The second album by the Northern Soul collective, featuring vocalist Rachel Maxann and writer/producer Hakim Jamal.

BEAUTY MAKES PROMISES BEAUTY CAN'T KEEP

U Come Thru

Lord Here I Come

LORD HERE I COME

Mastered at Abbey Road studios, London, '20 GOLDEN GREATS' is the title of the next album by Hakim Jamal/Paul Ashley, due Spring 2022. It's a retrospective, covering a near-40-year career in music making  and contains material from each era of Paul's work.

SONG FOR A BLACK WOMAN

This is the new album by Hakim Jamal. It drops on 14 January in stores worldwide. All the people who have supported us by contributing to the vinyl album '20 Golden Greats' will receive a free download link.
Really, REALLY hope you like this one. 2021 was a weird year of highs and lows. Up there, the sessions at Abbey Road and the opportunity to live in Spain. But the album has also been written before, during and after the death of my parents, and though it isn't inspired by that, it's dedicated to people who care, about whoever, in whatever way. Particularly children.
It started out when I was messing about with some chords used by Gil Scott-Heron and has morphed into something more modern, but with a distinct flavour of 70s American Jazz and Funk. 
It would be great if our friends could help us widen our audience in 2022 with a simple share or two. It ain't about money, but you work so hard on something you just want people to hear it. Peace.

INNAPEACE

The new album from Hakim Jamal is inspired by the work of the great and sadly underrated Japanese Jazz-Funk musicians of the 1970s and 80s. It's Hakim's most uptempo album today, comprised of mostly instrumental music with some stunning individual solos.

NEON SIGN

Hakim Jamal's new album for September 2022 featuring all-new material and a cast of Jamaican vocal artists in a reggae-influenced sound.

CELESTE

Kool N the Gang Wid It

Spacehopper

Music of the Future

I, Lucifer

Five Easy Pieces

T Plays It Cool

Taken from the first album by The Mint 400, 'Northern' this single established the 'tainted love' theme of the music. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The new album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025.

22 UNLESS YOUR NAME IS LOVE (YOU CAN'T COME IN) Cm 140bpm 03.10

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'Go Down To The River' is a luscious slice of pure Memphis soul. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

GO DOWN TO THE RIVER

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'Change Must Come' continues the 'tainted love' theme of the first album. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

CHANGE MUST COME

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'Beauty Make Promises' is the funky instrumental title track. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

BEAUTY MAKES PROMISES

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'Moments' is a cool ballad in the style of the Chi-Lite and The Dells. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

MOMENTS

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'While The City Sleeps' is all about the loneliness of the urban lifestyle. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'Too Much Emotion' is an uptempo, Mowtowny rush. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

TOO MUCH EMOTION

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'Just Set Me Free Baby' is a slinky, lounge, funky joint. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. This video is a wicked interpretation of the album title.
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

JUST SET ME FREE, BABY

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'Come Home To Me' is an uptempo, yearning ballad. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

COME HOME TO ME

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'KYMSAYEO' is a funky, sassy number about love and jealousy. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AND YOUR EYES OPEN

Taken from the new album by The Mint 400, 'This Is The Real Thing' is a funky Memphis Horns workout with a killer chorus. Features the wonderful vocals of Memphis singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann. The album 'Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can't Keep' officially releases on 15 January 2025. 
You can find the album at: 
https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beauty-makes-promises-beauty-cant-keep/1789818411
https://open.spotify.com/album/51meAD7kUooc7CR6UNVZBA

THIS IS THE REAL THING

Written by Paul Wheatcroft & Steve Cobby. Production by Martin Moscrop. Featuring Denise Johnson. Remixed by Robert Gordon.

This material originally appeared on the Big Life label in 1991. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ashley  Jackson   Solid Gold 24ct Vocal Mix Big Life 1990

Written by Paul Wheatcroft & Steve Cobby. Production by Martin Moscrop. Featuring Denise Johnson. Remixed by Joey Negro.

This material originally appeared on the Big Life label in 1991. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ashley & Jackson Feat Joey Negro  People

Written by Paul Wheatcroft & Steve Cobby. 

