pokey Bear's MR. IT AIN'T FAIR CD at Amazon.

8. "Single Woman"------T.K. Soul

A companion "book-end" to Sir Charles Jones' "Independent Ladies. And why do our soul stars sing this praise? Because single mothers form the bulk of the audience attending the concerts.

Listen to a sample of T.K. Soul singing "Single Woman" on Rhapsody.

Buy T.K. Soul's "Single Woman" mp3 at CD Baby.

9. "Pop That Monkey (Extra Bass Mix)"-----Bigg Robb featuring R-3

How about the quarter-century journey from Afrika Bambaataa and Soul Sonic Force's "Planet Rock" to 2016's "Pop That Monkey," by the de facto custodian of contemporary southern soul culture himself, Bigggggggg Robb?

Listen to Bigg Robb singing "Pop That Monkey" on YouTube.

Buy Bigg Robb's "Pop That Monkey" mp3.

10. "It Be's That Way Sometimes"------The Duchess Jureesa McBride

With two lengthy chitlin' circuit-style voice-overs that apply just the right amount of contrast at the most opportune junctures, The Duchess simply "crushes" Joe Simon's R&B classic "It Be's That Way Sometimes."

Listen to Jureesa McBride singing "It Be's That Way Sometimes" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's CD Review.

Buy Jureesa McBride's 8-minute rendering of "It Be's That Way Sometime."

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------FEBRUARY 2016---------

1. "When She Said Good-Bye"--------Tucka

With echoes of Roy C's "Morning Train," "When She Said Good-Bye" marks a new direction for the brilliant Tucka. The arrangement and instrumentation is as confident as it is original.

Listen to Tucka singing "When She Said Good-Bye" on YouTube.

2. "I Want Me A Country Girl"------Terry Wright

Another great track from Terry Wright's new CD. Haven't heard a bad track yet. No YouTube.

Sample/Buy Terry Wright's YOU'RE JUST STANDING IN A GOOD MAN'S WAY CD at Soul Blues Music.

3. "2 Step Slide"-----Mr. David

Brand new jam from a southern soul singer with a style all his own. No YouTube or Retail yet.

4. "Drop That Thang"-----J. Red, David Aaron & Joe Nice

J. Red and Joe Nice are crazy-busy all over the place, and now they're doing it together.

Listen to J. Red, David Aaron & Joe Nice singing "Drop That Thang" on SoundCloud.

5. "Living A Lie"-----Katrenia Jefferson

This ballad, working Katrenia's unique niche between southern soul and urban r&b, has been the #1 single in Mobile, Alabama for four weeks running.

Listen to Katrenia Jefferson singing "Living A Lie" on YouTube.

6. "I Just Wanna Love You"----Patrick Green

An old-school, Valentine's ballad from an old-school southern soul singer. No YouTube.

7. "Steps To Love"----Sweet Angel

Sweet Angel has kept a low profile the last couple of years, but she can still sing southern soul with the best of them.

Listen to Sweet Angel singing “Steps To Love” on YouTube.

Buy Sweet Angel's "Steps To Love" mp3 at CD Baby.

8. “I Love You (Baby Please Don’t Go)”-------Bigg Robb

Robb brings the full production to this Valentine's ballad, with a hint of Problem Solvas'-style background vocals that sounds real good after all this time.

Sample/Buy Bigg Robb’s “I Love You” at CD Baby.

9. “Little Bit” --------Rob Hewz

The singer who has been confused with Bigg Robb (under the name Big Rob) in the past has fashioned a solid mid-tempo jam.

Listen to Rob Hewz singing “Little Bit” on YouTube.

10. "The Lucas Funky Swing"----Frank Lucas

If you think about it, Frank Lucas ("The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling") was Bishop Bullwinkle before there was a Bishop Bullwinkle.

Listen to Frank Lucas singing "The Lucas Funky Swing" on YouTube.

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .

-------JANUARY 2016---------

1. "Forever And Ever"--------J. Red

I've been beating the bushes for the best song to kick off 2016 and this is it. For older-generation soul and R&B artists/fans who took the off-ramp when Sir Charles Jones emerged with the new southern soul, listen closely: this is the vintage sound in the new sound.

Listen to J. Red singing "Forever And Ever" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy J. Red's SOUL CERTIFIED CD at Amazon.

Read Daddy B. Nice's new 5-star CD Review.

2. "Dump Truck"-----Luster Baker

Yes, close readers, this tune did sneak into December's Top Ten Singles at #9, but "Dump Truck" is too important--too iconic--not to showcase in a top chart position. Luster Baker--"My Boo," "Main Thang" (w/ T.K. Soul), "Big Leg Woman" (w/ L.J. Echols)--is the real deal.

