Track: Smoove & Turrell – Crown Posada

If your up for a bit of Funk, Soul, Hip Hop and Jazz coming to you from the North East (UK), then step right up for the latest album from Smoove & Turrell. It’s a bumper filled, toe tapping, feel good vibe which will make your internal sun shine. It’s that funky live band sound captured with all its magic and thrown down on wax. So let’s hit the track list

1. You could’ve been a Lady

A Lesser known Hot Chocolate track it’s an out and out party track with a groove that doesn’t quit and the boys do it justice with their rework.

2. No point In Trying

Smooth guitar chops and a funky bassline run over cool disco beats courtesy of drummer Lloyd Croft and producer Smoove. Turrell’s vocals take it to the next level and keep the flow.

3. Given It All

Angular guitars and a distorted bass ride a heavy backbeat on this upbeat retro blend of indie, pop, electronica and soul.

4. 50 Days of Winter

A lyrically dark song taking on the subject of depression but with a chorus melody that lifts it up. Keyboardist – Mike Porter supplies his classic analogue synth collection to this infectious groove of Electro/Disco

5. Now That The Love Has Gone

Hip Hop style sirens and drum breaks over solid Disco/Soul licks. Turrell provides a social commentary on the class system as the divide between the rich and poor expands.

6. Glue Bag Flags

The story goes that while playing in the woods as childhood friends they came upon discarded bags which they then used for flags for their play fort. It wasn’t until they saw their parents faces it dawned on the kids, the ‘flags’ were not just innocent discarded rubbish bags. The track is suitably playful for such subject matter with a chorus that keeps you on the dance floor.

7. Fight On

A soul track that could only have been written by this band. Lyrically telling the tale of a famous North East Wrestling Champion, it’s a gritty story of how even heroes struggle to survive in modern Britain. Catchy riffs with strings and an all disco vibe.

8. Crown Posada

An ode to one of Newcastle’s most historic and iconic watering holes – a place that has had a massive effect on the boys. A fusion of jazz and funk complete with elegant strings, reverb soaked backing vocals and a slick groove.

9. Glass

Time for a good old-fashioned ballad, the penultimate track is a beautiful example of the bands emotional side. Andy Champion’s piano and a moving cello line accompanies Turrell’s soulful reflection on the fragile nature of relationships in a track that provides a perfect balance to the collection.

10. Slave to the Blues

Hip Hop-esque beats adorn the verses while the funky synchronized guitar and bass combo riff up and down the scales. Smoove hits the mark with a quality production and Turrell’s politically edged vocals come to life utilising his distinct Soul style.

11. New Jerusalem

One for the Jazz heads, dreamy bluesy synth chords and Latin inspired shuffling drums. It’s an update of the famous old hymn which doesn’t hang around till the bass kicks in with a funky line which flows onto the lamenting vocals. Phaser drenched pads and the jazz licks flit around as the track moves on and the lyrics subside to just the backing vocals of the refrain – “where are you?”

A Funky Soul Disco train of an album that keeps on running, these guys are worth checking out.

Catch the Album now & look below for Live dates.

Listen to a Cut here: