The UK’s numerous Philadelphia soul fans have lots to look forward to over the coming months. First, there’s a brand new compilation of real Philly rarities on the Universal Love label. The magnificent 18 tracker is collaboration between Philadelphia legend WELDON A MCDOUGAL III and soul collector ANDREW DEMETRIADES. McDOUGAL, of course, was a key figure at Philly’s Harthon Records and over a forty year career he worked on all kinds of soul projects with most of the major players on the Philadelphian music scene. This album, ‘Philadelphia Soul Rarities’ brings together cuts that WELDON worked on between the early sixties and 2007. Featured artists include JIMMY RANDOLPH, BARBARA COLE, SHARON PAIGE, JOE SHAMWELL, THE LARKS, LOU GORDON and BARBARA MASON… and it’s Ms. MASON who provides another upcoming soul treat. “Philadelphia’s First Lady Of Soul” is coming to the UK in the Autumn for a show at the Jazz Café. She’s scheduled to appear at the Parkway venue on Sunday 6th September and there’s the possibility that more dates will be added to her schedule. For details of the BARBARA MASON gig at the Jazz Café go to www.jazzcafe.co.uk while the album ‘Philadelphia Soul Rarities’ is currently available through the usual soul retailers; there’ll be a full review on www.soulandjazzandfunk.com soon
