Expansion Records

UK's top Soul Record Label: Modern, Classic, Smooth

  • Diplomats of Soul-I Love You

    Diplomats of Soul

    I Love You

  • Marvin Gaye

    Marvin Gaye

 

Latest Releases

New in.

Breeze.  "Just Another Day".  CD album record.

Guitarist Neville ‘Breeze’ McKreith is a founder member of British jazz funk and soul band, Light Of The World. He became an integral member of Beggar & Co with Kenny Wellington and David ‘Baps’ Baptiste, joining both more currently in The Brit Funk Association. His co-writing credits include the songs “Swingin’”, “London Town”, “Time”, and “(Somebody) Help Me Out”, on which he contributes vocals too.

“Just Another Day” brings the lead, rhythm, electric and acoustic guitar plays of Breeze McKreith to the fore on both new original songs and selective interpretations, all supported by the musicians he records and performs live with regularly to this day.

Track Listing:

    • 1. Return To Valencia
    • 2. Just Another Day
    • 3. It's A Thing Called Love
    • 4. This Is Paradise
    • 5. What You Won't Do For Love
    • 6. Night Flight
    • 7. Ella's Theme
    • 8. Cherish The Day
    • 9. I Want You
    • 10. Children Of The Fields
    • 11. The Island
    • 12. Something For Miles

Lucita Jules & Foster Rogue - "I Love You".  Digital EP & single record download.

Finally available to download, a Philly inspired new song “I Love You” sang by the UK’s Lucita Jules. Lucita’s influence extends beyond live performances, she’s made significant contributions as a vocalist in the world of Dance Music over the years, lending her voice to numerous influential tracks. One standout is her recent feature on the iconic track *Optimistic” with DJ Brian Power with the Michael Gray remix earning her a Number 1 in the Dance Charts.  Lucita Jules is one of Britain's most sought-after session singers, known for her versatility, power, and grace in both live touring and studio work. Spanning multiple genres, her career has seen her collaborate with an extraordinary array of artists, including legends like George Michael, David Gilmour, Dionne Warwick, Nile Rodgers  and Roxy Music, as well as pop icons such as Kylie Minogue to name but a mere few.
  1. "I Love You" Original
  2. "I Love You" Luxury Soul version
  3. "I Love You" House version

Steve Nichol - What The Heart Wants (EP) Record.  Digital Download.

With songs like “Hangin’ On A String”, Slow Down”, and “Don’t Be A Fool”, London band Loose Ends was massive in the 80s, both here and in the USA. In America the band lived, toured, recorded and hung out with the stars. While recording they stayed in Philadelphia where Phyllis Hyman would call round and hang out. She even recorded one of their songs, “Ain’t You Had Enough Love”.

Ultimately, Steve recalls it all becoming too much. Disagreements, negativity, bad vibes were creeping in and calling problems, all of which were documented at the time, but the music lived on. Differences of opinion on the future musical direction between Carl and Steve/Jane were what finally ended the association between group members. Steve recalls that Carl wanted to go the ‘UK street soul’ route, while Steve & Jane were conscious of their US audience and wanted them to be considered. In the meantime, ‘sampling’ had opened the doors for Carl, Steve and Jane to all benefit from Loose Ends music in hip hop and r&b records by Big Daddy Kane, Snoop Dogg, Bel Biv Devoe, Xscape, De La Soul, and, wait for it, Michael Jackson on “Unbreakable” from his final studio album “Invincible”. Oh and then there’s Mariah Carey who morphed “Stay Awhile” into the tail end of “My All”, akin to “Forget Me Not” on George Michael’s “Fast Love”.

