Young Disciples - Move On EP 1992

Talkin' Loud Records TLKCD18

"DON'T FEAR WHAT YOU FEEL
OLD WOUNDS CAN BE HEALED
COME CLOSE TO SEE
ALL I HAVE IN ME"

When the album Road to Freedom emerged in 1991, it blew most of the London Soul fans away. We had all heard Carleen's voice on Apparently Nothin' and the anticipation of what was to come was almost to much to bear.

The group formed in the summer of 1990 Marc Nelson (bass, guitar and organ) and Femi Williams (percussion and programming) after Carleen Anderson (vocals and keyboards) relocated from her native USA to London. She, of course, is the daughter of the singer Vicki Anderson and stepdaughter of Bobby Byrd, both leading lights in the 60's Soul scene with James Brown connections, etc. Safe to say, the girl had roots!

The group were part of the burgeoning Acid Jazz scene and they signed to Talkin' Loud records and getting involved with the UK hip hop scene, MC Mell'O' and Masta Ace cut their teeth with the Young Disciples. Despite Carleen's highly rated and very important involvement with the group, the Young Disciples were always Femi & Marco whenever they were discussed in my circles. When she left in 1992, it wasn't a surprise. The Road To Freedom had happened and it was time to move on. I remember getting a whisper from a friend:

"Ian is producing an album for Carleen"

And boy, didn't he just? While we were waiting for her album, any mention of Carleen was snapped at.

This then, was an absolute gem. Including the incredible epic mix of All I Have In Me (in which Carleen bares her soul) and another superb mix of Freedom. This beauty clocks in at 8 minutes which is almost half the duration of the album version. Freedom Suite on the album is legendary and the idea of a remix edit borders on blasphemy but rest assured people, this is the Young Disciples and they do no wrong. It is as good and the bonus is, you can listen to it when you only have 10 minutes to spare?

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Young Disciples.rar Filesize: 36.55 MB

Asia Blue - Escaping 1992

Atomic Records WNRT 882

This song has been performed by several artists, including Dina Carroll in 1996, but Margaret Urlich's version, included on her 1989 album Safety In Numbers, seems to be the earliest. I don't have that album so I can't check the writing credit but Asia Blue credits "Written by B. Blue / R. Smith" whereas Dina Carroll's includes "D. Carroll / N. Lowis" As Barry Blue seems to be the man behind Asia Blue, I guess he is B. Blue and one is left to assume Dina re-arranged something?

The main version is a Steve Anderson Remix for the Disco Mix Club but the Sleeping Giant Mix is my fav.

• Escaping (A Kiss Across The Sea)
• Escaping (Sleeping Giant Mix)
• I Want The Right (To Be Wrong)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Asia Blue - Escaping.rar Filesize: 28.89 MB

Carleen Anderson - Mama Said 1994

Circa Records YRCDG114

Carleen Anderson is the UK's adopted soul sister. Born in the USA, the daughter of Vicki Anderson and stepdaughter of Bobby Byrd was most well known as the lead singer in the Young Disciples before setting off on her own solo career.

Mama Said was her first solo hit single but this release came after the Ian Green produced album True Spirit was released. If you haven't heard the album, it's essential soul. On this CD single You've Got To Earn It, is a live recording of Carleen singing with Pop Staples & the Memphis Rhythm Section , Who Was That Masked Man features Paul Weller (Jam, Style Council) while the demo recording of If You Knew is not on any of her albums.

• Mama Said
• You've Got To Earn It
• Who Was That Masked Man
• If You Knew (Demo)

The Download Link is: Download
Filename: MamaSaidDisc2.rar Size: 22.64 mb