Expansion Records

Few individuals have done more to champion Soul music in the UK than Ralph Tee. A DJ, presenter, journalist, and co-founder of Expansion Records, Tee’s name has long been a hallmark of credibility and class. As he celebrates his 65th year, and over five decades immersed in the scene, his story reads like a love letter to Soul itself.

“I’ve always believed Soul music deserves to be heard, understood, and celebrated, not just played.” – Ralph Tee

A London Soul Boy with a Vision

Born and raised in North West London, Ralph Tee was captivated by Soul music from an early age. By the age of 15, he was spinning 7-inch singles at school dances, nurturing a following that recognised his rare sense of taste.

“He didn’t just play the records — he wrote their history.”

At just 20, he launched his own magazine, Groove Weekly, before joining the editorial team at the legendary Blues & Soul, where he rose to Assistant Editor, a relationship that continues to this day. His penmanship would later grace Mixmag, and he went on to author two landmark books, Who’s Who in Soul and The Story of Soul, both essential reads for collectors and aficionados alike.

Defining the Soundtrack: Behind the Decks

Ralph Tee’s DJ career took shape in the early 1980s, a time when London’s club circuit was electric with Soul, Funk, and emerging dance sounds. In 1984, he made history as the first DJ to play downstairs at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s, bringing the energy of the underground Soul scene into one of the capital’s most revered jazz spaces.

From there, he became a familiar name behind the decks at venues including Hippodrome, Equinox, Heaven, Spiritland, Merchants Tavern, and Saturday Soul Affair. His sets blend precision and passion; the product of decades spent living and breathing the culture.

Alongside fellow tastemaker Richard Searling, Ralph co-founded the Luxury Soul Weekender in 2003.  The event has grown into the spiritual home of modern Soul fans, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023.

On the airwaves, Tee has been equally influential. From his early days at Invicta FM with Gilles Peterson to his celebrated runs on Jazz FM and his ongoing monthly show on Solar Radio, Ralph continues to be a trusted curator for Soul devotees worldwide. His shows remain accessible via Mixcloud, keeping the vibe global.

“For Ralph Tee, Soul isn’t a genre — it’s a lifetime pursuit.”

Internationally, Ralph’s story extends far beyond Britain. As one half of Diplomats of Soul with Mike Allin, he has taken the music to stages in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and performed at the Australian National Northern Soul Weekender, spreading the sound to every corner of the globe.

The Label That Never Lost the Groove

Parallel to his DJ career, Ralph has been a driving force in the music business. Beginning in 1986, he compiled releases for heavyweight labels such as Streetsounds, Motown, and Arista. His work for Arista put him in touch with an extraordinary roster, Phyllis Hyman, Bobby Womack, Patrice Rushen, Kashif, Whitney Houston, and others, shaping how Soul music was presented to UK audiences.

That same year saw the emergence of Expansion Records, a label that would come to define the UK’s independent Soul scene. Initially contributing as a compiler, Ralph later acquired and relaunched the label transforming it into a beacon for both heritage and contemporary Soul artists.

Expansion’s catalogue reads like a dream: Leon Ware, Howard Hewett, Stephanie Mills, Gary Taylor, Leroy Hutson, Billy Griffin, Atlantic Starr, Jean Carne, Angela Bofill, Evelyn “Champagne” King, and, in more recent years, Frank McComb, Maysa Leak, Kim Tibbs, Candace Woodson, and Trina Broussard.

Despite the shifting landscape, streaming platforms, dwindling physical sales, and fragmented audiences, Expansion has endured, driven by passion rather than profit. Its reissue programme, particularly the 7” vinyl series, has reignited collector culture and reaffirmed the label’s commitment to real music, real musicians, and real emotion.

Soul Togetherness: The Expansion Soundtrack

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Expansion Records became the benchmark for quality Soul compilations. Its series Soul Sauce, Phat Jams, Winners Circle, and Friend in High Places, defines the soundtrack of a generation.

Then came Soul Togetherness in 2000: the label’s flagship compilation brand, curating the finest in modern Soul and dancefloor gems. The success of Soul Togetherness naturally led to the birth of the Luxury Soul CD series and live events, creating a seamless link between the label’s output and the community that supports it.

