Expansion Records

Marvin Gaye
The Paradise Projex

Latest Releases

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Sheree Brown releases uplifting new single "Beautiful Girl" from her critically acclaimed vinyl album "Messages From The Spirit - Special Edition", out on Expansion Records 8th March, 2025.

Renowned Emmy-nominated producer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter Sheree Brown is set to release her inspiring new single, "Beautiful Girl," on March 8, 2025—International Women’s Day—via Expansion Records. The song is taken from her current vinyl album, Messages From The Spirit (Special Edition), and carries a powerful message of self-love and affirmation for women and girls of all ages.

Featuring Sheree Brown & Nailah Porter, with Sukari Reid-Glen on flute, "Beautiful Girl" was co-written by Sheree Brown and Nailah Porter. The song's journey began over a decade ago when Sheree and Nailah met in a Los Angeles coffee shop, planting the seeds for what would become an anthem of self-worth and empowerment.

"I wanted to collaborate with gifted women from different generations to create a song—an anthem—that affirms girls of all ages, letting them know they are beautiful no matter what. I reached out to Nailah, and later, when recording the song, invited Sukari to be part of this special project." – Sheree Brown

Originally released on the Messages From The Spirit...The Collective album in 2020, "Beautiful Girl" has resurfaced at a time when its message is needed more than ever. With its re-release on International Women’s Day, Sheree aims to continue spreading its uplifting and empowering message. "We were all little girls once, and sometimes, we still need to remind ourselves that we are beautiful."

The Music Video: A Reflection of Generations

Filmed during the pandemic in Sheree Brown’s backyard by Tyler Adams (Imhotep X)—a former member of the children's choir she directed at church—the video beautifully captures the essence of the song’s message. Featuring Sheree’s granddaughters Monroe Jordan and Sage Jordan, her niece Kim Porter, and Nailah Porter's daughter Macie Legaspi, the video reflects the generational impact of self-affirmation.

"The mirror in the video is not only symbolic of the song’s message but also represents my own story. My mother always told me I was beautiful, no matter what. As a young adult, during challenging times, I often stood in front of my mirror and reminded myself: ‘You are beautiful, Sheree.’"

ABOUT NAILAH PORTER

A North Carolina native, Nailah Porter is an artist whose work is rooted in remembrance and liberation, honouring ancestors through music and culture. Her debut album, ConJazzNess, was released on EmArcy Records/UMG, and she has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning artists including Billy Childs, Tom Scott, and Jeff Lorber. Nailah has recorded and toured with a diverse range of musicians across genres, from Beck, Warren G, and Dove Shack to John Cale (Velvet Underground), Cold War Kids, and Nicola Conte.

ABOUT MESSAGES FROM THE SPIRIT (SPECIAL EDITION)

Originally released in 2020, "Messages From The Spirit...The Collective” featured the UK Soul Chart-topping single "Take A Walk With Love." This Special Edition vinyl celebrates the album’s legacy while introducing fresh elements, including a track from the upcoming Messages From The Soul album, the final installment in the trilogy.

The album also features a reimagined version of "I Choose Love" in the form of the "Redwine Remix," a collaboration with acclaimed producer Jon Redwine, which will is released as a standalone single.

With a career dedicated to inspiring and uplifting through music, Sheree Brown continues to deliver messages of hope, healing, and empowerment—especially in times when they are needed most.

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The Paradise Projex - "I Am You" CD album record.

The Paradise Projex; a music project started and developed by Music Director musician, songwriter, producer Phil Edwards, co-founder of 80s group Paradise (“One Mind, Two Hearts”) from London. “I Am You” is a creative venture with inclusive approach. The message is simple, music has the power to unite minds across the continents, cultures, generations and decades. It features the digital single “Here & Now” (former No.1 UK Soul Breakers chart) and 7” vinyl release of two brand new songs “Magic Night” and “Someone Like You”. Guest vocalists include Judy La Rose, Everett Peters, Charlotte Kelly, Lee Callaghan, Emma Callaghan.

Track Listing

Magic Night (4:23)
Someone Like You (5:10)
Here & Now (4:31)
Ain’t No Sunshine (4:20)
Call Me By My Name (4:59)
I Am You (4:33)
It’s Up To You (4:33)
Could It Be True (4:47)
G Love (4:05)
The Prayer (0:52)
Here & Now (Remix) (4:33)

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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.

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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.

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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

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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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