The New Buzz & Karl S. Williams - Valley of Silence

Funk and soul collective The New Buzz from Brisbane have teamed up with singer Karl S. Williams to release an exquisite piece of country soul in "Valley of Silence".

The band has caught people's attention earlier this year when it dropped the highly danceable "Like We Used To". The latest single features a classic approach that is carried out by a passionate Karl Williams on vocals and a smooth performing band.

Get the stream on Bandcamp and don't miss out on the haunting groove on the B-side.

Skinshape - Life & Love

On his third record "Life & Love" Will Dorey aka Skinshape has taken another step to perfecting his musical craft. The British beat-maker and multi-instrumentalist released a worthy successor to his 2014 s/t album and 2015's "Oracolo" creating unique soul vibes and deep grooves.

"Life & Love" features more vocal tracks than before, sung by Aaron (Paul) Taylor and Dorey himself. From the first tracks on this album is highly entertaining in its calm and soothing character as it grooves steadily between old school vibes and the approach of a beat-maker. The opener "Take My Time" is definitely one to look out for. "Life & Love" was released on May 3rd on DLaow &Co.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

The Meltdown - The Meltdown

Everybody who took even a slight listen to The Meltdown's releases of the last years, like Colours In The Sky or Better Days, knows what a shaking in contemporary soul's foundation a first full-length album indicates.

The Australian band's new selftitled record starts off with a warm soul hymn in "Darkness Into Light". The group's country soul approach lends elements from various genres and soul eras but always stays humble and maybe a bit less flashy than the coverart might suggest. It is about traditional elements like steady grooves, dynamic horns and great vocals which provide the listener with a rush of positive soul vibes.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

The Brothers Nylon - Bitches Cold Brew

If you're looking for the biggest, most dynamic, organic or whatever best grooves - this album right here is what you currently might wanna call the real deal. Now this might sound like some cliché thing to say at the beginning of a post but that is exactly what The Brothers Nylon have to offer on their latest record "Bitches Cold Brew". A look at the personnel, New York's Michael and Nick Rufalo and the exceptional Shawn Lee, signifies a clear indicator for unique funk and soul grooves.

"Bitches Cold Brew" is not just a collection of breaks and arrangements it is one big jam (actually every track in itself is) that bursts with energy, quality and humor. While the structure and the just mentioned, sometimes Zappa-like humor might hinder this record from achieving big commercial success it adds to the originality of the music and the sheer joy (and fun) of listening to it. And listen to it you definitely should because the priceless grooves don't always come jumping at you, they emerge through the unique structures of the compositions and first class arrangements.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Mister Ott - Single Shot

Matt Ottignon is the main man behind Australia's grooving jazz outfit Mister Ott. Together with a talented group of musicians he just released "Single Shot", the second album by the group which is packed with a brand of jazz that draws influences from Ethiopia with a unique psychedelic twist.

What certainly stands out are the infectous rhythms which range from mulatuesque stompers to uptempo afrobeat shakers. But "Single Shot" is also about building and breaking down of arrangements and atmospheres. "Space Will Win", the ending track, is a tunes that will take you on one of those journeys where psychedelic keys and spacy sounds suck the listener in and slowly build to an impressive jam along lines of simple melodies.

Get the full album on Bandcamp.

The Meltdown - Colours in the Sky

Since the release of their superb single "Better Days" from early last year it was a long wait until the next sounds from Australia's soul band The Meltdown could be heard. "Colours In The Sky" is the new track that welcomes you with the group's trademark warm brass sounds. It is a slow and soft track - almost too soft, but great soul bands always knew how to walk this fragile path and The Meltdown proof to be one of them. So it is great news that they are also preparing for a full-length record early 2017 on Hopestreet Recordings.

Get the stream and video below or on Soundcloud.

The Tibbs - Next Time / The Story Goes

The Tibbs are the latest installment to the explosive roster of Italy's finest label Record Kicks. The band from the Netherlands released a brand new vinyl single in an old school soul fashion.

The lead single "Next Time" is an uptempo soul groover with funky ska rhythms and a strong female voice. On the flipside you will find a cozy rhythm and blues track that'll swing you right into a good mood. The "7 single is a forerunner for the upcoming full-length album "Takin' Over" which will be released in late May.

Stream both tracks on Bandcamp.

Family Atlantica - Cosmic Unity

Next month will see the release of Family Atlantica's new album. "Cosmic Unity" will be the second record by the acclaimed band from London and will appear almost naturally on Soundway Records.

As a first taste for whats about to come the track "Enjera" has already aired. It sounds like a very heavy grooving twist on mulatuesque sounds and dynamic sax solos. The composition showcases a mature blend of very accurate arrangements and huge rhythms. On The full album you will also find vocal contributions in many different languages that contribute to the international character of this music.

Stream "Enjera" on Soundcloud.