“Expansion isn’t just a record label — it’s a movement.”

A Life in Soul: The Legacy of Ralph Tee

Over the years, Ralph Tee has crossed paths with legends, Quincy Jones, Leon Ware, Leon Huff, Patrice Rushen, Bobby Womack, Hubert Laws, George Duke, Natalie Cole, and Gregory Porter, among others. These connections reflect not just his longevity, but his credibility, earned through decades of consistency and integrity.

His contribution extends beyond records and radio, he’s documented the genre’s history, championed its evolution, and preserved its artistry for future generations.

As he celebrates his 65th birthday and 50 years in music, Ralph Tee stands not only as a pioneer but as one of Soul’s most authentic custodians.

“He’s not just part of the story — he’s part of the soundtrack.”

Follow Ralph Tee’s journey:

🎧 Mixcloud
📘 Facebook

A Market in Transition

The UK music industry is in a fascinating place right now. In 2024, recorded-music revenues rose nearly 5% to reach £1.49 billion, despite inflation, rising costs, and shifting consumer behaviour. Streaming still dominates, but its growth is slowing. Physical formats are more volatile than ever, with vinyl thriving while CDs slide towards irrelevance.

For artists, fans, and labels, these shifts are reshaping how music is released, marketed, and consumed. And for independent pioneers such as Expansion Records, the UK’s leading soul label, 2025/26 will be a milestone moment: their 40th anniversary, right in the middle of this industry transformation.

Vinyl: The Revival That Won’t Quit

Vinyl continues to be the hero of physical media. In 2024, UK listeners bought around 6.7 million LPs, generating close to £200 million, up more than 10% year-on-year. Collectors, casual fans, and superfans alike are driving demand, often through limited runs, coloured pressings, and deluxe packaging.

Big name artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Sabrina Carpenter dominate headlines, but vinyl’s appeal goes much deeper. Indie and niche genres are flourishing in this space too. Labels like Expansion Records, which has championed soul, funk, and jazz since 1986, are perfectly positioned. Their catalogue translates beautifully onto vinyl, appealing to collectors who value timeless music in premium physical form.

With Expansion Records celebrating 40 years in 2026, expect exclusive reissues, limited editions, and anniversary vinyl to become highly sought-after among UK collectors and soul fans worldwide.

The Collapse of the CD

While vinyl is thriving, CDs are facing a starkly different reality. In mid-2025, UK CD sales dropped by more than 20% year-on-year. Without blockbuster releases to prop them up, the format is quickly losing relevance.

Unlike vinyl, CDs don’t offer nostalgia or cultural cachet. They lack the tactile appeal of records and the convenience of streaming. For collectors, they’re simply not desirable. Labels that once relied on CDs as the mainstay of their physical sales are shifting focus towards vinyl or digital.

Expansion Records is a good example of this pivot. Their emphasis on vinyl reissues and high-quality pressings of classic and modern soul has helped them stay relevant while others have seen physical sales collapse. Now while no longer the core business, and more to support the long standing audience of collectors and supporters Expansion maintains, they still do release CDs. The mastering will always be superior to streams, and the credits, liner notes, and photos they contain have value and this is appreciated.

Streaming Dominance and Slowdown

Streaming remains the backbone of UK music consumption, making up about 68% of all revenue in 2024. But its growth is plateauing, with year-on-year increases now closer to 5% than the 8–9% we once saw.

Market saturation is the main culprit. Most listeners who want a subscription already have one. Future revenue growth will come from price rises, bundling with other digital services, or better monetisation of catalogue music. But this also raises questions: will fans stick around when prices increase? And how much of that money will reach the artists and labels?

For independent labels like Expansion, streaming is both a blessing and a challenge. It ensures their artists reach global audiences instantly, but revenue share remains an ongoing battle.

Collectors, Superfans, and Indie Shops

The vinyl revival is fuelled by collectors and superfans, who treat records as cultural artefacts. Limited editions, anniversary reissues, and Record Store Day exclusives are driving sales.

Independent record shops have been central to this resurgence. They’re not just retail outlets, they’re community hubs and curators. Labels such as Expansion Records have long relied on indie shops to connect directly with dedicated fans of soul, funk, and R&B. As vinyl continues its upward curve, these relationships will only grow in importance.

