Hopefully you all be familiar with the first two releases of the Organic Soul series, if not you'll certainly want to have them after you have listened to this compilation. So far the label Soul Brother Records, an extension of the record store of the same name in London/UK, has brought artists like Ledisi, N'Dambi, Karen Bernod, Julie Dexter, Real Koffy Brown or Laurnea to the attention of a wider audience.
Organic Soul 3 gives us once more quality soul songs from the underground with the artists writing, producing and releasing their own stuff with no major labels involved.
If you have visited this site before you may be familiar with Jazzhole and their Circle Of The Sun album, from which we find Who Do You Love? and Love Philosophy on this compilation. Both tracks feature Marlon Saunders on vocals (whose album Enter My Mind will be licensed to Soul Brother Records for a European release) and they still stand head and shoulders above what most major labels have to offer these days.
Yewande is a new singer to me but with a voice like hers, I guess I have discovered a new favourite artist. She's only represented with one song, but what a stand out song Rufus is! Written by Yewande and produced by Peter Lord & V. Jeffrey Smith (aka The Family Stand) Rufus is a storytelling soul song that digs deep into the soul's blues and folk roots.
Lizz Fields grew up in Philly, sang background vocals for Jill Scott and opened for the likes of Jazzyfatnastees, Cody Chestnut and Kindred The Family Soul. Although she certainly has her own style as you can hear on When I See Love and I Gotta Go, there are still some recognizable reminiscence of modern Philly soul of say Jill Scott or Vivian Green.
A raw and funky approach has Latanya Lockett that can best be heard on two of her songs Just One Of Those Days, an uptempo song that wouldn't have been out of place on a Fertile Ground album, and on the pleasant midtempo groove Neva Give Up On Love.
House music aficionado certainly know Big Brooklyn Red from his collaboration with Patrick Green (I Got Sunshine). Here Big Brooklyn Red is represented with three songs that shows us what a good soul singer he is. There's the ultra soulful midtempo groove of Time, the sun and summer inspired Paradise and the great The War Inside.
Further discoveries on this fine compilation include Sy Smith, who reminds me a little of Laurnea music- and vocalwise especially on the funky Bad On You, and Kim Hill, who's featured with Sunny Blue from her album Suga Hill.
Organic Soul is always full of quality songs from lesser known artist and part III is no exception to this rule. Don't miss it and make sure that you discover some of the best underground soul that's avaiable these days.

"Just read your review and I agree, Organic Soul Vol 3. is a fantastic soul compilation. Surprised that you seemed to have never heard of Sy Smith though. She's featured on Ronny Jordan's song "Once or Twice" which is one of the best songs on his Off The Record CD. She also has some tracks on Brand New Heavies Asian release We Won't Stop that sound pretty hot. Just an FYI... Peace!"