"Heartlite" exceeds all existing performance expectations from Soulphonics & Ruby Velle and is a perfect gem for this time of year, or any season for that matter!  This song features a guest string section and vibraphones in addition to the already tightly worked out seven person band(Soulphonics).  "Heartlite" is an uplifting positive song that calls upon a 60's era Northern Soul, foot-stomping, hand-clapping kind of beat that is just irresistible!  Miss Velle's lyrics and melodies are positively strong! If you catch the band live, you'll find out yourself how much the crowd (and DJ's) dig this tune.  This song is epic!!


"The Man Says" on the b-side of the record is NO JOKE either!  This deep, mid-tempo number reveals yet another layer of songwriting style and finesse that the band has been wowing live audiences with.  Check out the custom fadeout from Spencer Garn.  These two songs on ONE record are a MUST in every record collectors gig bag. 

Featuring dub remix on the Bside of single.

 

"Feet on the Ground" explodes with an addictive full horn section arrangement and a bouncy trumpet melody that flows into a steady groove guided by a bass line that is both mellow and definitive.  Ruby Velle's smooth vocal melodies and studious lyrics, drenched in luscious reverb, dance around with a full horn section throughout the track, while rich guitar & keyboard stabs, and a fat drum beat keep the song grooving in a deep irresistible pocket.

As if that's not enough, the B-side is a new and unexpected sound from the band; a gem of its own, hand made by Spencer Garn.  Extra reverb and delay treatments were added to the instruments and the horn arrangements were spliced and edited to form a completely different sounding "dub re-mix" track, although it was made from all the parts of the original version.

The Captives have successfully taken a popular phrase, “Right On” and have made it something totally hip and cool for 45rpm lovers.  The B-side, "Lift Me Up,"  is a dub style groove, filled with lush echo and reverb treatments.  The unique slide guitar helps the vocals reach their peak as they already have proven to do on "Right On."

Soul-Jazz guitar legend Melvin Sparks(R.I.P March 22, 1946 – March 13, 2011) joined "The Elements" in the studio in 2005.  "The Elements" were the first backing band for the record label and this record is the first record ever released on Element Records.  The label took a plunge for a few years before getting back and going again in early 2010, and is now re-releasing this single.  There was a very limited amount of clear gold and standard black records pressed back in 2005!   As of the re-release date of May 24, 2011, there are 80 standard black, and there are  60 gold records left in stock.

The B-side features guest saxophonist Cochemea Gastelum known for his recent work with Sharon Jones & The Dapkings, Amy Winehouse, Robert Walter, Melvin Sparks & Reuben Wilson to name just a few.

This record is raw and shows the very early developing stages of the record label and early performances from current day musicians still associated with the label including guitarist Scott Clayton and organist/producer Spencer Garn.