Challenges Ahead

The industry still faces serious challenges:

• Volatility of physical sales: Vinyl growth depends on major releases and collector interest. Without big events, numbers dip.

• Production costs: Pressing vinyl is expensive, with rising material and distribution costs squeezing margins.

• Sustainability concerns: The production of multiple vinyl variants raises environmental questions. Fans and artists are calling for greener alternatives.

For labels celebrating milestones, such as Expansion’s 40th anniversary, these challenges may also present opportunities. By innovating in packaging, sustainability, and fan engagement, they can set themselves apart while still honouring their legacy.

Opportunities for Independent Labels

The current market offers plenty of opportunities for independent labels to thrive. Vinyl has given physical media a cultural rebirth, and streaming provides global reach. For Expansion Records, whose roster includes both classic reissues and fresh soul releases, the next year will be pivotal.

Their 40th anniversary isn’t just a milestone — it’s a chance to spotlight four decades of curating the best in soul, funk, and jazz. Expect collectors to clamour for exclusive vinyl editions, box sets, and anniversary events that tap into both nostalgia and forward-thinking curation.

Conclusion: Looking to 2026 and Beyond

The UK music industry remains strong, but its future is unevenly spread. Vinyl has carved out a lasting role, streaming is showing signs of maturity, and CDs are fading fast. For independent labels like Expansion Records, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.

As they prepare to celebrate 40 years at the forefront of UK soul in 2026, Expansion exemplifies how to survive, and thrive, in a changing industry. By leaning into vinyl, embracing collector culture, and using streaming strategically, they show that independence and longevity can coexist in today’s marketplace.

For fans, this means more than just access to music. It’s about connecting with heritage, collecting pieces of history, and celebrating labels that have shaped the soundtrack of our lives.

Expansion Records, based in the UK, has long been a vital conduit between glossy modern soul lovers and the often under-heralded gems of past decades. Their mission, as stated on their site, is to offer “the level of quality soul largely abandoned by US labels.” (expansionrecords)

That’s a strong claim, and it sets the stage: we’re dealing not just with nostalgia, but with reclamation. Labels like Expansion are doing archival work: restoring, reissuing, recontextualising music that may have been under-distributed, forgotten, or just overshadowed. Eighties Ladies is one such artifact, representative of its era but also telling in how its parts have been fragmented (solo careers, minor disco/modern soul hits) until brought together here.

The Artists: Who Are the Eighties Ladies?

The group “Eighties Ladies” is a vocal ensemble. The line-up comprises:

• Denie Corbett
• Marva Hicks
• Susan Beaubian
• Sylvia Striplin
• Vivian Prince (expansionrecords)

Each of these women had solo or side projects that brush up against disco, boogie, modern soul, and beyond:

• Denie Corbett had solo disco output (for example What You Won’t Do For Love) and collaboration in disco-flavoured ensembles.
• Marva Hicks is perhaps better known in some circles for her later modern soul work; her debut solo single Looking Over My Shoulder (1978) is mentioned, and then the modern soul marker One Good Reason from her 1991 debut album. (expansionrecords)
• Vivian Prince recorded a boogie track Gotta Get A Hold On You in 1982.
• Sylvia Striplin is already recognised among aficionados for her solo work (Give Me Your Love) and its resonance in jazz/soul/boogie collectorship. (expansionrecords)
• Susan Beaubian is less immediately visible in major solo hits (at least per the information on the Expansion page), but as part of this ensemble she contributes to a collective sound representative of late ’70s/early ’80s vocal group sophistication.

What makes this interesting is how their solo identities are variously strong but also incomplete in reaching a broader audience; the ensemble, and this reissue, provides a better lens to see their collective power, shared aesthetics, and cross-pollinated genres: disco, boogie, soulful grooves, balladry.

The Music: Eighties Ladies (Ladies Of The Eighties) LP

Let’s talk track-by-track, style, arrangement, production, and why the LP matters.

