Further to an earlier news story in www.soulandjazzandfunk.com we can now exclusively reveal that the JIMMY LEVINE/RAYMOND EARL label Mo-Philly Music Group is about to make its initial release. The enterprising label will debut with ‘Arize, Time To Shine’ – a feisty femme set from SHANTEL. Our previews reveal that SHANTEL’S music offers everything that JIMMY and RAYMOND have promised. The duo have set out to make music that is thoroughly contemporary and accessible, yet retaining the traditions and sensitivities of old school soul. The album’s title cut has a feel of prime time ANITA BAKER (though there’s a subtle twist in there), while ‘Love I Don’t Need It’ might recall the joys of ‘Me And Mrs. Jones’. Album highlight is undoubtedly the funky re-make of the JONES GIRLS’ ‘You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else’. That cut is dominated by a loping bass line which, by a neat irony, is played by RAYMOND EARL who performed on the original back in the day. RAY, of course, was the leader of INSTANT FUNK – who will have their own Mo-Philly Music Group set out very soon, while UK favourites BROWN’S BAG have some strong material imminent too. Wanting simply to “share their love of music” JIMMY AND RAYMOND are calling their new soulfully distinctive sound “urban-pop” and in doing so they sincerely hope that real soul people will “rediscover the music”.
