Expansion Records

Diplomats of Soul

I Love You
Marvin Gaye

Latest Releases

New in this week.

Marvin Gaye - Where Are We Going? 7" single record. Cat. No. EXS049.

A. Where Are We Going? (3.52)
B. Woman of the World. (3.29)

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" 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" is the 1973 original.

Diplomats of Soul - I Love You. 7" single record. Cat. No. DOS8A. Limited Edition.

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

A - I LOVE YOU

B- I LOVE YOU (Instrumental)

The song is a 70s rare groove composed by Don Blackman and recorded/release by Weldon Irvine in 1975. This brand new recording stays close to the original, but with Natalie Duncan guesting with DOS on vocals with music arranged by Bluey and featuring an array of musicians from Incognito.

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 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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Cornell C.C. Carter

Currently topping the UK soul charts, "The Change" is a brand new song composed by San Francisco's Cornell CC Carter and Kirk Crumpler (ex-Collage, Solar Records) taken from a forthcoming album on Expansion. Previous Cornell hits include "This Feeling", "Where Are We Going", "Say Yes", "Not Possible" and "I See Love", inspired by his heroes Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Curtis Mayfield

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

Victor Haynes

A brand new album from Victor Haynes featuring the two singles "Let The Lovin' Start" and "Like The Old Days" released earlier this year

Patrice Isley

Following the release of Patrice Isley’s “Harvest For The World” in late 2023 comes a new single, a cover of the George Duke classic “I Want You For Myself”.

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.

Patrice Isley

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.

When asked why she recorded “Harvest For The World'', Patrice said “I enjoyed this track as a child, as there was something about its message that was inclusive and hopeful. It talks about ‘gather every man, gather every woman, celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children, gather everyone, gather all together, overlooking none, hoping life gets better for the world’.

It was originally recorded by The Isley Brothers on May 29th, 1976 on T-Neck Records, their 14th studio album and remains a classic to this day.

Paulette McWilliams

From Chicago, now in L.A., Paulette sang with Rufus before stepping back and introducing them to Chaka Khan. She has recorded with Quincy Jones and toured with Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross. Her debut album was on Fantasy Records in 1977

The Paradise Projex

The Paradise Projex, headed by musician Phil Edwards, has embarked on a musical journey working with former associates as well as new talent in this collective. This single features lead singer Charlotte Kelly, a former vocalist with Soul II Soul.

Narada Michael Walden

This production is a brand new collaboration between Narada Michael Walden and Italian musician/producer Lino Nicolosi and his team.

Narada has produced music for The Temptations, Stacy Lattisaw, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Jeff Beck, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Gladys Knight, Barbra Streisand, Angela Bofill, Lisa Fischer, Sister Sledge, Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, Clarence Clemons, George Benson, Sheena Easton, Kenny G, Lionel Richie, Al Jarreau, Mariah Carey, Carlos Santana, and has played drums with Mahavishnu Orchestra

Luxury Soul 2023

The much coveted annual compliation CD produced by Expansion featuring an array of top British and international soul and RnB talent ...

Victor Haynes

From Manchester, UK, Victor Haynes is an accomplished soul/jazz singer and songwriter who has enjoyed immense popularity over many years both locally and internationally. His music is timeless. He has worked alongside legendary artists such as : Curtis Mayfield, Edwin Star, Jean Carne, The Temptations and the Drifters to name but a few. He is simply the singing sensation, that is, Victor Haynes.

Victor Haynes

The second single from the forthcoming album "Love Is The Answer", released November 18, 2022.

Written and produced by Victor Haynes & Pete May.

Victor Haynes

First single from a forthcoming album "Love Is The Answer". Released October 7, 2022

Written and Produced by Victor Haynes & Pete May.

Fire featuring Erwin

Born in South Africa, Erwin became a very successful session & touring guitarist while still a teenager, working with many of the most successful local artists.

Output/Input

“Here We Go Again” is a favourite amongst ardent soul buffs who recognise the Isley Brothers' song, faithfully updated for a 21st Century audience. The song features vocals by Audrey “I’m Yours Tonight” Wheeler-Downing and Brent Carter of the Average White Band and Tower of Power.

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