Tracks & Sequencing

Side One

1. Ladies Of The Eighties
2. Tell Him
3. He Is Mine Forever
4. Ladies Of The Eighties (Instrumental)

Side Two

1. I Knew That Love
2. It’s Easy To Move
3. Sing Me
4. Turned On To You (expansionrecords)

That’s eight tracks, fairly evenly split between more up-tempo/arranged works and smoother, slower numbers. The instrumental version of the title track suggests that the original producers valued the arrangement, the instrumental twine, as much as the vocals – likely for DJs, for fans who like the orchestration, or perhaps for alternate usage (remixes, radio plays etc.).

Style & Production

From what is known about the group, the instrumentation and production likely draw from that junction between late disco and early modern soul / boogie. The term “boogie” is relevant because Vivian Prince is noted for that. The arrangements likely feature:

• Lush strings or string synths (common in post-disco vocal tracks)
• Strong rhythm sections (bass/guitars) with emphasis on groove over overdubbed sheen
• Background vocal interplay: harmonies, layering, call-and-response, which is key in ensemble vocal groups of that era
• Slower ballad tempos counterposed with more danceable tracks, creates tension, contrast, and flow in LP sequencing.

The presence of It’s Easy To Move and Turned On To You suggest movement toward mid-tempo groove and perhaps funk or boogie-leaning. I Knew That Love and He Is Mine Forever probably allow for more vocal showmanship, emotional delivery, romantic soul tropes.

Signature Tracks

• Turned On To You is highlighted in the summary as one of their best‒known tracks. (expansionrecords)
• Ladies Of The Eighties as both a title track and an instrumental suggests it might be the centrepiece of the album.

These tracks likely serve two purposes: for dancers/fans, they embody groove and allure; for collectors, they are rare or lesser-heard works now being made more accessible.

The Release: Reissue Details & Implications

Format & Pricing

• It’s has been reissued as LP (vinyl), a format with both symbolic and sonic importance. Vinyl often implies a richer listening experience, care for mastering, and targeting collectors. Price is £15.99 in the UK. (expansionrecords)
• This LP is clearly aimed at the vinyl collector market. (expansionrecords)

Rarity & Rediscovery

Given that these artists had pieces out, but perhaps not widespread reissues or mainstream recognition, this LP offers rediscovery. It reminds listeners (and the industry) that much good work from women in vocal ensembles in that transitional period (late ’70s → early ’80s, disco → boogie → modern soul) was under-archived. For many, pieces like this existed in scratchy vinyl, private collections, or only in regional DJ sets.

Expansion’s reissue places these works in a curated context, giving them second life, better production (hopefully remastered), and visibility.

The Cultural Moment

We’re in a moment where collectors, DJs, younger listeners are hungry for authenticity: original vocal groups, soulful female voices, pre-digital instrumentation. Retro soul and boogie are hot again. Platforms like Bandcamp, vinyl fairs, crate digging, reissue labels all show the demand is there.

So Ladies Of The Eighties now is not just a nostalgic throwback but part of a wider cultural reclaiming: for women’s musical histories, for black vocal ensemble tradition, for the nuanced transitions from disco through post-disco to modern soul. It bridges eras.

Critical Reflections

I’m going to be unsparing in some observations: reissues are not inherently noble; their value depends on execution.

• Remastering & Robust Packaging: This reissue preserves fidelity, removes noise where possible without sterilising, and includes liner notes that give context. How well Expansion has done this in Ladies Of The Eighties will matter. But sometimes the sheer fact of reissue is enough for many listeners.
  
  
• Historical Accuracy vs. Romanticism: There is often a tendency to romanticise past eras, gloss over problematic production or dated tropes (lyrics, gender-norms, themes). This reissue lets the music speak in its terms but also does not ignore its moment.

The Significance Going Forward

What this release signals:

1. The Rise of Rediscovery as Canon-Building
   Works that were once marginal (or at least peripheral) are now being re-evaluated and inserted into broader narratives of soul, disco, boogie, and modern R&B. The old canon (e.g. Motown, Philly soul, classic ’60s/’70s funk) is being expanded to include these vocal‐ensemble, disco-leaning works of the transitional early ’80s.
   