This material originally appeared as part of the video 'Cities In The Park' in 1991. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ashley & Jackson - Come Alive (Live)

Written by Paul Wheatcroft & Steve Cobby. Production by Martin Moscrop. Featuring Denise Johnson.

This material originally appeared on the Big Life label in 1991. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ashley & Jackson - The Sermon

Ashley & Jackson - Te Amo

Ashley & Jackson - Sweet Time

Written by Paul Wheatcroft & Steve Cobby. Production by Martin Moscrop. Featuring Denise Johnson. Remixed by Adam Fuest.

This material originally appeared on the Big Life label in 1991. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ashley & Jackson - Solid Gold

Written by Paul Wheatcroft & Steve Cobby. Production by Mark Brydon. Featuring Denise Johnson.

This material originally appeared on the Big Life label in 1991. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ashley & Jackson - Shine

Ashley & Jackson - People

Ashley & Jackson - Missing Piece

Ashley & Jackson - Love Takeover

Ashley & Jackson - Honesty

Written by Paul Wheatcroft & Steve Cobby. Production by Bill Nelson. Featuring Denise Johnson.

This material originally appeared on the Big Life label in 1991. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ashley & Jackson - Come Alive

Written by Paul Wheatcroft & Steve Cobby. Production by Mike McEvoy. 

This material originally appeared on the Big Life label in 1991. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.”

Ashley & Jackson - Here I Go Again

Influenced by 70's vocal soul groups such as the Chi-Lites and The Dells, with string orchestra, lush harmonies and sitar. This tune is inspired by the work of Nina Simone. I wanted to try a very direct and personal lyric, as if I'm speaking to her. It's a pretty moody tune, contemplative and cool, as was the person - at least as long as you didn't upset her. Then, beware. If all of this describes your relationship with your own significant other, you'll feel this one. 

Also dedicated to the memory of my friend and collaborator Denise Johnson.

Lyrics:

Girl, when you smile there’s a sense of mystery
There’s emotion when you close your eyes
And when you speak in the voice of history
Sacred moments become crystallised

And when I hear you calling
It doesn’t matter whether
I’m on another planet

Play on the keyboard just like something heavenly
Although your words are bittersweet
Isn’t it stranger than strange fruit can ever be 
The anger growing on the street?

And when I hear you calling
It doesn’t matter whether
I’m from a different country

Sit right down and count your fingers
What’s a girl supposed to do? 
You were born to be unhappy
They were there to make you blue
All the saints and all the sinners
All the politicians too
And the raindrops keep on falling
Feel them falling all around you.

#SONGS #INSTAGOOD #BEAT #BEATS #JAM #MYJAM #NEWSONG #LOVETHISSONG #FAVORITESONG #BESTSONG #LISTENTOTHIS #GOODMUSIC #MUSICPROMO #MUSICBLOG #INSTAMUSIC #NEWMUSIC #NP #ARTISTRACK @hakimjamalmusic #musictips #musicinfluencer #musicnews #musicindustrynews #musicmarketing #musicbusiness #musicbusinesstips #indiemusician #instabeat #beatproducer #musicproductionlife #instaproducer #beatmakerlife #musictheory #hiphopproducer #rapperproducer #recordingstudio #studioone #plugin #audioengineer #audioengineering #flstudio #producedby #prodby #producersbelike #bedroommusician

The Soul Of Hakim Jamal

Song For A Black Woman

https://hakimjamal.bandcamp.com/follow_me

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUJJIbKLtI1QsDk6TmgkFYg HAKIM JAMAL - YOUTUBE SHORTS - just launched. Contains 1-minute videos sampling tracks from across all the albums. Hope you can stop by and maybe subscribe. 

'Welcome to the world of Hakim Jamal’s evolved silky grooves from the ’70s, augmented by a vivid complex instrumentation and glamorous female vocals. Currently #1 in the JazzWorld and LA Funk charts, these psychedlic mashups of 1970s Soul (and accompanying trippy videos) will take you to another planet, reaching a climax of luscious enigmatic sonicscapes travelled by hypnotic sensual grooves. Extended arrangements and propulsive funky basslines just add to the intensity and mystique of this exotic land inhabited by languorous rhythms. Music that will please both your ears and your soul.’ - Stefan Bociacia, JazzWorld Quest

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