McKoy - Family - (1994)

RighTrack Records CD TUM 8

Originally posted 23/07/2008

1990-92 was busy time for Noel McKoy. At the same time as he fronted the acid jazz cult band The James Taylor Quartet, he also had some success with Snowboy (doing a cover of Leroy Hudson's Lucky Fellow and Leo's Sunship's Give Me The Sunshine) and his family as McKoy. 

The album 'Full Circle - Within A Spiritual Social Soul' was released in 1993 (If you like this then you need a copy) and that prompted a re-release of the highly rated but underexposed Family.

The Original Version is a beautiful slice of soul but this release called in Ray Hayden of Opaz Studios. Hayden, knowing a good song when he hears one, done the right thing and left it virtually as it was but in true Opaz style, he gives it a great big helping of schmoove. You can't fault this guy, he's a master. Walter Turbitt turns out a short but sweet Live Band Mix which is a joy to hear. Personally, I'm not keen on the Gussie P. Reggae Mix but different strokes and all that?

Tracklist

1. Family (Ray Hayden's Extended Mix)
2. Family (Original Version)
3. Family (Gussie P. Reggae Mix)
4. Family (Live Band Mix)

Download: M-F.7z | Filesize: 39.0MB

'For those who know Soul is what you feel not what you hear.'

Noel McKoy

Martine Girault ‎– Revival - (1992)

FFRR ‎– FCD 195

As requested by Tim on the Chico Debarge Iggin' Me post.

We've already had the 12" posted on here by Mickey back in 2009 (we really could do with a 320 re-rip now I come to think of it) and I've only made you guys wait ten bloody years for this CDS! 

Go peep the original post for more info.

For my two cents worth, ignore the radio mix as usual and dive straight into the Original Mix - four and a half minutes of nineties UK soul perfection. The Funky Vibes mix is a nice curio, it's good to hear a different spin on the classic, and I am feeling the extra hip hop (almost trip hop?) vibes this one packs, but ultimately it falls short of the original.

Nothin's Gonna Change, the final track here, is another really cool track, and well worth your time. Another one with her signature style of sparse, repeated  vocals and hip hop production sensibilities.

Revival is a wicked cut and another timeless track from this era.

Tracklist

1. Revival (Radio Mix)
2. Revival (Original Mix)
3. Revival (Funky Vibes Mix)
4. Nothin's Gonna Change

Download: MG-R.7z | Filesize: 38.3MB

Martine Girault - Revival 1992

Opaz Records OP001/SRH

This breathtakingly beautiful piece of sublime soul came out of London in 1992. In a era when everybody that wanted to "be somebody" on the soul scene, was trying to recreate a rare groove, acid jazz sound, Dalston's Finest was just doing his thing. Ray Hayden came across this smokey, Brooklyn chanteuse and decided her voice would sound good on his music.

The line up is Opaz except for Martine Girault on vocals. Danny G supplying synth flute and Neville Malcolm on guitar with Hayden overseeing everything. All three are more than competent on keyboards and the result is a most incredible four and a half minutes of lounge bar soul. In 1992 this release was voted, deservedly so, Best Soul Record of the year by DMC.

This particular 12" was a Limited Edition on the Opaz Records label. It features an Instrumental and the bonus track, Nothin's Gonna Change, which was a dancefloor killer at the time.

• Revival
• Rap Interlude
• Revival Theme
• Nothin's Gonna Change

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Martine Girault - 1992 Revival L..rar Filesize: 31.45 MB

ffrr Records FX 205

For some reason, probably because of the demand, the record was handed to ffrr for a major release. This was a great move because the new 12" featured a new track. The Funky Vibes Mix of Revival does little to improve the actual song but makes an interesting bit of dance fodder. On the flip though, we have 'cause It Matters To Me which is as good as Revival and makes for a hell of a release. The Quiet Fire version is the real gem but Renaisance is also worthy.

• Revival
• Revival (Funky Vibes Mix)
• 'cause It Matters To Me (Quiet Fire)
• 'cause It Matters To Me (Renaissance)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Martine Girault - 1992 Revival.rar Filesize: 39.83 MB