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Various: Rare Kiwi Soul from the Eighties

If you are a fan of soul music then this album may be one of the most important local releases you will hear for some time. During the 1980s there was a brief golden period when live soul ruled the nightclub scene in South Auckland. Unfortunately very little music from this period of time was archived or recorded. 20 years in the making this is the only CD I have heard that really documents the rise and development of Kiwi soul. Artists represented include Sonny Day and the All-Stars, D-Faction, The Three T's, US singer Frank Jade and more. What really struck me about this release is the overall quality of the music. The musicians and engineers involved have captured the essence of the classic Motown and Stax Recordings songs. Heavy hollow drum grooves, lush romantic melodies, heartfelt lyricism of pain, love and deep noodling basslines. It is a real pity that more of this time period hasn't been similarly retained and documented. Congratulations go to Simon Lynch who produced this record and coincidently wrote many of the 23 songs featured. Out on Rajon Music Group.

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