   
2. Women’s Voices & Ensemble Culture
   The spotlight on multiple women in the same group (with somewhat established solo credentials) is meaningful. It’s not just solo divas, it's ensembles combining voices. That ensemble tradition (call and response, harmony, group dynamic) has often been under-celebrated compared to solo performers. This boosts appreciation for group cohesion, arrangement, and vocal interplay.
   
   
3. The Vinyl Collectors & Vinyl Resurgence
   As LP racks fill up again, reissues become a bridge: older albums get new life. Not only for the initiated crate-diggers but for newer soul fans who missed these releases the first time around. This provides both emotional satisfaction and also economic incentive for labels to dig deeper, restore more obscure works.
   
   

Final Thoughts

Ladies Of The Eighties by Eighties Ladies might at first glance appear to be “just another reissue,” but it’s richer than that. It sits at crossroads: female ensemble vocal work; disco → boogie → modern soul transitions; recognition of artists who had talent but not always access or visibility; and the contemporary hunger for rediscovery and authenticity.

If Expansion Records has done this well (and on their track record, they often do), this reissue serves not just as a collector’s piece but as a piece of soul-history: a gentle reclamation of voices, styles and songs that deserve to be heard. It's also a tribute to the late songwriter, musician and producer Roy Ayers who assembled and worked with the group

Buy Now

If you’re a true fan of soul music, there’s one date you’ll want to circle in your diary: Friday 9th to Sunday 11th January 2026. That’s when the 30th Luxury Soul Weekender takes over the Grand Hotel, North Promenade, Blackpool for a milestone celebration of live soul, DJs, and community spirit.

Not only does this mark the 30th edition of the UK’s most prestigious winter soul event, but it also coincides with 40 years of Expansion Records, the legendary label behind the festival. With headliners like Ann Nesby and Ashley Scott, the 2026 Weekender is set to be the biggest and most memorable yet.

Here’s why you cannot miss the Luxury Soul Weekender 2026 in Blackpool.

1. An Historic Double Celebration – 30 Weekenders and 40 Years of Expansion Records

The Luxury Soul Weekender Blackpool has been running for nearly three decades, attracting fans from across the UK and beyond. In January 2026, it celebrates its 30th event, a huge achievement in itself.

But that’s not all. Expansion Records, the independent soul label that launched in 1986, is also celebrating its 40th anniversary. For four decades, Expansion has kept soul thriving in the UK, introducing new talent and keeping timeless grooves alive.

This dual milestone makes the 2026 event more than just another festival. It’s a celebration of soul history, community, and the future of the genre.

2. Ann Nesby Live in Blackpool – Soul Royalty Returns

A headline like this deserves a legend, and the organisers have delivered. Ann Nesby, former lead singer of the Grammy-winning group Sounds of Blackness, (Optimistic, In The Spirit), will perform live on Saturday night.

Nesby is more than a singer – she’s a force of nature. With her powerhouse vocals and uplifting stage presence, she embodies the spirit of soul and gospel. Fans can expect classics from her Sounds of Blackness days, along with her acclaimed solo material.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a true soul icon live in the UK, the Ann Nesby Luxury Soul Weekender 2026 concert is your chance.

3. Ashley Scott – The New Voice of Modern Soul

Flying in from Philadelphia to make his UK debut is Ashley Scott, (nephew of Helen Scott of The Three Degrees), one of Expansion Records’ brightest stars. A modern soul singer-songwriter with a rich, smooth sound, Scott bridges the gap between classic influences and contemporary style.

His appearance at the 30th Luxury Soul Weekender Blackpool reflects what the event does best: honouring the legends while showcasing the future of soul. Expect fresh grooves, heartfelt lyrics, and a performance that will win over new fans.

4. More Than a Concert – A True Soul Community

What sets the Luxury Soul Weekender apart from other music festivals is the atmosphere. This is not just a gig; it’s three days of soul culture, where live performances, DJ sets, and dancefloors run day and night.

The Grand Hotel becomes a hub for soul lovers, with different rooms dedicated to various eras and styles:

• Classic Motown and Northern Soul for the purists.
• Modern soul grooves for dancers.
• Contemporary R&B and jazz-influenced sets for the forward-thinkers.

It’s not unusual to see generations mixing on the dance floor – from fans who’ve been collecting vinyl since the 70s to younger audiences discovering soul for the first time.

