Mixed Bag with Mark Sumner is a soul/jazz/fusion music show presented by bricklaying vinyl collector from Upper Hale. Before working with Sound Vault, Mark had never used a computer, and his show is an example of the project’s commitment to ‘digital literacy’.
Episode 1:
The debut episode of Mixed Bag sets the tone, with tracks from Lonnie Liston Smith, Johnny Hammond, Gil Scott Heron, Donald Byrd, Eddie Russ and Chick Corea.
Episode 2:
The second episode of the show features tracks from Jeff Lorber Fusion; Sony Stitt; Bobby Lyle; Jimmy Smith; Reuben Wilson, and MFSB.
Episode 3:
This episode’s mix of soul, jazz and funk fusion rarities and favourites features tracks from Cal Tjader, the Charlie Rouse Band, Dom Um Romao, Astrud Gilberto, Willis Jackson, Mickey and The Soul Generation, and Ashford & Simpson.
Episode 4:
This episode is a Brazilian special, featuring some Samba and Hard Bossa infused soul and jazz, including rare tracks from the likes of Nancy Ames, Luiz Carlos Vinhas, Dom Um Romao and Tamba 4.
Episode 5:
This episode has a particular jazz-tinge to it, with tracks from Art Blakey, Earl Grant, Soho, Gene Ammons, Gang Starr, Dandy’s Dandy, The Nite Liters, and Cameo.
Episode 6:
A pop-tinged episode of the show, featuring rare treats from the likes of The Carpenters, Liza Minnelli, Andy Williams, Shirley Bassey – and Peters & Lee (!!!). Enjoy!
Episode 7:
This week’s show features tracks from the likes of Jon Lucien, VanMcCoy, The Blackbyrds, and Judy Roberts.
Episode 8: ‘Japanese Jazz’ Special
Mark’s trip through some of the rarer reaches of his soul/jazz/funk vinyl collection this week elicits tracks from the likes of Hiroshi Fukumura; the AB’s; Pacific Jam; Terumasa Hino; Ryo Kawasaki, and United Future Organization.
Episode 9:
Tracks in this episode from the likes of Crown Heights Affair, Kathryn Moses, Brass Construction and Clare Fischer, not to mention Airto Moreira, Raices, and Michel Legrand. Enjoy!
Episode 10: Acid Jazz special
An Acid Jazz special, with artists featured including Artists featured include Humble Souls, Subterraneans, Serene and Corduroy, plus of course, Galliano, The Brand New Heavies, James Taylor Quartet and Jamiroquai.
Episode 11:
When this show went out, it was the last edition in 2017, going out just before Christmas. Listen out for tracks from Hudson People, the Ivan Chandler Quartet, Miles Davis, Roy Ayers, Dexter Wansel and Ingram.
Episode 12:
This episode features tracks from the likes of Grover Washington Jnr, Jimmy McGriff, Johnny Lyttle, and Walter Bishop Jnr.
Episode 13:
This episode features tracks from the likes of Wayne Henderson, Jimmy Owens, the Janet Lawson Quintet, and Phylis Hyman.
Episode 14: Soulful Deep House special
A Soulful Deep House special edition of the show, featuring tracks from the likes of Mr. Fingers, Nuyorican Soul, Hi Fi Mike and Kenny Bobien, not to mention Ferry Ultra, Deep Sensation, and Jon Cutler. Enjoy – we’re going deep!
Episode 15: Film Soundtracks special
In this special film soundtracks edition on the show, expect tracks from Willie Hutch, Roberta Flack, Grant Green and Burt Bacharach, plus Booker T. and The M.G.s, Johnny Pate, Gordon Staples, Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes, and Quincy Hayes – plus an appearance from the classic Pearl & Dean theme tune.
Episode 16: African Rhythms special
The show was originally posted following the recent death of Hugh Masekela, show, so was intended to honour the great man, as well as some of the music of these genres from the continent. As well as Hugh Masekela, the show features tracks from the likes of Letta Mbulu, Manu Dibango and Fela Kuti, as well as Oneness Of Juju, Lafayette Afro Rock Band, and Matata.
Episode 17:
With more than a tinge of jazz than most of the other editions of the show, this episode features tracks from Pharoah Sanders, Willie Bobo, Patsy Gallant and Manfredo Fest, plus Sivuca, and Deodata.
Episode 18: Gospel special
An uplifting, gospel-tinged episode of the show. Expect tracks from the likes of Kent Schneider, Mary Lou Williams, The Rance Allen Group and Kim Weston, plus The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Terry Callier, Roy Ayers Ubiquity – and a special rendition of The Addict’s Psalm. Oh Happy Day!
Episode 19: Hip-Hop special
Expect tracks from the likes of Big Lady K, Roxanne Shante, Masta Ace, and Gang Starr, plus Man Parrish, Eric B and Rakim, Young MC, Main Source and Original Konfusion in this hip hop special edition of Mixed Bag.
