Expansion Records

UK's top Soul label: Modern, Classic, Smooth

  • Bobby Hutton-Lend A Hand

    Bobby Hutton

    Lend A Hand

 

 

Leo's Sunshipp

Artist Of The Week - 23rd September 2024

Leo’s Sunshipp was Kenny Stover, Johnny Simone and Alvin Few who worked together on this one project recorded in 1977. They were all born under the star sign of Leo.

Kenny was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-70s to work as a staff writer for Jobete Music, the publishing arm of Motown Records. During his spell at the company he collaborated on songs for Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross before meeting Johnny Simone, a singer from Atlanta, Georgia who moved to Los Angeles to tour with Stevie Wonder.

Tragically, four songs into recording this album Johnny died of cancer, so the idea of being signed to a major did not become possible. Rather than waste the album, alternative mixes were done on the four existing tracks, and the project was released on their own label ‘Lyon’s Record Co’ in 1978.

As the import album picked up momentum in the UK, a 12” single was released on the Grapevine label in 1980. The track chosen for the B-side was Kenny Stover’s most prolific composition “I’m Back For More” which was a Stateside hit (and UK soul classic) for Al Johnson featuring Jean Carne, as well as being an essential version in the original featured here.

In 1986 the same 12” was first re-released by Expansion Records and is now fully available again alongside the full album on vinyl and a rare version of “Give Me The Sunshine on 7” too (Limited, numbered 1-1000).

We Need Each Other - Vinyl / LP

“Give Me The Sunshine” by Leo’s Sunshipp is an all time soul classic, while the album brought to you here was one of the first reissues on Expansion.

 

Give Me The Sunshine - 7" single

“Give Me The Sunshine” by Leo’s Sunshipp is an all time soul classic, while the album brought to you here was one of the first reissues on Expansion.

We Need Each Other - Digital Download

 

Leo's Sunshipp - We Need Each Other - snippets

01 Give Me The Sunshine 1

02 I'm Back For More

03 Get Down People

04 Madame Butterfly ( Mini- Tro)

05 Madame Butterfly

06 I'm Back For More ( Mini- Tro) 1

07 Give Me The Sunshine ( Mini- Tro) 1

08 Get Down People ( Mini- Tro)

Media Options

Featured Artist of the Week

Bobby Hutton

Bobby Hutton, hailing from Detroit, Michigan, made his mark in 1971 when he performed on the very first nationally televised episode of "Soul Train".

Influenced heavily by Jackie Wilson, Hutton initially wrote under his birth name, Harold Hutton. However, Billy Davis of Chess Records encouraged him to adopt the stage name Bobby Hutton. While he had the option to pursue a career with Motown, Hutton chose a different path. After releasing a single for Checker, and another for Blue Rock (a Mercury subsidiary), he moved to Philips Records, where he recorded the Northern Soul anthem, “Come See What’s Left of Me.” This track gained legendary status through spins at the Stafford All-Nighters in the UK. During his time with Blue Rock and Philips, he worked with esteemed talents like Donny Hathaway and Joshie Jo Armstead, who produced and arranged several tracks. These Philips recordings are included as bonus tracks on the CD, accompanying his 1973 "Piece of the Action" LP for ABC Records. Notably, they feature "You're My Whole Reason," a song Hutton performed on that historic first "Soul Train" broadcast.

"Piece of the Action" was produced by Dee Ervin and includes several standout tracks, but none more iconic than the Gary Wright-penned “Lend A Hand.” This song became one of the most beloved ‘modern’ Northern Soul classics, thanks to plays at legendary UK venues such as the Blackpool Mecca’s Highland Room and Wigan Casino. DJ Colin Curtis was the first to champion the track in 1974. The album showcases Hutton's vocal prowess, complemented by backing vocals from artists such as Patti Hamilton of The Lovelites, Jean Plum, Mikki Farrow, and Frankie Karl. It received rave reviews upon release, prompting ABC to issue a non-album follow-up 45, produced by the brilliant McKinley Jackson and Reginald Dozier. The single, “Loving You, Wanting You, Needing You” backed with “Watch Where You’re Going,” has since become a rare and highly coveted item among soul collectors worldwide.