Listen to Luster Baker singing "Dump Truck" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Luster Baker's new THEY CALL ME MR. JUICY CD at CD Baby.

3. "(It's A) Man's World (But Women Run It)"------Shay Denise

Shay Denise debuts with a really good, groovin', confidently-sung, women's anthem brought to you by J. Red and S. Redmond.

Listen to Shay Denise singing "Man's World" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Shay Denise's "Man's World" mp3 at Amazon.

4. "Stepping Out"-------Big Yayo

Big Yayo brings out your Daddy B. Nice's one-liners, like "southern soul electronica" for "Cowgirl." This one I call "Sha-Na-Na" soul. There's such an early rock and roll sound to it. At first I couldn't stop laughing. Now I can't stop smiling.

Listen to Big Yayo singing "Stepping Out" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Big Yayo's new SOUTHERN CLASSIC CD at iTunes.

5. "Tasty Girl (Remix)"----O.B. Buchana

O.B.'s new work is like listening to southern soul for the first time: you don't quite believe what you're hearing--it's hard to define. You almost have to forget the "OB" you think you know and just get caught up in the hauntingly suggestive vibrations of the song.

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "Tasty Girl (Remix) on YouTube.

Sample/Buy O.B. Buchana's new MISSISSIPPI FOLKS CD at Soul Blues Music.

Read Daddy B. Nice's review of the album in NEW CD REVIEWS.

6. "(You Can) Get It"-----Toia Jones

Produced by Bigg Robb and effectively performed by newcomer Toia Jones--if this song was any sexier, it'd be a lap-dance. Recommended for horny men of all ages.

Listen to Toia Jones singing "You Can Get it" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Toia Jones' "Get It" mp3 at CD Baby.

7. "I Need A Woman"-----Tony Tatum

Poor programming mars this otherwise admirable song by a new artist. Avoid programmed horns. Use guitars, organ/keyboards or whatever. But brass doesn't translate well through synthesizing. It screams, "Fraud!" and distracts the listener in a way drums, bass, guitar and keyboards don't. More's the shame here, because the introduction hints at a scintillating production.

Listen to Tony Tatum singing "I Need A Woman" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Tony Tatum's "I Need A Woman" mp3 at iTunes.

8. "Be My Shawty On The Side"-------Vick Allen

Welcome back, Vick! This one's typically finesse on technique but lean on musical substance, even allowing for its light-hearted theme.

Listen to Vick Allen singing "Be My Shawty On The Side" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Vick Allen's "Be My Shawty On The Side" at iTunes.

9. "I'm Just A Ghetto Man"-------Tre' Williams

Still a powerful voice, especially on a good song like this. But by cutting ties with The Revelations, did Tre' cut off his pipeline to material? Even the greats like Bobby "Blue" Bland needed effective songs to prosper.

Listen to Tre' Williams singing "Ghetto Man" on YouTube.

10. TIE between.... "Let's Get It Started"-----Lady Audrey & The Superior Band

Sample/Buy Lady Audrey's "Let's Get It Started" at iTunes.

and... "Gold Digga"-----The Winstons

Listen to The Winstons singing "Gold Digga" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy The Winstons "Gold Digga" mp3 at Amazon.


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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Product, comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 Souther Soul Singles

Daddy B. Nice's Top 25 Songs Of 2016


1. "Three"------Cold Drank

"Already got two house notes. / Man, I'm barely getting by." Absolutely the best "Sidepiece" response song ever. At first producer Heavy had trouble persuading Cold Drank to sing it. That is, until he threatened taking the incendiary lyrics to Big Pokey Bear, as he had "Sidepiece" a couple of years before. A masterpiece of atmosphere and compression, "Three" synthesizes so many musical elements into its vertiginous three minutes, it'll be studied by southern soul producers for years to come.

