soul/funk
See: Curtis Harding reveals new video for ‘Hopeful’
Legendary Soul voice Curtis Harding returns with his first new music since 2018, with a single ‘Hopeful’, accompanied by a video directed by photojournalist Lynsey Weatherspoon. Right from the off, it’s a gospel soul banger, the sort which manages (somehow) to sound right now in the present, but could have been written and recorded any …
Album Review: Innov Gnawa – Lila; Immersive World-Soul on Daptone
Daptone, the home of soul and funk, is one of those labels whose judgement you can trust- when they’re onto something you just know it’s going to deliver. News of their release of Innov Gnawa’s debut album ‘LILA’ on April 30th may seem a bit leftfield given that the band are dedicated explorers of the …
Track: The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio release new single, Cold as Weiss
Out today from organ trio the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio is a new digital single, Cold as Weiss. It’s the first studio recording with the group’s new and permanent drummer Dan Weiss. Recorded at Colemine Records HQ with Leroi Conroy, it sees the band capture their retro soul-jazz feel, the new addition – and subject …
Feature: Joshua Brandler – A Rise in Music Consciousness.
It’s inspiring to witness a rise in conscious music, and I don’t just mean the trend in improvised, free music, in the worlds of jazz, electronica and your almost traditional free improv format. I’m referring to a carefully crafted and consciously aware song form that literally focuses on highlighting community and raising our energies to …
See: Jorja Smith’s new track ‘Addicted’ is a cautionary tale of love and loss, though there is beauty in its tragedy. Video out now
The tale speaks of someone who wishes to be loved back by a person they’re infatuated with, an experience most people have felt atleast once in their lives. “Too far in it, too far gone. She knows what’s in it, she knows what’s wrong” are the profound opening lyrics to this new track. The comparison …
Track: Countdown Records to release lost Mod classic from label favourites Makin’ Time
Out on beautiful 7inch vinyl on April 30th is a lost Mod classic from label favourites Makin’ Time. It comes from former Stiff Records subsidiary Countdown Records – now with hello from Acid Jazz Records, and remained unreleased through its lineup changes and when Stiff ushered the band towards on a more chart-friendly path. Produced …
Track: duendita reveals the incredible Open Eyes as part of Mexican Summer’s Looking Glass series
Released as part of Mexican Summer’s ongoing Looking Glass series, which focuses on the human condition and is bathed in collaboration, discovery and diversity, Open Eyes is the new single from singer/producer duendita. Of the single she says “Open Eyes celebrates my mission to grow and change despite trauma. It’s a reflection on faith, trust …
EP: Montreal’s Busty and the Bass release the groove of ‘The ET Suite’
IF LOCKDOWN releases and remote recordings are anything to go by, especially when you’re a jazz ensemble, then you best take example from The ET Suite– a reimagined expansion of Montreal jazz-funk collective Busty and the Bass’s album track, “ET”. They’re already receiving high praise for their second album, Eddie, from Mojo Magazine, Echoes, Complex …
Premiere: George Bloomfield reveals the hazy jazz-funk of Why Didn’t You?
Leeds singer-songwriter George Bloomfield is gearing up for the release of his debut EP ‘Why Didn’t You?’ on May 7th, and ahead of it he’s releasing the title track from it, which we’re delighted to be able to premiere on Backseat Mafia today. On recording the EP, George explains “As the pandemic continually hindered my …
Premiere: Laurence Murray Project releases new video for the blue eyed soul of ‘Providence’
The Laurence Murray Project, headed (rather unsurprisingly) by Edinburgh singer songwriter Laurence Murray, have just released a new video of their single ‘Providence’, and we’re delighted to be able to premiere it right here on Backseat Mafia this morning. Mixing up Laurel Canyon folk, with a good spoonful of soul, and a touch of Real …