Known for both his years with the Temptations and his major solo hits of the 1970s, Eddie Kendricks was among the many soul legends who did his part to put Motown on the map. The expressive vocalist (who often sang in a falsetto), born Edward James Kendrick, grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, but it was Detroit's Motown label that made him a star. Kendricks was still living in Alabama in the late '50s when he formed the Primes with Kell Osborne and Temptation-to-be Paul Williams. After moving from Alabama to Detroit, the Primes caught the attention of a Motor City group known as the Distants, whose members included Temptations-to-be Otis Williams, Elbridge Bryant, and Melvin Franklin. The Primes broke up after being together only a few years, and the Temptations (originally known as the Elgins) were formed when, in 1961, members of the Primes and the Distants came together.

The Jackson 5 (stylized as the Jackson 5ive), later known as the Jacksons, is an American pop band composed of members of the Jackson family. The group was founded in 1965 in Gary, Indiana, by brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after…

To mark the tenth anniversary of the release of I’m New Here , the thirteenth - and last - studio album from the legendary US musician, poet and author Gil Scott-Heron, XL Recordings will release a unique reinterpretation of the album by acclaimed US jazz musician Makaya McCraven. The Chicago drummer and producer transforms Gil-Scott Heron's final album into a masterpiece of dirty blues, spiritual jazz, and deep yearning. (Pitchfork)

This set collects five of Rickie Lee Jones' albums for Warner Bros., 1979's Rickie Lee Jones, 1981's Pirates, 1983's Girl at Her Volcano, 1984's The Magazine, and 1995's Naked Songs: Live and Acoustic, in a one-stop package, each album issued on CD as LP miniatures in facsimile cardboard sleeves.

Michael Jackson's double-disc HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I is a monumental achievement of ego. Titled "HIStory Begins," the first disc is a collection of his post-Motown hits, featuring some of the greatest music in pop history, including "Billie Jean," "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Beat It," and "Rock with You." It leaves some hits out – including the number ones "Say Say Say" and "Dirty Diana" – yet it's filled with enough prime material to be thoroughly intoxicating…

Electric bassist David Dyson has made his mark as a sideman with Me'Shell NdegeOcello, Pieces of a Dream, and the band (which also included Bob Belden) featured on Tim Hagans' Animation - Imagination. On his solo debut, Dyson handles just about everything by himself, including bass, keyboards, drum programming, sampling, and assorted spoken word vocal spots. There are a couple of guest keyboardists and saxophonists, and John Stoddart sings well on "Spin Cycle." But Dyson's bass is the dominant presence, deployed often via overdubs as a melody and chording instrument. His tracks lean heavily toward funk, R&B, and dance beats, and this, together with the electric bass emphasis, makes Dyson's music somewhat similar to Marcus Miller's. Jazz listeners might find it a bit commercial overall, although Dyson crafts some edgy harmonic progressions, hard grooves, and intelligent songs.

“Love Vibes Too” is a follow up collection of 17 upbeat, feel good soulful dance records from the post disco, pre-house days of the late 70s and early 80s. The artists in the main are well known, international hit makers, and again on this selection Expansion take a fresh look at their repertoire and makes some of it available on CD for the very first time. “Love Vibes Too” explores music from Motown, Capitol, MCA, Epic, Columbia, Atlantic, with productions by George Duke, Rene & Angela, The Isley Brothers, Leo Graham, Michael Stokes and Narada Michael Walden. Artists officially on CD for the first time from original masters include Klique, Peabo Bryson, Nolen & Crossley, Magic Lady, Wynd Chymes, Vicky Sue Robinson, Sidney Barnes and Muscle Shoals Horns. Ultimate music for a sunny day for soul fans!

Love Vibes is a collection of 18 upbeat, feel good soulful dance records from the post disco, pre-house days of the late 70s and early 80s. The artists in the main are well known, international hit makers, and on Love Vibes Expansion takes a fresh look at their repertoire and makes some of it available on CD for the very first time. The title track is by The Emotions who in 1979 defined the period we celebrate here on Boogie Wonderland with The Emotions, and Love Vibes is produced by EW&F themselves. With Rose Royce there is the rare 12" version of Best Love, tracks by G.Q, Lenny Williams, Flakes, Mighty Fire and Sylvia St. James never previously on CD. Love Vibes explores musisc from Motown, Salsoul, Solar, Philadelphia, with productions by Mtume & Lucas, Lester & Brown, and Leon Sylvers. Ultimate music for a sunny day for soul fans!

As a child prodigy, keyboardist and organist Lucky Peterson's exploits were legendary. The stories grew even more widespread as he became a teen and stints with Little Milton and Bobby "Blue" Bland only added to his fame. But Peterson's records have not always justified or reaffirmed his reputation. That is not the case with the cuts on this 1984 set, recently reissued by Evidence. The spiraling solos, excellent bridges, turnbacks, pedal maneuvers, and soulful accompaniment are executed with a relaxed edge and confident precision. If you have wondered whether Lucky Peterson deserves the hype and major label bonanza, these songs are the real deal.