Cool Million
Source: myspace.com
Cool Million is an upfront production team and collective of soulful friends taking soul back to the future. We respect and love the past, but we also believe in progress.
Cool Million was founded by Frank Ryle, a well known soul music personality in his home country Denmark. As the founder of Denmark leading soul music page, Soulportal.dk, Frank has built up a huge network worldwide of artists, radio- and club DJ’s and record companies over the years.
Rob Hardt (Seductive Soul) of Germany is the second half of Cool Million. Rob is a well respected remixer, songwriter and producer. His credits includes production, remix and songwriting for artist like Chaka Khan - Never Miss The Water - Reprise Records / Keith Sweat - Twisted - Reprise Records / Roger Troutman & Zapp - Livin For the City - Reprise Records, just to mention a few. He also (together with Harry Zier) produced the acclaimed debut album of Donald McCollum “U Don’t Want My Love”, released on Dome Records in 2006. Other releases from Rob include another acclaimed set, his own jazzy deep house project The Defloristics entitled “Back In The Days” on Lil Angel Records.
“Naughty Girl”, their debut single featuring Lene Riebau on vocals, is already out on Expansion Records compilation album “Soul Togetherness 2007”.
Cool Millions next offering was "Walk Away" featuring Scottish artist Eleana. The Kleeer inspired track got attention all over soul land and furthermore it is featured as the newest release from Sundae Soul Recordings (out of Germany).
Cool Million (Rob & Frank) are now ready with their debut-album titled 'Going Out Tonight'. The album will include a variety of new talented artist and more well-known names (male & female).
Rob & Frank grew up listening to the same kind of music from around the start of the 80's and their debut-album are therefore infused by this practically period. We talk about 808 drums, handclaps, uplifting party music and strong vocals from some of the best singers around today.
Cool Million is a heartfelt desire to, as they say, “Take Soul Back to the Future” and furthermore create and preserve the essence of the term "Soul".
Enjoy...
Cool Million
"Taking Soul Back to the Future"
Listen to a few tracks by Cool Millions courtesy of Simply Soul Mail Order-
Listen here to 'Back For More' CD Album
Listen here to 'The Tom Moulton Session' CD Album
Jesse James
by John Smith: Jan 2010
In 2009 Jesse James released “I Can’t Help But Smile”, the cut being included on his ‘Get In Touch With Me’ CD. You couldn’t wish for a more appropriate title for a song as he reaches his 50th year of recording, a career during which he has hit many highs. He started out way back in 1960, working in conjunction with Sly Stone, by cutting tracks for the SanFran based Shirley Record label. The sublime "Are You Gonna Leave Me" followed for the label in 1964, but it would be 1967 before he really lit the charts up. In September of that year “Believe In Me Baby” (which had already topped the Bay Area 45 charts) made it onto Billboard’s national singles chart. Jesse returned to the national charts in 1970 (“Don’t Nobody Want To Get Married”), 1971 (“I Need You Baby” & “At Last”), 1972 (“I Need Your Love So Bad”), 1975 (“If You Want A Love Affair”) and then yet again in 1987 with “I Can Do Bad By Myself”. These last two tracks have helped keep him a firm favorite with UK soul fans down the years. Just for good measure, one of his old 1970’s cuts (“I Feel Your Love Changin”) has finally managed to escape from the tape vaults and this has recently raised his profile in Britain once again.
Born James McClelland in Arkansas back in 1943, Jesse grew up in the San Francisco area. In church, he got to know Sylvester Stewart (Sly Stone) and the two were soon hanging around together. Both sang from an early age and so it seemed only natural that they should start a group whilst still in school. At an early local club performance, the MC was having trouble getting his name right, so he just announced James as Jesse James and from there the name stuck. Jesse James & the Royal Aces landed their first recording session in 1960 and “I Will Go” was released on the local Shirley label. Another 5 singles were to follow on Shirley and one of these, “Are You Gonna Leave Me" (1964) is just about the most collectable 45 release of his entire career (due in large part to its rarity). The track was obviously influenced by the sound the Impressions were making back then, but Jesse added his own vocal slant to the cut. Later in 1964, “I Gotta Little Girl” escaped on 45 but the label was struggling financially and so this was Jesse’s last release on Shirley. He secured a new manager, Jesse Mason (a local record shop owner) and Mason started the Hit record label especially for Jesse. “Bring My Baby Back” was his first outing on the new label, however it was the follow-up that would eventually help launch his career nationally. “Believe In Me Baby” had been a Checker 45 release for Little Milton in the autumn of 1966. Though it wasn’t a hit, Jesse liked the song and he also recorded a version (this formed his 2nd Hit label 45) and also incorporated the song into his live act. As time progressed, Jesse added parts to the song which took it to a completely different level as he talked to the ladies in his audiences. In no time at all, women were flocking to his live club dates and the song had become the highlight of his act. In May 1967, Jesse Mason placed an ad in Billboard magazine for his San Francisco set-up and this attracted the attention of 20th Century Fox Records Hosea Wilson. Another Hit label single release followed, with “Bring My Baby Back” once again making it into local record shops. Jesse had impressed the guys from 20th Century so they signed him to a record deal and started making plans to launch him nationally.