Steve’s new EP is a collaboration with vocalist Debby Bracknell and musician/co-producer George Anderson (Shakatak), with nice touches from guests Dimi Dimiopolous and Sid Gauld. But why now? He says he is testing the water and feedback to the four songs. It’s been a while because he was keen to take life easier after the pressures of the music industry the first time around. He has since been engaged in the teaching world, more interested in getting a high Ofsted rating for his school while not at home with family. Carl McIntosh currently tours Loose Ends with a different line up and wished Steve well with his new music. A reunion one day with all three original members? It’s a definite ‘no’. Jane Eugene still lives and performs as a solo artist in the USA.

https://www.whosampled.com/search/?q=Loose+Ends

Alli' Starr - My Sagittarius, featuring Marcus Anderson.  Digital Single Record.

Expansion Records is delighted to announce the release of the stunning new single “My Sagittarius” by Alli’ Starr, marking a significant departure from her strong RnB roots.  This single is due for release on 6th, December, 2024.

“The inspiration behind this track”, adds Alli’ “comes from the greatest love I’ve ever experienced—my Sagittarius. Not only is it my astrological sign, but there’s a fiery passion and magnetic drive that Sagittarians embody, drawing others to us”.

“I invited the double Grammy nominated Marcus Anderson to collaborate because of his ability to transcend instruments and evoke emotions beyond words. His melodic expressions on the flute create waves of feeling, in my opinion, that speak directly to the soul. This track is guaranteed to set the mood, no matter what your astrological sign may be.”

“My Sagittarius” marks a different genre for this Las Vegas resident who expressed her desire to create a defining genre called ‘Bossoul’ and this could be the first of some exciting new material.

Since her previous release “Why?” earlier in 2024, Alli’ has been working hard on tour as backing vocalist to Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King and now, Will Smith; the announcement for whom she was to join his touring camp was preceded by a series of photographs of her journey to join him in Azerbaijan. At that time, it was very much ‘hush-hush’.

Now, Alli’ is getting out and about with dates at The Composer’s Room and the prestigious Myron’s at the Smith Centre, Las Vegas.  This artists’ star is very much in the ascendance.

About Marcus Anderson

The double Grammy and Stellar Award Nominated artist is an incredible act and one worth watching, saxophonist Marcus Anderson is the golden child shining among stars. With 15 studio albums on his list of accomplishments and 5 Billboard number 1s. The fusion jazz artist brings R&B, Pop, Rock and Funk to make music that puts listeners in another atmosphere.

marcusanderson.net

Diplomats of Soul - Teacherman.  7" vinyl single record.  45rpm.

NO DIGITAL FILES AVAILABLE WITH THIS RELEASE

ONLY 500 7" OF THIS EDITION (WITH INSTRUMENTAL B-SIDE)

A - TEACHERMAN
B- TEACHERMAN (Instrumental)

The song is a 70s rare groove originally released by Barbara St. Clair in 1976
This brand new recording stays close to the original, but with Cherri V guesting with DOS on vocals with music arranged by Bluey and featuring an array of musicians from Incognito.

Credits

Released November 29, 2024

DIPLOMATS OF SOUL - Teacherman
Featuring Lead & Backing Vocals by Cherri V
Written by R L Davis
Produced by Bluey of Incognito
Keyboards & Strings Played and Arranged by Graham Harvey
Bass & Preproduction: Francis Hylton
Guitars: Charlie Allen
Drums: Francesco Mendolia
Percussion: Joao Caetano
Saxophones, Flute & Horn Arrangements: Paul Booth
Trumpets: Ryan Quigley
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Mo Hausler at Colibri Sound Studio
Executive Producers: Diplomats Of Soul

Luxury Soul Weekender, 3rd to 5th January 2025

Guest artist - Patrice Isley

Patrice Isley - Just Believe In Love (compilation CD record).

"Just Believe In Love" was the introduction to Expansion Records from Patrice Isley.  Back in 2020 she appeared alongside an illustrious array of artists and fans took to her immediately.

Patrice Isley - Harvest For The World (Digital single record).