2. "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?"----O.B. Buchana

3. "I'm Concerned"-----LaMorris Williams

4. "Boo Thang"------Chris Ardoin

5. "Sneaky Girl"-----Cool Ricky Blues w/ L.J. Echols

6. "Trail Ride" -------------Jaye Hammer

7. "Bootlegger"------Stan Butler

8. ”All True Man”------Ms. Jody

9. “Don’t Make Me Do It"-------Mys. Niki (latterly Nikita)

10. "Do You Think About Me?"------Wendell B. featuring Lacee

11. "My Man Is A Full Grown Dawg"------Jesi Terrell

12. "When She Said Good-Bye"--------Tucka

13. "The Three Of Me"-------William Bell

14. "Let Me Know"-------LaMorris Williams

15. "Third Of The Month"------Stan Butler

16. "I Got The Feeling"----Ms. Jody

17. "Dump Truck"-----Luster Baker

18. "All The Lovers In The House"-----Nellie "Tiger" Travis

19. "Lord, I Need To Talk To You"---------------J-Wonn

20. "Better Thangs"-----Adrena

21. "Just Say The Word (Remix)"--------Big G

22. "I Need A Grown Woman"-----J-Wonn

23. "Get On Up"-----Sonny Mack

24. "Enjoy Yourself"-------J. Red (The Nephew)

25."Come Saddle Up"-------Big Cynthia



SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------DECEMBER 2016-------

1."Come Saddle Up" / "Swing Out"-------Big Cynthia / Big Cynthia featuring Pokey Bear

Cynthia never met a note she wanted to bend, which has arguably limited her appeal over the years. One of the longest-tenured artists in southern soul, this daughter of Junior Walker and current godmother to the Louisiana southern soul scene was recording for Avanti and Ace in the 90's. I succumbed to "Saddle Up" after a couple of plays. The energy is too electric to do without. And man-of-the-moment Big Pokey joins Cynthia on "Swing Out," submitting an especially "grainy" and vintage-sounding vocal. (No You-Tube as of this posting.)

Listen to Big Cynthia singing "Come Saddle Up" on YouTube.

2. "Do You Think About Me?"------Wendell B. featuring Lacee

Slow jam city, baby. The instrumental track is like a mattress of sound you want to jump into and bury yourself. Wendell B has quietly become one of the foremost vocalists in all of R&B--and without losing his southern soul! Lacee's terrific. Check out the poignant, Ms. Tabatha-like guitar. Worthy to be played with Luther Vandross' "Think About You."

Listen to Wendell B. and Lacee singing "Do You Think About Me?" on YouTube.

3. "All The Lovers In The House"-----Nellie "Tiger" Travis

If this song hadn't come from composer/producer Floyd Hamberlin, I might not have made it past the first few bars: flowery and flaccid, hinting of elevator music. Then Nellie starts singing. A Southern Soul vocal just doesn't get any better. She transforms it into an anthem so powerful you can visualize how it's going to play out in concert, with the fans all swaying slowly from side to side with their hands in the air. It's so positive--full of warmth, love and community. Check out the early Sir Charles Jones production effects.

Listen to Nellie "Tiger" Travis singing"All The Lovers In The House" on YouTube.

4. "Nobody"-----El' Willie

Ever wonder what Willie would sound like on a professionally-produced record? Pretty impressive, as it turns out. Willie told me he sent me the wrong mix, and I said, "No, you didn't." A long, leisurely, Herbie Hancock-ish, instrumental intro leads into El's intimate, velvet-baritone vocal, and it's worth the wait--justified in the way you would wait to be ushered into a bishop's inner chambers. Reminscent of the jazz/blues of Charles Brown.

Listen to El' Willie singing "Nobody" on YouTube.

5. "(They Say I'm) Classy"----Sharnette Hyter

Another find for Daniel Ross (Beat Flippa) and the Baton Rouge-based Ross Music Group, Sharnette Hyter is too good to ignore, and surrounded by Beat Flippa's richly-textured production, she comes across like a tough and passionate southern soul diva.

Listen to Sharnette Hyter singing "Classy" on YouTube.

6. "I Don't Want To Be Alone"-----Luther Lackey

Temperamental. Paranoid. Vacillates between music and comedy. Quits, comes back. We can only hope that Luther Lackey's bleeding-ulcer-like, perennial dissatisfaction with southern soul flows into a cauldron of creativity, because the gentleman is a musical genius, as attested to by this amazing new tune, which harks back to the seminal, early-century southern soul work of producer Senator Jones at Mardi Gras and Hep'Me Records, gospel ensembles and choruses with a hint of singing-cowboys, a beautiful and almost forgotten direction for the music.

Listen to Luther Lackey singing "I Don't Want To Be Alone" on YouTube.

7. "I Ain't Gettin' That Shit"-----Stevie J.

Welcome to southern soul punk rock. I can't imagine fans NOT dancing to this steamrolling slice of blues. From Stevie J's newest, Back 2 Blues.

Listen to Stevie J. singing "I Ain't Gettin' That" on YouTube

8. "I'm Taking It To My Grave"-----J-Wonn

The most southern soul track from J-Wonn's surprisingly pop-ish, new THE LEGACY BEGINS CD.

