Posts Tagged Soul
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February 26, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
José James: Lean On Me
José James Lean On Me Blue Note (BLU) When he’s not making his own great (original) music José James is the guy you want covering you. His tribute album to Billie Holiday is a gold standard. And now he gives the Bill Withers catalogue his touch – this is more of a straight reading, a warm tribute, James’ voice close to Withers […]Archive
December 21, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The 1001 Albums Challenge # 113: Fishbone – “Truth and Soul”
I never ever listened to Fishbone – but I have a feeling I meant to. At least at one point or other. I recall reading about their drummer, Phillip “Fish” Fisher – and I had them somewhere between Bad Brains and Living Colour and maybe that’s exactly where they are. And maybe it’s not. But […]Archive
December 21, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Sweetman Podcast # 147: Tom Scott (Avantdale Bowling Club)
Welcome to episode 147 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and La Petite Chocolat. Now – as well as the usual platforms (this site, soundcloud, iTunes/Apple) you can now get to Sweetman Podcast on Spotify – follow it there and have it saved in your Spotify library to access each new episode; or via Anchor/FM you can get […]Archive
August 2, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Walter “Wolfman” Washington: My Future Is My Past
Walter “Wolfman” Washington My Future Is My Past Anti/Epitaph The New Orleans soul and blues man is in devastatingly fine form here without his regular band, opening with a slug from (presumably) a whisky tumbler and then just his own voice and acoustic guitar. Next up he’s joined by the great Irma Thomas and it’s […]Archive
April 7, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The 1001 Albums Challenge # 49: War – “The World Is A Ghetto”
War – another band I really only know from compilations, from hearing at other people’s places, recommendations that I’ve never quite followed up on. But as with the previous entry in this series (The Temptations) this is so totally in my wheelhouse as to be a gross oversight not knowing it already – and I’m […]Archive
April 6, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Vulfpeck: Mr Finish Line
Vulfpeck Mr Finish Line Vulf Records Vulfpeck’s Hipster-Funk would be easy to dismiss were they not so damn good. Viral videos and the earlier EPs suggested fun and energy – and funk and soul too. Chops galore. A love of music, a sense of humour, just enough heart too. And maybe Mr Finish Line is […]Archive
April 3, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The 1001 Albums Challenge # 48: The Temptations – “All Directions”
I certainly do love The Temptations but I’d always kinda wondered how they went from the obvious Motown soul-pop of their early magic to a slightly harder-edged, psychedelic funk. Look, it was all great to me – but it didn’t flow well across compilations, and that’s really how I knew them. Then I got a […]Archive
March 6, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio: Close But No Cigar
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio Close But No Cigar Colemine Records This Seattle-based trio of musicians (Lamarr on the organ, guitarist Jimmy James and drummer David McGraw) keep it greasy as they move through 60s and 70s-sounding funk, blues and groove soul-jazz amalgams. Yes, an easy, obvious reference point is Booker T & The M.G’s. And […]Archive
March 3, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 429
The Robert Cray Band, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark (1988) I have fond memories of discovering Robert Cray, all wrapped up with my childhood and moving into my early teen years. My mum bought Bad Influence on what I’m sure was a whim; I don’t reckon any of us knew anything about him until […]Archive
February 12, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The James Hunter Six: Whatever It Takes
The James Hunter Six Whatever It Takes Daptone Records I’ve always loved the sound James Hunter makes – a mix of ska-inflected R’n’B with jazzy horns and bluesy guitar licks; he’s got the Sam Cooke sound down vocally and he sting those strings like Robert Cray. I’ve always worried about how James Hunter is doing […]Archive
January 16, 2018 by Simon Sweetman