“Phyllis sat right in my class. I can still see the pigtails.” In a 2016 interview with The Second Disc, Thom Bell shared his earliest memories of the late Phyllis Hyman (1949-1995). The songwriter-arranger-conductor-producer would cross paths numerous times over the years with his childhood friend: first via Phyllis’ hit recordings of his “Betcha By Golly Wow” and “Loving You – Losing You,” and later, his own productions and songs for her. “She was a lonely individual,” observed Thom, “which in turn enhanced the lonely vibes of a melody – if there…
Betcha by Golly Wow: Cherry Red, SoulMusic Collect Phyllis Hyman’s Albums Discography In New Box Set
Bet Your Lucky Star: Cherry Red, SoulMusic Anthologize the Best of Jean Carne
Cherry Red’s SoulMusic imprint has recently continued its series of artist anthologies with a pair of double-disc sets from two great ladies of soul-jazz: Jean Carne and Marlena Shaw. Today, we’re taking a look at Jean Carne’s collection! Jean Carne (also known as Jean Carn, though we’ll continue to use her preferred spelling with an “e”) has recorded for a variety of labels in a 45-plus year career: first, as part of a soul-jazz duo with her then-husband Doug Carn at his Black Jazz Records, and then solo at Philadelphia International, Motown,…
Shining Stars: SoulMusic Anthologizes The Manhattans, Mother’s Finest, Norman Connors
Cherry Red’s SoulMusic Records imprint has continued its collection of artist-focused anthologies with another batch of releases drawn from the Sony Music family of labels. This group includes 2-CD sets for the smooth vocal group The Manhattans, jazz/R&B soul man Norman Connors, and funk band Mother’s Finest. Though they were named The Manhattans, their story is actually a tri-state one. The group came together in Jersey City, New Jersey, took their name from the city across the Hudson in New York, and found their greatest successes with a producer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. …
