'A little of the big stuff' by The Formellas

PRESS RELEASE

'A Little of the Big Stuff'

Performed by

THE FORMELLAS
Written by: Carl Dixon
Published by: Carl Dixon (PRS) © 2011 (℗2017

The official release date is the 1^st June 2017 and can be purchased from, Amazon, iTunes and all leading streaming services.

click artwork to hear🎹🎸🎶

Listen here on YouTube

If you enjoy retro sounding mid 1970s soul, this new album release features no less than fourteen mixes to capture the spirit of disco music prevalent around that time. These productions have been carefully crafted with respect to a period that gave us the likes of Love Unlimited, The Three Degrees, The Sound of Philadelphia, The Salsoul Orchestra and MFSB. The instrumentation remains faithful to a more traditional style of arrangement from the days when sequencing and midi did not exist. Although using modern techniques to record these tracks, the essence of the music here still sounds organic and collaborative. The main influences for this music are the 1970s and particularly the Philly Sound. Nobody will ever recreate that music successfully without the musicians who made it and arrangers that so eloquently added their input to the songs in the first place. The likes of Bobby Eli, Earl Young, Vince Montana, T G Conway, Jimmie Williams, Phil Hurtt, Tony Bell, Larry Washington, Ronnie Baker, Norman Harris, Thom Bell, Richard Rome and Bobby Martin are a few names that come to mind, but there are so many other individuals responsible for that sound too numerous to mention. The writers, producers, musicians, arrangers and artists are greatly appreciated and are celebrated here with efforts to write and produce similarly.

This song was originally an instrumental released in March 2013 on the Bandtraxs album named 'Make five' and was merely a notion that one day lyrics would be written and vocals added. These are the fruits of that idea with studio recorded drums, horns, guitars and bass guitar. Studio pro’s in LA provided the horn and the female vocal tracks with LaTisha on lead and b/v's, whilst Bobby Eli recorded Jeff Leonard on drums in his ‘The Grooveyard’ studio in Philly on the main tracks of this album. From a trivia point of view, the Loft mixes are specifically with early looped drums I was experimenting with before I commissioned Philly studio drums. These are real drums professionally recorded for producers to use with their productions whether demos or commercial releases, but I wanted a real Philly groove on this hence Jeff Leonard's contribution. The Moss mixes are the original London drums by Simon Moss from the instrumental version of ALOTBS off the 'Make Five' album released previously, except this time accompanied by vocals and other instruments not recorded previously. Simon was/is the drummer with Manchester 90s group 'The Clouds'. The bass guitar by Gavin Morris is on all versions, also coincidentally from Manchester.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Title: A little of the big stuff

Written by: Carl Dixon (PRS/MCPS)

Artist: The Formellas

Label: Bandtraxs

Production: Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

ISRC number: GBXNE1700031 to GBXNE1700044

This album version release: 1st April 2017

Recording location: Philadelphia, LA, Nashville and London

Original song incarnation 2011 and released on the album ‘Make five’ by Bandtraxs

For more information about the track please visit www.bandtraxs.com or contact carl@bandtraxs.com

Artists and session musicians on ‘A little of the big stuff’:

Lead Vocals:

LaTisha (Studio Pros, Los Angeles)

Backing vocals

LaTisha (Studio Pros, Los Angeles)

Carl Dixon (London)

Musicians

Drums 1: Jeff Leonard, 

Recorded at 'The Grooveyard', Philadelphia. Thanks to Bobby Eli.