Episode 20: The Letter “A”
A new feature to the show is introduced to the show. In particular episodes, Mark will select a letter of the alphabet at random from the ‘Mixed Bag’ of letters, and play tracks only from soul, jazz and fusion solo artists and groups whose name begins with that letter. Because it is the first time he has played this feature, today’s show is brought to you by the letter “A“. Expect tracks from Azymuth; Vicki Anderson; her daughter, Carleen Anderson; and the Average White Band, plus Roy Ayers; Animal Nightlife; Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, and Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass.
Episode 21: Best of British Jazz/Funk 1974-83
Episode 21 of Mixed Bag with Mark Sumner finds Mark selecting the best of British of Jazz/Funk artists and groups from amongst his vinyl collection from between 1974 and 1983. Expect to hear the likes of Freez, Light of the World, Linx and David Joseph, plus Hi-Tension, Incognito, Morrissey/Mullen, the Average White Band, and F.B.I.
Episode 22: Best of London Jazz Classics Vols. 1, 2 & 3
Episode 22 of Mixed Bag with Mark Sumner finds Mark selecting what he considers to be some of the finest original tracks to be featured on the much sought after “London Jazz Classics” compilation albums Vols. 1, 2 & 3, compiled by the iconic Soul Jazz Records label.
In this ‘Best of’ London Jazz Classics Vols. 1, 2 & 3 edition, expect to hear tracks from the likes of Doug Richardson, Synthesis, Billy Parker’s Fourth World, and Alive! plus Ricardo Marrero & The Group, Antonio Adolfo, Billy Brooks, Carlos Franzetti and Corky McClerkin.
Episode 23: Latin Soul, Jazz & Boogaloo special
In this Latin Jazz, Soul and Boogaloo special, you can expect to hear tracks from the likes of Vladimir and His Orchestra; Joe Bataan; Moguito Santamaria; Ray Baretto; Chollo Rivera and The Latin Soul Drives; Bobby Paunettto; Eddie Palmieri; Tito Puente; the Fania All Stars, and Cal Tjander.
It promises to be quite a show, so make sure you are well turned out for your listening pleasure. This week’s tracks might provoke some moves!
Episode 24:
In this episode, expect to hear tracks from the likes of Kenny Dorham, Lonnie Smith, John Klemmer and Tania Maria, plus Jack McDuff, and John Handy.
Episode 25: Female Jazz Singers special
Episode 25 has a special focus on female jazz singers.
Expect tracks from Sarah Vaughan, Lainie Kazan, Shirley Scott and Irene Reid, plus Astrud Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald, Marlena Shaw,Flora Purim, Carmen McRae, and arguably Mark’s favourite of this episode, Brenda Boykin.
Join Mark for some powerful performances.
Episode 26: Year 2000 Onwards special
A special focus on tracks from the Year 2000 and up to the present day.
Expect tracks from Angie Stone, Swing Out Sister, Masters At Work ft Billie, and Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings – plus Mario Biondi, The Rebirth, Incognito – and with the weather on the turn for the bank holiday weekend, Mark couldn’t resist a tune from Pharrell Williams. Enjoy!
Episode 27: Swirling Strings & Things – 70s Soul special
In this episode entitled “Swirling Strings and Things – 70s Soul”, expect tracks from The Dells; Love Unlimited; Zulema; and The Main Ingredient – plus Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway; The Delfonics; Leroy Hutson; The Love Unlimited Orchestra; Faze-O; and Michael Jackson.
Episode 28: Tracks Recorded Live special
This episode focuses on the theme of tracks recorded in front of a live audience. You can expect to hear tracks from Lou Rawls, Charles Earland, Donny Hathaway, and Kool and the Gang, plus Al Jarreau, James Brown, Sergio Mendes & Brasil 77, and John Heartsman.
Episode 29: European Jazz, Fusion & Brazilian Beats special
This episode focuses on the theme of European jazz, fusion and Brazilian beats.
You can expect to hear rare tracks from a roll call that includes Dusko Goykovich, Olli Ahvenlahti, Wojciech Karolak, The Wolfgang Dauner Quintet, Georges Garvarentz, Harold McNair, The Gimmicks, Lisa Linn & Bo Sylven, the Paolo Achenza Trio, and Dimenzio – taking in music from Finland, Poland, Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Hungary, Serbia and the UK.
The ideal midsummer evening soundtrack!
Episode 30: Best of CTI Record Label special
In this final edition of Mixed Bag in its current run, CTI Records (Creed Taylor Incorporated) – a jazz record label founded in 1967 by producer/A&R manager Creed Taylor is the focus for the show. Expect tracks from Freddie Hubbard, Bob James and Airto Moreira, plus Deodato, Astrud Gilberto, Milt Jackson, Art Farmer and Ray Barretto.
The label is remembered by many as much for its sleeve artwork as it is for its music. Mark is a big fan of both.
Sound Vault 