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


 

Daddy B. Nice's Corner

Looking for Daddy B. Nice's latest commentary?
Click here for the 2022 Corner.

January 26, 2018:

See Daddy B. Nice's 2018: The Year In Review (click here)

Daddy B. Nice Announces THE WINNERS of the 2018 (12th 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 will be made on behalf of each performer. Find the artist's name and touch/click the desired entry to be whisked away to the exact page and page-location of the appearance.

Best Mid-Tempo Song

Nominees:

"You're The Kind Of Woman I Need (Remix)"----Columbus Toy, Miss Lady Blues
"Black Horse"----Jeter Jones
"Caught Up In The Middle"---- P2K DaDiddy, Vick Allen
"Tickle Box"----C-Wright
"Show Pony"----Annie Washington
"You're Not The Only One"----Big G
"I Won't Give You Up"----Andre' Lee
"Same Hotel (Big Yayo Soul Swing Remix)"----Nelson Curry
"Ain't No Getting Over Me"----Tucka
"Why You Gotta Act Like That"----Mz. Connie
"Soul Brothers Moonshine"----P2K, Sir Charles Jones, Jeter Jones
"Down In The Club"----King Fred
"It's The Weekend"----Magic One
"Make Me Wanna Do Wrong"----Tucka

Best Mid-Tempo Song: "Black Horse" by Jeter Jones

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Black Horse" on YouTube.

Best Club Song

Nominees:

"Mr. Ain't Gone Do Right"----Carolyn Staten
"The Mule"----O.B. Buchana
"Mississippi Lit"----Chris Ivy
"Swing Out With Me"----Ms. Innocents feat. Mr. Cotton & Uncle Phunk
"Sweet Dick Johnny"----Johnny James, Highway Heavy
"Southern Soul Bounce"----Ms. Jody
"Rodeo"----Miss Lady Blues
"I Ain't Gone Cheat No More"----Jeter Jones
"I'll Do Me A Big Girl"----David Brinston, Lucky Love
"Pokey At The Trailride"----Pokey Bear (w/ The Deaconaires)
"Wanna Party"----Solomon Thompson
"Step It Out"----Sir Charles Jones, Prince Damons

Best Club Song: "The Mule" by O.B. Buchana

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "The Mule" on YouTube.

Best Ballad

Nominees:

"I'll Pay The Shipping Cost"----Ronnie Bell
"100 Years"----Sir Charles Jones
"In The Mood"----Pokey Bear & Cupid
"Squeeze Me"----Sir Charles Jones
"Sha La Do Be Do"----Snatch Nelson
"This Woman Of Mine"----Lamar Brace
"Spoil You"----Cupid feat. Roi Anthony
"I'm Gonna Wait"----Beatrice
"High Heels & Jeans (Remix)"----Magic One, Wendell B., L.J. Echols, Avail Hollywood
"Can I Take You Home?"----Montrell
"That Bitch Ain't Me"----Karen Wolfe
"Hide And Seek"----Ms. Jody
"Parking Lot Love Affair"----O.B. Buchana
"The Blame"----Fat Daddy

Best Ballad: "Squeeze Me" by Sir Charles Jones

Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing "Squeeze Me" on YouTube.

Best Song by Longtime Veteran

Nominees:

"The Mule"----O.B. Buchana
"Squeeze Me"----Sir Charles Jones
"I Won't Give You Up"----Andre' Lee
"Let's Play Hide And Seek"----Ms. Jody
"I Want You"----Vick Allen
"Sidepiece On The Side"----Willie Clayton
"Cheating Together"----Mose Stovall
"Parking Lot Love Affair"----O.B. Buchana
"How Low Can You Go?"----L.J. Echols
"I Done Found Your Good Thang"----Rick Lawson
"Basement Party"----Uvee Hayes
"100 Years"----Sir Charles Jones
"You're Not The Only One"----Big G
"Make Your Toes Curl"----Mr. David
"Still Called The Blues"----Donnie Ray
"Dance"----Lebrado
"Don't Be Ashamed"----Bigg Robb
"That Bitch Ain't Me"----Karen Wolfe

Best Song By Longtime Veteran: "You're Not The Only One" by Big G

Listen to Big G singing "You're Not The Only One" on YouTube.

Best Female Vocalist

Nominees:

"Sleeping With The Enemy"----Toia Jones
"I'm Gonna Wait"----Beatrice
"Big Sexy"----Anissa Hampton
"Show Pony"----Annie Washington
"Southern Soul Bounce"----Ms. Jody
"That Good Good"----Sweet Angel (w/ Mattie)
"That Bitch Ain't Me"----Karen Wolfe
"Drank Of My Love"----Crystal Thomas
"Down Low Brother"----Val McKnight
"Mr. Right"----Mz. Juicy
"Why You Gotta Act Like That?"----Mz. Connie

Best Female Vocalist: "That Bitch Ain't Me" by Karen Wolfe

Listen to Karen Wolfe singing "That Bitch Ain't Me" on YouTube.

Best Male Vocalist

Nominees:

"Feel Me"----J-Wonn (w/ Keith Sweat)
"Girl, You Bad"----Avail Hollywood (w/ DJ Trac)
"The Blame"----Fat Daddy
"Black Horse"----Jeter Jones
"Down In The Club"----King Fred
"Parking Lot Love Affair"----O.B. Buchana
"100 Years"----Sir Charles Jones
"Let The Rain Come Down"----Lomax
"Same Hotel (Big Yayo Soul Swing Remix)"----Nelson Curry
"Squeeze Me"----Sir Charles Jones
"Ain't No Getting Over Me"----Tucka
"Club Booty"----David Brinston
"I Want You"----Vick Allen
"This Woman Of Mine"----Lamar Brace
"It's The Weekend"--Magic One

Best Male Vocalist: "Same Hotel (Big Yayo Soul Swing Remix)" by Nelson Curry

Listen to Nelson Curry singing "Same Hotel" on YouTube.

Best Debut

Nominees:

"Ain't No Fun"----Dolla Bill Dodson
"Mister Right"----Mz. Juicy
"Can I Take You Home?"----Montrell
"Sweet Thing"----Dabron
"Sweet Dick Johnny"----Johnny James (w/ Highway Heavy)
"Show Pony"----Annie Washington
"Caught Up In The Middle"---- P2K Dadiddy (w/ Vick Allen)
"I'm Gonna Wait"----Beatrice
"The Blame"----Fat Daddy
"Big Sexy"----Annisa Hampton
"Do You"----Sweet Nay
"Why You Gotta Act Like That?"----Mz. Connie
"On A Mission"----Big Woo
"Sugar Daddy"----Bo Dollar
"Rock With It, Baby"----Jennifer Watts
"Wanna Be A Player"----Corey Rudolph
"Ms. Wendy"----Jay Morris Group
"Call On Me"----Big Daddy E.
"Shake A Leg"----G. Rockafella
"Suga Suga"----Gilley Wiltz
"Lumberjack"----Lady Q. (w/ Jeter Jones)

Best Debut: "The Blame" by Fat Daddy

Listen to Fat Daddy singing "The Blame" on YouTube.

Best Collaboration

Nominees:

"Call On Me"-----Sir Charles Jones, Calvin Richardson & Omar Cunningham
"High Heels & Jeans (Remix)"----Magic One feat. Wendell B, Vick Allen, L.J. Echols & Avail Hollywood
"Let Me Take Care Of You" (Highway Heavy)----Adrian Bagher & Cold Drank
"Cheating In The Next Room"----Beatrice feat. Rhomey
"Can't Nobody"----Audi Yo feat. Tucka
"Soul Brothers Moonshine"---- P2K, Sir Charles Jones, Jeter Jones
"Feel Me"----J-Wonn feat. Keith Sweat
"Whipped Again"----O.B. Buchana & Pokey Bear
"Born Alabama"----Big "Ro" Williams, Sir Charles Jones & Mose Stovall
"Somebody Get This Fool (Remix)"----Jeter Jones, Vick Allen
"Come Ride With Me"----Adrian Bagher, Tyree Neal, Johnny James

Best Collaboration: "High Heels & Jeans (Remix)" by Magic One feat. Wendell B, Vick Allen, L.J. Echols & Avail Hollywood

Listen to Magic One, Wendell B, Vick Allen, L.J. Echols & Avail Hollywood singing "High Heels & Jeans (Remix)" on YouTube.

Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song

Nominees:

"The Viagra Man"----The Cadillac Man
"Stank Stank"----Rico Baby
"Southern Soul Fresh"----Gentry-Jones
"Lucas Love Train"----Frank Lucas
"Party Time"----Pyramid City Band
"Tore Your Drawers"----DeMond Crump
"The Donald Trump"----West Love feat. Stan Butler
"Sweet Dick Johnny"----Johnny James & Highway Heavy
"Why You Mad At Me?"----Terrance Davis
"Tickle Box"----C-Wright
"Show Pony"----Annie Washington

Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song: "Sweet Dick Johnny" by Johnny James & Highway Heavy


Listen to Johnny James singing "Sweet Dick Johnny" on YouTube.

Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song

Nominees:

"Still Called The Blues"----Donnie Ray
"Down In The Club"----King Fred
"To All The Good Men"----Katrenia Jefferson
"I'll Do Me A Big Girl"----David Brinston (w/ Lucky Love)
"Alabama Folks"----Rena Ree
"Still Called The Blues"----Donnie Ray
"I Need A Fix It Man"----Pat Cooley
"Wrong Man"----Highway Heavy, Fya Redd
"Sneak, Creep And Freak"----Sebastian Gowdy
"Blues Heaven"----Jaye Hammer
"Parking Lot Love Affair"----O.B. Buchana
"I'll Pay The Shipping Cost"----Ronnie Bell

Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song: "I'll Pay The Shipping Cost" by Ronnie Bell

Listen to Ronnie Bell singing "I'll Pay The Shipping Cost" on YouTube.

Best Cover Song

Nominees:

"Sunshine Lady"----J.T. Watkins
"Right Thing, Wrong Man"----Stephanie Luckett
"Last Few Dollars"----Stacii Adams
"Ain't No Getting Over Me"----Tucka
"The Real Mississippi Boy"----Will T. feat. Billy Branch
"Do It Again"----Coco
"Nookie Thing"----Jonte
"Zydeco Dance"----Stevie J feat Ra'Shad The Blues Kid
"Suga, Suga (Candy Girl)"----Gilley Wiltz w/ Lil' Runt
"Alabama Folks (Mississippi Boy)"----Rena Ree

Best Cover Song: "Ain't No Getting Over Me" by Tucka

Listen to Tucka singing "Ain't No Getting Over Me" on YouTube.

Best Producer

Nominees:

Highway Heavy (Charles Lewis)----"Sweet Dick Johnny" (Johnny James)(w/ Cee Rock); "Let Me Take Care Of You" (Adrian Bagher & Cold Drank); "Wrong Man" (Fya Redd); "Come Ride With Me" (Adrian Bagher, Tyree Neal, Johnny James);

Bigg Robb (Robert Smith)----"Sleeping With The Enemy" (Toia Jones); "Don't Be Ashamed" (Bigg Robb);

Ricky White----"Still Called The Blues" (Donnie Ray); "I Need A Fix It Man" (Pat Cooley);

John Ward----"Whipped Again" (O.B. Buchana & Pokey Bear); "Down Low Brother" (Val McKnight); "Club Booty" (David Brinston); "Parking Lot Love Affair," "The Mule" (O.B. Buchana); "I Done Found Your Good Thang" (Rick Lawson);

Mike Darden----"Mr. Ain't Gone Do Right," "Just The Way You Want It," "Ladies' Night" (Carolyn Staten)

Beat Flippa (Daniel Ross)----"Black Horse" (Jeter Jones); "In The Morning" (Cupid); "I Want You" (Vick Allen); "You Deserve Better" (Jeter Jones);

Christopher LaMont----"Mr. Right" (Mz. Juicy)

Big Yayo (Chris Mabry)----"Same Hotel/Soul Swing Remix" (Nelson Curry); "Do It Again" (Coco); "Lipstick On My Zipper" (Big Yayo);

Ronald "Slack" Jefferson----"Juke Joint" (Jeter Jones &, P2K); "I Need's A Drank" (Jeter Jones); "Lumberjack" (Lady Q); "Welcome To The Boom Boom Room" CD-Various (P2K Dadiddy); "High Heels & Jeans" (Magic One);

Andrew Caples (Andre' Lee)----"Can I Take You Home" (Montrell)

Ronald "Ron" G. Suggs, Jr.----"Like You Used To (Remix)," "Sharing Ain't Easy," "Beat Beat" (Miss Lady Blues);

Donavon Scott----"Down In The Club," "Body Rock," "Dipping In My Pudding" (King Fred)

Best Producer: Ronald "Slack" Jefferson

Listen to Magic One and friends singing the Ronald "Slack" Jefferson-produced "High Heels & Jeans" on YouTube.

Best Songwriter

Nominees:

David Brinston----"Daisy Dukes With Thigh High Boots," "I Want To Show You Girl," "I'll Do Me A Big Girl," "Buckle Up" (David Brinston)

Highway Heavy (Charles Lewis)----"Working Man," "Sweet Dick Johnny" (Johnny James); "Wrong Man" (Fya Redd);

John Ward & Raymond Moore----"Blues Heaven" (Jaye Hammer); "Down Low Brother" (Val McKnight, Barbara Carr); "Club Booty" (David Brinston); "The Mule" (O.B. Buchana);

Mike Darden----"Ladies Night," "Just The Way You Want It," "Mr. Ain't Gone Do Right" (Carolyn Staten);

Charles Jones----"100 Years," "Squeeze Me," "Call On Me," "Destiny," "Fight The Pain" (Sir Charles
Jones)

Best Songwriter: Charles Jones

Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing "100 Years" on YouTube.

Best CD

Nominees:

Dhis Him----Jeter Jones
The Masterpiece----Sir Charles Jones
I'm Doing' My Thang----Ms. Jody
Welcome To The Boom Boom Room----P2K DaDiddy
Pieces Of My Soul----Miss Lady Blues
Parking Lot Love Affair----O.B. Buchana
Kitty Whipped----David Brinston
Soul 2 Soul----King Fred
Ladies Night----Carolyn Staten
Pinky Ring Music, Vol. 1----Highway Heavy
Working With The Feeling----Tucka
Drank Of My Love----Crystal Thomas
Stroke That Cat----Val McKnight
Lonely Tears----Big G
Southern Soul Music----Corey Rudolph
My Southern Soul----Donnie Ray
I Bluez Myself----C-Wright
Good Damn Music----Solomon Thompson
Magic One----The Magic Show

Best CD: Welcome To The Boom Boom Room by P2K DaDiddy

Listen to P2K & Vick Allen singing "Caught Up In The Middle" from the CD WELCOME TO THE BOOM BOOM ROOM on YouTube.

Hardest-Touring Crowd Pleaser

Nominees:

Tucka
Sir Charles Jones
Big Pokey Bear
T.K. Soul
J-Wonn
Calvin Richardson
Cupid
Bobby Rush

















Hardest-Touring Crowd Pleaser: They all toured as if their lives depended on it!



...Congratulations to all the Southern Soul Awards Winners!


(DBN notes: Some late-arriving, new collections will overlap with 2019 and may be more amply recognized next year, i.e. Tucka's Working With The Feeling, Val McKnight's Stroke That Cat, Magic One's The Magic Show, Lady Q's Class Session, etc...")

(See last year's nominees and winners.)

*********
SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

Write to

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

Or send to

Daddy B Nice, P O Box 19574, Boulder, CO 80308.

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

**********
***********
SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide
***********

Singles Charts, continued from right-hand column...



*********

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

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

-------MAY 2018-------

1. "Squeeze Me" -----Sir Charles Jones

People across America and around the world are clamoring to hear something different, something deep, something filled with life. Meanwhile, everyone involved in southern soul music can sense the genre moving inexorably towards the mainstream--no worries--channeled by the head-winds of its culturally-preserved marginalization and its unparalleled richness of heritage. Who better to lead the "slow-rolling" charge than the King--the Return of the King--of Southern Soul? From his new album: The Masterpiece.

Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing "Squeeze Me" on YouTube.

2. "Call On Me"-----Sir Charles Jones, Calvin Richardson & Omar Cunningham

The parallels with last year's "Bedroom Rodeo" (see Daddy B. Nice's Best Collaboration of 2017), sung by the trio of Big Yayo, Gentry-Jones & Omar Cunningham, are fascinating. First, Cunningham's on both. Second, Big Yayo's track is more innovative, with richer harmonies, while Sir Charles' "Call On Me" is straight-ahead singing, with each singer taking a verse--no frills--underlining the fact that Sir Charles is southern soul's most eminent classicist. From the new album The Masterpiece.