Drums 2: Loopmaster

Drums 3: Simon Moss, London

Guitar 1: Mark Baldwin, Nashville

Guitar 2: Carl Dixon, London

Bass guitar: Gavin Morris, Manchester

Horns: Studio Pros, Los Angeles

Keys/percussion: Carl Dixon

A little of the big stuff (vocal Radio Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Radio Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Extended Vocal Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Extended Instrumental Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Vocal Loft Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Loft Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Vocal Moss Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Moss Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Vocal Middle Eight Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Middle Eight Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Organ Mix)

A little of the bif stuff (Instrumental El Piano Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Vibe Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Sweet Mix)

Written, produced, mixed and mastered by

Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

© Carl Dixon 2013, (P) 2017

Detroit Session Pomo 2008

This short promo showcases the talent used to create some great Detroit music in 2008). Retro in style, the songs feature great musicianship and performances from the legendary Dennis Coffey, who produced the session and singing talent which featured Spyder Turner and Pree. This

The arrangements were by David J. Van De Pitte (Motown/MarvinGaye 'What's Goin' On',) solo Saxes by George Katsakis of The Royaltones fame and Gil Bridges from Rare Earth. Drums by Uriel Jones and Spider Webb, Percussion by Denis Sheridan and Larry Fratangelo, Vibes by Rob Pipho, Guitars by Dennis Coffey, Ray Monette, Bass guitar by Bob Babbit and the Steinway Grand featured Robert Jones.

See further down this blog for full versions of those recordings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKuRfjNmY-E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKuRfjNmY-E

'Suddenly There's You' by Pree (Original 2008 Studio Mix)

PRESS RELEASE

‘Suddenly There's You’

(original full studio mix)

Written by: Carl Dixon/Karen Pree © 2008

CHD Publishing (PRS, MCPS) ℗2020 Bandtraxs/Carl Dixon

Performed by

PREE

Listen to the full studio mix here (Spotify)

Listen to the full studio mix here (YouTube)

The unmistakable voice of Pree who performs "Suddenly there’s you” a rhythmic piece of danceable soul with overtones from the 1960’s. The original song concept was written in London 2003 and made its final journey to Detroit, Michigan for completion in 2008. Dennis Coffey produced the track for Bandtraxs Productions at ‘Studio A’, Dearborn Heights, Detroit. The arrangement was by the renowned David J. Van De Pitte and in addition the track features some legendary session musicians from the heart and soul of the city. Pree played an important role in providing her vocal and song arranging talents to make this project work as well as being a co-writer of the song. 

This release features the original full length studio vocal and instrumental versions which have never been available before and in addition, three original demos that helped pave the way for this being ultimately recorded in Detroit. The 2003 and 2006 demos were first aired on the Salford radio station WFM by UK soul connoisseur DJ Harry Grundy in 2006 giving credence to the song and his conviction meant a studio booking two years later to record the song for real. The official digital release for the shorter version was 2009 and in addition, 45 rpm 7” vinyl pressings were commissioned later utilising the same shorter mix.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
Title: Suddenly there’s you (short/full studio versions)
Writers: Carl Dixon (PRS)/Pree (ASCAP) 
Artist: Pree 
Label: Bandtraxs 
Production: Dennis Coffey & Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions
Artwork: Michelle Melkman 
Studio Sleeve Art Photo: Johnnie Sue Bridges
ISRC number: GBXNE2000001/2/3/4/5 
This release: 15th June 2020 
Original song incarnation: 2nd March 2003 (first demo version) 
Recording location: Studio A, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, March 2008 
Demo recording locations: London 2003/6 
For more information about the track please visit www.bandtraxs.com

Artists and session musicians on ‘Suddenly there’s you’ - 2008 studio version 
Lead Vocals: Pree 
Backing vocals: Spyder Turner, Gayle Butts, Pree 
Drums 1: Uriel Jones 
Drums 2: Spider Webb 
Percussion 1: Dennis Sheridan 
Percussion 2: Larry Frantangelo 
Guitar 1: Dennis Coffey 
Guitar 2: Ray Monette 
Bass guitar: Bob Babbitt 
Steinway Grand Piano: Robert Jones 
Horns 1 Trumpet: John Trudell 
Horns 2 Trumpet: David Jennings 
Horns 3 Trombone: Edward Gooch 
Horns 4 Tenor sax: George Benson 
Horns 5 Baritone sax: Mark Berger 
Vibraphones: Rob Pipho 

Arranger & Studio Conductor: David J. Van De Pitte 

Produced by 

Dennis Coffey for Bandtraxs Productions

Recording location Studio A Recordings Inc 
5619 North Beech Daly 
Dearborn Heights 
Michigan 48127-3927 

