TONE B NIMBLE Vinilo y CD

Review: If you're looking for an introduction into the world of original 1970s and '80s gospel funk and gospel soul, you can't do better than Tone B Nimble's ongoing Soul is My Salvation series of double A-side "45s". This is the eighth edition in the series and contains two more thoroughly obscure workouts. On the A-side you'll find Bibleway Church of God in Christ's 'Since Jesus Came Into My Life', a fizzing gospel-soul stomper that was first featured on the organisation's 1980 private press LP What Do You Say About Jesus. Over on the flip there's a chance to savour Eliezer Mass Choir's 'Where He Leads Me', a more disco-tinged number that reminded us a little of the Joubert Singers' much-loved 'Stand on the Word'.

Review: Gospel lovers are already well hip to the Soul Is My Salvation series, but for those who are not, be sure to check out the previous installments on Rain & Shine. This is a bonus chapter that packs in plenty more heat, dance floor gold and spirit-lifting words and music. These tunes are from the seventies and eighties and this one packs a real punch with a pair of tunes that brim with unbridled gospel energy and lung-busting vocals. Souls A' Fire's 'Bread Of Life' is a pumper with nice funky bass and wah-wah's guitar to spare and Liberated Gospel Choir then take it deep with 'Bon Appetit.'

Review: Tone B Nimble's eight part 7" series is shining a light on some essential gospel, disco, boogie and soul sounds which, when all put together, reveal a beautiful design courtesy of designer Charlotte McCrae. That makes this an extra special collector's piece even before you add the music into the bargain. Chapter 7 is a busting one with Spiritual Souls 1982 jam 'We Came To Show You The Way' layering up hardcore funk rhythms with some early rap vocals that bring the attitude. Reverse it for Heaven's Sound's 1984 gold, 'Fire,' which is an expansive and expressive vocal masterpiece.