The golden-voiced Chicano soul brother Jonny Benavidez is back on your platter and radio waves supported by the ever-faithful grooves of Cold Diamond & Mink. 

On the top side you can enjoy the group soul beat ballad "My Echo, Shadow and Me" which complements perfectly the two crossover gems that Jonny has released on Timmion's Stylart imprint in the past. When you flip the record over, you can drift away to mid-tempo soul heaven with the Mandells'esque "Playing The Fool". 

These tracks are done in a style which is quickly becoming the undeniable forte of Jonny, who can't help paying homage to the classic voices of his childhood stomping grounds in Texas. It's irresistible, it pulls you in, it's pure soul gold.

My Echo, Shadow and Me

After her debut Timmion single "Don't Believe You Like That", Emilia Sisco is back in the fold with a double sider of the highest order. Emilia seems to feel right at home with the material that she cooks up with Cold Diamond & Mink, filling both songs to the brim with soul.  

Despite its title, "Trouble" strolls along with a delicately sweet mid-tempo groove and a nicely abundant arrangement, each of Emilia's lyrical calls getting a response from the background harmonizers and the band steady tightening up while the song builds towards its conclusion. The B-side slows things down to a lush southern soul drawl, coming off like a classy forgotten Hi session.

Both of these tracks present a singer who has paid her dues by studying the craft and polishing it for years in front of live audiences. Now it's time for Emilia to push her voice out there on the wings of her own original songs, a feature that we've come to expect from the Timmion stable.

It'll Get Better

Trouble

Enter the captivating realm of Pratt & Moody as they unveil their new deep-as-the-oceans single, ‘Creeping Around’. This dynamic duo – consisting of Pratt and Moody – have honed their craft channeling their collective prowess into a singular fusion of dark soul and haunting melodies. Their previous sleeper hits “Lost Lost Lost” and “Wheels Turning” still resonate in spaces where contemporary soul ballads are treated as a valuable commodity. 

With ‘Creeping Around’, Pratt & Moody dive deep into the shadows, crafting a sonic narrative about infidelity that transcends boundaries. The velvety vocals of Pratt wrap themselves around Moody’s evocative guitar, creating a timeless soundscape that resonates with raw emotion. As the instrumental version gracefully embraces the absence of words, the music is left to speak volumes.

Accompanied by the rock-solid artistry of Cold Diamond & Mink, ‘Creeping Around’ transports you to the hazy realm of late-night introspection, where each note carries the weight of longing and desire. The track immerses you in a David Lynch like world where melancholy, darkness and passion coexist.

Creeping Around

The musical Oroza bloodline just seems to keep pumping soul music from Finland for the world to hear. Now it's time for Franka to step to the stage and she comes out from the gate swinging with a sublime beat ballad "Indecision". Backed by the faithful Timmion Records house band Cold Diamond & Mink, Franka's folk jazzy vocal stylings seep into fertile ground.

Building from the intro drum roll to the rootsy organ-led groove Franka jumps on the beat with a Joni Mitchell twist and it's immediately apparent that we're in for a treat. The vocal glides effortlessly between firm and delicate tones, perfectly underlining the lyrical content. Franka takes her time in setting the scene, holding a veil before the fact that we're actually listening to a love song.

If all you're looking for is good songwriting with a soulful backbeat, with Franka Oroza you'll get a unique voice to boot. This is another sure shot for all fans of independent downtempo soul from the Timmion stable.

Indecision

The first single dropping from Jimi Tenor's new Timmion album "Is There Love In Outer Space?" kicks off like a desert breeze from Nigerien keyboardist Mamman Sani's 1980s cosmic songbook. Perhaps this is the same kind of panorama that Tenor and Cold Diamond & Mink want us to imagine while traversing the two sides of this vinyl single. 
 
At the latest, the psychedelic desert blues guitar solo transports us on a cold Sahara sand dune, watching a magical sunrise on Mother Earth, something only a few humans get to witness. This is the type of jam you can close your eyes to and let those colorscapes of your mind fill the space. The minimal vocal parts come through like a welcoming chant for the Sun slowly creeping up in the horizon, ready to extend its burning arms around all things – living and dead equally.
 
With their new collaborative project, Jimi Tenor and Cold Diamond & Mink breathe a new type of life into each others' tried & tested styles – delivering a natural fusion of cosmic and raw soul music. So hop along in this spaceship, and let it ride!

Is There Love In Outer Space?

Gaia Sunset, Part 1

Emilia Sisco’s latest 7” vinyl single is a testament to the timeless allure of vintage soul music. Backed by the esteemed Timmion Records house band Cold Diamond & Mink, Sisco delivers a stellar double-sider that captivates you from start to finish.

On the A-side’s “Lemon Lime Sour” Sisco’s spirited vocals soar over infectious crossover soul terrain, creating an irresistible groove that celebrates the bittersweet feeling of falling in love. The track’s joyful energy invites audiences for a dance along its uplifting message.