Engineered and mixed by Todd Fairall 
Assistant engineer Jezreel Santos 
Mastered by Eric Morgeson 

Demos written, produced, mixed and mastered by Carl Dixon in London between 2003 and 2006

Musicians on London/England demo versions 
Guitar, bass guitar, keys, hand claps, finger snaps: Carl Dixon 

Sax: George Katsakis (The Royaltones)

Drums Uriel Jones and Pistol Allen from 'The Drummers of Motown' collection painstakingly sequenced and edited by Carl Dixon

© Carl Dixon 2020

'Tell Me (Crying Over You)' by Spyder Turner

PRESS RELEASE

'Tell Me (Crying Over You)' 
Performed By

SPYDER TURNER
(Carl Dixon PRS -MCPS)/Spyder Turner BMI)

Listen here on YouTube

The unmistakable vocals of Spyder Turner who performs "Tell me (crying over you)” a rhythmic piece of danceable soul with overtones from 1960’s. The original song concept was written in London, October 2004 and made its final journey to Detroit, Michigan for completion last year. Dennis Coffey and Carl Dixon produced the track for ‘Bandtraxs Productions’ at ‘Studio A’, Dearborn Heights, Detroit. The arrangement was by the David J. Van De Pitte  of Motown fame and in addition the track features some legendary session musicians from the heart and soul of the city (see below). Dennis Coffey provides the outstanding guitar solo which uplifts the song to another level. Spyder Turner played an important role in providing his vocal and song arranging talents to make this project work as well as being a co writer of the song.

The official digital release date was the 1st July 2009 and the track can be purchased from Amazon.com/co.uk and iTunes. In addition, the 45 rpm 7” vinyl pressings are now available from selected bespoke high street record stores.

Title: Tell me (crying over you)

Writers: Carl Dixon (PRS)/Spyder Turner (BMI)
Artist: Spyder Turner
Label: Bandtraxs
Catalogue number: MFM002
Production: Dennis Coffey & Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

ISRC number: GBXNE0800007
UPC: 859701891017
This release: 1st July 2009
Original incarnation: 21st October 2004 (first demo in London)
Recording location: Studio A, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, USA, March 2008

For more information:

www.bandtraxs.com or contact carl@bandtraxs.com 
© Carl Dixon 2008

Artists and Session Musicians 

Lead Vocals

Spyder Turner

Backing vocals

Spyder Turner, Gayle Butts, Pree

Musicians

Drums 1 Uriel Jones
Drums 2 Spider Webb 
Percussion 1 Dennis Sheridan 
Percussion 2 Larry Frantangelo
Guitar 1 & guitar solo Dennis Coffey
Guitar 2 Ray Monette
Bass guitar Bob Babbitt
Steinway Grand Piano Robert Jones
Horns 1 Trumpet John Trudell
Horns 2 Trumpet David Jennings
Horns 3 Trombone Edward Gooch
Horns 4 Tenor sax George Benson
Horns 5 Baritone sax Mark Berger
Vibraphones Rob Pipho

Arranger

David J. Van De Pitte

Produced by

Dennis Coffey & Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

For more information about Bandtraxs releases please visit

www.bandtraxs.com or contact carl@bandtraxs.com

© 2008

'She's always mad about something' by The Delgonives

PRESS RELEASE
‘She’s always mad about something’

Written by: Carl Dixon

Published by: Carl Dixon/CHD Publishing (PRS) © 2014  ℗ 2017

Performed by
THE DELGONIVES

The official release date is the 20^th December 2017 and can be purchased from Amazon, iTunes and all leading digital streaming services.

