Sonar Kollektiv are very proud to present a sweet slice of obscure Philly soul with deep connections to our very own Berlin family. Shirley Turner’s 1965 recording of I Wish You A World Of Happiness has long been a crate digger’s delight and now receives a very special reissue, alongside a rather stunning cover version from Hamburg based quartet, The KBCS, featuring the vocal talents of Nora Becker. 

Philadelphia in the early 1960s, and Virtue Records (headed up by musician and music producer Frank Virtue) had become prolific in releasing soulful underground hits like The Horse by Cliff Nobles & Co. and Boogaloo Down Broadway by Fantastic Johnny C. as well as producing a number of somewhat less popular, more low-fi soul and garage records that were slept on at the time but have remained highly sought after records to this day. 

One of those records was I Wish You A World Of Happiness, which started life as a popular 60s instrumental cut Bird Walkin’ by Emanon’s Orchestra. The song was written by Weldon A. McDougal III and Johnny Stiles, with lyrics by Eddie Holman, of Hey There Lonely Girl fame. Virtue had been looking for someone to record a vocal version of the tune for some time, and having had a rough demo recorded by an uncredited singer, somehow said demo found itself in the hands of seventeen year old gospel vocalist Shirley Turner. The young, aspiring soul singer learned the lyrics from the dubplate by heart, and on the night she turned eighteen, went into Virtue Studios to record her version of the song. Several takes were laid down and three dub plates produced all on the same night, one of which was taken home by the eighteen year old hopeful, where it remained for years to come. 
The recording was largely forgotten about as Shirley grew up and had a family, that is until her son started playing with the dubplate as a child. Shirley's son is Sonar Kollektiv’s very own Hollis P. Monroe - now a producer, composer and DJ as well as being responsible for the late 90s hit, I’m Lonely. Hollis took an interest in the record from an early age with the dubplate being one of the first records he learned to scratch with! 

Some years later, and with the help of the internet, Hollis’ continued interest in his mother’s recording led him to a number of specialist soul blogs and in particular to UK based DJ Andy Rix who posted about a dubplate he had found which sounded very familiar! The 45 was widely credited as featuring vocalist Ann Robinson, but Hollis was soon able to set the record straight which enabled him to tell the true story behind this fascinating recording. 

Some fifteen years later, and taken directly from Shirley’s personal dubplate, Sonar Kollektiv were finally able to restore and remaster this rare take from that session. Not only that, we commissioned Hamburg four-piece The KBCS to deliver their own interpretation of this timeless piece of music. The result is a sophisticated, balladic reworking that respects the original but gives it a very different twist that should please lovers of modern and two-step soul alike.

B - Shirley Turner - I Wish You A World Of Happiness

Gavin Adcock - A Cigarette

Four Leaf Clover - Gavin Adcock

Homebound

Start Of - Freestyle Jam

These tracks are from July 2008 rehearsals for a band I was in called Mandatory Overtime.  We were a six-piece oldies/jam band, and I was the drummer. I also performed backing vocals on "Wicked Game".

7_29_08

Wicked Game

Federico Gerhardt plunges us into a sonic and emotional journey with his latest single "Blue Eyes," a track that exudes the essence of several musical decades, from the seductive charm of the 70s Pimp Talk to the vibrant energy of R&B, Disco, Funk, and Soul. Gerhardt's ability to weave these genres into a cohesive and contemporary composition not only showcases his versatility as a musician but also his deep understanding of rock's roots and its evolution.

The lyrics of "Blue Eyes" delve into the enigmatic allure of a pair of eyes that seem to belong as much to the realm of dreams as to reality. Gerhardt narrates this obsession with poetic intensity, using the image of these eyes as a metaphor for an unceasing quest for beauty and truth. The song oscillates between the intimacy of the verses, where Gerhardt's voice draws confidingly close to the listener, and the exuberance of the chorus, where the fullness of the instrumentation is unleashed to capture the magnitude of his fascination.

Musically, "Blue Eyes" is a rich, textured amalgam reflecting the complexity of its lyrical themes. The deep, throbbing bassline serves as the backbone over which layers of funky guitars, atmospheric synthesizers, and a horn section add a touch of sophistication and breadth. The intelligent use of pauses and tempo shifts adds dynamics that keep the listener engaged, evoking the sometimes tumultuous, sometimes serene nature of the sea of emotions Gerhardt seeks to portray.

The song's bridge offers a moment of introspection before diving back into the richness of the chorus, which with each repetition feels more intense and revealing. This progression mirrors the narrator's deepening obsession, a spiral that feels both liberating and disconcerting.

In "Blue Eyes," Federico Gerhardt has created not just a song, but an immersive experience that captures the essence of human longing for the unattainable. The production is flawless, with each element carefully calibrated to serve the emotional and thematic narrative of the piece. This single confirms Gerhardt not just as a music virtuoso but as a true modern-day poet, capable of painting with sounds and words a picture that resonates deeply within the human soul.

Ojos azules

About those dreams we have that often feel like they are not coming true.  A song both sad and hopeful.

Dreams

[Verse]
Drifting through the night
Searching for a sign
Lost in the moonlight
My soul left behind
Melodies in my head
Spinning 'round like a dream
In this psychedelic haze
Everything's not what it seems

[Verse 2]
Whispers in the air
Secrets in the night
Aching for a love that feels so right
Dancing through the shadows
Chasing after stars
In this lo-fi indie-pop
We forget about our scars

[Chorus]
Lost in the moonlight
We find our way
Soulful serenades
Take us to a different place
In this dreamy paradise
We're never alone
In this psychedelic world
We find a love unknown

Lost

take it slow-Hudson Westbrook

Glisten.wav

Federico Gerhardt is a multifaceted musician whose repertoire spans blues, pop, and funk, showcasing his versatility as a singer, harmonica player, guitarist, and cigar box guitar enthusiast. His profound musicianship is complemented by his skills as a composer and luthier, crafting instruments that resonate with the soulful essence of his music. Gerhardt's journey in music is marked by a deep connection to the blues tradition, yet he seamlessly integrates elements of pop and funk, creating a unique sound that captivates audiences. His mastery of the harmonica and guitar, combined with his emotive vocals, make his performances unforgettable experiences. As a luthier, Gerhardt brings an artisan's touch to his instruments, each piece a testament to his dedication to music. His compositions are rich tapestries of sound, weaving intricate melodies that tell stories of life, love, and the human condition. Gerhardt's music is not just heard; it's felt, reflecting his passion for exploring the depths of musical expression.

Ojos azules

Federico Gerhardt

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