Listen to J'Wonn singing "Taking It To My Grave" on YouTube.

9. "Zydeco Blues & Trail Ride" (ZBT Anthem)-----Ross Music Group (Pokey Bear, Crystal Thomas, Jeter Jones, Ms. Portia et.al.)

Late-breaking with a bullet.

Listen to RMG singing "ZBT Anthem" on YouTube.

10. "BYOB Party"----Tre' Williams featuring Jerry Flood

Humble but durable tune to close out the last chart spot of 2016. Full of realistic details like...

"I don't want anyone I don't know
Sitting at my table..."

Listen to Tre' Williams singing "BYOB Party" on YouTube.

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------NOVEMBER 2016-------

1. ”Preacher Was A Home Wrecker”-----Stan Butler

Like the young Bob Dylan, like the young Sir Charles Jones, the young Stan Butler is on an artistic “roll” so pure and unstoppable it’s a joy to behold. I’m not comparing Stan to these greats, just drawing attention to his seemingly inexhaustible creativity, because when I say “on a roll” I mean a song a month, not a song a year. Only a handful of recording artists achieve this kind of sequential inspiration, and only for a brief period.

Listen to Stan Butler singing ”Preacher Was A Home Wrecker” on YouTube.

2. ”All True Man”------Ms. Jody

I once criticized an approximation of the background vocal of this song’s chorus, in another Ecko-produced single, as “nerdy” and maybe even, God forbid, “white,” but here—-vocally-enhanced--it’s perfect, joining a guitar riff of mesmerizing simplicity and a typically soulful lead vocal, just “another day at the office” for Ms. Jody. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, the second verse swings open the gates to Soul Heaven with these simple but somehow indelible lines:

“Then I met this man/ And his name was Bill/ And all he wanted/ Was just one more cheap thrill./ Then I met another man/ And his name was Ray/ And he was just looking/ For somewhere to stay.”

Listen to Ms. Jody’s ”All True Man” on YouTube.

Buy Ms. Jody’s “All True Man” single or I GOT THE FEELING CD at iTunes.

3. "The Thrill Is Gone"------Gene “Poo Poo Man” Anderson

The P-Funk All-Stars alumnus drops a slinky, irresistible, quasi-blues-quasi-funk-quasi-alternative tune on the southern soul circuit. The torrid rhythm track reminds me of the theme from a new, pretty obscure “Adult Swim” (Brad Neeley) cartoon on the Cartoon Channel, in which the animated lead character dances to this beat. Pity there’s no YouTube.

11/12/16 Update: Here's the newly-posted YouTube link: Listen to Poo Poo Man singing "The Thrill Is Gone" on YouTube.

4. ”If You Lay, You Gone Pay”-----Stephanie McDee

Stephanie takes what’s essentially a “lounge” song (the melody could be from any era of cabaret) and transforms it into an up-to-date, gritty, street-wise manifesto on sexual relations. “I’m a good woman, and you’re a no good man.” That says it all, especially when Stephanie is singing (growling) it.

Listen to Stephanie McDee singing “If You Lay, You Gone Pay” on You Tube.

Listen to Stephanie McDee introducing her new single and upcoming album on You Tube.

5. ”24/7”----------J-Wonn

Should this song (with a real sax, by the way) be #1, not #5? Some deejays might argue a new single from Southern Soul’s “young gun,” coinciding with the release of a new album, deserves as much, and the question itself implies the respect your Daddy B. Nice has for this wunderkind of southern soul music. And how can you criticize a young artist for singing about young topics (infatuation with a new lover)? But we are miles from the celestial heights of J’Wonn’s classic, ”I Got This Record.”

Although songs like “24/7” and “Daddy’s Girl” are creating a new generation of young southern soul fans, I can’t help comparing these tunes to the similarly light-weight, borderline-fluffy, follow-up efforts of LaMorris Williams—“Pretty Lady,” etc.--to his breakthrough classic, “Impala.” I hope to see J-Wonn rediscover the ageless depth and soulfulness of “I Got This Record” in the same way LaMorris eventually did with this year’s classic album, Mississippi Motown.

Listen to J-Wonn singing “24/7” on YouTube.

Buy J’Wonn’s “24/7” mp3 or THE LEGACY BEGINS CD at iTunes.

6. “Shake What Your Mama Gave You”-----J. Red featuring Willie Hill

Willie Hill, one of the great, under-appreciated vocalists of southern soul, is in top form on this J. Red record. Terrific bridge.

Listen to J. Red & Willie Hill singing “Shake What Your Mama Gave You.”