Listen here on YouTube

Following on from the 2017 release of 'One piece of cake', The Delgonives perform an exciting new song, but this time with a more 70s groove. Carl Dixon wrote the song with a retro melody that takes the clock back to around 1975 and this production gives it a more east coast sound with sprinklings of Detroit, Philly and the 'Wall of Sound' here and there. This is the eleventh 'Delgonives' release in the last few years and no less than five of those this year alone. This release has a number of versions available to download, including the solo saxophone, organ, vibe and the rhythm plus mix too. All vocals were recorded in London/England, but guitars, bass and horns were recorded in Nashville and the drums by Drew Schultz in Detroit.

In the past Hull born Carl Dixon has co wrote and produced with celebrated Funk Brother guitarist, song writer and performer Dennis Coffey songs featuring Spyder Turner and Cherokee Pree in the ‘Motor City’ along with some other notable ‘Funk Brothers’ and session musicians back in 2008. 'Tell me (crying over you)' and 'Glory Fleeting' featuring Spyder Turner on lead vocals, 'Suddenly there's you' featuring Pree on lead and 'Detroit (city by the river)' by Bandtraxs were all released successfully from that session and are available to purchase or stream.

Later that same year Carl teamed up with Philly legend Bobby Eli where they co wrote, along with singer songwriter Chiquita Green, four new songs in his ‘Grooveyard’ studio. The two releases from that session were ‘There I go falling in love again’ by Chiquita and ‘Soul Recession’ by legendary Salsoul recording harmony group ‘Double Exposure’ famous for such releases as ’My love is free’, ‘Ten percent’ and ‘Every man’. In addition, Carl also has a co write with UK soul singer Diane Shaw and producer Andy Birkinshaw called ‘Good Lovin Man’ which is on her album ‘Love, Life and Strings’. Carl and The Delgonives are also proud to have co produced and sang on Robert and Mike Paladino's 'Soul Girl' parts 1 & 2 in 2015. This song is a derivative of 'The Four Winds' original 'Playgirl' released in 1963. Carl and Robert created this masterpiece remotely via Internet collaboration.

Title: She's always mad about something

Writer: Carl Dixon

Published by: Carl Dixon/CHD Publishing

Artist: The Delgonives

Label: Bandtraxs

ISRC number: GBXNE1700091 to GBXNE1700103

UPC: 191924356516

Sleeve art: Michelle Dixon

This release: 20^th December 2017

Recording location: London/Nashville/Detroit

Drums and tambourine: Drew Shultz

Baritone, alto and tenor sax: Sam Levine

Trombone: Roy Agee

Trumpet: Mike Haynes

Guitar: Mark Baldwin

Bass guitar: Gary Lunn

Keyboards (keys, strings, vibes)/tambourine: Carl Dixon

Written, produced, mixed and mastered by Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

For more information about Bandtraxs releases please visit

www.bandtraxs.com or contact carl@bandtraxs.com

© Carl Dixon 2014 (p) 2017

'There I go falling in love again by Chiquita Green

September 2009

'There I Go Falling In Love Again'

(Eli/Green/Dixon) ℗2009 Soultronics

Performed By

CHIQUITA GREEN

Listen here👇

Internationally acclaimed Chiquita Green has travelled the world as a professional vocalist and songwriter for over twenty years and has appeared at venues such as The Half Note Jazz Club in Athens, The Q Jazz Club in Istanbul and The Vienne Jazz Festival in France. In addition Chiquita is also a successful vocal arranger, percussionist and producer in her own right and has worked on numerous projects with the likes of Deniece Williams, Russell Thompkins Jr, Ted Mills, Jean Carne and Stevie Wonder. Her vocal production skills and expertise are clearly audible on this fabulous recording celebrated here today. Constantly in the studio exploring her many talents with the soul, jazz and gospel productions she is involved with, she never fails to uplift the session to another level of creativity. 

For a spiritual journey of some of her best works check out her CD albums ‘The Sandmouth – Mercy Project’ and ‘Let’s Go’, the latter winning her two ESMA Gospel Awards in 2006 for best urban soul album and best Jazz performance.

