(September 16, 2016) The UK’s longest established Soul label, Expansion, proudly celebrates this milestone with an exclusive London event. On Friday 30th September, Expansion presents the debut appearance by soul sensation Alton McClain, supported by Tracy Hamlin, with live music and DJ appearances at one of London’s finest venues, the Brooklyn Bowl in The 02, North Greenwich.
Expansion was launched in the mid-1980s, where it was, and still is, – ‘the home of real Soul music’ - . This came in the wake of the golden era of Soul music from the USA, before disco took hold. Tastes in the general mainstream changed, but while the major record companies moved with the new trends, abandoning those soul artists, Expansion was launched as a vehicle for the now heritage artists with so much still to give, and new artists, inspired by the golden era emulating their heroes. It continues its sound for a much appreciative audience.
(September 16, 2016) The UK’s longest established Soul label, Expansion, proudly celebrates this milestone with an exclusive London event. On Friday 30th September, Expansion presents the debut appearance by soul sensation Alton McClain, supported by Tracy Hamlin, with live music and DJ appearances at one of London’s finest venues, the Brooklyn Bowl in The 02, North Greenwich.
Expansion was launched in the mid-1980s, where it was, and still is, – ‘the home of real Soul music’ - . This came in the wake of the golden era of Soul music from the USA, before disco took hold. Tastes in the general mainstream changed, but while the major record companies moved with the new trends, abandoning those soul artists, Expansion was launched as a vehicle for the now heritage artists with so much still to give, and new artists, inspired by the golden era emulating their heroes. It continues its sound for a much appreciative audience.
With the resurgence of Soul in recent years with the likes of Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones and Cookin’ on 3 Burners, Soul music has found its authenticity again, and artists like Alton McClain, known for ‘Crazy Love’, ‘My Destiny’, ‘Answer To My Prayer’ still have a strong following on both sides of the Atlantic. Additionally, Alton McClain is the wife of the late prolific songwriter, producer, arranger and keyboardist Clarence Alexander ‘Skip’ Scarborough whose roll-call of artists for whom he has penned hits include Friends of Distinction, Creative Source, LTD, Anita Baker, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Emotions, Bill Withers, Patti LaBelle, George Benson, Deniece Williams, Nancy Wilson, Edwin Hawkins..
Expansion’s 30 year reign, has seen the label work with many great talents, which helped it become voted the UK's No.1 Soul label for 5 consecutive years. As an independent it endeavors to provide quality Soul largely abandoned by the American major companies. In addition to the label, Expansion has established a leading events arm, staging soul music festivals throughout the UK, including many sold out events.
The name Expansion represents ‘stretching the boundaries of independent soul’, and it is home to several Grammy nominated, gold and platinum selling American talent, behind many recognisable hit records.
Founders Ralph Tee and Richard Searling are passionate about continuing to promote soul music in the UK, despite the increasing challenges with which many record labels face. Ralph Tee said: "Thirty years on and our audience still, demands the high-soul music we support, not just through the label, but our events, which continue to showcase heritage artists, including debut appearances, such as the forthcoming event with Alton McClain. Her appearances coincides with the re-release of her (first two albums “It Must be Love” and “More of You” for the first time on CD), and follows in the wake of us bringing multi-Grammy award winning Kashif to UK audiences earlier this year".
DJs on the night include Bobby & Steve (Zoo Experience), Luke Howard (Horse Meat Disco/Rinse FM), the exciting Vietnamese sensation Lotus Disco, Terry Jones, Ralph Tee (Diplomats of Soul), and JM from Mi-Soul.
Tickets on sale now via Event Brite.