Buy J.Red’s/Willie Hill’s “Shake What Your Mama Gave You” mp3 or J. Red The Nephew & Friends CD.

7. ”Charlie Horse” -------Cupid featuring Dana Jackson

One of Cupid’s best and most melodic.

Listen to Cupid & Dana Jackson singing ”Charlie Horse” on YouTube.

8. "Shothouse Blues"------Toia Jones

A new one, in the Bigg Robb style, from the songstress who gave us last winter's "You Can Get It" (DBN's Top 10, #6 January 16).

9. “Sit Down On It (Remix)” -------------Mr. X

This old (2008-2010) “minor” classic (which sounds better than ever) came through the mail with the announcement that it had made the ITUNES 'NEW BLUES CHART @ #78' (OCT. 8, 2016). I had never heard of this chart, so I checked it out, too late--evidently--to find Mr. X still charting, but I always encourage southern soul producers to recycle their "hits," given the limited exposure of the chitlin' circuit. The iTunes chart is fascinating because it is based on up-to-the moment sales of "blues" tunes--old and new--including a constantly-changing (and very encouraging) sprinkling of southern soul standards ("Hole In The Wall," "My Sidepiece," etc.).

Listen to Mr. X singing “Sit Down On It (Remix)” on YouTube.

10. "Dance The Night Away (Remix)"-----Snatch Nelson

A rare recording from the singer who gave us "Ride It Like A Pony" in 2007.

Listen to Snatch Nelson singing "Dance The Night Away (Remix)" on YouTube.

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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P.O. Box 19574
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------OCTOBER 2016---------

1. "Sneaky Girl"-----Cool Ricky Blues w/ L.J. Echols

Authentic yet restrained emotion. A lead vocal boasting a rare, gratifying timbre and tone. And aiding Cool Ricky Blues with a back-up vocal and arrangement emphasizing the "one-and-TWO-and" sweet-spot of southern soul he knows so well: L.J. Echols.

Listen to Cool Ricky Blues singing "She's A Sneaky Girl" on YouTube.

Buy Cool Ricky Blues' "Sneaky Girl" single from his new A FRESH BOWL OF SOUL CD at CD Baby.

2. "Porcupine Meat"----Bobby Rush

Who says "slow" doesn't "swing"? Published by straight-blues label Rounder (a first for Rush), the promotional copies may not be flowing to the usual chitlin' circuit deejays, but that doesn't mean we can't partake. As legendary deejays like Ragman at Jackson, Mississippi's WMPR have long schooled us, you can't have your southern soul without a little blues, be it Albert King, B.B. King, Little Milton or Bobby Rush. Vasti Jackson's on lead guitar, Rush on his signature mouth harp.

Listen to Bobby Rush singing "Porcupine Meat" on YouTube.

Buy Bobby Rush's "Porcupine Meat" single from his new PORCUPINE MEAT CD at Amazon.

3. "Boo Thang"-----X-Man Parker

"Boo Thang" is a smashing comeback for the Ultimate Southern Soul alumnus. Yes, X-Man was there when Senator Jones gave "birth" to contemporary southern soul, thanks to Sir Charles Jones and The Love Doctor.

Listen to X-Man Parker singing "Boo Thang" (the official video) on YouTube.

4. "That Act Right"------Miss Mini

The best of the crop of new dance singles by female artists. Good groove, well-sung, written and produced by Mike Darden, who was a major collaborator on Adrena's recent, successful album.

Listen to Miss Mini singing "That Act Right" on YouTube.

5. "Catch A Groove (Dancing Shoes)"-----Christopher La'Mont

It's hiphop--I don't deny it. But what a hook. And the lyrics, well, they're steeped in southern soul and eventually win you over.

"...Listen to some southern soul and old school..."

Listen to Christopher La'Mont singing "Dancing Shoes" on YouTube.

6. "Them Country Girls"------Jeter Jones w/ Crystal Thomas

Jeter Jones is another vocalist with a unique and pleasing timbre, and Crystal Thomas delivers one of her most original vocals yet. Beat Flippa on the production.

Listen to Jeter Jones & Crystal Thomas singing "Them Country Girls" on YouTube.

Buy the Jeter Jones/Crystal Thomas "Them Country Girls" single on the BEAT FLIPPA VOL. 2 album at iTunes.

7. "Cowgirl Remix"------Big Yayo, J'Wonn & Rosalyn Candy

The Rosalyn Candy verse is good, but the show-stopper is the Ray Charles "Hit The Road Jack" verse by Big Yayo.

