Various Artists - The Contempo Story 1973-1977: The Original Home of Soul

UK three CD collection.

In 1970, Blues And Soul magazine founder John Abbey opened a record shop, Contempo Records, in Hanway Street, London, specializing in U. S. imports of soul and funk. In January 1973, Contempo launched as a label to issue black American recordings in the UK, as well as create home-grown equivalents. Between 1973 and 1978, the label issued around 150 singles and several albums, enjoying some mainstream success while catering for all aspects of black music demand, from Funk to the emerging Disco, Northern Soul to bluesy ballads.

This 64-track box set is the first-ever retrospective of Contempo Records, which played such a vital role in popularizing this music for much of the 1970s. Curated with the full support of John Abbey, this set is a worthy tribute. Many of these tracks are new to CD, others have long been unavailable. Among the many highlights are some of Contempo's own recordings of legends Major Lance and J. J. Barnes, who were enjoying renewed popularity via the Northern Soul scene.

Also included are quality 60s/Northern classics by Bob & Earl, The Incredibles, The Olympics, Tami Lynn, Richard Temple and Bettye Swann; high calibre Soul from established names like Oscar Toney Jr., Fontella Bass, The Exciters, Doris Duke; a bona fide hit in 'Misty Blue' by Dorothy Moore; top flight disco from Crown Heights Affair; and the recorded results of a reunited Sam And Dave. Deluxe 36 page booklet with fully detailed historical notes, which tell the story of how Contempo Records evolved and developed.