Jimi Tenor - The Order Of Nothingness

Jimi Tenor is the latest guest on Philophon's impressive roster of freshly grooving artists. It seems like destiny that the innovative finnish composer would team up with the young Berlin-based record label that already brought you The Polyversal Souls' "Invisible Joy".

On this new single "Order Of Nothingness" Tenor combines great storytelling with elements of afrobeat and folk vibes. A blend that never fails to sound fresh and dynamic. On the flipside you will find more traditional Mulatuesque sounds, steady grooves and the use old school analog equipment on "Tropic Eel".

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Deep Street Soul - Souls Come Alive "7

Finally the explosive Soul collective Deep Street Soul from Australia is back with a new single. Its a first taste of the upcoming full-length album "Come Alive" and another great example of what this band is capable of doing.

Both tracks on this "7 record are fueled with the incompatible Deep Street Soul drive that just bursts with raw funk energy. When you hear the slow grooving organ in "Souls Come Alive" with May Johnsons incredible voice kicking in you know you're in for a special soul treat. The flipside's "Done Me Wrong" is an equally impressive uptempo groover. A lot to look forward to on the band's album

Stream the clips on Soundcloud. Release of the single will be in mid March.

V.A. - Praise Poems Volume 3

It seems like it's been almost yesterday that Tramp Records started their "Praise Poems" series and now there is already a third installment to this fabulous collection of rare jazz and soul tracks.

Don't let the picturesque coverart fool - as heartwarming as all of these tunes from the 70s might be, they are far from being unremarkable or just pretty. Just like on its predecessors you will find highly funky rhythms and deep jazz grooves among those carefully constructed vocal melodies. And there's another recurring theme: Especially the opener to this compilation series is always a priceless piece of soul music like Feather's "Be Real" on this one.

Stream some clips on Soundcloud. Release will be in mid February.

The Francis Wolves - Valley Heat (Video)

As a special treat in the aftermath of releasing their debut single "Valley Heat" The Francis Wolves published a nice video featuring graffiti artists DNT and MatchBox Gallery from Bristol.

What we are dealing with here is an 8 piece soul band from Brisbane whose grooves are equally rooted in jazz, psych and afro elements. "Valley Heat" is an impressive demonstration of how good this blend can work. Below you can watch the fancy video with dancers, sprayers and a lot more entertaining things to see. And by the way, "Deep In The Ju Ju" which you can find on the flipside of the vinyl release is an equally great groover. 

Stream and/or download both tracks on Bandcamp.

The Francis Wolves - Valley Heat from Earshot on Vimeo.

Mos Eisley Music's 2015 in Soul

The Meltdown - Better Days EP

The Meltdown is a soul band based around singer Simon Burke and saxophonist Lachlan McLean. Their new record starts with its lead single "Better Days" which might be one of the best soul tracks you've heard in a while. All doubts should be removed the moment when Burke's vocals kick in. Both musicians have roots in the country genre which show here and there though the dominant character of The Meltdown has to be the smooth and brassy old school soul approach. All this combined with some accurate songwriting will get you three great and originals tunes...more

The Milk - Favourite

It's been a while since The Milk from London have released some new music - Now they are back with a stunning new album "Favourite Worry" on Wah Wah 45s which shows the band in a very soulful mood. From the great opener "Wonderlust" that equally moves through solid soul grooves and dramatic brass sections to smooth-as-butter tracks like "Lonelines Has Eyes" and the impressive climax in "Favourite Worry", this album is everything that a soul fan could wish for. It features a blend of Stax-like old school vibes and a healthy dose of contemporary elements which show in the tapestry of the recordings and their production...more

BENJAMIN - Arriving

 

The Chicago-based label Cherries Records is lately releasing some nice funk and r&b records - and its hard to tell if they are either ignoring modern trends in soul music or if they are the very incarnation of them. The latest release features the BENJAMIN-duo and their new album "Arriving". The first single "Those Memories (Sneak Up On Me)" already dropped earlier this year and was a nice example for the synth-vibes and smooth production that you will find on the full-length record. BENJAMIN's music is certainly a timeless approach that might have been the result of a collaboration between Leroy Hutson and Bootsy Collins. Clothed in a super clean and funky production this is one of the best and unique contemporary soul records you will find out there...more

The Soul Surfers - Soul Rock

You could already tell the quality of The Soul Surfers' sound on their recent single "You Can Run (But You Can't Hide) From My Love" - now there is a full album on the horizon. It is not a surprise that Myron & E are not the only acclaimed guest apperances on the upcoming "Soul Rock!" record. The band from Russia also teamed up with Smoove & Turrel, Shawn Lee, Malcolm Catto, JJ Whitefield and Didier of the Soul Investigators. So there really is a lot to look forward to although for now the aforementioned single remains the only single available for streaming. "Soul Rock!" will be out in late September on Ubiquity... more

More 2015 Soul Music: 
Speedometer & Junior James - No Turning Back
The Soul Motivators - Free To Believe
The Sorcerers - The Sorcerers
T Bird & The Breaks - Harmonizm
Willie West - I'm Still A Man
Dokkerman & The Turkeying Fellas - Illegal Move
Strange Faith - Love & Poverty
The Whole Truth feat. Lucid Paradise

Youtube Playlist:

BENJAMIN - Arriving

The Chicago-based label Cherries Records is lately releasing some nice funk and r&b records - and its hard to tell if they are either ignoring modern trends in soul music or if they are the very incarnation of them. 