This sense of community and connection is why so many people return year after year. And for the 30th edition, the energy will be off the scale.

5. The Venue – Blackpool’s Grand Hotel on the North Promenade

The Grand Hotel, Blackpool, has become synonymous with the Weekender experience. Situated on the famous North Promenade, it’s the perfect setting for a seaside winter celebration of soul.

Inside, the hotel’s function rooms are transformed into buzzing arenas for live concerts, late-night parties, and social spaces where fans connect over a shared love of music. Outside, the crisp January air of the seaside adds to the unique charm of the event.

6. A Bridge Between Generations of Soul Lovers

The Luxury Soul Weekender 2026 is as much about the future as it is about the past. While headliner Ann Nesby represents a golden legacy of soul and gospel, Ashley Scott shows where the genre is heading.

That intergenerational spirit defines the event: it’s a place where younger fans can learn about the roots of soul, and where veteran fans can discover the rising stars keeping the flame alive.

7. Why This Year’s Weekender is Truly Special

Every Luxury Soul Weekender is memorable, but the 30th anniversary in 2026 has a unique weight to it. It’s a chance to look back at 30 successful events that have kept soul culture thriving in the UK, and at the same time, to look forward to what the next 30 could bring.

From legendary DJs spinning rare grooves to live sets that leave you breathless, this will be an historic soul music event in the UK.

8. How to Be There – Booking and Info

The 30th Luxury Soul Weekender 2026 runs from Friday 9th – Sunday 11th January at the Grand Hotel, Blackpool FY1 2JQ.

• Booking hotline: 01253 623434 (Mon–Fri, 9–5 – option 3, ask for Sally or Gail).
• Website: luxurysoulweekender.com
• Email: [email protected]

Tickets and hotel packages always sell fast, and with Ann Nesby and Ashley Scott live in Blackpool, this year’s demand is expected to be huge.

Final Word – Don’t Miss the 30th Luxury Soul Weekender

The Luxury Soul Weekender Blackpool 2026 isn’t just another event – it’s a landmark in UK soul history. With 30 editions of unforgettable weekends behind it and 40 years of Expansion Records shaping the soundtrack, this is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Ralph Tee of Expansion adds “Ann Nesby is soul music royalty, one of the few big voices of the genre still performing and we are very lucky for her to agree to travel so far from the USA when she is in constant demand at home. Especially when our event is in the North West of England in winter!”

Whether you’re a lifelong soul fan or someone just discovering the magic of the genre, the combination of Ann Nesby live in the UK, Ashley Scott representing the future, and three days of non-stop soul culture makes this the most important soul music event of 2026.

NB:  A limited number of non-accommodation all weekend wristbands are available from Ticketline:  

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history.

• A Rare Live Performance, On Video.  Live footage of these original Philly Soul legends, especially performing together outside the United States, is rare to the point of being almost mythical. This isn’t just a concert film; it’s a time capsule. For younger fans, it’s a chance to witness legends they’ve only heard on vinyl. For older fans, it’s a trip back to a golden era.
• B. An All-Star Line-Up in one collection.  It’s one thing to see any of these artists individually. To have them all in one show? That’s like soul music’s Avengers assembling. Each set flows naturally into the next, and the collaborations give the concert a festival-like feel, with the artists feeding off each other’s energy.
• C. A Preservation of Musical Legacy.  Some of these artists are no longer with us. This video is not just a performance, it’s a preservation of their craft, their stage presence, and their ability to connect. Every joke between songs, every spontaneous vocal riff, every cheer from the crowd, it’s all part of the living history.
• D. Expansion Records’ Seal of Quality.  Expansion Records is the UK’s leading soul label for a reason. They don’t just release music; they curate it. Their commitment to high-quality production and historically significant projects is clear here. The video runs a generous 1 hour and 41 minutes, ensuring nothing feels rushed or chopped.
• E. Emotional Depth and Musical Brilliance.  Philly Soul is as much about feeling as it is about sound. This performance brims with both. From Carne’s soaring vocals to Wansel’s masterful keys, Sigler’s charm to Paul’s gravitas, the emotional range is staggering. It’s an album you can watch, and that’s priceless.