Willie West's deep soul gem "I'm Still A Man" to be used in Irdris Elba series H/JACK

Celebrating Willie West's birthday with "I'm Still A Man" which will appear in an episode of H/JACK on Apple TV in Januray. 

Willie West – I'm Still A Man (Timmion Records)

All the leaves might be brown and the sky gray, but fortunately Willie West is still a man. This relentless underdog of the New Orleans soul history known for his work with The Meters and Allen Toussaint has been laying low in the northern parts of the US for a while now. Lately he has emerged with new raw sound, which fuses very distinctly personal lyricism with heavy minor key grooves provided by the guys at Timmion Records.

While arriving to Finland for the first time in 2014 to perform on account of his latest album Lost Soul, Willie couldn't help laying down a few lyrics at Timmion studios in Helsinki's Kaapelitehdas. The session produced a fresh new track I'm Still A Man, which continues on the same slow, dark and melodic path, which he paved with The High Society Brothers in 2009 with The Devil Gives Me Everything.

From the first desolate guitar licks on Willie starts to lure the listener into his damp and heavy-aired space, like only the few masters brewed in the southern climate can. There's not many of Willie's breed still around and who knows how long his dark wail will bless us with gems like this. Let this true artistry sink its nails in you. 

You'll be hearing "I'm Still A Man" in the background on Idris Elba's "H/JACK" Apple TV series which begins streaming it's second season on January 14, 2026. 

Get a copy of Willie West's "I'm Still A Man" single via Bandcamp right here. Have a listen below.

 

One For The Weekend: Wanda Felicia

Helsinki's Timmion label strikes again with the mid-tempo soul swinger "Stuck On You" from Wanda Felicia stylishly backed by Cold Diamond & Mink. 

Here's the scoop...

Wanda Felicia drops a dynamite double-sider on Timmion Records with 'Stuck On You' b/w 'Flowers In The Garden' – two soulful standouts from her debut album 'Now Is The Time...'. Brought to life by the analog alchemy of Cold Diamond & Mink, they showcase the full range of Wanda’s timeless voice and songwriting finesse.

On the A-side, 'Stuck On You' struts in as an upbeat soul shuffler, delivering infectious energy with tight rhythms, warm organ, and Wanda’s unmistakable presence at the helm. It’s a flirty love song that grooves with clarity and conviction, made for celebrations.

The flip side, 'Flowers In The Garden', slows things down into a mellow midtempo groove – a lyrical reflection on relationships and emotional growth told through the changing seasons of a blooming garden. With sweet harmonies, a soaring chorus, and a graceful sax solo by Pope Puolitaival, it’s a lush, radiant piece of soul craftsmanship.

Together, these tracks feel like two pages from a love letter – heartfelt, detailed, and dressed in the warm textures of analog soul. Whether dancing by yourself at home or cutting through on a selector’s set, this 7” is a sure keeper. 

Timmion will release the Wanda Felicia single in September but you can pre-order a copy via Picadilly Records right here. Check out "Stuck on You" below. 

Listen to Pratt & Moody's "Creeping Around" an overlooked gem from 2024

One of the soul highlights of 2024, Pratt & Moody's brilliant downtempo "Creeping Around" slipped by largely unnoticed. 

Daptone selects soul gems from Helsinki's Timmion label on Bad Education

Bad Education Vol. 1 includes tracks by Nicole Willis, Willie West, Ernie Hawks, Pratt & Moody, Bobby Oroza and others. 

For the better part of 15 years, Helsinki's own Timmion Records has released some of the most exciting soul sides happening today. To help spread the Timmion love, Daptone staffers and brass made a list of their favorite Timmion tracks from the past couple years. Presented here is Bad Education, Vol. I, the culmination of weeks of deliberation and infighting – 10 tracks that best represent the eclectic wealth of soulful riches Timmion Records has to offer. We can only hope that Bad Education Vol 2 will focus on the label's fantastic instrumental backing tracks from the Soul Investigators and Cold Diamond & Mink.
Check the complete tracklisting following a few song clips below and pre-order a copy right here.




Various Artists - Bad Education, Vol 1 – "Soul Hits" of Timmion
1. This Is What Love Looks Like! (Carlton Jumel Smith and Cold Diamond & Mink)
2. Tell Me That You Love Me (Jonny Benavidez and Cold Diamond & Mink)
3. Lost Lost Lost (Pratt & Moody)
4. Paint Me In A Corner (Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators)
5. Scorpio Walk (Ernie Hawks & The Soul Investigators)
6. Until You’re Mine (Wanda Felicia and Cold Diamond & Mink)
7. This Love (Bobby Oroza)
8. Bad Education (Bardo Martinez & The Soul Investigators)
9. Don’t Believe You Like That (Emilia Sisco and Cold Diamond & Mink)
10. I’m Still A Man (Willie West)