Listen to Sir Charles Jones, Omar Cunningham & Calvin Richardson singing "Call On Me" on YouTube.

See Daddy B. Nice's Sir Charles Jones/New Album Alert!

3. "Him And Her"------J-Wonn

J-Wonn was put on terra firma to remind us what it's like to be young. In "Him And Her"" this strange and androgynous young man and heir-apparent to Sir Charles Jones takes us back to those innocent days when we actually took the time to transform love into poetry and personal mythology. J-Wonn recites the verses and sings the choruses, his vocal recalling the ethereality of Michael Jackson singing songs like "Human Nature". From the new album, Making Love To Your Mind.

Listen to J-Wonn singing "Him And Her" on YouTube.

See Daddy B. Nice's J-Wonn/New Album Alert!

4. "Can I Take You Home"-----Montrell

This tune wouldn't sound out of place on a southern soul playlist from 2001--strong melody, even stronger vocal, programmed horns--and why not? It was produced by Andrew Caples, aka longtime southern soul artist Andre' Lee.

Listen to MonTrell singing "Can I Take You Home" on YouTube.

5. "Mr. Ain't Gone Do Right"-----Carolyn Staten

This is the young singer who debuted last year with the smashing "Thump Mr. DJ". She's mentored by up-and-coming producer Mike Darden, who serves up possibly his finest instrumental track to date.

Listen to Carolyn Staten singing "Mr. Ain't Gone Do Right" on YouTube.

6. "Sweet Thang"------Dabron

From the 2017 debut album True Love, "Sweet Thang" is credible southern soul with a strong hint of gospel from a lusty-piped singer who has fused his name Donald Tabron into the sobriquet Dabron. The song also borrows the unmistakable synth-intro from Terry Wright's "I Done Lost My Good Thang".

Listen to Dabron singing "Sweet Thang" on YouTube.

7. "In The Mood"----Keri Carter

You may not be impressed with this song through the first verse or so, but by the end Keri Carter is swinging and wailing. Not sure if this is the artist Keri who recorded "Borrowed Time," "Gonna Get Paid" or "Serious Love".

Listen to Keri Carter singing "In The Mood" on YouTube.

8. "In The Morning"----Cupid

This phrase hereby goes down as a southern soul first: "You're going to be sore in the morning." And it's a refrain: Cupid sings it over and over. I can only imagine being a woman, just thinking about the chafing. "Baby, I apologize in advance," Cupid croons, but...

"It will be so sorrrrrre in the morning."

Produced by Beat Flippa.

Listen to Cupid singing "In The Morning" on YouTube.

9. "Sleeping With The Enemy"----Toia Jones

Good song, good melody, and impressive vocal--displaying both strength and personality--from the young singer mentored and produced by Bigg Robb.

Listen to Toia Jones singing "Sleeping With The Enemy" on YouTube.

10. "I Just Dodged A Bullet"----El' Willie

I commend El' Willie for his recently-found confidence, clarity and directness, both in musical style and subject matter. His jazzy, minimalist sound may be off-putting to the typical southern soul fan, but he belongs. Factoid for recent devotees: El' Willie wrote Theodis Ealey's classic, "Stand Up In It".

Listen to El' Willie singing "I Just Dodged A Bullet" on YouTube.

See Daddy B. Nice's El' Willie/New Album Alert!

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

-------APRIL 2018-------

1. "Black Horse"------Jeter Jones

From the minute I received this single, there was never any doubt it would be #1. "Black Horse" is one of those rare songs that arrives perfect in every way, like a text from God. From the Jeter Jones CD "DHIS HIM" upcoming from Ross Music Group.

Listen to a 1-minute sample of Jeter Jones singing "Black Horse" on YouTube.

JUST ADDED 4-15-18! Listen to Jeter Jones singing the complete version of "Black Horse" on SoundCloud.

2. "Ain't No Fun (When The Rabbit Got The Gun)"------Dolla Bill Dodson

Real old-school southern soul arranged and performed with care from the house-band lead singer at CC's in Memphis. (And with the family name of The BarKay's Larry Dodson.) The song solemnly capsulizes southern soul's "men-can-cheat-but-women-can't" double standard that may shock observers unfamiliar with Deep South culture. Derived (and transformed into a ballad) by writer Omar Cunningham from Walt Luv's "The Rabbit Got The Gun".

Listen to Dolla Bill singing "Ain't No Fun" on YouTube

3. "Put It On Me"-----Krishunda Echols

More fizz than a just-popped bottle of champagne. From Krishunda's (L.J.'s little sister's) new album, I MISS YOU. I know I shouldn't break out the Jackie Neal comparisons, but...

Listen to Krishunda Echols singing "Put It On Me" on YouTube.

4. "Pokey At The Trailride"-----Pokey Bear featuring The Deaconaires

Are you a "hater"? Or are you with us, pumping your fists, screaming "Go, Pokey! Go, Pokey!" How many larger-than-life characters are there in this too-drab life, after all? From Trailride Music Vol. 1.

Listen to Pokey Bear & The Deaconaires singing "Pokey At The Trailride" on YouTube.

5. "Give It All You Got"-----L.J. Echols

L.J.--the pure stuff, from the heart.

Listen to L.J. Echols singing "Give It All You Got" on YouTube.

6. "Cheating Together"-----Mose Stovall

Mose Stovall returns after a decade-long absence from recording (see Daddy B. Nice's Artist Guide). The song has a good hook and is plenty funny, especially the introductory voice-over.

7. "Dippin' In My Pudding"-----King Fred

From King Fred's new CD, Soul 2 Soul, "Dippin' In My Pudding" was first recorded for his debut CD under the name Fredrick Hicks.

Listen to King Fred singing "Dipping In My Pudding" on YouTube.

8. "In The Mood"-----Pokey Bear and Cupid

If you want to focus on Pokey as a pure singer, this is the track. From his award-winning Best CD of 2017, Bear Season.

Listen to Pokey and Cupid singing "In The Mood" on YouTube.

9. "Country Roads"-----Tucka

I suspect a lot of southern soul fans, like myself, were late in appreciating Tucka. At any rate, I missed or overlooked this tune, and when I heard it recently, the violins just blew me away. I've been playing it as much as WMPR's DJ Handyman used to play (long after its initial release) another country-infused song, Tyrone Davis's "Where Are You, Lady?"

Listen to Tucka singing "Country Roads" on YouTube.

10. "Mr. Right"-----Mz. Juicy

Back to the brand new and extremely original. Not to be confused with Mr. Juicy (Luster Baker), Mz. Juicy, the vocalist on "Mr. Right," is Sandra Hardyway, a new artist from Simsboro, Louisiana. Produced by Christopher Lamont and written by Lady Star (Starla Cenales).

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

-------MARCH 2018-------

1. "The Mule"------O.B. Buchana

I prefer O.B. as the stud of "The Mule," brimming with swagger and sexuality, to the tentative, would-be dancer of "Teach Me How To Swing," another song featured twice on Buchana's new Parking Lot Love Affair album. "The Mule's" rhythm section slinks along like a giant king snake while the Bootsy Collins-style guitar distortion blends with the falsetto background-singing of Latoya Malone to make a new and fiery sound. O.B. hits #1 for the second month in a row.

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "The Mule" on YouTube.

2. "Down In The Club"-------King Fred

From his new album, Soul 2 Soul, King Fred's "Down In The Club" is a remarkable piece of songwriting and production, highlighted by a lovely, African-tinged chorus line. Fred's vocal, in which each phrase seems to be half-swallowed and regurgitated as an ancient man's wisdom, is typically superb and off-the-chain.

Listen to King Fred Hicks singing "Down In The Club" on YouTube.

3. "Viagra Man"----The Cadillac Man

Yet another gospel artist gone secular, Sylvester Collins aka "The Cadillac Man" succeeds where many another artist has failed, weaving a reggae beat into authentic southern soul and making it work. A great novelty tune.

Listen to The Cadillac Man singing "Mr. Viagra Man" on YouTube.

4. "The Real Mississippi Boy"------Will T. feat. Billy Branch

It's Charles Wilson (or in this song "he who shall not be named") vs. Will T. again--see the "Mississippi Boy" controversy--in this throw-down from Songwriter of the Year Floyd Hamberlin and the original, the "real" Mississippi Boy, Will T. The blues harp by Billy Branch sounds almost exotic, and one hopes to see it featured in more southern soul, not just the blues. After all...Is the sound of the blues harp any more antithetical to southern soul than the presently-in-vogue, zydeco button accordion?

