Ain't Nothing Like The Love / We'll Be Together (Advance Promotion)

*50 ADVANCE PROMOTION copies available to pre- order. These exclusive black & white label DJ demos replicate the rare and sought-after original Soul City releases. Strictly limited to 50 copies.*

A. JOHN SIMMONS – AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE LOVE

It's 1978, New York City and John Simmons (of the '70s group The Reflections) and Phillip Ballou (from Revelation) and David Nathan — writing full time for Blues & Soul as the US correspondent — pool resources to create a demo for Phillip's planned solo record deal. "Ain't Nothing Like The Love" is our prime track. 

Sadly nothing happens with it. However, in 1981 John records his own version which found a release on a tiny Michigan indie label Sabrina. Years later, long after it had been forgotten it becomes a much-sought-after rare modern soul 45 in the UK commanding prices of a $1,000 and more!. Finally, 47 years after it was written, a hidden gem is getting its props as a modern day Philly-flavoured soul classic!

B. PHILLIP BALLOU – WE’LL BE TOGETHER

As part of a four-song recording session in 1978 at a small Manhattan studio, John Simmons and Phillip Ballou, both singers with New York-based groups — The Reflections and Revelation respectively, team up with British music journalist David Nathan to create a demo for Phillip as he steps out into launching what he hopes will be a solo career.

in truth, the recordings were far more than demos, more like finished masters, with full arrangements, a rhythm and string sections.  David presents them to a few labels but no one bites. He plays all four songs to renowned hitmaker Thom Bell who is sufficiently impressed that he works out a publishing deal, but again, nothing happens. 

Phillip goes on to tour with the likes of James Taylor and Luther Vandross: with Luther, Phillip is heard on sessions with Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and on Luther's own successful albums. Thoughts of a solo career vanish...

But great recordings survive and in 2026, "We'll Be Together" (one of the songs from the 1978 session, written and produced by Phillip, John and David) has been revitalized as part of Charly Records' relaunch of the famed Soul City label (which David Nathan started originally with Dave Godin and Robert Blackmore in 1968). Soul survivin' indeed!

TRACKLIST 45

A. JOHN SIMMONS – AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE LOVE

B. PHILLIP BALLOU – WE’LL BE TOGETHER