01. Candi Staton – I’m Just A Prisoner (Fame Records)
This is my kind of soul. Southern, bluesy and brilliantly sung by the great Ms Staton who is having a bit of a career resurgence at the moment.
02. Smokey Robinson – Quiet Storm (Motown)
A record that I consistently return to. Smokey just kills it on vocals. A land mark album that started a genre no less.
03. Sun Ra – Sleeping Beauty (Saturn)
One of the legendary Sun Ra’s more accessible productions. You just lie back and let it wash over you. Stunning.
04. John Coltrane – My Favourite Things (Impulse!)
A master at work. There are a few versions of this to say the least my favourite being the live version recorded at Newport Jazz Festival in 1963.
05. Richie Havens – What’s Going On (Polydor)
I have surprised a few of my friends with this. A five guitar folk assault and a brilliant version of Marvin Gaye’s classic. Richie’s vocal also steals the show.
06. Bill Weathers – Can We Pretend (Sussex)
This track always reminds me of hot summer days. Picnic baskets at the ready and the wine chilling. Nuff said.
07. Max Roach – Members, Don’t Git Weary (Atlantic)
I was introduced to this album by Ross Allen and it’s another record I keep returning to. A beautifully executed record from the master jazz drummer and his group.
08. Burning Spear – Sounds From The Burning Spear (Soul Jazz Records)
It’s the voice that pulls you in. Deep spiritual reggae vibes from one of my favourite singers. A great compilation from Soul Jazz of his finest Studio One output.
09. Lambchop – Up With The People (City Slang)
A record that always makes me feel elated every time I hear it. Part of the soundtrack to my life.
10. Robert Wyatt – Shipbuilding (Rough Trade)
Written by Elvis Costello and sung by one of the most underrated British artists. A heartfelt lyric about the decline of the British shipbuilding industry and the Falklands war that gets you thinking.
Ashley Beedle & Ross Allen’s Gang Nairobi release ‘Murderer Style/Kiss Dem Teeth’ through Warbox on 28 May. X-Press 2 release ‘Witchi Tai To’ through Skint Records on 30 April.