Listen to "Behind The Cowgirl" Remix with Big Yayo on YouTube

8. "Get Freaky In The Club"-----Avail Hollywood

Brand new single--an erotic ballad--from Hollywood showcasing superb writing, vocal and production.

9. "Love After Hours"-----Tony Tatum

The production skills are still rough, but the inspiration and creativity behind the material signal a potential Jeff Floyd-like star in the making.

Listen to Tony Tatum singing "Love After Hours" on YouTube.

10. "Don't Wanna Lose My Baby"-----Coupe DeVille

A new singer with a name like a vintage car, produced by T.K. Soul with lavish attention to detail.

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P.O. Box 19574
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------SEPTEMBER 2016---------

1. "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?"----O.B. Buchana

Southern Soul's premier stylist has done the near-impossible: re-invented himself and his vocal style. With its sweet soul energy, its country flavor, its button accordion phrasing and classic guitar coda, "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?" deserves to be #1 on every popular music platform in America. From the upcoming sampler, Blues Mix, Vol. 21: Booty Shakin' Soul.

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's four-star CD review.

2. "Take Me To The Bootlegger"------Stan Butler

A true outsider (Georgia) as yet unfamiliar with southern soul's deejay circuit, this young man is the real thing, a writer/performer of great promise, and he's getting better with each new record. This is his third appearance here in four months. "Bootlegger" has the scope and lyricism of a classic. Write stanb478@gmail.com for service.

Listen to Stan Butler singing "Take Me To The Bootlegger" on YouTube.

3. "I Got The Feeling"----Ms. Jody

Ms. Jody at her best. She'll be opening concerts with this gem. And congratulations to John Ward for taking his arrangements to a higher level of originality and execution, both with Ms. Jody and O.B.

Listen to Ms. Jody singing "I Got The Feeling" on YouTube

Read Daddy B. Nice's five-star "southern soul heaven" review of Ms. Jody's new I GOT THE FEELING CD.

4. "Turkey Leg"----Cool Ricky Blues

Yes, this is the Ric. E. Bluez (confirmed by Blues Festival Guide) from a decade ago, appreciated by a few diehards like your Daddy B. Nice for songs like "I Wanna Make Love To You" and "Angel." I even forgot I wrote an artist guide to Ric E. Bluez back in the day when he was briefly on the Top 100. (Stumbled upon that via googling.) But I didn't know any of this when I fell for "Turkey Leg."

Listen to Cool Ricky Blues singing "Turkey Leg" on You Tube. Line-dance video, too.

5. "You Think I'm Wrong (I Think I'm Right)"-----Karen Wolfe featuring Sir Charles Jones

Southern Soul royalty, folks, and it makes me chuckle over the irony of these two rustic icons of southern soul music in such a smooth, orchestrated setting amidst the young, raw material surrounding them on the Top Ten Singles. Their "domestic dispute"--an echo of The Love Doctor's and Thomisene Anderson's "Lies (You Said It, No I Didn't)"--sounds as sophisticated and classically cabaret as a duet by Frank Sinatra/Nina Simone, or Nat King Cole/Lena Horne.

Watch here for Retail and YouTube.

6. "Tighten Up"-----Lady Soul

I knew this was Beat Flippa (producing) the minute I heard that quickly-becoming-iconic organ/keyboard on the instrumental track, and the fact that this young musical genius keeps such a low profile just makes Beat Flippa all the more fascinating to me. From the singer of "Lady Soul Slide," produced by T.K. Soul, "Tighten Up" marks the little-hyped (until now) debut of Beat Flippa's much-anticipated I Got the Blues, Vol. 2. Your Daddy B. Nice unknowingly debuted another track from the new sampler two months ago with Nicole Jackson's "What You Gone Do For Me?" Both songs utilize the cajun button accordion.

Listen to Lady Soul singing "Tighten Up" on YouTube.

Buy Lady Soul's "Tighten Up" mp3 or the full Beat Flippa: I Got The Blues, Vol. 2 at Amazon.

7. "I'd Better Leave You Alone"----Summer Wolfe

It was her proliferating appearances on Daddy B. Nice's Concert Calendar that sent me looking for material by this young, Adrena-like singer, and what I found was impressive.

Listen to Summer Wolfe singing "Better Leave You Alone (The Official Video)."

8. "It's Booty Shakin' Time"--------O.B. Buchana

Don't recognize this song? Shame. It's "Ms. Jody's Thang," re-tooled and tweaked for O.B., who's out to own the southern soul dance jam. From the upcoming sampler, Blues Mix, Vol. 21: Booty Shakin' Soul.

