MILES AWAY is a London based indie record label headed up by Dom Ore and Mr O’s the curator behind the label’s latest vinyl release. He’s put together possibly the most varied compilation of rare and eclectic soul jazz and funk you’ll come across this year.
Imaginatively titled ‘Miles Away One’ it’s a 14 tracker; the double LP features recordings from legendary musical figures side-by-side with perhaps lesser-known soulful gems – all beautifully bought together in one cohesive long player.
The set’s immediate soul grabber is the wonderfully optimistic ‘Yes It’s You’ by Eugene Smiley and Essence Of Love. Originally the B side to 1978’s ‘We’re Lovers By Day And Night’ on K City Records, this one is a real rarity. Originals now go for well over £500! But monetary value’s not always a guarantee of soul quality This time it is!
Amongst the other highlights are Idris Muhammad’s spiritual-jazz recording, ‘I’m A Believer’ (No, not that one!) and a full length extended version of ‘Superstar’ (Yes that one!) by Ruth Waters. You may know that that one’s a discofied version of the classic but there are plenty of, shall we say, more esoteric flavours on offer too. Try the light Italian disco romp that is ‘’Milionbimbo’ from Bimbo e i Milionari , Margaret Singara’s soulful cover of Stretch’s ‘Why Did You Do It?’ or the exotica of ‘Vale Volar’ from Paulina Viroga. Want more rare soul dancers? Try Solid Gold Revue’s brassy, breezy ‘She’s So Good’. Yes, something for everyone here!
All the music’s been painstakingly researched and officially licensed from the artists, producers and labels that originally put out the tunes. In-depth liner notes go into great detail about each artist depicting their histories, stories and music – something which has been at the heart of Miles Away from day one. Out now!