Listen to Will T. singing "The Real Mississippi Boy" on YouTube.

5. "Sidepiece On The Side"-----Willie Clayton

From a southern soul perspective, this is Willie's finest offering since his cover of the little-known Tony Troutman's "Your Man Is Home Tonight," and "Sidepiece On The Side" has the same (albeit different) pristine guitar sound.

Listen to Willie Clayton singing "Sidepiece On The Side" on YouTube.

6. "Johnny James"-----Heavy Presents Johnny James

This is potent and fascinating stuff. Highway Heavy's deep-soul organ. A scratchy-voiced singer in hitched-up running pants dancing around on his kitchen counter tops, proclaiming he's "Johnny--Johnny James". You couldn't even imagine it if it wasn't on YouTube.

Listen to Heavy Presents Johnny James singing "Johnny James" on YouTube.

7. "Georgia Kick"-----Stan Butler

Begging to be choreographed into a line dance, the "Georgia Kick" has antecedents in the marching-band-like instrumental tracks of Pokey Bear's "Get On The Good Foot" and Stephanie McDee's "Lion Of Judah". Most significantly, it shows wunderkind Stan Butler staying loose and fresh.

Listen to Stan Butler singing "Georgia Kick" on YouTube.

8. "Girls From Louisiana"------O Flava Psi

No singer under T.K. Soul's musical tent has a stranger name or more fuzzy and warm vocal tone than O Flava Psi. From 2017's overlooked sampler from Soulful Records (T.K.'s label), Southern Soul Mixtape, Vol. 3.

Listen to O Flava Psi singing "Girls From Louisiana" on YouTube.

9. "Wanna Feel Your Body"-----Chris Andrus (Uncle Fallay)

Formerly Lil' Fallay, Lafayette, Louisiana's Chris Andrus now calls himself Uncle Fallay.

Listen to Chris Andrus (Uncle Fallay) singing "Wanna Feel Your Body" on YouTube.

10. "Weekend"-----G'que

From the EP The Definition of Urban Soul.

Listen to G'que Mickens singing "Weekend" on YouTube.

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

-------FEBRUARY 2018-------

1. "Parking Lot Love Affair"-----O.B. Buchana

Who hasn't run into a stranger in a mall, been too bashful to approach, and later regretted it, sometimes remembering the stranger for years afterward? "Parking Lot Love Affair" is a universal fantasy and a giant step into a new frontier for southern soul's master stylist. O.B. puts everything into it: immediacy, a staggeringly-forceful vocal, a fan-friendly concept, great songwriting and, most prominently, all of himself, nothing held back.

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "Parking Lot Love Affair" on YouTube.

2. "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)"------Karen Wolfe

Karen Wolfe, the lady who re-defined rustic soul-singing with "Man Enough," has made a triumphant return with two singles (see #4 below). "You Ain't Woman Enough" is quintessential, mid-tempo southern soul (where in the world can you find music with as light a touch, yet as deep and elemental?). The song rocks along on a John Cummings-Terry Wright-Karen Wolfe instrumental track produced by the "I Lost My Good Thang" man. According to Karen, Sir Charles came up with the title; his "Dallas Dallas" provided some of the musical structure.

Listen to Karen Wolfe singing "You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man" on YouTube.

3. "Roll With You"-----Nelson Curry

You'll have to take my word on this one. There's no YouTube or retail yet. I tried to twist Nelson's arm to get just a rudimentary demo on YouTube in time for publication, but...no cigar. What makes "Roll With You" outstanding is that it distances itself from Curry's prior hits by striking out in a new direction, yet maintains just the right balance of the beloved Klass brand. The result? Nelson's vocal shimmers like a fine diamond in a new setting.

4. "That Chick Ain't Me"-----Karen Wolfe

She held off sending me this one. Karen must have known your Daddy B. Nice would cry out in pain. There are two songs too sacred to f--- with: Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" and Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind." You see, when you allow yourself to be seduced by a classic hook in a new song, you're giving up your allegiance to the classic (or at least a piece of it), in this case "I'd Rather Go Blind". Do you agree, millennials?...Well, maybe not, they say. And even I admit I love this remake, with a great guitar instrumental, a great background chorus--the only question then being, "Will I still be seduced by this song in a month or will I hate it?" So I packed a month's worth of listenings into a couple of days (which takes a lot of substance abuse, let me tell you) and the verdict is...I love it. "That Chick Ain't Me" endures.

Listen to Karen Wolfe singing "That Chick Ain't Me" on YouTube.

5. (Heavy Presents) "Take Care Of You"-----Adrian Bagher & Cold Drank

Regarding the title: Writer/Producer Heavy, aka Highway Heavy, aka Charles Lewis (the creator of "My Sidepiece" and "Three") is seeking a little recognition of the kind Beat Flippa routinely receives--and rightfully so. Regarding the song: super-passionate and deep--the Heavy trademark.

Listen to Adrian Bagher & Cold Drank singing "(Heavy Presents) I'll Take Care Of You" on YouTube.

6. "Somebody Get This Fool (Remix)"-----Jeter Jones featuring Vick Allen

Vick Allen sounds like "a million" on this remake of Jeter Jones' "Roommate (Somebody Get This Fool)". The song sounds more "mainstream," and the switch in title helps. For the first time I really understand the lyrics. The song poses the question, "Do we men of principle love "My Sidepiece" because it represents reality or because it's a preposterous fantasy that makes us laugh?"

7. "Southern Soul U.S.A."----Mo'B

You know I gotta love the title. There was "surfin' USA, now there's "southern soul USA". "Urban Soul" Mo'B inches toward southern soul.

8. "Rodeo"----Miss Lady Blues

Listen to Miss Lady Blues singing "Rodeo" on YouTube.

Starts slow but picks up.

9. "We Gone Do It"----Coco featuring Big Yayo

Another remake of the Staples' "Do It Again". The iconic bass line has graced "Slow Roll It" and many other southern soul songs. Like a saucy LaKeisha, Coco has that young-girl voice that will take her far.

Listen to Coco singing "We Gone Do It" on YouTube.

10. TIE:

"You Can't Raise Me"----Stephanie McDee

"She's Gifted"----Keith Frank & LA 26

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

-------JANUARY 2018-------

1. "Step It Out"------Sir Charles Jones featuring Prince Damons

Sir Charles is a balladeer. Most of his fast jams have fallen short. Not this one. It's got a great, gut-bucket rhythm section that makes it an essential dance jam by the "King," although the synthesized vocal track by Prince Damons adds little and--maybe because of that--is mixed down.

Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing "Step It Out" on YouTube.

2. "You Got That Southern Soul"-----Dave Mack featuring Omar Cunningham

Dave Mack discards his rough and raucous vocal style for a more middle-of-the-road, crooner style--and it works. New look, too--long locks! Written by Omar Cunningham, produced by Jerry Flood.

Listen to Dave Mack singing "You Got That Southern Soul" on YouTube

3. "I'll Pay The Shipping Cost"-----Ronnie Bell

New artist Ronnie Bell struck a chord with his women’s-power-enhancing “I’ll Pay The Shipping Cost,” a sensation in the Mobile/Pensacola area, where it's topped radio charts for months. 100K YouTube views and growing.

Listen to Ronnie Bell singing "I'll Pay The Shipping Cost" on YouTube.

4. "Good Thang"----Bigg Robb

I'd guess-ti-mate Bigg Robb gets 50% more of his tracks on the charts simply because he knows the importance of the bass. Here he makes a welcome turn from funk to rock-and-roll.

Sample Bigg Robb's "Good Thang" on Shazam.

5. "Anybody Wanna Party"-----Solomon Thompson

Solomon follows up his December-charting "Neighbor" by recycling the riff from "One Big Party"--and for the better. The lyrics will remind you of the fame-loving club-celeb in T.K. Soul's "They Wonna Party With Me".

6. "High Heels And Jeans"----Magic One

With the swinging "It's The Weekend" and to a lesser extent the ballad "Loving For The Both Of Us," and now the impressive "High Heels And Jeans," I'm sitting up and taking notice of this T.K. Soul protege.

7. "Do Thangs"----Vick Allen

Here is my only fear: that with these recent witty songs, Vick is concentrating on words to the detriment of music. Where are the fresh, under-towing melodies of "Soul Music" and "My Baby's Phone"? The hooky riff and undulating bass line of "If You Can Beat Me Rockin'"?