Flipping the record reveals the B-side, “Love Can Carry Me,” a soul-stirring beat ballad that showcases Sisco’s growth both as a songwriter and a vocalist. The song’s emotive lyrics and dark melodies create an intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners into its introspective narrative of resilience and hope.

During these tumultuous times, the two tracks encapsulate what funky, emotion-driven music made by real humans is all about, blending Sisco’s undeniable vocal talent with Cold Diamond & Mink’s impeccable musical craftsmanship. With its universal themes and timeless appeal, the new single is poised to resonate with soul music enthusiasts around the globe.

Lemon n Lime Sours

Timmion Records adds new talent to their ranks with Rosettes’ latest 7” vinyl single, introducing two tracks by the group that seamlessly blend elements of soul and jazz with a smooth pop sensibility. As a group that some have coined “Khruangbin of the North” Rosettes bring a fresh cinematic perspective to contemporary soul music. 

On the A-side, “Souvenir”, offers a mellow and introspective deep soul experience, showcasing lead singer Tytti Roto’s knack for emotive storytelling and displaying the band’s versatility and melodic depth. Meanwhile, the B-side’s “Green Ray,” they deliver a psychedelic soul groover propelled by a funky backbeat, inviting listeners on a rootsy sonic journey that might be best observed behind color-tinged 1960s sunglasses. 

Faithfully drawing inspiration from innovators like Cymande and Isaac Hayes the band infuses their sound with experimental elements, but still ensure that the songs remain catchy and accessible. These two understated bangers will surely win the hearts of anybody, who likes their soul raw and independent.

Souvenir

First single release from "Happiness In Every Style" by Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators.  

Paint Me In A Corner

45 by The Soul Investigators with Jimi Tenor on flute. Catalog number TR702. Side A: Vulture's Prayer, side B: Bad Viberations

Bad Viberations

Vulture's Prayer

TR705 - Willie West - "I'm Still A Man" - new single, out 30th of Oct 2015! Timmion Records.

I'm Still A Man - Willie West

After The Storm

After The Storm - Willie West & The Soul Investigators

Queen Of Soul

Queen Of Soul - Cold Diamond & Mink

Scorpio Man Theme

Lost Lost Lost

Lost Lost Lost - Pratt & Moody

This Love, Part 1 (instrumental)

This Love, Part 1 (Instrumental) - Cold Diamond & Mink

Tell Me That You Love Me

Tell Me That You Love Me - Jonny Benavidez with Cold Diamond & Mink

Ernie Hawks' debut album "Scorpio Man" is nearly here, and about to be released during the first quarter of 2018. The way will be paved with a fresh 7" single that lifts the gritty jazz funk of "Scorpio Walk" from the album on the A side and pairs it up with the mystic groover "Message of Love", a non-LP track only available on this release.

As the track to start up the upcoming album, "Scorpio Walk" rushes on like a manic villain from an art house spy film. A groove made of a murmuring fuzz bass and a surf guitar is suddenly released into heavenly choruses, where the man of the hour lifts the ambiance with a series of lyrical flute solos.

"Message of Love" sounds like an homage to the gently pulsing library music funk from the mid 1970's. Ernie's flute lead is accompanied by bubbling Fender Rhodes, which carries the track forwards like a shy cousin of Michel Sardaby's "Welcome New Warmth". Seductive male vocal wailing haunts in the background, while the track proceeds without haste in its realm of lost budget X-rated movie soundtracks.

The Scorpio Walk

"I Can't Love You Anymore" is the first single by hard working soul performer Carlton Jumel Smith recorded with Cold Diamond & Mink, and the man has revealed his middle name just for the occasion. Otherwise known simply as Carlton J. Smith, there's no doubt he has swallowed a large pill of soul since seeing James Brown live at the Apollo Theatre as an 8-year old.

Smith's Timmion debut single sinks him into drum heavy southern flavored deep soul, a style that comes out of him naturally as water from a mountain spring. Backing him up on the falsetto parts is Pratt, who recently turned some heads with his Pratt & Moody release "Lost Lost Lost" on Stylart Records, and together the two basically NAIL IT.

When looking for artists, who just seem to move through time effortlessly with a steady air of confidence, passion and precision, one might pick up the phone and give CJS a call. Even though his discography of couple of late 2000's albums and some guest spots in early 90's soulful house 12"s is a bit mysterious, there seems to be not one bit of difficulty to his craft or personality. As a recording artist, "I Can't Love You Anymore" is a new opening into raw soul territory, and it is just what the world needs today. He laid down an album worth of tracks on his last Helsinki visit, and this might be something to look forward to.

I Can't Love You Anymore

I Can't Love You Anymore - Carlton Jumel Smith and Cold Diamond & Mink

A while back Pratt & Moody hit the global soul scene with their Stylart debut 7" "Lost Lost Lost", leaving many exclaiming the words "FIRME ROLA" on its tracks. Some even mistook it for a forgotten oldie. Now this vocal/guitar duo gets together with Cold Diamond & Mink for another dose of grade A soul music.