In 2007, Hutton’s contributions to soul music were recognised when he was voted Chicago’s Best Singer—an accolade that speaks to his enduring talent and something of which Hutton is justifiably proud.

Bobby Hutton
Piece Of The Action CD/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.

Bobby Hutton
Loving You, Needing You, Loving You, Wanting You / Watch Where You're Going

Detroit native Bobby Hutton made history by performing on the first nationally televised Soul Train episode in 1971. His journey in music led him to record with Phillips, producing many sought after tracks.

The two tracks on this 7" were originally released back-to-back in 1974 on the ABC label. Both songs were co-written and produced by McKinley Jackson, who played a significant role in crafting hits for Lamont Dozier, Freda Payne, and The Four Tops at ABC during the early to mid-70s. Grammy Award-winning Reggie Dozier, Lamont Dozier's brother, also contributed as a co-writer.

This 7" has not been reissued in 40 years, and original copies are highly prized in the UK. Northern Soul music is one of the most in-demand genres for rare 45 diggers. This is a great example.

Bobby Hutton
Lend A Hand / See What's Left Of Me

Bobby Hutton, the first singer featured on Soul Train in 1971, sees his rare soul classic 'Lend A Hand' reissued by Expansion. Originally released in 1973, this track is a soulful gem that resonates with fans and collectors alike.

On Side-1, 'Lend A Hand' stands out as an impressive track, showcasing Hutton's powerful vocals and emotional depth. Side-2 features 'Come See What's Left Of Me,' originally from 1969. A soulful and elegant experience, highlighting Hutton's early work. Both songs are certified rare and classic soul, making this reissue an appealing one for those who appreciate timeless, heartfelt music.
Artist focus

Ronnie McNeir


Ronnie McNeir is the first artist to release an album on Expansion Records

Originally on LP (EXLPM1) and later CD (EXCDP1), “Love Suspect” was Ronnie’s first independently released album, having previously recorded with RCA, Prodigal/Motown, and Capitol.

He’s from Camden, Alabama, and besides his own recordings, he has written and produced for an array of artists, including The Four Tops, Bobby Womack, Johnnie Taylor, L.J. Reynolds, the Rance Allen Group, and The Dramatics.

In the 90s, he joined The Four Tops, first as Music Director and from 1999 as a replacement singer. He has a very different voice from Levi Stubbs, but a signature voice of his own, adored by fans, and tours as a Four Top to this day. Fellow original group member Obie Benson, who co-wrote “What’s Going On” for Marvin Gaye, is a co-producer of this first album and returned for the second album, “Life & Love,” in 1989, including the opening song “Hold On”, released as an Expansion single. Since then, Expansion released Ronnie’s 1976 Motown album “Love’s Comin’ Down” with bonus tracks only available on this CD, and two further singles, “The Good Side Of Your Love” and “My Baby”. Ronnie is also known for his northern soul hit with his 1966 recording “Sitting In My Class.”

Expansion has brought Ronnie to the UK on more than one occasion, most recently for the Blackpool International Soul Festival.

 

Curated Artists

 

Cornell CC Carter

The new album is ready and it’s the best! Cornell says “This is more than an album to me…. It is an up close and personal expression of the many things that move me in life and how I feel about life, love and all the things I value most.

Gregory Porter

Reissue, enhanced packaging.
  • A1. 1960 What?
  • B1. 1960 What? (Opolopo Kick & Bass Re-Rub)

Mario Biondi

Reissue of one of the biggest soulful jazz dance tracks of the last decade.

Luxury Soul 2024 (3CD)

The UK’s No.1 independent soul label Expansion Records commences each year with the label’s most anticipated collection, “Luxury Soul”. 
 

Expansion Records

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.

GIVE IT A LISTEN

Artists

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.

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.

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

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 WonderSting, 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.
Promotion

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