Whether it is with the Soul Unsigned series or the Contemporary Soul Songbook releases, Phil Driver's Soul Unsigned Records is slowly growing into a household name among soul fans around the globe. Providing an international stage for artists throughout different media, the newest descendant in the family comes from Solar Radio DJ and presenter Ginger Tony, who compiled 14 tracks as an ultimate collection from his Jump Start radio show which is currently running its fourth year on Solar Radio.
The Soul Unsigned concept also clearly shows on the first Jump Start release. A set of quality tracks from more and less known artists and bands, and to be honest ... as I'm familiar with most of these groups, nevertheless Ginger Tony manages to present me a couple of pleasant surprises as Germany's Mo'Horizons, Club De Belugas and Mystery & Matt Early.
I'll mention this once again : compiling a collection consisting of hit singles has nothing to do with knowledge and love for music ... it is marketing. Gathering a set of songs however that balance between quality and popularity takes the hand of a true fan. Ginger Tony managed to do just that in finding the perfect blend of tunes and styles, combining jams that will open up new doors and discoveries and classic cuts that have proven their potential as Day by Day by The Jazzinvaders, Love is in Town by Brenda Boykin and Squeeze Me by Holland's finest Kraak & Smaak.
With the birth of Jump Start, Soul Unsigned Records has once again managed to bring a very enjoyable CD that hopefully turns out to be 'just the first' in a long series of albums to come.

A Teach review

Ginger Tony Linxxx

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