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Hi, thanks for the thread. There are many of us here listening to new soul music across a broad spectrum, typically under threads with 'Modern Soul' in the title. I've posted up lists of Soul artist
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Mick Talbot has a band called Push, great they are too. They have backed the acts at the last few Wilton nights. Mick O'Donnell's Soul Discovery show is excellent and plays so e great new soul m
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Thanks for the info re Mick Talbot. And I totally agree re Mick O'Donnell's show - essential listening. And Mick is on here flying the flag for new music as well as digging up endless amounts of rare,
This is a forum resplendent for the knowledge of it's members. If you want some information on soul music from the 60s and 70s more likely than not a Soul Source member will know. Therefore I tentatively raise the subject of 'new' music. It follows a conversation with a soul tribe aficionado who mentioned that he hadn't listened to anything by a new artist in years. Basically he was musically still in the soul heaven of the Golden Period. He also reckoned there were many people of his ilk.
I think his stance is a shame as we are in a period, especially in England and Wales, of tremendous creativity where musicians in their twenties and thirties are reaching back for inspiration to those that they see as pioneers, artists that include Curtis Mayfield and Etta James whose legacy often crops up in interviews with today artists. Anyway enough of this faux polemic I thought I'd highlight four fine new (ish) artists that are inspired by soul and R&B. Most write their own songs. Please feel free to add your choices.
STONE FOUNDATION - The new album 'Street Rituals' has a Style Council vibe which ain't surprising given Paul Weller is the producer. Songs such as 'the Limit of The Man' and 'The Colour of' come replete with philly style strings and melodic horns. It's a lovely cocktail of soul styling with hammond organ interludes and a touch of Joe Battaan in the vocals. Their last album 'A Life Unlimited was very enjoyable as well'.
New Street Adventure - In songwriter and lead singer Nick Corbin , New Street Adventure surely possess one of the finest contemporary songwriters around and refreshingly one who can write a 3/4 minute song. He must have access to a wonderful soul music collection because his influences are clearly the likes of Womack, Curtis, O'Jays and Intruders. On their song 'The Big AC' he evens mentions his influences and that of his father, a well known southern based northern soul DJ. Catchy melodies and assured riffs dominate the two albums 'Stubborn Sons' & 'No Hard Feelings'. The social commentary of 'On Our Front Doorstep' was what drew me to them. I dare say I'll stand out as the silver-haired geezer near the bar but I'm seeing them live in Brighton this Saturday night.
THE MILK - Rick Nunn's gritty lead vocals put this Essex band apart from the pack. They have two albums of which the second 'Favourite Worry' is the one to have. It's a ten song collection of quality song-writing with a nice balance of up-tempo and mellow sounds. Check out 'Loneliness has Eyes' with it's laid back vibe that makes you feel like it's summer all ready. The gospel frame to 'Deliver Me' works splendidly whilst the final cut 'My Favourite Worry' with blistering vocals from Nunn is a rollicking conclusion.
Lack of Afro - The most eclectic of the four bands mentioned in this list and therefore more marginal to many reading this post. This is dance music that incorporates elements of: soul, rare groove, reggae , jack swing and house. In many ways the variety is as much a negative as a joy. On the new album 'Hello Baby' you get everything from the James Brown style funk of 'Take You Home' (sung by Joss Stone) to the pop of 'All My Love' to the Divine Comedy influenced 'Walk in The Sun' which many hate but works for me. There's soul and disco, hints of Earth, Wind & Fire and Mary J in an ever changing melange of dance grooves. The last album 'Music For Advents' is probably the one to get first.
Anyway I hope I've managed to convey my enthusiasm for some of the 'new' sounds that are out there and encourage you to try them. It's not soul music as you and I would define it but the retro influences of these bands raises my pulse for the future. If I had to choose one of the above the New Street Adventure's ' No Hard Feelings' would be the one.
I'm interested to hear other members favourites cos there is so much to hear and just not enough time.