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Discover the UK's Leading Soul Record Label: Featuring Modern, Classic & Smooth Soul Artists.

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by Diane

Why the 30th Luxury Soul Weekender 2026 in Blackpool Will Be Unmissable

Published: 22 August 2025 04:09:49


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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

by Diane

The Sound of Philadelphia (Live in Europe); Why This Digital Download Film Is a Collector’s Gem

Published: 15 August 2025 05:45:12



1. Setting the Scene: Philadelphia Soul, Reimagined Abroad

Philadelphia Soul, often called “The Sound of Philadelphia”, wasn’t just another 1970s music trend. It was a lush, string-laden, brass-punctuated revolution in R&B. With its polished production, sophisticated songwriting, and unapologetically emotional performances, Philly Soul shaped a generation of listening habits and left a deep imprint on modern soul, disco, and even hip-hop.  Live on stage some of its greatest ambassadors gave it their all. As Expansion Records themselves put it: “The DVD is a rare opportunity to capture these artists live! Shot in three European destinations, Jean Carne & Friends, hosted by and featuring the legendary Queen of Philly soul, also featured the brilliant Dexter Wansel, and two dynamic artists no longer with us, Bunny Sigler and Billy Paul”.  What’s on offer here is the perfect storm: world-class artists, a setlist packed with soul history, and the tangible energy that comes from a live audience.

2. The Artists: Legends in Their Own Right

Jean Carne: Is more than just a voice, she’s an institution in soul music. Known for her incredible vocal range and her seamless movement between jazz, R&B, and soul, Carne’s career includes collaborations with Norman Connors and a string of solo albums that became essential in any soul collection. In this concert, she leads her friends through a carefully chosen ensemble of musicians and backing vocalists who complement her every note. The camaraderie and on-stage interplay show that this is a family of performers, not just a backing band.

Bunny Sigler:  Nicknamed the “Pied Piper of Philadelphia,” Bunny Sigler was one of the architects of the Philly Sound. As both a performer and a songwriter, Sigler helped craft hits for the likes of The O’Jays and Patti LaBelle. On stage, he’s a master entertainer, blending silky crooning with gritty, heartfelt delivery. His charisma works like a live wire; even across the video format, you can feel him pulling the crowd into the palm of his hand.

Dexter Wansel:  Brought a futuristic edge to Philly Soul. A producer, arranger, and keyboard wizard, his work with Philadelphia International Records pushed the genre forward with synthesiser textures and space-themed compositions. Watching him live is a masterclass in musicianship; he glides between lush chord progressions and funky, groove-driven runs, keeping one foot in the classic sound and the other in his own imaginative world.

Billy Paul:  The voice behind the timeless hit “Me and Mrs. Jones,” but to reduce him to one song would be criminal. His ability to shift from smooth romantic ballads to socially conscious material made him a unique figure in the Philly roster. Live, his baritone carries a warmth and emotional weight that few singers can match. Seeing him in this European setting is a rare privilege.

3. Why This Is a Collector’s Item
  • 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.
4. The Future

The DVD is not in general circulation, but was fitting at the time to capture performances of classic songs not previously available on film. After 50 years The Sound Of Philadelphia is as cherished as ever. In 2025 Dexter Wansel played live at Expansion’s Luxury Soul Weekender, while in London the Royal Albert Hall had just staged a ‘Philly Sound’ concert with a 90 piece string orchestra but no original artists. Combining Dexter Wansel with a full orchestra and original Philadelphia International artists hopes to become more than a dream one day.

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by Diane

Behind the Grooves: The Art of Reissuing Classic Soul Tracks

Published: 01 August 2025 08:46:14
Create an image of a 1970s record store with an array of vinyl records on its shelves, with a young black made with an afro looking at two vinyl records in his hands

In the ever-evolving world of music, soul is the genre that never truly fades.  It lingers - smooth, stirring and sonically rich - like the final note of a Marvin Gaye ballad.  Yet, for all it's enduring beauty, classic soul music often risks being forgotten, lost in the dusty corners of record shops or buried beneath streaming algorithms.  Thankfully there’s Expansion Records: a UK based label that has made it its mission to rescue, reissue and rejuvenate some of the greatest soul tracks ever recorded.

From Aretha Franklin to Leroy Hutson, Jean Carne, Phyllis Hyman, Gary Taylor, Ronnie McNeir and Marvin Gaye himself, Expansion's catalogue reads like a love letter to the genre's most refined vocalists and under appreciated legends.  But reissuing soul isn't as simple as pressing vinyl and uploading MP3s.  Behind every groove is a journey, part detective work, part artistry and always fuelled by passion.