Listen to Vick Allen singing "Do Thangs" on YouTube.

8. "Swing My Way"----Chris Ardoin

Bubbly zydeco version of the beloved R&B classic by K.P. & Envyi.

Listen to Chris Ardoin singing "Shorty Swing My Way" on YouTube.

9. "Deadbeat Lover"----Chris Ivy

In which Mr. Ivy addresses some grievances of the male gender: "Can I get to know you first/ Before you ask me to pay your bills?"

Listen to Chris Ivy singing "Deadbeat Lover" on YouTube

10. "Southern Soul Jukebox"----Shai' Simone

Now this is a case of a song that's TOO rock and roll. Too many rock and roll mannerisms, starting with the blatantly vintage chorus.

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

 


Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 Souther Soul Singles

SINGLES CHARTS: SCROLL DOWN

The Top 25 Southern Soul Songs of 2018


1. "The Blame"-------Fat Daddy

Power. Mystery. Immediacy. Slaking the unquenchable thirst of southern soul fans, "The Blame Is On Me" came out of nowhere from an unknown artist and an unknown producer, every bit as fully realized--if not quite as technically sophisticated--as the stone-cold classics produced by Harrison Calloway for Johnnie Taylor, Marvin Sease and Little Milton at Tommy Couch's Malaco Records two decades ago.

Listen to Fat Daddy singing "The Blame" on YouTube.


2. "Black Horse"-------Jeter Jones

I described "Black Horse" in two different ways in 2018: 1/ "This is one of those rare songs that arrives perfect in every way, like a text from God. (#1 April '18 Top 10 Singles). And later, in a 4-star CD Review: "...An astonishing single, a meshing of a subtle Beat Flippa keyboard hook and an incredible Jeter Jones vocal, a song as natural as a cage-free egg".

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Black Horse" on YouTube.


3. "Squeeze Me" -----Sir Charles Jones

People across America and around the world are clamoring to hear something different, something deep, something filled with life. Who better to lead the "slow-rolling" charge than the King--the Return of the King--of Southern Soul? "Squeeze Me's" vintage keyboard washes and squiggly treble accents made southern soul fans' hearts melt with nostalgia.

Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing "Squeeze Me" on YouTube.


4. "Ain't No Getting Over Me (Short Version)"------Tucka

Not since Sam Cooke has an R&B singer crossed genre boundaries with such effortless confidence, charm and charisma.

Listen to Tucka singing "Ain't No Getting Over Me" on YouTube.


5. "That Bitch Ain't Me"------Karen Wolfe

Recycling Etta James "I'd Rather Go Blind," Karen Wolfe climbs her highest musical peak since her classic "Man Enough".

Listen to Karen Wolfe singing "That Bitch Ain't Me" on YouTube.


6. "Same Hotel" (Big Yayo Soul Swing Remix)"-------Nelson Curry

Nelson Curry fulfills his post-Klass-Band promise with the deft southern soul touch of producer Big Yayo.

Listen to Nelson Curry singing "Same Hotel" on YouTube.


7. "Sweet Dick Johnny (Highway Heavy Short Version)"------Johnny James

Listen to Johnny James singing "Sweet Dick Johnny" on YouTube.


8. "Show Pony"-----Annie Washington

Listen to Annie Washington singing "Show Pony" on YouTube.


9. "Down In The Club"-----King Fred

Listen to King Fred singing "Down In The Club" on YouTube.


10. "High Heels And Jeans (Remix)"-------Magic One featuring Wendell B., L.J. Echols, Vick Allen & Avail Hollywood

Listen to Magic One, Wendell B., L.J. Echols & Avail Hollywood singing "High Heels And Jeans (Remix)" on YouTube.


11. "Caught Up In The Middle"-----P2K DaDiddy featuring Vick Allen

Listen to P2K & Vick Allen singing "Caught Up In The Middle" on YouTube.


12. "Parking Lot Love Affair"------O.B. Buchana

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "Parking Lot Love Affair" on YouTube.


13. "Mr. Ain't Gone Do Right"------Carolyn Staten

Listen to Carolyn Staten singing "Mr. Ain't Gone Do Right" on YouTube.


14. "You're Not The Only One"------Big G

Listen to Big G singing "You're Not The Only One" on YouTube.


15. "I'm Gonna Wait"------Beatrice

Listen to Beatrice singing "I'm Gonna Wait" on YouTube.


16. "I Won't Give You Up"------Andre' Lee

Listen to Andre' Lee singing "I Won't Give You Up" on YouTube.


17. "I'll Do Me A Big Girl"------David Brinston featuring Lucky Love

Listen to David Brinston and Lucky Love singing "I'll Do Me A Big Girl" on YouTube.


18. "Feel Me"------J-Wonn featuring Keith Sweat

Listen to J-Wonn & Keith Sweat singing "Feel Me" on YouTube.


19. "Why You Gotta Act Like That?"------Mz. Connie

Listen to Mz. Connie singing "Why You Gotta Act Like That?" on YouTube.


20. "Tickle Box"-------C-Wright

Listen to C-Wright singing "Tickle Box" on YouTube.


21. "Tipsy"--------Tucka

Listen to Tucka singing "Tipsy" on YouTube.


22. "The Mule"-------O.B. Buchana

Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "The Mule" on YouTube.


23. "Big Sexy"------Anissa Hampton

Listen to Anissa Hampton singing "Big Sexy" on YouTube.


24. "Soul Brothers Moonshine"-------P2K DaDiddy featuring Sir Charles Jones & Jeter Jones

Listen to P2K, Sir Charles Jones & Jeter Jones singing "Soul Brothers Moonshine" on YouTube.


25. "100 Years"------Sir Charles Jones

Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing "100 Years" on YouTube.

Congratulations to all!

--Daddy B. Nice

***********

*********

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

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

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

-------DECEMBER 2018-------

1. "Ain't No Getting Over Me" -----Tucka

Cupid couldn't have shot an arrow at your heart more accurately than Tucka does with this stunning cover of the Ronnie Milsap country classic. Once you hear it, you won't be able to forget it. (I recorded a "short version" without the opening voice-over.)

Listen to Tucka singing "Ain't No Getting Over Me" on YouTube.

See Daddy B. Nice's Tucka: New Album Alert!

2. "Tipsy"-----Tucka

In my "New Album Alert" for Tucka I listed this song's antecedents as Frank Lucas' "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling," Betty Wright's "Tonight Is The Night" and The Rascals "Groovin'". But of the three, "Tipsy" with its inebriated "brown liquor love" most resembles the sunny, romantic buzz of "Groovin'/ On a Sunday afternoon..."

Listen to Tucka singing "Tipsy" on YouTube.

Buy Tucka's new WORKING WITH THE FEELING album at iTunes.

3. "Drank Of My Love"-----Crystal Thomas

The deepest and most satisfying cut from Crystal's new album, Drank Of My Love. Great vocal, production and background choruses.

Listen to Crystal Thomas singing "Drank Of My Love" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's new CD review.

4. "Don't Rush"----Avail Hollywood

Listen to Avail Hollywood singing "Don't Rush" on YouTube.

5. "Call On Me"------Big Daddy E.

This is Mose Stovall's brother Eddie, formerly of The Platters, who released his first southern soul single, "Big Daddy E," in March. This one's better, but no YouTube yet.

6. "Why You Mad At Me?"-----Terrence Davis

Wild, raucous, new song with lyrics that feature one man putting down another.

Listen to Terrence Davis singing "Why You Mad At Me" on Kkbox.

7. "Sneak, Creep & Freak"-----Sebastian Gowdy

This young man has the pipes, technique and know-how to go all the way. He's from Jackson, Mississippi and played football with last month's featured
Jackson artist, Demond Crump. He's also the same "Sebastian" who charted in July '17 with the impressive ballad "If You Come Back".

Listen to Sebastian Gowdy "Sneak, Creep & Freak" on YouTube.

8. "The Donald Trump"------West Love featuring Stan Butler

It could have benefited from another take and/or better mixing--Stan Butler in particular gets periodically drowned in the choppy waves of the instrumental track--but as you can guess from the title, this song is a rollicking good time.

Listen to West Love featuring Stan Butler singing "The Donald Trump".

9. "I Need A Fix It Man"-----Pat Cooley

In which Pat graduates from a "boy toy" to a grown man. It's called keeping it (her catalog) consistent.