Money was advanced to allow Jesse to cut an album full of tracks (this work to include ‘upgrading’ his existing Hit label recordings) and so Jesse Mason contacted an old college buddy from Memphis, Willie Hoskins. Willie quickly headed out to California and started work on arrangements for the songs they planned to cut. The arrangements finished, Willie hired horn & string players and booked four days at Sierra Sounds Recording Studio (Berkeley) during which all of Jesse’s cuts were to be laid down. First rhythm and percussion tracks were committed to tape, then horns and background vocals, strings followed with Jesse’s lead vocals completing the whole project. The two part “Believe In Me Baby” was the obvious cut to form his initial 20th Century single. With the labels promotions team on the case, the 45 took off immediately. In early September 1967 it entered the national charts where it would stay for almost 2 months, attaining a Top 50 placing. With a hit now under his belt, 20th Century released a (self titled) album and they also coupled “Thank You Darlin” with “Bring My Baby Back” (yet again) to form his next single. This outing failed to chart and so two further tracks were lifted from his album to form a third 20th Century 45. “Green Power” was the side of this record that was promoted, however it’s the flip, “If You’re Lonely (Take My Hand)”, that has really stood up to the test of time. By now Hosea Wilson had taken over as his manager and when Hosea went to work for Uni Records, Jesse found himself having a release on the label. That deal fizzled out and so, with help from Roulette Records, Hosea started his own label (Zea Records). Jesse’s first outing on the label returned him to the national charts with his composition “Don’t Nobody Want To Get Married”. This track entered the Billboard 45 chart in August 1970 and rose to reach #18, so becoming the biggest hit of his entire career. Its US success was reflected abroad, as labels such as Mojo in the UK licensed the track for release. “I Need You Baby” (Zea) became Jesse’s next single and this classy ballad had him on the charts again (April 1971).
The link-up with Roulette soon went sour, so Hosea set up another label; Zay Records. It was on this imprint that Jesse’s next single would appear. “At Last”, which he had originally cut for 20th Century, formed the plug side of this 45 and it returned him to the charts at the end of 1971 (its flip side, “I Know I’ll Never Find Another One”, has also gone on to find favour with soul fans). “I Know I’ll Never Find Another One” was also on the flip side of his next outing. “I Need Your Love So Bad” formed the top side of the 45 and got him back onto the national charts in 1972. A return to 20th Century Records was now in the offing and this proposal became a reality when “You Ought To Be Here With Me” was issued by the label in summer 1974. The reunited teaming found success again with Jesse’s next outing; “If You Want A Love Affair” (arranged by H B Barnum and produced by Ron Carson). This entered the national singles chart at the beginning of July 1975 where it remained throughout the summer. Strangely, 20th Century didn’t issue a follow-up single and so it was left to Ron Carson to put out Jesse’s next effort on his Happy Fox label. It would be 8 years before Jesse would enjoy a follow-up record release however he kept busy playing live gigs with his band through the intervening years. In 1983, Jesse set up his own label; Moonlite Hope Music, but only one single was to result (“I Got The Feelin”). A deal with Atlanta based Midtown Records came next and saw two singles hit the shops in 1985; “I Can Feel Your Love Vibes” & “She’s A Winner”. Jesse kept recording and had a lot of faith in a new song he had helped write & cut. He tried to get a number of labels interested in releasing it but eventually it would be Washington based Max Kidd who would approach him with an offer to release the track. Thus in 1987, “I Can Do Bad By Myself” came out on the TTED label and went straight into the charts. Distribution on the new single wasn’t all it should have been, however the lack of copies in the shops would result in the record staying on the charts for a period of 3 months as people bought it when it was eventually in stock.
But Max wasn’t playing fair with Jesse and so their relationship started to break down. Kidd put out an album (Jesse’s first since 1968) and then another single (“I’m Gonna Be Rich & Famous” -- 1988). Jesse was chasing Kidd for money and so wouldn’t send him the finished versions of his new tracks. So Kidd put unfinished versions of some songs on the album he released and this action brought their collaboration to an end. Stung yet again by the business aspect of the record industry, Jesse (with his manager Barbara Thomas) started Gunsmoke Records. Trying to salvage something positive from the wreckage of his TTED experience, Jesse released the ‘I Can Do Bad By Myself’ album on Gunsmoke. The title song had become really popular in the UK where it managed to gain a lot of radio exposure. His ‘Looking Back’ album followed in 1990. Jesse has maintained his output over the last 20 years with his singles & CD albums including “I’ve Been There Before” (1990), ‘Operator Please Put Me Thru’ (1994), ‘It Just Don't Feel the Same’ (1997), ‘Versatility’ (1998), ‘Its Not So Bad After All’ (2006) & ‘Get In Touch With Me’ (2009). Jesse re-worked a number of his old songs on these releases, not a bad idea as many of them remain firm favorites with his fans (he even recorded “Are You Gonna Leave Me" again, including the song on his 'It Just Don't Feel the Same' CD). The vast majority of his Gunsmoke releases have only been available in the UK as imports but recently his old 1970’s cut “I Feel Your Love Changin” (previously unissued) has been made available here on a Soul Junction 7”. This track is a perfect illustration of what Jesse could do back in the day and is still capable of doing today. I’m sure we will be treated to a truly memorable show when he performs for the Prestatyn soul crowd.
