Globally acclaimed soulful songstress, Pauline Henry (The Chimes), has enjoyed a brilliant music career for over three decades. From early years as a backing singer for Duran Duran and The Rolling Stones, she went on to take the stage as lead singer of The Chimes, releasing global soulful hits such as ‘Love So Tender’, ‘1-2-3’, ‘Heaven’ and‘ I Still Haven’t Found What Am Looking For’, among others. They were part of an elite group of bands that shaped the urban soul music scene in the UK in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Pauline has released solo hits such as ‘Feel Like Making Love’, ‘Sugar Free’ and ‘Love Hangover’, along with 2 acclaimed solo artist albums. Pauline Henry continues to perform extensively at concerts and festivals and around the world, including recent tours in the UK and Australia. As she returns with a fabulous new Lem Springsteen produced single, ‘Release Me’, featuring Leee John on BV’s and Booker T on the remixes, DMCWorld goes Back To Mine with UK Soul queen, Pauline Henry.
Corto.alto Trio – Latency (Live from Strange Field)
Starting with the male artists.. The first song is a very diverse, alternative Jazz track, that sounds to me like a fusion of influences like Reggae style base lines and Jungliest style drums flexes. The Sax Soloist is a beautiful marriage that brings together all the elements. This interesting fusion makes for a cool, rhythmic, urban Jazz groove. Perfect to kick start the night. Corto.alto Trio won best UK Act of the year at the Jazz FM awards 2025.
Maxwell – Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)
As far as smooth grooves goes, Maxwell IS the man. The song is 15 years old yet still as fresh as the daisies and perfect for any after party jams. I hope he and Janet Jackson are a THING. <3
Bobby V. – Slow Down
I am not sure when or where I heard this song, but since hearing I loved it ever since. Bobby V is a much younger demographic to me, but the melody, the lyrics and the groove are infectious. He is also very soulful which I love. ‘Slow Down’ is very much in keeping with the slow rhythmic jams of the night so far.
Disclosure – Omen ft. Sam Smith
Taking the tempo up a notch, is some Disclosure. This production uses classic old school Hammond Organ, that gives it a Gospel feel, with a very authoritative bassline. The tile ‘Omen’ evokes such anticipation, with an equally powerfully insightful chorus line.
“It’s an Omen, caught my baby crying, saw the silver lining.“ “It must be an Omen, I needed you to show me, without you I am lonely.” Disclosure. One of my all-time favourite tracks.
Jax Jones – Feels (Visualiser)
So it’s that time of the night, for a FOUR TO THE FLOOR Dance Anthem. “You can take the Girl out the Clubs, but can’t take the Club out of the Girl”. That saying goes for me, I love dancing, always have and still do. I spent a lot time clubbing in Ibiza. This track makes me happy and remind me of my clubbing days – “I can’t stop how I feel, how I feel”.
Jill Scott – Gettin’ In The Way
If you are giddy from dancing because Jax Jones was on repeat then Mz Scott is the perfect anecdote of progressive, uber cool, jazz, soul and funk fused groves, known for her intelligent musical compositions. The opening line gets me every time. It comes with a clear warning, If this isn’t the sassiest diss track ever, so articulate and skilfully puts the other woman in her place.
“Sister Girl”. (YIKES.. ) .. “You better back down, before you get smack down, you better chill”, (I don’t need telling twice). Oh and that bassline is so slick in formation gliding with the vocals. Truly, masters at work.
Muni Long – Made For Me (Official Music Video)
This young lady is so gifted. A brilliant song writer, with musical excellence embodied. Though Muni is a much younger demographic to me, I resonated with her music straight away as soon as I heard her song, ‘Hrs And Hrs’. Introduced to me by my young friend, the song was an internet sensation with many trying to emulate her musical masterpiece. She writes songs that make you want to sing along for hours and hours to coin her phrase.. Her second rendition ‘Made For Me’ takes the ultimate sing along to another level. J’adore.
Lalah Hathaway – I AM (Visualizer)
Do you know these kind of people, where every little thing they do is magic? My friend sent this magical uplifting song in my DM last year by La La Hathaway. Donny Hathaway is her Dad – the legendary artist who sang the classic ballad ‘A Song For You’. La La is also a seasoned artist in her own rights with my fav’, ‘Baby Don’t Cry’ Remix. So it seems strange to me that I have never heard of this song neither before or since receiving it. This some how, makes the song significantly more special and unique to our friendship. Like the effervescent ray of sunshine that they are, so too is ‘I AM,’ a bright burst of energy, with uplifting lyrics, and great dance energy. I also love the bass groove.
Marlena Shaw – Street Walkin Woman
JK from Jamiroquai once suggested we do a song together, but we never did. When I heard this song, he immediately came to mind. I think the production would be right up his street, and the attitude and delivery of this track is right up mine. Marlena Shaw is a US soul legend (RIP), with a commanding vintage raspy vocal. Her forte is story telling in song with tracks like ‘Go Away Little Boy’ and ‘California Soul’.
Why does ‘Street Waking Woman’ resonate so much with me? Mmm, I must say the musical progressions are OFF the HOOK.- LIVE – Dynamic – BIG BAND SOUND. Guitars never sounded so good, piano so skilfully played with a thrusting definitive baseline. Marlena’s commanding vocals effortlessly narrating the situation at hand. ‘Street Walking Woman’ has a heart of stone, use your money for your bus fare, and leave me alone ’cause I got to go home. Jazz fusion at its finest. One day I WILL cover this song. What a TUNE!!
Chaka Khan – Like Sugar (Official Video)
After the pallet cleanser that was Marlena Shaw, I end the ladies session strong with musical empress Chaka Khan. Chaka has been a huge influential throughout out my career and still is. This song, like many of her works, I wish was something I did. A timeless dance floor classic. The production is so clever. Veterans at work.
Pauline Henry ‘Release Me’ will be released on Traxsource promo July 25th / Full release on August 1st 2025 on Diamond In Venus.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/2566124/release-me