Listen to Pat Cooley singing "I Need A Fix It Man" on YouTube.

10. "Good Enough For Me"-----Stacii Adams

A self-reflective ballad from the hyper-charged young artist who debuted in November with the head-turning cover of Johnnie Taylor's "Last Few Dollars".

Listen to Stacii Adams singing "Good Enough For Me" on YouTube.

*********

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

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

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

-------NOVEMBER 2018-------

1. "The Same Hotel (Soul Swing Remix)" -----Nelson Curry featuring Big Yayo

Hard work and persistence pay off for former Klass Band Brotherhood front-man Nelson Curry, who's been searching for just this kind of sweet material. With Big Yayo tweaking the mix into a hit-single groove, Curry has never sounded more rooted, honeyed or euphonious.

Listen to Nelson Curry & Big Yayo singing "The Same Hotel" on SoundCloud.

2. "Tore Your Drawers"-----DeMond Crump

Years ago, this obscure recording artist had a minor regional hit with "Neighborhood Rat".

See Daddy B. Nice's DeMond Crump (New Single Alert! New Artist Guide!)

Listen to DeMond Crump singing "Tore Your Drawers" on YouTube.

3. "Soul Brothers Moonshine"------P2K Dadiddy, Sir Charles Jones & Jeter Jones

A Sir Charles Jones homage from P2K's new Welcome To The Boom Boom Room album. "A Can't Miss Debut. Pure Southern Soul Heaven." Read the review.

Listen to P2K, Sir Charles and Jeter Jones singing "Soul Brothers Moonshine" on YouTube.

4. "Feel Me"-----J-Wonn featuring Keith Sweat

J-Wonn has been trending closer to mainstream popular music ever since he left former mentor Big Yayo, and this one makes it official. Can you imagine J-Wonn on Top 40 Urban R&B?

Listen to J-Wonn and Keith Sweat singing "Feel Me" on YouTube.

5. "Right Thing, Wrong Man"------Stephanie Luckett

Now we've got Stephanie Luckett and Stephanie Pickett. The first time you hear this cover of "Right Thing, Wrong Man," you'll groan that it's not the late Jackie Neal. After that, you'll be adjusted. Ms. Luckett triumphs.

Listen to Stephanie Luckett singing "Right Thing, Wrong Man" on YouTube.

6. "Sha La Do Be Do"------------Snatch Nelson

A throwback sound that's as fresh as ever, from an artist who's been laboring in the margins. See Snatch Nelson (New Album Alert! New Artist Guide!)

Listen to Snatch Nelson singing "Sha La Do Be Do" on YouTube.

7. "Still Called The Blues"------Donnie Ray

Donnie Ray is amped-up on his second CDS release, and "Still Called The Blues," with its reflections on the relationship between the blues, the blues masters and southern soul, finds producer Ricky White at his subtlest and best. See Donnie Ray (New Album Alert!).

Listen to Donnie Ray singing "(You Can Call It Southern Soul But It's) Still Called The Blues"

8. "Last Few Dollars"------Stacii Adams

Stacii Adams resuscitates the Johnnie Taylor classic. Not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill cover.

Listen to Stacii Adams singing "Last Few Dollars" on YouTube.

9. "Trucker Hustle"--------P2K featuring DJ Trucker

Another song with hit potential from Welcome To The Boom Boom Room. "The previously unknown P2K, aka Keith Taylor, exudes the authority of a dude who's been on the scene for years." See Daddy B. Nice's 5-star review.

Listen to P2k and DJ Trucker singing "Trucker Hustle" on YouTube.

10. "That Bitch Ain't Me"-----Karen Wolfe

Even more so than when it charted here as "That Chick Ain't Me" in February (scroll down this page), I think this is an important song. Maybe it can't be marketed or broadcast as such, but the vernacular "bitch" is more real, accurate and relevant, and therefore even more powerful. The inflection in Karen's voice as she sings the last three words in "You made your bed/Now LIE IN IT"...You'll never hear stuff like that outside of southern soul, folks.

Listen to Karen Wolfe singing "That Bitch Ain't Me" on YouTube.

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

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

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

-------OCTOBER 2018-------

1. "Lucas Love Train"---Frank Lucas

His "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" rivals Clarence Carter's "Strokin'" in giddy and enraptured male narcissism. His new song, "Lucas Love Train," with a devastating rhythm track and hook, couldn't be more different. Done in a folk-singing style, it recalls the protest songs of Ritchie Havens ("Freedom") and Buffy Sainte-Marie. No YouTube as of this posting.

See Daddy B. Nice's "Frank Lucas: New Album Alert!"

2. "Cheating In The Next Room"-----Beatrice featuring Rhomey

No, it's not Z.Z. Hill's "Cheating In The Next Room". This is the talented and convincing Beatrice, who had an equally atmospheric southern soul single (#4, June '18) with "I'm Gonna Wait".

Listen to Beatrice & Rhomey singing "Cheating In The Next Room" on YouTube.

3. "Party Time"-----Pyramid City Band

I was equivocal about the the transparent funk of PCB's "Party Time" while reviewing Ecko Records new VARIOUS ARTISTS: Blues Mix 25: Slammin' Southern Soul, where it was first published. Now what was "transparency" sounds like accessibility and immediacy, and although the overlapping bass singers on the chorus might still be singing, "Don't Ride...Ride the White Horse...," "Party Time" has achieved its own light and groove-friendly identity.

Listen to the Pyramid City Band singing "Party Time" on YouTube.

Read the review.

4. "I Don't Want To Argue"-----Lil' Nathan & The Zydeco Big Timers

From Southern Soul's sister genre. Such sweet sounds for such confrontational lyrics.

Listen to Lil' Nathan & The Zydeco Big Timers singing "I
Don't Want To Argue" on YouTube.


5. "Can't Nobody"------Audi Yo featuring Tucka

Listen to Audi Yo & Tucka singing "Can't Nobody" on YouTube.

6. "That Good Good"------Sweet Angel featuring Mattie

Sweet Angel doesn't release a single very often (remember "Mr. Wrong Gonna Get This Love Tonight"?), so when she does you know it's been given some serious thought and execution.

Listen to Sweet Angel & Mattie singing "That Good Good" on ReverbNation.

7. "Sweat"------Diva Dee featuring Snatch Nelson

Listen to Diva Dee & Snatch Nelson singing "Sweat" on YouTube.

8. "Basement Party"-----Uvee Hayes

This stepping song by James McKay is a bid to make Uvee Hayes refreshingly relevant, and it succeeds.

Listen to Uvee Hayes singing "Basement Party" on YouTube.

9. "That Ain't My Woman"-----Kinfolks (Adrian Bagher, Katrenia Jefferson & Mark A. Holloway)

Listen to Kinfolks singing "That Ain't My Woman" on YouTube.

10. "Ninga Ning Song"-----Frank Lucas

Didn't think you were going to get out of here without some more Frank Lucas, did you? Hey, I'd do the same for ol' Theodis and "Stand Up In It". This is "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" in concert version, and it's nice to hear the appreciative fans. The "ninga-ning" scat-singing reminds me of the sounds of the Schwinn bicycle I had when I was a kid. Stock up on Lucas. You may not hear from him again for five years.

See Daddy B. Nice's "Frank Lucas: New Album Alert!"

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

-------SEPTEMBER 2018-------

1. "On A Mission"-----Big Woo

More producer than per-
former when he was starting out (2004-2006), Bigg Robb used Big Woo as his deep-soul lead vocalist in Da Problem Solvas in the same way producer Highway Heavy is using gravel-voiced Johnny James as his front-man in 2018 ("Sweet Dick Johnny," etc.). Big Woo returns at long last as a solo artist with "On A Mission". Southern Soul does doo-wop.

Listen to Big Woo singing "On A Mission" on YouTube.

See Daddy B. Nice's "Big Woo (Debut Album Alert!)".

2. "Born Alabama"-----Big "Ro" Williams, Mose Stovall & Sir Charles Jones

This jam was recorded a couple of years ago; now it's been re-titled and repackaged as "Born Alabama". The "Bama Slide" video (the only YouTube available at the moment) doesn't do justice to the deep-running current of the instrumental track or the trio's vocals. Sir Charles' verse--which comes at the end--is particularly good, with a bit of double-track and echo in the "Dallas" mode. Thanks to Mose Stovall for the heads-up.

3. "High Heels & Jeans (Remix)"------Magic One featuring Wendell B, Vick Allen, L.J. Echols & Avail Hollywood.