from soulbluesmusic.com
James McClelland aka "Jesse James" was born in 1943 in El Dorado, AR. He moved to the Bay Area while still a child, and came up during the early '60s singing in nightclubs (where his name was changed by an MC who couldn't pronounce his given name). He recorded a few singles for the area labels Shirley and Hit (several with guitar work from Sly Stone), then made the big time when he switched to 20th Century. "Believe in Me Baby, Pt. 1" was a moderate pop (#92) and R&B (#42) hit during 1967, and his self-titled debut LP followed the next year. His biggest hit, 1972's "At Last" hit R & B #25 and he scored another hit in 1987 with his signature song "I Can Do Bad By Myself" (R & B #61). He recorded for various small labels during the '70s and '80s (Zea, Moonlite Hope, Midtown, T.T.E.D.) before starting his own label, Gunsmoke.
Gunsmoke Records was founded in 1986 by National Recording Artist, Jesse James, the late Barbara Thomas and current CEO, Jennifer Minix. Barbara Thomas cleverly attributed the name Gunsmoke Records to honor the artist Jesse James. The label was created so that Jesse could have control of his own product and determine the direction of his music career after completing contracts with major record companies such as 20th Century Fox and MCA (Universal). Gunsmoke Records specializes in Soul, R&B and Blues music of yesterday and today. The company is a subsidiary of Gunsmoke Entertainment Inc. We are in complete control of our destiny.
Jesse James, affectionately known as J.J. to friends and close associates, has a unique soulful sound. Born in Louisiana, Jesse’s singing ability was recognizable at an early age when he began singing, clapping, and praising God along side his Mother in church.
While still a toddler, his family relocated to California. After literally singing his way through school he accepted his first professional singing engagement at The Makesmo, a popular Richmond Night Club. That is where Jesse’s singing style and flavor earned him constant bookings and respect as a professional recording artist, composer and entertainer.
Working with the late great Hosea Wilson, who was the National Promotion Director for 20th Century Records, Jesse enjoyed success with his first major release “Believe In Me Baby”. Jesse quickly became a hot ticket and made believers out of a lot of critics. The hit “I Can Do Bad by Myself” launched a new chapter in Jesse’s career.
In 1988, Jesse signed with Barbara Thomas; President of ATL based Gunsmoke Records and release four CDs. The first CD “I Can Do Bad By Myself,” sold over one million copies that included great hits such as ZZ Hill’s “Cheatin’ In the Next Room” as well as “I Can Do Bad By Myself Remix”. The versatility of his CD included a collection of past recordings which was a huge seller overseas. Jesse’s third album at Gunsmoke Records dealt with socio-economic issues with songs like “What Happened to the Dream,” “Something to Believe In” and “We’re Gonna Make It”.
The forth CD entitled “It Just Don’t Feel the Same” really showcases Jesse’s versatility with soulful gospel and R&B sounds. It’s no surprise that Jesse would pay tribute to his roots I the gospel song “The First Day of My Life”. For Blues lovers he features Millie Jackson on the remix of, “It Just Don’t Feel The Same” and “I’m Not Gonna Go Down”.
Jesse James is back blazing the trails with his latest CD release, “It Ain’t So Bad After All”. This CD is by far the best yet. Jesse continues to reinvent himself with his continuous drive and determination, proving that he does have staying power.
Listen to a few tracks by Jesse James courtesy of Simply Soul MaiL Order-
Listen here to 'Versatility - The Best Of Jesse James Volume 1' CD Album
Listen here to 'Get In Touch With Me' CD Album
Listen here to 'I Feel Your Love Changing' 7" Single
Carl Webster from Starpoint Radio writes
STARPOINT RADIO @ PRESTATYN - Sunday Afternoon - ARENA 2
Now in it’s 26th year, Starpoint Radio continues to deliver a dynamic blend of classic and contemporary soul, boogie, jazzfunk, R&B and soulful house, 24/7. Amongst the weekly schedule you’ll find some of the UK’s most celebrated and talented DJ’s and presenters including Colin Curtis, Ian Dewhirst, Mark Randle, Bob Smith, Paul Goldsmith, Bigger, Terry James, Chris Box and Dimitry Soul.
Starpoint Radio also hosts the UK Soul Chart. Presenter JL delivers a weekly run down of the latest soul releases and is often joined for a chat by the people who make the music we love.
To tune into the station simply go to www.starpointradio.com or if you own an iPhone or android mobile phone listen through your radio app.
The Sunday afternoon session at this 10th anniversary weekender will feature a special Starpoint Radio showcase in the Arena 2's Modern Soul room that will also be broadcast LIVE on the station, with DJ's – Colin Curtis, Mark Randle, Ian Dewhirst, Chris Box, Paul Goldsmith & Dimitry Soul.