The music and vocals on ‘There I go falling in love again’ were all recorded at Bobby Eli’s legendary ‘Studio E’ in Philadelphia, where writer/producer Bobby Eli, vocalist/writer Chiquita Green and writer Carl Dixon crafted this terrific new Philly classic. The rhythm section included some of Philadelphia’s renowned session musicians including those who performed with the legendary ‘MFSB’ and ‘Salsoul Orchestra’ like Bobby Eli, Dennis Harris, Jimmie Williams, T Conway, Earl Young and Rikki Hicks.

Track listing

1) There I go falling in love again by Chiquita Green 3’42”

2) There I go falling in love again (instrumental version) 3’42”

Written by:Bobby Eli/Chiquita Green/Carl Dixon (Soultronics Music/BMI, PRS) © 2008

 

Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by: Bobby Eli at Studio E Recording, Upper Darby, PA, USA.

Musician acknowledgments:

 

Lead vocals: Chiquita Green

 

Drums – Earl Young

Bass guitar – Jimmie Williams

Keyboards - T Conway/Bobby Eli

Guitars – Bobby Eli/Dennis Harris

Percussion – Rikki Hicks

Additional backing vocals:

Chiquita Green

Janice McClain

© 2008 Soultronics Music All Rights Reserved

'Soul Recession' by Double Exposure

PRESS RELEASE

September 2009

“SOUL RECESSION”

(Eli/Green/Dixon) ℗2009 Soultronics

by

DOUBLE EXPOSURE

They are back - ‘Double Exposure’. A brand new song with thought provoking lyrics and great harmonies, as this fresh Philly production will attest. Times have changed and the group are vocal about today’s recession. Which recession, there is more than one?

'Soul Recession’ is a brand new recording by legendary Philly group ‘Double Exposure’ renowned for their terrific harmonies and celebrated releases on Salsoul Records. Including disco’s very first official 12” record ‘Ten Percent’, they also cut songs like ‘My love is free’ and ‘Everyman’ which remain popular today by still being played in clubs and on radio stations around the world.

‘Double Exposure’ are James Williams, Joseph Harris, Charles Whittington and Leonard ‘Butch’ Davis who were originally called ‘United Image’ back in the 1960’s. They have been singing together since junior high school and have remained friends ever since. The opportunity to record ‘Soul Recession’ was presented to them recently by legendary Philly producer, writer and musician, Bobby Eli; their cumulative magic can be heard on these terrific new productions.

Backed by some of Philadelphia’s finest and renowned session musicians including some original members of MFSB like Earl Young, Bobby Eli, Dennis Harris, Jimmie Williams, T Conway, and Rikki Hicks, the track scrutinises today’s recession implications with a soulful upbeat performance just made for the dance floor. The rhythm, music and vocals were all recorded at Bobby Eli’s legendary ‘Studio E’ in Philadelphia, where writer/producer Bobby Eli, writers Chiquita Green and Carl Dixon, the musicians and ‘Double Exposure’ bounced ideas off one another to create this classic piece of new Philly soul.

In addition to the Bobby Eli mix of ‘Soul Recession’, we include two very special mixes created by music industry gurus John Morales and Tom Moulton. Their pedigrees go back many years as both pioneered early mixing techniques for dance records to extraordinary levels and are still extremely creative with their productions today. Their exceptional contribution to dance music is historic and we can now share and enjoy their enthusiasm again with these distinctive renditions of ‘Soul Recession’. Also included is the ‘announcer’ version of the song featuring Philly personality Jerry Wells who introduces the track with a bespoke news statement just for fun! Being an early incarnation of the song and created the same week the rhythm tracks were recorded in the studio, we felt its inclusion on this selection important. In addition, check out the rather unusual and clever “Ali Baba’s ‘Watcha Gonna Do’ mix”.

We would also like to introduce our very special guest Chiquita Green who performs as the featured artist on bonus track ‘There I go falling in love again’. Internationally acclaimed Chiquita has travelled the world as a professional vocalist and songwriter for over twenty years and has worked on numerous projects with the likes of Patti LaBelle, Deniece Williams, Russell Thompkins Jr, Ted Mills, Jean Carne and Stevie Wonder. Her vocal production skills and expertise are clearly audible on all the recordings celebrated here today.