Not breaking the spell of tautology started with the first 45, "Words Words Words" picks up the tempo from ballad territory into the beat heavy group soul category. The pulsing drum track is laced with majestic horn riffs, tremolo guitar, penny arcade organ, and over everything hover the beautiful lyrics by Pratt and his mysterious harmony singers.

If the first single by Pratt and Moody left you yearning for more soul, this one should blow away the rest of your corporal existence.

Words Words Words

The world has barely recovered from the previous sting of the Scorpio Man, when he lands in another dose. "Cold Turkey Time" from Ernie Hawks' debut album gets a single treatment here arriving back to back with the 45 only track "Tracking Down". The latter should make the b-boys move even if heard in the relaxing steams of a Turkish bath, where its breezy melodies eventually point at. 

"Cold Turkey Time" is a serious slab of jazzy funk that shares many of the exotica qualities of its partnering side. It might sound nice, while driving a fine European sports mobile down on a spiraling mountain road, preferably in a 60's dandy state of mind. The eerie wordless vocals at the end tie the package together so nicely that Dario Argento could have made a scene out of it. 

The continental vibes emanating from this vinyl single are bound to appeal to rare groove fanatics and secret agents alike. Ernie Hawks and his merry bunch of professionals are on a mean streak here, so keep listening.

Cold Turkey Time

Cold Turkey Time - Ernie Hawks & The Soul Investigators

The blues roots grow surprisingly deep in the Finnish music scene. From this fertile ground rises singer Emilia Sisco, who debuts on Timmion with her phenomenal single "Don't Believe You Like That". With her strong background in fusing blues, r&b and jazz, Emilia apparently slips also nicely into the dark soulful grooves of Cold Diamond & Mink.

In "Don't Believe You Like That" Emilia sets herself into the role of a mistreated lover, who still tries to see a speck of hope in the doomed relationship. By dubbing herself, and accompanying the lyric with graceful harmonies, she succeeds in building a powerful beat ballad, that should appeal to the darker end of the dance floor.

There's a special lane in history for soul music this understated. It's cool and intimate at the same time, like there's something dangerous lurking under the surface. So roll up something nice, if that's your thing, and hop along for the ride.

Don't Believe You Like That

Don't Belive You Like That - Emilia Sisco And Cold Diamond & Mink

Sometimes in soul music history it has seemed that record producers couldn't get enough of a certain backing track, churning out singles after another, chasing for a hit that never came. The latter doesn't really apply to Pratt & Moody's "Lost Lost Lost", which just recently broke 1 million Youtube plays. While stacking up fame in the lowrider soul scene, this beat ballad also caught the ear of the West Coast record collector and dj Mike Noriega, who decided to write fresh lyrics to accompany its instrumental.

"Wondering" that came as a result was brought to life by the singer and industry insider Gerald McCauley, who turned his soul inside out for the performance. In the past McCauley has worked as a musician, A&R man for example in a project involving George Benson and Al Jarreau and even produced a book and documentary on the history of the Fender Rhodes electric piano. Here he slips comfortably into the Cold Diamond & Mink groove, squeezing every drop of heartache on tape.

This version continues the story of "Lost Lost Lost" so gracefully that one can only wonder, if there are more to come. Who will be the next poor soul to sink into this deceivingly blissful bed of roses, filled with piano, drums and slide guitar?

Wondering

"Wondering" - Gerald McCauley

Prolific soul man Carlton Jumel Smith made a fresh opening into deep vintage soul sounds with his Timmion single debut. Now he's back for more with the dancefloor track "This Is What Love Looks Like", paving the road towards his album, which is dropping on Timmion at the beginning of 2019.

Think of classic funky soul with a little bit of Chicago, some Tighten Up guitar and blaring horn melodies, and you get an idea, where this energizing groove is headed. Carlton gets going with his soulful testimony, while the A-list of Finnish soul and jazz players from Tuomo Prättälä and Jimi Tenor to Jukka Eskola strengthen the Cold Diamond & Mink band to new heights.

If the first single dripped with heartaches and bitterness, this one is a monumental sonic heart emoji instead, seasoned with sweet sunshine. Even though Carlton can play any part the lyric casts him in, the conveyor of positivity suits him well. In real life it's not rare to see the man smiling, and when performing he oozes with peace, love and soul, turning the audience inside out. Here he's laid down one for the dancers!

This Is What Love Looks Like!

Wheels Turning

"Home Cooking, Part 1" by The Soul Investigators is the opening track from their second album, also titled as  "Home Cooking".

The track has also been release as a 45, catalog number TR-018.

The Soul Investigators - Home Cooking, Part 1

"Love Hurt" by The Soul Investigators. Catalog number for 7"-single TR-030, Timmion Records Ltd.

Released in May 2013.

Love Hurt - The Soul Investigators

New Look and Timmion Records proudly presents debut single from Sensualites Unlimited called "Sweet Blow". Catalog number NL003, available on June 28th, 2013. 

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