Formally introducing the remarkable Patrice Isley, a true luminary in the world of music.  With her awe-inspiring rendition of the Isley Brothers' timeless classic, "Harvest For The World", meticulously crafted under the guidance of Grammy award-winning producer Cornelius Mims, Patrice Isley proves herself as an artist of unparalleled talent and creativity ...

Patrice Isley - Free.  (Digital single record download)

Skip Martin, Grammy & Emmy Award winning, platinum selling lead singer for The Dazz Band and later Kool & The Gang, plays French Horn on this stunning rendition ...

Patrice Isley - I Want You For Myself. (Digital single record download).

"Some time ago",says Patrice, "Gary Hudgins, the producer/keyboardist behind the "Just Believe In Love" single on my debut album (who also worked with Parliament, Red Hot Chili Peppters, Crystal Waters, Stevie Wonder, Najee, Dennis Chambers and The Temptations), reach out to me about a song he felt would be perfect for me ..."

Expansion Records

Expansion Records is the UK’s premier modern soul label for brand new music and reissues since 1986. The award winning label’s first releases in the 1980s were through Richard Searling BEM and John Anderson from Soul Bowl Records in Kings Lynn. Ralph Tee joined in 1989, around the time Ronnie McNeir released his Life and Love album. Early success came with the singles Give Me The Sunshine by Leo’s Sunshipp and James King’s Memory. In 2008 Expansion Records joined forces with Jazz FM for joint venture label Jazz FM records, creating a series of compilations including The Sound of Jazz FM, The Soul of Smooth Jazz and Funky Sensation.

Based in the UK, we endeavour to provide the level of quality soul largely abandoned by the American major companies many years ago. Our purpose is to offer artists, new and veteran, a platform for their music on the UK soul scene, and where helpful, an international stage through our vast network of music fans and business affiliates.

GIVE IT A LISTEN

Artists

Aretha Franklin - Wonderful.  7" vinyl single record (45rpm).

This single went down a storm on the SolarRadio.com's 40th Anniversary party recently.  We just had to bring it to your attention once again.  

The Queen of Soul herself on this, “Wonderful” previously a 7” single but extremely rare and sought after with copies exchanging hands from upwards of £50 each. “Wonderful” has become a modern soul room dancefloor classic, originally recorded and released in 2003.

Side 1
Wonderful (3:53)

Side 2
Wonderful (4:04)

Alli' Starr - Why?

Expansion Records is thrilled to welcome back the extraordinarily talented Alli’ Starr with her third single, "Why?," (produced by Courtney Travis aka Tr8vis Krates) which beautifully showcases the rich vocal prowess of this Las Vegas based chanteuse.

Bobby Hutton - Piece Of The Action.  CD/Vinyl LP

Expansion is proud to present the long-awaited first reissue of Bobby Hutton's 1973 LP "Piece of the Action". This special release includes bonus tracks on the CD, featuring everything Hutton recorded between 1969 and 1974, all meticulously remastered from the original master tapes. Additionally, two 7” reissues are also available, providing further gems from his catalogue.

Ronnie McNeir - Love Suspect.  Cat. No. EXRM01

Ronnie McNeir's Love Suspect album is a compelling blend of soul and R&B, showcasing his smooth vocals and emotional depth

Leo's Sunshipp - We Need Each Other.  Vinyl LP Record.  Cat. No. EXLPM2.

 

Marvin Gaye - Where Are We Going?

A: Where Are We Going?
B: Women Of The World

Recorded in 1973, these two gems were originally album tracks on Marvin's "You're The Man", LP.  Now these two gems curated by the Mizell Brothers are back to back for the first time on a 7" vinyl single.  While on Expansion, the label art pays homage to Tamla.  Marvin was never on Motown.  There is a later, alternative remix of "Where Are We Going", but this 7' single is the 1973 original.