So take heed, listen please; ‘Double Exposure’ are back!

Track listing

1) SoulRecession (a BobbyEli mix) 4’35”

2) SoulRecession (a BobbyEli mix instrumental) 4’35”

3) SoulRecession (aTom Moulton mix)8 ’35”

4) Soul Recession (a Tom Moulton mix instrumental) 8’18”

5) SoulRecession (a John Morales mix)10’47”

6) SoulRecession (a John Morales mix instrumental)7’15” 

7) Soul Recession (Ali Baba’s ‘Watcha Gonna Do’ mix) 4’21” 

8) Soul Recession (Radio Announcer mix) 4’ 36”

9) There I go falling in love again by ChiquitaGreen 3’42” 

10)There I go falling in love again (instrumental) 3’42”

All songs written by:

Bobby Eli/Chiquita Green/Carl Dixon (Soultronics Music/BMI, PRS) © 2009

Produced, recorded and mixed by:

Bobby Eli at Studio E Recording, Upper Darby, PA

except tracks 3 & 4 mixed by Tom Moulton and tracks 5 & 6 mixed by John Morales

Musician acknowledgments

Drums: Earl Young

Bass guitar: Jimmie Williams 

Keyboards: T Conway & Bobby Eli 

Guitars: Bobby Eli & Dennis Harris 

Percussion: Rikki Hicks

Tambourine: Chiquita Green

Additional percussion on track 5 & 6: John Morales

Radio 'voice over' on announcer version by: Jerry Wells

http://www.youtube.com/phillysoultronics

http://soultronics.blogspot.com/ UPC 884502192759

© 2009 Soultronics Records All Rights Reserved 

'You Ain't Changed' by The Delgonives

PRESS RELEASE

‘You Ain’t Changed’

Written by: Carl Dixon (PRS)/Johnny Pryers © 2017 ℗2021

Performed by

THE DELGONIVES

Listen to all versions here

Bandtraxs are delighted to release this version of ‘You ain’t changed’ by The Delgonives, co written by UK performer Johnny Boy Pryers and established UK songwriter Carl Dixon. It follows on from the earlier 2018 release by Johnny Boy also on Bandtraxs Records. This collaboration resulted in a truly authentic sounding blue-eyed soul masterpiece with elements of 60s Detroit soul and Carolina Beach Music. Carl and Johnny had communicated via email since 2007 with a view to someday working together and after meeting face to face at a Butlin’s soul weekender a few years ago, they decided to come up with a song idea and pursue a vocal for it. What transpired after scratch vocals were laid down by Carl for Johnny’s version, it was realised this could easily be a contender for a future ‘The Delgonives’ release also as it fits their style perfectly. Cleverly using the same backing tracks, a number of mixes now exploit the terrific melody and groove of this song and give it further appeal. There are also six instrumental versions to enjoy also.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Title: You ain’t changed
Writers: Carl Dixon/Johnny Pryers
Published by: CHD Publishing
Artist: The Delgonives
Label: Bandtraxs
ISRC number: GBXNE1700081 to GBXNE1700087
UPC: 191924137917
Sleeve art: Michelle Dixon
This release: 2nd April 2021
Recording location: London/Nashville/Detroit
Drums : Drew Shultz
Baritone and tenor sax: Sam Levine
Trombone: Roy Agee
Trumpet: Mike Haynes
Guitar: Mark Baldwin
Bass guitar: Gary Lunn
Keyboards: Carl Dixon

1) You ain't changed - Vocal 

           2) You ain't changed - Instrumental

                        3) You ain't changed - Instrumental sax mix

                        4) You ain't changed - Instrumental vibe mix

                           5) You ain't changed - Instrumental organ mix

                                    6) You ain't changed - Instrumental rhythm plus mix

                               7) You ain't changed - Instrumental sax/vibe mix

Produced, mixed and mastered by Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions
For more information about Bandtraxs releases please visit
www.bandtraxs.com or contact carl@bandtraxs.com

© Carl Dixon 2021