The latest release features the BENJAMIN-duo and their new album "Arriving". The first single "Those Memories (Sneak Up On Me)" already dropped earlier this year and was a nice example for the synth-vibes and smooth production that you will find on the full-length record. BENJAMIN's music is certainly a timeless approach that might have been the result of a collaboration between Leroy Hutson and Bootsy Collins. Clothed in a super clean and funky production this is one of the best and unique contemporary soul records you will find out there.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

The Putbacks - Kung Fu Pyramids / Snake Eyes

This is not the first time Melbourne's funk and soul collective The Putbacks is mentioned on this blog. Their ongoing  collaboration with Emma Donovan resulted in one of last year's finest soul records and now there is a brand new single on HopeStreet Records.

The name of this limited vinyl release is "Kung Fu Pyramids" and it is coming your way in an uptempo funk outfit with a driving guitar and haunting organ vibes. On the flipside you will find a very dynamic tune in "Snake Eyes" which is walking the line between solid soul grooves and psychedelic rock jams.

Get the full stream on Soundcloud.

V​​.​​​/​​A. - Santa's Funk & Soul Christmas Party 3

You should never change a winning compilation series - and you should never stop putting some fresh and groovy vibes to your otherwise dusty and repeating collection of christmas tunes. Tramp Records' "Santa's Funk & Soul Christmas Party" series has just seen it's third installment which also marks the label's 50th full-length release.

Sean Delany and Jan Kohlmeyer compiled this new selection of seriously grooving christmas-themed songs. By now it should go without saying that when you see the Tramp logo you can expect high quality and rare records that you can hardly find anywhere else in the world. Just try Joe Shinall's opener "Sock it To 'em Santa" or any of the following tunes and you will be in a very special chistmas mood. Just imagine these tracks being played out there in the stores during Christmas shopping time - it wouldn't be a drag at all.

Get a preview on Soundcloud and a few tracks on Bandcamp.

The Milk - Favourite Worry

It's been a while since The Milk from London have released some new music - Now they are back with a stunning new album "Favourite Worry" on Wah Wah 45s which shows the band in a very soulful mood.

From the great opener "Wonderlust" that equally moves through solid soul grooves and dramatic brass sections to smooth-as-butter tracks like "Lonelines Has Eyes" and the impressive climax in "Favourite Worry", this album is everything that a soul fan could wish for. It features a blend of Stax-like old school vibes and a healthy dose of contemporary elements which show in the tapestry of the recordings and their production.

Get the full stream on Soundcloud.

Hidden Jazz Quartett - Raw and Cooked (preview)

Although the name of Hanover's Hidden Jazz Quartett has already reverberated through the international music scene and featured in various compilations, there hasn't been an official release - this is about to change early next year with the group's debut "Raw And Cooked".

Based around mastermind Ral Zitzmann's visions this ensemble is playing a dynamic and original sound that is blending funk, jazz and soul elements. He gathered a truly talented gang of musicians and some terrific voices in Bajka, Greg Blackman, Omar and Anthony Joseph around him. Though the preview tracks only show a small part of the whole picture of this album, you can already tell that something great is coming your way with "Raw and Cooked" in mid January on Agogo records.

Stream two tracks on Bandcamp.

Willie West - I'm Still A Man (Lord Have Mercy)

Tomorrow will see the vinyl release of Willie West's single "I'm Still A Man (Lord Have Mercy)" on Timmion Records. The track is taken off the New Orleans soul legend's previous album "Lost Soul" from last year.

When you talk about a solid soul track you talk about a composition like this one. A repetitive guitar lick and West's great vocals make this tune a perfect example for the quality that can lurk behind apparently simple structures - the experience and passion of the man who already worked with The Meters and Allen Toussaint shines through.

Get the full stream on Soundcloud.

The Everettes

The Everettes are a soul ensemble from Berlin that just released some nice demo tracks. The three lead singers Amelie Hinrichsen, Katharina Dommisch, Laura Niemeyer and their band were formerly known as The Floorettes and are now about to get started with their lovely throwback soul sound.

Below you can stream all three of their brand new demo tunes that are deeply rooted in 60s soul vibes and motown grooves.