Cornell CC Carter - Everyday

Cornell “CC” Carter was born in Berkeley California, and raised in San Francisco, has been recording and performing as a professional singer and songwriter for many years. He has shared the stage as an opening act with the Legendary James Brown, Ray Charles, Sly and the Family Stone and many more. 

The Brit Funk Association

The Brit Funk Association, featuring ex-members of Beggar & Co, Hi Tension, Central Line, and Light of the World, occasionally welcomes former Incognito members. With a wealth of national chart hits among them, their live performances showcase a diverse range of funk and jazz-funk classics. After years of individual success, they've united to create their third album, "Ancestral Voices," marking a milestone for the Brit Funk genre they helped pioneer.

Luxury Soul 2024

The series' success hinges on top-notch tracks from independent soul artists and big names like Will Downing, Con Funk Shun, and Narada Michael Walden. Many of the 35 tracks are making their CD debut after hitting No.1 or the Top 10 on soul charts in the past year. This year's exclusives include tracks by The Requestors feat. Vivienne McKone, Kloud 9 feat. Kenya, and The Paradise Projex's exclusive mix of "Here & Now," along with releases from Carol Riddick, Ronnie Herel & Kenny Thomas, Mike Lindup (Level 42), Robert Gee, Paulette McWilliams, and newcomer Steven Thad.

Brenda Lee Eager

Originally released in 1974, "When I'm With You" is a Larry Mizell creation for Brenda Lee Eager (who sang with Jerry Butler). This is a Mizell masterpiece. Available soon from all good record shops and online in the Expansion shop by clicking on the image above. Happy 80th Birthday, Larry Mizell

Steven Thad

From Maryland, Virginia, Steven made his Expansion debut just recently with "Do You Remember" on the Luxury Soul 2024 collection. He's back here with a brand new single "Smile" already blowing up in the soul charts and getting props from the UK radio fraternity. Pure class

Rusty Hamilton

"Slow Rider" showcases Rusty Hamilton on harmonica and talk box/vocals, delivering melodic phrases and smooth licks over a throbbing backbeat and pulsating groove. The song is further enhanced by the sensual vocals of the female singer, conjuring the imagery of a leisurely horseback ride. The passion and intensity of "Slow Rider" embody the heartfelt emotion and soul invested in its creation, capturing a distinctive blend of rhythm and the most passionate of emotions.

Peggi Blu

In tribute to Peggi Blu, who passed away 19th May 2024, Expansion is to release a previously unissued version of the Paul & Linda McCartney song “My Love”.

Now a power soul ballad produced by Ted Perlman, this Peggi Blu version recorded in the 80s features special guests Rockie Robbins and Gerald Albright.

Steven Thad

The Maryland vocalist who previous sang with his family's gospel group Trilogy.

Patrice Isley - Free

In her soulful rendition of "Free," Patrice Isley infuses her unique style, slowing down the tempo and delivering the song with a breathy sensuality that adds a new layer of poignancy to the already powerful message.

With her remarkable vocal range and emotive delivery, Patrice Isley pays homage to Deniece Williams while making the song entirely her own.

Adika Pongo

ADIKA PONGO’s new single “(Let’s Go To) DISCO” features the exceptional American singer Leroy Gomez (formerly of Santa Esmeralda). It's a homage to the 70/80s Disco Music era, written in a modern and captivating groove. Also featured on the track is Ms Francy, the leader singer of Adika Pongo.

Paul Simpson Uniquity

This is a stunning cover of the song originally recored by Ethel Beatty on the Uno Melodic label. This new version introduces vocalist Simone G.

Sheree Brown

The demo of this song helped Sheree Brown land her deal with Capitol Records in 1980. The song wasn't released at the time and only once appeared as a bonus track on CD. This version is a 90s recording with special guest Dean James on sax.

Robert Gee

This classy new single “Whatcha Gonna Do” by Philadelphia artist Robert Gee, who was discovered by Patti Labelle, then taken on board by Luther Vandross to sing on stage at his live shows.
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