Now this is the kind of showcase guaranteed to strengthen any deserving record's bid of becoming a classic. Wendell B. damned right is the boss, and he makes your head swivel as he throws down the opening phrases of the first verse. (Wendell also pronounces Magic "One" Magic "Juan"--that'll make northerners smile.) Vick, L.J. and Avail--they're all outstanding--easily one of the finest collaborations of the year.

Listen to Magic One, Wendell B. et. al. singing"High Heels & Jeans (Remix)" on YouTube.

4. "Zydeco Love"-----P2K Dadiddy featuring Cupid

If you don't dance to this, you're ready for the rocking chair. An uptempo keeper from P2K's new album, Welcome To Da Boom Boom Room. See Daddy B. Nice's new Artist Guide to P2K (Debut Album Alert!).

Listen to P2K & Cupid singing "Zydeco Love" on YouTube.

5. "Sugar Daddy (What I Gotta Pay To Be A Man?)"--------Bo Dollar

Quaintly innocent take on "sugar daddies," drenched in southern soul musical conventions put together in a unique and charming way. Not to be confused with Dolla Bill Dodson (#2 April 2018). Thanks to Cadillac Zack for sending this.

6. "Rock Wit' It, Baby"-----Jennifer Watts

Hard to believe "rock" was originally and still is a euphemism for the other four-letter word ending in "k". We've become so used to it. Your Daddy B. Nice had other "rock" submissions this month: Annie Washington, now calling herself Ms. B., with "Rocks Me," and Lamar Brace, a new artist, with "Rock Me All Night". Frankly, Watts was the only one "rocking" on YouTube. Besides, "Rock Wit' Me" (produced by Uncle Phunk) just may be the Jennifer Watts single that finally catches on.

Listen to Jennifer Watts singing "Rock Wit It, Baby" on YouTube.

But Jennifer Watts' "Rock Wit It Baby" at Apple.

7. "So You Wanna Be A Player"----Corey Rudolph

Corey Rudolph is the same, crooning R&B'er Koree' Rudolph who recorded "All I Want". This one's much different--southern soul with a ferocious edge.

Listen to a 1-minute sample of "So You Wanna Be A Player" on YouTube.

8. "Southern Soul Bounce"----------Ms. Jody

I didn't get this song at first. Then the little light bulb went on inside my brain. This is the equivalent of David Brinston's "I Drinks My Whiskey". This is Ms. Jody throwing down the gauntlet and saying, "I'll sing ya some blues, and I'll take my damned time about it. Now get out on the damned dance floor, grandpa!" And five minutes later, Grandpa's still dancing in funky oblivion.

Listen to Ms. Jody singing "Southern Soul Bounce" on YouTube.

Buy Ms. Jody's "Southern Soul Bounce" at Amazon.

9. "Ms. Wendy"-----Jay Morris Group (Jay Morris & Z. Brownlow)

I don't know if even Morris realizes how good this tune is, musically speaking. As far as what it's all about, I don't know yet.

Listen to the Jay Morris Group singing "Ms. Wendy" on pCloud.

10. "Working Man"----Highway Heavy featuring Johnny James

What's the matter with Johnny? Johnny sounds out of breath. Johnny's mumbling. Awww, just your Daddy B. Nice giving him shit because he's a fascinating mo-f-er. I'll tell you what works: Heavy's deep-soul keyboard lines. You could rock your baby to sleep by their graceful fluctuations.

Listen to Highway Heavy featuring Johnny James singing "Working Man" on YouTube.

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

-------AUGUST 2018-------

1. "100 Years"----------Sir Charles Jones

"When God made a soul,/ He split that soul in two./ He gave half to me/ And the other half to you./ As fate would have it,/ The day came when we met./ Friends called me Romeo,/ And called you Juliet." What lyrics! Southern Soul fans should be proud of Charles for 1/ recognizing a once-in-a-lifetime classic when he hears it, and 2/ being brave enough to record it in a no-frills, pop-balladeer style (acoustic guitar, strings, piano), putting the emphasis squarely on the naked vocal.

Listen to Sir Charles Jones singing" 100 Years" on YouTube.

Buy Sir Charles Jones' "100 Years" at iTunes.

See Daddy B. Nice's Sir Charles Jones: New Album Alert!

2. "Let's Play Hide And Seek"-------Ms. Jody

In the hallowed tradition of her first hit single, "I Never Take A Day Off," Ms. Jody's "Let's Play Hide And Seek" showcases her intoxicating alto to superb effect, with lyrics ("Anywhere you hide it/ I don't care") that take you as far as your imagination dares to wander.

Listen to Ms. Jody singing "Let's Play Hide And Seek" on YouTube.

Buy Ms. Jody's "Hide And Seek" at iTunes.

See Daddy B. Nice's "Ms. Jody: New Album Alert!"

3. "Club Booty"-----David Brinston

The unique southern soul singer who thrilled the Delta at the turn of the century with "Party Till The Lights Go Out" has returned to form with his last two albums on Ecko Records, never sounding better.

Listen to David Brinston singing "Club Booty" on YouTube.

Buy David Brinston's "Club Booty" at Amazon.

See Daddy B. Nice's "David Brinston: New Album Alert!"

Watch for the review!

4. "I Ain't Gone Cheat No More"------Jeter Jones

Not about to put this on a pedestal alongside Ronnie Lovejoy's "Sho' Wasn't Me" or anything, but it chugs away in a juke-joint way with a modesty and urgency that wins me over, and with my love and prejudice for dance jams, I almost put it and the next one (Ms. Jody's "That's Where The Party's At") number one and two, over the ballads (sorry, Sir Charles). If you listen closely, you'll hear Sweet Nay contributing to the raucous texture.

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "I Ain't Gone Cheat No More" on YouTube.

Buy Jeter Jones' "I Ain't Gone Cheat No More" at Amazon.

See Daddy B. Nice's "Jeter Jones: New Album Alert!"

5. "That's Where The Party's At"-----Ms. Jody

When a southern soul artist through-and-through like Ms. Jody takes on influences--the zydeco instrumental track, the country-western "tippy-toe" refrain--it's like spice added to a gumbo. It works to perfection. The instrumental background that sounds half like a button accordion and half like a bumblebee belly-heavy with nectar wandering between flowers is John Ward on the keyboards.

Listen to Ms. Jody singing "That's Where The Party's At" on YouTube.

6. "Drinkin' (I Gotta Stop Drinking)"----------King Fred

It wasn't so long ago that I likened the young King Fred to southern soul luminary David Brinston--an idiosyncratic vocal stylist with a possibly bright future--and now he's appearing without any need of explanation in the top-10 alongside the veteran.

No YouTube yet (8-5-18).

7. "Let The Rain Come Down"------Lomax

Listen to Lomax singing "Let The Rain Come Down" on YouTube.

Buy Lomax's "Let The Rain Come Down" at CD Baby.

See Daddy B. Nice's "Lomax (Chart-Climber!)".

8. "Why You Gotta Act Like That"-----Mz. Connie

Impressively self-assured vocal and instrumental arrangement for a debut. Thanks to Christopher Johnson for alerting me to this one.

Listen to Mz. Connie singing "Why You Gotta Act Like That" on YouTube.

Buy Mz. Connie's "Why You Gotta Act Like That" at CD Baby.

9. "Alabama Folks (Remix)"-----Rena Ree

"Mississippi Boy," anyone? Yet another rendition of my beloved, one-hit-wonder classic. I like "Alabama Folks"' scruffy, by-the-seat-of-your-pants production. In that respect, it's the most similar of all the remakes to the original. And it puts the blues harp (back) into southern soul. Produced by Mark Safford.

Listen to Rena Ree singing "Alabama Folks (Remix)" on YouTube.

Buy Rena Ree's "Alabama Folks (Remix)" at CD Baby.

10. "She Gone With Jody"--------Jeter Jones featuring Omar Cunningham

Listen to Jeter and Omar singing "She Gone With Jody" on YouTube.

Buy Jeter Jones' "She Gone With Jody" at Amazon.

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

-------JULY 2018-------

1. "The Blame"------Fat Daddy

Who says the young people don't "get" southern soul? Fat Daddy's "The Blame Is On Me" is an unexpected gift. Excepting a couple of appearances on DBN's Concert Calendar (including R.L. Griffin's Blues Palace in Dallas) I know nothing about him, he's never contacted me, and to my knowledge he's never recorded before, but this ballad blows away the powerful likes of Vick Allen's "I Want You" and Rick Lawson's return with "I Done Found Your Good Thing," and your Daddy B. Nice will always acknowledge the talent, just like when Vick and Rick first appeared.