Digging Through the Past to Shape the Present

Reissuing music requires more than good taste.  It starts with discovery - often unearthing rare gems that may have only been available on obscure US labels, regional 45s or private pressings.  Take the work of artists like Leon Ware, Phyllis Hyman. Don Blackman, Rockie Robbins or Kashif - all of whom found new life through Expansion's careful curatorial lens.  These aren't just tracks; they're cultural artefacts.

Label co-founder and veteran DJ Ralph Tee, along with a small but mighty team, often sifts through dusty archives, decades old recording contracts and out-of-print catalogues to secure the rights to music that deserves a second (or third) chanced.  Rights clearance, licensing and remastering are all essential steps in bringing this music to modern ears - often involving estates, former band members or major label legal departments.

Why Soul? 

Soul music, particularly from the 1970s and '80s speaks to the human condition in a way few other genres can.  It's in the raw vulnerability of Lenny Williams' voice, the silky confidence of Sheree Brown's melodies and the jazz-tinged sophistication of Maysa's arrangements.  Soul offers depth, maturity, romance and groove all in one luxurious package.

Reissuing these classics provides context and continuity.  In an age dominated by trap beats and auto-tune, Expansion Records' releases offer a reminder that authenticity stills sells - and still moves hearts.  The resurgence of vinyl and the desire for tangible music experiences has only heightened demand for well-packaged reissues.

The Sonic Restoration Process

Once a track is selected and the rights secured, the real magic begins.  Many original master tapes are decades old and require delicate handling.  Expansion often works with top-tier engineers to remaster songs using modern technology while staying true to the original analogue warmth that defined the era.

This restoration is not revision.  It's about revelation.  Hearing Ronnie McNeir's falsetto or the crisp horn arrangements of The Isley Brother's in high fidelity can feel like hearing them for the first time.  There is an art to bringing out the best in a classic track without polishing it into something it was never meant to be.

Packaging for the Collectors and the Curious

It's not just what your hear - it's what you see and feel.  One of Expansion Records' hallmarks is the attention it give to physical releases.  From vinyl pressings to sleeve notes on albums written by soul historians, each release is crafted with collectors in mind.

Many reissues come with bonus tracks, remixes or previously unreleased demos.  These extras are more than filler; they're historical threads that connect the past with the recent.  A 12-inch version of a rare Modern Soul track or a B-side instrumental gives fans and DJs new ways to engage with music they thought they already knew.

Championing Unsung Heroes

While some Expansion artists like Earth, Wind & Fire or Marvin Gaye are household names in soul circles, the label also champions lesser-known acts who may have been overlooked during their original run.  Names like Leon Ware, Trina Broussard, Kloud-9, Chapter 8 and Adriana Evans may not have topped the Billboard charts, but their work holds its own beside any mainstream hit.

This commitment to quality over popularity reinforces Expansion's ethos;  the groove comes first.  It's about excellence not algorithms.

Bridging Generations

A surprising number of young listeners are discovering soul music for the first time through Expansion's reissues.  Whether through crate-gigging DJs, sample-hunting producers or simply curious music fans, these classic tracks are finding new audiences on platforms like Bandcamp and YouTube.

Collaborations between newer artists and soul veterans, such as Incognito's work with Maysa or recent material from Cornell CC Carter, help blur the lines between past and present.  Expansion doesn't just reissue, they reintroduce.  And in so doing, they create new fans, new mixes and new legacies.

Keeping The Groove Alive

Reissuing classic soul is a delicate balancing act; honouring the past without being stuck in it.  Expansion Records walks this line with grace.  Each reissue is both a preservation project and a clebration - a reminder that real music, made with heart and humanity, never goes out of style.

And with their continuing dedication to quality, curation and care, Expansion ensures that soul, in all its forms, continues to expand.

Explore the catalogue at expansionrecords.com and support artists who laid the foundations of modern R&B, jazz-funk and soul.  From rare grooves to modern classics, it's more than music.  Brit funk too as Expansion is fully behind the releases of The Paradise Projex, Beggar & Co and The Brit Funk Association. It's a movement.

Future Soul
 
The reissues are only a part of the Expansion story. The label is keen to support new artists too, ones that take their inspiration from a classic era of golden soul and follow through with musical integrity. Currently Ashley Scott, Cornell CC Carter, Steven Thad, Patrice Isley and Victor Haynes.

Explore the catalogue at expansionrecords.com and support artists who laid the foundations of modern R&B, jazz-funk and soul.  From rare grooves to modern classics, it's more than music.  It's a movement.

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