Daniel Caesar is back with a wonderful new record called Son of Spergy. It's quite a beautiful R&B kiss from the Canadian wunderkind. It opens with this tone setter...
Curtis Harding is back with a tremendous record called Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt. It's yet another shining example of why this man is a soul legend.
The album opens with this chestnut...
The sweet soulful sounds of Eddie Chacon get the nod this week with his latest release, Lay Low. The self described "low key R&B legend" has really outdone himself on this one. The record opens silky...
It's an honor and pleasure to be alive during a soul revival time period. Jalen Ngonda is a leader of this revival with his first offering, Come Around and Love Me.
The title track is vintage soul...
Black Pumas are doing a damn fine job of carrying the torch of soul music in the 21st century. The Austin, Texas natives have just released their sophomore effort and it's a dandy. Chronicles Of A Diamond is truly a jewel.
Opening track...
The great soul revival of the new millennium continues with a powerful first volley from Jalen Ngonda. The East Coast, USA native moved to Liverpool ten years ago to study music and apparently has discovered why early 70s Motown, in particular Marvin Gaye, is MEGA.
Here are two tracks off the record that showcase this young artist's immense talent. Each sets a mood just like those classic soul tracks did decades ago...
The mind and soul of Durand Jones are American treasures. His first solo outing, Wait Til I Get Over, sees him channeling his inner Ray Charles, challenging all of us to think beyond what we consider "soul" music. Social justice themes now join his usual palette of love and loss. After all, it's all part of the same heart...
Here is one of my faves...
The legendary Smokey Robinson has released a new album and it sounds every bit as a good as his first album did 62 years ago. Gasms is..well...orgasmic in sound, body and mind. The title track does get a little silly with the overuse of the word but it's still a solid song. The rest of the album is out of this world amazing.
Here is my fave...soul=love.
There's nothing like a fresh soul record that breathes fresh life into your mind and body. Sundown by Eddie Chacon is such a record. The LA-based artist refers to himself in this latest incarnation as a "low key R & B legend." He is most definitely that and more on this album. Talk about a transformative experience!
Here is one of faves from his latest...
SoCal's sweet pioneers of soul Thee Sacred Souls have just dropped their long-awaited debut and self-titled LP. It's twelve amazing tracks that continue the now massive soul revival music going on around the world. This record has everything from classic grooves to that signature Motown echo in the vocals
Find a romantic partner and dance the night away, close together and slowly...
Monophonics are back with more sweet soul bliss guaranteed to soothe your spirit in these trouble times. Sage Motel is a big beautiful kiss from the early 1970's, my favorite time period for R&B.
Here is the title track...
The Great Soul Revival of the 21st Century continues with an absolute corker of a record from the proud son of Texas, Sugar Ray Rayford. In Too Deep is old school 70's soul that is sorely needed in our nation right now. Let the healing begin!
Here is the title track...
Khruangbin is back with an EP of loved-up music called Texas Moon. The Houston trio is mos def tapped into the soul revival that is sweeping the nation. Five tracks of pure delight.
Here is the opener...
The incomparable Leon Bridges continues to make truly amazing music. His latest offering, Gold-Diggers Sound, has an 80s vibe to it and that's on top of his magnificent soul sound. The Atlanta superstar delves deeply into romance on this record and it truly warms the heart.
Here is an example...
Soul music is my lifeblood. I listen to it every day and it doesn't matter what era, old or new.
The recent resurgence of Soul has made me very happy. Leading that charge is Bloomington, Indiana's own Durand Jones And The Indications. Their third long-player, Private Space, is out now and it has every little thing I love about soul music including a most welcome step into the 70's era of this genre.
Here is one of my favorite tracks...
London's own Greentea Peng has essentially invented a new sound. Psychedelic R&B. My two most favorite genres of music! Her first full length, Man Made, just dropped in early June and it has been in heavy rotation at my house. Her music has taken me on many inner and outer journeys.
Here is a live version of one of my favorite tracks on the record.
The Year 2020 can be described in many ways. One of my favorites is the Year of Snuggling at Home. And no one is better at providing that soundtrack than Tiana Major9. So, find a loved one and curl up to this track. Who knows what might happen?