LEROY VINNEGAR SEXTET: ‘Leroy Walks!’ (Contemporary Records/Craft Recordings)
Though he was born in Indianapolis, Leroy Vinnegar established himself as an in-demand double bassist in Los Angeles from the mid-1950s onwards. Noted for his rich tone and ability to create cohesive bass lines,...
BOBBY HARDEN and the SOULFUL SAINTS; Bridge Of Love (Dala/BQE)
This just released album is one of the most eagerly awaited soul sets of the year so far. That status was established via series of singles (notably the album title track) which made serious...
MILES DAVIS QUINTET: ‘Workin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet’ (OJC/Craft Recordings)
One of the most influential groups in jazz history, the Miles Davis Quintet created some of the most remarkable music of the mid to late 1950s. Although Davis, as the band’s leader was its...
DURAND JONES: ‘Wait Till I Get Over’ (Dead Oceans)
For a few years now DURAND JONES and his band THE INDICATIONS have charmed us with their lovely take on classic soul delivered with a contemporary twist and in places a gritty toughness. Albums...
THELONIOUS MONK and JOHN COLTRANE: ‘Thelonious Monk With John Coltrane’ (OJC/Craft Recordings)
In the spring of 1957, an exasperated Miles Davis reluctantly fired John Coltrane from his band because of the tenor saxophonist’s increasing heroin usage. Shocked by his dismissal, Coltrane went home to Philadelphia with...
RICKIE LEE JONES: Pieces Of Treasure (BMG Modern)
For better or worse, Rickie Lee Jones will forever be remembered for her infectious 1979 hit, ‘Chuck E’s In Love’. Her legions of fans know, of course, that there’s much more to the Chicago...
JONATHAN BUTLER; Ubuntu (Artistry/Mack Avenue)
Been a while since we’ve had new music from (now) veteran South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler. We think his last album was a Christmas set in 2019 which was preceded by ‘Close To You’...
CLAIRE DAVIS: Get It Right (LRK)
By now every self-respecting soul collector should know a little something about Canadian soulstress CLAIRE DAVIS. If you don’t … “hey where you been!!!” To recap: for the last couple of years the savvy...
MARCUS MALONE & THE MOTOR CITY HUSTLERS; ‘Interstate 75’ (Ramrock)
By now the knowing soul crowd should know at least a little bit about MARCUS MALONE & THE MOTOR CITY HUSTLERS – a new band marshalled by veterans, Marcus Malone and Dan Smith of...