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "Booty Shakin' Time" on YouTube.

9. "Blow Me A Kiss"----Till 1

We know one thing: Till 1 hasn't been monitoring the discussions here about cheesy horn programming. But there's so much else to like, including the vocal and the organ/keyboard--and anyway, the song is already a hit in Mobile and Pensacola.

Listen to Till 1 singing "Blow Me A Kiss" on YouTube.

10. "Steppin' Out"----Donna Renae

Here's another artist (like Summer Wolfe above) whose praiseworthy 2015 release was overlooked. Thanks to WDLT (Mobile's) DJ Stormy for playing this record.

Listen to Donna Renae singing "Steppin' Out" on YouTube.

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------AUGUST 2016---------

1. "Three (Got A Wife, The Other Woman & A Sidepiece)" ------Coldrank

Absolutely the best "Sidepiece" response song ever. Strong vocal (by a former hiphopper), Beat Flippa-like, Hammond-deep organ (which makes the song), mean guitar, even a little piano. And--oh yeah--incendiary lyrics. "I used to have two. Now I'm taking care of three..." On sale soon!

Listen to Coldrank singing "Three (Got A Wife, The Other Woman & A Sidepiece)" on YouTube.

2. "This Place Is Hot"-------Ms. Jody

Ms. Jody throws it down on her new album, I GOT THE FEELING, and this fast club jam features one of the tightest tracks the dedicated diva and her Ecko cohorts have ever produced.

Listen to Ms. Jody singing "This Place Is Hot" on YouTube.

Buy Ms. Jody's "This Place Is Hot" mp3 at iTunes.

3. "Calling All The Riders"-------T.K. Soul

Stay on the dance floor. Keep those hands waving in the air. Your longtime "bad boy" of southern soul hasn't lost his hard-jamming touch.

Listen to T.K. Soul singing "Calling All The Riders" on the Youtube.

Buy T.K. Soul's "Calling All The Riders" mp3 at iTunes.

4. "Wrong Draws (He Caught Me With The Wrong Drawers On)"-----The Mystery Lady

A salacious "underground" record re-discovered by WAGR DJ Big Money and written about by your Daddy B. Nice for the last six months...The mystery is finally resolved. See story in Daddy B. Nice's Mailbag.

Listen to The Mystery Lady singing "Wrong Draws (He Caught Me With The Wrong Drawers On)" on Youtube.

Buy The Mystery Lady's "Wrong Drawers" mp3 at CD Baby.

5. "Outside Love Affair"------Donnie Ray

In which Donnie Ray and saxophonist Jessie Primer perform wonderful pirouettes around one another.

Listen to Donnie Ray singing "Outside Love Affair" on YouTube.

Buy Donnie Ray's "Outside Love Affair" mp3 at iTunes.

6. "A Lie Don't Care Who Tell It"-------Napoleon Demps

An affecting mid-tempo tune from the same Napoleon who brought you "Who You Been Lovin'" with Mr. David a decade ago. From the upcoming sampler, NAPOLEON DEMPS PRESENTS SOUTHERN SOUL, on sale soon.

Listen to Napoleon Demps singing "A Lie Don't Care Who Tell It" on YouTube.

7. "I Love You"-----Falisa JaNaye

The Memphis diva returns with an adept vocal, a fine piano-dominated arrangement and a song with an atypically (for southern soul) lovely bridge and sophisticated key change, all within an admirably brisk three minutes.

Listen to Falisa JaNaye singing "I Love You" on YouTube.

Buy Falisa JaNaye's "I Love You" mp3 at iTunes.

8. "Baby, You're Ready"-----Ricky White

Ricky White doesn't say if his intended sexual partner is as young as Sonny Boy Williamson's
"Little Schoolgirl." Let's hope not, because it would take a strong-willed woman indeed to withstand the powerful undertow of White's pleading vocal.

Listen to Ricky White singing "Baby, You're Ready" on YouTube.

Buy Ricky White's "Baby, You're Ready" mp3 at iTunes.

9. "Yo Love (Your Love Has Affected Me)"------Robert "The Duke" Tillman

Robert "The Duke" Tillman. This singer could come back and immediately rank in the top ten of southern soul male vocalists. He hasn't lost a thing except time.

10. "Shake It"-----Ra'Shad The Blues Kid

Imagine a young, raw, unschooled Lee "Shot" Williams.

Listen to Ra'Shad singing "Shake It" on YouTube.