Listen to Fat Daddy singing "The Blame" on YouTube.

Buy Fat Daddy's "The Blame" at Amazon.

2. "Swing Out With Me"-----Ms. Innocents featuring Uncle Phunk & Mr. Cotton

Terry (Mr.) Cotton holds the record here at Southern Soul RnB for sending in the most discarded promotional music submissions. I have told him (with respect) that he can't sing, but he gets a verse (and hits "pay dirt") on this irresistible dance jam propelled by a magnetic bass line which--voila!--is revealed to be the hook from The Temptations' "My Girl" in a nifty transition half-way through the song. Innocents' vocally-enhanced soprano is raw and pop all at the same time. Not sure if Uncle Phunk is Earl "Phunk Dawg" Williams. No YouTube or Retail yet (7-4-18).

3. "Big Sexy"------Anissa Hampton

A former back-up singer for Willie Clayton and Calvin Richardson hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, Anissa Hampton's classic-sounding southern soul debut overwhelmed competition from Adrena's "Slay The Big Girl Way" and Coco's "Love Can't Pay My Bills".

Sample Anissa Hampton's "Big Sexy" at Shazam.

4. "You're Not The Only One"-----Big G

This is the song to hear from G's new LONELY TEARS LP. Big G is in really fine form, and the production with the female background vocals, harmonica and "live" saxophone is superb. Unfortunately, no YouTube "freebies" (7-4-18). See Daddy B. Nice's "Big G: New Album Alert!

...And watch for Daddy B. Nice's review.

7-15-18: Listen to the official video of Big G singing "I Need Your Love" on YouTube. DBN notes: All the album cuts from LONELY TEARS are now posted on YouTube.

5. "Tickle Box"------C-Wright

C-Wright's best song yet! And in the second half we're treated to an amazing insertion of Barbara Lewis's "Hello Stranger"--"It seems like a mighty long timmmme..."-- that will thrill the old school. It does me.

Listen to C-Wright singing "Tickle Box" on YouTube.

See Daddy B. Nice's new artist guide to C-Wright.

6. "Do You (If I Ain't The One)"------Sweet Nay

You can hear the gospel gurgling up through the water table of this song, also a little of the Delta's very own vintage country songstress, Bobby Gentry ("Ode To Billy Joe").

Listen to Sweet Nay singing "Do You" on YouTube.

7. "I Won't Give You Up"------Andre' Lee

From the opening bars, with the electric guitar strumming a great hook, Andre' reminds us how soothing southern soul music sounded in the early 00's. And it sounds just as good--and refreshing--today.

Listen to Andre' Lee singing "I Won't Give You Up" on YouTube.

8. "Dance With You"--------Jeter Jones featuring Big "Ro" Williams

Jeter Jones stretches his musical wings, leaving his pop and zydeco influences for a jazzier, horn-laden take on southern soul. Unusual, but the rhythm section keeps it rooted. Strong vocals all around.

Listen to Jeter and Big "Ro" singing "Dance With You" on YouTube.

See Daddy B. Nice's "Jeter Jones: New Album Alert!"

9. "To All The Good Men"-----Katrenia Jefferson

Of course, Katrenia's style is all about gospel, and with lines like...

"To all the good men in the world
That's taking care of your children, We salute you."

...this song is distinguished by its lyrics and should become a "Father's Day" and "Happy Birthday" anthem to good dads and partners.

10. "I Do Me A Big Girl (I Do A Slim One Too)"-----David Brinston featuring Lucky Love

Thumps happily along like a horn-laden, tuba-burping, New Orleans funeral parade.

See Daddy B. Nice's "David Brinston: New Album Alert!"

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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

-------JUNE 2018-------

1. "Sweet Dick Johnny"--Highway Heavy featuring Johnny James

After musical bouts with Pokey Bear and Cold Drank, producer Heavy has finally found his doppelgänger in Johnny James, the wired, will-do-anything vehicle for his song-creating artistry. Not porn, either, like you might think from the title, just Chick Willis-style southern soul, bluesy and boasting, with enough great organ and guitar to be heard (like Heavy's "My Sidepiece") far beyond the chitlin' circuit. This is actually one in a series of at least four songs devoted to the fearless and funny, gravelly-voiced "Johnny," all on YouTube.

Listen to Heavy feat. Johnny James singing "Sweet Dick Johnny".

See related story--RE: Southern Soul Producer Highway Heavy--in Daddy B. Nice's Mailbag.

See yet another related story in Daddy B. Nice's Corner: News & Notes #3 / May 20 2018: Why Do Producers Want To Be Performers? (this page).

2. "Show Pony"------Annie Washington

Not to overlook the rhythm section, but this is the sweetest zydeco accordion lick in a southern soul song since J.J. Callier's fills in Sharnette Hyter's "Stilettos and Jeans". The vocal is rudimentary but completely convincing.

Listen to DJ Sir Rockinghood's May 2018 Listening Party Pt 1 Mix, which includes Annie Washington singing "Show Pony," the only media stream available at this point (6-2-18).

6-9-18. Here's the just-posted video!

Listen to Annie Williams singing "Show Pony" on YouTube.

3. "Caught Up In The Middle"-----P2K featuring Vick Allen

Who would have thought someone in southern soul music could ever come up with something fresh to say about being "caught between two" in a love triangle? But P2K, heretofore a one-shot recording artist ("Boom Boom Room") and a host/impresario on the chitlin' circuit, does, and with a companion single, "Child Support," also out, he's obviously a promising southern soul songwriter. Naturally, Vick Allen comes to the plate and hits this song out of the park. This track WAS going to be #1 before being knocked off by "Johnny James".

Listen to P2K featuring Vick Allen singing "Caught Up In The Middle" on YouTube.

4. "I'm Gonna Wait"----Beatrice

This song has it all--melody, vocal and production--comparable in heft to early Katrenia Jefferson and guaranteed to melt any man's defenses. Do you hear that, ladies? No media stream available yet (6-3-18). Like "Show Pony" (#2 above), it's so new the varnish is still wet. Thanks to Nathaniel Kimble and Mel Hudson.

6-16-18. Here's the just-posted video!

Listen to Beatrice singing "I'm Gonna Wait For You" on YouTube.

5. "Lumberjack (Good Wood/I Need A Lumberjack)"-----Lady Q featuring Jeter Jones

Another stunning, hard-hitting, dance-grooving debut by a female vocalist (making three in this month's top five picks).

Listen to Lady Q feat. Jeter Jones singing "Lumberjack".

6. "Mississippi Lit"-----Chris Ivy

I like the way Mr. Ivy backs off the pedal a little on his vocals, which have been pretty in-your-face lately, taking a more subtle approach, and you might say beating LaMorris at his own game.

Listen to Chris Ivy singing "Mississippi Lit" on YouTube.

7. "Fed Up"-----J-Wonn

J-Wonn does R. Kelly. And it reminds you of R. Kelly from a more--shall we say--innocent time? From Making Love To Your Mind, J-Wonn's new album.

Listen to J-Wonn singing "Fed Up" on YouTube.

8. "Lipstick On My Zipper"----Big Yayo

Lots of vocal enhancer, in the Bigg Robb style. From Beat Flippa's new sampler, Premeditated Love.

Listen to Big Yayo singing "Lipstick On My Zipper" on YouTube.

See June '18 Featured Artist Beat Flippa.

9. "Is It True?"-----L.J. Echols

Re-issued on Beat Flippa's Premeditated Love compilation, after also being featured on I Got The Blues Vol. 2.

Listen to L.J. Echols singing "Is It True?" on YouTube.

10. "Girl You Bad"----Avail Hollywood featuring DJ Trac

Atmospheric and hiphoppy. From the new Hollywood CD, Good Whiskey.

Listen to Avail Hollywood singing "Girl You Bad" on YouTube.

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

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

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

 


©2005-2024 SouthernSoulRnB.com

All material--written or visual--on this website is copyrighted and the exclusive property of SouthernSoulRnB.com, LLC. Any use or reproduction of the material outside the website is strictly forbidden, unless expressly authorized by SouthernSoulRnB.com. (Material up to 300 words may be quoted without permission if "Daddy B. Nice's Southern Soul RnB.com" is listed as the source and a link to http://www.southernsoulrnb.com/ is provided.)