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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SouthernSoulRnB.com
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------JULY 2016---------

1. "I'm Concerned"-----LaMorris Williams

“Musically, LaMorris still needs more melody, more sophisticated song structure--like verses, choruses, bridges?--in which to exhibit his prodigious vocal talent.” That’s what your Daddy B. Nice was writing in a Top 10 Singles column as recently as October 13. Man! Has LaMorris ever answered the bell! MISSISSIPPI MOTOWN is the best music of the year so far--music of a sophistication that transcends the genre.

Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "I'm Concerned" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's 5-star, "southern soul heaven" review of LaMorris Williams' MISSISSIPPI MOTOWN.

2. "Better Thangs/Better Thangs 2"-----Adrena

In my mix I start with the excellent, wah-wah-reverb, one-minute-plus instrumental "Better Thangs" (how about a remix?) and segue into the impressive, full-length, Adrena-sung "Better Thangs 2."

"Her vocals may not warrant putting Adrena on the lofty level of stylists like Ms. Jody and Karen Wolfe, but your Daddy B. Nice would be hard-pressed to say they ever put out an album as good as this one." (From the 5-star, "southern soul heaven" review of Adrena's BETTER DAYS).

3. "Boo Thang"------Chris Ardoin

This is a southern soul song with zydeco accompaniment and timing: you can almost imagine it in reggae if the timing were even slower. I love the way the button accordion tugs at my heart strings like an Argentinean tango.

Listen to Chris Ardoin singing "Boo Thang (I'm Running Back To You)" on YouTube.

Buy Chris Ardoin's new Zydeko Fever CD at iTunes.

4. "Get In There"-----Pokey Bear

This guy has taken over every southern soul stage he's set foot on. He's insanely creative and fearless, a major headliner in the space of a couple of years.

Listen to Pokey singing "Get In There" on YouTube.

Sample/Buy Big Pokey Bear's MR. IT AIN'T FAIR album at CD Baby.

5. "Third Of The Month"------Stan Butler

A rhythm guitarist's dream. Extraordinary confidence and expertise from such a neophyte singer/songwriter. Kinda weird, though, a young'un taking up the cause of the social-security crowd. Hope it's not patronization--and I don't think it is. Profiled this month on Southern Soul Corner With The "Soul Dog" Neal Furr.

Listen to Stan Butler singing "Third Of The Month" on YouTube.

6. "Back This Wagon Up (What You Gonna Do For Me?)"-------Nicole Jackson

I really thought Nicole Jackson's evocative but obscure (even for southern soul) anthem from the early aught's--"Can We Go There"--would disappear forever, but she's maintained a loyal and seemingly growing audience.

Listen to Nicole Jackson singing "Bag This Wagon Up" on YouTube

Buy "Bag This Wagon Up" mp3 at iTunes.

7. TIE: between...

"Knock The Fire"------Mr. David

Mr. David covers Springsteen's classic "Fire" with its killer bass hook, southern-soul style. Listening to "Jackie Neal on the radio" leads to back-of-the-car sex and more. (No YouTube or Retail yet.)

"Hey Mr. DJ" ------Chris Ivy

Which brings up the "Turn Road" (sex-in-the-country) man himself.

Listen to Chris Ivy singing "Hey Mr. DJ" on YouTube.

8. TIE: between two distinguished and unique stylists whose rare singles make their styles even more addictive....

"I Want Some More"------Carl Marshall

(No YouTube or Retail yet.)

"I'm Gonna Put It Down Tonight"----Wendell B.

Listen to Wendell B. singing "I'm Gone Put It Down Tonight" on YouTube.

Buy Wendell B.'s "I'm Gone Put It Down Tonight" mp3 at iTunes.

9. TIE: Three Ecko/Memphis-affiliated artists share #9:

"There's A Party Going On"-----Ms. Jody

Great new, uptempo jam from that "Jody" lady.

Sample/Buy Ms. Jody's "There's A Party Going On" mp3 at Amazon.

"I Tiptoed In It"-----Mr. Sam featuring O.B. Buchana

A take-off, of course, on 2009's (has it really been that long?) "Put Your Foot In It" by the same two parties. Indeed, it actually makes "Put Your Foot In It" a little more understandable.

Listen to Mr. Sam & O.B. Buchana singing “Tiptoe In It” on the Gentry Jones/Mr. Sam “sneak preview” Facebook page.

10. "Slow Rock"----Tucka

Listen to Tucka singing "Slow Rock" on YouTube.

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SINGLES CHARTS CONTINUED IN MIDDLE COLUMN....

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Send product to:

SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308

Or e-mail:

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

**********

************

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Send product to:

SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308

Or e-Mail:

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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